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General Motors discussions

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  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    I sold the totaled 1998' Mustang yesterday for $1000. We got a a couple of estimates to repair it and all were in the $3K range. I was like OMG the car in perfect body condition isn't worth that much.

    The 2000' Buick Century is in the shop with electrical issues and the Dodge still is in the shop because it drains battery's now. I'm having wonderful luck with my automobiles. I had to keep the rental much longer than I expected but they (enterprise) were very understanding and are giving me a big-break on price per day. They cut it in half and I really appreciate it. I will always use them if I ever need a rental car because I couldn't ask for better customer service. :)

    Rocky
  • nortsr1nortsr1 Member Posts: 1,060
    62vettefp...
    Thanks for the info and related web site.
    nortsr
  • grbeckgrbeck Member Posts: 2,358
    chevy598: Look at the Cadillac STS, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that a domestic could get back into the ultra luxury market, and they did a helluva good job for there first try. The STS isn't a BMW or Mercedes, but for entering a segment that is owned by foreigners, GM put out a solid product that has gained them market share in a very profitable area.

    The STS has been an also-ran in its segment. I wouldn't point to it as a success for Cadillac.

    The SRX is another vehicle that has not been a success for Cadillac (which is strange, as I think it is a nice vehicle).

    The only real successes for Cadillac have been the CTS and the Escalade.

    Cadillac's sales increases have only allowed it to keep pace with a growing luxury car market. Its share of the luxury car market is the same as it was in 2001.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Looks like GM is updating Spring Hill to build the Chevy Lamdas that are being designed. It make up to 350,000 units per year on 3 shifts.

    Now, for that kind of volume GM will probably need to add sliding doors and other features to make it more minivan like but still keep the SUV appearance. Most likely they will build both sliding and regular doors?
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    What kind of volume are the Acadia + Outlook + Enclave + Chevy replacement for the Uplander supposed to add up to? I would think you could get to 350K per year between the four.

    Of course, if GM is smart it will follow the example of other car companies and make the Spring Hill plant modular so that it can be quickly set to building a different vehicle depending on demand. In that case, the volume of Lambdas won't matter as much. I thought GM said it was going to do that as it updated its plants in future or built new ones?

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • jae5jae5 Member Posts: 1,206
    Rock,

    What about this bit of news:

    Delphi Financing

    One good thing about it, a new CEO but Miller is still going to be Chairman. :sick:
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Per the report there will be two plants building Lamdas so maybe they are wrong. Doubt if they will sell 700k per year.

    But you are right that the new GM plants are flexible and can build different vehicles BUT it is a lot easier and cheaper to just build one platform at a time. Perhaps they will build just Lamdas in Lansing and build the Chev Lamda in Spring hill with something else. Maybe a full size FWD sedan based on the Lamda somehow? speculation here.
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    jae,

    very interesting + good find..... I'd like to know what happen to the billions they have stashed away in Asian and European banks ? ;)

    Rocky

    P.S. Step-dad is a full-time Millwright at Delphi. He is making $33 an hour with zero benefits. He will get some benefits come february. I couldn't be more excited for him. My aunt as far as I know is full-time now also.
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    Detroit Preview: Chevy Lifts Sheets on 2008 Malibu

    http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=118893

    Rocky
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    Wait, what was the FIRST CamCord fighter?

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • pch101pch101 Member Posts: 582
    "Chevy Lifts Sheets on 2008 Malibu"

    Ouch, that photo is supposed to represent "the new face of Chevrolet"? I'd either put the sheet back on, or else replace it with something a bit more flattering, like a burqa.

    With a pic like that, it's not surprising to see why Kerkorian dumped his stock. There's not much upside in it if this is what the future holds for GM.
  • torque_rtorque_r Member Posts: 500
    "Ouch, that photo is supposed to represent "the new face of Chevrolet"? "

    I agree. It is not ugly to me, but it looks bulky and trucky. Reminds me of the Uplander. But I will wait until I see the complete car. maybe it fits just fine.
  • torque_rtorque_r Member Posts: 500
    Motor Trend's Truck of the Year: Chevy Silvarado
  • bumpybumpy Member Posts: 4,425
    Yep, that is one ugly nose. It manages to make the Impala nose look halfway decent by comparison. Still, it's not quite as bad as the noses on the current-generation Malibu.

    Also, no AWD available? I hope the platform supports it at least.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Also, no AWD available? I hope the platform supports it at least.

    Why? No one offers it in this volume mid size market and therefore no one really wants it?
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    they chose the '07 Camry. Wonder which model will win the NACOTY award.

    I agree that with that '08 Malibu, Impala will continue to be the better-looking car...

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • chevy598chevy598 Member Posts: 162
    Is that one piece of fiberglass Fascia across the front end of the Malibu? From the two pictures of the 08 Malibu I've seen it looks like one piece of fascia from fender to fender with no breaks. That means if you have a small impact on your front end, they will have to replace your entire front body. Someone tell me if i'm wrong. I just can't see a break form the fender to the front bumper.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Maybe I am confused on your comment but all cars are pretty much one piece front ends. From fender to fender and from bottom to hood. The air dam may be separate. And they are not fiberglass. Made of a flexible plastic.

    If you are saying that the fenders are part of the front fascia then I think the picture is just not that good. It will have a similar design to the Aura.

    In looking at the photo I see a line form the rear of the headlamps down and rearward to the fender opening.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,675
    I think I see the line you mean but to me it looks more like a little ridge put in for accent (but I can be wrong as my wife reminds me always).

    Maybe it's one piece in this prototype but will be pieces in the production model.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,675
    I'll have to see how the rest of the car is proportioned but I am surprised that people who hailed the 300 as new world styling find the boldness here wrong even before the whole car can be seen in 3-D.

    The Toyota nose doesn't look right to my eye (others may ahve differing opinions) and the rear trunk lid on trunk lid a la larger BMWs doesn't look right to me either. But let's give Malibu a chance to come out with what they need to compete with the Jones'.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • chevy598chevy598 Member Posts: 162
    I see that line at the top of the light, but I can't tell if it runs all the way down.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,675
    I've wanted to get back to the Detroit Auto Show for several years and this may be the year just to see the new car. I realize it'll be around at the local and Cincy shows later probably, but it'd be fun to go see it unveiled at the NAIAS--I went for several years in a row and met up with an old college roommate who was in the auto industry to tour the show.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Looks like a truck front on a car. Put that cover back on and maybe it will change.

    But at least it isn't the stupid horizontal grille bar theme. That one went from brand hallmark to a thing of the past awfully fast. Where do they get these designers...
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    It will not be a one piece front end. One item that drives front end design is insurance cost. A one piece front end would make the car insurance much higher and they would not do that.
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    Saturn Aura ;)

    Rocky
  • torque_rtorque_r Member Posts: 500
    Lutz offered a sneak peak of the CTS. Yet another new GM car with a trucky front end. Go figure! Still, Let's wait to see the whole car.

    http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061220/AUTO01/612200365/1148
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    Whoa! You consider this design ('08 Malibu) "bold" along the same lines as the Chrysler 300??? What are you seeing that I'm not?

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    Do you really think Saturn will order a recall ???

    Good question ?...... Maybe ???......I do think if your problem is a defect on every Aura, model they should be recalled and fixed at the dealers otherwise their new focus on customer service is just a bunch of lip service. :sick:

    Trust me I'm very unhappy nobody has stepped up to fix your problem and that is coming from somebody who bleeds GM, blood. :sick:

    I like I said hope you get this issue resolved. Keep plugging away at them all and maybe they will get tired from hearing from you and fix it !!!!

    -Rocky
  • jae5jae5 Member Posts: 1,206
    That's great Rock. At least their minds can be free of worrying about whether they would be full-time or not.

    Here's some more info on the Delphi reorganization:

    Delphi News
  • pch101pch101 Member Posts: 582
    I have to say that shot looks a whole lot better than the earlier grille photo suggested. I'm crossing my fingers, honestly I am, and let's hope that it gets a quality interior to go with it.
  • bumpybumpy Member Posts: 4,425
    Calculated inoffensiveness = #1 blandmobile. All the stylelessness of a Toyota or Accord without their reputation for reliability.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Very derivative Japanese style (Toyota-Honda mix), headlights are maybe a half size too big, front end is still slightly painful to look at...but it's better than the current model. I
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    Geez, if that's REALLY the '08 Malibu, and not just some photoshop dealie, then it's PAINFULLY obvious it's a rebadged Aura. Is that really all there is to it?

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • chevy598chevy598 Member Posts: 162
    I like the interior. GM has come a long way on the inside. Bland exteriors work for the Japanese. The Domestics don't do bland very well.
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    Well they will make that money until contract time this up coming March. My father expects regular production workers will get paid about $16-17 bucks an hour. Screw machine operators will make between $18-19 an hour. He expects people like my step-dad will make in the low $20's. Of course jae, this is speculation. Dad, said it was talked about often before he left. They will most likely get a benefits package with a 401K plan w/ match only and have to pay a portion for health, dental, vision, insurance. I'd like to see the UAW negotiate a profit-shairing program and make stock options available. I think once I get my other settlement check I'm going to drop a chunk of money into Delphi stock and see if I can profit.

    Rocky
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    jae,

    Thanks for the article. We will see a new Delphi reemerge and be a major player in winning contracts in the parts buiz....

    Rocky
  • torque_rtorque_r Member Posts: 500
    Ford expects Toyota to overtake it in U.S.

    NEW YORK -- Ford Motor Co. expects Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. to unseat it next year as the second biggest seller of vehicles in the American market behind General Motors. It is a position Ford has held since the 1920s, the New York Times said on its Web site today.
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    It's almost hard to believe..... :(

    Rocky
  • jae5jae5 Member Posts: 1,206
    I agree. I hope it is a combo shot myself, that the "real" Bu will make its debut REALLY soon.

    Actually, I thought the interior shot was that of an Aura. Also, I'm kind of getting tired of the same color two-tones popping up in their interior "spy-shots". In regards to the seats, I hope just the inserts are different in color, not like in the picture where the secondary color goes into the bolsters as well. GM, use a different color scheme or go with one color!!

    The front end has a little VW/Audi in it too, the way the grille is bumped out and waterfalls down.

    Ok enough griping.

    What I do like is GM is at least trying to make improvements to the car line, not just issuing a "Wait till next year" statement. I think they are heading in the right direction and hopefully continue on that path so we get a winner soon. ;)
  • jae5jae5 Member Posts: 1,206
    Hopefully they will get the monies your dad is speaking about. Don't know the situation your step-dad's in but I'd take that $20-something / hour with good benefits/401K over $30 without anything any day. Healthcare is a you-know-what if you have to foot the whole bill yourself :surprise: :sick:

    Hmmm, haven't thought about the stock deal. I missed my chance when GM went into the tank; maybe Delphi...
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    It's almost hard to believe.....

    Why? Ford's been dropping balls a lot since late 90's and their time's up. Next big mile stone in the NA market should be Honda (or Nissan) overtake Chrysler for the 4th spot.

    As for GM, I do see light in the tunnel for them with the new crossover, midsize sedan and the CTS though.
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    The thing of it is I'd rather work for a bigger hourly wage and buy my own benefits and fund my own retirement. ;)

    Step-dad will in febuary (month and a half before contract) will have have benefits to go along with his $33 an hour. He won't know what his retirement is until after contract.

    jae, I think they will get hosed in the fringe benefits department but I hope I'm wrong. :(

    Rocky

    P.S. The Delphi stock deal is worth looking into. If I win my other lawsuit I'm thinking of dumping $10-50K in Delphi stock. ;)
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    Yeah I agree.....I do see light at the end of the tunnel with saturn, and perhaps a Holden Grand Prix also. GM needs to put the 260 hp. turbo 4 cylinder in the base model. The GT should get the LS-2 or LS-4 and the GXP/GTP should get the 403 hp. 6.2 V8. The GTX? or Limited edition should get the LS-7 :shades:

    Rocky

    P.S. Man I failed to mention the new 08' Malibu and 09' Impala models. This is why GM, is making a comeback while ford and chrysler are twirling there thumbs. ;)
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Be honest though, I still think GM should just drop Buick and Pontiac.
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    I agree if they aren't going to bring out cars like the Buick Velite, then what good is buick ? I wrote Buick/GM a e-mail a few hours ago telling them my disappointment. :sick:

    Rocky
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Well that would probably put Toyota a lot closer to being #1 in sales in the US. They have a way to go.
This discussion has been closed.