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History of the auto industry, continued: While Ford and Chrysler were cutting production costs in the 80s, GM was investing heavily in new technology. The company's attempts at overhauling its management structure and using increased technology for production were not successful. Several large acquisitions (Electronic Data Systems and Hughes Aircraft Company) also diverted attention away from their main industry. Ford and Chrysler also joined in the acquisition and diversification trend, with Ford buying Jaguar Cars, and Aston Martin, a finance company, and a savings and loan). Chrysler purchased Lamborghini, an interest in Maserati, and Gulfstream Aerospace jets. GM started the Saturn brand in the late 1980s as a way to gain sales from imported cars. While initially receiving a positive reception, GM later neglected to provide it much support. Around this time GM also began development on the EV1 electric car, which debuted in 1996. The 1990s began in a recession, which resulted in weak auto sales and operating losses. In the mid- 90s, light truck sales began to rise sharply. Due to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards differentiating between passenger cars and light trucks, the automakers were able to sell large and heavy vehicles without fear of the CAFE fines. Low oil prices also gave incentives for consumers to buy these gas-guzzling vehicles. The American automakers sold millions of pickup trucks and body- on-frame SUVs during this period. Imports such as the Toyota 4-Runner, Land Cruiser, Tacoma, and Nissan Pathfinder were also popular during this time period. The automakers also continued their trend of purchasing or investing in foreign automakers. GM purchased a controlling interest in Saab in 1990 and Daewoo Motors in 2001, and invested in Subaru in 1999 and Fiat in 2000. They also purchased the Hummer name in 1998. Ford purchased Volvo in 1999 and Land Rover in 2000. GM and Ford also established joint ventures with Chinese auto companies during this period. 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 in the Multipurpose Room, and then go to breakfast. There are no dues, no extra fees, just friendship, stories, and laughter. Call Sandra Glickman at (951) 267-1113. 26 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | NOVEMBER 2019 | Cruzin' Cronies SUE GRAFTON — A TRIBUTE It is time to showcase a woman in our tribute to California writers. She has written both novels and screenplays. Of her first five novels only two were published. But that didn't slow her down. Her life was a mystery—no her books were mysteries. Sue wrote the "Alphabet Book Series" featuring Kinsey Millhorne, obviously a made up name. She began with "A" is for Alibi, then "B" is for Burglar and so on. A very ambitious undertaking. Sad to say she died before Yesterday, the series novel for "Y." No one seems to know what "X" meant. Being a successful writer, Sue lived in Santa Barbara. If you like writing anything that begins with any of our 26 letters, you will be welcome at the Sun Lakes Creative Writers. If you would like to enhance your skills or receive gentle critiques on your writings or even help getting your book off the ground join us in the Main Clubhouse Multipurpose Room on the first Monday of each month (Nov. 4) and the third Wednesday (Nov. 20) between 3 and 5 pm. For additional info., call Roger Smith at (951) 769-2808.