- Part 209

The Speculator: Chevrolet's Next Small Coupe

January 17, 2012 by Randy Stern

To be up front here, I'm not a fan of concept vehicles.

I understand why they were created. Either a company wants to play around with a design language that will eventually appear on production models, or to tease us with a production vehicle in disguise. Still, I rather have a sense of reality when I see a "concept" than some Gene Roddenberry/George Lucas-inspired look into the future.

While watching the insanity that is the North American International Auto Show, it dawned on me that there were some concepts that would need further examination. They had some form of value tied into the potential for production of these fantasies in metal, rubber, plastic and upholstery.

Amid the hoopla of the Cadillac ATS, Buick Encore and Chevrolet Sonic RS, General Motors trotted out two concepts for the bowtie badge. The idea was to create vehicles for the upcoming generation of drivers to enjoy. What made the Code 130R and Tru 140S quite interesting were the simple fact that both concepts were two-door coupes.

Coupes? For Millennials? I must be getting old…

(more…)

Your Turn: An SRT Dream Fulfilled

December 26, 2021 by Randy Stern

TweetWe, automotive writers and journalists, love getting asked consumer questions. For example: If it were our money, what would we get for a certain vehicle class you're considering? We don’t mind at all…though our perspective would be somewhat different than the average consumer. Then again, we could be wrong completely… The subject of this "Your …

Detroit 2012: Quandaries from Afar

January 18, 2012 by Randy Stern

It was tough picking just nine from a plethora of debuts from the North American International Auto Show. Detroit yielded plenty of excitement, tempered with some criticism. I, for one, had my share of concerns and quandaries.

It was also tough to stay balanced here.

Detroit 2012: The View from Afar

January 18, 2012 by Randy Stern

No, I was not there this year.

If you read my Twitter, you'd probably wondered if I were to show up at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Unfortunately, the stars did not align properly. Yet, I was asked by fellow journalists, media relations people and other industry support people whether I would make the trek to the Motor City for this very important exhibition of the automobile. Not this year. I will someday.

Because of the speed of information available online and the ability to see video and images from the show readily, I was able to ascertain the big debuts and the most curious appearances at Cobo Hall. This helped in my coverage last year from my home in the Twin Cities.

Of course, there's nothing like being there. You get to see and touch these new products ahead of consumer sale. You get to see whether you'd feel comfortable behind the wheel of one. That’s why we go to auto shows, right?

Without further ado, here are my picks from NAIAS…

A Teutonic Tussle…To The End

January 17, 2012 by Randy Stern

At the top of the automotive heap, it ended with a 2,715 unit advantage. In political terms – someone would probably want to call a recount.

The luxury car market in the USA saw some extraordinary changes inside finance offices at their respective dealerships. Since 2000, Lexus was the top selling luxury automobile brand in the USA. A double whammy of the fallout from the corporate-wide recalls and natural disasters affecting Japan and key parts of Asia toppled the once mighty luxury arm of Toyota. In 2007, Lexus sold over 329,000 units – a record number of deliveries recorded by a luxury brand since 1990.

However, there were two luxury brands at the top of the heap: BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Both brands took advantage of the issues over at Lexus by wooing luxury car buyers with a diverse range of products and an air of confidence in everything from pre-sales engagement to post sales support.

Which Ones Sold How Many in 2011?

January 4, 2012 by Randy Stern

The annual sales figures are in! I could recount which vehicles were the best sellers in the nation, but I’d rather concentrate on how last year’s main vehicle review subjects fared in 2011. Also, I try to analyze how each vehicle could fare in the coming year.

Them and Us – Epilogue

June 22, 2021 by Randy Stern

In May on V&R (and in October in Lavender), there was an article looking at the corporate view of the interconnection between the automotive industry and the LGBT community. It spurred plenty of discussion offline on how this information either helped both sides of the question – or, whether it truly mattered at all.

As an update to these articles, the Human Rights Campaign just released their 2012 Corporate Equality Index.

"Look, Ma! I'm a Legitimate Automotive Journalist Now!"

January 3, 2012 by Randy Stern

So, I'm being silly with the title. I have every right to be. You work hard over the decade to get somewhere in life. Then, you begin the reap the rewards!

On December 30th, I received an e-mail from the Midwest Automotive Media Association, the regional organization for professionals covering and serving the automotive industry, congraulating me on being accepted for membership into their organization. It was something I was working towards in my professional life as a writer.

Being a member of M.A.M.A. has its privileges. Some of which you will see on these pages and in Lavender Magazine.

On their site, I have my own member page where I could express myself within the confines of the membership. This was my first entry – some of which you may already know by reading this site over the years.

Historiography: Another Centennial – GMC

April 16, 2020 by Randy Stern

TweetLast year, Chevrolet celebrated a big centennial. Now, it’s truck, crossover, SUV and van-making brother is about to do the same. It is actually a major Trivial Pursuit stumper – the brand that used to be known as the GM Truck and Coach Division was established in 1912 as a result of a merger between …

Happy New Year! But, First, a PSA…

December 31, 2011 by Randy Stern

Just like everyone else, I get plenty of e-mail traffic and social media reminders of the holiday season. They are coupled with messages reminding us to be safe and careful on the roads. Drunk driving…buzzed driving…distracted driving…you name it, message received!