As 2009 draws to a close it is a good time to look back at the automotive movers and shakers that defined the year. These top 10 manufacturers managed to capture the news in a year fraught with uncertainty and anguish. They are also the ones most likely to continue to make the news in 2010.
1. Fiat
This Italian company is the white knight that stepped up to save Chrysler from bankruptcy. Now that it's in the driver's seat, many changes will start in 2010 as the new boss tries to return the once-troubled company to profitability.
Indications are that four versions of the diminutive Fiat 500 -- a hatchback, a convertible, a wagon and a hot hatch -- will be built at Chrysler's Mexican manufacturing plant and appear in North American showrooms by 2011. Plans are for the Lancia brand to be merged with Chrysler and the Lancia Thesis built in Canada. There is talk that the venerable Alfa Romeo luxury/sports car may return to these shores as well.
Expect to see the new Jeep Grand Cherokee in the fall of 2010. Alfa-Romeo will have its own version, but that might not be available in North America.
Look out for a new Wrangler in late 2010, perhaps even with a Fiat diesel.
2. Ford
The only one of the Big Three to avoid bankruptcy, Ford has gained valuable market credibility by not asking for a bailout to survive. Instead, it sold off Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover to raise cash and focus on its core business. At the same time, the company has managed to bring out popular new vehicles including the Edge, Fusion, Taurus and Flex.
Ford's fleet is also more fuel-efficient, thanks in part to the use of turbochargers in its engine offerings.
The company will introduce the Fiesta in Canada in 2010, a subcompact much anticipated in the economy-minded market.
3. Hyundai
The recession that battered other manufacturers was perhaps the best thing that could have happened to Hyundai. While the competition slumped, the Korean manufacturer soared, thanks to fresh product that gave good value for the money. The firm started off the year with a $9,995 Accent and in the middle of the year came up with the Genesis sedan, a luxury car for under $50,000.
In 2009, they also introduced a new Elantra in sedan and wagon versions and topped it off with the Genesis Coupe. Coming next in 2010 is the redesigned mid-sized Sonata sedan and Tucson compact crossover. In the late summer or fall expect the new Equus, which replaces the Azera.
4. General Motors
The unthinkable happened when GM went bankrupt in 2009. After a very public bailout with a hefty injection of government loans, the General is still with us. The patient shows good signs of recovery, with new vehicles such the Camaro muscle car and the GMC Terrain crossover leading the way. Casualties include Pontiac, Saturn and Saab.
Cars to look out for in 2010 are the introduction of the Chevrolet Cruz, a compact sedan, and the Volt, GM's first mass-production electric car.
The Buick Lacrosse will be joined by the new Regal in 2010. Cadillac will add a coupe version of the CTS in showrooms by the summer.
5. Honda
The company that introduced the world to gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles reintroduced the Insight in 2009. Now a four-door, the Insight is the lowest-priced hybrid on the market. In 2010, Honda will debut the Crosstour, which is based on the Accord, to tap into the hot crossover market.
6. Kia
This Korean manufacturer has gone from just offering bargain-basement bland cars to a company to keep one's eyes on. Its funky and boxy Soul has caught the attention of the youth market. The Forte sedan and coupe is light-years ahead of the car it replaced. They will be joined by a new Sorrento crossover in 2010.
7. Toyota
Industry eyes were on Toyota in 2009 as the automaker rolled out the third-generation Prius hybrid. The Tundra pick-up and 4Runner SUV, however, made their debut with much less fanfare. A new Sienna minivan was introduced at the L.A. Auto Show in early December. With the Highlander now available as a hybrid, Toyota is looking to introduce the new technology in the Tundra and Sequoia SUV in the near future.
8. Volvo
Will the Swedes speak with a Chinese accent a year from now? Talks of a Chinese firm purchasing Volvo appear to gain credence at press time. Buyers might not care as long as the company, which introduced the world's first collision avoidance system in the XC60 in 2009, continues to put the emphasis on safety.
Volvo shares its innovative Blind Spot Info System technology with Ford.
9. Mercedes-Benz
This luxury car manufacturer has been aggressively pricing its cars. In 2009, it introduced the GLK crossover/SUV and new E-Class sedan. In both instances, Mercedes confounded pundits by giving consumers more content for less money -- without sacrificing quality. This strategy helped Mercedes-Benz weather the economic storm and gain market at the expense of its luxury segment rivals.
When the SLS AMG arrives in 2010, even the affluent will have to stand in line to get one of the new supercars. As the spiritual successor to the classic Mercedes gullwings, last seen on the 1954-57 300 SL, the SLS will bring instant recognition and have a halo effect on the entire Benz lineup. The all-aluminum sports car will be powered by a 6.2-litre V-8 with its 563 h.p. electronically limited to no more than 320 km/h.
10. Tata
The Tata Nano is an entry-level car built in India and meant primarily for that market. But its $2,500 price captured the imagination of people worldwide.
"Where can I buy one?" is a question I am sure every automotive journalist must have heard repeated. The manufacturer has responded to the demand by confirming a version will be available for Europe in the near future. There has been no word if the car will ever be sold in North America.
But that's not to say we in the West won't be touched by this emerging manufacturer -- it purchased Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in 2009.
parrais@tc.canwest.com
parrais@tc.canwest.com
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