I understand what you mean by alienating current buyers. Buick in the US has been pretty low volume, so I think that it won't matter too much with (hopefully) the amount of new buyers the new vehicles will attract.


If there are sales decreases because of the new LaCrosse, I think it would be due to product availability rather than purchases. But, say there is a sales drop off because it alienated all the blue hairs who want a column shifter and bench seat. How many cars (not trucks or SUVs) today are offered with those? Where would they go to get them? Would it be a deal breaker?

 

Sure... but the actual location of a level to shift gears has THAT MUCH to do with the sex appeal of a car?

I'm not saying it doesn't, because it probably does... but it seems pretty silly.

 

I wonder if and when column shifters and bench seats will make a comeback. Darth Xed makes a really good point on their benefits. I would miss some of the storage offered by the center console. However, the bench seat could always have a fold-down armrest with a storage compartment that would work for holding most things the center console compartment would. Then have a pull-out cupholder tray from the dash. Hmm... I must be getting old because I'm starting to like the idea of a bench seat. I vote for the resurgence of bench seats and drive-ins! They go together very well :-)

 

Kinda like most full-size trucks/SUVs today?

 

I am surpised that the front bench seat is still available on some cars. Since cars have two front airbags...I would imagine that it would be pretty interesting sitting in the middle during an accident. Supposedly women like the bench seat the most because it gives them a place to keep their purse close by.

 

My 05 Silverado has the 40-20-40 bench up front. I like it better than the bucket seats that were available. The cupholders are in front of the center seat on the floor. The center passenger's feet can fit ahead of it or go to either side. That way is a LOT more stable than any pull-out from the dash cupholders. Those always rattle and splash around whatever drink is in it. Floor or console mounted ones are solidly bolted to the floor and are MUCH more stable.