VenSeattle

Not even close... the controls are attractively styled. The functions are intuitive. They move with precision and feel of quality. Who cares if they're used in more than one vehicle? They look and feel great.

Don't say that too loud, there are some people on this board who can't handle fleet sales being equal to conquest or return-buyer retail sales. They only believe 'Fleet = base-model Rental' and that's it. PS... Get the Enclave!

Heh... you might want to go over Fly's option list again :AH-HA_wink: Oh and Congrats!

TMI dude... TMI... And if Paulie wanted to be a sandwich... well... LOL

I'm waiting for The O.C. to see this! 'Beyond Precision' isn't looking so bad at the moment.

Accidentally left the footnote off from the press release. Corrected.

I think it's effective. I see Lucerne advertisements in several major publications. Besides, Lucerne's sales are doing well, why try to question their marketing? As for forgoing sporting events.... Uh... Golf Tournaments are major sporting events... even if a majority of the 2300 or-so members here aren't interested in it. They definitely cater to a crowd that's not shopping any other GM brand (except maybe Cadillac). Tiger Wins You Could Win!

Suzuki's July 2006 Sales up Over Last Year BREA, Calif.--Aug. 1, 2006--American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) today announced sales of 8,030 units in July - an increase of 13 percent over July 2005. Year-to-date sales total 64,989, up 32 percent over the previous year. Suzuki's monthly sales records continue its recent sales momentum, which included record sales of 82,101 in 2005 - the best sales year in American Suzuki's 21-year history. ASMC's growth was led by the sales of its Grand Vitara, which sold 2,146 units, an impressive 675 percent increase over last year's numbers. The top-selling Forenza family of vehicles also contributed to Suzuki's record month, with 4,446 units sold in July. "Suzuki's record-setting sales pace puts American Suzuki on track to continue our growth in 2006," said Koichi Suzuki, president of American Suzuki's Automotive Operations. "The sales success of the Grand Vitara and the Forenza models, combined with the scheduled launch of two new Suzuki vehicles later this year (the all-new Suzuki XL7 SUV and the all-new Suzuki SX4 with standard all-wheel drive) positions American Suzuki for a successful sales result this year." Suzuki's expanding product line in the United States includes the media-acclaimed Grand Vitara, the popular Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon, the five-door Reno, the Aerio and Aerio SX, the Verona and the Suzuki XL-7, one of the most affordable seven-passenger SUVs sold in the United States. In addition to the strong vehicle lineup, Suzuki automobiles feature America's #1 Warranty with its industry-leading 100,000-mile/7-year, zero deductible, fully transferable limited powertrain warranty. AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP. MONTH END REPORTING JULY CYTD ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2006 2005 MTD VS. 2006 2005 YTD VS. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- YTD PRIOR MTD PRIOR YR. YR. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- VITARA: 0 1 8 229 -97% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- GRAND VITARA: 2,146 277 675% 16,974 2,822 501% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- XL-7: 241 991 -76% 8,922 11,643 -23% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- AERIO: 1,032 808 28% 6,842 4,292 59% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FORENZA(1): 4,446 4,447 0% 30,329 23,940 27% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- VERONA: 165 601 -73% 1,913 6,213 -69% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL: 8,030 7,125 13% 64,989 49,139 32% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Please note: Forenza Wagon and Reno sales are included in the Forenza sales. Link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/08/01/016741.html

It would fit in perfectly up here near Seattle. Bremerton, WA (right across the sound, and a ferry trip away) has a Naval Base & a Naval Museum. The entire area has several Naval operations. We're well protected up here.

On top of Newbiewar's comments, consider that the 300 did not have Employee Pricing last year... it does now. An insignificant 4% increase with a $3k discount announces, without any doubt, pent up demand for the 300 is gone. In addition, 300's fleet sales in 2005 were over 20% by mid year (page 4)... where do you think they are now?

One to drive and the other for spare parts? Engineered to be Great Cars...

UGH! After sacrificing Lincoln for Jaguar, Jaguar may get scrapped first? I don't know how Ford plans to do this after merging all the Jag dealers with Land Rover... Unless Land Rover could be sold along with it? If Ford really feels this way, then share Jaguar's Aluminum platform with Lincoln to help cut costs at Jag/PAG. That platform would produce an awesome and thoroughly modern Towncar flagship for Lincoln. The Town Car would compete directly against Mercedes S-class (while being less expensive than the S-Class & XJ8) and let Lincoln beat Cadillac to market with a ULS-type sedan. It would put Lincoln back into the luxury market with an entirely fresh line-up and (for the first time in years) a unified & consistent design language. Jag & Lincoln could once again join efforts to build a set of midsize sedans as well.

Uhm... once again, 2005 was an Odd year for sales comparisons due to Employee Pricing. The G6 SEDAN may have gone on sale in 2004, but the coupe and convertible are still fresh on the market.

Honda Highlighting the Acura RL DSR change --> :rotflmao:

For all those out there who are delusional to think the 300 & 300C are still selling at a premium: Yep... that quoted $34,730 base price is the Chrysler 300C... with employee pricing, you too can own one for $31,713! Many still want to SCREAM FLEET on GM vehicles... I wonder how many of the Chargers & 300s went to Fleet?

Chrysler Group Reports July 2006 U.S. Sales * Sales of Chrysler 300 rise 4 percent over July 2005 results * Dodge Charger sales increase 53 percent over July 2005 results * July retail sales increase 9 percent month-over-month versus June 2006 * Jeep Compass sales finish July at a brisk pace * Employee Pricing Plus program continues through August 31, 2006 AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales for July of 150,349 units, a decline of 35 percent compared to the record July sales of 240,146 units. All sales are reported on an adjusted basis unless otherwise reported. "This month is a tough comparison against last July when our Employee Pricing Plus program delivered the strongest July in company history," said Steven Landry, Vice President - Sales and Field Operations, Chrysler Group. "However, in the face of higher interest rates and higher energy costs, the launch of our current Employee Pricing Plus program helped drive showroom traffic and grow our monthly retail sales 9 percent." The Chrysler 300 posted a solid month of sales with 10,637 units sold during July 2006, an increase of 4 percent over previous year sales of 10,596 units. Chrysler brand vehicles posted sales of 38,124 units, a decline of 35 percent compared to record July 2005 sales of 61,193 units. Sales of Jeep® brand vehicles declined 34 percent to 35,831 units. Previous year sales totaled 56,280 units. The Jeep Compass posted brisk sales of 707 units despite a late July availability. Vehicles are still arriving at dealerships nationwide, and response to the vehicle from customers and dealers has been positive. The Dodge Charger continues to be a strong market performer with sales of 8,074, an increase of 53 percent over July 2005 sales of 5,495 units. Sales of Dodge brand vehicles totaled 76,394 units, a decline of 35 percent compared to previous year sales of 122,673. Dodge Sprinter sales totaled 1,880 units, a 5 percent increase over July 2005 sales. The Chrysler Group announces that the Employee Pricing Plus program will continue through August 31, 2006. With Employee Pricing Plus, customers receive employee pricing on virtually all 2006 model year vehicles, plus zero percent financing for 36 months (or cash back), plus the 30-Day Return Program, allowing customers to return a vehicle for any reason within 30 days after purchase. "Consumers are wrestling with higher interest rates and other increased household costs on a monthly basis," said Michael Manley, Vice President - Sales Strategy and Dealer Operations, Chrysler Group. "We have decided to continue the Employee Pricing Plus program with employee pricing, zero percent financing and a 30-day return program through the end of August in an effort to address their concerns and drive dealership traffic and sales." The Chrysler Group product offensive continues with the imminent arrival of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the Jeep Wrangler in the next few weeks, along with the Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Nitro following this fall. Chrysler Group finished the month with 560,210 units of inventory, or a 93-day supply and a decrease of 87,485 units from the end of June 2006. DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru July 2006 Month Sales DR % Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change Sebring 1,205 4,569 -73% -74% Concorde 0 0 0% 0% 300 10,637 10,596 4% 0% Crossfire 233 1,364 -82% -83% PT Cruiser 9,734 13,077 -23% -26% Pacifica 4,759 9,932 -50% -52% Town & Country 11,556 21,655 -45% -47% CHRYSLER BRAND 38,124 61,193 -35% -38% Sales CYTD DR % Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change Sebring 43,874 56,574 -22% -22% Concorde 0 210 -100% -100% 300 83,772 84,167 0% 0% Crossfire 5,454 9,014 -39% -39% PT Cruiser 79,887 78,625 2% 2% Pacifica 47,227 54,694 -13% -14% Town & Country 100,443 122,293 -17% -18% CHRYSLER BRAND 360,657 405,577 -11% -11% Month Sales DR % Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change Compass 707 0 0% 0% Wrangler 7,935 11,704 -29% -32% Liberty 9,702 20,245 -50% -52% Grand Cherokee 10,124 24,331 -57% -58% Commander 7,363 0 0% 0% JEEP BRAND 35,831 56,280 -34% -36% Sales CYTD DR % Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change Compass 707 0 0% 0% Wrangler 43,200 52,155 -17% -17% Liberty 79,808 103,229 -22% -23% Grand Cherokee 82,995 131,865 -37% -37% Commander 47,037 0 0% 0% JEEP BRAND 253,747 287,249 -11% -12% Month Sales DR % Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change Neon 361 10,049 -96% -96% Caliber 7,187 0 0% 0% Stratus 630 4,112 -84% -85% Intrepid 0 N/A N/A Charger 8,074 5,495 53% 47% Viper 138 104 38% 33% Magnum 1,718 4,203 -57% -59% Dakota 7,468 13,567 -43% -45% Ram P/U 32,793 48,710 -30% -33% Caravan 12,804 23,969 -44% -47% Durango 3,341 10,524 -67% -68% Ram Van/Wagon 0 76 -100% -100% Sprinter Van 1,880 1,864 5% 1% DODGE BRAND 76,394 122,673 -35% -38% Sales CYTD DR % Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change Neon 16,742 75,996 -78% -78% Caliber 50,881 0 0% 0% Stratus 49,194 64,302 -23% -23% Intrepid 0 298 -100% -100% Charger 67,079 11,690 477% 474% Viper 881 897 -1% -2% Magnum 23,731 35,210 -32% -33% Dakota 47,965 69,116 -30% -31% Ram P/U 215,967 244,629 -11% -12% Caravan 138,617 150,239 -7% -8% Durango 42,212 72,671 -42% -42% Ram Van/Wagon 0 402 -100% -100% Sprinter Van 12,222 9,755 26% 25% DODGE BRAND 665,491 735,205 -9% -9% TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 150,349 240,146 -35% -37% TOTAL CG CAR 29,268 38,272 -20% -24% TOTAL CG TRUCK 121,081 201,874 -38% -40% Selling Days 26 26 TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 1,279,895 1,428,031 -10% -10% TOTAL CG CAR 325,795 316,797 3% 3% TOTAL CG TRUCK 954,100 1,111,234 -14% -14% Selling Days 177 178 Link: http://prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?A...04408081&EDATE=

I'll say one thing; at least he offered his take on a solution. Most analysts and journalists just write about what they think is "obviously" wrong without any advice to fix the problem. The above solution wouldn't work. BPG & Chevrolet Dealers are redundant in most markets. They don't occupy different regions, cities or even different neighborhoods. The only fix is to give BPG product that's more expensive than Chevrolet's and is worth the price premium. That doesn't mean to keep Chevrolet in Budget/fleet Hell. IMO, if GM spaced out its divisions where they are suppose to be then Cadillac would be easily selling vehicles priced like Rolls, Bentley, & Maybach. But GM won't let go of Cadillac as an obtainable luxury brand with Buick there to fill the market. Sorry, guys... $30k-$60k is "the new" obtainable luxury point. Exclusive (or Ultra) Luxury (where Cadillac truthfully belongs) is where STS V8 & XLR begin. --------------------------------------------- My GM line-up, as I see it, would provide every NA Division international volume and an (almost) unique vehicle line-up that would not be shared between NA dealership showrooms: Chevrolet Market: Volume Division – tasteful, moderately priced vehicles Distribution: Single dealership network Product: Cars: Sourced mostly from GMDaewoo with Holden/GMAP-source image vehicle(s) $0 – $40k Trucks,Vans,SUVs: Engineered in colaboration with Buick/Pontiac/GMC $0 - $50k (Corvette is the exception) Buick/Pontiac/GMC Market: Obtainable luxury and performance vehicles (The Trinity - I loved that!); Lateral Brand positioning Distribution: Single/Merged dealership network Product: Cars: Sourced Holden/GMAP Vehicles $25k – $60k Trucks,Vans, SUVs: Sourced from Chevrolet: $20k-$75k Saturn/SAAB Market: Premium European performance vehicles; Tiered Brand positioning Distribution: Single/Merged dealership network Product: Sourced GME line-up HUMMER Market: Off-Road Premium Truck division Distribution: Stand-alone dealership network Product: Exclusive Truck platform(s); Engineering team to develop unique platform(s) for trucks & SUVs between $25k-$110k (does not share with Chevrolet & BPG) Cadillac Market: Ultra Luxury Distribution: Stand-alone dealership network Product: Cars: Exclusive sedan platform(s); Engineering team; Line Production & Custom made luxury vehicles (Compact to Limousine) from $50k-$200k Trucks: Share engineering team with HUMMER division to develop unique platform(s) for trucks & SUVs between $60k-$200k

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Wouldn't it be funny if they actually decided to base the next Malibu on the G-Platform since EPSII wasn't ready yet?!? LOL I think that would be awesome but 100% unlikely. Oh well. I'm definitely convinced this is the Malibu. This vehicle is not RWD.

At what point where a vehicle can resemble a dozen+ current/recently released vehicles does the styling just become modern? I think it looks great so far. Backseat appears to have functional headrests.

Lube (water-based of course)

I agree... it doesn't look like it came from anywhere else but USA. It also looks very "Buick.' However, I'd have to get rid of the wheels, and buy some OEM wheels.

I emailed Huling Bros regarding the 2003 "Final 500" Aurora. Asking price (negotiable) is $17,871. That's actually not bad. I can forward the Dealer Rep info to anyone interested.

The unidentified vehicles you're referring to are the Cadillac (1999?) Evoq, (2000?) Imaj, & (2001?) Vizon concept cars. Evoq was a preview to the XLR. Imaj was suppose to preview the STS(pre-lutz), and the Vizon previewed the SRX. I think the commercial came out around the time when CTS debuted back in 2002 (but the commercial might be a 2003 though).

Anyone interested? One of the Final 500 Auroras for sale here in Seattle You'll need to call for price... knowing Huling Bros (a BPG & Chrysler/Jeep dealer) they'll want the potential collector's value... NOW! These are the same people who had $3,000 Market-Adjustment dealer stickers on 2005 LeSabres. But, their service department and bodyshop are "The Best" around IMO.