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A positive note.

As always, I enjoyed reading the Brand Image Meter edition of AE. as it is both insightful and entertaining.

I believe automotive branding is close to becoming irrelevant. Image can be projected by a brand, but consumers/drivers also create brand associations. I am old enough to remember when BMW was considered a "yuppie" vehicle and though maybe a derogatory comment, it was also a sign of personal and or business success. Not so much any longer, as pajama-clad drivers step out of their 5 Series when shopping on Saturday afternoon, which doesn't do much to reinforce the BMW brand image. When discussing pricing and high monthly payments, don't forget the ever-increasing insurance burden. It is hard to imagine this being sustainable.

On a positive note, this weekend while at a stop light the Festival of Speed passed by catching everyone's attention. Led by a Ford GT followed by McLarens, Lamborghinis and 911s. The sound and visuals were impressive, and reminder of the glory that can be automotive design and engineering.

TB
Gainesville, Florida



Greed kills.

Those manufacturers that focused on building inefficient gas vehicles instead of concentrating on fuel economy and fuel efficiency will be gone. We are seeing the beginnings of the "great die off" in the auto industry and in three years, half of the brands will no longer exist. Cars in the 1950's delivered better fuel economy than most vehicles sold today. The minivans with the box on the back that do 0 to 60 in 3 seconds will be the end of many of our "nationalized" manufacturers...

Ptg0
Highland Park, Michigan



Brand Image Meter Is On Point.

More than any other column of yours, I really look forward to and treasure whenever you update your Brand Image Meter. Thank you for giving each of your readers something that is interesting and practical and current, no matter which make of vehicle they drive or prefer. For me, I hang onto every word that you write when evaluating Buick and always hope that you see something positive in their future. I wish that their planned new RWD small sedan will be the right product at the right time for them, that they will successfully move production of the Envision or its replacement to the U.S., and that they will keep the Envista, Encore GX, and Enclave fresh and appealing.

Christopher Popa
Canton, Ohio



Ho-Hum Cadillac.

Regarding the Cadillac CTS-V Blackwing Collector Series, my reaction is a giant ho-hum. I seriously doubt that even a few of them will ever see a track. They will, as the name says, simply be collector’s items, held until they can get a sucker to pay a high price for them.

David McMillin
The Woodlands, Texas



From the “Monkey Wrench” File.

While it's true that our current President threw a monkey wrench into the EV thing with dropping subsidies; he did get us into a stupid war with a country that controls the route a big share of our oil is delivered through. So whoever is out there with plug-in hybrids should be advertising the heck out of them. Hello, Ford? Maverick hybrid? You wanna mention that one to people?

Tom Pease
AE’s L.A.-based correspondent
Beverly Hills, California

Editor-in-Chief’s Note: Ford’s too busy trying to be “America’s Car Company” to focus on the Maverick. Besides, Jim “I’m a genius, just ask me” Farley has all the answers. Too bad they usually don’t pan out. -PMD