The Small Old Cars strike back - Fuel-stingy cars are hot wheels

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by Ming

Perhaps GM is underestimating the value of the METRO nameplate.

Good point! GM should get all of their best small cars out on the US market as soon as possible under the Geo nameplate:

Next Matiz = Firefly (this is the current Matiz... the new one will be much better)


Agila = Sunrunner (this a a hot new vehicle, and the name fits so well)


Corsa = Metro (a cheap, stripped version... and Chevy can still have their Aveo)


Tigra = Storm (because every lineup needs a cool little car)


Meriva = Tracker (this is the current version... next will be even better looking)



Stole a few old Asuna names... but who cares about names... GM should have a small, efficient lineup like that. They would have to resist the urge to add an Epsilon, Lambda, and GMT-900, but I think they could do it. GM has some decent little small cars splattered around the world... I'd really love to see a new Geo, especially one that really represents its name!

EDIT: added pictures.

The current Matiz is outclassed, but the next one is shaping up to be a much better car. The Agila is a cool little ride, and looks very well proportioned for such a small car. The current Corsa would be way too expensive... maybe Chevrolet could get the Corsa and Geo (along with Chevrolet Europe) could get the next Aveo (which will be based off the same platform). The Tigra with its hard folding top is like a coupe, really... probably a bit pricey, but it'd be a cool little mini-halo car! The Meriva is quite small but is very well designed inside... it has smart sliding / folding seats that make it a decenty vehicle for a small family. The next version is shaping up to be a looker too.

Someone with some photoshop skills should come up with a new Geo nose to stick on all of these vehicles! It would be awesome if they could swith a US plant over to produce all of these... I know that the Corsa, Meriva, and Tigra all all on the same platform... the Agila and Matiz could potentially be combined as well. If two lines could be build flexible enough they could have a dedicated Geo plant. American made, fuel-efficient, affordable. Sounds like a good combination!

[Ming]

Originally Posted by paul8488

Good point! GM should get all of their best small cars out on the US market as soon as possible under the Geo nameplate:

GM should have a small, efficient lineup like that. They would have to resist the urge to add an Epsilon, Lambda, and GMT-900, but I think they could do it. GM has some decent little small cars splattered around the world... I'd really love to see a new Geo, especially one that really represents its name!

As long as they keep them like Scion, under Chevy so they can dispose of/absorb the brand again at will, then it's a fine idea. I had to laugh at the GMT-900 comment. So true!

GEO REBORN....and the angels sing!

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by Ming

As long as they keep them like Scion, under Chevy so they can dispose of/absorb the brand again at will, then it's a fine idea. I had to laugh at the GMT-900 comment. So true!

GEO REBORN....and the angels sing!

It's funny but GM had Geo right... just a little before its time. People didn't care enough about fuel economy at the time. I think Geo was actually smarter than Scion, which has, after their first generation, already forgotten about their affordable economy roots.

GM should give all Pontiac dealers incentives to switch to the reborn Geo brand.

Or Geo could be paired with Hummer dealerships, in a yin and yang, good versus evil sorta deal!

I really really really like this idea! Keep it to a simple lineup of 3 or 4 cars. Make them relatively simple and keep the prices lower the the competition. Make them safe and comfortable, but avoid too many expensive high-tech goodies. Offer every single one with a diesel option and an E85 option and an HCCI option and eventually an electric / hybrid / Volt-type powertrain. Basically have one model of each car with the drivetrain as the major option. I love the new logos GM has come up with for their different economical propulsion systems... they could simplify the manufacturing and purchasing processes by only offering a few very basic options... you pick the model and the colour and the drivetrain, and presto, you have your car! I think this could be huge, as the cost of whatever fuels we end up using is going to keep going up and up forever.

[Slideways]

Originally Posted by mobyss

This is kind of funny, but not for the people who are trying to trade in any large SUV or pickup. According to a guy I know at a local Honda dealer, they are going down to HALF of blackbook on SUV trades now - they just took in a 2007 Nissan Armada with 6000 miles and gave the guy $22,000 towards an Accord. He said domestic SUVs like Suburbans and Expeditions cannot be GIVEN AWAY to the wholesalers anymore - they have hundreds sitting around right now.

Good luck selling an Armada for $25,000 when the Tahoes they are giving away (I'll take one) get beter mileage.