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Originally Posted by fp115
You seem to think that Honda sees the Cruze now and they can automatically change their upcoming Civic in 3 years to compete against the Cruze.
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They don't need to change anything. They started working on the next Civic when the current one was released, back in 2005. Besides, I don't see what exactly they would change in answer to the Cruze... it's far from revolutionary, and not a significant threat in any way (especially considering the pricing levels, if we are to trust the info so far).
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Honda has no powertrain that can hit the 45 mpg, non-hybrid and in that price range. How will this outclass the Cruze again?
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Sub-$20k, >45 mpg Insight. Beats/ties Cruze on the highway, crushes the Cruze in city mileage, squarely in the same price range, and with the Honda badge on the hood to sweeten the deal even more (not that it needed to be sweetened).
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Ford isn't getting much of a brand new car, they are simply getting their European version of the Focus. Everyone knows how it looks, the question is will it have the same powertrain (probably not). This will come out in 2010 as well.
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The next one, not current one. But I see that someone else has corrected you on this already.
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Lastly, the Camry, which was released in 2007/2008 is intended to stick around till 2012. Is slated to keep the current platform.
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That's Malibu competition, not Cruze competition. BTW, GM all but announced in other news that they would let the current Malibu (since you bring this Camry/Malibu topic) wither on the vine just like back in the good old times. By the mid-2010s, GM will have to literally give their Malibus away if they want any chance of competing with the Accord/Camry. So, if that's indeed the plan, it looks like it's going to be a return to the starting point for GM... old rental queen with no retail credibility as their main entry in the "heart of market" segment. What a delightful prospect for fans. Compared to this, the fact that the new Camry won't be here before 2012 is sure to bring tears to the Toyota fanboys...
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Regardless of the Cruze being announced now, the only company with a chance to reverse its future products is Toyota, but they will be releasing their Camry a full 2 years after the Cruze is out. The Cruze will have the mpg, performance and handling advantage, while having a much better interior (which is arguably a thing of taste). Civics have been and always will be evolutionary, something the Cruze isn't which will allow it to stand out.
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Cruze is completely evolutionary... looks like a slightly improved current Hyundai Elantra. Even now, in 2008, that car in the streets won't turn heads. It's just too similar to what's already out there.
On the other hand, I would disagree with you again -- the '06 Civic stood out when introduced. Honda actually took flak from many reviews for being "too daring" with the new design (which not everyone loved... far from it). Where were you in 2005? Certainly not following the auto industry. A widespread opinion back then was that by not playing it safe with the 8th gen Civic, Honda would be sending all those more conservative buyer types straight to the Corolla.
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Yes I have GM stocks, likely more than everyone on this forum combined.
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Ouch. I feel for you...