Re: Thank you Ford

["Ryan Fellini" <rfellini@domain.elided>]

Ford Focus competition?  GM already has this vehicle in
the Opel Astra.

Both of these German designed hatchbacks are already competing
against their cousin, the Volkswagen Golf.  Only the Astra is
matching Golf sales.  The Focus is an immature design (though
not a bad copy of Punto/145 styling at all). ^_^  The next Focus will
probably be better, and more reliable.

I think 147, Focus, Astra, "could" all have potential in California
...where Integra/Civic/Golf/GTIs appear to rule.

take care,

Ryan
Saab 900 2.0 16v Turbo
Alfa Romeo 75Q 3.0 V6
Ducati 650SS Gio.Ca.Moto

> I have resisted until now to voice my views on the stock swap and it
> effects, but could resist no longer.  I think the future of Alfa in the US
> could be pretty bright...  If the Ford Focus is any indication.  GM wanted
> to get access to FIAT's small car technology,  they already have all the
> soft barge technology they need.  It would not make sense for them to market
> Chevy-like Alfa's of FIAT's.  What I think they want are smaller cars to
> compete with the likes of the Ford Focus in the US market.  While light
> trucks are still the largest market segment in the US, new cars such as the
> Focus are not doing poorly.  In fact, they lead me to believe a segment of
> the US population is concerned more and more with tight handling high build
> quality entry level automobiles.

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