Like humans, cars have a circle of life. At one point in time, a new nameplate or brand is born and more often than not, it's only a matter of time before it is retired or killed. Makes tend to live on longer, unless they're absorbed into a group where they're either injected with new life or are dissected for their good parts.
This year, 2011, has been no different than previous years, as well over a dozen nameplates have been laid to rest. In most cases, the models were eliminated because of very poor sales such as the Kia Borrego and Volvo S40.
In other situations, the name was dropped, but the model's lineage carries on under a different moniker such is the case with the Chevrolet Aveo. This is an old trick where a previous car never performed as expected or developed a negative aura (think Chrysler/Dodge Neon becoming the Dodge Caliber); the Aveo carries on as the Sonic.
Another example is niche cars. After a while, a “special purpose” car runs its course and the plug is pulled. This explains the demise of the Mazda RX-8. As is often the case in these situations, talks and rumours of the coming of the “next” Mazda RX are already well underway. Remember when the Dodge Viper died? Nobody does because when it was put out to pasture, they were already planning its return.
And in even fewer cases, some cars are given a 1-year break. For example, the Mercedes B-Class and will be given 2012 off and will return all-new for the 2013 MY. The Dodge Durango recently underwent the same process.
Here then is the list of the cars that have called it quits after the 2011 model year:
Acura CSX, 2006-2011
BMW ActiveHybrid X6, 2010-2011
Buick Lucerne, 2006-2011
Chevrolet Aveo, 2004-2011 (in USA and Canada)
Chevrolet HHR, 2006-2011
Cadillac DTS, 2006-2011
Dodge Nitro, 2007-2011
Kia Borrego, 2009-2011
Mazda RX-8, 2004-2011
Mazda Tribute, 2001-2011
Mitsubishi Endeavor, 2004-2011
Nissan Altima Hybrid, 2007-2011
Ram Dakota, 1987-2011
Suzuki Swift+, 2004-2011
Volvo S40, 2000-2011 (USA and Canada)
Volvo V50, 2005-2011
This year, 2011, has been no different than previous years, as well over a dozen nameplates have been laid to rest. In most cases, the models were eliminated because of very poor sales such as the Kia Borrego and Volvo S40.
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| 2009 Mazda Tribute (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
In other situations, the name was dropped, but the model's lineage carries on under a different moniker such is the case with the Chevrolet Aveo. This is an old trick where a previous car never performed as expected or developed a negative aura (think Chrysler/Dodge Neon becoming the Dodge Caliber); the Aveo carries on as the Sonic.
Another example is niche cars. After a while, a “special purpose” car runs its course and the plug is pulled. This explains the demise of the Mazda RX-8. As is often the case in these situations, talks and rumours of the coming of the “next” Mazda RX are already well underway. Remember when the Dodge Viper died? Nobody does because when it was put out to pasture, they were already planning its return.
And in even fewer cases, some cars are given a 1-year break. For example, the Mercedes B-Class and will be given 2012 off and will return all-new for the 2013 MY. The Dodge Durango recently underwent the same process.
Here then is the list of the cars that have called it quits after the 2011 model year:
Acura CSX, 2006-2011
BMW ActiveHybrid X6, 2010-2011
Buick Lucerne, 2006-2011
Chevrolet Aveo, 2004-2011 (in USA and Canada)
Chevrolet HHR, 2006-2011
Cadillac DTS, 2006-2011
Dodge Nitro, 2007-2011
Kia Borrego, 2009-2011
Mazda RX-8, 2004-2011
Mazda Tribute, 2001-2011
Mitsubishi Endeavor, 2004-2011
Nissan Altima Hybrid, 2007-2011
Ram Dakota, 1987-2011
Suzuki Swift+, 2004-2011
Volvo S40, 2000-2011 (USA and Canada)
Volvo V50, 2005-2011
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