The Cars We've Lost in 2013
Every year, new cars arrive in the showrooms. Some are brand new to the world, others go through evolutions and revolutions. Yet, every year, some cars are sent off to the showroom in the sky.
This year, we’ve lost seven vehicles. Some died due to poor sales, some to improper marketing, and others to horrible execution. 2014 will bring about the deaths of these seven vehicles.
- Acura ZDX
- Cadillac Escalade EXT
- Nissan Altima Coupe
- Toyota Matrix
- Volkswagen Routan
- Volvo C30
- Volvo C70
In some cases, like the ZDX and Routan, the product was poorly conceived and faced an equally poor reception in the marketplace. In other cases, like the Escalade EXT and Altima Coupe, they were based on previous generation cars and the business case wasn’t strong enough to justify a replacement. The Volvo twins and the Matrix weren’t necessarily bad cars, but they were long in the tooth and faced declining sales, thus leading to their euthanization.
Photo credit: Alex L. Dykes/The Truth About Cars
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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The Murano CrossCabriolet took all of the best qualities of a certain excellent CUV and completely did away with them. I don't know why it's not on this list, but my guess is that when the third-generation Murano debuts (mid or late 2014, most likely), the CrossCabriolet simply won't be ported over, much like the ZDX and Avalanche.
And yet there's the 2014 Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet. It must sell in the tens.
The Matrix is the real loss for me. Toyota drops the ball on the 2nd generation - I mean, just look at it. Then, when comparatively few people buy one, they discontinue it just when it appears the new Corolla five door is appealing. They've just lost a sale.
yawn. none of these losers will be missed. "Routan"? "Matrix"? Smell ya later, losers!