So the current rumor flying around is that Chinese car manufacturer Chery is looking to buy up Volvo from Ford.  This is a little frightening to me, as Chery is mostly known for their knock-off copies of… Chevy cars (I know, you never would have guessed from the name).  Now, I’m sure GM will be pleased by this since it means that Chery will just be able to make their own cars instead of stealing Chevy designs, but what I’m worried about is what will happen to Volvo.

I have no great love for Volvo.  The safest cars in the world also seem to be just about the most boring.  That said, Volvo is known for very safe, very high quality cars.  What is going to happen when this Chinese firm takes over?  Even if they maintain quality standards, the brand itself may fail just due to people worrying about it.  Fact is, Chinese companies have not had the best reputation lately for making safe products.  There is no question that this sale would be a great boon for Ford, who have been having troubles finding a buyer for the brand, but for Volvo employees and owners there could be some dark times ahead.

The people in charge of GM are clearly on drugs.  Why do I say this?  It is simple.  As part of their restructuring plan to get money from the government, they are going to cut down on brands.  This makes sense - they have way too many.  One of the brands they’re going to get rid of is Hummer - sure, that makes sense.  But they seem to want to keep Buick…

Read the rest of this entry »

Now let me start off by saying, the picture you are about to see is NOT real.  This is a photoshop job.  That said, my wife and I both agree that these are fantastic, and Lamborghini needs to hire this guy and start making them immediately.

More information is available on Jalopnik

Look, BMW, we need to talk.  It’s about your cars.  No, no, there is nothing wrong with them, they’re lovely.  In fact, most of them are gorgeous.  No, it isnt about performance.  We all know that BMW makes some of the best all-around performing cars in the world.  I’m afraid it is the pricetag.  I know that your cars arent cheap - and arent supposed to be.  I’m not asking you to become some two-bit econobox manufacturer…  It’s just…  I cant justify it anymore.

Read the rest of this entry »

I’m sure that by now you’ve all heard about Fiat partnering with Chrysler (they bought 35% of the failing auto maker).  I’ve got to be honest, I WANT to like this.  Fiat owns Ferrari/Maserati and Alfa Romeo.  In theory, a partnership like this could be used to bring some really fantastic cars to the US - I know I’d love a 159.  So there is definitely potential for great things to come of this.  Unfortunately, they wont.  Seriously - if the Benz folks couldnt turn Chrysler around, what chance does Fiat have?  Never fear, Fiat, because I have some suggestions that can save this mess.

Read the rest of this entry »