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.