Respect. Suzuki gets less than it deserves. Consider some facts. Suzuki Motor Corporation took 35 years to sell 1 million vehicles per year worldwide. 15 more years to reach 2 million vehicles in 2005. Nearly 2.4 million vehicles last year. And in fiscal year 2009, expects to produce 3 million vehicles.

continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 – Suzuki Concept Kizashi 3"

OK, here I am in Lisbon attending Nissan 360 - an event to showcase Nissan’s worldwide product to worldwide media. Jetlag not being a favorite of mine, I decided to come to Lisbon a couple of days early. LAX to Amsterdam to Lisbon. Luckiily, no connections were missed and got in at 230PM right on time. Checking into the Lisbon Marriott, the desk clerk happened to mention that there was a car show beginning. How convenient, car shows are my thing.

continue reading "2008 Portuguese International Auto Show"

It’s All About the Look
Pontiac introduced a hardtop version of the extroverted Solstice at this year’s New York auto show, along with the G8 GXP and G8 ST. As cool as it looks, don’t rush to the dealer. Your Solstice coupe won’t be there until early 2009.

continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 - 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe"

We’ve liked the Fit since it was first imported from Japan for US Sales in April 2006. Conceptually very good, but lacking a sporty look. The second generation of the Fit for US sales gets a lot better looking, as well as some package improvements to make it more compelling. “The goal is to provide entry-level vehicle customers with functionality and refinement that’s a class above,” said Dick Colliver. “Buying a Fit is a choice, not a compromise.” Ah yes. A nod to the aspirational small car.

continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 – Improved Honda Fit"

You have to look long and hard to find a more difficult job than designing future Scion products. In its short life, Scion has raced to the forefront of Gen Y desirability. From zero to 173,000 units in just 4 years. Toyota Motor Sales claims the Scion brand to have a median buyer age of just 30 years old, which makes it the youngest brand in the United States. From the same group of people who bring us the Camry and Avalon, both standards for Boomer buyers, but neither evoking a youthful image.

continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 — Scion Hako Coupe Concept"

Coupe SUV Refined
The next new Infiniti arrives in June 2008, in the form of an updated FX, and facing new competition from the only other coupe-SUV in the BMW X6. The new FX offers more power from a refined 302HP 3.5L V6 or an all-new 390HP 5.0L V8, with all-wheel drive still optional. There is a new standard seven-speed automatic transmission, new electronic aids for crash avoidance and easier city driving, and even self-healing paint. Infiniti gave the FX a worldwide introduction at the Geneva motor show, launching the brand in Europe at the same time, the U.S. introduction is at the 2008 New York Auto Show.

continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008: 2009 Infiniti FX"

Kia’s New York auto show stage held both concept and production surprises. We believe that the KOUP concept, though too cutely named, hints at the next-generation Spectra. Kia described the KOUP as “closer to production than you might think,” strongly hinting Kia may add the coupe itself. The production surprise was the facelifted 2009 Optima. This new look takes Optima a step forward.

continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 - A Pair from Kia"

A New Coupe, A Year Away
Hyundai spent their New York auto show time introducing their new rear-drive sporty coupe, the Genesis Coupe. Related to the Genesis sedan on sale this summer, the coupe arrives in spring 2009.

continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe"

Two Doors and a Bed: Are We Ready for an El Camino Revival?
Pontiac is GM’s star at the 2008 New York Auto Show, introducing two new takes on just-launched G8 sedan. As well as a hotter GXP sedan for 2009MY, late in 2009 there will be a G8 Sport Truck.

continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008: 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck"