Don’t know if you noticed yet, but the US market lost a great deal of cars in 2013 and 2014. Some of them are still available, but those vehicles are experiencing their last months in dealerships. About ten nameplates from all automobile classes were discontinued, but two manufacturers ceased their activity as well.
One of them is Coda Automotive, who only survived for a year or so trying to develop its own electric car, while the other is Suzuki, who has to close its vehicle operations in North America (American Suzuki Motor Corp) after 18 years.
Moving over to nameplates, the Acura ZDX, Chevrolet Avalanche, Volvo C30 and Toyota Matrix got discontinued last year. 2014 will see the end of six more vehicles. Honda Insight will get the axe after 14 years, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is making an exit after seven years in the market, just like the Dodge Avenger.
The 2014 model year will also be the end of the road for the Acura TSX, which will make way for a brand new sedan, the TLX, and the Subaru Tribeca. But the most iconic vehicle to retire sports a Ford badge. We’re talking about the E-Series, the van that’s been carrying people and goods since 1961.
Introduced as a compact van 53 years ago, the E-Series has grown in size over the years and has been very popular with American buyers. The fifth-generation model went on sale just five years ago, but Ford decided to replace the famous nameplate with the 2015 Transit, which is scheduled to go on sale this summer.
Some left before their time, while others stayed longer than they should have. Nevertheless, the folks over at Kelley Blue Book have rolled out a short clip to pay their last respects to these cars and automakers.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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