December 28, 2009
Written by: David
Hot on the heels of Saab’s likely demise, another iconic Swedish brand, Volvo, is to be sold to the Chinese.
Ford announced last week that agreement had been reached to sell its subsidiary, Volvo Cars, to China’s Geely Automotive for a reported $AUS 2.26 bn. (Ford acquired Volvo for $6.45 bn. US just ten years ago).
The deal is expected to be completed early in 2010, though the Swedish press are sceptical – and angered.
” How can a former refrigerator parts manufacturer with just ten ......
December 19, 2009
Written by: David
A last ditch attempt to sell Saab to Spyker Cars has failed, forcing General Motors to announce “an orderly wind-down of Saab operations”
The demise of the very distinctive, if slightly quirky Swedish car maker is a direct result of the Global Financial Crisis and General Motors plans to dispense with its non-performing overseas assets.
GM said it would close Saab dealerships around the world, although it would honour warranties and provide service and parts to Saab owners.
It is likely that Saab owners will suffer ......
December 1, 2009
Written by: David
We’ve had some pretty bad cars foisted on us in the past. We’ve also had some pretty awful marketing failures.
We’ve listed our top five here:-
THE LEYLAND P76
It’s aim was to knock Holden, Ford and Chrysler off their big car perches – and it failed miserably
THE DATSUN 120Y
Boring! Yet is sold over 2 million worldwide. Why?
THE MORRIS MARINA
Another Leyland disaster trying to play catchup.
AU FALCON
How a styling studio and the research dept. got it so wrong, and Ford never recovered.
MITSIBISHI 380
The car that was ......
