Nissan (Infiniti)
Here's another automaker that has lost its way. Nissan made a wrong turn about six years ago after seemingly emptying its resources with the 2002 Altima and 2003 Murano. Of course, we're talking about mainstream models : Both the Z and GT-R are untouchable and, any way you look at it, they don't have much of an impact on the company's financial health.
Somewhere, somehow, one or a few teams at Nissan manage to develop fascinating creatures. Unfortunately, these products don't target mass production and diffusion. The ideas behind the Juke, cube, and even the LEAF are excellent if not innovative. Nissan should definitely use these brains more often.
One thing's for sure: It simply can't continue to serve vehicles such as the Quest, Versa sedan (the hatchback was pretty good), Sentra, and Maxima. Sales figures don't lie and the tsunami excuse no longer works. Nissan has to climb out of the ditch and perhaps draw more inspiration from its French partner in order to regain some kind of momentum.
Subaru
Subaru is renowned for its all-wheel drive technology. For many years now, Subaru cars have proven ideal for drivers living in the Great White North. In fact, they probably should be mandatory just like winter tires are in some provinces.
The brand has nearly redesigned its entire lineup since 2010, with the latest new model destined to make compact car buyers rediscover Subaru. The 2012 Impreza clearly shows that Subaru listens to consumers and gives them what they want including attractive styling and, more importantly, improved fuel economy. The arrival of the new Subaru BRZ, a rear-wheel drive sports car, will only enhance the automaker's image and reputation.
Subaru dared to go ahead with more generic designs for the Legacy and Outback. So far, this strategy is paying off. If the trend continues, the next-generation Forester (one of the brand's best sellers) will also enjoy big success. Most people may not be familiar with Subaru, but they definitely should.
Suzuki
Oh boy! Things are not looking good at Suzuki right now. The small car specialist has been recording major sales drops over the past year and a half. A number of dealerships closed their doors and consumers still show very little interest despite the launch of the most technologically advanced Suzuki ever: the Kizashi sedan. Suzuki has basically lost all relevance in today's auto industry.
The company's alliance with General Motors ultimately proved to be a failure and it cost Suzuki its true raison d'être. Suzuki compacts and sub-compacts watched their leadership fade and vanish completely as many other automakers swooped in and took the market by storm, particularly the Koreans.
Even with proper models on the way, Suzuki can't hope to regain its popularity. What should they do? Right now, Suzuki ads are few and far between; they don't promise anything new and generate zero buzz. Is it the end for Suzuki cars in North America?
Here's another automaker that has lost its way. Nissan made a wrong turn about six years ago after seemingly emptying its resources with the 2002 Altima and 2003 Murano. Of course, we're talking about mainstream models : Both the Z and GT-R are untouchable and, any way you look at it, they don't have much of an impact on the company's financial health.
Somewhere, somehow, one or a few teams at Nissan manage to develop fascinating creatures. Unfortunately, these products don't target mass production and diffusion. The ideas behind the Juke, cube, and even the LEAF are excellent if not innovative. Nissan should definitely use these brains more often.
One thing's for sure: It simply can't continue to serve vehicles such as the Quest, Versa sedan (the hatchback was pretty good), Sentra, and Maxima. Sales figures don't lie and the tsunami excuse no longer works. Nissan has to climb out of the ditch and perhaps draw more inspiration from its French partner in order to regain some kind of momentum.
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| 2011 Nissan Juke SL (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Subaru
Subaru is renowned for its all-wheel drive technology. For many years now, Subaru cars have proven ideal for drivers living in the Great White North. In fact, they probably should be mandatory just like winter tires are in some provinces.
The brand has nearly redesigned its entire lineup since 2010, with the latest new model destined to make compact car buyers rediscover Subaru. The 2012 Impreza clearly shows that Subaru listens to consumers and gives them what they want including attractive styling and, more importantly, improved fuel economy. The arrival of the new Subaru BRZ, a rear-wheel drive sports car, will only enhance the automaker's image and reputation.
Subaru dared to go ahead with more generic designs for the Legacy and Outback. So far, this strategy is paying off. If the trend continues, the next-generation Forester (one of the brand's best sellers) will also enjoy big success. Most people may not be familiar with Subaru, but they definitely should.
 |
| 2012 Subaru Impreza (Photo: Subaru) |
Suzuki
Oh boy! Things are not looking good at Suzuki right now. The small car specialist has been recording major sales drops over the past year and a half. A number of dealerships closed their doors and consumers still show very little interest despite the launch of the most technologically advanced Suzuki ever: the Kizashi sedan. Suzuki has basically lost all relevance in today's auto industry.
The company's alliance with General Motors ultimately proved to be a failure and it cost Suzuki its true raison d'être. Suzuki compacts and sub-compacts watched their leadership fade and vanish completely as many other automakers swooped in and took the market by storm, particularly the Koreans.
Even with proper models on the way, Suzuki can't hope to regain its popularity. What should they do? Right now, Suzuki ads are few and far between; they don't promise anything new and generate zero buzz. Is it the end for Suzuki cars in North America?
 |
| 2012 Suzuki Kizashi Sport (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |