Joke Car Brands Coming Of Age
Sunday, 13. November 2011
I’m forever making up excuses for cars such as Skoda, Seat and Chevrolet. All three makes are extremely good considering their roots and the long held view that in their previous existences they were, well frankly – crap! Take the Skoda, the butt of many a comedian’s joke, but now, under VW ownership with VW parts and German build control the brand is seen as one of the most reliable on the road. The same applies to the Spanish Seat. Rubbish until, like Skoda, it was taken over by VW and now makes a great alternative to the VW range.
Then there is Chevrolet. Not so bad as the new owners, Vauxhall, decided to change the name from its previous name of Daewoo. However, given the poor impression attached to the original names I was surprised when VW decided to retain the names of Skoda and Seat.
But hold on to your chairs boys and girls, we may soon see the return of Datsun. I always thought that it was a wise move on the part of Nissan to re-brand but apparently they are thinking of a re-introduction! NO NO NO!!! Why?
It’s not as though the name comes with a great old reputation such as Alvis or Bugatti. But the worst is yet to come. Renault owns Dacia and that name is set to return in 2013 but how about this, the loony French Renault owners of, wait for it – Lada are thinking about a re-launch in 2013.
I’m not kidding, the Russian car that was driven by a clockwork motor is likely to be re-born as a Renault marque. How crazy is that? By Graham Hill
