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66 + Stop Re-Naming My Car!


knightfan26917
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MY RT 66 STORY

 

Chapter 29 (Pictures Delivered) is published....

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2012/03/15/_thats-the-highway_-18/

 

[To read all, click "Route66" link, top left corner.]

 

 

 

STOP RE-NAMING MY CAR!

 

This editorial was fun to write, partly because I love history & timelines of cars, roads, etc. I suspect the fact that I enjoy timelines is part of the attraction/addiction I have to watching the brackets as teams advance & others are eliminated in the NCAA basketball tournament....

 

Cort Stevens

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

March 21, 2012

 

 

Toyota Camry. Honda Accord.

 

Since 1982 and 1976 respectively, these two models have evolved and changed with the times, without enduring a name change. Similar history can be traced for such entries as the Honda Odyssey. The first one wasn't much about which to write, but Honda persevered with the name and developed it into a top seller in its segment.

 

While some examples of continuous monickers don't celebrate similar history, the names have stuck. For instance, the Nissan Quest, first available in 1993 (with a re-badge model sold as the Mercury Villager), is today in its fourth generation even though none of the variations have particularly resonated with buyers.

 

Yet, American manufacturers have a knack for giving us a plethora of different names for virtually the same model. GM, Ford and Chrysler do this, perhaps too well.

 

READ THE ENTIRE ENTRY (& see a timeline graphic) HERE:

http://www.cheersandgears.com/page/index.html/_/articles/editorials/stop-re-naming-my-car-r487

 

 

 

Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic

CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

* rNw-CC+event: http://rdwhl-capriceclassic.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=whatsgoingon *

"These memories are playing like a film without sound" __ Vitamin C __ 'Graduation'

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FOLLOW-UP to STOP RE-NAMING MY CAR!

 

In case you missed it, Drew created this timeline graphic:

gallery_51_134_3277.png

 

I have some possible follow-up ideas; this is just the tip of the iceberg. NO, this is not a "domestic bashing" article; that wasn't the intent. The article idea was mentioned almost a year ago. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to write it ... partly because of my own disappointment in a certain unnamed division of GM that opted to turn the Celebrity into a monte carlo AND an impala, by way of the Lumina. Recently unemployed, I had time to dig into it; the more I dug, the more intrigued I was.

 

For the record, I've never owned a Toyota/Honda. My vehicles include 5 MCs (1972/1976/1979/1981/1987) & a 1979 Caprice Classic (w/NO connection to front-wheel drive).

 

For a "Reader's Digest" summary of my "car family", see this article I wrote for Motor Gnomes:

http://www.motorgnomes.com/2012/01/pictures-a-family-of-cars/

 

Pictures may be worth a thousand words, but they don’t share the complete tale. And, the complete tale might be a bit wordy, so a brief “Reader’s Digest” version….

 

1973. The newly-redesigned Monte Carlo was named Motor Trend Car Of The Year … and I was born. Coincidence? Fate? Ironic twist?

 

 

 

MY RT 66 STORY

All chapters, including NEW addition, #30....

 

1-4, Potential Sale; Arriving; Goodbye; Preparation:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/03/29/_thats-the-highway_/

 

5-8, The Letter; An Idea; A Return; Research & A Test:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/03/31/_thats-the-highway_-2/

 

9, The Drive & A Revelation:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/03/_thats-the-highway_-3/

 

10, Stall Tactic:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/06/_thats-the-highway_-4/

 

11-12, To Make Connections; Plans Verbalized:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/19/_thats-the-highway_-5/

 

13, Road Trip Rush:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/12/_thats-the-highway_-7/

 

14, Late Night & A Whistle:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/12/_thats-the-highway_-8/

 

15, Awakening:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/25/_thats-the-highway_-9/

 

16, Train & Memories:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/25/_thats-the-highway_-10/

 

17, Shopkeeper:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/06/21/_thats-the-highway_-6/

 

18-19, An Answer; Return Visit:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/08/11/_thats-the-highway_-12/

 

20, The Picture:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/10/17/_thats-the-highway_-11/

 

21, Shaping History:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/10/31/_thats-the-highway_-13/

 

22-23, Rebuilding Idea; Planning Stage:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/12/09/_thats-the-highway_-14/

 

24, Surprise Meeting:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/12/16/_thats-the-highway_-15/

 

25, A Long Meeting & A Visitor:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2012/01/24/_thats-the-highway_-16/

 

26-28, A Couple in a LTD; A Rude Awakening; Tale of Two Conversations:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2012/02/25/_thats-the-highway_-17/

 

29, Pictures Delivered:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2012/03/15/_thats-the-highway_-18/

 

30, Awkward Moments:

http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2012/03/26/_thats-the-highway_-19/

 

 

 

Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic

CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

"I can't remember who I was back then" __ Tim McGraw __ 'Red Ragtop'

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Nice article Cort. I have been an automotive marketing researcher for 25 years, and I still don't understand why they do what they do. My pet peeve is the alphanumeric names they give so many cars now. They may mean something to the manufacturer, but with few exceptions they mean little to the consumer. Here are a handful, each from a different manufacturer. How many do you think the average consumer can match to the correct brand name?

 

ZDX

S4

M3

CTS

300

M45

MKZ

XF

ES 350

3

C300

9-3

SX4

CC

 

These model names cross the import / domestic line, but the biggest offenders tend to be luxury vehicles. Oh well, maybe that's why, for the moment at least, my newest car is 40 years old. :)

 

Mike

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  • 2 weeks later...

*nods*

 

Thank you, Mike.

 

Hmm....automotive market researcher? Tell me more...that sounds...interesting.

 

As to the question you posed, sad to say, some of those I don't even immediately recognize, and I like to think of myself as a car enthusiast. Of those, these jumped out at me immediately as ones I definitely know ... CTS (Cadillac), 300 (Chrysler) and MKZ (Lincoln). Without "looking", I believe the 9-3 is a SAAB and the CC is a VW...I think. A few of the other ones I've heard of, of course, but couldn't tell you with certainty the manufacturer. Example, I want to say the M3 and M45 are either BMW or Infiniti, but not sure. The ES 350 has me thinking Mercedes Benz. Golly geez, maybe I'm not that much of an enthusiast after all ... HA!

 

And, I had to do some calculations ... your newest car is a 1972? That's your MC, right? What is your daily driver? My newest car is a 1987 model, but my daily driver (for now) is the 1979 Caprice Classic. Sadly, I'm thinking if I want to get hired I should get a newer and/or a "more presentable" car. UGH.

 

 

 

 

Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic

CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

* rNwJumpStartCruzNite | 5:30-10:30p; SAT, 05/12/12 | BeefVilla, 1225 W Spring St, S Elgin IL *

"Shouldn't have to give a reason why" __ Chris Daughtry __ 'No Surprise'

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You definitely are a car guy Cort. You nailed all of them except the ES 350, which is a Lexus. My company does a lot of work with auto and motorcycle manufacturers; things like new product development, customer satisfaction, early buyer studies, etc. We specialize in something called a "car clinic" where we invite owners of cars from a particular segment (e.g., midsize owners, minivan owners) to come in and give us feedback on a prototype vehicle being developed by one of the manufacturers. We try to determine the relative strengths and weaknesses of the new design and provide feedback to the manufacturer so they can make whatever changes they deem suitable before the car is released into the marketplace. Because of the long lead time in vehicle development, this process typically takes place 3-4 years before the planned release of the vehicle.

 

And yes, my newest car (and daily driver for now) is my 1972 Monte Carlo. I put a lot of miles on my other cars too. When the weather is bad I do my best not to drive any of them and I drive Sharon's Ford Escape instead. If I decide that I really need to have a new car I am inclined toward further impracticality, so maybe a Miata, Mini Cooper S or a Corvette. I can never quite stop stalking cars on ebay though, so my next new car is likely to be another old one. :P

 

 

Mike

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I too do not care for alphanumeric auto badging, nor do I particularily care for renaming of models. That said, I give Ford credit for the Mustang, currently the longest-running continuous nameplate sold in the US. Every model year since it's mid-year introduction in 1964.

This does not count names like Impala, which first debuted in 1958 but has not run continuously in every model year since. No Chevys were badged "Impala" from 1986 through 1992, and again from 1997-99.

The Mustang took the longest-used name title in 2009, after Pontiac dropped the Grand Prix nameplate that had appeared every model year since 1962.

If one counts light trucks, however, then the Suburban is by far the longest-lived nameplate, having been used by Chevrolet/GMC since the mid-1930s!

Edited by mga707
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You definitely are a car guy Cort. You nailed all of them except the ES 350, which is a Lexus.

 

Ah, yes. Heh ... some of those, I didn't think I did have correct...ha! And, thank you.

 

 

My company does a lot of work with auto and motorcycle manufacturers; things like new product development, customer satisfaction, early buyer studies, etc. We specialize in something called a "car clinic" where we invite owners of cars from a particular segment (e.g., midsize owners, minivan owners) to come in and give us feedback on a prototype vehicle being developed by one of the manufacturers. We try to determine the relative strengths and weaknesses of the new design and provide feedback to the manufacturer so they can make whatever changes they deem suitable before the car is released into the marketplace. Because of the long lead time in vehicle development, this process typically takes place 3-4 years before the planned release of the vehicle.

 

Is your company hiring? This sounds like something that would be right up my alley in terms of interest and abilities. Sounds fun and interesting, too.

 

 

And yes, my newest car (and daily driver for now) is my 1972 Monte Carlo. I put a lot of miles on my other cars too. When the weather is bad I do my best not to drive any of them and I drive Sharon's Ford Escape instead. If I decide that I really need to have a new car I am inclined toward further impracticality, so maybe a Miata, Mini Cooper S or a Corvette. I can never quite stop stalking cars on ebay though, so my next new car is likely to be another old one. :P

 

LOL! I'm only laughing at this because I see myself in it ... almost exactly ... with the exceptions of the Ford and the Miata, MCS or Corvette. BUT ... I'm always checking out craiglist, ebay, etc. I'd love to add a 1989 Caprice Classic to my car family, but so far, I haven't found anything suitable or (at this point) affordable. Ugh. Anyway, somehow I missed (or forgotten, perhaps?) that your '72 MC is your daily ... that's sweet! Have you joined the First Gen MC Club, by chance?

 

 

I too do not care for alphanumeric auto badging, nor do I particularily care for renaming of models. That said, I give Ford credit for the Mustang, currently the longest-running continuous nameplate sold in the US. Every model year since it's mid-year introduction in 1964.

This does not count names like Impala, which first debuted in 1958 but has not run continuously in every model year since. No Chevys were badged "Impala" from 1986 through 1992, and again from 1997-99.

The Mustang took the longest-used name title in 2009, after Pontiac dropped the Grand Prix nameplate that had appeared every model year since 1962.

If one counts light trucks, however, then the Suburban is by far the longest-lived nameplate, having been used by Chevrolet/GMC since the mid-1930s!

 

Glad you mentioned the Suburban! I started reading your post and kept thinking, but the Suburban far surpasses even the Mustang. :)

 

 

 

 

Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic

CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

* rNw-CC+event: http://rdwhl-capriceclassic.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=whatsgoingon *

"It could've been different somehow" __ Doug Stone __ 'Why Didn't I Think Of That?'

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Is your company hiring? This sounds like something that would be right up my alley in terms of interest and abilities. Sounds fun and interesting, too.

We aren't currently hiring, but there may be other companies out there who are. I'll contact you with a few possibilities.

 

LOL! I'm only laughing at this because I see myself in it ... almost exactly ... with the exceptions of the Ford and the Miata, MCS or Corvette. BUT ... I'm always checking out craiglist, ebay, etc. I'd love to add a 1989 Caprice Classic to my car family, but so far, I haven't found anything suitable or (at this point) affordable. Ugh. Anyway, somehow I missed (or forgotten, perhaps?) that your '72 MC is your daily ... that's sweet! Have you joined the First Gen MC Club, by chance?

No I haven't joined, but I just spent the last hour pouring through the site. :) Thanks for the tip.

 

Mike

Edited by BlueRidgeMike
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Mike,

 

 

It is a great guy who will help another guy find a job. Kudos! But I would consider taking that post down and using the message feature to reach Cort. Or I would edit the post to tell Cort to use the message feature to send you his email address.

 

My concern is that you may eventually get so many emails from others that you have to change your mail box. Maybe not, but just a possible heads up. Heck, I'm ready to send you an e-mail and I don't even want to work!! :cheers:

 

Dave

 

Keep the Show on the Road!

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Mike,

 

 

It is a great guy who will help another guy find a job. Kudos! But I would consider taking that post down and using the message feature to reach Cort. Or I would edit the post to tell Cort to use the message feature to send you his email address.

 

My concern is that you may eventually get so many emails from others that you have to change your mail box. Maybe not, but just a possible heads up. Heck, I'm ready to send you an e-mail and I don't even want to work!! :cheers:

 

Dave

 

Keep the Show on the Road!

 

Thanks Dave. I took your advice and will contact Cort another way. You, of course, can email me anytime!

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Mike,

 

I don't know what it is about this forum, but we seem to attract a premo group of participants, such as yourself. This thread is a good example. There isn't a dud in the group that posts here.

 

I have been visiting here for four or five years and every dialog is civil and helpful, and we seem to actually give a damn about each other, without exception. Becky calls this a community, but it is practically a family, with new members adding terrific insights and valuable information and experiences.

 

Each of us brings something special to the table, and I for one among many are pleased to see you active here.

 

Dave

 

Keep the Show on the Road!

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No I haven't joined, but I just spent the last hour pouring through the site. :) Thanks for the tip.

 

You are welcome! Let me know if you decide to join.

 

And, many many thanks. I replied to your PM and sent you an Email. :)

 

 

Becky calls this a community, but it is practically a family, with new members adding terrific insights and valuable information and experiences.

 

Dave ... I see this phenomenon on most boards/groups to which I post and am a member. It is simply amazing how people grow to be a family, even when you've never met in person. This is part of the reason I started doing my road trips way back in 2003 ... I wanted to meet the people behind the screen names ... and I've had a blast every year.

 

 

 

 

Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic

CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

* rNwJumpStartCruzNite | 5:30-10:30p; SAT, 05/12/12 | BeefVilla, 1225 W Spring St, S Elgin IL *

"My ticker's ticking like they say it should" __ Montgomery Gentry __ 'Lucky Man'

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