Wednesday, December 21, 2011 | Edited by Daniel Moores
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Wave Goodbye as These 2011 Vehicle Models Vanish The last Ford Ranger rolled off the assembly line last week, but it's not the only model that's going to fade into automotive history after 2012. There's a pretty good list of 2011 vehicles taking their final bows, not to be replaced by newer versions of the same model. And there could be more to come: It's looking a lot like the whole Saab line will be gone as well. For now, let's stick with these. Josh Max, reporting for the New York Daily News, has put together this list, to which we elaborate: BMW Active Hybrid X6. After championing diesels, BMW is increasingly going electric. But this one apparently just didn't work out. Buick Lucerne. General Motors is putting a huge amount of effort into updating the Buick line, but its efforts have focused more on smaller, fully featured cars aimed at young professionals. Lucerne was apparently just too dowdy. Cadillac DTS and STS. They're both going away, but the new XTS will fill the bill for midsize-to-large cars. Caddy is also hinting broadly that it has a new land yacht in the works as well. Chevrolet HHR. Created as an answer to the Plymouth, later Chrysler, PT Cruiser, the HHR was small and stylish. It accidently wandered into a hot segment -- small crossovers, but GM has since come up with better ones and there's no need for this retro look. In case you're wondering, HHR stood for Heritage High Roof. Dodge Dakota. Just as Ford gave up with the Ranger, Chrysler, er, Ram is throwing in the towel with small pickups. There's not enough demand anymore. Ford Crown Victoria. Probably the most significant model of all those going away, it's the last, great, rear-wheel-drive American really-full-size car. Shed a tear. Honda Element. Originally designed for surfers, the Element became a favorite of everyone who needed an economical hauler. We think its death is premature. Lotus Elise. The whole Lotus line is being overhauled. This one was the basis for the Tesla electric roadster. Mazda RX-8. The last rotary-engine-powered car is disappearing. But Mazda hints that the Wankel engine may live on in some new form. Mazda Tribute. This Ford Escape clone is a victim of Ford's shedding of Mazda. Mitsubishi Eclipse and Endeavor. Both have been eclipsed as Mitsu looks to focus on electric and smaller vehicles. We'll miss the Eclipse, a fun sports car. Nissan Altima Hybrid. It was developed using Toyota technology. Now Nissan has its own hybrid system and plans much better models. Volvo S40 and V50. Buh-bye. (Source: USA Today, 12/20/11) Click here to email to client Back to Radio Sales Today |
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