The automobile industry is in financial chaos which I predict with lead to innovative products that meet the 21st century aesthetic. The European consumer for years has been blessed with small competent cars that include quality, substance and style. The American industry is taking notice with the lack of volume of cars being sold that will not meet financial expectations. The answer will be quality cars with more stylized options and inspirational design to emotionally motivate buyers.
During my exploration at the NYC Auto Show 2009, the displays indicated a lack of direction still from GM and Chrysler. The Ford line and previous Ford controlled companies are meeting the needs. Ford has nailed it with the new Taurus and Lincoln line of cars. Mazda has also introduced the new 3 line. The biggest winner would be Volvo XC60. The car inspires upon first look with lines that are athletic, seductive and cutting edge, proportions that indicate a larger car but not intimidating. The interior quality is a mix of contemporary, futuristic and commonplace.
The other European companies came with a rather comfortable and reliable arsenal of small to overtly extravagant automobiles. The Mercedes line has misstepped with the new E class. The C Class is boring already in 2009, introduced in 2008. The S class is for executives and those who mimic executives. A car collector will not think of 2009 as a good year for the Germans. Audi and VW are coming on the strongest with carefully styled cars that can be easily identified in China, Europe, South America and the USA. BMW is still a daily driver for those who love to drive, but don't expect owning more than one at a time. $40,000 and starting for this company.
Honda and Toyota are making me yawn. The idea to pack more into less has come across in every aspect of design. It is like IKEA furniture, it looks great until you own it, then it is useable every day until the next design comes out, and then you buy that one. Perfect marketing for the society that will finance their own funerals.
Korean maker Hyundai and KIA are setting their aim on niche markets and to diversify. The new Hyundai Genesis is a very competent car, looks like any other car, but is luxurious and big. The KIA Rondo is my favorite pick for a family of 5. The car is sized to fit 5 and up to 7 if needed. Storage everywhere and filled with lots of safety devices. AWD would be great addition to buyers in the snow belt. The mileage is about 10 mpg better than a minivan but does lack any real storage with 7 passengers on board.
The car I would take home would be the Audi A4 Avant or Cadillac CTS Wagon. The Audi is a performer with a turbo 4, beautiful inside and out and those LED lights that cause notice. The Cadillac is an aggressive car that GM needs to market and carry over to the Pontiac line such as a G8 wagon?
The other European companies came with a rather comfortable and reliable arsenal of small to overtly extravagant automobiles. The Mercedes line has misstepped with the new E class. The C Class is boring already in 2009, introduced in 2008. The S class is for executives and those who mimic executives. A car collector will not think of 2009 as a good year for the Germans. Audi and VW are coming on the strongest with carefully styled cars that can be easily identified in China, Europe, South America and the USA. BMW is still a daily driver for those who love to drive, but don't expect owning more than one at a time. $40,000 and starting for this company.
Honda and Toyota are making me yawn. The idea to pack more into less has come across in every aspect of design. It is like IKEA furniture, it looks great until you own it, then it is useable every day until the next design comes out, and then you buy that one. Perfect marketing for the society that will finance their own funerals.
Korean maker Hyundai and KIA are setting their aim on niche markets and to diversify. The new Hyundai Genesis is a very competent car, looks like any other car, but is luxurious and big. The KIA Rondo is my favorite pick for a family of 5. The car is sized to fit 5 and up to 7 if needed. Storage everywhere and filled with lots of safety devices. AWD would be great addition to buyers in the snow belt. The mileage is about 10 mpg better than a minivan but does lack any real storage with 7 passengers on board.
The car I would take home would be the Audi A4 Avant or Cadillac CTS Wagon. The Audi is a performer with a turbo 4, beautiful inside and out and those LED lights that cause notice. The Cadillac is an aggressive car that GM needs to market and carry over to the Pontiac line such as a G8 wagon?
