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19
Jan
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14
Jul
The automaker emerges from bankruptcy with fewer brands, dealerships and debts. Its ultimate success, though, depends on persuading customers to buy its vehicles.
[Related content: GM, manufacturing, economy, cars, car models]
By Rick Newman, U.S. News & World Report
It may take awhile to convince car buyers, but General Motors (GMGMQ, news, msgs) has emerged from bankruptcy with better prospects for a profitable future than virtually any of the automaker’s critics predicted a few months ago. Here’s why:
It exited bankruptcy in record time. Chrysler surprised nearly everybody by emerging from bankruptcy in 40 days. GM, a far bigger and more complex company, beat that by a couple of days. That gives the “new GM” a fighting chance to escape the cloud of failure that has hung over the company for much of the last year.
MSN Autos: What the post-bankruptcy GM means to you
“It helps them get the idea that ‘GM equals bankruptcy’ out of consumers’ minds,” says Michael Robinet of forecasting firm CSM Worldwide.
Its biggest problems are in the past. GM has left behind billions in debt, axed hundreds of low-volume dealerships and gotten rid of its four underperforming brands: Hummer, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn.
It can now spread marketing dollars and other resources among fewer, better cars.
The new GM is built for speed. CEO Fritz Henderson has described how GM is stripping out several “strategy boards” and other layers of management that have been in place for decades, and cutting 450 managers from its white-collar work force. If done right, that could allow GM to bring cars to market faster and respond more effectively to shifting consumer tastes.
GM has also reduced its labor costs to the point that they’re practically equal to the most efficient automakers, removing another obstacle to profitability.
GM already has appealing cars. Its overall lineup is still spotty, but popular vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu, GMC Acadia, Cadillac CTS and new Chevy Camaro represent plenty of good product that’s available today.
Sales of such vehicles could take off if GM can exploit its quick exit from bankruptcy to convince buyers the company is back on its feet, and will be around for the long haul.
Chrysler, by contrast, still has huge holes in its product lineup, and they might not be filled for two or three years.
GM has to work hard to win back consumers. Henderson admitted as much when he said that GM will try to distinguish itself by reaching out to buyers in new ways, such as listing vehicles for sale on eBay (EBAY, news, msgs). Even if GM only half-delivers, some customer pampering could pay off, as long as GM’s vehicles are up to scratch as well.
“Consumers have demonstrated they will endure a so-so customer experience to obtain a great vehicle,” says Jack Nerad of car research site Kelley Blue Book. “Consumers haven’t demonstrated they will accept a so-so vehicle because of a great customer experience.”
The feds want out of GM. Despite all the rah-rah, many Americans hate the idea of buying a car from a company run by the government. The real measure of success for GM will be a public offering that buys out the U.S. government’s 61% stake in the company, and the repayment of billions of dollars in taxpayer loans. Ahead of schedule.
Henderson hinted that a public offering could come as early as next year, with hopes to pay back the loans ahead of the 2015 deadline. The feds want that too.
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11
Apr
2010 CAMARO ARRIVING APRIL 25th, 2009 to JUPITER CHEVROLET
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7
Mar
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22
Jan
By MIKE COX SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON POST
America’s Big Three automakers got pounded on Capitol Hill last month. Senators from both parties took turns ridiculing General Motors, Ford and Chrysler as out-of-touch fossils, churning out poor-quality products that virtually no one wants to buy.
Wouldn’t it be nice if America’s automakers actually made cars that customers wanted? New hybrids, for example, and electric vehicles, mid-size cars that rank high in quality and more models that get 30 miles per gallon?
Actually, that’s exactly what Detroit is doing. Not in a couple of years, not next year, but now.
I invite every member of the U.S. Senate to come visit the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Here is a sample of what they would see:
The brand-new Ford Fusion Hybrid, which is the most fuel-efficient mid-size car in America, averaging 41 miles per gallon.
Chevy’s new mid-size Malibu, which gets 33 miles per gallon — better than the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.
Three new electric vehicles from Chrysler, including a gasoline-electric minivan and Jeep model and an all-electric sports car.
Here are a few other facts for the doubters:
This model year, Detroit will make more than 137 vehicles that get 30 miles per gallon or more.
The Big Three will also sell 25 hybrid models, 38 versions of flex-fuel vehicles and eight models that run on clean diesel.
Ford and GM tied for the leadership position in the prestigious 2008 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study — with 11 models ranked in the top three of their respective segments.
Despite the public scolding recently heaped on the Big Three in Washington, Ford and GM still make the top-selling vehicles in the country, the Ford F-150 truck and the Chevy Silverado.
Senators who think Detroit is still stuck in the dinosaur age may be shocked to learn that the Big Three are the leading purchasers of computer chips nationwide. In fact, GM, Ford and Chrysler are making cutting-edge vehicles featuring the latest in technology, engineering and fuel economy. Detroit’s automakers spend $12 billion annually on research and development. No other industry can match that.
More changes are needed, and the Big Three understand that their pace of change must be accelerated. But the last thing our economy needs right now is for 13 million jobs to be threatened. One out of every 10 jobs in America is related to the auto industry. That’s why President Bush wisely agreed to release funds as a loan — not a bailout — to help the auto industry get through this Wall Street credit crunch.
America’s auto industry is building some of the safest, most fuel-efficient, technologically advanced vehicles in the world. That will be on display at this month’s auto show in Detroit. As many have said: Facts are stubborn things. Unfortunately, the facts about America’s auto manufacturers may have run up against something even more stubborn — the U.S. Senate.
Mike Cox is attorney general of Michigan.
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14
Jan
DETROIT – An all-new Chevrolet Spark mini-car and Orlando seven-seat compact multipurpose vehicle will come to the United States in 2011. The announcement was made during a General Motors press conference at the North American International Auto Show here today.
“Chevrolet Spark will bring great style, roominess and versatility to the segment of extremely fuel-efficient small cars in the U.S.,” said Troy Clarke, president of GM North America. “The decision to add the Spark to Chevrolet’s portfolio reflects the brand’s commitment to being a fuel efficiency leader in the industry.”
Originally seen as the Chevrolet Beat concept at the 2007 New York Auto Show, the four-door Chevrolet Spark will provide versatility with a fresh, youthful exterior and interior design that is reflected in the selection of materials and colors.
The Spark will make its world debut in full production form at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2009. Sales begin in Europe in the first quarter of 2010, followed by other markets around the globe.
“The Chevrolet Orlando show car, unveiled at the recent Paris Auto Show to positive public reaction, combines the versatility of a sport-utility, a family van and a wagon in a single vehicle,” Clarke said. It has the added benefit of excellent fuel economy, because of its car-based architecture.”
First photos and plans for the Chevrolet Orlando’s global rollout will be released in the coming months. It will be in Chevrolet showrooms in the U.S. in 2011.
“These small vehicles make a big statement,” said Ed Peper, North America vice president, Chevrolet. “With their fresh, clean approach, we believe Spark and Orlando will appeal to a wide range of customers who want excellent fuel efficiency, functionality and style in a small vehicle.”
CHEVROLET CRUZE: ALL-NEW SEDAN DELIVERS GREAT LOOKS AND OUTSTANDING FUEL ECONOMY
DETROIT – The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze makes its North American debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The all-new, compact sedan with coupe-like design proportions, midsize-like interior and trunk space, and great fuel efficiency will go on sale in the United States and Canada in the first half of 2010.
In North America, the Cruze will be powered by an optional new, 1.4L Turbo engine that is expected to deliver better fuel economy than the current leader in this segment, the Chevrolet Cobalt XFE that is rated at 37 mpg on the highway.
“Around the world, Chevrolet stands for expressive value and that’s exactly what the Cruze delivers,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “The Cruze’s combination of great design, strong performance and outstanding fuel economy makes it a compelling choice.”
Cruze is the result of a development process harnessing GM’s global expertise and is the first of a new family of compact products that will deliver world-class quality. It will be backed by expected highest scores in all major crash safety ratings.
Vehicle highlights include:
· New 1.4L four-cylinder turbo engine with E85 capability
· New 1.8L four-cylinder
· Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions
· Front, side-impact and roof rail head curtain air bags
· OnStar
· Bluetooth and USB connectivity
· Electronic stability control with rollover sensing
The Cruze will be offered in base, LS, LT and LTZ models. Production for North American models will take place at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant, while the 1.4L Turbo engine for North America will be manufactured in Flint, Mich.
“The Chevy Cruze built and sold in North America will differ only slightly in markets around the world,” said Peper. “Only market-specific features will distinguish the global models and all will proudly wear the Chevy Bowtie on the grille.”
Arching roofline
The new Chevy Cruze’s design is distinguished with a bold “face” that is becoming the signature look for Chevrolet models around the globe, as well as an arching roofline that gives the car a sporty, coupe-like proportion.
“The Cruze reinterprets the traditional sedan with drama, confidence and a decidedly upscale presence,” said Taewan Kim, chief designer. “It is a refreshing, exciting design that advances Chevrolet’s character around the world.”
Large headlamp housings are incorporated in the front-end design. They wrap around the corners and sweep upward in the fenders and sculpted hood. The headlamps flank a two-tier grille that features the iconic Bowtie logo between the horizontal openings.
An arching roofline extends from the Cruze’s steeply raked windshield to fast-sloping rear pillars, culminating at a short rear deck. It’s a profile typically found on sports coupes and gives the Cruze a decidedly aggressive look that is complemented by a wide, confidant stance.
The Cruze is wider and longer than most of its competitors, with minimal overhangs around the wheels. Taut, tightly drawn bodywork conveys solidity, while restrained use of exterior trim enhances the car’s high-quality feel.
That bold yet purposeful design ethic and attention to detail carries over to the interior, where a Corvette-inspired twin-cockpit motif is matched with high-quality materials and exceptional assembly tolerances. Grained, soft-touch components and low-gloss trim panels exude a quality that is uncommon in the segment, while conveniences such as Bluetooth and USB inputs offer customers the latest connectivity options.
Turbocharged efficiency
Pumped up with its exhaust-driven turbocharger, the Cruze’s 1.4L Turbo performs like a larger engine when needed, but retains the efficiency of a small-displacement four-cylinder in most driving conditions. Its power-boosting advantage comes from forcing more air into the engine than a non-boosted engine would draw normally; power ratings are estimated at 140 horsepower (104 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm).
The 1.4L Turbo is part of GM’s family of global small-displacement engines. They are designed with fuel efficiency in mind, including technology such as full variable valve timing that optimizes performance and fuel economy across the rpm band. Carefully matched transmissions, including a six-speed automatic available on the Cruze, further enhance performance and fuel economy.
In addition to the 1.4L Turbo, the Cruze will also be offered in North America with an efficient 1.8L four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable camshafts. It is rated at an estimated 138 horsepower (103 kW).
Chevrolet is one of America’s best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $12,120 to $103,300. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles.
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8
Dec
Curt Silbert, President
Automatic Marketing
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23
Oct
In its second international forum, the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium (C2C-CC) is demonstrating for the first time worldwide vehicle-to-X communication independent of manufacturer or vehicle-type. Opel is hosting the event at the GM Dudenhofen Test Center in Germany.
Preventing accidents by warning drivers about potential danger from other vehicles was a major goal during the development of the new General Motors/Opel C2C (car-to-car or vehicle-to-vehicle) communication systems. Vehicles equipped with this technology can communicate with each other and exchange information such as location and speed. Drivers can then be warned in advance if another vehicle is stopped in an area that is difficult or impossible to see, or about to enter the same intersection as they are.
“Driving is a very complex task. Knowing where the other guy is and where he’s headed can be as critical as being in control of your own vehicle,” said Hans-Georg Frischkorn, Executive Director, Global Electrical Systems, Controls and Software. “With C2C technology, we intensify the driver’s awareness of his environment to improve road safety, without any distraction to him and certainly without reducing his level of control. This sixth sense lets drivers know what’s going on around them to help avoid accidents and improve traffic flow.”
Today, vehicles can be equipped with multiple safety sensors, including
radar-based sensors connected with speed control devices, lane change assistance systems or sensors to detect objects in a car’s blind spot. GM/Opel can increase the operating range and coverage of individual sensors significantly with its comprehensive technology – a more effective and affordable way to provide extensive observation and assessment of the surrounding traffic conditions.Demonstration with typical driving situationsGM/Opel engineers demonstrate the new technology’s advantages with a range of practical exercises. Several functions help prevent the rear-end collisions that occur on a daily basis due to poor visibility, twisty roads or short lapses in driver concentration. For example, the system warns of a stationary vehicle on the road even before the driver behind can see it, for example around a corner. Depending on the situation, the system transmits these warnings visually, acoustically or through vibrations in the driver’s seat.
Goal: Wide availability for as many vehicles as possible.
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27
Sep
The very rapid shift from trucks to cars that occurred when fuel prices spiked this spring has forced all carmakers to adapt. With its current and future product lineup, GM is well positioned to take advantage of growing demand for fuel efficient vehicles.
Myth
GM sells cars and trucks in every major market in the world, and it is clear to us that oil alone cannot fuel the world’s rapidly growing vehicle fleet. That’s why GM is aggressively pursuing a broad range of advanced propulsion technologies.
These include:
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Different countries and different customers will require different solutions. We are committed to being a global leader in providing these solutions.
GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner outlined this strategy at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto show.
September 10, 2008
We are not seeking a bailout, or a handout. We are talking about loans, which must be repaid in full, with interest.
We are asking Congress to fund a loan program already authorized as part of major energy legislation last year. These loans are specifically designed to accelerate investment in energy-saving technologies, and help carmakers and suppliers more quickly introduce cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
GM is already investing billions in technologies that help drivers use less fuel, help America reduce its dependence on petroleum, and help GM comply with aggressive new government fuel-economy mandates.
This federal direct-loan program is a powerful and appropriate incentive to speed this transformation, which is vital to our industry, and to the country as a whole.
September 10, 2008
GM recently cut back on its leasing programs, due to the increased cost of credit and other economic factors. Instead, the company will focus its incentives on helping customers purchase new vehicles with price discounts or cash bonuses. Employee Discount for Everyone is such a program.
GM will continue to offer lease incentives on some vehicles, and GM dealers will continue to offer leasing through GMAC and other financial institutions. But until the credit markets and overall economy improve, auto leasing will likely remain a modest part of the business for finance institutions, GM and many other carmakers.
September 19, 2008
The U.S.-based auto industry remains a vital part of the economy. It generates more employment, annual economic output, exports, and retail business than any other industry. It directly employs a quarter of a million Americans, and supports another 5 million at dealerships, suppliers and service providers.
U.S.-based carmakers spend more on R&D than any industry – more than $12 billion annually. We also provide healthcare benefits to 2 million Americans, and support nearly 800,000 retirees and spouses with pension benefits.
In short, the economic impact of this industry is substantial, and reaches every state in the nation.
There is also the matter of national pride. GM is one of a handful of U.S.-based manufacturing companies that compete head-to-head with the world’s best in global markets. We are proud that we have become a truly global company, and proud that we are a leader in fast growing markets like China, Brazil and Eastern Europe. We are also proud that American brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac are known and admired around the world.
A visit to the EPA fuel economy site shows that, segment for segment, GM vehicles are competitive with any vehicles in the market.
GM currently has more models with EPA highway ratings of 30 mpg or better than any other carmaker, 18 in total.
We are not resting on our success. We are working to further improve the fuel economy of every new vehicle we build. For example, we recently announced plans for a new Chevy compact car, the Cruze, which is expected to have signficantly better fuel economy than the Cobalt, which is already among the most fuel efficient vehicles in its segment.
September 3, 2008
That might have been true in the past. But if you look at new GM vehicles – the ones we’ve recently introduce and those on the way – they tell a very different story.
CTS, Malibu, Aura, Astra, Enclave, Acadia and Vue are just the beginning. Soon to follow are the Traverse, Camaro, CTS Coupe and Wagon, SRX, and more.
GM intends to reclaim its legacy as a design leader. Please watch the upcoming auto shows for more great examples of GM designers at work.
September 19, 2008
GM finished slightly ahead of Toyota in 2007, recording its second best global sales ever, almost 9.4 million vehicles. In the U.S., GM outsold Toyota by more than 1.2 million vehicles.
GM finished ahead of Toyota in nine of the top 10 global markets. Toyota dominated the market in Japan (where the largest importer, Daimler AG, had a mere 1.4% share).
GM and Toyota remain the world’s largest carmakers by a considerable margin. The second tier – Ford, VW Group, and Renault-Nissan – each sell about 6 million vehicles per year.
Given the uncertainties in the market, GM is not making sales projections for this year. But we are clear on two things: We will continue to compete hard for every sale. And we will keep our focus on sustainable, profitable growth.
September 19, 2008
There are dozens of companies around the world promising a practical electric vehicle in the near future. While we can’t comment on the efforts of others, we can assure you, the Volt is for real.
On June 3, GM announced that production funding for the Volt had been approved, and that GM’s Detroit Hamtramck plant has been selected as the assembly plant, pending government approvals.
Meanwhile, development of both the car and its lithium-ion batteries continues apace. For the latest information, please see our Volt website.
The Chevy Volt is a revolutionary product, and as such, it demands maximum effort from everyone involved. But we are on target to start production toward the end of 2010, and excited about the potential for the Volt.
September 2, 2008
GM competes head to head with the best global carmakers in every major market except Japan, which is effectively closed to non-Japanese companies. And we do quite well, thank you. We are on track to sell more than 9 million vehicles globally for the fourth year running, and we are setting sales records in our three regions outside of North America.
In North America, our new vehicles have been consistent award winners, and they continue to win over customers in a very tough market.
GM is one of a handful of companies with the resources to truly reinvent the automobile. Whether it is advanced internal combustion engines, biofuels, hybrids, fuel cells, or electrically driven vehicles like the Chevy Volt, GM is committed to being a global leader in advanced propulsion, which will reshape the auto industry during its second century.
September 1, 2008
© gm.com
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3
Sep
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7
Aug
Let’s break it down. There’s a new full-size, unibody SUV platform in the house of the General, called the Lambda. GMC got a version, called the Acadia. Saturn called the one it got the Outlook. And Buick has received raves for its swoopy blue-eyed version, the Enclave. That Chevy didn’t have a version of this vehicle from the very start is the only surprising thing about it.
But Chevy gets to be the division to announce that the 3.6-liter V6 in the line of GM three-row crossovers will get a direct injection system for 2009. The DI pushes horsepower up to a maximum 286. This compares to the maximum 275 hp that the current Buick, GMC and Saturn versions make. The peak output drops by 5 horsepower to 281 hp for lower-level Traverses equipped with a single exhaust as opposed to dual exhaust. The DI system also brings with it a small bump in torque — 4 pound-feet in dual-exhaust vehicles. Nobody at GM wants to confirm that the DI engine will be standard across all Lambda-platform vehicles, but if this doesn’t happen for model-year 2009 we’d be shocked.
Other than styling, the Traverse is essentially identical to its siblings. That’s not a bad thing considering how well-received they’ve all been. Interior dimensions are, predictably, nearly identical to the other Lambdas. And available equipment appears to be consistent across the board. We’d expect the Chevy to come with fewer standard features than, say, the Buick, given that it will probably be the least expensive of the lot.
How much less expensive will the Chevy be? Well, GM isn’t talking, but since the Acadia starts at $30,470 and the Outlook goes for $28,995, we’d estimate a two-wheel-drive Traverse LS would start right at $28,000. And yes, this does spell the end of the body-on-frame and long-in-the-tooth TrailBlazer, which carries a base price of $28,150.
Production of the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse begins this fall at GM’s plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
