Because We Can
By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman
As I hinted last week, we have a major consumer initiative coming to light this afternoon. GM Chairman/CEO Rick Wagoner today is announcing that GM, beginning with the 2007 model year, is expanding its powertrain warranty in the United States and Canada to five years or 100,000 miles.
The warranty is completely transferable, with no deductible. And we've also extended the roadside assistance and courtesy transportation programs. This applies across the board to every nameplate… to all eight GM divisional brands… to every GM passenger car and truck.
When you take the new powertrain warranty, the courtesy transportation and roadside assistance, the safety and security of technologies like OnStar and StabiliTrak, and the trained GM Goodwrench technicians working at the largest dealer network in the industry, it all adds up to the best consumer confidence package anywhere. As Rick says, we believe in the quality and value of our cars and trucks, and we're putting our money where our mouth is. Because we can.
You can rest assured that, along with our continuously improving quality, customer feedback played a large role in our decision. And a terrific source of customer feedback is right here on this blog. Your voices were heard, and will continue to be heard. Thanks for the input.
To read more about today's announcement, take a look at this official release.
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So, a five year, 100K mile full coverage powertrain warranty that will cover more than 900 components.
I’m reading this as only GM’s powertrain has the quality, what about the rest of the vehicle?
In all of the GM vehicles I’ve owned since I was old enough to buy my first GM car (1971) I’ve never had a powertrain issue.
I’ve had window motors that quit working, rear view mirrors that fell off, doors that would no longer lock, or unlock, gauges that quit working, radios that would not turn on, heaters that would not heat, and once, the alternator quit working at 36,093 miles.
And, that mirror that fell off, the dealer told me it was not covered by warranty because it was considered a trim piece even though I argued that it was a safety device which included my OnStar controls.
I can’t wait to read the fine print in the new warranty.
In my opinion, when GM’s CEO says “Comprehensive Coverage Validates Dramatic Improvements in GM Quality”, the warranty should be bumper to bumper and with out the fine print that declares items such as a rearview mirror as trim.
I’m not being negative Bob, just realistic, what is GM offering me? Nothing because I’ve never had a powertrain issue in the 12 GM vehicles I’ve owned since 1971.
Yes…BECAUSE WE CAN…
Time for some can-do attitude from the people of General Motors. Let’s go!
Makes you proud, doesn’t it!!
Bob
Thanks for always putting the customer first!
We appreciate the fact that you are listening to our concerns.
But even more so, we are jubillant that you are acting on them also.
Wow, i’m very impressed that GM finally put their money where their mouth is. This is great news, and a very smart move in my opinion. It seems that GM has finally gotten ‘out of the barrel’, with the only one of the domestic groups showing positive signs of life the past quarter. Hopefully this trend will continue!
Great News! (LOL)
Having driven several GM vehicles over 100k each, I can tell you that I have never had Powertrain problems under 150k miles.
When are you going to cover the stuff that really tends to break after 3 years, primarily electronics? Power windows, power locks, power sliding doors, power lift gates, power seats, cruise control and nav systems should all be covered.
Just like a babies first step there will be lots of hoopla about this new Powertain warranty. Maybe when you grow up you’ll stand behind your product with a 5/100 Bumper-to-Bumper warranty.
Hmm, at first I was excited about this, but then read that it was only a powertrain warranty and not bumper-to-bumper. Nice try.
On another note, would you PLEASE build the Chevy WTCC Ultra that is going to be shown in Paris? And bring it to the U.S.?
Mr. Wagoner & Mr. Lutz, I wish you congratulations for doing a good job! I’m now confident to buy your product. For me, you only have one thing left in your turnaround program, that is improving the performance and efficiency of your small car engines and revamping your minivans!
You have luxury. You have trucks. You have SUVs. You have performance. How about reverse engineering your Pinz a little bit and going after the off-road crowd more? The H-1 is gone? Let’s drop the shine and get rugged again. You might even know personally of the interest such a vehicle sparks every time you park it.
Sorry Bob, not good enough. I want a 10 year/100,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The only cars this would be good for me on would be ones with newer technology drivetrains, common-rail diesels or hybrids and the like.
And I understand how warranties work. You do the research, crunch the numbers, and figure out where you can draw the line so you don’t lose money fixing things. This shows you’ve got a lot of faith in your powertrains, but not as much in the rest of your car.
My wife and I got lucky. We got the extended warranty on our Vibe and it saved us almost $500 when the driver’s window broke. That’s not covered under your powertrain warranty, and that broke at 85,000 miles.
But, I’m sure a lot of people will be attracted by the numbers and ignore the fact that it doesn’t cover half of the parts on the car.
This will not convince me to purchase,You should have done a 5 year 60k bumper to bumper,What a lame gimmick
Guys and Gals all the long warranties that you hear being advertised are power train warranties, not bumper to bumper! This is a great step forward for GM!
Mike:
Yes, those off roading monster trucks draw my interest when they’re parked. But not in a good way.
Bob…
Ive got butterflies in my stomach, I’d really like to see the financial sheet that was used to debate this move…
GM has great vehicles… at least, the “launch vehciles” are almost all great… some of the lackluster ones are on their way out so thats a good thing…
this warranty will hopefully flush a new wave of consumers to the dealerships while also allowing gm to achieve a higher final sale price… and a higher final sale price is good for me (salesman) and you (GM)…
GO GM BRASS!
now… you are being a good example to your cross town rival… of what a BOLD MOVE really is… lol
but honnestly America needs to work on, bringing faith in all american companys…
and that is something that GM being one of the worlds largest corperations needs to have a large helping hand…
well done mr. lutz, well done
“My wife and I got lucky. We got the extended warranty on our Vibe and it saved us almost $500 when the driver’s window broke. That’s not covered under your powertrain warranty, and that broke at 85,000 miles.”
Yeah, good thing you got the extended warranty to cover that TOYOTA window motor…
Great and not so great. You need to advertise this a lot!!!
I do think that at least the bumper-to-bumper should have been 5 or 6 years.
That way, you’d at least have shown a nominal increase in the whole warranty.
Speaking about GM and advertising:
you can’t!!!
I have never seen a proper GM ad. All they do is play music and show cars going around and around in circles.
TELL us about the car!!!!!!
What are the features?
What is unique????
What is unique besides the “powerful engine”???
Everybody has a “powerful engine”????
Any other features?
HUD????
AFM????
StabiliTrak????
Ultraview?????
MagneRide????
The Buick ads for heated washer fluid were great. They explained what was unique about the car. Too bad they had nothing else to talk about (besides the engine)…
Paul:
Why don’t you just go buy the Hyudai or Kia of your dreams and get it over with? You asked for a longer warranty, and it was granted…the very next day. Obviously, you are never satisfied.
If you’re so anti-GM, why are you bothering to read this blog and take the time to post on it?
Kick-a$$. This will get all those people that are on the fence about buying a GM into there local GM dealer.
And this is a transferable warranty unlike Kia’s.
FIREBIRD
WOW! This is great news. I have been considering a GM product to replace my Toyota Avalon. Now I will buy a Saturn Aura.
Thanks GM!
GM Extends Warranty Based On Customer Requests
by Ask Patty StaffWe always love to see car and truck manufacturers listening to their customers. GM has done just that on their FastLane Blog. According to Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman, General Motors is announcing that it is expanding
Bob… i’ve already posted here… but something i’ve noticed has changed… and needs to continue…
consumers can be brought in for two things… the deal or the product…
hopefully in the future we wont see mail in rebates in which consumers can get free cars… because my mom buys those lap top covers or padio chairs if she can get them for free(with mail in rebate)… even if we dont have a lap top or a padio for the chairs…
at my dealership one of the desk managers remarks about how he can bring customers in… make them feel like they are going to get the best vehicle in the world for the best deal in town without ever mentioning a dollar, payment amount, downpayment, or intrest rate…
at Nissan… its the Bottom Line… or Honda Clearance… Ford Sellathon… Toyotathon…
whatever it is… its just a catch to make consumers happy…
but lets use the Toyota Comercial…
“When does a car become more than just a car?”
shouldnt this be GM’s advertising point? even you bob have said it yourself… toyota makes great appliances… but if a car is to have an owner, a good bond with its driver… i remember gm’s comercials about satisfaction last year, i dont think they were fully hurd tho….
GM needs to advertise the car… the car will sell itself if its marketed right, when its designed right, when its engeneered to please the end user… i repeat if a car is marketed properly and designed to fulfill the desires of its owners… it will sell beyond ones own comprehension…
Nice additional warranty if you drive 20,000 miles a year. I certainly don’t, and at my 8-10K a year, 100,000 miles drivetrain coverage in 5 years doesn’t mean much to me. As a lifetime GM buyer I know the drivetrain is usually the last thing to fail anyway. It shouldn’t cost GM much to do this since the parts that usually fail will not be covered any longer than 3 years like usual. Interesting the 3/36 is based on driving 12,000 miles a year, but the new extended warranty is based on 20,000 miles a year. It’s all the other things – the numerous computer modules, radio and entertainemt system components, brake and suspension parts, HVAC problems, etc etc that can eat you alive on repairs. I speak from experience. Nope, sorry, this will not inspire me to go out and buy a new 2007 GM. If it was to be 5 years bumper-to-bumper, and 10 years drivetrain then we’d be talking business.
This is a nice start, but unfortunately does not go far enough. As others have said, GM Powertrain quality has never been an issue. In fact, it’s more often than not world class. People want to be assured that the rest of the car won’t fall apart at 36,001 miles. The 3/36 warranty is an archaic remnant of when the Big 3 built some truly awful vehicles. GM for the most part builds outstanding vehicles today. To TRULY put your money where your mouth is, you gotta stand behind the product for longer than 3 years. That’s just the way it is…
This is great news! Stay away from Renalt/Nissan GM!!!!!
Seems like the perfect setup for the year end clearance.
FREE UPGRADE TO 5YR/100K WARRANTY
in lieu of bigger rebates.
WOW! This is great news. I have been considering a GM product to replace my
Toyota Avalon. Now I will buy a Saturn Aura, a true value and a product in which Saturn should take great pride.
I like a previous poster’s idea of a 5 year bumper-to-bumper and 10 year drivetrain. I would make them 5 year / 60k miles and 10 year / 100k miles. Now you’re talking!
For those saying the warranty does not go far enough, that might be true in some ways, especially since GM powertrains usually are not an issue. Maybe the 3 year/36,000 miles part falls a bit short.
However, this is an excellent start. GM is offering a world class powertrain warranty which betters ALL of the competition as it’s even transferable. Now, you can buy a Chevy with a better powertrain warranty than a Lexus.
Some competitors might match this warranty, so GM cannot use all their ammo right now. They should wait to possibly increase the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty, in my opinion.
Bob Lutz: More Power(train) To The People
Wow! Two posts in five days for Bob Lutz at the GM Fastlane Blog. Today’s unexpected announcement from Lutz on GM’s behalf: as of the 2007 models, a five-year, 100,000 mile warranty on the powertrain of all GM vehicles. Pardon
-When I purchased my first brand new car (hyundai elantra) in the year 2002 here how it went down:
You CAN transfer the warranty to a family member and/or domestic partner
For $500.00 more you could:
Make it a 10/100,000 BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY, even now does GM offer that?
And for $750.00 more you could
Make it a 10/100,000 TRANSFERABLE BUMPER TO BUMPER Warranty.
Can’t beat that with a wooden stick
I’ve been waiting for this for years. I almost don’t believe it.
FANTASTIC!!! GM is certainly putting its money where its mouth is.
PLEASE ADVERTISE THIS!!! Make people realize that GM quality is world class and GM is willing to back that up by putting its money where its mouth is.
“Quality” should be the internal AND external GM mantra. Quality sells.
Based on the superb quality of my ‘05 GMC Canyon(a far cry from my ‘84 Trans AM which was bought new and was junk), I’ll bet this move will be a net financial positive for GM.
WELL DONE!
Bruce Sherman
Oakland, Oregon
Only Hyundai, Kia, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi offer more than 4 years on B to B.
YOU PEOPLE NEED TO DO SOME RESEARCH BEFORE YOU B****!
Good Job Bob! I’ll enjoy this on my 2007 Saab 9-3
As one of the many who prodded you to increase the warranties I must say I am underwhelmed. I was expecting something far better than this. After all, you give the Cobalt a 5 yr powertrain warranty.
What it should have been, and I think you should change it immediately, is a 5 yr, bumper to bumper warranty.
As others have stated here, its usually the ‘other’ things that tend to go wrong with a GM product. At least to those who previously owned them.
You should also have made the warranty retroactive to 2006 models.
Nice try but not good enough.
The old saying put your money where your mouth is, is exactly what GM did today. I can’t help but recall how the Hyundai warranty extension in the late 90s ignited the quality, consumer perception and sales turnaround. Selling less than 100,000 units and worse quality perception than today’s domestic quality perception, they announced a new warranty program, backed it with improved product quality and five years later have sucessfully changed brand perception and are selling at least 400,000 units.
GM’s warranty extension is a great way to support the actual quality improvement. This is the right strategic move for GM and should expedite the perception turnaround. First the Chevy Camaro, now the warranty extension…..what’s next?
Well done.
The critics will always want more, but a 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty is impressive and is a solid, honest statement.
This is a positive step. The people on here complaing or acting like they are “too smart” to go for this warranty are being absurd. Toyota, Ford, Chrysler, etc. do not offer more than 3 years bumper to bumper so it is not like GM is missing the boat on this. The reason the powertrain is being covered is that the most expensive repairs are related to the powertrain. Fixing something within the engine or transmission is a heck of a lot more costly than repairing a power window or door lock. The powertrain is where the big money problems come from and that’s why it’s the most important thing to cover. The Hyundai/Kia warranty is not transferable if you sell the car and that is the major drawback. On top of that, few people keep their cars longer than 5-6 years so it’s ridiculous to act like a 10 year bumper to bumper warranty would make sense to most buyers. With interest rates going up, leasing is likely to become more popular and for leasees the standard warranty is sufficient.
Some people are never satisfied. If this doesn’t count as progress then I don’t know what does. You give the people what they want and they are still angry. Just buy a Toyota and call it a day.
People are complaining about the warranty being a powertrain warranty. Give GM a break. What other car in the market has a 100,000 miles BUMPER TO BUMPER warranty? None.
Why blast the General cause all they have is the best warranty in the business?
In previous posts, I have mentioned that the perception of GMs quality problems (real or preceived) took a long time to form and it will take a long time for people to revise them upward again. One of the ways that I mentioned was to “put your money where your mouth is” and increase your warranties.
This is a good first step in the right direction. Something along the lines of 5 yr bumper to bumper would be better or the 5 yr powertrain and 3 yr bumper to bumper would be better. I, too, was expecting more.
This is good, but to get the masses to believe again, and to be remain the world leader, more is needed. Again, a good first step – keep going.
Chris Hayne
Bob,
Thank you for listening, I hope this is a huge success for GM.
Great Job!!!
Great job, and for all of those nay sayers, gimme a break! What product do you buy that would have 10 years bumper to bumper? This is a huge step foward!
Hmmmm……
Why do I feel this is anti-climactic? Yes, a 5yr/100,000mi warranty on the drivetrain is great. How does that translate into high grade plastics and solid fit and finish so my doors don’t start rattling after 36,001 miles? Does the 5/100k warranty cover wheel bearings? How about the clutch? When I buy my ‘09 Camaro Z28 6 speed and the clutch wears out with less than 100k (I drive 25k/year, so yes that would apply to me), will you cover full parts and labor to replace it – AND include a free loaner while it’s in the shop? I’ll be looking for the full warranty guide and downloading it BEFORE I buy the Camaro. I have a feeling it will be a great tool to help me through law school. Reading all the fine print, limits, exclusions, and requirements should help me ace my contracts class final exam.
This is hardly a genius move, EVERYONE has been yelling this at GM for years, to deaf ears. Then Ford does it a month ago. Surprise, now GM is doing it. And everyone is acting like it is a sign of some sort of strategy when it is only a copycat move. If Ford didn’t do it GM wouldn’t have. Don’t kid yourselves.
This is a great move by GM. In my lifetime I’ve seen the perception of GM (and all domestic vehicles) go from great to bad and that’s a tough thing to turn around. I bought a 1977 Monte Carlo in 1981 and the dashtop was already split, the knob on the shifter was loose, the radio knobs fell off, the seats were wearing through, etc. Buyers noticed this and complained to others about it. When people have a bad experience with their car, they talk about it, and it affects other people, too. Like the ripples you get when you throw a stone in a pond. Undoing all that damage takes time and it takes product. GM has been improving its product for about ten years (our 2004 Impala LS is a very good car) but it’s going to take time to change the public perception of that product. Being willing to extend the powertrain warranty to 100,000 miles is enough to convince some skeptics to give GM a try. When they see the quality and tell their friends that will turn some public perception around. GM’s problems weren’t made in a day and they won’t be solved in a day, but this is a great first step. I’ve seen the changes in my 27 years of driving and these are the best GM vehicles of that time. Now the word can start to spread.
Dear Mr Lutz:
1) Congrats on upgrading the warranty. it’s a start
2) PLEASE think about a New Storm(but better built).
A 3 door hatch is what we like.Had em for years. First was Tiburon, now the Scion tC(which is set to hit 85,000-90,000 sales this year, and sold nearly *75,000 units last year, or about what your *HHR is on target ot sell this year).
The Storm was fast, fun, not a bad handler or ride or drive, and had hatchback versatility (without looking like a station wagon)and decent MPG, and great pricing.
The Vibe’s going away, or only to be sold as a base model? Why not use that, change the body, tweak the suspension, etc…And Viola, you have a great little car, that people who buy Tiburons, Eclipses, and tC’s( that’s about 150,000-200 a year, this year, for all 3. A small niche, but still….one GM had abandoned what 13-15 years ago?)
PLEASE, think about a 3 door sporty(FWD) coupe, under 20K!
Cobalt is ok, but does nothing for me, and still has a trunk which is useless, when you haul a 26 inch men’s 7 speed bicycle around(can close the hatch on tC, vs tying open a car trunk, having the bike hang out the back, etc).
Sedans are ok, but limited on what you can easily carry.
(2 or 4 doors, with a trunk, to me, is about the same usefulness, and no, we dont; like Station Wagons, or crossovers, or whatever).
Take Care/ Not Offense.
Hope to see a “Storm” as a concept soon!
I think this warranty is a good thing. Especially the Roadside Assistance!
I think this was the only way to ameliorate the customer and the dealers. The customer obviously throught the length of the warranty plus the (unprecedented) Roadside Assistance.
But the dealers still have to sell bumper-to-bumper warranties to be kept happy.
Therefore this warranty is a good thing.
Bob
Great News about the new program. Keep talking about the quality of your vehicles.
I’ve never had a problem with the GM vehicles that I have been driving for 15 years.
Like others, I strayed away from the GM family to Toyota. My conclusion: The perceived surperior quality of the imports is a myth. If it wasn’t a lease I would have sold it after one year instead of driving it for 3.
Engine Problems, brake problems, you name it the “quality leading” imports had it. In addition I got a less contented vehicle in my Toyota and paid MORE money to buy it.
Repair costs are also out of this world ….
More Value for the Money at GM. No Question.
Like I said in a previous post, this is a just a baby step. How about adding the following to your 5/100 warranty? All fluid and filter maintenance for the 5/100 period. This would include oil changes, oil filters, fuel filters and air filters. Also, coolant and transmission flushes as recommended.
Let’s look at how everyone would benefit from this.
The original owner or lessee gets to properly maintain their vehicle at no additional cost. The other wear parts of the vehicle, like brakes, could also be inspected periodically. For resale, they would have a complete maintenance report and transferable maintenance until the end of the warranty period. This results in a higher resale or residual value.
The dealers get more traffic in their showrooms. Many of which may not be the original owner! Why go somewhere else for an oil change when it’s free at the dealer? Over time the dealers used car selection will include these properly maintained vehicles, with many still in the warranty and maintenance period.
GM gets a huge PR boost at a small cost. Retail value, on average, per vehicle would be less than $750. Properly maintained vehicles may produce higher JD Power long term
quality scores. And maybe Consumers Reports will even recommend GM vehicles due to their low maintenance cost (now I know I’m dreaming).
Everybody wins, GM, your dealers and most of all your customers. This all could be done for less than your current cash back incentives!
People are complaining about the warranty being a powertrain warranty. Give GM a break. What other car in the market has a 100,000 miles BUMPER TO BUMPER warranty? None.
All the more reason for GM to be the first.
Yeah, good thing you got the extended warranty to cover that TOYOTA window motor…
No, the powertrain on the Vibe is a Toyota powertrain. But all the other stuff is GM.
Obviously, you are never satisfied.
If you’re so anti-GM, why are you bothering to read this blog and take the time to post on it?
Because I really, truly want to buy a GM car. But I can’t justify it until they make one I actually want to buy, and become a company I actually want to buy from.
If you only listen to people who say you’re doing a great job, you’re never going to get better.
I agree that this warranty extension is a great start. But I’m looking for 5 years bumper to bumper, minimum. That will show me that GM’s behind every part of their product.
P.S. My offer on a four door, 50mpg hatchback with a 100,000 mile warranty is still standing.
I posted this in other thread but want to make sure you see my comments here.
I guess you guys are confident about your powertrains but not the rest of the vehicle.
I predict that extending only powertrain warranties WILL NOT have the effect you had hoped for as it’s a half-hearted attempt. Only going the extra mile will win back those who have sworn off GM.
If you were truly confident in your vehilcle’s quality you’d have increased the bumper-to-bumper warranty as well.
When you strive to be mediocre, that’s the best you can hope for. When you strive to be the best, you actually have the possibility of becoming the best.
Once again, another letdown from GM. And I write this as a GM fan who truly wants the company to succeed. The GM haters on that post here are going to have a field day.
I really have to give credit to Bob for even reading this blog. The amount of negativity here is simply staggering.
I know I immediately begin to tune it all out because it so quickly overwhelming.
They can’t fix everything all at once. They can’t change perception all at once. They’re steering a battleship, not a canoe. These things take time.
And for everyone saying “not good enough” go to http://www.gm.com/warranty and look at the “compare” section.
GM truly is at the top of the pile right now.
Excellent business move, even better for the consumer! This is exactly what I would had done, you guys have some good people running the ship.
Reading these comments made me realize that if you gave some people a free Corvette, they’d complain that it wasn’t a Z06. Sheesh.
GM has been doing a great job of responding to consumer feedback. Camaro is on the way, the bumper-to-bumper warranty on Buicks has increased. Now all the brands get a 5 year, 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, with full roadside assistance plus courtesy transportation, and some people are still not impressed? A window motor is a minor repair compared to engine or transmission failure. Plus, this should make adding an extended warranty MUCH cheaper since the big items are all covered.
Kudos to GM. You are heading off into a beautiful sunny future. Ignore the people who keep scanning the sky for clouds.
This is great Bob! GM really is stepping up.
Now advertise this, toyota had a commerical showing 3,ya three vehicles which are “assembled” in america. As an American Engineer i will personally can say funny, what a joke. You need to show these vehicles are American, supported by Americans for Americans, not just assembled but Made, two different words two different concepts.
Also you need to sell vehicles by what you have to offer, i hate it when companies have to down another companies product just to sell theirs. Don’t stoop to those levels that Dodge and Toyota are using.
Good luck
Mike
I would suggest to those who ask for more to buy Kia or Hyundai.
I agree with the Corvette statement. Give them an inch and they want a mile. I totaly agree that is about time GM did this and i would like to see a 5 year bumber to bumber but this is now one of the best warranties you can get. BVassicaly you can depand on your GM never to break down. I have a 2003 Silverdao that i bought brand new and now has 55,000 miles. I have not had one thing go wrong with it.
Sabrina said:
Now all the brands get a 5 year, 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, with full roadside assistance plus courtesy transportation,
You really need to get some reading comprehension skills. It’s a “Limited Powertrain Warranty”, which is exactly not a bumper to bumper warranty.
As a Toyota/Honda purchaser over the past 20 years, I would love to buy a GM car that I knew I could trust. A 10 year/100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty would be just what was needed for me to buy a GM car again.
Congratulations to you and the whole management team on this wonderful news. It would be great to see this expanded to the absolute best warranty in the industry period.
As I’ve suggested before to Rick and others, it is time we brought back the GM “Mark of Excellence” that I remember as a kid. The new GM small badge added to the vehicle outside should have this added (especially to vehicles which are top in class). As in the past the “Mark of Excellence” should be added to our keys. It is time to bring this back and proudly state it to the world.
Thanks.
**Correction to my earlier post today- I do realize this is a 5 year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, not a bumper to bumper warranty. Please forgive the typo.
Mr. Lutz
This is a great step in right direction.We need to give confidence to our customers.
I hope we get to 5yr bumper to bumper in next 2 years.
To help the uneducated:
Basic warranties:
DCX 3/36
Ford 3/36, 4/50 (Lincoln)
GM 3/36, 4/50 (Buick & Cad)
Honda 3/36
Nissan 3/36
Toyota 3/36
Powertrain warranties:
DCX 3/36
Ford 5/60
GM 5/100
Honda 5/60
Nissan 5/60
Toyota 5/60
Roadside assistance:
DCX 3/36
Ford 6/70
GM 5/100
Honda NONE
Nissan 3/36
Toyota NONE
Source: Edmunds.com
Looks like GM has a put their money where there mouth is.
Good Job!
Look
Looks like you guys have turned the corner (and will be around to do the warranty work and post-warranty work on my ‘06 Cobalt and ‘06 Impala). Wish I had some extra money to buy some stock.
Waggoner gets my vote for doing the most despite some pretty terrible treatment in the press. Looks like Bill Ford never knew what he was doing. Unless the new Boeing guy pulls a Gerstner (IBM’s boss from a non-computer company), Ford is toast. Or merger meat.
I really don’t understand why there are still people, who are not satisfied with GM’s latest warranty-offers!
Over here German car-manufacturers offer only 2 (!) lousy years!!! So, what’s your problem?
I 2nd the New Storm concept. The Saturn ION is NOT for me(and is being replaced in waht, a year, by an ulgier 5 door wagon, and 4 door Opel Sedan?)
C’Mon, guys, Chevy brought us the Geo(Suzuki) Tracker, and Storm, among others, in the late 80’s.
Tracker is history(although it sold very well), and Storm has been gone 4 over a decade(I still see some @ Wal-Mart and Kroger stores, about 3 , in my area, and Still look “cool”).
People w/o kids, college aged kids might like it, or empty nesters, do not need a midsized sedan(sedans are “un-cool”,for most kids)might like a 3 door sporty car by Chevy, again.
Look at the risks Chrysler(and recently Ford, with the Fusion) take in designs recently, and most pay off.
Build the thing in Mexico, if you must, to save $$$.
Why not bring over the 3 door Opel!?
“Zip” it up some, to look liek it would fit on a Scion lot, or Mazda, and they will come to look and buy!
Build it…they will come!
Three Door Sporty Car(that’s Not a current ION).
Thanks for your consideration in this matter.
Signed:
Mr Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, Scion , Chrysler fan.
Grand Slam Home Run!!!!Adding this to your vechiles will make them even more attractive to customers.Bravo!!!GM is heading in the right direction.The New Camaro to be built in the Ontario plant that is rated one of the highest in quality in the Automotive industry shows your LASER BEAM like COMMITMENT to QUALITY.Keep up the GREAT WORK!!!!
“Reading these comments made me realize that if you gave some people a free Corvette, they’d complain that it wasn’t a Z06.”
If GM brass didn’t want to hear the criticism, they should stay isolated in their ivory tower. They decided to create this blog, leaving themselves open at times to some very harsh comments- I applaud their courage in doing that; I encourage them to pay particular heed to the critical comments and ignore the “attaboys-” clearly, the supportive comments are from diehard GM fans you couldn’t lose in any case.
And yes, if Bob wants to give me a free Corvette, I’d prefer the Z06, please.
“I would suggest to those who ask for more to buy Kia or Hyundai.”
Isn’t that what’s going on? Hasn’t GM lost considerable market share already, because consumers wanted more (or in some cases, more for less)?
Apparently, Hyundai and Kia seriously want to sell their products in the US. Extended warranties are marketing tools, and they are WORKING.
The 5 year/ 100,000 mile powertrain warranty is, for GM, a huge improvement, but the competition is still beating them over the head and stealing market share…
I think it would be a really good idea for GM brass to come up with a smart new marketing plan- one that actually works, not just one that looks good.
And if you have any executives hanging around who haven’t had a good marketing idea in the last 5 years, it might be another good idea to fire them.
I have no sympathy for overpaid executives but I am deeply concerned about the many tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs at risk.
It’s amazing what people expect out of automobiles. They want them to be inexpensive, have lots of features, ridiculously long warranties, and last forever without any maintenance. If car companies offered 10 yr 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranties, they would all go broke. Vehicles generate increasing numbers of problems as they get older. Keep in mind that manufacturers don’t make a lot of money on sales of new cars. They do make some money on parts for service and maintenance. That’s how they survive and can develop these wonderful machines that move you, keep you comfortable, look great, entertain you, keep you safe, operate in extreme weather conditions and run 99.9% of the time.
On the other hand, people put up with poor performance and quality for electronics and computer equipment and software. If it breaks or has glitches, people live with it or just buy a new one. These companies don’t offer any “bumper-to-bumper” warranties and they could care less if you have issues with your device. They don’t test them enough and so we see battery fires on laptops or software that freezes up for no reason.
GM has stepped up their powertrain warranty to prove to people that they have some of the finest most reliable powertrains in the industry. Doing so doesn’t mean that the rest of the car is any worse just that they’re covering an important subsystem in the vehicle, the one that moves you. They are typical in their bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage terms and GM’s luxury brands do offer 4 year 50,000 mile B-to-B warranties. Other companies offer 5 year 60,000 mile warranties, but we’ll see how they fare financially in the long term by doing so.
Just a comment to those who are worried about bumper to bumper protection – It is available for up to 6 years/100k miles as the GM Protection Plan. I purchased it on my two new Malibu Maxx vehicles. The price is negotiable and I saved about 700 off the list price. And even with that warranty cost, the cars – fully loaded LTZ models with every option – are cheaper “out the door” than 4 cylinder Toyota/Honda alternatives that have expensive timing belts that break and well documented engine/transmission gremlins. As for cost of ownership, my sister wants to know why my Maxx is averaging 29mpg while her Toyota Solara only gets 22mpg. Same driving routes and styles. You can’t beat GM for value. Same sister had a Honda whose engine blew at 48k – rod bearing failure. My GM products run past 150k with just routine maintenance. It’s that value and reliabilty that will keep me coming back.
Great job, Bob, on the new warranty coverage. It may not be what everyone here wants, but it is a significant advantage and will make the GM-bashers sound even more frivolous as they start to demand free car washes and chauffer service for 15 years or 300k miles.
Mr. Lutz,
Why don’t you all advertise your vehicles INDIVIDUALLY?
The Impala is cavernous and a great alternative to an SUV or a Truck.
Yet I would not have known this had I not stumbled across the Chevy website on a boring day. Your ads need to TELL/SHOW us these things.
>To help the uneducated:
Basic warranties:
DCX 3/36
Ford 3/36, 4/50 (Lincoln)
GM 3/36, 4/50 (Buick & Cad)
Honda 3/36
Nissan 3/36
Toyota 3/36
Powertrain warranties:
DCX 3/36
Ford 5/60
GM 5/100
Honda 5/60
Nissan 5/60
Toyota 5/60
Roadside assistance:
DCX 3/36
Ford 6/70
GM 5/100
Honda NONE
Nissan 3/36
Toyota NONE
Source: Edmunds.com
Looks like GM has a put their money where there mouth is.
Good Job!
Look
I just had time to read all the other comments. What a nation of whiners we have become! I think the new powertrain warranty is great (can’t beat 5 years, can’t beat 100,000 miles – I don’t count Hyundai because they aren’t even close to being in the same class as GM in terms or experience or product).
I particularly love the road service aspect, since I drive to Yosemite a lot and worry about the cost of a tow if I had a mechanical breakdown.
Now I feel I can consider more GM product without much risk – like the HHR, the Malibu, the Colorado. Without having to pop extra dough for an extended warranty.
No, it doesn’t cover the aircon, the radio, or the power windows – but it covers what I need to keep moving, which is where it all starts and ends. The rest of it I can deal with.
(Can you please lower the price of OnStar like you did with XM radio? Now that I know how it works, from the ‘06 Impala, I LOVE it.)
Good job on the warranty. Now the Solstice needs a trunk. Everyone is into “cross-overs”. Why not build the next generation mid size Trailblazer and the other SUV’s on the allwheel drive Zeta platform?
Come on this is like a ground rule double, really hit a home run and go for B to B and Powertrain for 7 yrs 75K
Step up to the plate
It’s good to see that this is bringing more attention to GM. Obviously that is the goal here. I would have expected that after GM offers such a program that many people would expect “more”.
GM offers 100,000 mile powertrain coverage and someone expects 100,000 mile comprehensive coverage. Someone else wants free maintenance. Even a replacement clutch, a “wear & tear” part that wears out faster or slower based on the driver’s habits.
GM can give us the world as far as warranties as long as the consumer doesn’t mind the additional cost. This program is giving everyone buying a new GM added peace of mind without increasing the transaction price. If you need additional coverage, buy a GMPP (which are now less expensive) and get all of the coverage that you want.
GM is offering the most extensive product lineup of vehicles ever. Their design & quality is improving with every new model. At the end of the day, the product has to be on par with the consumer’s wants & needs. If it’s not desireable, no pricing or gimmicks will help save the product (ie. Ford 500). It has to be a great “value” to the individual.
Hopefully GM will one day find the perfect formula to make all of the “soneones” content so that they will only consider a new GM vehicle.
P.S. I hope that everyone has read John’s blog on the current warranty offerings of our competitors (namely the Japanese makes). If not you should take a peek at it.
Hello Mr.Lutz,
I would like to request an update from you on two vehicles:
1. GM Sequel Hydrogen Car
What are the latest developments?
Why hasn’t GM put up any pictures or videos on its website?
Will you beat the Honda FCX to the market?
(Please don’t let them beat you!)
2. Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
I know it’s not out yet, but there are hardly any pictures around. How do you achieve this great mileage?
Will it be lighter than the stabdard Tahoe?
Will its doors, hood, tailgate and roof be made out of aluminum? Fiberglass? Carbon fiber?
Are the seats lighter than the standard seats?
Does it use LEDlighting inside to save energy?
Does GM have tricks up its sleeve that you can’t share?
Anything you say will be alright with me. I am just a bit of a techie, and a huge fan in GM’s ability to get ahead of the curve–and the GM Sequel is proof if anything.
I have faith in you, Mr.Lutz, you are brilliant–no less.
I can’t wait to see what you have in store at GM.
Richard
P.S. It would help if GM updated its site a little more–especially GMability. There are few pictures, and the ones that are there are pitifully small.
I’m NOT HAPPY! I just bought an ‘06 Silverado. I have to buy my way in to the extended warranty. $100.00/month. ($1,700) Great. Just got the truck in May and I already have 10k miles on it. It’s knisa like buying a computer. Once you take delivery it’s obsolete.
Kia Fans,
First people complain that it takes GM years to make decisions and now those same people are accusing GM of making a major financial decision in less than 60 days. GEEEZ, GET REAL !! Bob Lutz can tell you that this 5yr/100K warranty IS NOT in reaction to what Ford did, this has to have been in the works for at least a couple of years.
And Kia NEEDS their warranty. In the last four “Three Year Vehicle Dependability” studies Kia finished DEAD LAST in 2003, Kia finished 2nd to last in 2004, Kia finished DEAD LAST in 2005 and Kia finished 4th to last in 2006. (Land Rover took last place during Kia’s off years)
Kia’s 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty “Doesn’t Mean Jack” when you’re stuck on the side of the road in the middle of NOWHERE!
The biggest problem I’ve found with the new gm’s are the electronic switches (In the dashes) go out rather quickly. Also coming from a mechanics standing-point they are a bit difficult to work on, for example changing the heater core in a newer model Caviler you have to take out just about the whole dash to get to it. I know there has to be a better way to design these things. I know GM can do it. Not to mention you could get a 5 year 100 thousand mile warranty on powerplants you buy from gm to begin with so it really didn’t take to much out of ya to pull this card out of your sleeve. I love GM, it’s all I’ll probably ever own. Keep the good train on roll’n
Hey, John, YOU FORGOT HYUNDAi, KIA
So does that include the 2007 Tahoes that have been delivered since February?
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/chevrolet/malibu/100727011/review.html
This is why I have a hard time wanting a GM(sorry).
What happened to the GM of the late 80’s?
“Nova” “Storm” “Tracker” and even the “Spectrum”(althogh it was not the best thing on Earth, it was better than the AVEO).
A lot of “cheap” cars adn SUV’s,that(like the Tracker) lasted forever!
Inalws had one, lasted 213,000. They sold it because it was getting “old”.
They have another one with 80,000+. No porblems(except NVH is bad, and not quite as\ good as the new Aerio AWD sedan).
C’Mon, GM…. the only “Cheap” thing you have now are HHR and Cobalt, and maybe the most bare minimum G6(G5 is not cool), or Malibu.
What happened to those fun little cars, for hardly any cash?
I forgot what the old Cavalier was back in 87, but it had some “sporty” version(for the day)… but we could not afford it(first new car).
Hey, here’s a unique idea: See Scion’s success? Do that with Saturn, vs “mom and pop” vehicles, or sell a lower volume “niche” cars there.
Have the normal 5 door wagons(ughh, sick of seeing these things, as much as suvs and crossovers and trucks)and sedans, Opels, as Saturns, but bring over th ewild stuff, the 3 door Saturn Astra, with the unique windshield that replaces a sunroof, or the Anatara GTX(whatever it’s called_) the Green 3 door we saw at the autoshows this past year!
That way, you have a “Toyota/Scion” dealership type of approach: you appeal to older and younger(and young at heart) people, all in one spot!
What do you have to lose, besides more customers, and possible “conquest sales” to import owners?
Go for it!
Bob,
I understand if you think many of us are complaining that the warranty isn’t good enough. I can see the perspective of those who wonder why we would even post on here just to complain. But the fact is I think many a Toyota/Honda diehard who are posting really do want to buy a GM product again (and I include myself in that description). But due to GM’s subpar reputation for complete overall quality of vehicle (everything from the engine to cupholders) in comparison to Toyota and Honda’s exemplary reputation, the 5/100k warranty on the powertrain alone just isn’t enough.
Toyota and Honda have built a reputation to where people perceive their cars don’t even need a warranty. While that may not be true, it shows where they stand in the eyes of consumers. Likewise, GM has a repuation that their cars need a very long and comprehensive warranty. Again, that may not be true, but it’s the perception of consumers.
The only way to change consumer’s perception of the reliability and quality of your cars is to provide a full, 10 year and 120,000 mile, bumper to bumper, no deductable warranty. I would, at very minimum, recomend Cadillac and Buick come with 4yr/50k mile full maintanence included.
If your quality is as good as you say it is, you should not have any problem backing such a bold, aggressive warranty offering.
All the pices are coming together at GM. Great!
Now run this past your interior designers and younger crowd…
Create a modular dash for electronics. Electronics are changing so fast you cannot keep up.
By creating a standard footprint in all your vehicles you can leave all the electronics up to the rest of the world. They would create so many things that would make your vehicles more desireable from the rest of the pack.
Think of the old rack stereo systems how you could add & subtract. Standardize the size and how it locks in place.
Now provide a “tray” system to feed wires from the dash region throughout the car. It could simply be a flat rectangular channel following the pan with openings at regular intervals.
This would be a big plus when young people are deciding on what car to get. It can also help future resale values since the electronics can be easily upgraded.
Good Day Mr. Lutz
I know that our new warranty program is wonderful, I am certain that for the immediate future my sales will certainly increase. I know regrettably; the success of it, can easily be short lived, should our competition choose to match our warranty program. Then we will be back where we started. I therefore choose to restate my previous post.
—–Previoua Comment——–
Good Day Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman
As one of your sales people. My first question is; Have we interviewed our competitions buyers? It’s easy enough for us to make asumptions regarding what we think will sell, and in fact we have an amazing product line. Shouldn’t we be asking Dogde, Ford, Toyota, etc. owners why they bought their product?
Why they didn’t choose a GM product?, and
What they would need to see from us in order for them to choose GM products?
What is their preception of our competition that makes them choose the competition over GM?
By knowing this I feel that we can better control our media, and thus increase our market share significantly.
R. Warren Harris
I do believe the transferability of the Powertrain warranty is a good step. I think it will raise confidence in aftermarket sales and give consumers the perception that a car will hold its value well.
Joe D:
Hey, Isuzuz tried the “let’s outdo Hyundai/Kia” warranty, 10/120K. What good did it do for them?
They are now back down to 7/75K
Even little Suzuki has a better warranty with 7/100K(although, still the 1995 warranty of 3/36K).
I told the guy at Toyota ” why can’t Toyota give a 5/60K bumper/bumper”. His answer?
We don’t need to, our cars are that good!(right).
I told him, “well, since they do not have problems prior to 60,000 miles, then giving the customers a 5/60K warranty would not cost Toyota 1 red cent, then, would it?”
You could hear crickets after this!
LOL!
As for one guy’s “Kia on the side of road” comments.
Well, I won a Sonata, saem as Kia Optima.
At 119,732 mile, I have Never been stuck on the side of the road, ever.
If their cars were such junk, they’d bve out of business, because more than 1-2% of their $$$ would go to fix “these junks”, thus, they would HAVE TO DO LIKE CHRYSLER, AND DROP THE WARRANTY!
Chrysler tried the 7/100K 3-4 years ago…and from what I read(If I could only find it again), they were losing their shirts on it, due to the amount of vehicles coming in for repairs!!!!!!!
I do not have hard facts onthis, just what I read on news sites, and heard from a local Chrysler mechanic.
I believe it,though, as my fatherinlaw’s 99 jeep grand cherokee laredo had a tranny drop at 107,000, and cost was over 3K, at the Local Mechanic!
Anyhow… yeah, Hyundai sells nearly 500,000 cars a year now, and their Sister company, Kia, will hit 300,000 this year(combined, 800,000, not too far behind Nissan/Infinity sales in USA. Hyundai-Kia is 6th palce for global sales, ahead of Nissan and Honda).
Anyhow, with that many vehicles on the orads, adn 10./100K warranties….C’Mon, if all the cars were as bad as one post stated(Da Fonz),
there would be no Kia or Hyundai anymore.
Please, people, research things before making statements.
Not attacking you, just saying, some commentary seems pulled out of the air, w/o much though put behind ‘em.
Even mr Lutz would agree(i bet). Ir Hyundai/Kia sold junk like some claim, they’d be out of business, ro be forced to drop the 10/100, and 5/60 warranties.
I buy waht I like. Brand loyalty, to me, was dead about 5 years ago, as I personally found out you can get a great car, or not so great, from any maker..
had one great, one poor, from Chevy, same for Nissan, and same for Hyundai.
I have owned 8 new cars in 20 years…. and NOT ONE was perfect! All had to be taken in for warranty items in the first 1-2 years.
reminds me of stories I hear on the net of cars with Original parts, 450,000 miles!
I am over 40, and people, the highest amount of miles I have ever seen was 278,000, and the tuirck was near death, due to rust, and 3K worth of parts needing repalced, due ot wear and tear, adn taht was an 87 tyoyat, back in 2000, owned by my fatherinlaw, before he got that laredo I spoke of earlier on in this post.
(PS, he is an engineer, worked at GM as a contractor for years, in the 90’s, and now at International ).
In other words, as myfather in law woudl say, he does nto like 2 post on the net because there are too many people who can pretend ot be someone else, or make up stories, and he rpefers to look the guy in the eye, to see if they are lying, or not, or know what they speak of. I agree.
I can tell when someone is NOT knowledgable on what they speak of, like Kia being on the side of the road, or Hyundai.
Only car ever left me stradnded, due to being junk ,w as a 1997 200sx Nissan. Not GM, Not Hyundai, Not our Scion tC.
There’s a reason for their recent slaes drops, and it is not just” lack of new products”.
If people would only be cool, and buy anything, from any maker… w.o prejudiced minds( GM makes junk, Kia makes junk, etc…)the world we be a lot more mellow, and so would the internet(no one likes being flamed for their choices).
As for 5/60K bumper/bumper…
that would be nice, but fix up the HHR(add more shoulder room, and fix that horrible dash), make the Cobalt like the Mazda3.
Take the malibu, and make it BOLD LOOKING like the Ford Fusion.That is a sharp looking vehicle(although the I-4 only gets EPA 31mpg hwy. Doesn’t the G6 sedan V6 get this?).
Take Care and No Offense, as none is meant.
I’ve been wondering for 6 years when GM was finally going to do this. GM gets a standing ovation from me for this move. I bought a 2001 Chevy S-10. I believe it had a 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and a 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. Right after 60,000 miles I have two oil leaks and the clutch needs replaced ($1,300) worth of repairs. I understand why GM waited till now to do it. You have to bring your quality up first otherwise it will cost you a fortune. I think GM has improved it’s quality and this is a good way at proving it. Look at Hyundai how they established their place in the market as a descent quality car (100,000 mile warranty and very competitive pricing). One person made a point though about the rest of the car. My rubber seals on my S-10’s doors now flop in the wind and I’ve seen tons of sports cars where the power windows will give out or the car rattles and falls apart. Keep up the good work and remember to use one of Toyota’s mottos “Continuous Improvement”. And definitely keep the hot new models of cars coming. By the way, what happened to the Buick Velite? That car definitely needs produced. It would be a hot seller. If you want a younger market for Buick, have Tiger Woods driving one of those Velites in a golf commercial. The Lucerne, although better, still looks like an old man’s car. My parents even switched from Buick to a Chevy Impala because the Buicks look too much like an old person’s car.
From a few posts above…. I am not exactly sure where you where headed with the review of the 07 Malibu. The review seems pretty favorable when you read through it, and it looks like the only thing the reviewer didn’t care for is the styling (highly subjective) and the overall feel of the interior. Even after mentioning the preceived shortcoming of the interior, they went right on to show you how functional and well thought out it was. They also mentioned several times that it was a bargain, and a great value. It is more car for less money. They didn’t like the 4cyl, which is the bottom end offering. But they did like the 6cyl’s. What about that turns you away from GM? It has more features, excellent crash test ratings, several powertrian options, and is cheaper. It also now comes with a better warranty. You mention that you miss the cars of the 80’s, and yet GM takes a lot of heat over the cars from that timeframe. Why would they build the same cars everyone criticizes them for? You mention that you don’t like SUV’s but wonder where the cheap one is? Last I checked, the HHR is a small SUV starting at $16K. Not my taste, and you mentioned that it isn’t yours either, but it is there. Cars cost more than they used to, everything does, but with that bigger price you are getting so much more than you used to.
Thank you Bob and Rick for finding a way to add one more discriminator in GM’s arsenal. While everyone seems to be confused about it, the warranty you are offering sure reads pretty nice to me. It is nice to know that you are willing to stand behind the most complicated and expensive portion of the car. More important to me though, is that means you have had the time to look over years of data and determine that it was financially safe for GM to do so. That speaks volumes to me about the longevity and quality of the GM Engineered Powertrains. Now if only you had some way of getting better customer relations at the dealership, and maybe some more effective advertisment, I think sales would increase steadily. We are anxiously awaiting Zeta, the Commodore sure looks nice. Thank you.
I have to agree with some. Big deal.
I’m 40, I’ve had 10 cars, mostly GM, couple Fords’ and I have never had a “powertrain” problem. No one I know has had one either.
///snooze///
hello bob. i am a new car sales mgr at a chevy store in east central alabama. i applaud your efforts on improving quality and overall looks on the chevy line. the 100,000 mile warranty campaign is an awesome plan to increase awareness of our quality. as rick w. said, we’re putting our money where our mouth is. i have one complaint. who in the world is choosing our wheels for our vehicles? the 17″ chrome wheel which is available on the all new silverado is the same wheel we have on the 06 models and 07 classics. this wheel is not appealing at all. another example is the colorado wheel. it looks like it was designed at the lego plant. my point is this. a great looking set of wheels make a great product look 200% more appealing. PLEASE take more time on the wheel selections. i think we are missing the boat( and sales ) because of this.
thanks,
jonathan a mapp
new car sales mgr
king chevrolet
valley, al
As one of the people that pushed the extended warranty to change the perception of poor GM quality, I think this is a great.
It’s understandable that you have critics following this move on extending the warrantee’s. Quality sure make a difference. It’s long overdue.I’m not sure the transferable part is good considering how many rentals are sold and susequently resold, but it does give me assurance that i’ll get a dependable car on a new purchase. I actually hope the next generation GTO and the Monaro will be the same car. I really don’t see a need to have 2 separate cars regardless of where they are built. The new Holden sedan looks like a dead ringer for a new Grand Prix. Back in the days, Holden and Opel tried to emulate US styling and enginneering. I think they are way ahead now and have been for some time on many of their products. With the departure of Subaru, consider makining the Saab the AWD component of the GM lineup. It makes perfect sense to me. When is Chevy going to get a Kappa? I thought the Nomad looked really got. Look at how good the Mini is doing. Keep up the good work.
The extended powertrain warranty won’t help GM much until the other non-powertrain quality is improved.
I have a 2000 Corvette that I purchased new with an extended warranty. It now has less than 25,000 miles on it and the drivers seat is tearing at the seat back hinge and the headliner fell out. The dealer said these items are not covered under warranty. My other two GM cars have had similar problems.
I have never owned a non-GM car but it looks like there will be a Toyota in my future.
In an age where customers are sidelined from much if any feedback, I applaud you for handing customers the chance to engage on the new outcomes here. It’s likley also why you have such a winning product that I cannot wait to see! Thanks for the inspiration that some are still there for customers’ feedback! Hope it works for you.
It’s a wonderful GM innovation–and now that BMW is trying to get in on the action (With the 6-Series), GM needs to start getting this thing in all their cars and be ahead of the game (please, GM, please! Stage a coup for once…).
Already BMW’s system is multicolor–and I read somewhere (gee, where was it?) that other manufacturers are trying to get in on the action soon.
I know. Here is where I read it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head-Up_Display
I would hate for the imports to be all over this (like white on rice), and just steal GM’s thunder. And if history is any indication…
Anyway, I’d like to know what the cost of this system is (to get an idea of whether or not it’s feasible). I went to Chevrolet.com, but I was too inept.
Would this be a feasible plan?
I feel it should at least be standard in Cadillacs, Buicks and all the GMT900s.
The Malibu/Aura would be huge hits with this.
P.S.
Even where BMW is not a competitor (eg. Chevrolet), it would greatly enhance the cachet of GM. That it’s only available in BMWs and Chevrolets will at least give the impression that GM is a leader–especially if GM advertises it; which brings me to your next point.
GM cannot advertise anything for crap!
Have you ever seen a GM ad describe any of its cars features besides the Buick’s heated washer fluid?
This could feature prominently in so many ads–especially if they link it to HUD displays in the military and aviation.
Imagine an AD with an Apache helicopter in it?
Being a GM fan hurts so bad sometimes.
FIREBIRD
Job well done! this is a good move in the right direction. Hope to keep hearing more good news.
Dear Mr Bob Lutz:
Warranty is great. My complaint is this…. where is the modern day Buick Skylark, for us “younger(than 65) folks”?
Here is what I’d like to see, but maybe with the Cobalt 142-145HP engine:
Buick Excelle!
http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/07/buickexcelle_1.jpg
The Skylark was around, at least from my Personal Knowledge, since 1979, until the late 90’s, correct?
I still see a few in the area.
We almost purchased one in 1990, but the dealership in the area was always closed(earlier than said on door sign)early, on Saturday’s. We purchased a 1990 Sentra XE, instead.
Same for the Somerset, not a bad little car!
Anyhow, the Buick Excelle, in China….
I know it is also known as Lancetti, Reno, Forenza, etc…*BTW, the Reno is cool, in that is has 4 doors liek a sedan, has sort of a coupe design, but the usefulness of a deep -welled, 5 door hatch, without the appearance of a wagon! Hmmmm, if Suzuki drops this model(some runors going around, next generation may not be from GM-DAT), why not make this a Cobalt 5 door, called it a GT, but have the base 142-145HP I-4 in it?
I would buy a GM-Reno(with the Cobalt engine), or the Excelle(maybe add alittle more insulation, etc, “jazz” it up some, like in the photo, and maybe even add the 172HP HHR engine?).
18-19K(with leatherette, all disc abs,etc)…. would be insteresting!
Maybe(instead of that G5, Sorry, that is too much “Cobalt” there)the Reno(there’s your unique 5 door
All the pices are coming together at GM. Great!
Now run this past your interior designers and younger crowd…
Create a modular dash for electronics. Electronics are changing so fast you cannot keep up.
By creating a standard footprint in all your vehicles you can leave all the electronics up to the rest of the world. They would create so many things that would make your vehicles more desireable from the rest of the pack.
Think of the old rack stereo systems how you could add & subtract. Standardize the size and how it locks in place.
Now provide a “tray” system to feed wires from the dash region throughout the car. It could simply be a flat rectangular channel following the pan with openings at regular intervals.
This would be a big plus when young people are deciding on what car to get. It can also help future resale values since the electronics can be easily upgraded.
—————————–
No!
Integrate the radio!!!!
Bob,
You know that 4-door, 50mpg hatch I’ve been asking for? Opel makes them.
If you bring the Astra with the 1.7L CDTI to the states, I promise I’ll buy one.
TO: Kia Fans
Maybe people like LJ should do a little more reading and less talking. According to the JDP&A survey for the VDS “Three Year Vehicle Dependability Study” which reports Problems Per Hundred (PPH) vehicles, Kia finished DEAD LAST in 2003 with 509PPH(average 273PPH), Kia finished 2nd to last in 2004 with 432PPH(average 269PPH), Kia finished DEAD LAST in 2005 with 397PPH(average 237PPH) and Kia finished 4th to last in 2006 with 310PPH(average 227PPH). This information is available to anyone who is willing to look it up on the internet.
Physics 101: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Therefore, complete the following sentences:
The imported car that I drive helps reduce the Federal Trade Deficit by ____.
The imported car that I drive provides jobs for American workers by ____.
The imported car that I drive puts food on the tables of American families by ____.
The imported car that I drive supports the education of American youth by ____.
The imported car that I drive provides care of American elderly by ____.
Etc., etc., etc. (and these import drivers are the people that think that GM doesn’t get it, geeez!)
The truth is that some people are never going to be satisfied with what GM is doing. That’s OK because this is America and people are allowed to state their opinions (unsupported as they are) in blogs like this one.
So here is a statement from me: I take care of my family first and my home second then my neighborhood, city, state and country in that order. As for the planet I try to leave it the way I found it whenever possible.
Therefore, congratulations to GM for standing behind their product. (Which in turn will provide more American jobs, which lowers my taxes so I can live in a good neighborhood in a nicer house and provide a better life for my family.)
Da Fonz
p.s. See, I can be just a selfish as those other guys
Just like many people I am disappointed in this warranty. Why not offer 50% of sticker prices and a 10 yerar bumper to bumper? I know Toyota and Honda arent doing it but GM should strive to be the best. A 5 year warranty shows that GM doesnt think it’s vehicles cant last longer than 5 years and 100k miles when we all know Toyotas can last to 200k with nothing but oil changes.
OK, just kidding but this is how people on here sound to me. If you dont like the warranty go buy a Sonata, if you can actually find one that hasnt been sold to a rental agency yet. People need to understand that Hyundai had to offer a drastic warranty because it’s sales and reputation were in the crapper. They had no choice. GM may not be where it wants to be, but it’s still the #1 seller in this country and the world. HYundai is neither and in order to catch up to companies like Honda and Nissan they had to make a Bold Move and they did. While the press may want you to believe GM is worse off than Hyundai that isnt the case. Hyundai would love to trade places with GM any day as long as they didnt have to take on the legacy costs.
I anticipate no response…why are GM, Ford and Chrysler losing market share and billions of dollars? I would agree labor costs has some impact however there is an underlining issue. Toyota, Nissan and Honda are thriving, could it be that they build a better product? I come from a GM family, purchased several new GM products, reliability has always been an issue. I purchased a Honda in 98, 200,000 miles later not many problems, economical to operate, very little maintenance costs. My new GMC Sonoma (95), 4 sets of brakes, 4 EGR valves, new radiator, water pump, and several sensors all within 100,000 miles. Where is the quality?
Mr. Lutz: Thanks for the 5 year 100,000 mile power-train warranty, it should help GM sales and based on recent long term quality ratings the new warranty will not cost GM much.
With high gas prices and the demand for higher MPG vehicles it is surprising that GM still does not offer models with a full option list.
The Impala, Monte Carlo, LaCrosse and Grand Prix can carry 5 passengers and their luggage in comfort and deliver over 30 MPG on a real world trip with the base engine. The problem is that none of these cars can do it equipped with many desirable options.
Honda and Toyota have been beating GM senseless on both coasts by sales of well equipped Accord and Camry models powered by the base 4-cylinder engine. GM will never catch either of these models until it drastically changes the options available with the highest MPG base engine. Nearly 70% of Accord and Camry models are sold with 4-cylinder engines and a high percentage are moderately to fully equipped models. The main reason Camry outsold the Accord by over 60,000 units last year and is the best selling car in the U.S. is that it has better option availability than the Accord. It is not because of styling, performance or quality – the Accord beats the Camry on all three of these parameters.
GM has the best solution for families needing a car with the room and 30 MPG in the Impala, LaCrosse or Grand Prix but not with all of the features they demand. The same is true of the Malibu, G6 and Aura except they can deliver over 33 MPG with the 3.5L V6 and over 35 MPG with the 4-cylinder. This same problem is present on the Lucerne for luxury buyers wanting the 30 MPG from the base 3800. This problem could be fixed by revising the option packages on 2007 models and make GM the producer of the best value in a family car based on price, available equipment, room, power and MPG.
This would improve the perception of GM as a producer of desirable high MPG cars, something GM needs until the new small car lineup is available.
If GM can add a great warranty why can’t GM step up to the plate with option availability; how long can GM afford to give up over 200,000 sales a year because of this easily corrected problem?
Just a comment to the guy who said he would buy a Toyota because his 2000 Corvette had some problems. How can you compare something that is 6 years old with present quality and product. GM is really trying and has improved their quality drastically. On the hand, Toyota had over 1 million recalls this year and quality is a problem now that they are becoming larger.
I also think the 5/100,000 is great.The quality in the entire car ah excelled so much in the past 5 years that I still believe a 5/60,000 bumper to bumper is still feesable without impacting the overall cost incurred by the mfgr. starting Jan 1,2007 all GMNA non commercial vehicles should have this level of confidence! just saying imo
What a load of crap. GM, and specificially Chevy has been touting its own horn for so long it can’t hear it’s own inadequacies.
I got soaked on an Uplander lease (Uplander: That’s American for INFERIOR) and GM’s nonexistent roadside assistance. “Because we can…” Yep, that’s a great slogan for GM and Chevy. “Why do we overcharge for crappy vehicles and service? Because we can.”
This would improve the perception of GM as a producer of desirable high MPG cars, something GM needs until the new small car lineup is available. – Rick Lupori
As I’ve said, numerous times: 30 mpg is not “high.” It’s average. 40 is good. 50 is great. And the GM cars that get that mileage? Available only in Europe.
Because you can? No actually because you have to. GM market share continues to decline because you’ve been building ho-hum cars the same way for years – as cheaply as you possibly can get away with. And if your market share is proof positive, you’re not getting away with anything. Following Hyundai and Ford is not leading the way to trying to instill quality. Put some money in the product and stop trying to cut every corner that you can. Forget the marketing hype – try actually building a decent car that you could be proud of and the buying public will reward you.
Paul: My point on GM improving the perception of producing high MPG cars is that GM offers more family cars that get over 30 MPG than anyone else and some of these cars can deliver 40 MPG in the right situations. Remember these are family cars that can carry 5 adult passengers and their luggage not economy cars that cannot.
Recently a friend took his wife and 3 teenagers with a trunk full of luggage on a trip in his new Impala and got 32 to 35 MPG with the A/C on and cruising at or over 75 MPH. This was an increase over his previous 2000 model Impala which he traded in after 5 trouble-free years of service. No other auto company offers a car in this price range (20K) that can do this.
GM needs to make more consumers aware of this fact.
GM must offer the 3500 V6 E-85 capable Impala LT with a full option list. Buyers wanting the 35 MPG the 3500 can deliver on regular gas and the option of running E-85 should be able to get leather seats with it. If they want the safety of Fog lights or the sport look of chrome wheels these features should be available.
A 2.2L Malibu or 2.4L G6 can get 40 MPG but not with a full load and at speeds closer to 70 MPH.
As stated before GM can easily fix this problem and increase sales of the Impala, Monte Carlo, LaCrosse, Grand Prix, Malibu, G6, Aura and Lucerne.
The 40 and 50 MPG you mentioned are in the pipeline (if the information floating around the internet is true) and should be in the U.S. shortly. I agree that GM needs these cars in the U.S. market and must offer the 6-speed automatic beyond the Aura and G6 as soon as possible.
While we wait and for the thousands of buyers who must have a larger car anyway GM is the best and most cases only source of this car.
It is time that GM took full advantage of it.
Sat in the new G5(Cobalt for Pontiac) today, while waiting for my Scion tC’s 60,000 tune up(place sells Mistu/Toyota/Scion/Pontiac).
It looks alittle better than the Cobalt.
Still: why is the dash so “high” in the air?
I sat the way I do in all cars I test drive, and my hands were(literally) about shoulder height!
The salesman said’ there’s an adjuster for that”.. I lowered it, and it went down maybe 1 inch!
Still too high(Not enough Downward travel in the sterring wheel, and dash is truck-like high).
That is a deal killer!
If I can not get comfortable behind the wheel, I sure am not going to consider the vehicle.
If you folks ever decide to do a refresh in 2-3 years, please lower the dash 3 inches!
Also, go sit in a tC, and look at the available headroom in that 17,000 dollar car(same msrp as the G5).
What gives?
The 80’s Chevies never had a weird set up like that-hands shoulder high on the steering wheel, because of lack of dwonward travel and dash being higher than the door(most cars, the top of the dash seems to be even with the top where the glass /door ledge meet).
Annoying to have a perfectly nice car, yet, i can’t get comfortable, because all the cars have this truck like driving feel(reach) for the steering wheel.
You should be able to point the steering wheel at your stomach, up to your face, or anywhere else in that range, not just top of nose to top of shoulders!
Not saying your vehicles are bad, just, don’t make cars with truck like driving(comfort).
Feel like a kid behind to hose old shcool big wheel, sit low, reach up high!
Should not cost a lot to fix, now, should it?
One guy mentioned surveys,(above)LOL.
Surveys are Opinions.
I have an inlaw whose 99 jeep grand cherokee lardeo tranny dropped at 107,000, yet, 3 weeks later, at a reunion, when someone asked about his vehicle?
he said” Great! best vehicle I ever owned!(which was a lie… I’ve known the guy 26 years…that was about his worst vehicle, yet, he would not admit it).
When cars start having 90 days quality issues like”Engines stopped, trannies failed” versus” my door rattles(or some nonsense like this), then I will take the surveys seriously.
Besides, 150 problems per 100 cars? that’s 1.5 problems a car.
My ash tray rattles when I hit pot holes is not a (real) problme, IMHO, LOL.
Thanks for your time, GM !Wish other makers had the intelligence as you all have to put up a site like this!
Note: Please bring that 3 door Antara concept over as a Scion-fighter!
I would even consider it(as long as my hands aren’t at my forehead on th esteering wheel, to drive it.).
I’ve never owned a GM vehicle before, but I’ve heard a lot of things about the company’s products. My father was a avid collector of Pontiac GTOs back in the good ol’ muscle car era, and he said back then that GM built the finest automobiles in the world. However, he has told me about two or three vehicles he’s owned since 1979, and they had severe quality control issues, like bad paint jobs, and his 1985 Chevrolet Celebrity was a lemon. Since 1987, Dad has owned almost strictly Japanese vehicles, and they have given us little trouble. American companies, even GM, have a lot to live up to if they want to increase sells.
I agree that the 5 year/100k Mile Powertrain Warranty is a step forward, but why not go the extra mile and really wow the consumer with the package being extended out to bumper-to-bumper? It’s usually the extraneous stuff like computer chips and the motors in the power windows which die first, and those things are expensive. In reference to what someone said earlier, if you’re going to put your money where your mouth is, then either s— or get off the pot. GM is known for high performance vehicles, but assisting with the little things can help just as much as big ones.
Hmmm!!!!
My attention was grabbed for a moment when I read about GM’s new ‘powertrain warrantly’. Uh yeah! Not bumper to bumper, but just ‘powertrain’. My thoughts were similiar to what ‘Bob W.’ wrote on September 6th.
At least it’s not another new fangled financing promotion that temporarily spikes sales but in the long run basically doesn’t change the fact that GM needs a long term fix.
I guess I wouldn’t be on here unless I really was interested in GM succeeding. But every time I get that gnawing feeling that it’s always a half-a**ed approach.
No new ground is broken by GM but it’s always a case of follow the leader but only with a 3-5 year lag before a competing product is introduced by GM-hello HHR only six years later after the PT Cruiser.
So we’ll see how this pans out before GM thinks up something else.
My concern is how long are we going to have deal with the current models before new ones or re-engineered models are introduced. I figure it’s premature to expect GM to redo the current G6/Malibu and just introduced Saturn Aura, but my concern is just how long are they going to be out there before they are redesigned or significantly updated. I think there was a case that Toyota actually introduced a new Camry twice before the Grand Am (the model prior to the G6) was redone.
Rick, if these cars get such great mileage, why don’t their EPA ratings show it?
I can buy a Cobalt with 25/34 mpg city/highway, or a Corolla with 32/41 mpg city/highway.
I can buy an Aveo with 27/37mpg city/highway, or I can buy a Yaris with 34/39 mpg city/highway. (Or I could pick up a used Golf TDI that’ll get upwards of 40mpg.)
And I can’t buy a GM vehicle that gets even close to the Prius or Civic Hybrid.
What I’m looking for in a car, as a city-dweller, is pretty different from what a suburbanite is looking for. I spend very little time on the highway, and most of my trips are under three miles, in the city. During the week, my car gets driven around the block to switch parking spots to avoid parking tickets. (If GM made a car that didn’t get parking tickets, that would be something!)
But, as I said before, maybe I’m not the “target” GM audience.
Re: Safety technology
OnStar and Stabilitrak pretty much sum it up… Where are the side airbags (curtain and torso)? They’re optional on most of your vehicles…
Why not back the warranty with the “GM Mark of Excellence” marketing campaign?
If you’re confident, be confident!
Paul, that 41MPGis for Corolla’s Manual Shift. The automatic EPA is 38 Hwy, but , yes, 4 mpg more than Cobalt(the G5 says 32 on it’s sticker, that I saw yesterday).
As for some people going off on imports…. maybe GM should quit building the Aveo in South Korea, since the taxe dollars there aren’t shipped to USA for schools, or whatever arguments you all have about imports in USA(yes, they pay taxes, too, so do they send the taxes from Toyota, that they pay in USA, all to japan, for thier districts? Sounds foolsih when you think of it rationally).
GM/Toyota WORK TOGETHER, UAW plant ,in California.
What’s your argument now(I am sure someone will have one, lol).
Go GM…. gimme a reason to buy yer cars in 2009-2010(when my current car is paid off).
I concur about the new Regal, or even that Excelle , in the post a few days ago.
Thanks. Hatred helps no one, guys. Think before you bash and flame!
I consider ALL makers. I am a DAV…. I have more than Earned my “right” to buy what I like!
Ya don’t like imports, guys, tell ya what, YOU BUY ME A CAR, FREE OF CHARGE, and I will drive it, gladly!
I BUY WHAT I LIKE. This is America, last time I checked!
Take Care-NOT OFFENSE.
Thank you Paul, 9/14, 10:21 AM!
Absolutely right.
Paul, The only thing I can say from personal experience is that GM cars match or exceed the EPA MPG ratings more often than other makes. More interesting is that my friend says even with 31 more HP his 2006 Impala gets better MPG than the 2000 model even though it is rated at 21/31 opposed to 21/32.
My 98 Malibu with the 3100 V6 (EPA 20/29) gets 24 to 25 MPG in mixed urban driving, 24 MPG if more miles are through a small town with about 12 traffic signals and 25 if more are put on the highway and two lane local roads. On a cross country trip with 3 adults and heavy trunk load it managed 31 MPG average with a high of 40 MPG and a low of 27 MPG while cruising at 75-80 MPH. Admittedly the 40 MPG was accomplished early in the morning with light traffic on mainly flat terrain at 65 MPH due to Fog.
Friends with new Malibu and G6 models with the 3500 are getting 25-26 in the same driving.
I have to ask why you are so concerned about highway MPG if most of your driving is urban. For price, versatility and city MPG you may want to look at the VUE Greenline. It will give you the advantage of a hybrid without the complexity or upfront cost and provide cargo space with a higher driving position for better visibility in the city.
The GM car you seem to want would be the 2007 Corsa with 1.3 Turbo Diesel and Easytronic transmission with European ratings of 43/65. It is available in 3 or 5 door models, has a 5 star safety rating (European which seem to be tougher than U.S. standards) and is available with a comprehensive list of options. It is great looking (IMHO) and offers unique features like Flex-Fit providing a pull out rack for two bicycles. I am hoping this will be a 2008 or 2009 Saturn, and if not equipped with the diesel maybe the 1.2L gas engine will be available at 31/51.
The Aura Greenline will be available shortly and would be another option as will the next generation Malibu in 2008.
I am not sure what engines will be available on the Saturn Astra next year but the 140 HP 1.8L can do 23/38 or the 1.9L Turbo-diesel from the Zafira at 24/41 (6-speed Auto) or 30/44 (6-speed manual).
If you can wait I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what GM can offer.
I like the G5, except it does remind me alittle too much of the Cobalt!
When I drive by Kia and see the Rio sedan, and then look at the (same platformed/engined)Hyundai Accent, it Looks like 2 different cars, inside and out!
I would not buy these,(and neither would I consider an Aveo for the same reason) as they are too small and underpowered for my tastes.
Maybe if the G5 had a different style of “passenger/side windows”?
Something to make it appear as a different model from the Cobalt style.
You look at the Spectra and then the Elantra, and there you have it, great way to make similar cars(underpinings)look totally unrelated!
Just some comments.
Thanks for the chance ot “speak” to you, mr lutz, and company.
Bob,
Please read USAToday’s James Healey’s comments about your new Vue Hybrid “General Motors (GM) thinks that buyers of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles will sacrifice eye-popping fuel economy numbers if the price isn’t eye-popping, too.
Thus, the $23,000 Saturn Vue Green Line, a less-complicated hybrid priced about $2,000 more than a gasoline version of the Saturn SUV. A hybrid’s typical premium is $4,000 or so.
Is that $2,000 premium a good value? Toyota’s latest hybrid, the Camry, is only about $2,400 more than its gasoline counterpart, and it gets 44% better fuel economy in government tests. Vue Green Line’s price premium buys you a 21% boost in mileage.
Not to suggest that a buyer would be trying to decide between Camry sedan and Vue SUV hybrids. The vehicles are too different. But Toyota has set a new standard for hybrid pricing that others ignore at their peril.”
TOYOTA HAS SET THE NEW STANDARD FOR HYBRID PRICING THAT OTHERS IGNORE AT THEIR PERIL!
I put that in UPPERCASE to make sure his comment catches your eye. You are no longer a leader in technology and as important pricing. TOYOTA IS EATING YOUR LUNCH and every month the sales numbers show it!
Please do something about it to show the world GM is the most technological advanced automobile company in the world!
If you can wait I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what GM can offer. – Rick
If GM is bringing Opels across the pond, along with their diesel engines, I think they’ll have a winner.
At least with me.
There is no doubt gm cars and reliability is getting better, however, the dealers need to grow with GM. I work for GM and I am very proud of what we have done at GM over the last couple years. But the dealers are killing us. THe customer should be number 1 to some extent especially when it makes sense. I have a friend who recently bought a fully loaded Suburban. He loves it, but just recently his child accidentally ruined his NAVIGATION disk. THe dealers tell him it is anywhere from $300-600 for a new DISK….. Common on, lets have common sense prevail and not stupidity. HE bought the rights to the use of the disk- the disk doesnt cost more than 50 cents. I know he will never buy a GM car again, and possibly I wont either. RIght out stupidity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. SO a longer warranty is great, but common sense would be better.
Underwhelmed.
Your’re still selling OHV engines that have been around for 50 years, so I’d expect that even GM would have the bugs worked out by now and be able to offer a powertrain warranty.
I had the misfortune of leasing one of your “state of the GM art” products – a 2003 SAAB 9-3 (a/k/a G-6 / Malibu).
Its “quality” was a joke – and none of its issues would have been addressed by the powertrain warrantly (Forbes magazine recently ranked it as one of the ten least reliable “luxury” cars).
Squeeks and rattles (that the dealer never could fix). Electrical issues galore.
And a stereo so bad – including clock-radio sized speakers in the rear deck – that it illustrates that there is something seriously wrong with GM’s product development process (a competent company would never have allowed a “near luxury” vehicle into production with such a terrible system).
After that experience, I just don’t trust GM to make an OVERALL quality product.
The fact that the warrantly covers only the powertrain demonstrates that GM doesn’t trust GM to make an OVERALL quality product either.
Buick Excelle! Pleassssssssssssssssssseeee, bring a copy here, and I’ll but it(as long as it is not “uglied up”, for the American market).
Thanks.
I long for the days of a Buick Skylark!
This could be the modern day version, w/o breaking the bank!
The problem I see with the Green Vue is that the early adopters who are buying hybrids want the bragging rights and the feeling of responding to the political issues of the oil market that come with the highest mileage in the industry.
Toyota hybrid SUVs and Camry’s are not selling well here in Southern California. They are available for immediate delivery. Meanwhile you have to get on a waiting list and/or pay a dealer markup to get a Prius. The Prius is also outselling the Honda Civic hybrid by a wide margin. Honda has cut back hybrid Accord production.
To have a hit like the Prius, you need to get to the top of the fuel economy pecking order. I don’t think that people even care if it’s a hybrid. They are smart enough to see the downside of the complex technology.
Bloggers here have opened my eyes to the Opel technology in Europe. Check out Opel’s website. 1.0 Ecotec. 1.4 Ecotec. Who ever heard of those? Never mind the common rail diesels.
Figure out how to make one of those Opel diesels get 50 mpg and meet US emissions standards and you will vault to the head of the class, sell a lot of cars, and reap a PR bonanza for your advanced technology.
Many of us are patiently (or not so patiently) waiting to see what GM can offer. The last thing I want to do is buy some import (well offshore owned) and then have GM pop up with some world beater. Alas, that means we aren’t buying anything now!
Good Job GM; Rich, Bob and everyone else!
The Most Appealing Vehicles
ForbesAutos.com pealing Vehicles
1. 2006 Porsche Cayman
2. 2006 BMW 7 Series
3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
4. 2006 Lexus IS 250/IS 350
5. 2006 Infiniti QX56
6. 2006 Nissan Armada
7. 2006 Scion tC
8. 2006 Mini Cooper
9. 2006 Lexus GX 470
10. 2006 Infiniti M-Series
Not ONE vehicle on this list is from GM?!?! WHY NOT?
GM is done. Why?? Look at the new Impala. Compare that to an Audi or even the new Camry. The Impala look ancient and average. Nothing worse than being average.
Continue your badge engineering and all will be well!
Congrats on the longer warranty.
It won’t sway me,though, one way or another, unless you perhaps bring out something like a ton of compacts, other than a Cobalt.
I recall that late 80’s, Chevy had the (Toyota) Nova(then later on the Prism),
(Isuzu) Spectrum, and the Cavalier, if I recall correctly( circa 1987).
Also, wasn’t there the (Suzuki’s) Sprint(then called Geo Metro later on) and Tracker.
Wow…a Ton of small vehicles, from a small wagon, to the 3 different small cars, and a small suv, that sold well for years.
Now you have Aveo, Cobalt, HHR, under 20K. Wow!
Seems spartan in comparison to the choices of 1987!
This is why I do not look at GM much.
I like compact to midiszed sedans, or 5 doors that look likethe (now defunct) 5 door GT Elantra, or Suzuki’s( your Chinese Excelle, slightly designed differently for Buick, of course, in China)Reno/Forenza.
SUV’s & Crossovers don’t really do it for me.
Oh, and Rude Sales Staff at Chevy(they had an HHR, and my cousin was over. She wanted to check one out, so 3 of us went to our Chevy delaership, and the guy said’We don’t have the key”….She got a
Scion xB, instead. No arguments on pricing, and they had 6 to test drive; all had keys).
Hmmmm.
I want my 6-8 choices of small vehicles again.
You people that moan and groan that this 100k mile warranty is not “good enough” need to remember that it is 3 times better than what you get now. Just because you want EVERYTHING, doesn’t mean that this isn’t a GREAT THING. To those that have cited window motors going out, mirrors falling off, etc…it reminded me of the 2003 BMW 525 I purchased. You need to remember that those are relatively small ticket items. Your transmission goes out at 40k with a 36k warranty….you’ll understand the virtues of this warranty. If you buy a Cadillac or BUICK, you get 4year 50k…bumper to bumper plus this 100k mile warranty. That’s awesome. BMW can’t touch that. this is better than anything else any company is offering.
Bob, you’re on the right track. Now give me a six 6 speed auto and the 3.6 liter in the BUICK LUCERNE! Thanks.
It’s great to see GM making an extreme effort to win back customers, and bring in new ones. I know GM makes good cars, but I think it is more difficult to convince those who were brought up in Japanese cars. It’s going to take a lot of convincing.
Any of you guys read about the new Chevrolet Sequel GM just built? It’s the world’s first hydrogen powered car. Maybe this new North American venture is truly something that will reach out to the rest of the world in that GM is truly concerned about improving its image.
Just a thought. What does a 25 year old know? lol
I agree with Tim. Americans need to show more pride in their products. Part of that will return only if the American automakers opt to improve their quality. So far, I think that GM and then Ford are doing more to increase that focus point, and DaimlerChrysler is probably a distant third because of lagging ratings in city/highway mileage and focusing on making every car into some kind of a super-expensive sports sedan (I have never wanted to own a sports sedan like the gas-guzzling Dodge Charger).
I like the idea GM has about making the best performance for the money. While the Chevy Impala SS is not the most powerful sedan on the market (the Dodge Charger beats it by some thirty horsepower), it is significantly less expensive, and gets better gas mileage to boot.
Anyway, here’s to GM. I hope they are learning from past mistakes. My dad will probably never drive an American vehicle again due to his last GM vehicle, a 1990 Chevrolet Lumina, experiencing chipping in its paint job. It’s quality like that which drove away many consumers, but I still hold out hope that American vehicles, particularly GM, will improve their standing with the American people.
Good Move, sounds a bit technical though (ie: “900 components”) and likely when I have a problem it will be component no. 901 that isn’t covered. If it’s economically feasible, what about a simplier “bumper to bumper” warranty Mr.Lutz?
I know it’s slightly off topic, but I need to vent: Is GM on crack? Why in 9 hells did you increase the Grand Prix GXP price to almost $30k? Trying to kill off the car before the foolishly named G8 comes out? You did this same crap to the Bonneville about 5 years ago and its sales tanked. Good job GM.
what a bunch of whiners we have become!what a nation!please do some research on the warranty and youn will fiond that the warranty that gm offers is better than most car makers.
3/36 is more or less the standard but the 4/50k that is offered on the buick and Cadillac is absolutely above the avarage car manufacturer.To please now they have added the 100k warranty on the power.
listen people……if you buy a car you should know that its will need some repairs at one time or another.
Any car maker will not take care of your car for its whole entire life.
let us be proud of gm to offer such kind of warranty.
I would suggest we give credit at times when its due.
gm has to work on the cars they make to match up to the looks of the audi,toyota and others but so far they are doing good.
Tom and Marc please stop the complaining.every car has issues and not all gm vehs are like that.you just got a bad one.you deserve sympathy but this is a company doing good and as americans the company deserves praise!!!
Sorry to be an idiot. I’ve owned a lot of (GM) cars and never had a POWERTRAIN issue. Can anyone tell me what exactly that covers?
Bob, Why do you put the least reliable engines in the Cadillacs, 3.6 & 4.6 and you are closing the most reliable engine plant the 3.8 in 08 ??
Any of you guys read about the new Chevrolet Sequel GM just built? It’s the world’s first hydrogen powered car. Maybe this new North American venture is truly something that will reach out to the rest of the world in that GM is truly concerned about improving its image.
Just a thought. What does a 25 year old know? lol
Posted by: Jonathan H. at September 17, 2006 10:20 PM
——————————-Read this:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_vehicle
Honda:
First Fuel Cell Family(June 24, 2005…in LA).http://world.honda.com/news/2005/4050629.html
GM is playing catch up, as per usual.
Mazda already has leased 2 hyrdogen cars in japan)(see first link)…
BMW will have a hyrdogen buring intenral combustion engine out by 07-08 for people, gas or hyrdogen.
Hyundai said by 2010, they’ll have a feul cell out(and probably beat them all on price).
Nissan say by 2010, they’ll have a feul cell out, for no more than (around) 1.2 times the price of a normal car.
READ beofr making wild claims of GM being first on hyrodgen to public …thanks.
PS: Where’s my Excelle, GM?
Bob,
GM has the reputation of building junk. GM can offer long warranties, or spiffy designs, or super deals but I believe earning a reputation as a builder of reliable transportation devices is the most important thing GM could do to turn it around. By reliable I mean that the car always starts and runs but also that that the sub-functions (ex. windows) always function as designed (or noticeably longer than the other guys).
This cannot be done overnight or with smoke and mirrors. An idea I have to kick-start a top-down commitment to build reliable cars would be for all GM employees over a certain pay level (say $125K) to be required to drive an old GM car; for example, their secretary’s son’s car. No more new cars or money-wasting “fun” project cars; and no cheating. Anyone can make a new car last 6 months. I think breaking down on the Lodge or having a window stuck open in the winter will really focus the bosses at GM (either directly or through their wives driving the cars) onto the many small but reputation-killing little problems that occur on a real-world car (not a perpetually 0 to 6 month old car). If that car breaks down, no more sending it to the company garage; you bring it to the dealer like the customer has to. A long warranty does not eliminate the anxiety of having to deal with the dealer.
It’s severe and people will complain (so what) but it will work. I predict that with this plan, in 5 to 7 years, GM will have the reputation of building the most reliable cars.
You know, Toyota’s warranty is not the longest, they aren’t the prettiest things, nor are they the cheapest, but Toyotas do have the reputation of being reliable. And sadly, that’s why my relatives and friends are buying them instead of a GM.
That is exactly what they mean by “perception gap”. These new GM cars (and yes Ford too) are much more reliable then the throwaway econoboxes of the 80’s. Every bit as reliable as the Asians. Buick even beat Toyota and Honda for reliability last year.
(And that I don’t get. GM finally builds a car that beats both Toyota and Honda in reliability and thenn they discontinue it?!?!?)
Hey FWD, maybe if you do some reading of your own, you might have learned that about half a dozen different companies are making claims to building the first hydrogen cell vehicle. Did you ever bother to look at when these corporations started building the first prototypes? Why not mention that before throwing vitriolic comments around?
while i think the restructuring is working so amazingly, i do think more plays need to be stolen from toyota’s play book. you guys have way too many noncore brands to continue supporting, no matter how efficient an organization you try to become your brand structure will bring you down. toyota is almost acheiving the same amount of sales as general motors but with only 3 brands as opposed to ten, by killing and combining brands you will acheive a much more efficient effective organization, and free up much needed product investment and advertising dollars. is there a need to have the GMC brand anymore when they sell the exact same SUV’s and trucks as chevrolet? is there a need to have both the saturn and vauxhall brands when their products are essentially Opel products. by combinging names and weeding out the brands that people no longer have use for you will acheive your turnaround objectives much faster and be able to focus on your growth brands. also i dont see the buick brand lasting too much longer, it lacks image and focus, pontiac is strongly becoming the stylish sports car company it once was, saturn is now basically european design in america, chevrolet is everything to everyone and cadillac is undisputible luxury but buick is nothing and the quicker it is dissolved the better it will be for general motors. i think the progress gm has made over the past two years has been asbolutely amazing and they are definately taking the neccesary steps to right there business. again congratulations to everyone in the GM organization for working so hard during this turnaround
Good going GM.
I was a Hyundai/Kia fan, until today!
Why?
They have decent engines and trannies, but the rest of the car = nearly junk(better than say some chrysler’s, vw’s).
Here’s the issues fixed in 2 years:(separate visits:)
1) New rear window(drivers side)motor/gasket(repaired on THIRD visit). WOuld nto be bad, but the delaership is 67 miles one way*(GM is 7).
2)Anohter motor/gasket/reae/passeneger side(last one fixed in July, this new one next week, after they get the parts).
3) Door Gasket… falling off, torn!
4) Electtronic issue with door locks(2 screws missing, the service mg claimed it was a factory issue..right, it messed up in July, after they fixed the motor in the last repair in July).
This is on a 2004 GLS V6 Sonata.
33,000+ miles.
This is on par of my 1987 “Chevy”(Isuzu I -Mark, rebadged) Spectrum.
Not good!
Next car WON’T be a Hyundai/Kia.
IF(listen closely, as I am not one to waste words being frivoulous-SP?).
1) Fix the HHR!
Lower the Dash to NORMAL car level, anbd same for the steering column(why is there hardly any down travel?).
2) Bring us that Chinese Excelle, which brand from GM sells it, I don’t care!
3) Bring us a cool 3 door Opel, please!
Otherwise, there’s Toyota, Chrysler(maybe PT Cruiser,upcoming next generation, or the Avenger)or Suzuki, depending on their next generation cars.
AVOID HYUNDAI.
Anothe reason why?
Long story short: I was in the show room area, and a couple(mid-to-late-30’s)were looking at a Hyundai minivan(7 seater, abtou 30K)…they did not need 7 seats, and one lady said so… I expalined abotu my Sonata, and I said if she wanted a 10/100K warranty, and 3K less(for a smaller minivan) to go to Kia(or they should have the smaller one out soon, otherwise, same minivan, as it was a Kia before it was a Hyundai….and could be had for 1-2K less, due to a sale)….No Salesman was around… so they thanked me for the info…. and left.
Now…..when i went to pick up myu car In The Service Garage, the Saels Manager came out and basically said I ran off customers, and was mad!
“Funny”, they had asked me if I had a Hyundai, then mentioned Kia..for a minivan with 10/100K(that’s what they wanted).
They had a 10 year old Honda minivan.
Anyhow……………………………………Don’t Buy Hyundai/kia.
GM… with your new warranty, fix yer products, ADD more small cars…. and I’ll come by.
I am a pretty dedicated Honda owner who likes what he sees introduced recently by Saturn. The Aura and Sky are both very appealing cars in appearance. I have yet to have drive time with either, but plan to change that soon.
Enhanced products with a longer warranty could finally get more of us back into the GM family. Please don’t let us down this time.
BECAUSE YOU CAN:ONE THING YOU CAN’T SEEM TO DO IS DESIGN A CAR A FOREIGN CAR OWNER WANTS!
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/09/26/023120.html
THIS IS UGLY, AND ME- TOO 5 door SUV, IT SMAKCS OF LAST GENERATION HYUNDAI SANTA FE(EVEN HYUNDAI DOES NOT USE THIS DESIGN ANYMORE).
http://images.google.com/images?q=opel+antara&hl=en&lr=&sa=X&oi=images&ct=title
LOOK at the 3 Door vs the UGLY 5 door(MOM and POP wagon).
SCION DID NOT GARNER SALES BY BEING “ME-TOO”, SO WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO SATURN? YOU WANT THEM TO FAIL, SO YOU CAN CLOSE THEM DOWN, LIKE YA DID OLDS?
ROLL-EYES. SHEER GENIUSES.
I KNOW YOU DO NOT REALLY LISTEN TO ANYONE ONT HESE SITES, USE IT FOR MARKETING. IF SOME PEOPEL SAY GIVE ME A LONGER WARRANTY(AND YA ALREADY PLANNED IT LONG BEFORE THIS SITE WENT UP, I BET) THEN YOU CAN FOOL ‘EM INTO BELIEVING YOU ACTUALLY LISTEN TO SUGGESTIONS.
WELL AT LEAST SCION MAKES WHAT I WANT, A 3 DOOR TC.
A big step in the right direction. Just not quite big enough.
What good is a warranty if the company does not stand behind it?
I purchased an Oldsmobile in July 2002. GM offered all buyers a 60 month /60 thousand mile warranty to quell their fears about buying from a soon to be defunct division. The assurance of the warranty was the main reason I took the risk of buying an Olds.
The car has been reasonably good but recently developed problems (leaks and broken electric windows) that needed dealer attention. As no Olds dealers exist anymore, GM orders you to take it to a Buick dealer. (Thus I cannot go to the Chevy dealer at the end of the street).
The Buick dealer gave me the estimate of several hundred dollars for repairs. I said it was covered by my GM Protection Plan and dutifully read him the info on my GM Protection Plan issued card that confirms I have a 60month/60K miles warranty. The car is four years old and only has 26,000 miles.
The Buick dealer checked his computer and said no such warranty is on the GM computer. He directed me to call the GM Protection Plan people. A call to GM Protection Plan got nowhere, they said I did not have a warranty. I asked them why I have a card from them as well as the paperwork from them and the dealer saying I have a warranty? They said that was between me and the dealer, who of course is non-existent as are all Olds dealers. I offered to fax them information showing my GM protection plan documents, and the purchase information. GM Protection said they don’t care and would not give a fax number.
I asked to talk to a supervisor – they told me it was useless but agreed to put me into voice mail limbo. No return call
In short, GM absolved itself of any responsibility to uphold their protection plan for their car. Thus, anyone would be just plain foolish to base their buying decision on a GM warranty. Like me, you may just be given a meaningless piece of paper and a plastic card that says you have a warranty.
This should be a huge concern for any prospective buyers of divisions that GM might eliminate like Oldsmobile was, such as Buick. Like me, no dealer may be left to verify your transaction or fix your car in the future.
As someone who has always bought American cars, in a house where our other car is a 2005 Chevy Malibu, I am frustrated and disappointed, and have bought the last GM product I will ever buy.
(I am sure you will not post this – but since there is no one to talk to at GM, I hope you at least send to your customer service people).
Now, the crossover market is hitting the midsized Suv sales, Blazer/Enyoy sales. Why not combine the Blazer/Envoy and all new crossovers; Buick, Saturn, and Pontiac on the Zeta platform. The best of both worlds, RWD, four wheel/AWD capability already engineered in a midsized package compatible with the new 2mode hybrid system coming on line. It’s a tough decision to eliminate brands, but i’d give the imports to Saturn, eliminate both Buick and Pontiac, and convert all Chevy’s back to RWD drive on Zeta and move them upscale.
Fricken Please!
I know I’m resurrecting an old thread, but I thought of something I just had to post on here, Bob. You know how Honda and Toyota became wildly successful by mostly word of mouth, right? Your new neighboor who just moved in has a 10 year old Camry with 230,000 miles on it. You ask how he likes his car, and he says he loves it and could never sell it. Only replaced a radio knob in it’s whole 10 year lifespan or something to that effect, while your 2 year old Chevy Malibu has been to the dealer for nagging issues like power window motors, rusted rotors, or suspension rattles. Well, simply put, GM is going to have to go the whole distance with their product to get that kind of word of mouth. That means, no matter how long your warranty is (again, it’s only powertrain which has always been your strong point), what gets people to spread the word of good product is never having to use it – not even for a radio knob. Imagine a time when people could tell their new neighboors with a Camry that their 10 year old 2007 Malibu with 230,000 miles had only a radio knob break. THATS when you know GM has returned.
I feel I’ve been somewhat scammed by Buick’s ‘Quiet-Tuning’ promotion. Yes, wind-noise is significantly reduced compared to the old LaSabre, and road noise (about the same) isn’t bad, especially with premium tires. BUT, while highway engine noise at more or less constant speed is negligible, there is significant and annoying engine noise under almost all acceleration conditions, especially noticeable at low speeds or from a dead stop. 2 out of 3 isn’t good enough. I wish I could have a new 1999 LaSabre in that regard.
Great move with the warranty; however, I’m quite irked that my new 2006 Vibe isn’t covered retroactively. Had I realized this warranty were coming when I bought the Vibe a few months back, I would have continued driving one of my TWO other GM vehicles until the ’07s arrived…
I still wonder how much this warranty actually covers. I purchased a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo that had a windshield defect as it was scratching from scraping my windows with a plastic window scraper. GM sent out a DSM who assessed that it was not GM’s problem and it wasn’t a defect, the dealer said their hands were tied with the subject so it wasn’t covered yet NO WHERE does it say windshields aren’t covered.
Just a bit skeptical of this ‘new great warranty’.
Jesse
Benn buying new GM since 1963. Wife grew up in Detroit buying new GM. Just ordered a 2007 GMC Denali custom built. It took two days to ship cross country to Annapolis distribution yard. Now a WEEK to move from Annapolis to Leesburg VA! I think Japan is closer!
I agree,this is a step forward for GM.Unfortunately I still feel Saturn was uneccessary and this whole undertaking should have been OLDSMOBILE from the beginning.Oldsmobile WAS ALWAYS the “New Innovation” division of GM.Apparently everyone forgot that.And for the record,GM DOES NOT have too many divisions,just too many “alike” models in each division.Seems most of the time that it’s also forgotten what each division stood for/focused on.