The local strategies of car brands have long been a fascinating subject. Japanese brands have their own luxury brands in America, German luxury brands have sometimes been clever in hiding the fact that they do sell more stripped-down models in other countries, and so on. Some decisions are especially weird, like Dodge breaking up with its truck division, or Audi going ring-free in China as AUDI.
Matt wrote about how Audi’s AUDI plan isn’t going so well. JurassicComanche25:
If Audi doesn’t have rings anymore, what am I going to hit with my Sonic?
Canopysaurus:
To paraphrase Beyoncé: AUDI, if you liked it then you shoulda put some rings on it.
As to Stellantis: Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Hope we don’t get fooled again.
Rock on.
V10omous:
What’s the best automotive sub-brand, and why is it Merkur?
It’s Cadillac V by a mile.
Younger people who have grown up with Cadillac as a performance brand have no idea how hard that title had to be won, and how ridiculous the very idea seemed at the start.
Blackwings being generally acknowledged as the best driving sedans in the world 20 years after Cadillac’s sportiest offering was legitimately the FWD Seville is quite the transformation.
Mike Harrell:
Why would Audi get rid of the rings? Do they not want to cash in on the enduring brand recognition of DKW, Horch, and Wanderer?
Oh, and my favorite automotive sub-brand is Essex-Terraplane, of course.
Cody Pendant:
Autozam was a great sub brand.
I liked Scion too. Different designs.
Brian wrote about how minivans are popular again. Manwich Sandwich:
I never understood the minivan hate that many people have.
Oh you don’t want to look like a “soccer mom”? Well you STILL look like a soccer mom even with that 7 passenger CUV. You’re not fooling anyone.
Minivans are for people who just need the space and aren’t trying to fool anyone about some sort of perceived ‘toughness’ or any faux-outdoorsy lifestyle.
7 passenger CUVs are basically less practical minivans that cost more.
Brian also wrote about how SNL mocked modern car door handles. James McHenry:
It’s one thing when it’s auto rags and enthusiast websites complaining, but when Saturday Night Live starts riffing on your design choices, maybe it’s time for a rethink.
John McMillin:
“So what can I do to get you into this car today?”
Plop McDingus:
Sir, I’m in the car and I can’t get out.
Dan G.:
Just sign here, and here, and here, and the door will open.
Have a great evening, everyone!
Top graphic image: Paramount Pictures/Chevrolet
I don’t get the stereotyping of people who don’t want minivans.
I’m not trying to fool anyone.
I’m not outdoorsy, faux or not.
My current vehicle would not be described as “tough”, and I’m mentally tough enough that I don’t care what other people think of what I drive.
Despite having two kids, I don’t want a minivan, because they don’t appeal to me. Why does that need to be a problem?
…okay maybe last time wasn’t a fluke.
Legend has it that the Finnish make this even more challenging by reversing the steering rack on one of these bricks and seeing who can make it the farthest. Please verify.