Car manufacturers provide all sorts of reasons for discontinuing a model. Sometimes it is just because the cycle is over, or the model didn’t do very well. Other times a car is too similar to its competition – for example, the Maybach vs. the Mercedes S-Class – and a new design is needed to keep the customer base. Most of all, some cars just don’t sell. Sometimes they are redesigned and sometimes they’re so bad they aren’t! Whatever the reason, there is a direct correlation between cancellations and low sales. A car company may have a great car that a lot of people like, but if the market only allows for those people to buy a cheaper car, there is no point in the company continuing to manufacture it. In 2013, there were more than a dozen models that were canceled. Here are the ones that I don’t think will make it to next year (continued in Part 2).
5. Nissan Juke
This bizarre-looking Nissan had trouble finding its niche in the car world. Its initial introduction at best caught the eye of the consumer because it is different, but after five years, the price is still comparable to a vehicle that looks a little less squished, such as a Honda Civic or a Nissan Sentra. Obviously the point of the Juke is to provide a little more room than a typical four door without actually being an SUV, but it leaves little headroom for its passengers. In spite of it all, it’s sure to catch your eye riding down the street!
4. Acura TSX
The Acura TSX is an example of a model becoming obselete because there is another one within the same manufacturer that meets the same needs at a better price. Honda’s luxury line, Acura, has always been an upgraded version of the comparable Honda (i.e., Acura TL and Honda Accord). However, the introduction of the Honda Civic ILX has the same extra features at a better price. The Acura TL, one step up from the TSX, closes in on the top with its standard features. Therefore, other than wanting the name, consumers will most likely opt for the Civic.
