VenSeattle

Outside of BMW’s BMW Assist & DCX’s Mercedes-Benz TeleAid… you either use OnStar or nothing at all. Last time I checked only certain models under the Acura, Lexus, Isuzu, VW, Subaru & Audi resell OnStar services... It’s not typically offered as standard equipment (like on GM’s products) or across the entier line-up. As far as volume is concerned, all of the foreign brands mentioned are truthfully low volume/niche brands in the US. What about the rest of the competiton? including high volume, luxury, niche? Mitsubishi Nissan (and Infiniti) Chrysler Group (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep) Ford (Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover) Toyota brand Scion Honda Hyundai Kia I thought you said most other manufacturers offer their own version of OnStar? I think not.

The equipment alone may be relatively inexpensive but the fully-staffed call centers (disaster recovery) to handle all the calls are very expensive. This isn't just some simple "perk" that GM should be required to give out freely for the life of the car. A reference to the volume of calls OnStar receives: The numbers have only increased over the past year. So have the amount of staff. OnStar still provides GM customers services that no other manufacturer can offer.

I don't know what you're talking about. OnStar is currently standard on over 50 GM vehicles with one year of service included. GM is in the process of adding OnStar standard to all of its fleet, along several other safety features: ABS, Traction Control, & Stability Control. Yes, after the first year they have to pay for the subscription, but OnStar requires a password when you call in, an e-mail address for diagnostic notification, and current ownership information for emergency services. OnStar isn't a service to the car. It's a service to the car owner. A subscription assists with keeping the information up-to-date & valid, and prevents skeptical buyers from feeling OnStar is an invasion of privacy. OnStar service a choice.

If they create a Malibu coupe... sure, NOS's taillights would look fine. Both the Solara & Accord coupe have some aggressive styling traits. However, that rear on the Malibu sedan would detract from it being mainstream and a minus against the Camry/Accord sedan crowd. The Saturn Aura sedan has that extra bit of character and aggressiveness for those who don't want to see their car every 3-5 minutes on the road.

I expect Impala will lose the base trim levels (LS & LT) and entry-level 3.5l engine leaving the Impala with loaded LTZ & SS trims in anticipation of the RWD Zeta Impala. The 'Impala' name must continue to be recognized as the Chevrolet Flagship.

Fixed...

I agree... lots of people would "rush" to my aid and tell me to tilt my head back... I'd look at them like they were insane.

It looks like a Crossfire wagon

Yes, I grew up with the same problem. Doctors told me the same thing... veins too close to the surface and dry sinuses. As a kid, I left several large puddles of blood out in public areas because tilting my head back wasn't an option (and neither was running to a restroom.) Embarrassing, but not my fault. It was particularly odd because my father was a hemophiliac. Everyone immediately thought I was too. Nope. The condition dramatically improved throughout my 20's although I still have the occasional nosebleed.

Can someone answer if the Honda Ridgeline made the cover when it won 2006 TOTY?

Eh... This Christmas is just an anti-climax after everything that happened. Much of the region went without power for up to a week or more (I hit 7 days) right before Christmas... It kind of robbed the Christmas spirit from everyone. I typically do all my shopping online and this seriously cut into my last-minute gift purchases. It was pretty much a "gift card" & "store-bought food" Christmas. At least the local family still got together and everyone is safe. The only casualty was my father-in-laws Mazda pick-up... crushed by a tree while in "volunteer service" with PSE.

Heh... after reading your post, I was afraid to look The site looks great! Awesome Z! Thank you!

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Interesting... considering all things "Internationally linked", are there any US vehicle prospects?

Phaeton is practically hand-built in Dresden, Germany at a new "transparent" VW plant that was built specifically for this car. The Bentley bodywork for the Continental Flying Spur (and possibly the GT as well) is also assembled alongside the Phaeton in Dresden.

I think CARBIZ is talking Canadian Dollars...

Shows the last time I paid attention to MotorTrend. Didn't know that had a separate SUV Of The Year award. heh... Did they spin off SUVTrend yet? or are they covered in TruckTrend?

Maybe some if not most, but I don't recall the Phaeton being touted as having an all-aluminum platform. Wikipedia states they all four use the same platform, but for some reason I seem to remember there are (at least some) differences between the A8 & Phaeton.

I thought the Phaeton shared its structure with the Bentley Continental GT & Flying Spur? Touareg & Cayenne are on their own platform... (now sharing with Audi Q7?) As for Opel moving away from RWD and going down-market, that's one of the reasons why GM is establishing Chevrolet in Europe. Chevrolet will continue to be the everyday brand while Opel can resume its original position as a mainstream/premium brand. Cadillac will still carry the "luxury" banner in Europe. Remember BMW & Mercedes-Benz do not carry the "exclusive" appeal in Europe like they do in the US. Opel can certainly compete directly on several fronts without stepping on Cadillac's toes.

I think GM's Lambdas will be eligible for 2008. They may give the Tundra tough competition.

I thought they said Lambda was too big for them? Not Zeta?

It's only speculation... my comment is a continuation from subjects recently discussed in the following two topics: Saturn Aura Attracting Foreigners Beijing Keeping Buick Alive? I've been extremely busy and playing catch-up in the forum. All the different discussions are coming out in my comments.

I take it back Toni. Saturn may get Zeta afterall! If that happens, a particular excitement brand may be done for. If the pic is even close to looking like a true Saturn/Opel Zeta, then it will look fantastic! Maxima & Avalon would die and the LX vehicles would become a generation behind overnight.

Considering how young the division is, you have to wonder how many have been traded in to justify the percentage? All models are still on their 1st generation.

A car with 30% fleet needing to be idled because retail sales drop is surprising?