AUTOMOTIVE Changes make GMi stronger From page 38 four-door sport-utility vehicles — was now in place, they abo found out that the preliminary sulng on the dumping case against Toyota and Mazda was now voted in favor of the Japanese, With this news, Japanese automakers escaped futher duties that could have added anothec few thousand dollars to the price of Toyota's or Mazda's minivans. The minivan/utility tariff of 28%, by the way, never materi- alized Jater bec: ise it did not pass the Senate. In late October, GM's chair- man, Robert Stempel, resigned afeer failing to gain support from the GM board. In his place, John Smale, as expected, became the chairman. Also, Jack Smith gained the additional tide of chief executive officer, giving him the responsibil- ity for the entire GM organiza- tion. Arcund the same time, GM also announced a number of cancellations and postponements of new car programs in an at- tempt to further reduce the “bleeding.” Mazda announced that it will eng its plans for the Amati luxury channel that was supposed to srari in 1994 to compete with infiniti, Acura, and Lexus. With the weak financial sirua- tion of Mazda and slow economic recovery in both the U.S. and Japan, Mazda decided that further investment into the project would not be fruitful. More friction developed be- 44 At one time considered to be a “bargain” car, Yugo quietly filed for bankruptcy. 99 tween Japan and the U.S. when the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association (MVMA) kicked out Honda, Volvo, and other heavy- truck manufacturers from the association in Jate November. The import makers were astonished that the MYMA would make such a blunt move. On Dee. 3, GM announced more plant closures as part of the teorganization that started a year ago to shut down 21 plants and eliminate 74,000 jobs by 1995. The most recent shakeup will affect 18,000 workers at 10 epera- tions throughout North America. Just this week GM Canada also decided to discontinue the Asuna brand at the end of the 1993 model year partly because of isuzu’s recently announced deci- sion to stop making cars, f know, GM's situation sounds very bleak, but remembe: that ooth Ford and Chivsler faced near bankruptey at one point. and look where they are now, In the fong run, industry analysts believe that these changes will make GM a much stronger company. Saab engine one of world’s smoothest small powerplants From page 35 ped steering wheel and shift lever, wool-covered seats, and fog lamps. Don’t iet the 9000's conser- vative looks fool you. The Turbo in particular offers surprising performance. The 2.3-litre .four-cylinder engine-has astounding power for its size. Maximum torque is reached at jus: 2,000 rpm, mean- ing that there’s virtually no tur- bo-lug and power is instantaneous. There’s very little turbo whine and the engine is quict at cruising speeds, turning over just 2,500 rpm at 100 km/h in fourth gear (automatic transmission). The only noise to be heard is from the Pirelli Z 205/60R 15 pertormance-rated radial tires which complement the 9000's ex- cellent handling abilities. My test car had the optional BEAT THE ODDS LUNG DISEASE ce, Support ¥ ee ” sdvanced research and province-wide community education programs sponsored by your Lung Association. B.C. bang Association Bow 3400 Sa, aun > Nencanver, Be Nid Me { . hte mg yal four-speed automatic transmission which shifted very smoothly, but ioo early, in my opinion. The 9000's automatic transmis- sion would benefit from a driver-selectable Sport/Economy mode for those drivers who want a little more performance. Saab 9000 prices range from $32,000 to just under $50,000. Like many European lurury ears, the 9000 is very much a dviver’s car. But unlike others, it accommo- dates passengers and cargo, and can be very fuel-efficient when driven moderatcly. : 13820 - 104th Avenue e Surrey, B.C. CRUD COON Viel The auto industry certainly had more than their share of prob- Jems in '92. Despite the difficult times, however, we were fortunate to see so many excellent new models ar- rive in the showrooms for the "93 model year, But wait: in the fol- lowing months, the automakers will bring more new models to the North American market. So keep your spirits up, things should improve in °93! Merry Christmas! LC.B.C BCAA & ARA APPROVED COLL! FAS-T COLLISION REPAIRS QUISlg, FREE COURTESY CARS QUALITY WORKMANSHIP PRECISION REPAIRS SATISFACTION GUARANTEED ltb out the Tia of us. United Way f the Lower Mainland |r 4595 A. pia opto canto} 4 wi to revere Cc. 50 PEMBERTON AVE 'NOATH VANCOUVER ane WISH YOU ALL THE BEST OF THE FESTIVE SEASON AND. -A-HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS — if we may be of service to you in any way, please call een ASS SCHLUYER or WALTER EGLSEDER at 983-3577 er 584-131 s ~NEW YEAR.” wN