Comments on: Opel Update http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2009/10/opel_update.html The FastLane blog is your source for the latest musings of GM leaders, like Bob Lutz, on the topics relevant to the company and the auto industry Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:13:35 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: CarZ http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2009/10/opel_update.html#comment-142077 CarZ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:49:21 +0000 http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/?p=1297#comment-142077 I say build them here. Why import? Enough of the American dollar is going abroad. GM is an AMERICAN automaker, let them keep building American car plants to help the US economy. I say build them here. Why import? Enough of the American dollar is going abroad. GM is an AMERICAN automaker, let them keep building American car plants to help the US economy.

]]> By: Edwin http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2009/10/opel_update.html#comment-141955 Edwin Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:36:35 +0000 http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/?p=1297#comment-141955 It appears that GM has made the right decision to retain Opel which apparently can support Chevrolet's advantage over Hyundai in Russia, which makes it more likely Opel can be restructured to become profitable. A profitable Opel is an advantage for GM. Apparently, GM believes it can restructure Opel successfully which is very good news. It appears that a partial sale to Russian interests would be too risky. It appears that GM has made the right decision to retain Opel which apparently can support Chevrolet’s advantage over Hyundai in Russia, which makes it more likely Opel can be restructured to become profitable. A profitable Opel is an advantage for GM.

Apparently, GM believes it can restructure Opel successfully which is very good news.

It appears that a partial sale to Russian interests would be too risky.

]]> By: Edwin http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2009/10/opel_update.html#comment-141407 Edwin Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:01:08 +0000 http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/?p=1297#comment-141407 GM actually is one of the most friendly and accessable companies in the world. It has a history of being a great company. GM does great things for many people. GM actually is one of the most friendly and accessable companies in the world. It has a history of being a great company. GM does great things for many people.

]]> By: chiefpontiac http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2009/10/opel_update.html#comment-141190 chiefpontiac Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:19:55 +0000 http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/?p=1297#comment-141190 But no TwinTop, no Speedster. No AWD Turbo-Diesel with 6-speed manual in that Regal either to compete with the 335d. Bummer! Meanwhile, if it EVER gets here, the Alfa 159 looks better and better. But no TwinTop, no Speedster. No AWD Turbo-Diesel with 6-speed manual in that Regal either to compete with the 335d. Bummer! Meanwhile, if it EVER gets here, the Alfa 159 looks better and better.

]]> By: Edwin http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2009/10/opel_update.html#comment-141047 Edwin Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:31:35 +0000 http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/?p=1297#comment-141047 Is Opel part of NATO? So, let's sell controlling interest in Opel, and move ahead. Whats the reason to pay too much for everything and make no money doing it like they do in Europe? Many in the UKn want to emmigrate to Amerca so they get buy a Ford Focus for half of the price they pay in the UK and not have to pay $8/gal for gas. For the American economy to succeed, the war should come to speedy conclusion. DISSAPPOINTING THE GENERALS Lou Dobbs recently interviewed a couple expert military analysts that suggested a complete pull-out of U.S. troops may be the best plan. Lou Dobbs also has a petition out to bring the troops home. http://www.loudobbs.com/petitions/viewpetition?petitionID=-707412079780467944 Even Glenn Beck is saying, "Fight to win or bring our troops home." Ronald Reagan suggested a similar thing during President Johnson's efforts in Vietnam, win quickly or leave. No such luck with White House and Miilary planners who seem bent on keeping the American economy a hostage to continuing wars without end in the Middle East. Luxury cars and affordable luxury will continue to sell while the American middle class is squeezed? A quick end to the war would keep gas prices low and car sales high, maybe even revive the economy. Is Opel part of NATO? So, let’s sell controlling interest in Opel, and move ahead. Whats the reason to pay too much for everything and make no money doing it like they do in Europe? Many in the UKn want to emmigrate to Amerca so they get buy a Ford Focus for half of the price they pay in the UK and not have to pay $8/gal for gas.

For the American economy to succeed, the war should come to speedy conclusion.

DISSAPPOINTING THE GENERALS

Lou Dobbs recently interviewed a couple expert military analysts that suggested a complete pull-out of U.S. troops may be the best plan.

Lou Dobbs also has a petition out to bring the troops home.

http://www.loudobbs.com/petitions/viewpetition?petitionID=-707412079780467944

Even Glenn Beck is saying, “Fight to win or bring our troops home.”

Ronald Reagan suggested a similar thing during President Johnson’s efforts in Vietnam, win quickly or leave.

No such luck with White House and Miilary planners who seem bent on keeping the American economy a hostage to continuing wars without end in the Middle East.

Luxury cars and affordable luxury will continue to sell while the American middle class is squeezed?

A quick end to the war would keep gas prices low and car sales high, maybe even revive the economy.

]]> By: Edwin http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2009/10/opel_update.html#comment-141013 Edwin Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:24:26 +0000 http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/?p=1297#comment-141013 The sale of controlling interest in Opel is the right move. GM has been over extended abroad and undercapitalized at home. Opel has not been profitable. Opel is just another drain on GM resources. GM's alternative plan may be to file for the insolvency of Opel: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703816204574481272272971490.html The sale of controlling interest in Opel is the right move. GM has been over extended abroad and undercapitalized at home. Opel has not been profitable. Opel is just another drain on GM resources. GM’s alternative plan may be to file for the insolvency of Opel:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703816204574481272272971490.html

]]> By: Andrew Charles http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2009/10/opel_update.html#comment-140973 Andrew Charles Sun, 25 Oct 2009 02:40:30 +0000 http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/?p=1297#comment-140973 On the contrary chiefpontiac, the new Opel will be precluded from selling in the US market <i>because</i> you will soon see some Opel products in the US under the Buick brand, starting with the new Regal. On the contrary chiefpontiac, the new Opel will be precluded from selling in the US market because you will soon see some Opel products in the US under the Buick brand, starting with the new Regal.

]]> By: Vince S http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2009/10/opel_update.html#comment-140907 Vince S Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:48:17 +0000 http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/?p=1297#comment-140907 One of the most influential company presidents that I ever worked for got rid of special perks for all the executives including company cars, special parking privileges and executive dining areas. He forced the upper management to mingle with the employees, and morale, productivity, creativity and a sense of 'we're all in this together' came as a result. The "we are better than you" mentality went out the door, because like everyone else, you put your pants on one leg at a time. The company was turned around by one man. I doubt GM would ever take such bold steps, but then again why not? It could start with you John. One of the most influential company presidents that I ever worked for got rid of special perks for all the executives including company cars, special parking privileges and executive dining areas. He forced the upper management to mingle with the employees, and morale, productivity, creativity and a sense of ‘we’re all in this together’ came as a result. The “we are better than you” mentality went out the door, because like everyone else, you put your pants on one leg at a time. The company was turned around by one man.

I doubt GM would ever take such bold steps, but then again why not? It could start with you John.

]]> By: Rick Rohde http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2009/10/opel_update.html#comment-140846 Rick Rohde Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:45:37 +0000 http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/?p=1297#comment-140846 With the disparity of the dollar to the Euro it would be insane to import, just build those Astras here. With the disparity of the dollar to the Euro it would be insane to import, just build those Astras here.

]]> By: Rick Rohde http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2009/10/opel_update.html#comment-140843 Rick Rohde Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:37:45 +0000 http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/?p=1297#comment-140843 I just submitted an idea to keep those great Holden sedans as Chevy's as a very cost effective replacement for the Impala. I was actually elated that at your responce to the fate of Oel was actually answered. I just submitted an idea to keep those great Holden sedans as Chevy’s as a very cost effective replacement for the Impala. I was actually elated that at your responce to the fate of Oel was actually answered.

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