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GM News, New Models and Market Share

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  • greg128greg128 Member Posts: 546
    I can only wish my Expedition frame would rust out and Ford would buy it off me for 2x retail.

    You and every person that owns a vehicle. It was actually 1.5x KBB value. That program is coming to an end as the warranty is for 15 years from original purchase.

    The buyback was only for 1995-2000 Trucks, and did not cover T100 or Tundras. 2000 and later trucks were eligible for Frame replacement. My friend's daughter had her's replaced about a year and a half ago in her 2001 Tacoma. The bill according to my friend was $13,000 completely picked up by Toyota.

    It shows how desperate the company is to either get these trucks off the road or re-framed to avoid resulting lawsuits and bad publicity. The bought back trucks go directly to the crusher.

    Toyota doesn't seem to be a candidate for the longest lasting trucks.
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    edited December 2011
    It was a 1969 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. I wish I knew where that car was today. It was drop-dead gorgeous! I hope it's still in as nice a shape as it was when I saw it and in the hands of somebody who cares for it.

    It probably has been crushed, recycled, and the steel from it is probably running around in several Camrys;)
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    I sure hope not, though I'm sure you could make several modern cars just from the steel in the bumpers.

    I last saw the car at the end of October 1987. It was like it was time-warped from 1969. From what I knew of her family, they took extremely good care of their cars and most definitely had the means to do so. If this car still exists and is in good condition, I'd buy it in a New York second!
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,465
    edited December 2011
    Yes I know all about QE, but it isn't being used as a false competitive advantage to sell products in other markets, unlike the strategy used in undervaluing the Won to give us cars of surprising "value".

    The only think I loathe more than gubbamint is the multinational corporate cabal who owns and controls it. Just as the military-industrial corporate group is what allows us to defend South Korea for pennies on the dollar.
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    I sure hope not, though I'm sure you could make several modern cars just from the steel in the bumpers.

    Oh I know, I was just messing with ya.
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,905
    edited December 2011
    UPDATE: I looked at Google, and I will say, the 'Vette wheel in the late '00's was similar in spokes and center to my Cobalt wheel! I'll admit that. Mine isn't quite as thick, isn't leather-wrapped, and has a bowtie in the center instead of crossed flags, but the funny thing to me has been, for a cheapo car like my LS/XFE is, I always thought it had a nice-looking wheel.

    That wouldn't faze me from looking into a new 'Vette. I'll take that wheel and save the tens of thousands that anything comparable costs.

    I was thinking the 'Vette wheel had two spokes coming down from the center. I'll admit that I'm not a student of 'Vettes though. I just knew I had two Cavaliers ('97 and '02) and I knew I never saw a 'Vette with that steering wheel.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • kernickkernick Member Posts: 4,072
    edited December 2011
    Yes I know all about QE, but it isn't being used as a false competitive advantage to sell products in other markets, unlike the strategy used in undervaluing the Won to give us cars of surprising "value"

    No you're wrong on that account. One of the main reasons for QE is to devalue the $, so that U.S. goods are cheaper relative to other currencies. The theory is that this in turn creates more U.S. jobs and thus a net gain to the U.S. It also makes it cheaper for foreign corporations to make their vehicles here in the U.S. rather than manufacture them in Japan or Germany for example.

    http://www.autoobserver.com/2011/06/fed-plays-a-risky-game.html

    Devaluing the currency is also one of the reasons our gas prices now drop to the $3/gal range instead of $2 or $2.50.
  • js06gvjs06gv Member Posts: 460
    I like the Kona blue too but it is so close to the navy blue metallic I have on the T/A that I went with good old basic black on the Mustang. I really wish Ford would make tuxedo black available on this model but non-metallic black is it. I do have the brick red interior which is really sharp, kinda retro and somewhat rare.

    2024 Ram 1500 Longhorn, 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2019 Ford Mustang GT Premium, 2016 Kia Optima SX, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am WS6

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,465
    edited December 2011
    I don't think I am. I see it differently. Those jobs don't exist, we don't manufacture so much anymore, especially for export other than maybe planes and weapons. Jeremy Anwyl can claim what he wishes, but QE measures don't exist so our industries can be gifted and we can sell things elsewhere. QE in practice is pretty much just printing money so the public sector can spend more and pretend all is well.

    And no matter what, Korea is up there with China in currency issues, and we spent truckloads of money to keep it safe on top of that. And then those who claim we are too lazy and entitlement minded turn a blind eye to the idiocy while celebrating those products.
  • js06gvjs06gv Member Posts: 460
    Had the same engine in a '93 Mazda 626 ES with a 5-speed. The car was a real sleeper. My BIL had a '92 Grand Prix with the 3.4 DOHC and I dusted him on three consecutive quick runs and when we made a u-turn to go for number four he waved me off and gave up. Great engine and car.

    2024 Ram 1500 Longhorn, 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2019 Ford Mustang GT Premium, 2016 Kia Optima SX, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am WS6

  • tlongtlong Member Posts: 5,194
    NOthing could top the incredibly bad reliablity of the Neon. It was simply the lemonyest lemon ever made. Very bitter, very sour.

    Seems like the Neon was death from a thousand cuts, while Vega was death from a few large stab wounds.
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    '93 Mazda 626 ES with a 5-speed. The car was a real sleeper.

    Those were. Basically a 4 door version of a Probe and Mazda MX-6. That 2.5 DOHC v6 was gem. Turbine smooth.
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,905
    Seems like I still see a lot of second-generation Neons still on the road, and it's not like they look like they're falling apart or anything. Matter of fact, I was behind one about two hours ago in town here.

    For looks, I liked the first-generation in a coupe, best. Can't remember if the coupe had frameless door glass like the sedan, or not. I know that's not practical, but I like frameless glass, mostly in the summertime with the windows down. Right now is the first time in 23 years I haven't owned a car with frameless door glass (since I sold my Lark hardtops earlier this year and now have a Lark two-door sedan).
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,465
    edited December 2011
    Yes the coupes had frameless door glass. My brother had a 96 "Expresso" model with the tacked on bric a brac...in 2001 or so it got t-boned by an old Caddy and written off, and he was more than happy to be rid of it.
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    edited December 2011
    For looks, I liked the first-generation in a coupe, best. Can't remember if the coupe had frameless door glass like the sedan, or not. I know that's not practical, but I like frameless glass, mostly in the summertime with the windows down.

    That's what I had and it had frameless door windows. It was good and bad. The bad was once you got over 70mph and/or had a bad cross wind, the window would get sucked/pushed out of the rubber seal and you'd have severe wind noise. You had to roll the window down and back up. Usually that didn't work for very long. It did drive me nuts.

    I had the dealer adjust it a few times when it was till under warranty, but it was a continuous problem.

    I still see Neons on occasion, though I don't see many early versions anymore.

    Once in a while I still see a Tempo now and then. So I guess a few samples of any car can survive a long time.

    Though I can't say when the last time I saw a Yugo on the road;) Wonder if they're officially a part of history.
  • tlongtlong Member Posts: 5,194
    Seems like I still see a lot of second-generation Neons still on the road, and it's not like they look like they're falling apart or anything. Matter of fact, I was behind one about two hours ago in town here.

    I always liked the look (exterior) of the first Neons, less so the second gen. Rarely ever see them around here.

    It is pretty interesting the regional differences in vehicles. Here in CA, you see a lot of D3 SUVs and trucks, but sedans are pretty rare. Tons of Honda/Toy/VW/BMW/MB/Infiniti/Audi around here.

    When I was in PA/OH/NY over Thanksgiving, it was amazing to see a lot of old abandoned buildings and the much higher (but not as much say 10 or 20 years ago) proportion of US sedans. I can see how attitudes would be different depending upon where you live. The subcultures in the different parts of the US vary a lot.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    edited December 2011
    Yes, GM Korea is right up there with a blind eye to the idiocy.

    SEOUL – GM Korea today celebrated the production of the first all-new Chevrolet Malibu at its Bupyeong #2 plant in Incheon. Sales of Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan will start next month in Korea, the product’s initial market.

    GM Korea’s Bupyeong plant is the first in the world to build the eighth-generation Malibu, which will form a cornerstone of Chevrolet’s growth as the brand’s new top-of-the-range offering in global markets.


    We're all connected, even GM and Korea!

    Regards,
    OW
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,035
    For looks, I liked the first-generation in a coupe, best. Can't remember if the coupe had frameless door glass like the sedan, or not. I know that's not practical, but I like frameless glass, mostly in the summertime with the windows down.

    Chrysler even had their own special code in the VIN for cars with frameless window glass. Dunno what it was in the 2-door models, but in the 4-doors, it was 42, which was code for "Pillared Hardtop". They used it on the 1979-81 R-body, and revived it for the Neon. "41" was for 4-door sedan and "43' was 4-door hardtop. From owning two Dart hardtops and a '67 Newport, I know that "23" was the code for hardtop coupe, so I'd imagine that "22"would have been the code for the Neon coupe's style?
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    I passed what looked to be an early '00s SAAB 9-5 Aero today. Older lady driving it and it appeared to have a rough life. It was dirty and faded. Looked as depressed as the current Saab situation, but it was scooting down the road just fine.
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    edited December 2011
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yugo-GV-87-not-sure-sat-10-years-yard-parts-car-fix-up-c- - omplete-/300625863975?pt=Salvage_Parts_Cars&vxp=mtr&hash=item45feb2a527#ht_500wt- - _1156

    A 110mph speedo on a Yugo. That's hilarious. I think 110km would be more like it.

    $700? WTH, that car isn't worth $700 even if it was in showroom condition.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    I tried finding the TMV of a 1987 Yugo GV in Edmunds years ago and it came up with a figure of $37! :P
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,681
    >Has anyone known anybody who had a Toyota pickup frame replaced?

    How did Toyota handle all those sludged engines after they finally owned up to the reality? Did they replace the engine? Buy back the car?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    How did Toyota handle all those sludged engines after they finally owned up to the reality? Did they replace the engine? Buy back the car?

    I don't know. I don't know anyone who had to deal with that.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I tried finding the TMV of a 1987 Yugo GV in Edmunds years ago and it came up with a figure of $37!

    That much?
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,905
    My son had a 2000 Cavalier served him well and cheaply for 200k.
    He currentyhas a 2008 Cobalt with 80k. His only non maintenance issue was a wheel bearing.


    And while not ideal, that wheel bearing was a free fix as it was covered under the 5 year/100K powertrain warranty.

    I've had two Cavaliers, with 129K and 112K miles and both were cheap to run and still looked good the day I traded them in. My '08 Cobalt has been a great little car at 53K miles and gets an honest 37 mpg on the highway. I paid $9,900 for it new, before trade.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    I tried another site, I think it was MS_Auto or something, and it came up "SALVAGE."
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    edited December 2011
    From what I've found on the Toyota sludge issue is very few of the 3.3 million engines that were determined to be susceptible to sludge actually had issues.

    The few sites I looked at report anywhere from 3,000 to 7,000 engines out of 3.3 million failed from oil sludge problems. Hardly a huge problem if that's true.

    Chrysler, VW, and Saab all have reported oil sludge issues too. I don't know know much about the VW and Saab issue, but the Chrysler 2.7 v6 sludge issues are well known.
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    I tried another site, I think it was MS_Auto or something, and it came up "SALVAGE."

    Those Yugos probably should have been issued "salvage" titles when new;)
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Well I had read online that they have over $30B in cash

    Couple of things: It takes time to develop product in this industry so current $30B may not be reflected in current introduction vehicles. Also, need to watch cash flows over time because it can vary (often widely over time) and sometimes isn't as strong as it looks in a snapshot because of upcoming obligations.

    Check P. 8 of that link next. There is a row "Income Tax Expense (benefit)

    I'm not an expert on GM or its finances and BK (very complicated subjects). However, the 10Q is a Federal securities requirement and as such subject to pretty stringent reporting requirements and senior executive certification. This area isn't a "profit" per se. It is a layout of offsetting areas in the P&L statement. It may be tax ramifications recapture of prior losses or excess payments. Often these must be recognized or recouped over multiple years just like capital losses on a personal tax filing. It may also derive from BK carry over. However, the accounting is similar to other US corporate entities. Even if it all was from the BK, which I doubt, it is then an overall one time instance that may by tax law play out over several accounting periods. The ultimate tax benefit to GM from the BK being a one time benefit is certainly not the same as recurring government benefits in some foreign countries given to their key industries. Makes me wonder how Korea treats interdivisional transfers between the different segments of the Hyundai conglomerate - I'll bet you'll find some big time tax benefits there every year compared to US tax law. And of course Korea can tax their key corporations at a lower rate (like a lot of Europe) because dumb old Uncle is picking up huge amounts of their national defense, not to mention IMF and other economic subsidies. I believe our corporations are at a distict disadvantage because of all the dollars we have to tax to subsidize other countries for things like these. We spend the bulk of defense dollars and efforts in the Middle East, yet little of our oil actually comes from there - same goes for African piracy. Europe and Asia are the big consumers and the Middle Eastern counties are rolling in cash - why are we paying for all of this and hurting our economic interests while helping theirs???
  • dave8697dave8697 Member Posts: 1,498
    My friend sold his Avalon just out of fear of sludge. He made out great. got 22k out of 28 or 29k back and then got a new '03 Accord V6 with Leather for about 28 or 29k otd. He had the Avalon shipped several states and they ruined the CV joints by cranking down on the tie down straps, causing the car to make noises ever after. He studied the sludge problem and said Toyota was deliberately restricting coolant flow to get higher mpgs. Like in the recent TV adv about a show about Wall street where the guy says " be faster, be smarter, or cheat"
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    the Fed and their QE's?

    I think the primary reason for quantitative easing is to in effect reduce our liabilities since the resulting lower value of the dollar makes those foreign loans/investments cheaper to pay off. It may be considred in a manner currency manipulation, but it can't happen without unresticted international market trading seeing it the same way (obviously if you lower your interest rates international traders are going to likely lower your currency value except for some of the blind foolishness toward BRIC countries sometimes). The difference in some Asian markets is that they restrict foreign trading of their currencies thereby allowing them to manipulate its value without necessarily allowing the open international currency markets to freely trade and value the currency and they also heavily restrict imports which can indirectly play on currency values.
  • kernickkernick Member Posts: 4,072
    If it looks like a skunk, walks like a skunk, and smells like a skunk - it's a skunk.

    Your explanations, Bernanke's, or Greenspan's are all wonderfully complex theories and have motives inside of motives, and effects inside effects. What it means is the same old story that's been happening for centuries - the powerful and wealthy are setting rules for their benefit, and those within various countries are competing with one another for more international power and wealth.
    The 99% are perfectly correct about how the world is run; I do disagree with them that socialism (sharing the wealth without necessarily earning it) is the answer. I find nothing comforting in the growth and power of our government and its entanglement (mutual aid) in the corporate and financial world.

    The government should be nothing more than a rule-setter and the official, much like the referees on the football field. If Korea's team has players on steroids, and tries to put 12 men on the field, the response of the referees should not be to give the U.S teams steroids or give them the $ to buy the steroids; it should be to ban the Koreans (or whomever). I'm sure someone in DC has heard the word "ethics" and read the Constitution, on what the limited role of government should be. But following ethical behavior and the Constitution is inconvenient for the ambitious, isn't it? So the well-connected UAW gets its lifeline despite many past issues, the incompetent execs of GM are given their golden parachutes, Cerberus is absolved of losses on Chrysler, and GM continues "too big to fail".

    Given the current course this country is on with these policies as exemplified by the GM and bank bailouts, continuing debt, it will be a close race between the government and GM as to who collapses first. :mad: :cry:
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    How did Toyota handle all those sludged engines after they finally owned up to the reality?

    Isn't this thread supposed to be about GM?
  • cadillacmikecadillacmike Member Posts: 543
    Don't want to get too far off topic here, but a decent portion of those were from people who couldn't be bothered to change their oil!?!?!
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,905
    The few sites I looked at report anywhere from 3,000 to 7,000 engines out of 3.3 million failed from oil sludge problems. Hardly a huge problem if that's true.

    To paraphrase responses to similar, past quotes here about GM: "Unless it's your car".
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,905
    edited December 2011
    Isn't this thread supposed to be about GM?

    It usually ends up being about the supposed superiority of the Korean companies Hyundai and Kia.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,905
    And it was built down the road from me and has a high N.A. parts content (either 75 or 80%; too lazy to look at the window sticker). Corporate headquarters in the U.S. and utilizes suppliers in my area, too.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    It usually ends up being about the supposed superiority of the Korean companies Hyundai and Kia...which GM is far behind and trying to catch up.

    Forgot to add that. :)

    Regards,
    OW
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,905
    edited December 2011
    I don't like Hyundais and Toyotas, but I don't post on their forums. To post bashes there, repeatedly, would be trolling.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Here's some additional morning news....

    Plain and simple, 2011 was a year of consolidation for the General. With his management team finally stable after a long period of churn and turmoil, GM CEO Dan Akerson was able to start implementing his long-term vision for America's largest automaker. But it will be several years before his vision becomes a reality, and the rough performance of GM's shares reflected that, as economic conditions continued to pose a challenge for the company.

    As previously reported, layoffs and continued cost cutting will follow in 2012. Looking at their industry-leading inventory, profits might lag unless sales outpace cost control. Hope decontenting does not take hold!

    General Motors is working with several consulting firms as it works to identify white-collar jobs it can cut globally in order to become more efficient.

    The automaker, which received $50 billion in taxpayer assistance in 2009 to restructure, wants to trim jobs across a number of departments so it can become more competitive.

    "We are looking to streamline our business; we are looking for efficiencies and cost improvements," GM spokesman Jay Cooney said. "To the extent there are going to be job cuts, it will be on a global basis."


    Miles to go....

    Regards,
    OW
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    edited December 2011

    GM Korea Company leaderships congratulate the introduction of Chevrolet brand and wish for success. GM Korea is Korea's third-largest automotive company, and represents one of GM's largest manufacturing, design and technology hubs. With headquarters in Incheon, Korea, it manufactures a family of vehicles and powertrains for the Korean and global market. GM Korea employs about 17,200 people worldwide in its core automotive business.

    It operates five manufacturing facilities in Korea as well as an assembly facility in Vietnam. In 2010, GM Korea sold domestically and exported more than 1.84 million vehicles, including CKD products, primarily under the Chevrolet brand. GM Korea produces one out of every four Chevrolets sold worldwide. It provides market- and brand-specific vehicle kits for assembly at GM facilities in China, Uzbekistan, Mexico, India, Colombia, Russia and other countries. Vehicles and kits from GM Korea are offered in more than 150 markets on six continents.


    Now that's news! Too bad GM-K couldn't use the GDI-T from it's neighbors for the '13 'Bu.

    Regards,
    OW
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,905
    edited December 2011
    Go Korea, boo U.S.!

    The last Korean car sold as a captive import under the Chevy label, the Aveo, I bid good-riddance to.

    So, circle, what say you about the Michigan-built Sonic's 17-day inventory?
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Excellent news on the Sonic! I think GM has discovered the car business anew!

    I really don't HATE GM. Their business model caused them to fail, not me and their past speaks for itself.

    Remember, GM is poised to become the world leader once again in sales. Let me know if that's good or bad. :confuse:

    Regards,
    OW
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,905
    A tip-of-the-hat to you for saying that.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    edited December 2011
    U.S. and foreign automakers are poised to add nearly 167,000 U.S. jobs by the end of 2015, according to the nonprofit Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich. That breaks down to 30,000 hourly and salaried workers at the Big Three U.S. automakers, 17,000 jobs at foreign automakers and about 120,000 auto-supply sector jobs. "The industry has pretty much hired back just about everybody from the automotive side that had been laid off. And now they're hiring fresh, so they're actually adding to their rosters. And it's not just the Detroit automakers. It's everybody," said Aaron Bragman, senior analyst at IHS Automotive in Northville, Mich.

    U.S. Auto Strong Year

    Regards,
    OW
  • jae5jae5 Member Posts: 1,206
    Pure semantics - it is what it is. The wheel was used across the board, across vehicles and across years, same as many other components used in GM's multitude of vehicles, same as any other manufacturer.
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,905
    edited December 2011
    I guess when someone makes a statement like, "GM put Cavalier steering wheels in Corvettes", when discussing Corvette product planning going on, and it's on a world-wide information board, it's not an accurate statement. I'm for dotting the 'i's' and crossing the 't''s, information-wise, as best as one can.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    To paraphrase responses to similar, past quotes here about GM: "Unless it's your car".

    True, I'm sure there are many unhappy Toyota owners or at least disappointed at minimum.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Excellent news on the Sonic! I think GM has discovered the car business anew!

    Let's not get too excited kids. It's only been out a month - let's wait for sustained sales. The Cruze did well out of the gate and now the plant is on shutdown with a 77 day supply.
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,905
    I've sure seen them at dealers for longer than one month.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
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