Suzukiphile August Wrap Up

Since I don't really use this Blog much anymore, but people still ping me about it, I thought I'd link to what I am doing over at www.Suzukiphile.com, which also includes some GM, Daewoo, and other related stories that I could have just as well posted here.  So rather than every post from August, I chose the more general ones and not only Suzuki specific.  Not sure if I'll be back here regularly, so if you don't see more posts on this blog, just head over to Suzukiphile where I try to have something interesting posted every day.

GM and Other U.S.-based Automakers Already Average 35mpg...In Europe

Detroit's Profit Gap with Japanese Automakers Reportedly $3,814 per Vehicle

Suzuki Reno Review - Reno vs. Forenza

Small Cars Back In Style as Big, Truckish Vehicles Founder

Suzuki Verona: Get a Used One, It's a Steal for a Roomy, Entry-Lux Sedan

Suzuki Boulevard S40: Hybrid-like Fuel Economy for a Fraction of the Price

I'm often amazed at the lengths people will go to in an effort to prove just how green they are or "save money". While not the solution for everyone, the easy answer to getting good mileage has been around for decades, and it's called the motorcycle.

While a loudly idling Harley with a radical cam and straight pipes doesn't do much to create an image of Eco-friendliness, the smaller, inexpensive motorcycles that Suzuki offers are a great way to save fuel and money on transportation and reduce your so-called "carbon footprint". It should also be noted that a small motorcycle simply uses less raw material to build, so there's less to worry about disposing of or recycling.

One of the problems with motorcycles has been the in the typical American fashion, the image of bigger=better. And this has led to some motorcycles ending up costing more than compact cars that are loaded with standard luxuries that can't be had on a bike. But riding a bike like a Harley or Victory is really more of a lifestyle choice and personal statement than it is a rational decision. These big American cruisers are not for saving money or fuel.

And then you have the "sport bike" crowd that ride a motorcycle for the thrill of speed, all dressed up in full leather bodysuits. The bikes they ride are not particularly inexpensive, either. And like with the "Biker" crowd, it's also about riding with friends and being part of a community.

The oft-overlooked alternative (at least in the USA) is the traditional simple, lightweight motorcycle built for one purpose: transportation.

So what new, simple, reliable bike could one drive to work comfortably without paying too much?

READ MORE HERE

Suzukiphile Updates

Some updates from my Suzukiphile blog. Check 'em out if you have the time! :

1. Suzuki Wagon R RR Street Sport Concept

2. #1 Kei Truck: Suzuki Carry


3. Detroit Continues to Fight Against Fuel Economy

Blog Updates / Suzukiphile

Haven't posted much here as I've been busy with the Suzukiphile blog.  Check out just a few of the many posts there:

• JDM Suzuki Swift Sport Street Sport
• Gran Turismo 5 Coming....What Cars for Suzuki?
• "Fur-Renza" gets Positive Review from Dog Owners

Photos of my 2007 Suzuki Forenza Wagon

See photos of my 2007 Absolute White Suzuki Forenza Wagon with Convenience Package, Automatic Transmission, and several SWT ( "Suzuki Works Techno" ) accessories:

Set 1: 2007 Forenza Wagon SWT

Set 2: 2007 Forenza Wagon SWT

Suzukiphile.com

There haven't been many (if any) regularly updated American Suzuki news blogs out there, so go check out www.suzukiphile.com if you're a Suzuki fan with a need for news!

Bob Lutz Discusses Park Avenue! "Ming" & GMInsidenews Make National TV!

Many thanks to John McElroy of Autoline Detroit!

Wow. Watch as Mr. Bob Lutz gives a great, lengthy response to my question on the Park Avenue and hints at a "Return to true Luxury" for Buick. Download the video HERE!, about 14:45 minutes in. - Ming

Quote: "We are studying the low volume import (of the Park Avenue)....and reestablish the Buick Flagship. It would return Buick truly to the Luxury Class."

Also note that the Chinese SLS is mentioned by Matt Delorenzo of Road and Track. And Bob Lutz mentions his future with GM. Bob also did not gush about the Super Buicks. He was very straightforward and didn't spin at all. It was an interview well worth the wait, I think!

According to John McElroy's opening this week, Autoline Detroit's Server crashed last week under the load of all of the people going to see the "Extra" video clip that did not end up including Bob Lutz' comments on the Park Avenue. But the guys at Blue Sky Productions more than made up for that by broadcasting the show live, mentioning GMInsideNews (and my screen-name) to anyone with the Speed TV cable channel nationwide!