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Gouging on Rroadsters sort of defeats their stated purpose of providing big time fun at reasonable prices.
Fact is, however, there are people out their willing to pay. Meaning people are putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to liking the Sky.
General Motors Corp. has enough cash in pension and retiree health-care
funds to pay for workers it entices to retire with buyout offers, which
would save as much as $1.8 billion a year, a Merrill Lynch analyst said.
GM, the world's largest automaker, may get 50 percent of 63,000 union
workers eligible for full or early retirement to leave, analyst John Murphy
wrote in a report. He raised the rating on the Detroit-based automaker's
shares to “neutral” from “sell,” and they rose as much as 6.8 percent.
“GM should be able to increase the retiree base quite substantially without
impairing the plan,” Murphy wrote. “This is extremely important as a
retiree can be paid out of the pension-plan assets, relieving wage burden
from the current cash flow of the core company.”
The company's U.S. pension plans are overfunded by $6 billion and GM also
can tap a $15 billion retiree health-care fund, Murphy wrote. Trimming at
least 30,000 of GM's 113,000 U.S. union workers is a key part of Chief
Executive Officer Rick Wagoner's plan to cut costs after a $10.6 billion
loss in 2005.
The automaker, which narrowed its first-quarter loss to $323 million from
$1.25 billion a year earlier on record quarterly revenue, is showing early
signs of a recovery, Murphy wrote today.
vehicles will rise again in April, even as gasoline prices approach record
highs, a company analyst said.
The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe will beat March's 20 percent increase, Cadillac
Escalade sales will be up more than 50 percent and GMC Yukon sales will be
higher than a year earlier, sales analyst Paul Ballew said today in an
interview. The effect of fuel costs is being felt in mid-sized SUVs, he
said.
Average transaction prices, which rose as much as $6,000 on the
Detroit-based company's new SUVs in the first quarter, ``are holding in
there well despite gas prices,'' Ballew said.
GM and Ford, losing money and market share in North America, seek to boost
sales of large SUVs and pickups this year. In the first quarter, sales rose
37 percent for the Tahoe, increased 12 percent for the Escalade and fell
4.8 percent for the Yukon. Ford's large SUVs declined 21 percent for the
Ford Expedition and 17 percent for the Lincoln Navigator.
People, don't drink the water! You may end up paying more for your gaz guzzler SUV than last year and smiling as you buy your first fill up! :surprise:
-Loren
Praise at the Auto Show...is that unusual? The press is very reluctant to bite the hand that feeds it, and I'm sure all the Ferrari's got raves too. Problem is they don't sell in a volume that can help GM. Selling out of Soltice and Sky is easy.They're new and volume is kept low....for now. Fiero and Citation were also much praised by the press and the public, and they sold like 25 cent beers at a Cubs game, for awhile anyway. Now , GM is just as likely to deny they ever made either one.Only time will tell who's right, but can you deny that GM's pathetic past would indicate I'm more right than wrong? Eye Candy and Flashy ads can do only so much, not many 13 year olds are able to take out a 5 year loan! Short of that, who's going to keep this car selling after the initial splash? Bill C.
Bingo. I pointed out somewhere on this forum that Solstice sales will be equivalent to about 0.4% (yes, that's 4/10ths of one percent) of GM's total US production for the year. GM is not going to save itself by succeeding with the Solstice.
Cars like the Solstice are important image builders, but their primary benefit will come from generating buzz that will get customers to purchase other cars. If the Solstice wannabe doesn't end up behind the wheel of a different car, then the exercise will have gained very little.
GM needs mainstream vehicles that it can sell in large quantities if it can expect to make money and build a future customer base. The trucks are lovely and all, and the Solstice is attractive, but in the current oil price environment, relying solely on those won't make for a great business plan.
You must not have much experience with the New York press. They prefer to trash.
Problem is they don't sell in a volume that can help GM. Selling out of Soltice and Sky is easy.
As I said in my original post, the NY Press praised the SKY AND the Aura (as mainstream as you can get) and the Prevue concept - which suggests the direction of all around Saturn and Opel styling.
I forgot to mention earlier that the Outlook was launched in New York a well. This recieved a lot of press. The Outlook will have SUV proportions but promises to be lighter, more economical and better to drive than a real truck. It will probably be as important a vehicle to Saturn as the Aura.
Eye Candy and Flashy ads can do only so much, not many 13 year olds are able to take out a 5 year loan! Short of that, who's going to keep this car selling after the initial splash?
Roadsters have had a small - but consistently loyal - following since the 1950s. Car companys tend to want an image vehicle. Most have one.
Must be nice to be able to blow off an extra $1,ooo to $2,ooo, then it may be $3,ooo a year. Yes, I know most people can budget in another $3,000 a year for gas, if they have to, but it doesn't stop there. Everything goes up with higher fuel costs -- everything. What we are experiencing now is but the tip of the iceberg.
We haven't had a major recession, or depression in awhile. Would not recommend people to take on debt, nor spend like a drunken sailor. A few deflated bucks in the bank is worth at least something. Since the dollar may devalue, I guess one could consider their last hurrah to buy a car or SUV. Just don't buy on time, or empty the bank. I think the USA will be running on empty soon. Yeah, I know all the data shows best economy is X number of years -- whoopee. That is usually the pre-cursor.
-Loren
Date posted: 04-27-2006
MARANELLO, Italy — Delphi, the bankrupt U.S. auto parts supplier and former General Motors subsidiary, said it will supply components and systems for the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.
The big news is that the new $280,000 Ferrari, which replaces the 575M Maranello, will use Delphi's MagneRide suspension, which is featured on such premium GM products as the Cadillac STS and the Chevrolet Corvette.
Curiously, the high-performance STS-V and the Corvette Z06 do not use MagneRide, which employs shock absorbers filled with a controllable fluid to alter damping characteristics.
For the '07 Ferrari 599 GTB, Delphi also will supply the dual-zone climate control system, as well as the electrical/electronic system. Delphi said it has been supplying climate control technology to Ferrari since 1992, and is responsible for the climate control systems on all of Ferrari's current models.
What this means to you: A little piece of GM on the next Ferrari — and a great way for Delphi to focus on something positive.
Rocky
No last hurrah,no disaster,we'll(america) muddle through like always! :shades:
I believe it when I see it.
Son, you need to go back to bed. The Lambda V6 has nothing to do with any engine GM ever made, except the cylinder count.
I was only teasing ya'll. Can't ya'll take a joke. bumpy of all people I would think you would of new I was kidding.
Rocky
P.S. I see that Hyundai is copying the Northstar. :P
Rocky
Rocky
Rocky
P.S. I just *skake* my head at ya'll
Rocky
You are getting your wish of having a 6-speed auto across the board pal.
Rocky
You are getting your wish of having a 6-speed auto across the board pal.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch. LOL. Things can change in a hurry.
I'm thinking GM will want to have the 6 speed across the board around the time the '07 Expedition comes out. A diesel option in '08 would be great and I wait certainly wait that long to get one.
Good work Rocky!
Rocky
Rocky
Since my Suburban only has 65k miles on it and I've had to spend quite a bit on it during the last 12k miles
Rocky
Rocky
P.S.
Diesel, my advice to you is the next time you buy a vehicle and you don't lease it to get the GM backed bumper to bumper extended warranty negotiated also into your contract. I got my GM discount and the GM bumper to bumper warranty up too 100K for like $700 bucks to close the deal.
Does anyone know what Opels could become Saabs ????
Help Me, I wanna know. I prefer pics if the opels they are going to use are out right now? Where are you at andys120 ?
Rocky
So far. Next time I will probably get the warranty and not need it LOL.
Rocky
P.S. It's better to be safe than sorry though. If you shop around pal you will beable to get a good deal and the 100K warranty for piece of mind.
Rocky
Rocky
NAVIGATOR - $60000 55% residual after 3 years is still owed, giving you a payment of $750/month.
LS430 - $70000 65% residual after 3 years is still owed, payment will be about the same.
This is assume the same money factor applied, and are rough approximations - I don't feel like going for my HP12C to figure it exactly.
Checked out a new Chevy Tahoe today. You're right - the interior is nice, and bests the Expedition easily. Only gripe I had is the Leather on the seats is very very low grade. In fact, it's so thin and brittle, it could be vinyl. Of course, it's a Chevy.....but it's too bad, the rest of it is so very nice. Oh, of course, there's also the useless 3rd seat still not going into the floor, and impossible for an adult to be comfortable in. Grrrrrrr.
NAVIGATOR - $60000 55% residual after 3 years is still owed, giving you a payment of $750/month.
LS430 - $70000 65% residual after 3 years is still owed, payment will be about the same.
This is assume the same money factor applied, and are rough approximations - I don't feel like going for my HP12C to figure it exactly.
Wow.......You should baught a STS-V :P OTOH I hope you like the Lexus though if that's what you wanted.
Checked out a new Chevy Tahoe today. You're right - the interior is nice, and bests the Expedition easily. Only gripe I had is the Leather on the seats is very very low grade. In fact, it's so thin and brittle, it could be vinyl. Of course, it's a Chevy
It's not that bad you turkey. :P
but it's too bad, the rest of it is so very nice. Oh, of course, there's also the useless 3rd seat still not going into the floor, and impossible for an adult to be comfortable in. Grrrrrrr.
It didn't have the flip seats ? :surprise: Nvbanker, are you sure you were looking at one with leather ? Sure it wasn't a stripped down one with Vinyl ?
:confuse:
Rocky
-Loren
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Epsilon_platform
http://www.chevrolet.com/aveo/
New Aveo
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/04/20/044226.html
http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/new-cars/new-chevy-aveo-storms-europe-to-be-shown-i- - n-frankfurt-122238.php
scramble again to produce something to compete in the gas mileage game, a few years late and many dollars short.
Fit is 33/38 not "40"
The Aveo has been available here in the states for years and had no real competition until Toyota and Honda joined the game. The replacement is due in a month or so. The old one got 26/35. No gas data on the new one. Good or bad I believe this new one will be a bit bigger & more power than current one.
I know he had to go in for a few other things while he had that extended warranty, but nothing really major.
When I bought my Intrepid, I paid something like $1200 for an extended warranty. Didn't use the danged thing ONCE! The warranty was called "bumper to bumper", but there was still a lot of stuff it didn't cover, such as brakes and rotors (considered maintenance) and the door seals, and I think the timing chain, and other various things. It had a $200 deductible, too. The one thing that would have theoretically been covered by it, my thermostat housing, I just had my local mechanic fix while he had the car in for some maintenance stuff, and he only charged me $210 to fix it, so the warranty would've only save me 10 bucks.
As for that 4L60E transmission that GM uses in their trucks (and the one that has been rebuilt twice in my uncle's truck), would it be feasible to swap in the 4L80E? I was just thinking that if you had a truck that was good otherwise, but it kept eating those lighter-duty trannies, if the next time around it would be worth it to put in the heavier-duty one? Or would the 4L80E sap too much of the V-6'es power? Or is it a physically larger tranny that wouldn't fit in a half-ton truck? You'd think that a half-ton versus a heavier truck wouldn't make a difference, but because the 3/4 and 1-ton trucks have a thicker, taller frame, there is a bit more room underneath. IIRC, that's one reason why you can't get a Diesel in the 1/2 ton Ram, F-series, or Silverado...it won't fit! I'm sure emissions standards are another reason, though.
As to history, we look to the Civic HX getting 44 MPG, and the Corolla 38 MPH ( often better, BTW ). Been doing it for years.
Once again, the big two are out of the game.
-Loren
I don't see why the l480E wouldn't fit. But I have no idea.
I'm not happy with the l460e either and have no intentions of buying a new Suburban with one. I'll wait for the 6speed hoping that it is more durable, or get a 3/4 ton with the 4l80E.
When I had the trans in my Suburban rebuilt, I used a local independent shop and I spent about $400 or so extra to have aftermarket updated components used for the rebuild. The shop gave me a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty (I do have to have the shop change the fuid at regular intervals). I told the owner of the shop I will be towing a lot and he set it up to perform better for towing performance. It definitely shifts quicker and harder than before the rebuild.
IIRC, that's one reason why you can't get a Diesel in the 1/2 ton Ram, F-series, or Silverado...it won't fit! I'm sure emissions standards are another reason, though.
True, but even with the 3/4 Suburban the diesel supposedly doesn't fit (2000-2006 models). I saw a website somewhere where a guy will put a duramax in a suburban, but I believe he had to use a 3/4 ton p/u frame with a body lift. IIRC.
I know many on the boards have don't believe the 4l60e's have issues, but I've met to many people that have had them fail under 75k miles. Just look at the Trailblazer board, they have a whole thread on transmission issues.
TB trans prob
Of the 5 Corollas I've rented over the past year, the best I've gotten was 28 average city/highway.
The rental Corollas have automatics, air con and power windows, etc.
Or pretty much what 9 out of 10 people buying would select.
Just as a reference point, about a month ago I let him borrow my Intrepid, because his truck had to get the tranny rebuild, and his Corolla had to go in the body shop. In that same type of driving, he was averaging about 26-28 mpg with my Intrepid.
Dang, I wish I knew there were updated/improved components you could use, before I took my uncle's truck in to get it rebuilt! Oh well, I'll keep it in mind the next time it needs a rebuild. :P
My uncle doesn't do any towing, though. About the most he does is haul stuff to the dump occasionally, but whenever we needed to do anything really abusive, we've always used my '85 Silverado. So maybe he'll be okay.
Plus, this second time around, I had a local shop rebuild his tranny. Same place I take my cars for servicing, and the place that redid the tranny in my '79 Newport years ago. So maybe they rebuilt it a bit better than the dealer did that first time?
Pile of doo-doo... :surprise: :shades:
The Sky is pretty nice looking. It has a better nose and interior than the Solstice, but Solstice got the better tail lights. One or the other really should have been a hatchback. GM doesn't need two nearly-identical roadsters in the US market.
Of course you may be referring to the fact that it is not available as a 5 door yet? 3 dr and 5 dr are expected by the end of the year. Perhaps because it is a bit longer than the fit? Still gets about the same EPA mpg (assuming it gets at least the same as the c/o Aveo).
http://www.mph-online.com/web/prtranslated/00333
I wonder how much trouble it would be to throw a Muncie 465 in there?
Their top line stuff may be better. If I gamble some day on GM, it would more likely be something like the CTS. Though some other cars look OK according to the data. The best rated Buicks, the LeSabre and Century are gone now, and not something I would get excited over owning. That said, the '62 LeSabre was pretty classy, and I enjoyed driving Dad's car when I was a kid. Hey, it had electric windows, and air conditioning, and all those deluxe stuff on her. We always had used cars. Even in those days, GM cars were so much cheaper used in say three years time or so. The interior and body seemed more solid than the rest. This all went away some time in the 70's.
-Loren
-Loren
If we are comparing ownership experience: I never needed anything other than scheduled maintenance on my 95 Saturn SL2, which I drove over 120k miles. My nephew is using it as his college car now, having inherited it from his sister.
My '00 Saturn L200 gave me 16k miles with no trouble. I decided to go with only a weekend car, so I sold it in favor of the Miata. The Miata, unfortunately did give me trouble, so I sold it after only chocking up 22k miles.