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Automotive Industries,  Feb, 2001  by Cheryl Jensen

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Ford Forty-Nine: If Ford could put the Blue Oval on a car like that, it would raise the image of the Ford brand, he sald. "There are people who have made money and perhaps remember the 1949 Ford and -- rather than buy a Jaguar or Bentley -- they'd rather spend their money on an expensive Ford."

Nissan Z: "It's quite strong without being crude. This is more sporty than say the (Audi) TT which is just two curves. This has more direction to it. There's something about this that says it's going this way." He gestures forward: "The taillamps help it along."

"One big trend again is retro, or nostalgia, going back to the past, and detail oriented. The other direction is going back-to-basics. Basics means very clean, very structured."

The Dodge Super8 Hemi, Chrysler Crossfire, and Ford FortyNine and Thunderbird are examples of retro design, he notes. "But I understand why many people like nostalgia Me, too."

The Jeep Willys, Ford EX and Explorer Sportsman are going back to "the basic off-roader Land Rover Defender type," he explains.

"I quite like the VW Microbus. It's more a new interpretation of the old concept. It is very well-made; the interior quality is very impressive. The use of aluminum and leather, that is meticulous, very German. I think it's very expensive to get that quality in production."

Of the BMW Mini Cooper, Nakarnura says, "It's a nice interpretation, much more modernized, taking a cue from the old Mini. Personally, I quite like that design."

Audi Steppenwolf:

"We see more cross-over concepts, a mixing of sedans and SUV. The Steppenwolf is a very good example of this blend, quite a nice luxury cabin arid the ultimate off-road vehicle."

BMW Mini Cooper:

"I really like the interior. It's neat because it's like they look at the past, the heritage. I think the car captured quite alot of the flavor of the old one."

VW Microbus:

"I like the way VW has a fresh eye on its own heritage. It's riot a resurrection. It's riot done as it was done in the past. I really like the Microbus, especially the front end."

Porsche 911 GT2:

"I talked to some people who say that this car is getting away from the traditional proportion of Porsche, but myself I quite like it It's fresh. It's longer. It's less compact."

Jeep Liberty:

"I think they will sell a lot because it's just right. The car looks smaller than it is really. If a car looks smaller and you get inside and have a better sensation than you expect, you are satisfied. The interior is pretty neat"

Jeep Willys:

She likes the "contradiction" of the Willys. "What you see visually is very aggressive; and, when you use it, it's very friendly."

Dodge Super8 Hemi:

"I think it's quite a controversial car and something I like in design is when it's a little bit controversial."

Bangle's schedule didn't allow him to get around the show to see vehicles such as the VW Microbus or Ford Thunderbird, so he admits he wasn't able to give a fair picture. He did, however, comment on two concepts.