Bring back the Skylark!!!

I've always been a fan of Buick.  Since I first sat behind the wheel of the 1978 Buick Limited sedan, top of the line for it's model year, for which I paid $1000 - I've been a fan.  It was  silver, drove like a yacht, plush light blue velour seats and loaded to the gills with all the gadgets the year could offer.

It was a fun car - great to drive back and forth from my home town in the Lehigh Valley to Syracuse, NY where I nurtured my creative career.  Lots of memories, from hauling a sofa across campus on the roof to hauling 8 band members and all their luggage to the Carrier Dome for one of our infamous away games.  But I digress...

Buick has been through some rough times with GM, but weathered the storm and managed to be one of the remaining four brands that the company has decided will be it's future.  Established most recently as your grandfather's car, I personally have made at least a dozen blue-haired Buick driver comments in the past years.

There have been many strides in Buick's quest to lower it's median age - most notably the Enclave which has established itself as a reliable and stylish alternative to a minivan.

For 2013, you will also see a smaller crossover vehicle called the Encore - this is where the story continues, but falters a little.  GM owns Opel, which in Europe is an established brand.  Over the years, GM has sourced many Opel models for US distinction - the Cadillac Catera and nearly all of the most recent Saturn models prior to it's demise a couple years back.  Now it's Buick's turn to benefit from some of the European engineering and style - unfortunately, I think they are choosing the wrong models.

While the Mokka is a compelling option as the Encore in the states, I think Buick would benefit from a much needed injection of sport and style with the Astra GTC.  This is a stylish, sporty coupe that could add an appeal to the brand that currently does not exist, all while bringing in an age group that would never walk through their front door.

With slight modification, this could appeal to the tuner crowd, college-aged girls, young professionals and even the existing customer base that shops Buick on a regular basis.

They could call it the Skylark - how great would THAT be?  A name, not a number, not a series of letters.  (see my last post)  Dare I even say that they should source some of the same colors that GM heralded in the early 70's -metallic mint green.  Yum.


This could also be a direct shot toward Hyundai and the popularity that the Veloster is enjoying.

Ford is making waves with all it's technology and industry-shaking marketing moves.  GM has streamlined it's efforts, limited all the platform sharing and is making Cadillac better and better with each model it introduces.  It's time to give Buick a little attention and some niche vehicles it deserves.

I recently called a local Buick dealer to see if they had a Regal GS that I could test drive - they didn't have one, but when they do, I'll be there to give it a spin.  Although I'm not exactly lowering their median age by very much, at least I want to again get behind the wheel of our beloved Buick.

DONE with Alphanumeric Names

So it's been a while since I've posted any distinct opinions although trust me when I say that hardly a day goes by that I don't have some sort of blatant comment about some vehicle, automotive company or goofy marketing campaign hocking a ridiculous concept.

Here's what happened.  I come home today and find a nicely designed, well-thought out brochure in the mail for the new Acura ILX, see below:

While I've enjoyed owning two different Acuras in my lifetime and find them to be wonderful cars, I've been scratching my head for over a decade at what exactly Honda Motor Corp is doing with this underutilized and somewhat abused brand.  It all started when they decided to hop on the alphanumeric trend inspired by Mercedes and BMW (which have always designated their cars this way).  The heresy was dropping the Legend and Integra names for the RL and RSX respectively.  STUPID!!!

Back to the ILX - seriously?  ILX?  Trust me when I say that this car will never stick, nor will anyone ever swoon when they mention that they drive an ILX.  Just bad.

Let's talk marketing - the goal with the ILX is to introduce a small entry level sedan that can be a volume leader and "affordable luxury".  Did they not realize they have the TSX???  That is EXACTLY what the TSX is.  You can't find a better value out there in the same class.

So the TSX will eventually be phased out.  DUMB!  It's gotten quite a following and is perfect for the people who don't want the larger TL sedan.

I'm way off the bigger subject.  There has been a serious lack of creative automobile names in lieu of these alphanumeric designations, but the problem is, there are only so many letters, numbers and combinations of the two.  THEY WILL EVENTUALLY RUN OUT!  and certain letters can't be used successfully - i.e. B, H, J, K, N, P...and really, who would buy a Chrysler U666.  No one.

All I'm saying is that there are many more names out there - VW went to Africa to inspire the Touareg and although totally weird, it's developed a following.  Whodathunk?  Even if manufacturers go back to previously discontinued models to get names - I'd be all over a modernized Buick Electra.

Bottom line is that if the letters and numbers make sense, then go for it.  A8, A6, A4 - All traditional sedans for Audi.  Add the Avant if you want a wagon - A4 Avant.  I get it.  Q7 & Q5 - SUVs.  Perfect.  KISS people, Keep It Simple Stupid.

I know there aren't a lot of pictures, colors or videos here, but I had to just share my thoughts.

Stay tuned...I have another letter-oriented post brewing in me; all it will take is seeing that commercial for the new Lexus RX F-sport just one. more. time.

Peace out.

Ford is the Apple of our eyes...

Forget your iPod, Dropbox, heck, maybe even your laptop or smart phone...just stay in your car.
Ford has released this:

http://mashable.com/2011/09/01/evos-social-networking-car/

I think it will even integrate Facebook. CRAZY.

What else can we do from behind the wheel? Time to call Paula Deen so we can whip up dinner too.

Click the link later...we're here to talk design.

MARK MY WORDS - this is the face of the new Mustang. It's not a stretch to visualize the pony emblem in the middle of that grille. Forget the 4 doors, of course.

Retro design is over. I think the final death toll is the new Fiat 500. I'm sure this will be coveted by a certain group of people and most likely be popular for the first year. Saw a few at the beach, they're cute, but nowhere as wonderful as the Mini. You can't beat the first one out of the starting gate.

Go Mini!

But back to Ford...the technology is amazing, but wrapped in a sexy design, the American public won't be able to say no. The Focus is officially back, looks sharp and is arguably a better small car than the sad Toyota Corolla and the mildly revamped Honda Civic. Shocking that those words could ever be printed.

By the way, have you seen the concept for the new Escape? Hello Kia, you've got an American on your ass.

Ford still ranks highest on my list of American automobile brands - they are technologically competitive, thinking about fuel efficiency (and power) in their engines and are giving their Buyers something to be noticed in while driving.

America the Beautiful

So a few weeks ago I was in NYC on a quick overnight trip to see a show, have a nice dinner (at 11pm) and sleep in a Heavenly Bed, thank you Westin.

As we were walking through Times Square amidst all the lights, sounds and visual stimulation, I notice this billboard off to the side, off the beaten path just a bit:

I love the fact that now the US auto manufacturers can start being obnoxious to the imports.  Don't get me wrong, I still love a good, reliable Japanese car as well as a heavy, solid German auto, but the fact that the American manufacturers (except Chrysler) have gotten their act together is very exciting to me.

This weekend at the beach, I've noticed several of these Chevy Cruzes parked along the streets and I personally am looking forward to a test drive in the near future.  This is why I love renting cars on trips!!!

The only thing that is now kind of pissing me off is the fact that GM - with only it's 4 brands left, still insists on "badge-engineering" it's way for Buick to give the US public this:

The Buick Verano - uninspired, unimaginative and basically a copy of the Cruze.  REALLY?  This is the same BS that got GM in trouble the first time.  LACK OF IMAGINATION.  There are few people who are going to buy this baby Buick.  Why would they?  There is no reason to buy a dolled up small car like this, it will never work.  There are too many other options.

Here's my suggestion - although too late for anyone at GM to do anything about it.
(maybe next time they should give me a call?!)

In a previous post I suggested that Buick reincarnate the Skylark badge - still think it's a good idea, but here's my new thought...  Buick needs something small, but it should really try and maintain a "boutique" quality to it 's cars.  Why couldn't they come up with a small, stylish coupe on the Chevy platform and call it the Skylark?  From there they could develop a convertible version that would potentially appeal to customers wanting a Z4 or (what was) the Lexus SC - both WAY overpriced for what they offer, but still desirable.

To round it out, then Buick could try and add a 5-door variant, that had swooping lines and versatility, a la the Mazda 3 5-door.  This would add a smaller version of the very popular Enclave to their line-up and attract some younger buyers.

Take a look at Buick's website sometime - http://www.buick.com/flash.html - they make some very nice vehicles right now, in particular the new Regal and Regal GS.  They don't need to over-sedan the assortment to appeal to the US consumers, they need to add STYLE.  That's what is selling cars these days, ask Hyundai.

SAAB story

In truth, I've always been a fan of the quirkiness of Saab. They have diligent followers and there is nothing more quintessential than a Saab convertible for the Summer. It's actually one of the few convertibles that skews neither masculine nor feminine...but that's another post.





These days, Saab is struggling to maintain an identity, after years of being a bastardized version of both Chevy's and Subarus. Sad. It seems that Saab may soon die unless they can work out a deal with of course, the Chinese.





I came across this picture today which inspired this post, and of course I can't neglect my friend Steph who this morning inspired me to get blogging again. (Hmm, she also invited me to the Kennett Square 5k in September, so now we're jogging and blogging.)

I'm not exactly sure when this was officially published, but it's just odd. Part VW Golf, part Lincoln MKX, part Saab. I want to like it, but no.

Stay tuned for the upcoming Saab 94x which is admittedly a reskinned and retuned Cadillac SRX - the articles I've read say it's very much a Saab, but since I know the background, I can't look at with unbiased eyes.

My blogging is a bit rusty, so if this post bored you, give me a little time to get back into the swing of things. As my friends know, I never am short for car commentary. :-)

SUV to Crossover to...

Back in the mid 90's nearly everyone was clamoring for SUVs, so the car companies had to come up with something new to appeal to the American public (much shorter attention span than most of the rest of the world - me included!). Hence the Crossover vehicle.

Lexus was pretty much the first automaker to hit this category back in 1998 with it's RX - still it's best selling model. It wasn't long until nearly every car maker had it's version. The draw was that it is high up, like an SUV, but drove like a car. Well, sort of. Either way, it worked. People loved them (me included! still rave about my 04 Nissan Murano - one of the best cars I've ever owned.)

Now the automakers have a conundrum - what next? I personally think station wagons are cool, versatile and DRIVE LIKE A CAR. :-) However, most people cringe when they think of a wagon - the faux-wood paneled tank that they grew up with. Not good.

So, we're starting to see a series of new "types" of cars, that have a coupe-like profile, ride high up, but they're cars. Some with a hatch, some with a dual hatch, some with a trunk. Either way, most of them look strange. Functional, yes, but strange. Maybe they will grow on me. Who knows.

My favorite strange looking on is the BMW X6 - and now they've added an M version, which I simply don't understand. BMW didn't sell regular ones, so let's make them crazy powerful and overpriced - that'll sell more!!! Hmmm.

But take a look at this one - Honda's new CrossTour. Yuck.

Good thing they're also making an Accord wagon for 2010.

more thoughts on GM

So yesterday I went to my trainer at noon and in the midst of my first set, I decide to get extra clumsy and a hurl myself chin first into the floor. I'm sure it was funny as hell to watch, but 11 stitches later I was starting to feel the not-so-funny part.

Regardless, I wasn't interested in accomplishing much last night so I spent some quality time in front of the TV. One of the things that perked me right up was a new advertisement by GM (my mother said that while growing up I always preferred watching the ads - I guess some things never change!)

In the advertisement, Ed Whittaker, the new chairman was touting the quality of GM automobiles and their new 60-day satisfaction guarantee. It really caught my attention - good visuals, good music, good tempo. At the very end, not only do they show a premiere new vehicle from each of their 4 brands, but they proclaim "May the Best Car Win".

Honestly, since this whole bail out thing and the Cash for Clunkers deal, I've been impressed with Ford - they didn't take any cash, and they sold more cars than any other domestic manufacturer in the frenzy of clunker trade-ins. GM has always been on the radar for me - ever since hiring Bob Lutz over PD and then taking on designers like Brian Nesbitt, I knew that they would pull it together provided they could streamline.

Now, in the light of them getting rid of Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and (finally) Hummer, I think they are ready to give Ford a run for their money. They just need the support of the American public and I'm going to do what I can to push people in that direction.

More than ever, Americans have a reason to buy American. If you know anyone who needs advice, send them in my direction. Always happy to help someone narrow their choices and provide options they may not have thought about.

Here's a link to the GM commercial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0te5pU_3qk&seo=goo__2009_GM_MTBCW_Branding_YouTube__Phase_II_-_60_Day__Divisions_Commercial__gm_commercial#watch-main-area

Have a great weekend.