Seeing the automotive industry's current condition, it was just a matter of time before some models were put to pasture. The first vehicles to be dropped are obviously those intended for a market segment where sales are limited and production costs high because of the high level of technological advancement.
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2009 Honda S2000 |
And so, Honda has announced the cancellation of the next generation of its rear-wheel-drive
S2000 sport roadster. The current generation, available since 1999, will not be renewed at the end of the production year. Honda and Acura will be making other changes to their catalogs, both in terms of available models, platforms and engines.
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2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck concept |
As for GM, the marketing plan of the
Pontiac G8 ST, the modern-day El Camino, unsteady from the beginning, has finally been given the axe. Those nostalgic for the 1970s and 80s will have to come to terms with the fact that they won't be admiring the reincarnation of the mythical car in showrooms.
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2010 Suzuki Kizashi concept |
Major rumours from Suzuki went along the same lines, this time concerning the introduction of the
new mid-size Kizashi sedan. Powered by a V6 producing nearly 300 horsepower, the car was to be jettisoned. However, according to the latest news confirmed by a Suzuki spokesperson, the Kizashi is still on the list of vehicles to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show next March.
photo:General Motors, Honda, Suzuki