Hhr Roof
Is the Future the Past?
America’s thirst for cars of significance continues unabated. Long tired of copycat, cookie cutter, uninspiring models, consumers are demanding – and receiving – cars that are, quite frankly, retro. Yes, America’s automakers are reaching back in time to build a bunch of models based on popular models from yesteryear. Let’s take a look at the “Big 3″ automakers and their current crop of retro cars as well as “future” models soon to be released.
Defined, retro cars are vehicles that take their styling cues from cars built a generation or two ago. No, these vehicles aren’t carbon copies of earlier models, rather each retro car borrows much of their look from earlier models.
Although American automakers dominate the retro market, the Volkswagen New Beetle was one of the first cars to reach back as it went forward. Based on the VW Golf platform, the circular shaped New Beetle hearkens back to the flower child era with its current rendition of the people’s car. Fortunately, VW had the presence of mind to include its famed “flower holder” in with the dash, to evoke memory of the earlier model.
Ford pushed the retro market forward with its introduction of the Thunderbird in 2002. Borrowing heavily from early sixties era TBirds, the car has had mixed success as Ford sold a very limited number of the model for a few years and then discontinued it after the 2005 model year, citing poor sales. In 2004, Ford introduced a retro version of the Mustang, based on the ‘67 Mustang fastback. Unlike the TBird, the Mustang has been a huge success and Ford can barely keep up with production. No word if a retro Pinto is being planned by FoMoCo.
Chrysler got in the retro craze with its introduction of the 2000 PT Cruiser. Based on 1950s era panel vans, the PT Cruiser sits on the now defunct Neon platform, but sales have been strong for Chrysler. The Dodge Challenger, another Chrysler product, is the car many are waiting to see if and when it debuts as an ‘09 model. Borrowing cues from the ‘71 model is part of the fun of this car: a hemi engine coupled with a fantastic interior will certainly help move sales. For the record, the current Dodge Charger isn’t retro – it has four doors – but I am mentioning it because it is one cool car!
Chevrolet went retro with the SSR, a “truck” based on 1950s era pick ups. Word has it that the slow selling SSR – hey, $42K for THAT thing – is on its last legs. Fortunately, the HHR [Heritage High Roof] will keep Chevy in the retro business as this new for 2006 model takes its styling cues from the ‘49 Suburban. Some would say the PT Cruiser!
Are we likely to see more retro cars in the future? Maybe, but probably not a Caddy replete with fins or a Chevy Vega. America’s love with old models is strong, but selective, and the automakers must be certain that consumers really want a particular retro car before putting it into production. Oh, by the way, the ‘09 Chevy Camaro concept is one hot looking car!
About the Author
Read about canine scabies and canine conjunctivitis at the Canine Symptoms website.
Chevrolet HHR at 2007 Chicago Auto Show
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ProRac T-Slot Pro-File Utility Roof Rack CHEVY HHR $227.99 |
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2006 To 2011 Chevrolet HHR Roof Rack Cross Rail Package $251.16 |
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06-11 HHR Chrome Roof Luggage Cargo Cross Rail Slat Kit $249.99 |
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06-11 HHR Nickel Roof Luggage Cargo Cross Rail Slat Kit $249.99 |
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2006 – 2009 Chevrolet HHR Roof Luggage Rack Carrier New $199.00 |
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OEM 6-11 Chevy HHR Roof Rack Cross Bars Black 12499879 $259.00 |
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06-11 CHEVY HHR ROOF LUGGAGE CROSS RAILS FOR ROOF RACK WITH CHROME ENDS $266.88 |
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OEM 8-11 Chevy HHR Roof Rack Cross Bars Black 19166224 $259.00 |
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Chevy HHR minivan Heavy duty UNIVERSAL ladder roof rack $160.55 |
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06-11 HHR Roof Rack Cross Rails Bright Chrome End Caps! $249.99 |
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Chevy HHR Roof Rack Utility Bars Black w/ Bright Chrome $282.88 |
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Chevy HHR Roof Rack Utility Bars Black w/ Pearl Nickel $282.88 |
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2006 To 2011 Chevrolet HHR Roof-Mounted Soft Cargo Carrier $113.40 |
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Chevy HHR Roof Mounted Luggage Cross Rail Package $246.00 |
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06-11 CHEVROLET HHR ROOF RACK CROSS RAILS 12499283 OE $248.95 |
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2006-2011 CHEVROLET HHR Roof Rack Side Rails Chrome 19159799 GENUINE OEM GM $168.95 |
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OEM 6-11 Chevy HHR Roof Rack Cross Bars Black 12499283 $259.00 |
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White H2 ladder roof van rack 50″ bar/72″ side rail Chevrolet HHR ALUMINUM $679.20 |
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White J1000 2 bar ladder roof rack with 50″ bars Chevrolet HHR 2005-On ALUMINUM $119.20 |
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Black H2 ladder roof van rack 50″ bar/72″ side rail Chevrolet HHR ALUMINUM $679.20 |
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Black H2 ladder roof van rack 50″ bar/84″ side rail Chevrolet HHR ALUMINUM $759.20 |
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Black J1000 2 bar ladder roof rack with 50″ bars Chevrolet HHR 2005-On ALUMINUM $119.20 |
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Black J1000 2 bar ladder roof rack with 59″ bars Chevrolet HHR 2005-On ALUMINUM $127.20 |
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White J4000 ladder roof van rack 50″ bar/72″ side rail Chevrolet HHR ALUMINUM $383.20 |
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Black J4000 ladder roof van rack 50″ bar/72″ side rail Chevrolet HHR ALUMINUM $383.20 |
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White J2000 2 bar ladder roof rack with 59″ bars w/ acc Chevrolet HHR ALUMINUM $207.20 |
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2006 06 CHEVROLET HHR Luggage Roof Mount Rack OEM $200.00 |
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2008-2011 CHEVROLET HHR Roof Rack Cross Rail Package Black 19166224 GENUINE GM $259.49 |
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2006-2011 CHEVROLET HHR Roof Rack Cross Rail Package Chrome 12499283 GENUINE GM $259.49 |
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Black J2000 2 bar ladder roof rack with 59″ bars w/ acc Chevrolet HHR ALUMINUM $207.20 |
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2006-2011 CHEVROLET HHR Roof Rack Cross Rail Package Pearl Nickel 12499879 OEM $259.49 |
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White J2000 2 bar ladder roof rack with 50″ bars w/ acc Chevrolet HHR ALUMINUM $199.20 |
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Black J2000 2 bar ladder roof rack with 50″ bars w/ acc Chevrolet HHR ALUMINUM $199.20 |
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White J1000 2 bar ladder roof rack with 59″ bars Chevrolet HHR 2005-On ALUMINUM $127.20 |
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White H2 ladder roof van rack 50″ bar/84″ side rail Chevrolet HHR ALUMINUM $759.20 |
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2006-2012 CHEVY HHR ROOF MOUNTED LUGGAGE RAILS $305.00 |
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06-11 HHR Luggage Roof Rack Side Rails Black GM New!! $155.99 |
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08-11 HHR Roof Rack Cross Rails Black End Caps GM New!! $249.99 |
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06-11 HHR Roof Rack Cross Rails Pearl Nickel End Caps!! $249.99 |
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06-11 HHR Luggage Roof Rack Side Rails Chrome GM New!! $169.99 |
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Chevy HHR Roof Mounted Soft Cargo Carrier with Logo $114.00 |