Honda (Acura)
Oh la la. Talk about a sinking ship. This Japanese automaker had the industry copying its every move 15 years ago when the entire Honda and Acura lineups made non-owners green with envy. The Civic Si, the Acura Integra... now that was some car!
Today, the Civics and Accords are still good sellers, but more out of habit than pure desire like in the past. They've lost so much soul and substance that we can almost see through them. Their watered-down looks, virtual disappearance of driving excitement and dwindling sales show that Honda has derailed. Even Honda knows it.
Here's an idea: Hire a German designer who will give the brand its lustre back, much like Kia did. Consumers still like Honda and we're convinced that they will embrace the return of true Honda cars. It shouldn't take a couple more years.
Nissan (Infiniti)
Here's another automaker that has lost its way. Nissan made a wrong turn about six years ago after seemingly emptying its resources with the 2002 Altima and 2003 Murano. Of course, we're talking about mainstream models : Both the Z and GT-R are untouchable and, any way you look at it, they don't have much of an impact on the company's financial health.
Somewhere, somehow, one or a few teams at Nissan manage to develop fascinating creatures. Unfortunately, these products don't target mass production and diffusion. The ideas behind the Juke, cube, and even the LEAF are excellent if not innovative. Nissan should definitely use these brains more often.
One thing's for sure: It simply can't continue to serve vehicles such as the Quest, Versa sedan (the hatchback was pretty good), Sentra, and Maxima. Sales figures don't lie and the tsunami excuse no longer works. Nissan has to climb out of the ditch and perhaps draw more inspiration from its French partner in order to regain some kind of momentum.
Oh la la. Talk about a sinking ship. This Japanese automaker had the industry copying its every move 15 years ago when the entire Honda and Acura lineups made non-owners green with envy. The Civic Si, the Acura Integra... now that was some car!
 |
| 2012 Honda Civic EX sedan (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
Today, the Civics and Accords are still good sellers, but more out of habit than pure desire like in the past. They've lost so much soul and substance that we can almost see through them. Their watered-down looks, virtual disappearance of driving excitement and dwindling sales show that Honda has derailed. Even Honda knows it.
Here's an idea: Hire a German designer who will give the brand its lustre back, much like Kia did. Consumers still like Honda and we're convinced that they will embrace the return of true Honda cars. It shouldn't take a couple more years.
Nissan (Infiniti)
Here's another automaker that has lost its way. Nissan made a wrong turn about six years ago after seemingly emptying its resources with the 2002 Altima and 2003 Murano. Of course, we're talking about mainstream models : Both the Z and GT-R are untouchable and, any way you look at it, they don't have much of an impact on the company's financial health.
Somewhere, somehow, one or a few teams at Nissan manage to develop fascinating creatures. Unfortunately, these products don't target mass production and diffusion. The ideas behind the Juke, cube, and even the LEAF are excellent if not innovative. Nissan should definitely use these brains more often.
One thing's for sure: It simply can't continue to serve vehicles such as the Quest, Versa sedan (the hatchback was pretty good), Sentra, and Maxima. Sales figures don't lie and the tsunami excuse no longer works. Nissan has to climb out of the ditch and perhaps draw more inspiration from its French partner in order to regain some kind of momentum.
 |
EmoticonEmoticon