It's Not All Bad

Dear Bob,

It may not be all bad, but consider the following:

Last night walking through the parking lot to the restaurant with my 15 year old daughter, we walked by a Toyota Prius and she said, “When I get old enough, I think I want a Prius.” I asked her why and she said, “Because it is cool and gets good gas mileage.” What prompted her to now want a Toyota? Well, since she was born in 1991, my wife and I have only owned American vehicles (90 Suburban, 66 Thunderbird, 98 Caravan, 2000 Grand Caravan). As a matter of fact she, loves the Suburban and wants to drive it when she gets her license. She knows it is older than her, very reliable, but when it comes to being cool and gas mileage, she now thinks Toyota.

Why… when Katrina hit, and gas went to $3.50 a gallon, she saw me almost spent $100 on a tank for my truck. And she started asking questions about gas mileage. Of course, I have discussed why she should buy an American car/truck, but to answer her questions about the best gas mileage, I had to admit GM has no hybrids out there yet. I mentioned that GM is planning to introduce some, but they are a couple of years behind Toyota and Honda. Hear that before? GM late to the high gas mileage party and still hanging out at the SUV party while the workers are trying clean up.

Why can’t you build cars that are the best at everything including gas mileage? Here is at least one potential customer that already knows Toyota makes the most efficient car. Even today, your Cobalt is not at efficient as my first car – a 1986 Mercury Lynx (Ford Escort twin). Also, can you get a Cobalt with a hatch back? No. Something else she wants in a car.

Just something to think about – a potential future customer at age 15 and already wanting a Toyota. Sometimes I wonder how GM will ever survive while Japan/Korea continue to kick to rear ends.

Hope this helps.

Dave

Now all GM needs is a very competitive mainstream 4 door sedan...........like yesterday...........and if not toyota will be selling half a million or so by the end of 06.

Come on GM where is the Saturn Aura and the new Chevy Malibu?

Besides those sales figures are highly misleading.....what is toyota's percentage increases, 100% ?!!!!

I agree with the previous post-where is the new malibu? The current one is OK, except it needs a new interior, and the electric steering stinks. In fact, the electric steering stinks in all your cars but you insist on using it. Do you guys ever read car reviews? Well, the public does.
The Lucerne increased sales? Hasn't it been out only a few months? Do you think we are stupid?
The G6 increased sales because you now have a 4 cylinder and coupe model, of course its going to increase sales.
Don't use this blog to pass off bogus numbers and sefl serving platitudes. Thise of us that are here know the situation and are trying to help you guys fix the mess you put yourselves into.
Your designs aren't very good, especially the interiors, your engines are old news and not up to world class standards, your warranties are too low, your mainstream cars aren't even up to Hyundai standards.
If you don't know by now what it will take to save GM then there is no hope for you.
The Tahoe is very nice, how about your cars now? NOW, not in 2 years.
The Cobalt is substandard, will you make improvements to it NOW or let it rot for another year? My guess is that you'll let it rot. Thats been your M.O.D. hasn't it?
Prove us wrong. We're waiting.

I agree with the earlier comment made by Mark. GM is certainly bringing out much better cars and trucks such as the HHR, new full size trucks (GMT-900), Solstice, Corvette, Buick Lucerne, and the Sigma Cadillacs. Many of these cars and trucks are best in class. The W-Body cars, while much improved, still are not fully competitive with the new Camry and the current Accord. Having a true best in class Impala and Malibu would do wonders for GM's image. I am sure this is obvious to GM's management.

Respectully,

Eric M. Vest

Let's see....Tahoe sales are selling well -- until gas hits $3.00/gallon again this summer (no, wait -- it might be as soon as this SPRING).

The Solstice is outselling the Miata, great!! Let me know when you've sold a couple hundred thousand of them, because until then it just doesn't make that much difference.

G6 sales are up 38% from last year -- when they were totally in the dumpster. So how many units does that add up to, really?

When, oh WHEN are you going to bring out totally competitive small AND midsize cars; something that can sell three or four hundred thousand units per year?? The Cobalt is just barely better than the LAST generation Honda Civic, and you STILL don't have anything remotely competitive in the midsize field.

I should know -- I just bought a new Hyundai Sonata, made in the USA with a 235 hp V6 and a 5-speed manumatic. Know what I paid? $18,100 (I swear to God) -- and before I bought I looked at ALL the cars in that category, including the G6 and Impala (YAWN) and even the LaCrosse, which I considered for about 45 minutes after I tried one on.

What sold me on the Hyundai? Sheer value for money (and don't get me started on "Hyundai's quality"; not until you can tell me with a straight face that your OWN quality is any better).

Face it GM, your cars just are not worth the money you need to charge for them, even at a rebated price!! It's said you need to spend $1500/car on your "legacy costs"; well, I'd rather buy from a company that can put that $1500 into the CAR itself; instead of subsidizing all those people you've got sleeping and playing cards in the Jobs bank.

Seriously GM, until you get some truly hot mainstream cars, with truly new powertrains in truly new (not warmed-over) chassis, cars that will sell even when your SUV's don't -- I feel your goose is cooked. I really wanted to give you guys a chance, but you just didn't have the goods when I came calling.

Let me take you down memory lane, and see if we can see how you got INTO this mess:

-- The early 70’s, when the Chevy Vega was introduced. Yes, we all know about the Vega, but the reason it was such a POS was because you guys kept trying to take cost out of the car. The sleeveless aluminum engine was after all the result of your trying to do without iron cylinder sleeves, which would have saved about $2 per cylinder – or $8 per car. It would’ve been better to have used existing powertrains from your European outfits, as Ford did with the Pinto. Let’s not forget the horrendous rusting problems too; partly the result of not using inner fender liners on the first couple years’ production.

-- The mid- 70’s, when you guys tried to save money (again) by putting Chevy engines in Oldsmobiles; enraging the public who expected to get an Olds engine in the Oldsmobile they were paying a few hundred bucks extra for, after all. But even worse, this pulled the curtain back on the fact that your products were increasingly becoming homogenized; in just a few more years there would be no real difference between a Chevy, an Olds or a Buick except for the styling – and even that difference would be more and more watered down as time went on.

-- The Oldsmobile diesel V8 debacle in the late 70’s. For those who don’t remember, GM offered a diesel version of their Olds 350 gas engine. The problem was that you guys tried (AGAIN!) to cut too many corners to save money, and produced an engine too closely related to the gasoline version. The result? Disaster. Then you made a bad problem even worse by not sufficiently standing behind your product when the warranty claims started avalanching in.

-- The Cadillac V-8-6-4!! Aaahhh!! (Once again, you failed to do right by your customers; but even worse this time, the customers left holding the bag were the movers and shakers; the ones who had money and influence).

-- I mentioned earlier that the differences between brands (e.g. Buick vs. Chevy) were increasingly watered down over time. You guys used to be the MASTERS at sharing expensive parts like the main body and chassis, yet still having distinctive exteriors (and engines) for each brand; but that all went away by the early 80’s. Case in point: the introduction of the Chevy Cavalier in 1981. Pontiac, Olds and Buick all got their versions as expected, but even Cadillac soon had one, the Cimarron. All five versions were so similar except for nose and tail treatments it became ridiculous to spend the extra money for the Buick or Cadillac; all of your neighbors knew that you had just bought a dressed-up Chevy. You didn’t even get a stronger engine, not even in the Caddy for the first year or two. Another example: your full-size FWD cars, which were so outwardly similar that Lincoln ran commercials poking fun at their owner’s inability to tell them apart from each other at parties and get-togethers.

-- Roger Smith!! Need I say more?

-- The failure by the early 80’s for you to keep your products updated on a regular basis. The Cavalier I just mentioned was given a new body only once during its nearly 25 years of production; even then it was based on the same basic structure as the original. It also used the same basic engine the entire time. The mid-size cars (Impala, LaCrosse, etc.) have just been rebodied yet again, but they just don't look fresh because they’re STILL based on the old GM-10 structure introduced in the late 80’s, approaching 20 years ago; and with derivatives of the same basic engines that had been introduced some 10 years earlier still!! By comparison, Honda, Toyota and even Hyundai completely redesign their products every five years or so, often with redesigned or heavily updated powertrains to boot.

-- Let’s not forget to mention the cowardice of the Board of Directors in taking on the UAW (I also blame Ford for this problem to a lesser extent); GM should’ve sucked it up and taken an across-the-board strike a full 20 years ago, even if it took 6 months to get a decent settlement. But instead of being truly responsible and looking five to ten years down the road like the Japanese do, your Board was too obsessed with the losses that would’ve been incurred that quarter or that year; which meant that the bigwigs wouldn’t have gotten their bonuses or stock options that year. The result? You rolled over for the unions every time.

-- Most of all, the short-term mentality of your Board. Whenever big profits DID roll in, what did you guys do with the money? Did you reinvest it in the main business, making cars? Did you spend the money coming up with new engines or transmissions, or maybe shortening product cycles by a year or two, so your cars wouldn’t get too stale? No, of course not!! You guys pissed the money away almost every time, awarding bonuses or stock options to executives, paying fat dividends to stockholders, buying back the outstanding stock, and buying into other auto companies that often turned out to be dogs like Isuzu or Saab (Don’t even get me started on that idiotic deal with Fiat). Again, Ford is guilty of this, too – how much have they sunk into Jaguar by now? How much better would their product line be today if they had invested the billions they lost into keeping their own cars competitive instead?

I once heard it said somewhere that if you started to mismanage a huge company like GM really badly, it would take 30 years or so for the consequences to build up enough to sink the company once and for all. If that is true, these mistakes cover some 30 years or more – and you guys may indeed have to lower the lifeboats; maybe as soon as this year.

Pontiac don't really get a whole lota new product, but, with very few exceptions (Aztek to name one) they do, the sales tend to rise steadily !

GM could create the best vehicle ever and because of the perceived notion that "GM's Suck" (not to mention the auto media for the most part bashing GM) they wouldn't sell as well as the "almighty" Camry.

This can and will only change with grand marketing by GM.

If I were the CEO of GM I would go straight to the advertisers and do the following:

1) Show Hispanics behind the wheel of every vehicle GM makes. (Of course in separate and interesting commercials).

2) Have a car chase scene in San Francisco (akin to the one in "Bullitt") with the Corvette Z06 at the lead, with an Impala SS, a Monte Carlo SS, and a Cobalt SS in tow.

3) Do the same as idea #2, but with the CTS-V and an STS up against BMW, Mercedes, and a Lexus.

The sedate commercials shown by the foreign makes are B-O-R-I-N-G! I think they just sell well because Consumer Reports kisses their glass!

First let me say that 2 is 100% more then 1, so “Whoopee” for the boring looking (but very nice driving) Lucerne, on it’s “good news” of sales going from near zero, to further above zero. If GM had some significant ‘American Tribute’ styling on the Lucerne, instead of trying to out-Toyota Toyota, then we’d all be signing the tune of a real success story. Instead, GM is desperately looking to spin crappy numbers. A better name would help, too; the name Lucerne is crappier by 20% nearly any other name they could have used. Ditto for the LaCrosse. What’s with these Frenchy-sounding names on cars for Americans? Doesn’t make sense. Why not call it the Buick Baghdad?

GM is going through the learning process of making good products. Therefore, the company should be encouraged and complemented to continue in this direction. GM is not Toyota. They come from totally different cultures. Toyota has already found its way. Now it is GM’s turn to find its own way to the top.

It's not all bad?

Points for honesty, and points for the Solstice selling well. Just imagine how well it would sell if it had a trunk.

No points for no recent news on when the new Camaro will arrive.

No points for not having any reasonably affordable RWD cars in the lineup.

Seriously, are you all going to kick out those in management responsible for GM's failures, and make GM a car company that America can be proud of, that makes cars the average American can own and be proud of?

Or are you going to go bankrupt and let those who want to make a decent American car buy the pieces?

Or are you just going to muddle along building mediocrity and losing market share?

But hey, at least you're being honest. It isn't all bad, although much of it is, and honesty is the only way you can start to make the bad things better.

Well, that and hiring me. It's been two months now and still no word on my application.

Come on GM, I hear Detroit's great in the springtime, and no one wants to see GM succeed more than I do.

"and Pontiac G6 sales were up 38 percent from a year ago."

If they were sold to rental car companies, they don't count.

Bob,

I just got back from a business trip to Mexico where I saw such an opportunity. With the gas prices and worries of ecomony, why does Chevy not bring a version of the Tornado truck to the US? I was floored by the styling and practicality of the little truck. This is a market that has been abandoned in the U.S. We can no longer buy a small fuel effecient truck, They have all been "up-sized". This segment is wide open. That is until Kia brings a truck to the market. Why doesn't GM bring the Tornado to the market first? With that pricing, styling and practicality, how could it miss. It is time for G.M. to head market trends and not get caught blindsided again. I imagine some changes would be required for EPA / NTSB regulations, but the product exists. The changeover time and dollars can't be that much.

Thanks

Tom H

The new SUVs from GM are much better than their predecessors (better interior fit and finish, better ride, tighter style).... but they still miss the mark.

Why didn't GM have a 5 or 6 speed transmission in the pipeline, ready to go for the new SUVs? My next door neighboor's 2003 Toyota 4 Runner has a 5 speed automatic trans, and now Toyota is working on 6 speed autos for all their V6 models ('07 Camry already has it, soon will the new Tundra).

GM continually misses the mark. This would have been the perfect opportunity to showcase that your engineers are doing more than just making things look nice.

When that new Tundra comes out, GM better look out. Because the one piece of the market they still control (trucks/SUVs) they are going to start loosing if they don't make big changes fast. I read where GM was in development of a 6 speed auto jointly with Ford.... so where is it? It should have been ready for the all new Tahoe. But no. The "all new" Tahoe still uses a 40 year old transmission design.

Sorry GM, you're still not learning.

Good job!

But you still have a ways to go. Where is the new Silverado? or the Aura? or the new Opels/Saturns that are supposed to be here. Toyota already has their '07 Camry out, and now GM needs to catch up and bring out a competitive mid-size sedan. Pushrod V6s, Lame interiors, and overall mediocre cars like the Malibu/G6 aren't going to win over any Camry buyers...

Not a least bit surprised that the Kappa platform is beating the NC MX5 platform on the salesfront.
+ I wanted to shout out a "THANKS" to Mr. Lutz and crew for adding the Clubsport/ZOK package Solstice to the mix.
I should have my ZOK out autoxing in a couple more months.
Been a Mazda fan for years.
Current stable includes a TTRX7R1 and a MiataR package but the Clubsport Solstice was a definate buy for me.
Thanks again!
FM

I think GM should start eliminating the pushrod engine with displacement of 4li and under. Younger generation buyers prefer OHC because it's high revving. Why not start putting across GM brands the "High Feature OHCs?" Why only the '06 Saturn Vue features the 3.5li OHC V6 VVT, with excellent gas mileage? And why the Equinox is so expensive despite of its "ANEMIC and PUSHROD and POOR GAS MILEAGE" engine? Is this the way GM markets car?

whom ever posted this... i just wanted to take a quick mention... that TV advertisements should be much similar to the Then & Now clip avaliable on GM's home page... it has a lot of excitement and shows GM's confidence... i could go on more... but thats all i wanted to say thus far... it would be of great use for GM to spend their advertising budget on advertising that will accually help sell products... or sell a company as a whole...

There's a bit of spin in those sales numbers. The Solstice outsold the MX-5 here in America, but trails it nearly 2-1 in total (wordwide) sales.

Hi Bob and others,
About the Buick LaCrosse "Super" supposed to begin making rounds starting on March 28 according to sources on the GMI forum.

I don't understand how the name "Super" could be used on a high performance Buick.

The Super was the Buick with the big body and the small engine. NOT THE OPPOSITE! It's the Century that was the small body with the big engine (I refer to pre-1959 Buicks here...).
The Super was to the Roadmaster what the Special was to the Century: cheaper and usually less performant (the exceptions being the mid-to-late fifties models which had the same engine as the Roadmaster). Some years, it was the even the LEAST performant Buick in the lineup. It had more basic trim and less standard features than other models. It's descendants are today's basic LeSabre Custom and Lucerne CX V6 models... It seems that there is confusion at GM about it's own history.

Remember that Super is also used for Super Capacity washers... And the superlative term was about capacity/economy, not performance!

If there is a reason for the use of the "Super" name, please explain it to me.

BTW, I have many ideas about what Buicks should be, my offer stands, email me if you want to know them!

Regards

All very nice, but does it pull you out of the red

Wake UP!!! It is all bad. Instead of losing $8 billion dollars, your incompetent finance department just discovered you really lost $10 billion??? You've got auditors crawling up your butt, you're extorting hundreds of thousands of dollars from suppliers through bogus PRR-Cost recoveries, and Delphi to bail out (which also happens to be part of the extortion process...ala..."My bonus is tied to PRR's so don't issue one and I'll gladly accept whatever charges you want to give me"). Oh, and one more thing...your cars are crap. The one I purchased (and it's the last one I'll purchase) has had more things go bad with it than all the other cars I've ever owned (3 Toyota's and a Jeep) put together.

I really believe GM is in dire need of some out-of-the-box thinking if it's going to survive the next 10 years. I think you really need to fire anybody around you who doesn't see that, otherwise you're wasting your time.
I had this idea about 30-some years ago, about a family of vehicle based on a common platform; let's take, for example, a 2wd, 2-door S-10 chassis and "doghouse" as a starting point. To the rolling chassis are fastened interchangeable fiberglass modules that would allow the vehicle to be changed quickly from sedan to coupe to roadster to wagon to pickup truck.
Development costs could be cheaper if you used the existing S-10 chassis and powertrain.
A couple of years ago I ran across a similar idea, this by Mercedes- the 1994 VRC (Vario Research Car) concept.
If GM really wants to get back into the small-car part of the industry, this may be it.
I should plug my minivan/pickup idea again, too- a minivan that converts into a pickup by folding the rear seats flat into the floor, and removing the rear roof and windows. To my knowledge, this has never been done. I know I'd buy one.

I'm 37, and my dad only owned GM, and all I've ever owned is GM - same with my 2 brothers.

I'm a GM fan! But I'm not willing to contribute to a Job banks program, pensions, A+ (nearly free) healthcare and HIGH UAW wages when purchasing a GM vehicle.

The days of Lavish benefits and wages are gone. The UAW needs to wake up (and FAST!) to their Greedy, Unrealistic and Selfish demands. This is 2006 and not 1976.

Cut the dead weight mentioned in paragraph 2, build it into your cars, and I'll remain a happy GM customer.

My uncle is a retired GM mechanic and serviced Chevys & Pontiacs for 37 years. He has no pension and is living nearly in poverty on Social Security only.

Bob,

I hope you and the other car guys (and gals) at GM realize the major thing about those stats. That is the American public is now anamored with new vehicles, they want the next best thing and will pay a premium to have it, no matter where is it from. Even if it is a quick mid life redesign where basically only the sheet metal, a small engine upgrade, and an interior revision is done, people are gonna buy it as fast as you can build it.

About those vehicles, very impressive! I saw a couple of Lucerne's today, my idea of a nice large American family car. And I saw a new Tahoe just yesterday, h'mmm don't know what to say??? From a distance it reminds me a little bit of a minivan/crossover. but upclose I realized that it is a formidable beast, with very nice ground clearance. Most crossovers to me appear to me being cars disguised as trucks, where the new Tahoe is a fullsize truck somewhat soften, but also very strong appearing. The neat thing was that there was an Explorer and 4Runner at the light along with the Tahoe, all I can say is the Tahoe made them look like little kids and the exterior refinement was more than noticable. So I am very impressed about what I see and can't wait for the rear-drivers from Ontario in a couple of years.

Lastly, I hope you all realize that when a product gets stale, you must not forget it. I was in a Trailblazer about a year ago. My opinion was that I thought it was perfect size and with a few changes would updoubtly be the best in its segment (ahead of the crossovers and the Grand Cherokee). But you guys have let it go and now you have to sell it for 8 to 10k below max pricing to move them. Hopefully, with the new products coming our way, GM will fix this problem; that is how you take back the crown. I am in Columbus and you know what is made in Columbus. Well that car was just redesigned, and for some odd reason, it looks real close to the G6; and for that matter the Fusion does as well. The G6 is probably a year and a half away from a mid life redesign, you know Bob with a redo emphasizing its faults, all of the sudden you have a great top of class ride. Same thing can be said about the Malibu, Cobalt, and a dozen other rides out of your company.

Things are looking up and hope it continues. I will be at a local Chevy dealer fall of 2008 waiting for my new Camarro.

P.S. My girlfriends 93' Camry cracked a cylinder head yesterday, it is going to the local junk yard later this week. And yes my 87' Silverado came to the rescue.

How about this....
As mentioned here before, focus on a line of small, rear drive cars. Create a new niche. Now take this concept a step further. Create a universal rear axle for hybrid power for all GM rear drivers. This would be an option only on various product lines. This would give the car gobs of power off the line while compensating for the light weight in the rear end. It should get better off the line traction and might even be OK in snow. Now we just need to figure out where to out the batteries??? Maybe a sub frame to strengthen the whole car??

Ok, good. You're selling cars, and fast at that... but are you making a profit? The answer is still no. Come on guys, stop telling me your the worlds best car seller, and start telling be your the worlds best car maker!

Product ALERT !!!
I am here in Xiamen China. Last year I did not see a Honda Fit. Today they are everywhere. I would put the Buick Excelle in the same market. It is looking dated, real fast. I would suggest your team should revisit their product strategy over here real fast.
And yes, I am cheering for the home team.

Solstice's Kappa plant needs 3shifts to maintain momenom,(you'r selling cars that are'nt built yet,Ferarri can get away with that but a comeback kid cannot you can't afford frustrated Solstice intenders buying MX5ves off dealer lotts)hardtop product too, so only car owners can join the Kappa RWD fun.

also
GM needs to start showing self respect yesterday the Malibu Maxx should be the Citation3 the G6 is the Grand Amm, and the Saturn Ion is the VEGA and the redline coupe IS THE OLDSMOBILE 442 W30 the Lucerne is just fine but it's RWD UAWbuilt in USA replacement must BE ELECTRA 225. Americans love winners,in lue of same we love confedance it would be refreshing for someone to tell the media that the Chevy Lumina was a better car for less money with lower maintance and fuel costs than a v6 Accord 10 years ago; and that Americans should stop fooling themselves thinking that being a trator is sophisticated and romantic and leaving patriotism to the right wing extremists, its sickening.
GM is yankee engineuety
the smallblock is more thermaly efficient than anything in F1 the old 3800 was the only other engine on the plannet earth that could beat it,mid 90s Buicks and Pontiac Boniviles regularly pushing low 20's city and mid 30's highwy in the real world. The old 3800 would work real well in a DTS with a belt hybred system and 2ft stretch it could conceavably do 30 or better city 40+ highwy, I would call it Fleetwood series 75 and let left wing movie stars do the advertising for free by showing up at the oscars in them all in Elvis white.

and if mainstreem America is too cought up in RACIAL PURITY to buy a UAW car, you can allways stick a thum in our eyes by selling exess production capacity in the US and Canada to toyota and honda: UAW labor,#1#2#3 north american quality and all.

Take the American revolution to the streets, POWER TO THE PEOPLE IN MOTION.

jason

Now, you just have to convince car magazines to actually give you the nod. I've seen articles on the Miata MX-5 vs. the Solstice in Motor Trend, etc. and they all say the same thing. "The Solstice really good, BUT" and then they claim the worn-out MX-5 is the better vehicle. Often, the performance numbers and all relevant data clearly point to the Solstice as the better vehicle, but the writers claim that the "fit & finish" is better on the Mazda (or more to the point, the non-GM vehicle). I don't know about you, but fit & finish is not the main reason I buy a vehicle.

To give you another example, a recent Road & Track article (I think it was the December 05 issue) compared the new Civic SI to the Cobalt SS. Of course, the Civic was the "winner," despite a chart right in the magazine that showed the Cobalt SS with better numbers. Why did the Civic win? Fit & finish was better. Who gives a you-know-what?! That's NOT why people buy those vehicles (or so I thought).

Unfortunately, perception is reality, and the perception of GM right now is terrible. I really don't know how you're going to change this because people are brainwashed already. They think foreign equals superior, even when the facts clearly refute this. It's a shame, really, because GM does build some great vehicles.

Muzzling Lori Queen vs. Consumer Reports is a HUGE mistake.

Don't apologize. Don't write nice letters to smooth them over.

Show up at their door WITH THE DATA IN HAND and ram it straight down their throats. This is what has been said so many times in the responses to this blog, and it still isn't getting through... and I know it because Ms. Queen is taking flak for something that should have been said by Lutz or Wagoner a LONG, LONG TIME AGO.

Look at the responses above in this very blog...

You've got the typically dumb "pushrods are low-tech" drivel, the "remember the 8-6-4 debacle" nonsense from THIRTY YEARS AGO, and one guy who claims Toyotas are magically more reliable... two words, bub... "engine sludge"... remember that one?

One piece of heartening news:
One of the local Detroit papers FINALLY took the Japanese to task for intentionally overstating horsepower numbers... a point GM should have been drilling them on from the instant it became known.

TAKE THEM ON, HEAD TO HEAD.

Bob

I am very happy that the Lucerne and the g6 are doing well. I very much want Buick and Pontiac to survive. On a critical note I think the Lucerne and Lacross look too much like a Taurus. On of my main issues with GM is the arrogance of forcing daytime running lights upon everyone. Daytime running lights frequently annoy me and distract me when I am driving. I feel stupid when I drive a car with its lights on in broad daylight. When considering the purchase of a car daytime running lights that cannot be turned off is a major negative. I dont know how many people feel like me but I know some people do. What was GMs market share in 1995 when they introduced these daytime running lights? What is GMs market share now? The decision to force this on the consumer was an example of the arrogance that got GM into trouble. In the past I have asked sales people at GM dealerships why I have to have this unwanted feature and they responded that it is a federal law. This was obviously a lie since at the time Chrysler, Ford and most foreign makers did not have them. As far as I can see its still the case. Why cant GM offer a turnoff switch for those of us who hate daytime running lights. After all does GM still need to alienate those consumers who might buy one of their cars but hate that feature?

Rene mentioned the Honda Fit, which I recently rented when I was on vacation. If I based my opinion of Honda on my experience with the Fit I would never consider a Honda - it was awful. Fit, finish, ride and noise was terrible. However it did get me thinking about the previous posts here about GM rentals and bad experiences. Are GM's and Hondas awful cars, or are renatl cars just badly abused? Maybe GM should just abandon that market?

I work in the industry. I left the vaunted Honda to return to selling Chevrolet. I want to share a few things. Things that irritate me. I have driven more Accords and Impalas than I care to count. There are things I would do to change up the vision and interior but... Nothing irks me more than a rehash of what I don't see as a problem. GM engines last like nothing I have ever seen. I keep reading about "numb handling" yet Impala heads exactly where I want it to go. Oh it gets great gas milage with the "old tech" 3.4 engine too. I will share that I would love to see the Camero leading the way to the return of the RWD GM cars and I want to see cars as the flagship of GM to lead our customers to all of our line of great trucks and SUVs. There is so much right about what we sell. I look forward to a new styling direction and compelling interiors and a new RWD platform for our cars. There is nothing "old tech" about GM engineering. I don't think that you have to have DOHC engines to have the greatest of powerplants.

Glad to hear the new SUVS and other new GM product is selling.

Some other posters here bash GM for electric steering. To GM's credit, it has improved and should eventually give the feel the enthusasists want as well as improve vehicle efficiency and reliability.

As for mid-sized cars, the '04 Malibu was a _good_ start at refining the platform. Now for the next gen, GM needs to get reliability up, refine the interior with better materials, use that 3.9L engine as an option for the whole line (or standard for the top end models, preferably with direct fuel injection if possible), and finally, offer a real touring-class Malibu (or as a Saab) to compete with euro products instead of those all-show, crude-feeling SS versions.

GM can do it, if it wants to!

I enjoyed the Fort Lauderdale Auto Show over the weekend. Went in company of 4 young adults. The GM Camero display was top notch. Fantastic paint job polished to perfection. Most folks seemed impressed. The Lexus gang stole the show with their polished advertising pitch and elegent arrangements. Show is space limited so it was tough to examine closely the many cars. I took away a new appreciation for the interior styling of GM's new cars as compared to Toyota and Honda. Seems to me that Chevie Impala has a great opportunity going head-to-head with Toyota.

I've read some more posts, and I think some people just don't have high standars when they are putting down 25 grand for something that looses 30% of it's value in one day.

If you don't care about cars, and you want something that just gets you from point a to point b, then I guess a pushrod motor with a 4 speed slush box and vague steering is fine for you.

But I think more and more people in this country demand more out of their cars when they are making such a huge investment of their own heart earned cash. It seems to escape GM that people are buying these things with their own money. Europeans have demanded for years that their cars be quick, fun to drive, and utilize unique and cutting edge technology.... that translates today in to DOHC engines and transmissions with 5 and 6 speeds, for both manuals and automatics. Whether or not it's better on paper, people want to know their car has an element of engineering finesse, and not something with it's original blueprints dated from 1948.

Lori Queen had many valid points in her criticisms of Consumer Reports. They compare well equipped, top trim level models to lesser equipped, lower trim level models, a very unfair comparison. My father, a retired Makita Electric sales representative, told me that Consumer Reports power tool reviews are useless for this very same reason, they compare a manufacture's entry level tool to another manufacture's high end tool. Also, Consumer Reports sampling method, which anyone with an elementary understanding of statistics knows, is statistically invalid. JD Powers sampling techniques are much more valid. It is nice to see that someone had the guts to state that the "Emperor," Consumer Reports, has no clothes.

I need to make a correction. I related the Honda Fit to a Buick Excelle in China. I should have said HRV.

For the record USA today columnist James Healey had an Excellent honest and fair review on the Lucerne on January 27th edition.

Thats what Gm needs from the media, an honest fair review, which many will not provide.

One ad... Corvette, Solstice, Lucerne, STS, Escalade...etc, with employees and promininet Americans who will tout the Gm line.

"Europeans have demanded for years that their cars be quick, fun to drive, and utilize unique and cutting edge technology.... that translates today in to DOHC engines and transmissions with 5 and 6 speeds, for both manuals and automatics. Whether or not it's better on paper, people want to know their car has an element of engineering finesse, and not something with it's original blueprints dated from 1948."

Apparently you've never been to Europe.

Ever driven a Fiat Punto? How about a Peugeot 107?

And the important issue is not what happens on PAPER, it's what happens with the data...

Toyota is making a lot of noise about a 268hp V6 in the Camry... meanwhile, the Impala offers a 303hp V8, that is lighter, simpler PHYSICALLY SMALLER and knocks down more than just "impressive" fuel economy.

Your concept of "engineering finesse" is beyond simplistic... and merely... well... ignorant.

Why are some Saturn dealerships charging a premium for the Sky roadster. I thought that Saturn had a no-haggle policy ?

The New Escalade is Awesome!!
I have only one concern. Why would you build a luxury vehicle and make the nav system an option? All options should be standard. It is not a Chevy, it is a Cadillac. At one time Cadillac stood for "the best of the best". Stop letting Chevy call the shots.

While some of Lori Green's comments were dead on (CU needs to be more careful about what they compare!), she and GM need to remember (as ConsumerAffairs pointed out) owning a vehicle is a long term proposition.

Once again, GM needs to show it has vision beyond the sale of the product. This is a weak area of US car businesses in general, which does poorly on dealing with "lemons".

Show us you can do better, GM. Prove Consumers Union and ConsumerAffairs wrong by doing a better job helping us __after__ the sale.

Exactly right........stop letting chevy call the shots...why is Pontiac getting the rebadged cobalt......just a few months ago I read (forget where) It was not in Pontiac's best interest to receive a rebadged chevy.....What happened? Again, where is the new malibu and aura?

"Why are some Saturn dealerships charging a premium for the Sky roadster. I thought that Saturn had a no-haggle policy ?"

Saturn does have a no-haggle policy. If you want a Sky, you won't be able to haggle with the premium price.

Quit whining about the Malibu. I rent cars all the time and I bought a 2006 Malibu LT 2.2l as a company car BECAUSE of the smooth electic power steering and the nice, economical, quiet engine.

You cannot drive a new Camry 4-cylinder and then drive a Malibu without feeling a striking similarity between the two. Except the price.

The Malibu is roomy, soft-riding and upscale-feeling. The facelift looks great. As far as the ride and quietness, my 2005 Lexus LS430 has nothing on it.

The staffmembers we have driving it are all women aged 19 to 24, and they all love it.

Anybody who doesn't like the Malibu either hasn't driven one, or wouldn't like any car with a proud GM badge on it.

Nice Blog. I hope GM is listening. A few points to ponder:

* Buick and Cadillac dealers should be at or above Lexus standards. For example, My father, who used to be a GM man, took his 2004 Lexus to the dealer last week and complained about the performance of his tires. What did they do? They put a new set of Michelins on it! No questions asked! No charge! They want his total satisfaction. If GM dealers were being able to do things like this, with GM backing, would create a positive word of mouth frenzy! I'm not talking about giving away the store, but going above and beyond expectations. Simple things like loner cars, washing the cars after servicing, free oil changes, etc. After a couple of years, these things would make a difference.

* How about styling Buicks more like they were in the 60's with the Bill Mitchell touch. Use chrome around the window frames, and stop all of the ovoid grill shapes. Give them an iconic American style with no apologies. And go back to rear wheel drive on the expensive models. Power, style, chrome, and an American personality. Remember the Riveras back then? They had all of the above, and the Electras. Even the Skylarks were great to look at. You are headed in the right direction with the Lucerne, but it needs more Buick personality to make it stand out, as well as rear wheel drive. Give it Bling!

* Give Impalas front end treatments like the ones in the 60's and early 70's. Those cars are white hot now, because they make a statement; they have a "positive looking face" with real grilles and not just some air slit, and creased hoods that give them substance. I just dont like looking over a hood to see a bland, ovoid plane that leads off to nowhere. A good idea is to come out with a show stopping Caprice coupe show car, that looks similar to the custom coupes of the late 60's and early 70's, only pared down to a Monte Carlo size, and with rear wheel drive and a V8.

*When you come out with the Camaro, don't make it too wild. It needs some sanity to its styling. Let the customizers go wild with it. I think the last generation Camaro was too swept back and not practical enough. At least that is what I thought and everyone else I knew thought the same.

* The Grand Prix is looking a bit wierd these days. What about making the front and rear ends a bit more angular and authoritative, to make it stand out more against the 300 and Charger. And a Bonneville coupe show car, with 8 lug wheels, horizontal louvered tail lights similar to the 60's Grand Prix, with a chrome trimmed front nose like that of the 66 Bonneville.

Just a few ideas. But I think GM had better get gutsy. Thanks

The Solitice and Sky are selling at a premium because of demand.If you dont like that dont buy it

James has some very good ideas, you should pay attention to what he said about the Buicks and the Impalas! Start putting some soul back into your designs!!

I'm glad to hear that sales are up. I personally know that your build quality is up, as my 2006 G6 GTP Coupe has much better fit and finish than my 2003 Grand Am GT did. As for Toyota, I drove the Solara, and wasn't impressed. Not nearly as gutsy as the GTP Coupe, and felt and looked like an old design in comparison. With all the torque on deck, the GTP doesn't need the extra gear in the transmission that the Toyota needs. Keep up the good work! The Monte Carlo and Impala could use a little more excitement in their styling, like you did for the Pontiacs, but you're on the right track. I doubt you'll ever change the minds of the Toyosnobs, but objective buyers will eventually have to take notice.

The Lexus experience is a bad joke. Well of course they will throw in tire upgrades -- everything is wine and roses for them because they're overcharging the customer to the tune of $12,000 for each transaction and (get this) THE CUSTOMER THINKS ITS THE BEST DEAL THEY EVER HAD.

You got it Merrill, the customers that are paying a minimum of a 30% premium for a badge-engineered version of Toyota.

PacerX is spot on. As a GM loyalist who has spent over $100K on their products I was monumentally disgusted to read Rick Wagoner's comments in Automotive News. Lori Queen was emphatically correct and her observations are backed up on Automobear.com. Honestly, if Chairman Wagoner cannot get irate enough at Consumer Reports' clearly slanted data masquerading as facts then maybe we need to replace him with someone like Lori Queen who clearly does not suffer bull****.

Why are mainstream publications not hammered back when they either lie or misrepresent data about GM? Jesus. Does anyone not recall that one TV news magazine was so confident that the public would lap up supposed "bad news" about GM that they strapped explosives to a GM car and then blew it up while purporting that the crash test impact caused the resulting explosion and fire? Does GM not get that when this slanted data goes unchallenged that the public begins to believe it?

Jerry York is right, GM (as shown by Wagoner's apologetic backpedaling to CR) is not operating in crisis mode. I am glad to see that somewhere in GM (Lori Queen) there beats the heart of a warrior.

You go girl!

Concerning the Lexus Experience. "Overcharging" is only possible when the product and the buying experience is seen as being worthy. Let's all say together "Improve the buying experience, improve the showrooms, revise the sales process."

You could sweap the market with the G6 Coupe and Impalla Sedan if you only could make the buying experience better.

"overall mediocre cars like the Malibu/G6 aren't going to win over any Camry buyers..."

No dice. I've bought 10 new imported cars in 10 years, and when my arrogant local Honda dealer ticked me off, I went and bought two 2005 Cobalts for my small business. I was so impressed with them, I've since bought a 2006 Malibu and a 2006 Saab 9-7x. I'm about to flip one of the Cobalts for a G6.

As soon as I get my GM Card earnings up, my '05 LS430 is being traded for an STS-V.

You can get import buyers to come back if you build great cars, which GM does. Americans would like to buy American.

GM needs to respond more quickly to it's problems. Their dealership capacity needs to be reduced to a 1/3 of what it is today. Their workforce needs to be cut in half. The entire workforce should forego retirement healthcare. All plant workers wages should be cut in 1/2 and it should be easy to fire bad performers. Every senior executive should have to own and drive a 3+ year old GM product with over 30K miles until it is ten years old and have to pay for all repairs. All pension money should be plowed into product developement. Everyone that is employed at GM should be forced to become an at-will employee without contract. And lastly, their manufacturing capacity needs to be reduced to 2/3 of what it is today. Otherwise, I just keep shorting the stock.

What can GM do in the near future to improve market share.
(Note: All new trim level names are suggestions)

Six Month Strategy (April 2006-September 2006) Make the mid level trim the volume seller and with a more comprehensive list of standard features to fit a luxury image. New trim level will usher in Buick’s new “Efficient Luxury” Image.

BUICK to kick-off new Image campaign of “EFFICIENT LUXURY” to define what type of vehicles customers will see at Buick Dealers. This is a follow on to the “Beyond Precision” theme that defines Buick’s quality.

All Buick models will strive to be “Class Leaders” in:
Quality
Fuel Efficiency
Tranquility
Styling

Buick: LaCrosse Special
3.8L V6 w/6-Speed Auto (21 City/32 MPG Hwy)
PW (express up/down) - PL w/Remote Start
Body Color Power Mirrors (heated)
Adjustable Pedals
Tilt/Telescoping Wheel
10 way heated cloth power driver with power lumbar and 2-position memory
10 way heated cloth power passenger with power lumbar
Steering Wheel Audio/Driver Information Controls
Fold Flat Passenger seat
CD 6-Disc Player with Driver information display (MPG/Oil Monitor etc.)
Manual Dual Zone Climate Controls
Rear Window Defroster
Side Curtain Air Bags
Split Folding Rear Seat
On Star
Cornering Lights
Fog Lights
Back-up Warning sensors
Chrome Package
Heated Windshield Washer Fluid
17” Chrome Alloy Wheels
Magna-Ride
Stabilitrack
OPTIONAL LEATHER SEATING ($995)
MSRP $27,850

Lucerne Special
3.8L V6 – High EPA ratings to be improved upon with 6-Speed auto in 2007 model year
PW (express up/down) - PL w/Remote Start
Body Color Power Mirrors (heated)
Adjustable Pedals
Tilt/Telescoping Wheel
10 way heated cloth power driver with power lumbar and 2-position memory
10 way heated cloth power passenger with power lumbar
Steering Wheel Audio/Driver Information Controls
Fold Flat Passenger seat
CD 6-Disc Player with Driver information display (MPG/Oil Monitor etc.)
Manual Dual Zone Climate Controls
Rear Window Defroster
Side Curtain Air Bags
Split Folding Rear Seat
On Star
Cornering Lights
Fog Lights
Back-up Warning sensors
Chrome Package
Heated Windshield Washer Fluid
17” Chrome Alloy Wheels
Magna-Ride
Stabilitrack
OPTIONAL LEATHER SEATING ($995)
MSRP $29,850

CADILLAC:
CTS-E Model with 5.3 AFM and 6-speed Automatic
Deliver high MPG with great price
Upgraded Interior
PW (express up/down) - PL w/Remote Start
Body Color Power Mirrors (heated)
Adjustable Pedals
Tilt/Telescoping Wheel
10 way heated cloth power driver with power lumbar and 2-position memory
10 way heated cloth power passenger with power lumbar
Steering Wheel Audio/Driver Information Controls
Fold Flat Passenger seat
CD 6-Disc Player with Driver information display (MPG/Oil Monitor etc.)
Manual Dual Zone Climate Controls
Rear Window Defroster
Side Curtain Air Bags
Split Folding Rear Seat
On Star
Cornering Lights
Fog Lights
Xenon Headlamps
Back-up Warning sensors
Chrome Package
Heated Windshield Washer Fluid
17” Chrome Alloy Wheels
Magna-Ride
Stabilitrack
OPTIONAL LEATHER SEATING ($995)
MSRP $42,550

CHEVROLET
Introduce Malibu RS
2.4L 170 HP 4-Cylinder w/6 Speed Automatic 24 City/ 38 MPG Hwy
PW (express up/down) - PL w/Remote Start
Body Color Power Mirrors (heated)
Adjustable Pedals
Tilt/Telescoping Wheel
8 way heated cloth power driver with manual lumbar and 2-position memory
Steering Wheel Audio/Driver Information Controls
Fold Flat Passenger seat
CD Player with Driver information display (MPG/Oil Monitor etc.)
Manual Dual Zone Climate Controls
Rear Window Defroster
Side Curtain Air Bags
Split Folding Rear Seat
Fog Lights
Alloy wheels
Rear Spoiler
4 Wheel Disc ABS
MSRP 19,995

Re-Introduce Malibu LTZ – push “V6 Value” affordable power with 4-Cylinder Gas Mileage.

Establish new Malibu lineup
LS – 4 Cylinder Only – No V6 option
RS – 4 Cylinder Only – No V6 option
LT – 3.5L V6
LTZ – 3.5L V6 Base – 3.9L Optional
SS – 3.9L V6

GMC
Sierra Limited Edition SLT
5.3L
Denali Interior
20” Chrome Wheels
Available in all SLT Colors
MSRP 35,595 (2wd Ext-Cab Short 5’8” and Reg 6.5’)

SAVANA Passenger Van with doors on both sides re-introduced with special model
5.3L
8-Passenger
2nd row reclining buckets
4-passenger rear seat
PW (express up/down) - PL w/Remote Start
Power Mirrors (heated)
Tilt Wheel
10 way heated cloth power driver with power lumbar and 2-position memory
10 way heated cloth power passenger with power lumbar
Steering Wheel Audio/Driver Information Controls
Fold Flat Passenger seat
CD Player with Driver information display (MPG/Oil Monitor etc.)
Manual Dual Zone Climate Controls
Rear Window Defroster
Fog Lights
Stabilitrack
4 Wheel Disc ABS
Chrome Package
Heated Windshield Washer Fluid
DVD Entertainment
MSRP 35,595

HUMMER
H-3 LT
3.5L w/ E-85
PW (express up/down) - PL w/Remote Start
Power Mirrors (heated)
Adjustable Pedals
Tilt/Telescoping Wheel
10 way heated cloth power driver with power lumbar and 2-position memory
10 way heated cloth power passenger with power lumbar
Steering Wheel Audio/Driver Information Controls
Fold Flat Passenger seat
CD Player with Driver information display (MPG/Oil Monitor etc.)
Manual Dual Zone Climate Controls
Rear Window Defroster
Side Curtain Air Bags
Fog Lights
Alloy wheels
4 Wheel Disc ABS
Stabilitrack
Chrome Package
Heated Windshield Washer Fluid
DVD Entertainment
OPTIONAL LEATHER SEATING ($995)
MSRP 34,995

Pontiac
G6 SE
2.4L 170 HP 4-Cylinder w/6 Speed Automatic 24 City/ 38 MPG Hwy
PW (express up/down) - PL w/Remote Start
Body Color Power Mirrors (heated)
Adjustable Pedals
Tilt/Telescoping Wheel
8 way heated cloth power driver with manual lumbar and 2-position memory
Steering Wheel Audio/Driver Information Controls
Fold Flat Passenger seat
CD Player with Driver information display (MPG/Oil Monitor etc.)
Manual Dual Zone Climate Controls
Rear Window Defroster
Side Curtain Air Bags
Split Folding Rear Seat
Fog Lights
Alloy wheels
Rear Spoiler
4 Wheel Disc ABS
MSRP 19,995

Solstice GXP

SAAB: New Ad campaign featuring 9-3 Sport Combi
Please tell somebody that GM offers a Wagon

Saturn:
New Aura debut
VUE Greenline (HYBRID) debut

These moves will at least define what Buick is, get a viable 4-cylinder mid-size model for Chevrolet and Pontiac. They will also better define GMC and renew interest in GM unique models that need some exposure to the buying public. The CTS-E would re-ignite interest in the CTS.

It's SPRINGTIME!

I just got my '75 Buick Electra Limited 4dr. H.T. out of winter storage today. I really missed it, like an old friend I haven't seen for a few months! For the next seven months, I'll be a happy driver! You should have seen the smile on my face today! I felt just like I did at the wheel of my former '68 Wildcat when I got my driver's license at age 16! (that was 13 years ago)
In the next few weeks, I'll remove from storage my other RWD Buicks, a '65 Wildcat 4dr. H.T. and a '67 Riviera GranSport. I'll be even happier having my 3 RWD Buicks back on the road!
I won't drive my FWD Park Avenue Ultra much until next winter!

I hope that GM will build the next car of my dreams someday!
A Buick that will be just as good as my old Buicks.
A Buick that will have all the features that I like.
A Buick that I will be proud of.
A Buick that will keep it's resale value as many people who can't afford buying it new will be waiting in line to buy it used!

If this doesn't happen, I'll probably buy a used Lucerne CXS in a few years from now (for almost nothing considering it's expected resale value) to use as a winter beater! BTW I still haven't seen one Lucerne CXS on the road, where are they?

Man as ugly as some of the comments above are I have to agree. Which is not to say that I am rooting against GM. Quite the contrary. I grew up in southern Michigan and have/had a lot of family and friends that worked in auto industry. (princibly GM)

My personal opinions come from the fact that I travel a lot and rent a lot of cars. Lately I have tried to rent newer GM products to personnally gauge how good they are. The cobalt I rented had the cloth coming up around the door handholds. Even the doors that were not frequently used. The overall interior was really weak!

The HHR had a wimp for a motor and it had the bigger version of the ecotech.

The Mabibu Max was about as stylish as a rock. (Personally I don't mind the E-steer)

Commmon guys lets get it together and kick some Japanese (Korean, German, etc. etc.) butt.

Geraldo on his Fox News "Geraldo at Large" just last night said GM cars stink and are "cr*p", using those words, and that it is your cars that are the main problem, not "whining about health care costs".

The Media smells blood in the water. How about sending Fox a nice GM car to test drive, like a new Cadillac?

Anyone tried posting to this blog and not seen their comments show up? Looks like GM is even not playing fair here either. What a joke.

I think I agree with Phil up there. I've got 3 Buick GS's, and I wish GM would put out something like them today.

The Enclave SUV and, to a lesser extent, the Lucerne, are a step in the right direction. A larger, 4 door sedan styled somewhat like the Enclave, with RWD, V-8, 5 speed or 6 speed auto, full safety features, etc., with the words 'gran sport' on it would probably... probably end up in my driveway!

Of course, I wouldn't turn down an Invicta, either.

Or a 2 door with the above features.

Interestingly, my favorite GS is the 1975 Century - the styling is amazing, with huge, sweeping curves of sheet metal, opera windows, body lines... the closer you get, the better it looks, curving away from you. The Enclave has that quality.

So I'm glad things are looking up. I hope the media will accurately convey this fact to the public.

And I hope there's a 2008 Invicta in my driveway next year.

Yo, I'm French and had a good time reading this blog, especially the comments.

Some time ago I lived in Montreal and drove a few brand new rental GM cars. Wow. All of them were large, slow, sluggish, ate a lot of gas and were unpleasant to drive. So much for the american dream.

Right now, gasoline in France is about 5.5 US$/gallon (1.2 EUR/liter) which is damn expensive. So, the car manufacturers did what GM never did : they adapted.

People like to waste money to look good, so you still see SUV's (which, here, are about half the size of american SUV's).

However any 5 years old high-efficiency turbodiesel sedan / family car will use about 5 liter/100 km of diesel fuel (about 47 miles/gallon) while feeling like a non-diesel. The only difference is that it's a bit noisier and more expensive second-hand.

My own car is a Citroen sedan (not a diesel) and it's about 30 miles/gallon (which, here, is bad) while being powerful, goes to 200 km/h, a pleasure to drive, as comfortable as my sofa, has ABS and everything, handles beautifully on wet roads, and never breaks. I really like it.

My father has a Renault V6 which gets about 25 mpg. It has 200 hp and weights as much as a paperclip. You could say it rocks. And, unlike american sports cars like GM produces, it handles curves and stuff. You can even hit the gas pedal in curves without doing a 360°. Cool !

So, GM, do something. Buy some european car company and actually USE the technology from them. And stop making SUV's, or make them inflatable or something.

GM has some great vehicles over 40K (Caddy, Vette, large SUV).
Problem is for any vehicle they have that is UNDER 40K I guarantee you that there is a class LEADING model from the competition.

The JD Powers survey that Lutz and co like to throw around - Do you relize that JD in EVERY survey has Lexus ranked as the #1 individual company, and Toyota ranked #1 as a manufacturer. I hear so many GM people say forget CR listen to JD. Yet JD says the SAME thing!!! In fact in the latest problems per 100 vehicles, GM is a full 20% BELOW both Toyota and Honda. Oh, my bad - I guess JD is also biased...

GM can capitalize on it's rich history, which most of the competition can't duplicate. The Camaro - The prototype was beautiful - Build it! In North America! Expand that strategy with a modern, legitimate Cutlass, Chevelle, Grand Prix, etc. GM used to define the direction of the auto industry, instead of following the competition. Leapfrog them with innovation and the pride of being American!

Well let me tell you why I am a GM fan. If you think about the big three Ford and GM have always stood out more than Chrysler up to and during the 80’s and 90’s Chevy fans and Ford fans will go into full blown arguments over which is better. “Why do your cars tires explode?” “If Chevy's so great where is the Camaro?” “You know if you painted that thing Chevrolet orange it might run better” and so on. But the ONE thing that I have found several die hard Ford fans can’t dispute and that is that Chevrolet is EASIER to work on. I think they are better engineered too. PLEASE do not loose this! The more reliable the vehicles are and the easier they are to work on earns you fans. If not people who do their own work, then maybe people who have lower maintenance costs and more reliable cars. Avoid something like a Camaro engine being under the dash or having to undo engine mounts to change spark plugs like the old Lumina if at all possible.

Please be consistent. Audi took an A3 and ran it into an A8 to show that the A3 was just as safe as the full size A8. Of course you do not get as much with the A3 but you don’t compromise quality for a cheaper car. Now maybe you cant make an Aveo as safe as a Statesman or Caprice, but you can make it last as long. If I buy an Aveo, I expect a cheap car that gets good gas milege and lasts forever. If you look at Honda, some of their cars are flat out boring, and some pointless to be honest, but you know that they will last. GM needs the same mentality. Reliability ease of maintence and bang for the buck from the V8 to the 4cyl.

what's wrong with GM!!! GM needs to beef there qualities of vehicles so GM can compete with toyota and honda or eles GM will fall behind. Also they need to make more fuel efficient vehicles. also Buick needs to improve their vehicles so they can compete with Hyundai Azera and Toyota Avalon. Also GMC and Chevrolet needs to beef their trucks to compete with toyota tundra and nissan titan.

Interestingly, my favorite GS is the 1975 Century - the styling is amazing, with huge, sweeping curves of sheet metal, opera windows, body lines... the closer you get, the better it looks, curving away from you. The Enclave has that quality.

Opera windows !!!

I just wanted to post some comments of my own for all of you out there buying import vehicles and making the stupid statement that General Motors doesn't make vehicles that appeal to the public. I am really sick of heraing this. Personally and a large group of people I know and talk to believe that just about all of GM's current vehicles are appealing in many aspects including style, quality and character. I have owned GM products all of my life and will continue to do so until the day I die. So the statement that GM's problems stem from having vehicles that are not appealing is rediculous and anyone that makes the statement in my opinion is a moron with no clue about cars, they are just looking for something to pick on and complain about. Personally I think that the import cars are bland and unappealing. I can tell the difference between a honda accord, BMW or Toyota. They are all plain, bland and look the same. As for toyota where are your performance vehicles like the vette or any of the SS vehicles. You dont have any. So why would I invest in a company that only builds boring camry's and basic transportation. As for the European brands they are just overpriced and again bland. So I just want to say to All at GM keep up the good work and vehicles because millions of people love them. And to all of you import drivers have some pride in your country and support our economy and get a great quality vehicle by getting rid of your junk and buying a GM vehicle.

I too have been a GM customer for an extensive amount of years over 26 to be exact. I have always had the mindset of buy American, support your community. The problem now for GM is, GM is not committed to the customers as the customers use to be towards them.

Still making expensive, un-economical, designless automotive products. They are constantly advertising the expensive gas gussling products they for some reason are proud of, instead of advertising there concern for the US future and their committment to the consumers of developing efficient, reasonably priced, design concious products that the consumers need and what this country desires.

Genderal Motors needs to open there eyes and realize we have to depend on ourselves to engineer and design automobiles, automobiles which are efficient and are to the likings of the consumer.

The highest ratio of economically efficient models and number of models in production has to go to Toyota and Honda. General Motors has had the technology for years but have refused to put it into place for fear of a backlash from other industries.

I am the last person who wants the General to be in the prediction it presently has placed itself. My emails to GM's management and comments within automotive websites, will hopefully open GM's eyes before it becomes a place in history.

The Prius was a failure several times over, but Toyota kept its faith in their design and development team, and now is rated as one of the most sought after automobiles in its class. Only if GM believes in its own engineers, design teams and workforce, will it come back strong.

Mark S

Mr. Lutz,

Why not leverage the profits from SUV sales with more luxury sedan sales? This is a strong market. Just look at the early sales from the Lucerne, aren't these sales skewed toward the high end V-8. At the Buick dealer, the models that were sold out were the loaded CXS V-8 with the North Star engine. People want Luxury sedans. People want Luxury SUV's that get good gas mileage. Doesn't the Escalade have the highest MPG andt he highest HP in its class? Tell us about it.

In upper middle income households, the car seat requirement drives SUV sales and luxury sedan sales to an extent, people need to fit two car seats, and golf clubs.

Add more models and styles to Cadillac like we said. Take Cadillac up and down with a dual styling strategy, keep the current vertical headlight geometry that seems more masculine, add other styles with horizontal headlight geometry and a bit more feminine. Cadillac sales and market share could easily double with more models and a dual styled line up. One of my friends has a five car garage, two Lexus sedans and one Lexus RX, it started because his wife liked the feminine looks of the RX and because the Escalade they test drove was harder to park in the parking garage than the RX. After they bought the RX, they got to be friends with the Lexus dealer who sold them two Lexus sedans. They traded the Thunderbird in for a Lexus convertable, the top wouldn't work right despite warranty repairs so they were persuaded to take a Lexus sedan instead. The sharp angles of the XLR were not their style even though the XLR had a better top mechanism. They know very little about cars just that their friends admire their brand and they heard how Lexus was "rated" by pundits. Now you and I know that Cadillac is the best car in the world. But you see it was style, perception, and practical need that started the selling process.

Another example. An immigrant pharmacist friend who was unfamiliar with American cars was persuaded to test drive a GM certified used Grand Prix. He bought it instead of buying a new Hyundai. He and his wife had checked all the "lists" that ranked cars. But in the end style, comfort, impressive test drive, and a good word from a friend persuaded them to buy GM.

Give us a sharp Pontiac flag ship and advertise it like you are doing with the Lucerne. Give it a V-8.

GM listened to us and the Lucerne ads are working. Keep pounding the ES330 with Lucerne ads.

Advertise the Impala, let that lead Chevrolet, keep pounding the Camry. Why can't you push the V-8 Impala fuel economy to 30 MPG? You can do it. Don't tell us you can't.

Advertise the flag ships, they bring people into the show rooms.

Doesn't GM have the most fuel efficient V-6 at 32 mpg. Why not advertise that. Doesn't GM have the most fuel efficient V-8? Why not advertise that. GM advantages create word of mouth.

And why not give the workers stock options instead of high cost benefits to boost equity?

Amazing Astra VRX review in the Financial Times - if GM sold these in the USA they would eat HONDA SIs for lunch!

Sales thought...
Stack the deck promotion I call it, but you would need to name it something like the $100.00 Paid Test Drive...

Selectively target two top volume imports that you know you can out-value, even if it not a match. Example Camry & Accord. Now offer $100.00 if a potential Camry or Accord buyer test drives an Impala within one week before their purchase of Camry or Accord. Also offer the same $100.00 if they buy the Impala.

The advantage is that you are targeting real buyers, not just lookers. They would need to be committed to purchase to collect the $100.00
At the same time you may be able to accomplish a brand conquest. How else to get a closed minded import buyer into the dealer.

If it works, target a different vehicle set. Maybe mini-vans, maybe full sized trucks next. Keep whittling down each market segment to grab another group of buyers.

A couple of comments. First whether a car looks nice or is just plain ugly is often a matter of personal preference. I will not get into arguments whether Lucerne is a good looking car or not, to me it just looks plain, if others feel otherwise, just go and buy it. I was looking for a new car for the last three months and Lucerne was one of the potential candidates. Currently owning a Japanese luxury brand I was expecting a certain type of dealer experience, but no Buick dealer in my area was even close. Even Toyota shops look better than any Buick dealer in my area. Caddy CTS is too small for my taste and not really a good looking vehicle as far as I can see. What really excluded Lucerne from my list was the packaging, or rather lack of it. I was expecting to get HID lights, NAVI and 5 star safety rating on my next vehicle plus decent (not necessarily the best) performance numbers combined with fuel efficiency (I get about 40,000 miles a year). Name one GM vehicle that you can claim that. I could not find one. Lucerne currently does not come with NAVI (yes I know some of you will tell me that nobody needs NAVI, I can respect but not necessarily agree on that). Even better, try to name one GM car below 40K that comes with HID lights. Then look at japanese vehicles going for under 30K and you will find a few. As hard as I was trying to persuade myself to get a GM vehicle, there is no one out there that would match my expectations - most of them are just plain mediocre, how sad. Finally I purchased another japanese car, hoping that maybe next time GM will be able to earn my money.

On the second note, as Sue Plier mentioned above, I also had posted here before only not to be able to find my postings afterwards. Maybe it was a technical glitch, maybe not, not sure here. My posting was not trying to glamour over the GM vehicle as I was very dissapointed over the last years offerings. While there is so much propaganda over the great progress GM has made over the last years, much of it is just hot air as the competition does not sleep.

Finally I would suggest to check the GM designs abroad, specifically I am pointing to Buick vehicles sold in China. Compare both the LaCross here and in China and you will not believe that these are the same cars. Even better, compare the design disaster called Terazza to the Buick chinese counterpart. Buick in China means status, over here is just a faded glory. Don't let me start over the Pontiac interiors...

I feel that japan based deisgn ideas are influencing GMC too much. What happened to trucks from GM that would play in the mud on weekends and get you to work on weekdays? I drive a 1996 Chevy S-10 Blazer 4x4 and although it barely is able to play in the mud, I have plans to resolve that design flaw. It does not have the height of the ZR2, but a 4" lift kit will make room for some 33" tires. I miss the days when GM cared more about the working person with a truck, than what it is like to pick up groceries in.

It's not all bad. 'Tis true, 'tis true.

You can't see it now but I am telling you GM you never looked better.

Let me teach you something about the American consumer because sometimes you're so close to the trees you can't see the forest (or something like that.) In a word I just saw the most beautiful cars ever created in my lifetime.

Now getting back to the consumer, well, they are not like us, I would guess that 90% of Americans do not know what a Solstice is until it passes in front of them-on the street. They will read about the Tahoe perhaps but it does not hit them until - again they see it on the street. And let me tell you, you cannot appreciate the beauty of these vehicles until they are on the street when its driving behind you, on the side of you. In other words, you will see your car TRULY for the first time when it is on the streets and looking better than anything else on the road.

This is what I saw up close for the first time on the road in the last two days, the Tahoe and the Pontiac G6 coupe along with another close up of some HHRs. The Scion fan I know told me he spotted again the black Solstice with PA license plates. (That's news around here in NJ.) In short, they are beautiful. Looking at them on paper, in a room, a showroom or dealership just does not do it justice, you have to have the dress rehersal and as far as I am concerned you passed that test.

Let me say this in another way. I saw the Tahoe before but when that white one pulled up behind me I almost flipped, it was gorgeous and the G6 coupe was a stunner also.

I KNEW IT...SEE I NEVER DOUBTED YOU.

Now back to the customers. It's simple. The best form of advertising GM can do is to have these bold new vehicles on the road where people BEHOLD them like I did and this will create the buzz, word of mouth and personal affection for these vehicles that will get you those sales.

It takes longer these days to get the word out because there is so much competition and so much to choose from but trust me, there will be no confusion when people see these vehicles in the sun light and their true element like I did.

Oh, and congrats on those H3 sales in South Africa. You sold 'em out ha, 6 months before production even starts?

Rick, Bob, GM I'm proud of you, it won't be long now, it won't be long.

What can GM do to improve market share?

12 Month Strategy (October 2006-March 2007) for Buick

Announce a production variation of the EFIJY Concept Car at LA Auto show – for sale in the 2008 Model year.

Buick must produce the EFIJY concept to shake off the “old folks” image – sorry but as nice as the Lucerne is; it does nothing to change this image.

The EFIJY can be built off the Corvette architecture (like the concept) giving it instant credibility and world class performance.

Don’t change anymore than needed to make regulations. This car is stunning and would have no problem selling 12,000 a year. It has a 350 HP V-8 the Prowler didn’t, it could be offered in a 3 passenger model (with bench seat) the new Thunderbird wasn’t AND it is not a convertible. You will get more actual buyers with a hard top.

A 5-passenger Sedan Delivery could be offered later providing better market appeal with more passenger/cargo room. The standard 5.3L AFM V8 with 6-speed Auto would deliver 30 MPG and put sales over the 30,000 mark.
A 475 HP version of the 427 Z06 engine with either 6-Speed manual or Paddle Shift Automatic would be optional.

It WILL APPEAL to young and old alike and actually bring younger buyers into Buick showrooms. You have to bring customers into the dealer to sell them a car.

Have a contest to pick a name for the EFIJY and the Sedan Delivery version with the Grand Prize being a new EFIJY and Sedan Delivery respectively.

Other Buick updates to implement over the next year:

ENCLAVE DEBUTS - Finally, a world class cross-over vehicle with a reasonable price.

NEW LACROSSE GS – For it’s third year it is going to need a boost and many Buick buyers are waiting for a legitimate performance version of the Lacrosse.

NEW BUICK CENTURY SEDAN AND WAGON - Buick needs a volume car and a Century based on the Malibu Maxx 112” wheelbase with formal styling will attract many buyers. There is a very large market for a car that is easy to get in and out of and the driver can visually identify the front and rear edges of the car. The excellent Maxx rear seat that reclines and moves fore and aft for maximum leg room will also help sales as will the optional DVD player. The Century would have conventional 4-Door sedan styling complete with hood ornament. Just look at the Buicks offered in China for some ideas, the old Regal looks better than the Century we had at the end of the run.

Using the new 3.5L V6 with variable valve timing attached to a 6-speed automatic will deliver the power/MPG combination this car’s buyers are looking for. The “Limited” package would add the AFL lighting system found on European Vectra models along with stabilitrak. Magnaride suspension would be optional, Buick used to advertise the Century as a “little limousine” – well make one.

A GS model with 3.6L V6 and more features would be added in a year or two.

For buyers looking for something more manageable than an Enclave, offer the Century in an Estate model – yes I am talking about a STATION WAGON. There are thousands of old – and I mean OLD GM A-Body Wagons still running around and 90% of their owners would run to the nearest Buick dealer to buy a new Century Wagon. If you don’t believe me, have a group from marketing spend a couple weekends around the nearest mall and home improvement store. They are going to count a lot of GM A-Body Wagons – bear in mind the Chevy and Pontiac wagons went out of production in 1991 and the Buick and Oldsmobile models in 1996. You will also get a lot of Taurus owners that held onto their pre 1996 models when Ford screwed up the rear styling – you couldn’t see a thing out of the 1996-2005 models and you had to lean forward to just look out the rear side windows.

All you have to do is put the Century front clip on the European Vectra Wagon.

New Century Sedan and Estate
3.5L 210 HP V-6 w/6 Speed Auto 23/35 MPG Hwy
PW (express up/down) - PL w/Remote Start
Power Cargo Area release
Body Color Power Mirrors (heated)
Adjustable Pedals
Tilt/Telescoping Wheel
8 way heated cloth power driver w/manual lumbar and 2-position memory
Split front bench seat with fold-out center console under middle seat
Steering Wheel Audio/Driver Information Controls
Fold Flat Passenger seat
CD Player with Driver information display (MPG/Oil Monitor)
Manual Dual Zone Climate Controls
Rear Window Defroster
Power rear window (Estate)
Side Curtain Air Bags
Split Folding Rear Seat
Adjustable Fore/Aft Reclining Rear Seat
Alloy wheels
Liftgate Spoiler (Estate)
4 Wheel Disc ABS
On Star
Cornering Lights
Fog Lights
Back-up Warning sensors
Heated Windshield Washer Fluid
Optional Power Moon Roof ($795)
Optional Rear Seat DVD ($795)

MSRP $21,995 Sedan

MSRP $22,995 Estate

Century Limited Sedan and Estate
3.5L 210 HP V-6 w/6 Speed Auto 23/35 MPG Hwy
PW (express up/down) - PL w/Remote Start
Power Tailgate release
Body Color Power Mirrors (heated)
Adjustable Pedals
Tilt/Telescoping Wheel
10 way heated cloth power driver with power lumbar & 2-position memory
10 way heated cloth power passenger with power lumbar
Steering Wheel Audio/Driver Information Controls
Fold Flat Passenger seat
CD 6-Disc Player with Driver information display (MPG/Oil Monitor)
Automatic Dual Zone Climate Controls
Rear Window Defroster
Side Curtain Air Bags
Power Rear Sun Shade (Sedan)
Power rear window (Estate)
Lighted Rear seat visors
Rear seat Sky Lights with shades
Split Folding Rear Seat
Adjustable Fore/Aft Reclining Rear Seat
Alloy wheels
Rear Spoiler
4 Wheel Disc ABS
On Star
Cornering Lights
AFL Lighting (Opel Vectra)
Fog Lights
Back-up Warning sensors
Heated Windshield Washer Fluid
Chrome Package
17” Chrome Alloy Wheels
Stabilitrack
Optional Magna-Ride ($1295)
OPTIONAL LEATHER SEATING ($995)
Optional Power Moon Roof ($795)
Optional Rear Seat DVD ($795)

MSRP $25,995 Sedan
MSRP $26,995 Estate

LaCrosse GS
5.3L AFM V8 w/6-Speed Auto (20 City/30 MPG Hwy)
PW (express up/down) - PL w/Remote Start
Body Color Power Mirrors (heated)
Adjustable Pedals
Tilt/Telescoping Wheel
10 way heated cloth power driver with power lumbar & 2-position memory
10 way heated cloth power passenger with power lumbar
Steering Wheel Audio/Driver Information Controls
Fold Flat Passenger seat
CD 6-Disc Player with Driver information display (MPG/Oil Monitor)
Automatic Dual Zone Climate Controls
Rear Window Defroster
Side Curtain Air Bags
Split Folding Rear Seat
On Star
Cornering Lights
AFL Lighting (Opel Vectra)
Fog Lights
Back-up Warning sensors
Chrome Package
Heated Windshield Washer Fluid
18” Chrome Alloy Wheels
Stabilitrack
Optional Magna-Ride ($1295)
OPTIONAL LEATHER SEATING ($995)
Optional Power Moon Roof ($795)
MSRP $29,850

These models will be successful and along with the new Enclave can triple Buick sales. Thanks again for a chance to share some ideas.

I would like to repond to the guy who says the mazda outsells the soltice worldwide. They Don't sell the soltice worldwide only here. Duh

When the Mazda Miata was first introduced, it was a very good looking little sporty roadster. They just re-styled it (and re-named it to mx-5) and the looks got a little worse, but it's still a very attractive car.

But now, if you park a Solstice next to the Miata, the little Mazda looks downright ugly, in comparison.

The DCX 300 is still selling 12,000 per month -its still killing caddys sedan sales- STS needs the 92 seville body style with the current nose-
still would like a 300-type retro caddy sedan- fwood brougham- base it on the beau 1985 brougham, exactly-
I like rick luporis buick suggestions above- but he forgot the VELITE!

Bob,I drove a G6 last august-what a great car.I drove it like I stole it and still got 30 mpg.-8000 miles we loved it. Could Holden's ever be sold in the U.S.,Commodore outsells Camry by 2-1 and thats at the end of its model run.As you know Toyota Landcruiser traytop and wagon help put Toyota in the sales lead ,a wagon can cost upto A80,000 and traytop A57,000,why can't we have Tahoe and Silverado.don't worry about Surban because it's too big. Keep up the good work Bob.

I just recently purchased a new car. This was the first time in 30 years that I have ever given any consideration to fuel economy. I looked at the Lucerne, it's sweet. I considered the Camry and Solara but were too pricy. Checked out the Mazda 3 and 6, not bad. Almost settled on the Sonata, fully loaded for about 21 G's after their big rebate....but didn't fall in love with the interior.

I ended up buying a new Pontiac G6 GT Coupe, fully loaded in Liquid Silver. I totally love this car. Buying it from a local Cadillac/Pontiac dealership in Houston was the most pleasant experience I've had since buying a "no haggle" 2003 Saturn L200, which by the way has 55K and have not had one problem with this car.

GM products still work for me!

Yup! The Solstice ZOK and non ZOK Solsti' are beginning to prove to be a great pick for us autoxer's all over the country.
What a great chassis.
Thanks again!
I suspect sales are going increase for 07 ZOK's even if people have to wait until 07 to race them due to the way the rules are written.
I sure am loving my 06 though!
My competitors aren't!
LOL!
FM

We can all complain about GM's Products but honestly every car has its faults, even the all mighty Camry and Accord. The Camry is simply a boring car to me and always has been. The restyle on both the Camry and Accord are simply ugly in my opinion. The problem with GM was, is and seems will remain to be, price point. GM simply prices its vehicles out of the reach of the consumer that really desires that particular vehicle. For example the Camaro, a vehicle that was killed by pricing. A Z28 nicely equipped was $30 to $35K ( the Trans AM was worse ). The Mustang GT its ace competitor was out the door for $23K. Ever wonder why Mustang sales were strong and the Camaro was a brick on the sales floor? You just got your answer... Even the debacle they called the GTO! It looks like a Grand Am, with a Sticker pushing nearly 40K! The young hot foot that wanted the car simply couldn't afford it. I love the CTS-V and the STS-V but the 60K and nearly 80K price tags have them challenging BMW and Mercedes which are gonna kill your sales because they have a resale value and build quality that Gm can't contend with. And lets not be fooled by the SUV market, which the majority of SUV's are leased not truly sold therefore finding their way back on dealers lots to be offered at a song. GM Stop the rebate, incentive games and price the cars right. We all know price sells. Give the people a reasonably decent product, stand behind it with a great warranty, for a price they can't resist and watch the product fly out the door...

Is the new 2009 Camereo going to come in an SS version or no? Also, will it be a limited run vehicle say like the 94-96 Impala or the Grand National or will it be mass produced like the Mustang and come in 6 cylinders such?