6- General Motors: They are where Ford was 2 or 3 years ago; on the cusp of new and interesting euro or smartly-inspired products. In the meantime, the Volt (have you heard of this one?) and the Cruze will lead the way for Chevrolet. The next Regal from Buick should prove to be interesting. Cadillac is still forging ahead as is GMC. Their tremendous resources could help them repeat history (being #1) so long as they don't repeat history. We'll let them figure it out.
7- Audi: The “it” brand of the moment, Audi has no intentions of sitting on their present accomplishments. The jewel in Audi's crown, the A8, is next. Also, the A1 and A5 Sportback (will we get them? I doubt it...), the TT-RS, the RS5 and a train-full of new or revised engines, transmissions and powertrains including hybrids are all coming our way. Safe to bet that they will continue to sell everything they can build.
8- Honda/Acura: Well, never mind Acura, I still don't get where they are going but Honda's CR-Z may spark something... The new Civic is expected next year and it will hopefully infuse energy back into the brand that currently holds a title that could resemble “the most trusted” or “the most reliable” now that Toyota has fallen. The next CR-V can't be far behind nor should a premium sports car from Acura. I hope.
9- Toyota/Lexus/Scion: They haven't hit rock bottom exactly but my guess is that the only direction they can go from here is up. Scion as a whole should be well received by Canada; we love our small cars and these are hip to boot. More hybrids (Lexus CT-200h) and plug-in hybrids (Prius) will maintain Toyota's position as a leader in this technology. We are still awaiting the fabled FT-86 which should come around in the next year... Again, I hope.
10- In 10th position, we find a few car makers that are trying very hard to make things happen or keep them going. One of them is BMW charging forward to become the best selling luxury nameplate. The new 5-Series and many more delectable Bavarian bodies should do the trick. Volvo has a new head but the direction has not changed. The next S60 will coincide with the “New Volvo” and with now deeper pockets, the next Gothenburg-sourced products should be good indeed. Mercedes is also on fire with something like 93 new vehicles in the last week alone (yes, I'm exaggerating).
Independent companies like Tesla and ZENN are also on the rise as the electrification of automobile continues. We need to keep an eye on them.
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| 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (Photo: General Motors) |
7- Audi: The “it” brand of the moment, Audi has no intentions of sitting on their present accomplishments. The jewel in Audi's crown, the A8, is next. Also, the A1 and A5 Sportback (will we get them? I doubt it...), the TT-RS, the RS5 and a train-full of new or revised engines, transmissions and powertrains including hybrids are all coming our way. Safe to bet that they will continue to sell everything they can build.
8- Honda/Acura: Well, never mind Acura, I still don't get where they are going but Honda's CR-Z may spark something... The new Civic is expected next year and it will hopefully infuse energy back into the brand that currently holds a title that could resemble “the most trusted” or “the most reliable” now that Toyota has fallen. The next CR-V can't be far behind nor should a premium sports car from Acura. I hope.
9- Toyota/Lexus/Scion: They haven't hit rock bottom exactly but my guess is that the only direction they can go from here is up. Scion as a whole should be well received by Canada; we love our small cars and these are hip to boot. More hybrids (Lexus CT-200h) and plug-in hybrids (Prius) will maintain Toyota's position as a leader in this technology. We are still awaiting the fabled FT-86 which should come around in the next year... Again, I hope.
10- In 10th position, we find a few car makers that are trying very hard to make things happen or keep them going. One of them is BMW charging forward to become the best selling luxury nameplate. The new 5-Series and many more delectable Bavarian bodies should do the trick. Volvo has a new head but the direction has not changed. The next S60 will coincide with the “New Volvo” and with now deeper pockets, the next Gothenburg-sourced products should be good indeed. Mercedes is also on fire with something like 93 new vehicles in the last week alone (yes, I'm exaggerating).
Independent companies like Tesla and ZENN are also on the rise as the electrification of automobile continues. We need to keep an eye on them.
 |
| 2011 Volvo S60 (Photo: Volvo) |