Hey, Markiemark, is cool, regardless of what you think!!!


Later,
Mark



PS:BTW: Thanks for info SoCal.

I agree with orginal posts, that parts for HHR, seem really slow to non-exsistant to come out. I don't understand the shops that did SEMA HHR's, but really don't provide any of the nice customizations that they designed as after-market items (for the most part, other than Teazer offerrring their kits).

 

and don't forget the upcoming SS. That should help with the appeal to the aftermarket vendors.

 

I think it will make owning a non SS HHR like owning a V6 Mustang, Firebird, or Camaro. There are a million parts from every manufacturer for the V8 models but limited parts for the lesser V6 models. I could totally see that happening when the SS HHR makes its debut. If it ever makes a debut.

 

As SoCal mentioned, the SEMA people are looking at production numbers, for support of investing in tooling costs. And, at this point the HHR does not produce enough interest for that. Sure, overall production is at 100,000. But, 90% of those owners are not going to add $1000-$2000 to their vehicle.. I mean hell, we have 2500 enthusiastic owners on this forum, but that is a minority.

Actually I believe the aftermarket KNOWS that the HHR is only going to last 5 years. Why invest BIG BUCKS in tooling when payback will be minimal.

GM will probably continue to offer "limited" type additions to encourage sales. But I think the HHR is a "fill the gap" marketing tool. Once the aura is worn off.....it's gone and replaced with a different model.

If the drivetrain survives, as we now know it or improved/modified, it will be used in something else.

My

Oh BTW, Goodyear is in worse financial condition than GM.

 

You really think they'll only do a 5 year run on the HHR and then kill it off?

 

The PT is now on 7-years and still selling well...

 

Actually it's not......And, yes I BELIEVE the HHR has a 5-6 year life expectancy. And, I have my reasons also...

A source within Chrysler said that the PT Cruiser will cease production in 2009, to be replaced by JC49 and JC41. These are new crossovers based on the Sebring/Avenger, one fairly sporty and one resembling the Pacifica. This is confirmation of prior rumors. Earlier we had heard from a source that Chrysler had been planning a Neon replacement which a new PT would be based on; and Chrysler itself said it was deciding now whether to make a Caliber or Avenger-Sebring based PT. Currently this remains in the “credible rumor” category.

 

I just read this same article on www.ptcruizer.com/news.html. But they are at least considering a PT on another platform.

 

Interesting Hillsdale....

Mine was a quote given to the Wall Street Journal. Also said sales have been dropping steadily since 2001. But they still have over 100,000 per year. That was GM's original projection for the HHR. They dropped that projection for something like 55,000. Then remarked it beat expectations....again, the marketing people. (that was reason #1). Reason #2 GM needs to continually introduce new "versions" to support sales (limited editions, etc.). Marketing people told me they do this, in regard to general sales theories. If a vehicle is doing great they don't need to continually stimulate the consumer to buy a particular model.

Reason #3.....based on sales, marketing surveys, identity...it has not been received well. This is January...and many NEW 2006's still remain on dealer lots.

Don't shoot the messenger...I'm just expressing my opinion. And, I still like my HHR. It fit the "slot" when I needed a car and the Pontiac dealers would not sell me a Solstice at my discount.

Oh, Mike your correct, again, about the mileage (cafe) boost the HHR gives. But believe it or not the Trucks don's need it. The flex-fuel trucks are allowed an EPA rating (per CAFE) of something like 32-35 mpg. Stupid, but it's done....another reason we are flim-flammed about E-85 ....but that's for another thread.

 

GM sells every single HHR it makes, and they did have to upgrade production capacity in order to fill all the orders. However, they do not want it to be a high-production vehicle. There are two reasons for this:

1. Every HHR sold is someone not buying a money-making truck.
2. More HHRs sold mean lower wholesale values for the line.

GM really does have some messed up plans right now, but they simply can't afford to sell too many small cars right now. They simply just don't make any money on them, and they sell enough to justify not having the marketing behind them. I mean, the Andy Dick-Tonight Show commercial blitz was a great idea, but everything else about marketing the HHR has been pathetic. Even the NAME of the car is a disaster.

When the PT came out, it was just a lame body on the weak Neon chassis. What Chrysler did right was create the BUZZ. GM needs to figure out how to do this with their small cars, too.