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Snowdens Secret posted:I don't think there's been any indication of why we're not getting the A3/S3 hatch in the US beyond the fact that the previous A3 hatch sold like complete crap here. I don't recall the Golf R doing so hot when available before, either. Well the common factor is that they were all pretty ridiculously expensive for small cars, especially the Golf R. Also, the costs of federalization haven't really gone down any, so unless some treaty actually unifies the process (fat chance) you probably still won't see niche models cross over. Especially since there's additional costs for marketing it as well as indirect costs like product line complexity, making life harder for dealers, and potentially cannibalizing sales of more profitable vehicles. One of the reasons for killing the 5 series wagon, for instance, was because they found that it took sales away from the 7 series sedan. And because of economies of scale, carmakers would much rather sell you a popular model than a tiny niche model since if they go for the same price, the popular model is probably goign to be cheaper to make since the parts are being produced in greater volume.
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Apr 1, 2014 02:01
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I'm always skeptical about the whole thing because there *are* plenty of wierd niche models that they sell here, they're just not the *right* ones. BMW managed to get enough money for the X6 Activehybrid, that was a twin turbo V8 AWD hybrid coupe SUV, and how many did they sell? ...but apparently a 5 series wagon or a manual trans in the 335d is going to completely loving break them. 
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Apr 1, 2014 02:15
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Cream_Filling posted:Well the common factor is that they were all pretty ridiculously expensive for small cars, especially the Golf R. The 5-Series GT they gave us in place of the 5 wagon was the one that started stealing 7 series sales and BMW went 'Oh dang'. Throatwarbler posted:I'm always skeptical about the whole thing because there *are* plenty of wierd niche models that they sell here, they're just not the *right* ones. BMW managed to get enough money for the X6 Activehybrid, that was a twin turbo V8 AWD hybrid coupe SUV, and how many did they sell? Yeah, I'm constantly getting asked at various dealers we shop around at to look at various types of SUVs. Who the gently caress buys these things? I can get one of these fatty hatchback things but I can't get an S4 wagon. Sure Volvo is bringing over a tiny amount of those v60 Polestar wagons but I don't like Volvo enough to compromise on the auto-only transmission and other weird compromises for the sake of having a hot Volvo wagon. KakerMix fucked around with this message at 02:24 on Apr 1, 2014 |
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Apr 1, 2014 02:16
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Cream_Filling posted:Well the common factor is that they were all pretty ridiculously expensive for small cars, especially the Golf R. Your other points are valid, but I think the idea is that if all safety and emissions standards are the same here as they are abroad, federalization won't really be a thing anymore, since they'll meet all markets' standards from the get-go.
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Apr 1, 2014 02:43
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Throatwarbler posted:I'm always skeptical about the whole thing because there *are* plenty of wierd niche models that they sell here, they're just not the *right* ones. BMW managed to get enough money for the X6 Activehybrid, that was a twin turbo V8 AWD hybrid coupe SUV, and how many did they sell? Dunno, maybe the Activehybrid was never meant to turn a profit and is just there to be a halo hybrid that nobody buys. KakerMix posted:The 5-Series GT they gave us in place of the 5 wagon was the one that started stealing 7 series sales and BMW went 'Oh dang'. No I remember hearing that this was a thing with the 5 series wagon, too. Presumably they hoped that the GT, which is smaller and shorter than the wagon, wouldn't steal from 7 series sales as much but I guess it still does anyway.
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Apr 1, 2014 02:44
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KakerMix posted:
Just remember that the only wagon Audi even sells in the US now is the A4 allroad. That's it. Gotta focus on bringing the Q1 and Q3 to market!
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Apr 1, 2014 03:20
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I've just had to return a brand new Mazda CX-5 rental due to a cracked windshield (loving landscaping truck). Got a Ford Edge in return. We had the CX-5 for about 3 days, and it is seriously nice. Interior is really good, the steering feel and weight is excellent, visibility is good, handling is nice, looks really sharp. The Edge is more "deluxe" inside, but more gimmicky and somehow not as nice. I'd consider a CX-5 to own, so far I wouldn't consider an Edge. One thing we noticed about these crossovers is the lack of a parcel shelf or cover for the cargo area, which is a bit disconcerting. Does the dealer/factory generally offer them as options?
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Apr 1, 2014 05:34
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Phone posted:Cadillac's advertising has been pretty good the past few years, but that ad just comes off as some purestrain jingoism. The sad thing is that the Cadillac commercial is genius in that it plays to their target audience - WASPs that think they have money because they earned it, Goddamnit! All those lazy bastards in their econoboxes don't deserve it, and are (literally) going to hell for not working hard enough. Because Jesus was a true capitalist, dontcha know?
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Apr 1, 2014 05:47
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Yeah, gently caress those Frenchies with their sane work-life balance. I work my rear end off and have this...Cadillac? Really, that's it? gently caress.
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Apr 1, 2014 07:41
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I know I would certainly rather have more free time and a bigass Citroën 
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Apr 1, 2014 08:09
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KillHour posted:The sad thing is that the Cadillac commercial is genius in that it plays to their target audience - WASPs that think they More accurate.
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Apr 1, 2014 16:38
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KozmoNaut posted:I know I would certainly rather have more free time and a bigass Citroën I feel it's very appropriate that I drive a German car, since my job is very laid back and liberal with handing out time off, almost like one o' them socialist European employers or something. Also my boss has been encouraging our shift to slow down so we don't run ourselves out of work.
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Apr 1, 2014 17:18
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DEUCE SLUICE posted:Yeah, gently caress those Frenchies with their sane work-life balance. I work my rear end off and have this...Cadillac? Really, that's it? gently caress. Dude. Motorized cup holders. If that isn't worth early heart disease, ulcers, back problems and alienation of your family I don't know what is.
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Apr 1, 2014 17:39
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Throatwarbler posted:I'm always skeptical about the whole thing because there *are* plenty of wierd niche models that they sell here, they're just not the *right* ones. BMW managed to get enough money for the X6 Activehybrid, that was a twin turbo V8 AWD hybrid coupe SUV, and how many did they sell? I don't think the 335d was available anywhere with a manual transmission, it was auto only here in the UK.
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Apr 1, 2014 18:53
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warcake posted:I don't think the 335d was available anywhere with a manual transmission, it was auto only here in the UK. I'm pretty sure it's an issue with all the torks. Can you get any of the reasonably powerful small diesels with an auto anywhere?
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Apr 1, 2014 19:50
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In other GM Marketing news, Ram outsells Silverado. http://www.autonews.com/article/20140401/RETAIL01/140409976/ram-pickup-outsells-silverado-for-first-time-since-1999 quote:DETROIT -- It’s no April Fool’s joke, though General Motors may wish it were.
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Apr 2, 2014 01:52
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That's no big surprise. The ram has come a long way since 1999, the silverado not so much. It turns out not making progress while relying on commercials that say "progress sucks" and "america, baseball, apple pie!" is still a poo poo business strategy. Nice to see them not accepting that they're doing something wrong, as well. Especially when the first thing you're greeted with when you go to the chevrolet website is $7,500 on the hood of their brand new, just released this year pickup, vs the $7200 dodge advertises on the hood of theirs.
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Apr 2, 2014 02:00
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Just more evidence that Dan Akerson is perhaps the worst auto company CEO of the decade, possibly longer. It really sucks because GM was just starting to get their poo poo together, too.
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Apr 2, 2014 02:11
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Throatwarbler posted:In other GM Marketing news, Ram outsells Silverado. This line is terrible both as the reference that it is (especially this month) and the mere fact that a grown man and theoretical professional used it out loud
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Apr 2, 2014 04:42
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So is this Ford's April Fool's joke for 2014? http://www.trucktrend.com/future/concepts/1404_2016_ford_svt_bronco_coming_soon/ 
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Apr 2, 2014 04:53
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Sir Tonk posted:So is this Ford's April Fool's joke for 2014? quote:This was all part of an elaborate scheme for one of our biggest April Fools pranks ever. Please take a few minutes to wipe away the tears from your eyes. Now before you decide to punch us square in the jaw for doing this to you, just remember one thing, if our voices are loud enough, we just might see an SVT Bronco from the Blue Oval in the near future. It does look nice tho
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Apr 2, 2014 04:58
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No, it's Truck Trends' April Fools joke.
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Apr 2, 2014 05:00
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Sir Tonk posted:So is this Ford's April Fool's joke for 2014? did you read the article?
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Apr 2, 2014 05:08
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I forget which magazine it was that ran a huge article about AMC coming back and bringing out badass retro designs of all their old cars, but they got 17-year-old me really good. I was so pissed when I realized what month the magazine was printed for. fake edit: Found it, it was a Hot Rod Magazine issue, of course. Goddamn I wanted it to be true so bad. http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicles/hrdp_0804_amc_concept_cars/viewall.html
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Apr 2, 2014 05:09
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 That Bronco is too good to be real. April Fools is a bitch. And so is Truck Trend for that matter since they posted the fucker.
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Apr 2, 2014 05:24
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Powershift posted:That's no big surprise. The ram has come a long way since 1999, the silverado not so much. This is spot on. The best response would have been to mention the RAM is just benefiting from pent up demand for the just-released 3.0L diesel. This approach would require GM's brass to acknowledge that they made a failed gamble with the assumption that V6 half-tons were just a fad. Now they have a brand new pickup that roughly one-third of the market will ignore because GM is completely unequipped to handle disruptions. Akerson really did gently caress GM; at this point, I'm not sure they can even be saved. It is pretty reasonable to assume that, had Lutz stayed on board, the new Silverado would have a bitchin Ecotek V6 that would shame everything else on the market. This is the second important vehicle launch that Akerson screwed up (Malibu being the other). Snowdens Secret posted:This line is terrible both as the reference that it is (especially this month) and the mere fact that a grown man and theoretical professional used it out loud That's just further evidence that the people in charge at GM are, through incompetence or malice, running it into the ground. Edit: quote:Transmission choices are either a 6R140 6-speed automatic transmission or a ZF-6 speed manual transmission in case you like to row your own while running down the highway. This line is confirmation of an April Fools joke. To my knowledge Ford doesn't use a ZF transmission anywhere in their lineup anymore. The Mustang gets either a Getrag/Ford unit or a Tremec TR-6060 depending on application. oRenj9 fucked around with this message at 05:44 on Apr 2, 2014 |
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Apr 2, 2014 05:38
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oRenj9 posted:This is spot on. The best response would have been to mention the RAM is just benefiting from pent up demand for the just-released 3.0L diesel. This approach would require GM's brass to acknowledge that they made a failed gamble with the assumption that V6 half-tons were just a fad. Now they have a brand new pickup that roughly one-third of the market will ignore because GM is completely unequipped to handle disruptions. How has GM ignored V6 trucks? The Chevy V6 is no worse than any of the other V6s in terms of either torque or fuel economy, it's down a little bit on power but who cares. It's even called Ecotec too.
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Apr 2, 2014 06:59
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Actually, GM's new V6 is probably the best V6 (that's not turbocharged or diesel) in any of the trucks.
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Apr 2, 2014 07:45
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Yeah the new 4.3L V6 sounds pretty decent. I thought GM stated in the recent past that if they see consumer demand they can have a 1500 diesel to market in less then a year or something.
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Apr 2, 2014 07:59
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davebo posted:The 2014 rework is one of those reworks where I wish I could cherry pick what I like about that and mix it with what I like about my 2012 model. I definitely prefer my taillights but I love the flat bottom steering wheel in the new one. Also, show us a nice profile pic with the terrible turbo badge. Has the aftermarket found something better to do with that space yet? I like the turbo badge  . They moved the led strip to the top of the headlights. There is none above the fogs. I'm not a fan of the flat bottom wheel. This would be nice in a quick ratio wheel, but in a car like this it is more bothersome when making turns. Also this electronic steering takes some time to get used to.
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Apr 3, 2014 15:48
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Have you seen my apex seals? I seem to have lost them.
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KennyLoggins posted:Yeah the new 4.3L V6 sounds pretty decent. Well, uh... Ford has the PowerMiniStroke coming out soon and both Toyota and Nissan are hopping on the new Cummins 5.0 train...
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Apr 3, 2014 15:52
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Phone posted:Well, uh... Ford has the PowerMiniStroke coming out soon and both Toyota and Nissan are hopping on the new Cummins 5.0 train... That's not necessarily a sign of consumer demand. I don't know if a lot of people are actually clamoring for diesel half-tons or if manufacturers see them as a way to hit fuel economy targets. Anyway, the powertrain is not the new GM trucks' problem. The redesigned V6 is a solid competitor to the Pentastar and Ford 3.7. The 5.3 slots in well against the Ecoboost, 5.0, and Hemi. GM might not give you class leading numbers, but they do give you class competitive numbers. The problem with the new GM trucks is that they simply don't offer anything new aside from a luxury trim level. There's no real reason for the faithful to trade up, and there's nothing flashy to steal customers from other brands.
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Apr 3, 2014 16:19
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PeterWeller posted:That's not necessarily a sign of consumer demand. I don't know if a lot of people are actually clamoring for diesel half-tons or if manufacturers see them as a way to hit fuel economy targets. UHHHHHHHHHHHHHH they're made from steel like submarines. You loving pleb.  I agree though, Ford has outstanding gas engines and excellent interior quality and features (My  d Touch aside), and
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Apr 3, 2014 16:25
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Powershift posted:That's no big surprise. The ram has come a long way since 1999, the silverado not so much. I test drove a Ram 1500 4x4 with the $1500 air suspension and it drove nothing like trucks of the past. I don't know about the 2014+ but the 2012 Silverado's still drive like 2001 models.
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Apr 3, 2014 17:15
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In unrelated news, GM increases incentives on Silverado.quote:Automotive News EDIT: Oh man the new Colorado and Canyon are just going to fly off the shelves when they arrive.
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Apr 4, 2014 00:50
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Hahahahahahahahahaha edit: I have nothing constructive to add, I just love me some schadenfreude.
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Apr 4, 2014 00:52
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Oh GM.  I actually think the Silverado is a pretty nice truck too. But with a new F150 coming and the Ram actually having some really unique features I just can't see its sales reaching far above the Ram.
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Apr 4, 2014 02:02
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So what happens when a company that gets most of its margins from trucks starts losing truck sales?
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Apr 4, 2014 02:05
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Fucknag posted:So what happens when a company that gets most of its margins from trucks starts losing truck sales? Government Motors v2
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Apr 4, 2014 02:11
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Ford has the Ecoboost, Ram has the Express, GM has......??? That's basically the reason. e- as a Mopar homer and a Ram owner hahahahaha
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Apr 4, 2014 02:45
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