GM Tidbits

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Cobalt SS Supercharged will not be offered anymore
SS models will be renamed "Sport"

changes in option packaging gives the Cobalt more standard features

Deletions

(21U) Laser Blue Metallic exterior color
(56U) Sunburst Orange Metallic exterior color
LTZ Sedan model
SS Supercharged Coupe model

New Features

(37U) Imperial Blue Metallic exterior color
(39U) Blue Flash Metallic exterior color
(87U) Slate Metallic exterior color
(JL4) StabiliTrak stability control system
(NW9) Traction control
(ASD) Head-curtain side-impact air bag delete for Fleet and Government order types
(UE0) OnStar delete for Fleet and Government order types

Changes

1AM37 is now called Sport Coupe and the equipment group code is now 1SP
1AM69 is now called Sport Sedan and the equipment group code is now 1SP
(TV5) Sport Package is now called Performance Appearance Package and is an available option on 2LT Coupe and 2LT Sedan. The 3LT Coupe and 3LT Sedan equipment groups are deleted.
(ASF) Head-curtain side-impact air bags are now standard on all models
(US8) AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback is now standard on all models
(U2K) XM Satellite Radio is now standard on all models
Instrument panel uppers are now Ebony on all models
LT Sedan with neutral interior now has woodgrain trim 


http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/dom...D=5143&type=0#

Click on new for 2008.

WTF is that about??! No SS Supercharged, and the SS rebadged 'Sport' has the base ECOTEC... not even the 173hp motor! Fack them.

Did some investigating. Not shown there on the US site, but the 173hp engine will be optional on nearly all trims in Canada. The Supercharged is gone, but something may return later in the year before a redesign - but unlikely. I see enough of those on the street, they're eye-catching, it's gotten good reviews, so can't believe they're ditching it. Hope not, the boneheads.

[articsteve]

The Supercharged is gone

Obviously the warranty claims were starting to stack up. 

[airbalancer]

The Supercharged is gone

Obviously the warranty claims were starting to stack up. 

links, please

[MKII]

Maybe GM has decided to replace the SS segment with the Astra Sport Hatch VXR 2.0i 16v Turbo 

[Allen]

 
GM profit sinks to $62-million
Associated Press

May 3, 2007 at 7:07 AM EDT

DETROIT — — General Motors Corp. [GM-N] reported a first-quarter profit on Thursday of $62-million (U.S.), or 11 cents per share, its second straight quarter in the black.

The nation's largest auto maker, which lost a total of $12.4-billion during the previous two years, said the profit was driven by record sales worldwide for the first quarter and improvements in its automotive operations.

GM's net income compares with a profit of $602-million, or $1.06 per share, in the first quarter of 2006. The company attributed the year-over-year decline to losses in the residential mortgage business of GMAC Financial Services and a one-time after-tax gain of $395-million last year due to the sale of its equity ownership of Suzuki Motors.

While its North American performance improved, the company still lost $85-million on its core operations, GM said.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

GM profit plunges after housing finance loss

Reuters / May 3, 2007 - 7:00 am / UPDATED: 5/3/07 11:08 A.M.

DETROIT (Reuters) -- General Motors today reported a 90 percent drop in first-quarter earnings, missing Wall Street estimates by a wide margin, as mortgage-related losses at its GMAC affiliate swamped gains in its main business.

GM CFO Fritz Henderson said weaker GMAC results were the major reason earnings missed even the lowest of Wall Street expectations.

But analysts raised concerns about both GM's remaining exposure to the riskiest segment of the U.S. mortgage market and the pace of the automaker's efforts to restore its North American operations to profitability.

GM said profit fell to $62 million, from $602 million a year earlier.

GM, which sold a majority stake in GMAC last year, realized a loss of $115 million in the first quarter from the 49 percent share it still holds.

On Wednesday, May 2, GMAC posted a first-quarter loss of $305 million as pressure in the U.S. mortgage market forced it to take charges at its housing finance unit.

"I think investors understood that issues in nonprime would not be limited to the fourth quarter, that you would see some effect in 2007, but frankly I don't think that was fully factored in," Henderson told reporters.

GMAC has said it expected improved results at its housing finance unit, ResCap, this quarter. Henderson declined to elaborate on that forecast.

"I think it's important when you're in the midst of the kind of maelstrom we're in with nonprime, I think it's important to take it quarter by quarter," he said.

GM's revenue fell to $43.9 billion from $52.4 billion a year earlier. North American automotive net losses narrowed to $46 million from $292 million on cost savings.

ANALYSTS RAISE CONCERNS

GM, which lost more than $10 billion in 2005 and about $2 billion in 2006, is in the middle of a restructuring that includes slashing more than 34,000 jobs and closing 12 plants.

KeyBanc Capital Markets analyst Brett Hoselton downgraded GM from a "buy" to "hold," saying that it appeared that ResCap would remain a drag on earnings.

Argus Research analyst Kevin Tynan said the financial impact of GM's cost-cutting efforts appeared to be waning.

"This is an indication that while revenue is strong, there is lot of work to do to turn the corner to become profitable in North America," he said.

Lehman Brothers analyst Brian Johnson said the earnings report called into question the view that the introduction of a new pickup line, including the Chevrolet Silverado, would bolster the automaker's results.

"Without substantial labor concessions, meaningful improvements in profitability are unlikely in our view," Johnson said in a note for clients.

GM, like Detroit-based rivals Ford Motor Co. and the Chrysler group, is expected to seek cost savings in a round of talks with the United Auto Workers this summer aimed at replacing a four-year contract expiring in September.

Separately, GM's Henderson said negotiations with bankrupt former parts subsidiary Delphi Corp. and union representatives were continuing "virtually every day."

Henderson said he had not seen a new proposal from the United Auto Workers union on wage rates as Delphi attempts to emerge from bankruptcy, but added that it was reasonable to expect such a proposal soon.

GM's goal is to conclude a deal with the UAW and Delphi before starting its own contract talks, he said.

A labor disruption at Delphi, GM's largest parts supplier, has been viewed as a lingering risk for GM since it has the potential to shut down the automaker's assembly lines.

"I think there are important parts of this matter that can be resolved in May and June," Henderson said. "We can make, expect to make and are committed to making significant progress in the next couple of months."

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Andersson: GM considered cutting back on Canadian parts

Robert Sherefkin  |  Automotive News / May 3, 2007 - 4:18 pm /
 
DETROIT -- General Motors in recent years considered slashing its $10 billion annual parts purchasing budget in Canada because of currency issues, manufacturing quality and productivity problems.

Canadian suppliers got the message, though, and kept GM happy.

Asked if GM were prepared to drop its Canadian supply base, GM Group Vice President of purchasing Bo Andersson told Automotive News that, "We are the largest buyer in Canada. And we have always been large in Canada, but I expected us to have our purchases drop."

A cheap Canadian dollar in recent years allowed Canadian suppliers to reduce their investment in technology and productivity. Then, as the Canadian dollar rose in value, the country's parts became less price-competitive, said Gerry Fedchun, president of the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association.

Canadian auto parts imports to the United States declined from $15.52 billion in 2005 to $14.98 billion in 2006, according to U.S. Department of Commerce data. Canada maintained a slight lead over Mexico as the top exporter of auto parts to the United States.

Three years ago, Andersson alerted Fedchun to Canada's declining value as a GM supply base. "We saw that they became uncompetitive," Andersson said he told Fedchun.

Andersson made his comments after a meeting today of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association, the trade group representing auto suppliers based in the United States.

Andersson said he met early on with Fedchun and other senior members of the Canadian auto parts industry.

"Andersson sounded the warning," Fedchun said. "Bo is a very straightforward guy. He laid out what he found among our suppliers, and we put the message to the association to get cracking."

Andersson and Fedchun said Canadian suppliers improved productivity and quality. They also invested heavily in new technology.

Canada has about 550 parts makers, about 350 of which are dedicated auto parts makers, Fedchun said.

Andersson said he saw dramatic improvement in Canada's auto parts supply base this year. The gains have come despite no significant advance of the Canadian dollar, he says, "so the improvement had to have come from increased productivity and the use of new machines and technology."

[Snowman]

Andersson: GM considered cutting back on Canadian parts

Robert Sherefkin  |  Automotive News / May 3, 2007 - 4:18 pm /
 
DETROIT -- General Motors in recent years considered slashing its $10 billion annual parts purchasing budget in Canada because of currency issues, manufacturing quality and productivity problems.

Canadian suppliers got the message, though, and kept GM happy.

Asked if GM were prepared to drop its Canadian supply base, GM Group Vice President of purchasing Bo Andersson told Automotive News that, "We are the largest buyer in Canada. And we have always been large in Canada, but I expected us to have our purchases drop."

A cheap Canadian dollar in recent years allowed Canadian suppliers to reduce their investment in technology and productivity. Then, as the Canadian dollar rose in value, the country's parts became less price-competitive, said Gerry Fedchun, president of the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association.

Canadian auto parts imports to the United States declined from $15.52 billion in 2005 to $14.98 billion in 2006, according to U.S. Department of Commerce data. Canada maintained a slight lead over Mexico as the top exporter of auto parts to the United States.

Three years ago, Andersson alerted Fedchun to Canada's declining value as a GM supply base. "We saw that they became uncompetitive," Andersson said he told Fedchun.

Andersson made his comments after a meeting today of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association, the trade group representing auto suppliers based in the United States.

Andersson said he met early on with Fedchun and other senior members of the Canadian auto parts industry.

"Andersson sounded the warning," Fedchun said. "Bo is a very straightforward guy. He laid out what he found among our suppliers, and we put the message to the association to get cracking."

Andersson and Fedchun said Canadian suppliers improved productivity and quality. They also invested heavily in new technology.

Canada has about 550 parts makers, about 350 of which are dedicated auto parts makers, Fedchun said.

Andersson said he saw dramatic improvement in Canada's auto parts supply base this year. The gains have come despite no significant advance of the Canadian dollar, he says, "so the improvement had to have come from increased productivity and the use of new machines and technology."

  "so the improvement had to have come from increased productivity and the use of new machines and technology."

Does he not know the exact reason? Perhaps a reduction in profit margin or gouging as well as productivity improvements.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

No kidding!

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070507/AUTO01/705070308/1148

Tiny cars, big buzz

GM 'blown away' over enthusiastic global response to minicar concepts

Sharon Terlep / The Detroit News

General Motors Corp. hoped to drum up some publicity with a Web site asking folks to vote on which of three super-small vehicle concepts the automaker should build.

But even the minds behind vote4chevrolet.com were taken aback by the response -- nearly 870,000 votes cast for one of the plucky rides.

The poll is far from scientific, as GM has no way to stop people from weighing in multiple times. Nonetheless, the groundswell of interest has the automaker thinking more seriously about bringing minicars to the United States.

"We were pretty blown away," GM spokesman Michael Albano said. "It has certainly opened our eyes to that segment here."

The three mini- or microcar concepts, called the Chevrolet Groove, Trax and Beat, are part of GM's global approach to design and manufacturing. They were designed in Inchon, South Korea, and assembled in the United States and India.

GM builds minicars in other markets, but the automaker hasn't determined whether there is strong enough demand to bring them to the United States.

But the potential is growing as soaring fuel prices are shifting consumer preferences toward smaller, more fuel-efficient and city-friendly vehicles.

Minicars represent about 5 percent of worldwide market, with some estimates suggesting they could account for 15 percent within a decade.

GM's miniconcepts debuted at the New York International Auto Show last month.

The Beat is a three-door hatchback that would offer front-wheel-drive high performance.

The Trax is a flat-faced micro-SUV, featuring a single molded plastic front end to help eliminate weight, tighten its design and improve gas mileage.

The Groove, nicknamed "Funkastalgia" by GM, is a five-door model with a stretched profile and flared fenders designed to give it a longer, tougher look.

As of Friday, the Groove was leading the vote with 54 percent to the Beat's 37 percent and Trax's 9 percent. The Web voting, which includes input from around the globe, won't single-handedly drive GM's decision to build here. The automaker still plans to conduct more traditional market research and would have to consider the logistics and costs of building such a vehicle and selling it here.

So far, GM has said it's not likely to bring one of the three vehicles to the United States anytime soon, and none of the three is built to meet U.S. safety standards. After the New York debut, GM product czar Bob Lutz said only a dramatic prolonged increase in fuel prices or an "unforeseen" change in demand for American small cars would justify selling them in the United States.

But the cyberballots will weigh into decision making at the automaker, GM says.

"We're going to get continuous feedback and see what the right portfolio is moving forward," said Courtney Moody, a marketing executive with Chevrolet. "Even if the Groove doesn't come to market, some of what we learn when we put a concept out there, we can use on other vehicles."

GM would be wise to get a foothold in the segment in the United States, since consumer demand is trending toward smaller vehicles, said Erich Merkle, senior auto analyst with consultant IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids.

The generation known as the echo boom -- whose parents belong to the baby boom generation -- are hitting the age where they're driving their first vehicles and are going to want attractive, affordable options, Merkle said.

"They will, just like their parents, be looking for affordable, economical transportation," he said. "They're going to want these types of cars."

[G0dspd]

There seems to be a lot of stuff going on at GM but we won't see anything before 2010. 

GM insiders talk CTS/Zeta/Alpha plans

http://www.leftlanenews.com/gm-insiders-talk-ctszetaalpha-plans.html

- CTS coupe/wagon
- CTS eventually getting the Zeta platform (babye STS)
- G6 going RWD
- GTO to complement G8
- bla bla bla

[sirAQUAMAN64]

To sell a Malibu, get a Camry
Chevy dealers are told to bring mighty rival into the showroom

Rick Kranz  |  Automotive News
May 14, 2007 - 1:00 am   
 
Chevrolet plans to seek conquest buyers for the 2008 Malibu by asking dealers to do the unthinkable: Put a Toyota Camry in the showroom for comparison.

Cheryl Catton, Chevrolet's director of car marketing, "encouraged us to get a Camry and put it in the showroom so people can see the difference in styling, the interior, pricing and features," said one dealer. Catton suggested dealers rent a car.

Production of the restyled, re-engineered Malibu starts in October, and advertising begins in January, according to the dealers. A Chevrolet spokesman declined to comment on plans to promote the Malibu.

With 448,445 sales last year, the Camry was the best-selling car in the United States. The Malibu, with 163,853 units sold, ranked 11th.

Chevrolet needs conquest buyers for the Malibu to avoid cannibalizing sales of the popular Impala. Although slightly bigger, the Impala is also a front-wheel-drive, mid-sized car. Until General Motors launches a rear-drive Impala in late 2009, the cars could appeal to the same shoppers.

"There is potentially going to be basically the same buyer for both vehicles," said another dealer. "It is going to be a very delicate marketing challenge to keep the volume up on the Impala and build Malibu volume." 

[Snowman]

Great move! There is nothing like an aggressive strategy which will have consumers thinking that GM has confidence in their product.

[jcon]

Good news! How many GM dealerships are there? Multiply that by Camry's sold = More Camry sales!

Seriously this may prove to be a good move. If you're that confident of your product, why not compare it against the top seller?

I wonder if they'll just lease those Camry's?

[UmroAyyar]

They're renting those Camrys. Bold Move (that was supposed to be for Ford) but this is just gutsy. 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070515/UPDATE/705150443/1148/AUTO01
Report: GM to spend $63M to retool Saginaw casting plant

The Detroit News

General Motors Corp. will invest $63 million to retool a Michigan foundry, the first of five plants switching to new casting technology, to produce engines that are more fuel-efficient, Bloomberg News reported today.

GM announced the plans at its Saginaw casting plant today and will unveil additional investments at factories in Ohio, Indiana and New York over the next two weeks, spokeswoman Sharon Basel told Bloomberg in an interview. The carmaker will also close a New York plant with older technology, she said.

The new technology at the Saginaw plant, which employs 924 hourly and 167 salaried workers, will make parts for a 3.6-liter engine used in GM's GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave sport utility vehicles. Construction will start in 2009 and production is scheduled to begin in 2011.

[barrie1]

I strongely suspect this will be a very modern and well built design when it hits the streets for the public to try or buy it. They are taking their time in order to make it perfedct so the public will like this one I am sure. It will have plenty of ponies and extremely good fuel milage as well I suspect. 

[airbalancer]

I wonder will Saturn do this with the new Vue,  side by side with a CRV
Saw a Vue in a locked lot yesterday in Oshawa.  In Oshawa, there a couple place you can see new GMs
It will be hard to tell the two a part from a side view

[sirAQUAMAN64]

GM books order for hybrid powertrain

Richard Truett  |  Automotive News
May 16, 2007 - 1:50 pm
UPDATED: 5/16/07 3:14 P.M.
 
General Motors has booked a big order for its Two Mode powertrain, which will be installed in diesel-electric hybrid city buses.

The order, from King County, Wash., could be for as many as 500 buses. The first 22 buses are scheduled to be delivered next spring.

The total value of the contract for the buses is $400 million. GM gets an undisclosed share of that amount for the powertrain, batteries and electronics.

King County, which includes Seattle, already has 236 GM hybrid buses in its fleet. The Two Mode system delivers a 30 percent gain in fuel economy over a standard diesel-powered bus. The Two Mode city buses get slightly more than 4 mpg. 

"Hybrid buses are not a science fair project," said Al Weverstad, GM's executive director of energy, environment and safety policy. "They are not even a demo project anymore. Now they are an option."

Nationwide, GM has sold more than 700 hybrid buses, which have accumulated more than 35 million miles.

Besides saving fuel, the hybrid powertrain cuts maintenance costs, said King County Executive Ron Sims. He said the hybrid buses have been 40 percent more reliable than diesel buses.

Sims said the county based the purchase on the buses' ability to deliver on two key areas: lowering greenhouse gas emissions and boosting fuel economy.

A scaled-down version of the Two Mode transmission hits the road this year in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Those vehicles are expected to deliver at least a 25 percent gain in fuel economy over the regular gasoline-powered versions of those large SUVs.

GM often has been knocked for being late with hybrids. But for the past six years, the automaker has not wavered from its plan to first install the fuel-saving powertrain in the vehicles that use the most fuel, then moving the technology into lighter vehicles.

In 2008, GM will have eight hybrids on the road.

[articsteve]

They're renting those Camrys. Bold Move (that was supposed to be for Ford) but this is just gutsy. 

It's absolute desperation.  Stupidest thing I've ever heard in new car selling.    What's the GM dealer going to say when ppl want to test drive both back to back  

I don't suppose the GM sales ppl will be pointing out the knee air bag to women that drive crammed up against the dash.    All this will do is send some buyers over to Toyota to test drive the Camry "just to make sure".  Then they will realize what a bag of bolts the Mailbu is with the 4 cylinder power train. 

[Stuff]

Honestly does your opinion on GM even matter? They could cure world hunger and you would find some way of picking it apart.

It's absolute desperation.  Stupidest thing I've ever heard in new car selling.    What's the GM dealer going to say when ppl want to test drive both back to back