I agree they should have pared down divisions decades ago, but I must take exception with the statement about unions. 3 things come to mind for me... Dealerships - Do you want to put your business partner, i.e. Johnson Buick, Oldsmobile, GMC out of business? If Smith Chevrolet is just down the road to the west, a half mile east we find Porter Pontiac, and a block south we can see Culver Cadillac, somebody has to go - if brand consolidation is indeed the is the name of the game. Note how Tesla didn't follow the model of the big 3 and the dealership system. Corporate Hierarchy - Does the head of Oldsmobile want to eliminate his division? Nope. His job is to see it and his people succeed. No one at any company is really looking to eliminate themselves and those they work with in an established division. No better example than Saturn. It was launched as an additional division. That was a very controversial move at the time because there were already critics questioning how many divisions GM had. Consumer Loyalty - This equates directly to market share. GM took many years to lose brand loyalty (and corresponding dealership losses) to the point where pulling back brands finally made sense. The unions don't drive the bus, they are along for the ride.
I recognized that 63 Wildcat in his collection, that car came from the Edmonton area, I knew the guy who built it. Well, I guess we had it coming, didn't we? He made a good point; the Chinese were interested and paid, people around the Richmond/Vancouver area weren't. The people who flamed him didn't offer to buy either, so in his estimation, money talks, BS walks. Can't blame him for that either. Our loss though inactivity or disinterest is China's gain. They bought a nice collection.
This is true and I've said it in the past. If I had access to the wealth of info thats available today Id be sooo much smarter. If info was presented like it is on Discovery / History ect I'd get many more correct answers on Jepordy.( i do ok now)
Figuratively, not literally amigo. City Hall, the general contractor, and the person or company that is wanting the final project (customer) seen through are likely the big wheels.
I spent a good 20 minutes reading all the posts on these three pages (while watching the Packer /Tampa Bay game over my shoulder) and at 78 and in good health (I have had my Covid vaccine shot) I have been a car guy all my life beginning at 14 like most of you. As life evolves you make decisions about what you can afford to do for fun with cars vs family. education, etc. While I have continued to collect cars over the years I have been selling for the past year since there is no way I can keep 12 cars up and running when I jump in my SUV for everyday jaunts. Now, I will say I have been VERY pleased with Buick based on my fourth Enclave, a 2019 Avenir. I have had a 2009, 12,16 and now 2019. The Avenir is an excellent vehicle and I use it like a truck to carry small loads inside and have a hitch on the rear for my 4x8 aluminum utility trailer that has been used for all sorts of loads. The engine in the 2019 has great torque and power and I can stay with or beat many an 'muscle' car off the line at a red light. I have two GS400 powered cars and the Enclave can beat them at the line and down the track easily. Someone earlier said women are determining a lot of what car manufacturers are making and I agree 100%. I am on an Enclave Facebook group and probably 70% of the posts are women talking about how they love their Enclaves. Many folks are buying used Enclaves with 100K+ miles and loving them. Corporations are in business to make money and they are going to go with what the public wants, not us car guys who are still looking for 'the good old days' My $0.02
brady still has it .and in 10 yrs cars will be electric and 1/2 us will be dead .till then ill own what i dreamed of at 16. glory days !!
Speaking of the women with their Enclaves.....they won't be so upbeat when they have to do timing chains on that 3.6 motor.....big money....have to pull engine. I doubt many people are getting much more than 125K without needing them. 100K powertrain warranty useless....
BQUICK, on the Facebook Enclave group all of the talk is a recommendation to buy an extended warranty and most recognize the timing belt change is something they will have to do. Many have done it and many expect to do it. There are quite a few of their cars over 100K and they are still loving their Enclaves. As long as Buick keeps making them I will probably buy a new one every 3-4 years assuming my health holds up as good as it is now.
The AWD 2004 Buick Rainier is pretty cool! Leather interior, sunroof, etc. I removed the 5.3 and with just a cam swap, headers and tune it is a 450 HP engine. It drives great.
i had a rainier ,poor millage and bad cupholder placement .other than that it was grt. . oh ,also bad rear airbags.
I'm just thankful that I have two old Buicks to enjoy while I'm still here on earth and can go back in time and feel young again like its 1970 anytime I want. I just walk out in the garage and turn the key and joyfully hit the road with a smile. The memories instantly become alive.
