EVERYTHING COMES BACK EVENTUALLY

Not like General Motors is thought of as a trend-setter, but they’re trying to get out ahead of the next wave of retro:

No longer decorated with beads and shag carpeting, conversion vans have evolved into sophisticated vehicles for families and groups alike — and General Motors Corp. and two dozen outfitters are spending a couple of million bucks to spread that message as they try to revive demand for the big, souped-up rides.

GM helped form the Conversion Van Marketing Association this year to raise awareness of the customized vans — the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana in particular — and to dispel perceptions of rough-riding vehicles decked out with wild paint jobs and crushed velour upholstery.

But . . . but . . . I liked those! Seriously, a conversion van with a giant Iowa Hawkeyes logo painted on the spare-tire cover occupies a place in this blogger’s Ultimate Dream Garage. And then there’s this sort of loyalty, which is nothing to mock:

Art Spinella, president of CNW Marketing Research in Bandon, Ore., said an effective campaign by the CVMA could provide a nice lift to GM’s business now and in the future. His research shows the vans’ refinements have created one of the most loyal buyer segments in the industry.

“What we find, for the most part, is they’re considered a lot more comfortable than minivans and certainly roomier than sport utility vehicles,” Spinella said. “Seventy percent of owners say they’ll buy another, and 90 percent will recommend them to friends.”

So there you go, Status Slaves. Ditch the X5 and get yourself an Econoline.