VenSeattle

We could edit the choices and combine all the minivan names into one selection :P I selected LaCrosse. Buick needs a sedan name that can be marketed anywhere. LaCrosse will never be used in Canada. So I see the Allure/LaCrosse names consolidated into just Allure or both replaced altogether. I really don't think the other names have anything wrong with them... just that there might be something wrong with the vehicles they're applied to (like the minivans.)

I'll copy the same style. Seems to work pretty well. Some side notes... I'm including names that could be brought back successfully once they're phased out for a period of time. (such as Seville. I think Cadillac could bring it back in 10 years with no marketing problems.) I'm listing names that could be recycled, but not necessarily within the brand that it originally belonged to. I'm also including some concept car names that I think should be used. There were some very good names used on concept cars. I really think the letter "X" has run its course and marketing needs to leave it alone for awhile. I'll include the memorable alphanumeric names... but are they really nameplates? (like BMW 3-Series & Lexus GS?)Anyways... here's my list: Age 28 Acura: Integra, Vigor, Legend, NSX Alfa Romeo: Milano, Montreal, Spider AMC: Ambassador, Hornet, Javelin, Matador, Rebel Aston Martin DB-series, International, Lagonda, Vignale, Vantage, Virage, Volante AUDI: Quattro, A4, A6, A8, S-Series Austin: Maestro BMW: 3-Series, 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, Z-Series, Isetta Buick: Bengal, Velite, Park Avenue, Regal, Rainier, Riviera, Rendezvous, Reatta, Lucerne, GNX, GSX, Gran Sport, Grand National, WildCat, 'Ultra' trim, 'Estate' trim, Cadillac: BLS, CTS, SRX, STS, DTS, XLR, Eldorado, Seville, Deville, Sixteen, Evoq, Imaj, Vizon, Fleetwood, LaSalle, Cien Chevrolet: Avalanche, Blazer, Journey, Borrego, Cheyenne, TrailBlazer, Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado, Impala, SSR, HHR, Caprice, Corvette, Camaro, Equinox, Prism, Nomad, El Camino, Venture, Uplander, Classic Chrysler: Citadel, Chronos, Crossfire, Cordoba, Falcon, Prowler, Voyager, Windsor, Atlantic, Pacifica, Imperial, Airflow, PT Cruiser, Town&Country, LeBaron, Concorde, New Yorker Dodge: Caravan, Challenger, Daytona, Durango, Rampage, Raider, Stealth, Stratus, Viper, Ram, Intrepid, Dynasty, Charger, Magnum Eagle Premier, Vision Ford: Bronco, Explorer, Expedition, Falcon, Escape, Contour, Focus, Maverick, Thunderbird, Fusion, Five Hundred, F-150, Mustang, Puma, Cobra, Shelby GMC: Envoy, Yukon, Denali, Sierra, Syclone, Typhoon, Safari Holden: Commodore, Torana, GTS, Monaro Honda: Civic, Accord, Jazz, Odyssey, Prelude, Insight Hummer: H2, H3 (The need to add a "GENERAL" specialty trim :) ) Hyundai: Elantra, Azera, Sonata, Santa Fe, Tiburon Infiniti: G, J, M, Q, FX Isuzu: Impulse, Oasis, Hombre, Amigo, Rodeo, Trooper, Stylus Jaguar: Mark, S-Type, E-Type, XJ, XK, Sovereign Jeep: Cherokee, Comanche, Jeepster, Wagoneer, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Commander Kaiser: Manhattan Kia: none Land Rover: Defender, Discovery, Freelander, Range Rover Lexus: ES, LS, SC Lincoln: Zephyr, Mark, Continental, Aviator, Navigator, Blackwood Lotus: Elise, Esprit Maserati: BiTurbo, Bora, Mistrale, Quattroporte, Spyder Mazda: 323, 626, 929, MX-Series (MX-3, MX-5, MX-6), RX-Series (RX-2,3,4,7,8), Protege Mercedes-Benz: Gullwing, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, Pullman Mercury Capri, Cougar, Lynx, Marauder, Milan, Mountaineer, Mariner, Montego, Mystique, Sable, Villager, Monterrey Mitsubishi: 3000GT, Diamante, Galant, Mirage, Montero, Eclipse Nissan: Maxima, Z, Sentra, Altima, Murano, Pathfinder, Stanza, Titan Oldsmobile: Alero, Bravada, Aurora, Cutlass, Intrigue, Silhouette, Toronado Opel: Astra, Corsa, Vectra, Zafira, Tigra, Frontera Plymouth: Baracuda, Breeze, Fury, GTX, Pronto Pontiac: Solstice, GTO, Astre, Firebird, Judge, Montana, Tempest, Phoenix, Vibe, Torrent, Banshee, Piranha SAAB: Sonnet, 9-3, 9-5, 9-7 Saturn: Aura, Sky Singer: Vogue Studebaker: Avanti Subaru: Legacy, Baja, Forester, SVX, Impreza, Tribeca Suzuki: none Toyota: Corolla, Celica, Supra, Land Cruiser, Avalon, Solara, Highlander, Paseo, Sequoia, Volkswagen: Jetta, Bora, Beetle, Cabrio/Cabriolet, Golf, Corrado, Karmann-Ghia, Passat, Polo Volvo: none

added a poll :)

Read it... and read it again. Applause for GM. :cheers:

GMC Yukon My Reasons: 1) It's critical for GM to differentiate the Chevrolet & GMC lines from each other. The Yukon will let us know how far GM is willing to go. 2) The GMC Yukon is the most important of the three to the BPG dealerships.

I think we need a Forum for just industry related topics that don't really apply to any manufacturer. For example... I found this article, and really had no place to put it. I chose The Automotive Suppliers section, but I don't think it really belongs in the Supplier section or even in The Lounge since it is just industry related news. Forum name Suggestions: In the News In the Industry Industry News What's happening in the Industry Industry Times

When I came across this I was actually amazed that it wasn't a normal attraction. It seems almost brainless to recognize the market for this. I hope this helps to improve the image of Chicago, Cleveland, & Detroit and maybe rekindle their appeal. I don't believe the current crop of East and West coast people ever give them credit for being "waterfront" cities... and discredit them from having any type of sophistication to offer their populations. Chicago Detroit Cleveland

Last time reading, I believe the dealerships have about 500,000 less vehicles on their lots right now than last September. Inventory is VERY low. Plenty of room to fill the lots with all 2006 models. Maybe... just maybe... people will finally be able to find the new 2006 model optioned out the way they want it instead of just looking at 3 fully loaded 2006 models because of high 2005 inventories sitting on the lots and taking up space.

In your dreams BV... Buick will continue to be sold in the US. :P I see a time coming soon where Buick's line-up in China will be identical to Buick's line-up in North America.

My Opinion: 2010 Buick cars: New for 2009 (as a 2010 model) Buick sedan on Epsilon II replacing LaCrosse (I think they'll drop the LaCrosse name for one they can market in Canada, US, and maybe even China) The current Lucerne will still be here. FWD. 6-sp auto. Higher V8 output. Possibly 3.8l replaced by the 3.6l. (Lucerne to be replaced in 2011 with a new large FWD/AWD platform (Chi) to be shared with the next gen Impala. 2nd gen Lucerne will be smaller than current Lucerne) Zeta Sedan above Lucerne debut as a 2011 model. Zeta coupe/convertible debut hinted at for 2012.-------------------------------------- 2010 Buick Crossovers: Lambda with V6 & V8 Possibly a Theta based Buick... still not entirely comfortable with this since I also think GMC will get the Torrent replacement instead of Buick.

Reg... I think you chose a very bad example... The Ion debuted as a 2003 model. The Ion received a revised interior (with new steering wheel, redesigned seats, upgraded interior materials, etc) and a refreshed exterior in 2005. Both in response to complaints. Sure the Gauges are still in the center... that's a controversial/unique feature for the Ion, not a quality issue or a hazard. GM offers the Cobalt for those who don't want center mounted gauges. GM responded quicker than ever before to correct several issues on the Ion. A friend of mine traded his 2003 Ion for a 2005 because the changes were so substantial and that his irritations were actually corrected to his satisfaction. GM managed to redeem itself with at least one 2003/4 Ion owner.

I saw a few in Dallas. They were available for lease exclusively through Saturn dealers. I'm not sure how they determined which Saturn Dealers got them though.

Zeta is a global platform/architecture that's being primarily developed by Holden. The comments only apply to Australia's ability to export Zeta products. It does not, in any way, give restrictions to where else the Zeta platform can be built.

The GM EV1 :P

As Northstar indicated... all this does is state that Zeta vehicles will not be imported from Australia to be sold in the US market. It doesn't rule out Zeta vehicles being built elsewhere or even within the US for the US market. US market Zeta vehicles are still a real possibility. GM just hasn't committed to where the US Zetas will be built. If they did that, it would completely blow any surprise and confirm US plans for Zeta.

I think people need to develop a thicker skin and accept getting offended from time to time. Just because you get offended doesn't mean someone was insensitive or intrusive. Getting offended can indicate you have quirky hang-ups and something legitimately wrong with your personality that might require therapy/counseling.

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A personal friend of mine had his entire team at Microsoft relocated to China last summer. His team was redeployed into the local work force (meaning they stayed on pay roll while they applied/interviewed for open positions within MS), but it's still a traumatic experience on their families and very depressing to see happen.

Spoken like a true size queen! :P Ugh! That can only end with a broken sling and a guilty conscience :o Here's my entry: I am blackviper. The opinions expressed in my posts do not necessarily reflect those opinions of the members or staff at Cheers and Gears. Feel free to disagree with my opinions but do not voice it directly towards me. Any and all retorts will be treated as direct threats to the Pontiac brand and the Fiero, which will result in the administration of slow sexual torture and your eventual execution (gender will not excuse you from sexual harm, but might preserve you from death... if you're really good. http://www.cheersandgears.com/public/style_emoticons//AH-HA_wink.gif )

Cute pup Satty.... We just got a female chinese pug puppy last weekend. I'll try to post a few pics here as soon as I get them.

I quickly warmed up to the facelifted 9-5. I now like the evolution of SAAB's styling. With the prices listed, it's a very good buy and finally makes SAAB competitive again in the premium market.

The green illuminated buttons & gauges (along with the red needles) say FoMoCo, but everything else looks great. I'm really impressed.

Mitsubishi Sigma review from the Chicago Tribune: Just think... this was only 15 years ago. My, how unrealistic people's expectations have become in order to receive a "decent" review... let alone one with flying colors.

Everything about the SRX is great, except that dashboard. I don't like it in the CTS and it's intolerable in the more expensive SRX. The next CTS & SRX need to have unique interiors.

eh... 4-6 seconds... didn't know I was suppose to literally time myself right from the start.