7大车型拯救美国汽车业
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造就未来 美国三大汽车厂商在2009年的经济危机中都遭逢了灭顶之灾。他们之所以最终都大难不死，而且现在还在赢利，并非是由于美国车的质量高人一等。首先是因为通用汽车（General Motors）和克莱斯勒（Chrysler）的破产让这两家公司“洗心革面”，其次是福特（Ford）在危急时刻获得了及时的财务救助。各厂商现在已经开始对最新款的车型进行全面铺货，不过这些车型差不多都是在金融危机以前研发的。像福特翼虎（Escape）和雪佛兰英帕拉（Impala）等车型，它们的设计蓝本还是基于十多年前的设计。 不过这种情况早晚会发生变化。国际市场需求的增加，以及全球平台的需要，将会加速底特律现有汽车生产线的淘汰速度。那些体格太大、太烧油，或是不适合北美市场的车型将愈发难以生存。以下谨为读者精选七款汽车，它们很可能成为底特律汽车厂商未来的突破口。 |
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Building a future Although they are getting better, the quality of American cars isn't what kept the Detroit Three afloat during the 2009 crisis and keeps them profitable now. Rather, it was the cleansing effects of bankruptcy at General Motors and Chrysler, and some timely financial engineering at Ford. Even the newest cars arriving in showrooms this fall were developed prior to the existential crisis. Indeed, some models like the Ford Escape and Chevrolet Impala are based on designs that are more than a decade old. Going forward, that will change. The demands of growing international markets and the requirements of global platforms will speed the obsolescence of Detroit's car lines. Vehicles that are too big, too thirsty, or otherwise ill-adapted for driving outside North America will face a higher hurdle to justify their survival. Herewith, a gallery of models on which Detroit can build its future. |
