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Exec Doubtful of 2011 Cadillac’s Success, Says Americans Don’t Want Another Small Car - Makes Him A OK In Our Book

2009 Cadillac BLS sedan

Despite sales that have been lackluster at best, there are rumors that the European Cadillac BLS might make an American debut in 2010 as a 2011 model. Currently, Cadillac as affirmed speculations that they will begin producing a 4-cylinder car for the North American market in 2010, but the finer details are still under heavy debate. The primary source of contention surrounding the mystery small car: whether or not to offer an optional V-6 upgrade. Part of Cadillac’s design team believes future government fuel economy regulations and the growing small car trend mean that Cadillac must break tradition, even if only slightly, in order to stay relevant as a competitor in the market. To them, this means it’s 4-cyl small, or nothing. Cadillac’s general manager Jim Taylor isn’t quite as sold on the idea. According to Automotive News, Taylor said, “There is a big debate as to whether it is four only. I think that is a bridge too far.” Taylor’s reluctance stems from the anticipated resistance from U.S. buyers. Even if the U.S.-bound BLS is fitted with a turbocharger for its 4-cylinder engine, Taylor isn’t certain buyers will be receptive of such bland performance. “[Americans] still want power,” Taylor reasoned, “We still have big open roads. People do not want to stop enjoying driving.”

2009 Cadillac BLS wagon

So if we here in American wind up staring down the grill of a modified BLS, exactly how much performance will we be sacrificing? According to specs, the 2009 BLS isn’t quite as uninspiring as Taylor makes it out to be. Drawing very heavily from the Saab 9-3, the 2009 BLS is offered in Europe as either a sedan or a wagon with 3 engine options: a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.8L V6, or 1.9L diesel. The interior is stock Cadillac luxury - leather, DVD, nav - and the price is typical Caddy too, starting around £21,500 [about $40,000]. Bottom line: We advise Taylor to offer the V-6, he seems to have a pretty good grasp on exactly how much change we Americans will tolerate before we put our collective foot down.

[Source: Automotive News]

Geneva 2008: Saab Goes Small and Aims High with the 9-X BioHybrid Concept

saab9-x-21.jpg picture by willfusion

A Saab prances out its 9-X BioHybrid in Geneva this week they aim to show that big things can come in small, luxury packages. While cars like the BMW 1-Series, Audi A3 and the Volvo C30 are already inside the big small car dance, Saab seems to not mind being fashionably late and only wearing its concept dress to the formal shindig. Maybe because she knows that under that dress are some big plans and high ambitions (insert Journey music here).

Where it might appear to many that GM has forgotten all about the little Scandinavian auto maker whose take-over the completed in 2000, but now that they have found her hiding in the corner Bob Lutz is ready to make a splash with her. In his words spoken at the Geneva Auto Show, “Here we’re showing two concept vehicles that signal the resurgence of Saab.” The other vehicle is the Saab 9-4X Crossover.

The Saab 9-X BioHybrid is Saab’s small car concept that will help lead the way toward a small car entrant into the luxury brand market. The 9-X is an extension of Saab’s driver focused cockpit design and future thinking design. The 9-X is built on the same platform as the Chevy Volt concept and shares some design cues with it.
…Press Release and Photo Gallery to follow… (more…)

Cars not available in the USA

Surprisingly enough, there are cars that are not on sale in the States, there are many reason that go around as to why this is, but at the end of the day, these mainly European vehicles cannot be ordered despite that quality of the design and build.

Alfa Romeo set for return to the states

Not available in the US:

Alfa Romeo Spider V6 model, Costs about $46,377.

Aston Martin Vanquish S Costs about $360,000.

Audi S3 Costs about $39,700.

BMW 1 Series Estimated U.S. Starting Price: Around $30,000.

Citroen C6 Costs about $54,000.

Fiat 500 Costs about $14,000.

smart fortwo Starting U.S. Price Under $12,000.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Estimated U.S. Price: Around $35,000.

Nissan Skyline Costs about $25,000.

Peugeot 4007 Pricing Not Available.

citroen c6

The top euro brands like Renault, Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat are not sold in the States, the only euro type cars that you are likely to be seeing in a showroom are the high end brands, Porsche, Ferrari and Maserati etc, even German brands have trouble in some States this has something to with the emissions.

Yet it was not that long ago when the cars above were readily available and were sold in decent numbers too. So what has changed?

It was all to do with the 1990’s the euro car makers were struggling with high costs and prices, plus there was a new revival of the Japanese car makers, like Toyota and Nissan, one by one the euro cars were pulling out of the States and concentrating on the home market, of which they have done very well, but still they will not return to the States.

There are the weak possibilities that with the modern hi tech diesels that there may be another euro invasion of the states, with clean and green cars taking the lead these days for consumers on both sides of the USA, these cars could be the leading edge for them

So it would appear that US car buyers could have a little bit more of a choice when choosing a new car, but how many will want to take the leap of faith is anyone’s guess, the US car market is huge and people have the likes and dislikes, could the euro cars get it right? We can only wait and see.

Source [Forbes]

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