Chevy, Ford, Buick, BMW among automakers with cars driving into the sunset

So long, Ford Ranger, Buick Lucerne, Dodge Dakota and Mazda Rx-8.

Farewell, BMW Active Hybrid 6, Cadillac DTS and Chevrolet HHR.

Nice to know you, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Volvo S40 and V50.

Take care Ford Crown Victoria, Mazda Tribute, Cadillac STS, Honda Element, Lotus Elise and California-based electric car start-up, Aptera.

As for Saab and Maybach, both are joining the manufacturers' graveyard.

In automotive year when perennial best sellers like the Ford F150, Toyota Camry and Honda Civic maintained their dominance, the ever-evolving auto industry experienced its share of change in 2011 — and losses of friends.

More manufacturers began to offer hybrid and electric vehicles. Even iconic brands like Rolls Royce and Ferarri announced plans to entire the "green" car market.

Nearly two dozen cars, some with long pedigrees, other with promise but aborted tenures, are no longer or soon will no longer be part of the automotive industry.

The most recent departures, all within the last month, are Saab, Maybach and the United States sales of Ford Ranger.

Saab couldn't find a buyer to sustain the more than former 60-year-old jet engine manufacturer.

Maybach only sold about 200 cars worldwide in 2010.

Introduced in 1984, the Ranger reached its sales peak of 348,358 units sold in 1999, battling Japanese competitors and becoming a favorite of small business owners and truck enthusiasts.  The Ranger will still be offered for sale in Australia, Africa and Thailand among other countries.

   
      

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