They have no business paying those two executives $24 million when the company is sinking. A really talented exec would take a nominal salary and reap the rewards when he/she turns the company around.
Thanks for mentioning video program about the Car of the Year choices. I went to autolinedetroit.com and found this link to the current program: And the Winner IS...
Glad to hear from you lemko. It makes no sense does it pal ???? :sick: All Steve Miller, has done is take them through bankruptcy and as far as I know and has not given the company a sense of direction. Rumor, has it he's going to collect his money and bail soon. It's really a shame Delphi, isn't much of an american corporation. They have so much damn techology to offer our country and I just wished it was made here. Maybe someday I will get my wish....
Greatest? 1961 Jaguar E-type 1955 Chevy Bel Air V8 1955 Chrysler 300 '32 Ford Duece Coupe '63 Corvette Sting Ray?
You see where I'm going with this?
Umm, they might of been great in their day but compared to what we have today they are POS's. Especially when compared to a SUPER car like the 2009' CTS-V.
Maybe the 2009' CTS-V's new slogan should be "Lead, follow or get out of the way." :P
I am very familiar most all the cars on your list. My dad has a 56 belair and I can tell you that tNe CTS is better/greater than than the 55 Chevy in almost every way. I own a 62 vette, and while it does not have the suspension of the 63 vette it has the exact same powertrain and I have driven the 63 a coupole times and again the new CTS is better/greater than the 63 in every way, except of course my memories.
I think you summed it up pretty well 62' and trust me I love your 62' Vette pal !!! A fine automobile which you should be a proud owner of. :shades:
The point I'm trying to make is not only am I shocked at how cool this new "V" is but how much attention to detail Cadillac, took to make sure it was absolutely perfect. This is the Curt Hennig, of automobiles !!!! :shades:
The CTS and CTS-Vs are certainly sweet cars. But to say the CTS-V is the greatest car known to man is just a bit of a stretch. Maybe for the money, but if money is no object, than I'll take a Bugatti Veyron and suck up a CTS-V up the intake and right out the exhaust. I'm also thinking Maserati, Bentley, etc.
No as far as mass produced obtainable cars, the CTS/CTS-V looks sweet and seems to be a great car. Best ever or best looking, not a chance.
We'll see in a few more years (always the skeptic). I agree for the most part that today's cars are safer, more efficient, more reliable, and longer lasting than just about anything from the past. But that doesn't necessarily mean "best ever" for any single current car. You'd also have to consider styling, quality of materials, craftsmanship, and significance. Just one small example: most of the so-called chrome on today's cars (except for the wheels of course) is plated plastic. Back in the day, the chrome was applied to steel, including all of the molding around the windows and on the body sides.
Like dieselone, I'm not saying the CTS isn't a fine car. It's a very nice effort, certainly. But "best ever?" Wasn't the 1995 Aurora by Oldsmobile similarly praised? Does anyone celebrate it now?
Auto supplier trims financing to $4.5 billion in bid to end bankruptcy.
WASHINGTON -- Delphi Corp. is holding meetings with lenders in New York and London this week in an effort to borrow up to $4.5 billion to exit bankruptcy, again reducing the refinancing it's seeking in this turbulent credit market.
Raising money is the last major step the company must take to exit bankruptcy by March.
The Troy-based auto supplier said Wednesday it has reduced the amount it wants to raise in exit financing by $700 million, to $4.5 billion. It hopes to have the money in place before a Jan. 17 hearing to confirm its reorganization plan.
It already had reduced its offering once before, from $7.2 billion to $5.2 billion earlier last year.
Delphi and its bankers -- J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. -- met with potential lenders in New York Wednesday and were to meet in London today.Delphi said it will use the loans to pay off debts.
The company said it was able to reduce the amount it was seeking in exit financing because of improved operating performance and lower capital expenses in 2007.
Delphi is offering a $3.7 billion loan at a discount, reportedly 96 cents on the dollar. Delphi also is offering a second-tier loan of $825 billion.
Separately, Delphi is seeking an asset-back revolving line of credit line worth $1.6 billion that it can use if necessary.
Delphi execs give depositions The bankruptcy court is scheduled to decide today whether to allow Delphi's creditors and shareholders on its statutory committees to participate in exit financing, an unusual request because some, including the U.S. Trustee, said it raises conflict of interest issues.
Delphi noted "the chief remaining step" it must take is to get financing "in what is a very turbulent financing marketplace."
Delphi argued that it should allow its creditors and shareholders on its committees to participate since nearly all of the information about the company's future plans is in the public domain.
The U.S. Trustee opposed the request Wednesday.
"The exit lenders will try to exact as many concession as possible from (Delphi) in light of the tight credit market, but the statutory committees should concentrate on obtaining the most favorable terms for Delphi," wrote Alicia Leonard, an attorney for the U.S. trustee.
Delphi's reorganization hearing could last several days as U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain hears objections. Before the hearing, objectors will get to question company executives and others. Delphi's executive chairman Robert S. "Steve" Miller will submit to a deposition Monday in New York. The company's chief restructuring officer, John Sheehan, will give a deposition Tuesday.
One issue the company's unions are likely to raise is Delphi's plan to pay its top 560 executives $240 million in bonuses and other compensation when the company emerges from bankruptcy. Delphi also plans to pay Miller an $8.3 million bonus and the company's CEO Rodney O'Neal $5.3 million, along with an initial $10 million grant of stock and options.
Delphi has already spent more than $320 million on legal, consulting and accounting fees since filing for bankruptcy protection in October 2005.
Regarding the pre-production car magazine reviews of the Aurora, yes the test mules of the Aurora were driven by the press and they found the Aurora to be a very nice car for handling. However, the production model had a different suspension set up and ride was hard while the handling was not quite as good as the pre-production model. By either the 97 or 98 model year there were suspension upgrades that resulted in a better ride with some improvement in handling. I owned a 95 Riviera and then a 98 Aurora and there were differences in the suspensions. I think development of the 97 Park Avenue and 98 Seville for the Aurora body platform resulted in suspension redesign that were integrated into the Riviera and Aurora.
However, the Aurora's basic problem was that with FWD and too much weight on the front end, handling was never going to rivial that of a BMW. My current AWD SRX handles way better than any of the FWD's that I have owned recently (the last was a 2002 Seville).
the computer controlled suspension is OK, but does have limits. the basic problem is that it has to evaluate the roughness to determine the ideal setting. A pot hole is an unexpected bump and this is where magneride is not able to do much. repair costs are probably quite high.
The CTS could use the magneride on the FE3 suspension, which is too stiff for normal roads (roads that are not new and have rough spots). If the ride stiffness could be selected manually that would be better too. I think the FE3 suspension is probably intended more for track use than normal highway use.
i dont think you will see new engines until the car is redesigned in 2010 or so. I think the issue may be that the car is made in Europe but the 2L engine is made in the US. The Cobalt, Sky and HHR are made in NA and that probably makes it much easier to get the 2L engine into those vehicles. The 1.8L is the ONLY engine from europe that has a conventional auto and thats why we are stuck with one engine choice. Some of the engines in europe are offered with a manual only and others have some other type of tranny which I assume is a DSG.
Yeah, that makes sense. I knew the Astra was due for a redesign soon, at which point they will probably start manufacturing them in the US as well. I'm hoping for some more engine choices at that time.
Isn't 2010 when we'll also see the new Corsa sold here?
Rocky, look for me at the GM Style. I will be standing somewhere with a cute blond.
GM Style is Saturday night, Jan. 12 from 8 to 9 p.m. You can watch a live webcast of the event, which features some of today’s hottest entertainment celebrities along with the world debut of several GM global concept and production vehicles, on http://gmtv.feedroom.com. This program will not be rebroadcast.
The GM Fuel Solution Press Conference will take place on Sunday, Jan. 13 from 11:25 a.m. to noon. You can watch a live webcast of the entire press conference, which will include a reveal of the FlexFuel capable HUMMER HX concept and the Saab 9-4X crossover concept, on http://gmtv.feedroom.com. Highlights of this event will be rebroadcast a few hours after the live event.
Watch Cadillac and Saturn Press Conferences on Satellite TV Monday On Monday, Jan. 14, GM will grab media attention at two different press conferences at the North American International Auto Show.
The Cadillac Press Conference is on Monday at 9:05 a.m. Four Cadillac concept and production vehicles will premiere at the event. In addition, Cadillac will showcase some of the advanced technical developments and new designs that will shape the brand’s product portfolio in the next several years.
The Saturn Press Conference is on Monday at 12:35 p.m. Three Saturn product reveals will emphasize the brand’s aggressive roll-out of new products and innovative technology.
An before the comments start, there are American designers over in China working in the studios.
In its latest effort to revive the historic but struggling Buick brand in the U.S., General Motors Corp. is showing off the Riviera coupe concept vehicle the auto maker unveiled at the Shanghai auto show last year.
GM was set to show the vehicle at an event Thursday in Detroit, just a few days before the North American International Auto Show kicks off in Detroit. Though a concept and not necessarily slated for production as presented, these vehicles often show the direction of future design for the nameplates.
GM is scheduled to start selling a refreshed LaCrosse sedan in the near future, and its design likely will take cues from the Riviera, a curvy coupe with a pronounced front end and doors hinged at the roof.
It may be fitting that the latest design direction for Buick comes from GM's studio in China, a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation. Buick is a powerhouse brand in that country and a status symbol, and GM sold 332,115 of the vehicles in China in 2007, compared with 185,791 in the U.S.
The studio in China will work closely with its North American colleagues on future Buicks, said GM spokesman Michael Albano.
"Buick is huge in China," he said. "They have a good understanding of what a Buick should be.
By contrast, GM is trying to shake Buick's stodgy image in North America.
The strategy to combat that is to offer fewer, fresher vehicles that better appeal to American buyers. GM is phasing out a number of Buick models, including the Rainier and Rendezvous SUVs and Terraza minivan.
Instead, it is focusing on fresher products such as the Buick Lucerne sedan and Buick Enclave crossover utility. The Enclave was considered a success during its debut in 2007, with 29,286 vehicles sold. The Lucerne lost some steam after its debut in late 2005, as sales in the U.S. slipped 14% to 82,923 in 2007,
Buick sales overall were down nearly 23% to 185,791 in the U.S. in 2007, though much of that was from cutting back on its models and selling fewer cars to rental fleets. GM in general has scaled back sales to rental-car companies, as those sales are less profitable than sales at dealerships and tend to damage the perception of the vehicles among consumers.
Turning the Buick brand's image around still is a challenge, and GM is doing it at a time of increased competition.
Buick is a profitable brand for GM, but the auto maker is trying to improve margins in the U.S. by merging the brand's dealerships into a Pontiac, Buick and GMC "channel," where dealers will sell all three nameplates at a single outlet.
That reduces the need to build vehicles simply to "fill the channel," as Chief Executive Rick Wagoner once put it.
And with the Riviera concept as a guide, GM hopes new Buick models in the U.S. will carry some of the same cachet they have in China.
Well, did Toyota pass GM? Will have to wait and see
Toyota crossed the finish line last year with sales even better than forecast, upping the pressure on General Motors in the race to be the world's biggest automaker.
Global sales at Toyota climbed 6 percent to a record 9.37 million vehicles in 2007. The official figure, released today, beat last month's outlook for sales of 9.36 million.
GM has not released sales results, but trends suggest Toyota will pass it this year or next.
How stupid can a car company get. How many people are going to want to spend $20,000 for a 3 door car that gets 25 mpg? Bring us a stripped down 3 door for under $15k with a economical little engine that gets at least 35 mpg highway.
I thought the Astra got pretty good mileage? They could make a cheaper model but cutting out features (although I doubt they will), but I don't see how they can improve mileage much without cutting performance back to an unacceptable level.
This discussion highlights why it is just not that easy to bring a car to the US from Europe. Economic performance is achieved in Europe using the turbodiesel and there is a premium for that of about US$3k. I think US emissions laws make it impossible to bring a Euro spec diesel over with the exception of the new "clean" diesels which Mercedes/Audi/VW have.
Does anybody know if there is parity for diesels versus hybrids as regards tax breaks. I have never understood why diesels have been ignored here when they have been providing hybrid level economy with performance for at least 20 years.
Europeans drive manuals and I would love to see a chart of weight distributions for the average European and American families. I am sure a car in the US is much more likely to be loaded up with a 300lb Pa, 200lb Ma and two 150lb kids than in Europe and so engine performance levels needed to guarantee safe on road behaviour are necessarily higher. Add an auto transmission into the mix and the market segment for the Astra just shrunk to those who are slim, drive stick, have no kids and don't like to put their foot down.
Basically, they need to put a turbo in that baby if it is their only engine choice.
not realistic at all. The engines in Europe that are more efficient than the 1.8L are either too weak to be taken seriously here or diesels. You arent going to find many cars that make 140hp and get 35mpg on the highway beyond the civic. The Astra is a premium compact so its not meant to be stripped down and sold at rock bottom prices like the Ion. People want european cars and in europe compacts are not necessarily "cheap" cars.
Rocky, look for me at the GM Style. I will be standing somewhere with a cute blond.
So no TV channel 62vetteefp ??? So get on gmtv webcast to see you at that time ??? Okay that's going to be cool seeing somebody I know. :shades: I might not see you because I might be checking out the blonde !!! :P
The strategy to combat that is to offer fewer, fresher vehicles that better appeal to American buyers. GM is phasing out a number of Buick models, including the Rainier and Rendezvous SUVs and Terraza minivan.
That's good !!!! :shades:
That reduces the need to build vehicles simply to "fill the channel," as Chief Executive Rick Wagoner once put it.
And with the Riviera concept as a guide, GM hopes new Buick models in the U.S. will carry some of the same cachet they have in China.
My old VW scirocco had 74 hp and was a blast to drive. My VW Corrado had a super-charged 160 hp engine and got 34 mpg hwy. The biggest problem is weight. I think the Scirocco weighed in at less than 1900 lbs. You are right though that the Astra is a "premium" compact. A stupid move on GM's part. Too bad. I come from a family that owned 4 Opel Manta's and I was looking forward to something similar in the Astra but I guess not.
Yep, they have to write HYBRID in big letters down the side. Does this whole Hybrid era remind anybody of the past? I remember the 60's/70's and all the big fake spoilers, huge monikers (SS, Road runner, etc.), consumers paying big money to buy into the "power and performance"? Just seems like to sell this stuff it has to scream GREEN. Vehicles that do not scream GREEN just die away with low sales (Honda Accord, etc.). Yep, the buyers have to have it written on their shirt sleeve so everyone sees. Of course the future will be different, we will all have to pay for it so the green icons will slowly fade away into commonality.
Take a Sneak Peek at the Saturn VUE Green Line 2-Mode Hybrid Even though the Saturn VUE Green Line 2-Mode Hybrid will be officially unveiled next week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the brand is giving an advanced look at the world’s most fuel-efficient V-6 SUV.
The VUE Green Line 2-Mode Hybrid will deliver an estimated 50-percent fuel economy increase over the non-hybrid V-6 VUE and is expected to have a driving range of more than 500 miles. Production is slated to begin in late 2008. Click here to take a sneak peek.
Ed Peper Discusses Chevy Malibu Sales Performance The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is turning heads and driving customers to visit their local dealerships in gratifying numbers. Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager, addresses Malibu’s success in a letter to all GM North American employees. Peper states:
I am very happy to report that Malibu continued its strong sales pace during the month of December . Malibu retail sales were up 99 percent versus the same month last year. Dealers continue to clamor for additional product to help meet the overwhelming demand.
The reaction to the vehicle from the automotive media, dealers and most importantly, consumers has been phenomenal. Accolades have been pouring in from across the country. One of my personal favorites came from a consumer in Lemon Grove, California, who said: “I was looking to replace my 2005 Toyota Camry which was coming to the end of its lease and was about to get another Toyota. I saw an ad for the Malibu so I went to the dealership to check it out. About two weeks later I drove my own 2008 Malibu off the lot! This is my first GM vehicle and I really love this car!”
62' so today is the big TV day for you !!! I'llbe looking for you !!!!
On a side note I was hired today at a Chevy dealer so you guys better continue to give me some good stuff to sell. When are you going to bring me a 2-Mode Hybrid Malibu to sell ???? Those baby's would be hotter than Jessica Simpson, im a pair of Daisy Dukes !!!! :shades:
Is there any law that states GM is entitled to be the biggest automaker in the world ? Why would there be any backlash. The fact is Toyota already is way ahead of GM where it counts the most (aka profitability, marketshare etc). Being the biggest is just a natural extension of that successful formula. Bravo to Toyota for toppling Ford for the US No.2 spot and GM for the global No.1 spot.
IMO being number one doesn't mean jack. Being profitable is what counts. Anyone can sell cars at a loss, sell them at a profit and the company will survive whether they are number one or last in market share.
Has anyone seen one on lots yet? I've drove through my local Saturn dealership today to see if I could get a look at a 3 door but they didn't have any... ahh well, maybe next week.
I unfortunately did not get a chance to see you pal. I had some important personal issues to take care of last night thus I couldn't be by the computer at that time. If it's ever re broadcast I'd like to check it out !!!!
Comments
And the Winner IS...
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
-Rocky
Not only the greatest automobile General Motors, ever built but perhaps the greatest car ever built by any automobile manufactor ???
-Rocky
Or the one a local builder recently posted: "the deal of the century!" Of course, we're only into the eighth year of this century.
Greatest?
1961 Jaguar E-type
1955 Chevy Bel Air V8
1955 Chrysler 300
'32 Ford Duece Coupe
'63 Corvette Sting Ray?
You see where I'm going with this?
1961 Jaguar E-type
1955 Chevy Bel Air V8
1955 Chrysler 300
'32 Ford Duece Coupe
'63 Corvette Sting Ray?
You see where I'm going with this?
Umm, they might of been great in their day but compared to what we have today they are POS's. Especially when compared to a SUPER car like the 2009' CTS-V.
Maybe the 2009' CTS-V's new slogan should be "Lead, follow or get out of the way." :P
-Rocky
The point I'm trying to make is not only am I shocked at how cool this new "V" is but how much attention to detail Cadillac, took to make sure it was absolutely perfect. This is the Curt Hennig, of automobiles !!!! :shades:
-Rocky
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
-Rocky
-Rocky
No as far as mass produced obtainable cars, the CTS/CTS-V looks sweet and seems to be a great car. Best ever or best looking, not a chance.
-Rocky
Like dieselone, I'm not saying the CTS isn't a fine car. It's a very nice effort, certainly. But "best ever?" Wasn't the 1995 Aurora by Oldsmobile similarly praised? Does anyone celebrate it now?
WASHINGTON -- Delphi Corp. is holding meetings with lenders in New York and London this week in an effort to borrow up to $4.5 billion to exit bankruptcy, again reducing the refinancing it's seeking in this turbulent credit market.
Raising money is the last major step the company must take to exit bankruptcy by March.
The Troy-based auto supplier said Wednesday it has reduced the amount it wants to raise in exit financing by $700 million, to $4.5 billion. It hopes to have the money in place before a Jan. 17 hearing to confirm its reorganization plan.
It already had reduced its offering once before, from $7.2 billion to $5.2 billion earlier last year.
Delphi and its bankers -- J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. -- met with potential lenders in New York Wednesday and were to meet in London today.Delphi said it will use the loans to pay off debts.
The company said it was able to reduce the amount it was seeking in exit financing because of improved operating performance and lower capital expenses in 2007.
Delphi is offering a $3.7 billion loan at a discount, reportedly 96 cents on the dollar. Delphi also is offering a second-tier loan of $825 billion.
Separately, Delphi is seeking an asset-back revolving line of credit line worth $1.6 billion that it can use if necessary.
Delphi execs give depositions
The bankruptcy court is scheduled to decide today whether to allow Delphi's creditors and shareholders on its statutory committees to participate in exit financing, an unusual request because some, including the U.S. Trustee, said it raises conflict of interest issues.
Delphi noted "the chief remaining step" it must take is to get financing "in what is a very turbulent financing marketplace."
Delphi argued that it should allow its creditors and shareholders on its committees to participate since nearly all of the information about the company's future plans is in the public domain.
The U.S. Trustee opposed the request Wednesday.
"The exit lenders will try to exact as many concession as possible from (Delphi) in light of the tight credit market, but the statutory committees should concentrate on obtaining the most favorable terms for Delphi," wrote Alicia Leonard, an attorney for the U.S. trustee.
Delphi's reorganization hearing could last several days as U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain hears objections. Before the hearing, objectors will get to question company executives and others. Delphi's executive chairman Robert S. "Steve" Miller will submit to a deposition Monday in New York. The company's chief restructuring officer, John Sheehan, will give a deposition Tuesday.
One issue the company's unions are likely to raise is Delphi's plan to pay its top 560 executives $240 million in bonuses and other compensation when the company emerges from bankruptcy. Delphi also plans to pay Miller an $8.3 million bonus and the company's CEO Rodney O'Neal $5.3 million, along with an initial $10 million grant of stock and options.
Delphi has already spent more than $320 million on legal, consulting and accounting fees since filing for bankruptcy protection in October 2005.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080110/AUTO01/801100351/1148-
-Rocky
Are you referring to the Aurora ???? That car was awesome. Alot of folks didn't like its styling though.
-Rocky
-Rocky :shades:
However, the Aurora's basic problem was that with FWD and too much weight on the front end, handling was never going to rivial that of a BMW. My current AWD SRX handles way better than any of the FWD's that I have owned recently (the last was a 2002 Seville).
-Rocky
The CTS could use the magneride on the FE3 suspension, which is too stiff for normal roads (roads that are not new and have rough spots). If the ride stiffness could be selected manually that would be better too. I think the FE3 suspension is probably intended more for track use than normal highway use.
Isn't 2010 when we'll also see the new Corsa sold here?
62' the Riveria, looks pretty cool !!! :shades: Just wished the Velite grill would of been expanded to a coupe/convertible. :sick:
Maybe the Riveria, will see production ??? I guess if someday I want a hard top convertible their is hope for a CTC-V convertible. :shades:
-Rocky
Next Production Buick is the LaCrosse. Wait and see!!
GM Style is Saturday night, Jan. 12 from 8 to 9 p.m. You can watch a live webcast of the event, which features some of today’s hottest entertainment celebrities along with the world debut of several GM global concept and production vehicles, on http://gmtv.feedroom.com. This program will not be rebroadcast.
The GM Fuel Solution Press Conference will take place on Sunday, Jan. 13 from 11:25 a.m. to noon. You can watch a live webcast of the entire press conference, which will include a reveal of the FlexFuel capable HUMMER HX concept and the Saab 9-4X crossover concept, on http://gmtv.feedroom.com. Highlights of this event will be rebroadcast a few hours after the live event.
Watch Cadillac and Saturn Press Conferences on Satellite TV Monday
On Monday, Jan. 14, GM will grab media attention at two different press conferences at the North American International Auto Show.
The Cadillac Press Conference is on Monday at 9:05 a.m.
Four Cadillac concept and production vehicles will premiere at the event. In addition, Cadillac will showcase some of the advanced technical developments and new designs that will shape the brand’s product portfolio in the next several years.
The Saturn Press Conference is on Monday at 12:35 p.m.
Three Saturn product reveals will emphasize the brand’s aggressive roll-out of new products and innovative technology.
In its latest effort to revive the historic but struggling Buick brand in the U.S., General Motors Corp. is showing off the Riviera coupe concept vehicle the auto maker unveiled at the Shanghai auto show last year.
GM was set to show the vehicle at an event Thursday in Detroit, just a few days before the North American International Auto Show kicks off in Detroit. Though a concept and not necessarily slated for production as presented, these vehicles often show the direction of future design for the nameplates.
GM is scheduled to start selling a refreshed LaCrosse sedan in the near future, and its design likely will take cues from the Riviera, a curvy coupe with a pronounced front end and doors hinged at the roof.
It may be fitting that the latest design direction for Buick comes from GM's studio in China, a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation. Buick is a powerhouse brand in that country and a status symbol, and GM sold 332,115 of the vehicles in China in 2007, compared with 185,791 in the U.S.
The studio in China will work closely with its North American colleagues on future Buicks, said GM spokesman Michael Albano.
"Buick is huge in China," he said. "They have a good understanding of what a Buick should be.
By contrast, GM is trying to shake Buick's stodgy image in North America.
The strategy to combat that is to offer fewer, fresher vehicles that better appeal to American buyers. GM is phasing out a number of Buick models, including the Rainier and Rendezvous SUVs and Terraza minivan.
Instead, it is focusing on fresher products such as the Buick Lucerne sedan and Buick Enclave crossover utility. The Enclave was considered a success during its debut in 2007, with 29,286 vehicles sold. The Lucerne lost some steam after its debut in late 2005, as sales in the U.S. slipped 14% to 82,923 in 2007,
Buick sales overall were down nearly 23% to 185,791 in the U.S. in 2007, though much of that was from cutting back on its models and selling fewer cars to rental fleets. GM in general has scaled back sales to rental-car companies, as those sales are less profitable than sales at dealerships and tend to damage the perception of the vehicles among consumers.
Turning the Buick brand's image around still is a challenge, and GM is doing it at a time of increased competition.
Buick is a profitable brand for GM, but the auto maker is trying to improve margins in the U.S. by merging the brand's dealerships into a Pontiac, Buick and GMC "channel," where dealers will sell all three nameplates at a single outlet.
That reduces the need to build vehicles simply to "fill the channel," as Chief Executive Rick Wagoner once put it.
And with the Riviera concept as a guide, GM hopes new Buick models in the U.S. will carry some of the same cachet they have in China.
Toyota crossed the finish line last year with sales even better than forecast, upping the pressure on General Motors in the race to be the world's biggest automaker.
Global sales at Toyota climbed 6 percent to a record 9.37 million vehicles in 2007. The official figure, released today, beat last month's outlook for sales of 9.36 million.
GM has not released sales results, but trends suggest Toyota will pass it this year or next.
I thought the Astra got pretty good mileage? They could make a cheaper model but cutting out features (although I doubt they will), but I don't see how they can improve mileage much without cutting performance back to an unacceptable level.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Does anybody know if there is parity for diesels versus hybrids as regards tax breaks. I have never understood why diesels have been ignored here when they have been providing hybrid level economy with performance for at least 20 years.
Europeans drive manuals and I would love to see a chart of weight distributions for the average European and American families. I am sure a car in the US is much more likely to be loaded up with a 300lb Pa, 200lb Ma and two 150lb kids than in Europe and so engine performance levels needed to guarantee safe on road behaviour are necessarily higher. Add an auto transmission into the mix and the market segment for the Astra just shrunk to those who are slim, drive stick, have no kids and don't like to put their foot down.
Basically, they need to put a turbo in that baby if it is their only engine choice.
So no TV channel 62vetteefp ??? So get on gmtv webcast to see you at that time ??? Okay that's going to be cool seeing somebody I know. :shades: I might not see you because I might be checking out the blonde !!! :P
-Rocky
That's good !!!! :shades:
That reduces the need to build vehicles simply to "fill the channel," as Chief Executive Rick Wagoner once put it.
And with the Riviera concept as a guide, GM hopes new Buick models in the U.S. will carry some of the same cachet they have in China.
Just hope we build ours here !!!
-Rocky
-Rocky
I bet in the real word a 5 speed Astra can do the same.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Take a Sneak Peek at the Saturn VUE Green Line 2-Mode Hybrid
Even though the Saturn VUE Green Line 2-Mode Hybrid will be officially unveiled next week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the brand is giving an advanced look at the world’s most fuel-efficient V-6 SUV.
The VUE Green Line 2-Mode Hybrid will deliver an estimated 50-percent fuel economy increase over the non-hybrid V-6 VUE and is expected to have a driving range of more than 500 miles. Production is slated to begin in late 2008. Click here to take a sneak peek.
http://web17.streamhoster.com:80/ddc/GM/eNews/20080111/2009_vue.jpg
The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is turning heads and driving customers to visit their local dealerships in gratifying numbers. Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager, addresses Malibu’s success in a letter to all GM North American employees. Peper states:
I am very happy to report that Malibu continued its strong sales pace during the month of December . Malibu retail sales were up 99 percent versus the same month last year. Dealers continue to clamor for additional product to help meet the overwhelming demand.
The reaction to the vehicle from the automotive media, dealers and most importantly, consumers has been phenomenal. Accolades have been pouring in from across the country. One of my personal favorites came from a consumer in Lemon Grove, California, who said: “I was looking to replace my 2005 Toyota Camry which was coming to the end of its lease and was about to get another Toyota. I saw an ad for the Malibu so I went to the dealership to check it out. About two weeks later I drove my own 2008 Malibu off the lot! This is my first GM vehicle and I really love this car!”
-Rocky
On a side note I was hired today at a Chevy dealer so you guys better continue to give me some good stuff to sell. When are you going to bring me a 2-Mode Hybrid Malibu to sell ???? Those baby's would be hotter than Jessica Simpson, im a pair of Daisy Dukes !!!! :shades:
-Rocky
I unfortunately did not get a chance to see you pal. I had some important personal issues to take care of last night thus I couldn't be by the computer at that time.
-Rocky
other side of the factory floor on how to repair Saturn Aura
panels..........
other side of the factory floor on how to repair Saturn Aura
panels..........
Thanks dinof !!!
Well I can assure you that you would be treated differently here in Western MI.
Any luck or new news on the Aura panel issue ?
-Rocky