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26 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | OCTOBER 2019 | Chorale We're back in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom every Monday morning from 9:30 am to 12:15 pm, rehearsing for our concert series, "Family Fall Festival — Home for the Holidays," which is scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 22-24. Because of the earlier date, Director Mark Faber has broadened our scope, and our song list celebrates Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and the New Year. We have a few special surprises in store for our supportive Sun Lakes audiences! Tickets go on sale Mon., Nov. 4. Contact Linda Vieira at lvieira@eltree.com or (951) 797-0315 for more information. Cruzin' Cronies More history of the auto industry: In 1981 Japanese automakers entered into a "voluntary restraint agreement," limiting the number of autos exported to the U.S. A side effect was that Japanese companies developed luxury cars with higher profit margins, such as Toyota's Lexus, Honda's Acura, and Nissan's Infiniti. Also, Japanese automakers opened production plants in the U.S. by 1985. These new facilities were primarily in the southern U.S., in states that were not union friendly. Although the UAW made substantial organizing efforts, these plants remained non-union. The Big Three in the U.S. also invested in, and developed joint manufacturing facilities with several of the Japanese companies. Ford invested in Mazda and set up a joint facility with them. Chrysler invested in Mitsubishi and established a joint facility with them, and GM did the same with Suzuki and Isuzu, setting up a joint manufacturing facility with Toyota. Despite financial upheavals during the 70s and 80s, there was an upsurge in technological innovations such as disc brakes, fuel injection, electronic engine control units, and electronic ignition. Front-wheel drive became the standard drive system by the late 1980s. By the mid-1980s oil prices had fallen sharply, leading to the revitalization of the American auto industry. Under the leadership of Lee Iacocca, Chrysler mounted a comeback after almost going bankrupt in 1979. The minivan was introduced in 1984, with the Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan. These were built on a passenger-car chassis and seated up to seven people, as well as being able to hold bulky loads. Chrysler also introduced their "K-cars" in the 80s, using front- wheel drive and fuel-efficient engines. In 1987, Chrysler bought American Motors, which produced the Jeep. This was an excellent move because of the sport utility vehicle boom. Ford began a comeback after losing billions in the early 80s. In 1985, it introduced the aerodynamic Taurus. General Motors, under the leadership of Roger Smith, was not as successful as its competitors in turning itself around, and its market share fell significantly. Cruzin' Cronies is a Classic Car Club, and you don't need a classic car to join. Meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month. We display our cars at 8 am in the Main Clubhouse parking lot, have a short meeting, and then go to breakfast. There are no dues, no fees, just friendship, and stories. Call Sandra Glickman, (951) 267-1113 for information. The Chorale is hard at work for their holiday show

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