GM Inside News Forum http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums The #1 Source for GM News - GMInsideNews.com; Goto http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:56:31 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/v2/misc/rss.jpg GM Inside News Forum http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums <![CDATA[Times can't be that tough in Motorsports]]> http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f61/times-cant-tough-motorsports-86341/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:53:35 GMT My office is right across the street from Tamiami Airport in South Dade [ Miami], the closest available airport for private planes to the Homestead Race track, site of the seasons last Nascar race of the 2009 . Private aircraft can not use the Homestead Air Reserve base adjacent to the Speedway. It is on active alert at all times I believe...2 armed F15's 24/7. I can easily view the flight line and taxiway at the airport.
There are at least 40-50 corporate or private jets parked there now, with many more arriving tomorrow. The helicopter charters to the track are endless. BTW, I believe this is the busiest light aviation airport in the USA. Yesterday the Goodyear blimp was giving rides all day. Race fans, teams, and sponsors aren't cutting back here.
Also several ALMS teams are within a long punt of this building. :cool: ]]> Motorsports Discussion JerryL http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f61/times-cant-tough-motorsports-86341/ Kappa build records being preserved? http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f20/kappa-build-records-being-preserved-86340/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:38:39 GMT I've seen the following approximate numbers for Model Year 06-09 posted regarding the full Kappa production run from the Boxwood plant in Deleware before it was closed down earlier this year:

65,000 Solstices
35,000 Skys
7,500 Opels for export

Does anyone know if there are breakdowns by model year, type, color, options, etc? (ie. N/A vs GXP for Solstices, standard vs. Redline for Skys, colors, etc.)?

With Pontiac going away, it seems that no one is sure if this information is being preserved, which would be a real loss to future collectors, enthusiasts, historians, etc. Does anyone know if this is being archived by GM anywhere? Does anyone have contacts on the inside who might know?

For instance, I know how many second generation AMX Javeliens with the 401 engine were built by model year from 1971-74 because forward thinking people preserved the AMC build records after AMC was no more. It would be sad to think that a future owner of a Solstice or Sky might not be able to tell that same information about their car, considering we are now in the information age. Anyone know?

:confused: ]]> WWI Flying Ace http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f20/kappa-build-records-being-preserved-86340/ Jalopnik Gets Buick Regal Test Drive! http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f74/jalopnik-gets-buick-regal-test-drive-86339/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:36:53 GMT
Quote:
This is where you replay the last twenty years of General Motors history and put on your skeptic's hat. 'They'll decontent the car, turn the suspension into a squishy mess, the seats will be made of muppet soft cloth and the steering will feel like it's connected to the road through a damp rope.' This is a supposition any healthy car consumer should have, especially regarding a Buick made from an Opel. On all counts however, you'd be wrong.

The Regal in the US is different than the Korean market version in tuning only, it shares 95% of it's parts with the Insignia. Basically the changes come down to different headlights and tail lights per federal requirements, new software in the radio and navigation system, different rear view mirror glass, and all-season tires. They actually improved over the Insignia's NVH requirements, adding sound deadening material in the cabin to make it align with Buick targets.

We drove the European spec Insignia against the Regal and believe it or not, the Regal is better.
Read the full review here: http://jalopnik.com/5408766/2011-bui...al-first-drive ]]> Global Buick News sigma http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f74/jalopnik-gets-buick-regal-test-drive-86339/ General Motors expects a plan for its European operations by mid December http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f38/general-motors-expects-plan-its-european-operations-mid-december-86337/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:19:19 GMT George Frey, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 20 11 2009

FRANKFURT, Germany - General Motors Co. said it expects to release a full restructuring plan for its Opel and Vauxhall operations in mid December, but did not specify the amount of cuts to capacity and jobs it would seek.

GM Europe released a statement late Thursday in response to what it said was a "misrepresentation" by the daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), which claimed that GM wanted to maintain all its European plants.

GM Europe said it had to reduce capacity but that there are "multiple ways of reducing structural cost," and expects to provide details in a report next month.

Nick Reilly, GM's President of International Operations and interim European chief, was quoted in the FAZ interview as saying: "We do not 'have to' close any plants. What we have to do is to reduce part of our capacity. We have to reduce part of our structural costs. And there are different ways of doing this. We are not necessarily talking about full plants. But if we have ten plants and want to reduce capacity by 20 per cent, that does not mean that we have to close two plants."

GM clarified the interview's remarks with its own statement stressing that its first and foremost task is to reduce capacity.

GM shocked Germany and other European countries earlier this month by deciding to not sell the majority of its European operations Opel and Vauxhall to a consortium led by Canadian autoparts maker Magna International Inc. (TSX:MG.A) and Russian lender Sberbank. GM Europe workers were also prepared to buy a 10 per cent stake.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel had favoured that deal to save jobs and she now says she wants GM to present a restructuring plan that gives Opel Europe and the German sites the chance of a good future.

However, doubts and protests over GM's decision have been raised by workers, analysts, labour officials and some politicians that question providing a U.S. company aid for restructuring.

Next week, the European Union in Brussels will host a meeting between GM and EU governments to discuss restructuring plans and aid for the company.

The governments of Belgium, Spain and Britain have also voiced deep concerns over the future of thousands of jobs.

Reilly has said in the past he estimated that between 9,000 and 10,000 jobs will be cut across Europe.

In a blog posted late Friday, Reilly said "What is clear is this: Opel and Vauxhall must reduce its capacity across Europe by 20 to 25 per cent. We are still finalizing the details on the plan, and that is why next week I will be back in Brussels, meeting with EU representatives as well as governmental officials from the five countries where we have plants.

"I am keenly aware that we cannot let this situation linger. Time is not on our side. I cannot make excuses for things done in the past, but we can move forward. I intend to present by mid-December a sustainable plan that is in the best interest of Opel and Vauxhall; one with clearly defined, achievable results."


Full article:
http://www.autonet.ca/autos/news/200...829331-ap.html ]]> Suggest a News Article ne_one http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f38/general-motors-expects-plan-its-european-operations-mid-december-86337/ VW board moves closer to Porsche merger http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f38/vw-board-moves-closer-porsche-merger-86336/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:12:07 GMT Associated Press
Published: 20 11 2009

FRANKFURT, Germany - German carmaker Volkswagen AG said Friday its supervisory board had approved certain agreement contracts for the planned merger with German sportscar builder Porsche, taking the companies one step closer to completing the deal.

The contracts set out the organizational, structural and legal details of the agreement which was first announced in May and which is hoped to be concluded in 2011.

The next step of the process will be VW shareholders approving that the company take on a 49.9 per cent stake in Porsche AG through the issuance of new shares. An extraordinary VW shareholder's meeting is planned for Dec. 3 to take a vote on that issue.

"The creation of an integrated automotive group with ten strong brands follows a compelling industrial logic," VW, based in Wolfsburg, said in a statement.

"It represents a unique opportunity for Volkswagen and is in the best interests of all shareholders. Volkswagen will further expand its position as the leading global multibrand group with the inclusion of Porsche AG and the automobile trading business of Porsche Holding Salzburg."

Volkswagen, Europe's largest carmaker by sales, said last month it would take an initial 49.9 per cent stake in Porsche AG, based in Stuttgart. VW said it expects to pay around C3.9 billion ($5.9 billion) for the stake.

Volkswagen has said it will then in turn buy Porsche SE, the holding company for Porsche AG, for about C3.55 billion starting in 2011.

Shares of Volkswagen were 1.5 per cent higher at C97, while Porsche Automobile Holding shares were 2.2 per cent lower at C51.73 in Frankfurt morning trading.

Article:
http://www.autonet.ca/autos/news/200...827506-ap.html ]]> Suggest a News Article ne_one http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f38/vw-board-moves-closer-porsche-merger-86336/ Build Plant Codes http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f22/build-plant-codes-86335/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:45:02 GMT Is it possible to find out the "location" for each of these "Build Plant codes"?

For instance, where is "Build Plant" 1AZ03?
Is this Pontiac, Michigan?
Thanks in advance. ]]> GM Truck Talk Hankster http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f22/build-plant-codes-86335/ Cobo Undergoes $3M Renovation http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f38/cobo-undergoes-3m-renovation-86334/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:39:17 GMT http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/21672609/detail.html

Quote:
Cobo Undergoes $3M Renovation
Renovations Breathe New Life In Cobo Center
November 20, 2009

DETROIT -- Detroit's Cobo Convention Center was once crumbling, but now millions of dollars in renovations are breathing new life into the building.

It all comes just weeks after a regional authority assumed operational control of the venue, which is nearly a month away from hosting the North American International Auto Show.

So far, there have been more than $3 million in electrical upgrades and repairs to the roof and loading dock. "The responses that we've had from show management have been very positive," said Tom Tuskey, Director of Cobo Center.

Renovations still have a long way to go. An estimated $288 million is expected to go into Cobo.

An expansion will likely happen sometime next year.
]]> Suggest a News Article civilzues http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f38/cobo-undergoes-3m-renovation-86334/ Who Knew a Buick Regal could be so Fabulous? http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f21/who-knew-buick-regal-could-so-fabulous-86333/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:18:04 GMT Huffington Post

Quote:
The party made me think - which I assure you is something that parties don't usually do. It reminded me of how we all made it through this past year. This event was a perfect way to start ending my year. You know that saying, "As GM goes, so goes the country." It definitely fit that night. We have all gone through our own makeover, and are now on the other side of it, and are ready to relaunch our own selves. The Buick Regal has done what we have all had to do - rethink who we are and how it fits into today's paradigms, leave what works, and rethink what doesn't. We are all coming to the end of this trying time, much different than who we were in January, and frankly we are the better for it. GM is providing us hope - that we can come out of this economic crisis in a stronger position than we were before. It is just going to take effort. If GM can do the work, than so can the rest of us.

I commend GM for having the courage to realize that what they were doing was not the answer- we all know how hard it can be to admit that one - and for having the know-how to create a new, and hopefully, very successful car line.

Remember, as GM goes, so goes the country. We all have a stake in this one.
That ain't NOTHIN' but the truth! ]]> Buick61 http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f21/who-knew-buick-regal-could-so-fabulous-86333/ <![CDATA[GM Executive: Chevrolet "SS" Line Has A Future At GM]]> http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f13/gm-executive-chevrolet-ss-line-has-future-gm-86332/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:03:48 GMT Source: Automotive News Special Email Alert

Greg Migliore - AutoWeek - November 20, 2009

From 1960s Chevelles to modern Camaros, speedy Chevrolets have always been identified with two letters: SS.

But does the tradition-laden performance designation have a future in the new General Motors, which is under pressure to cut costs, make money and meet stricter fuel-economy regulations?

“Absolutely,” Mark Reuss, GM vice president of global engineering, told AutoWeek.

In fact, the SS line could be better -- or at least more clearly defined. Reuss envisions cars outfitted on a case-by-case basis, rather than somewhat generically adding horsepower and red-letter stitching to Chevys across the board. Or as he put it, “Not trying to peanut-butter SS for everything.”

“If you look at Chevrolet's heritage, it's important to remember where SS was,” he said.

Reuss recently took over as GM's top gearhead after leading its Holden operations in Australia -- the origin of the company's enthusiast-oriented rear-wheel drive underpinnings.

That platform, called Zeta in GM speak, is also safe under his watch, and the company is at work on a sedan in Australia that's expected to return impressive fuel economy in that market from a 3.0-liter engine.

For rear-wheel drive to have broader applications, and possibly play a larger role in GM's U.S. lineup, Reuss said the cars need to get stellar gas mileage and have reduced weight.

Though the performance of these cars can be enjoyable, he's adamant about the need for RWD to be usable and relevant to modern realities. The underpinnings for the Camaro and the Pontiac G8 came from Holden.

“We strove to make Zeta, rear-wheel drive in Australia, relevant to the rest of the world,” he said. ]]> Perian http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f13/gm-executive-chevrolet-ss-line-has-future-gm-86332/ GM aims for more leasing http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f12/gm-aims-more-leasing-86331/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:41:50 GMT ---Quote--- *GM aims for more leasing* General Motors Co. said leases account for 2% of its U.S. vehicle sales. GM aims to sell 7% to 10% of its vehicles through lease deals, compared with an industry average of 13%, said Susan Docherty, the vice president overseeing U.S. sales. ---End Quote--- Full text here: http://www.freep.com/article/20091120/BUSINESS07/911200311/1322/Headlines-GM-aims-for-more-leasing
Quote:
GM aims for more leasing

General Motors Co. said leases account for 2% of its U.S. vehicle sales.

GM aims to sell 7% to 10% of its vehicles through lease deals, compared with an industry average of 13%, said Susan Docherty, the vice president overseeing U.S. sales.
Full text here: http://www.freep.com/article/2009112...r-more-leasing ]]> Automotive Industry News Hurricane http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f12/gm-aims-more-leasing-86331/ Odd Stipulation http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f73/odd-stipulation-86330/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:28:07 GMT The car I'm looking at is in the LA area. The selling dealer tells me if I come down to buy-n-drive, they must transport me across the Nevada border before turning over custody of the car to me.
That is to legally avoid paying CA sales tax. If I do not drive the vehicle in CA then I do not have to pay the CA sales tax.
A second option is to have the car shipped.
Sounds odd, but a local dealer I discussed this with said the CA dealer is probably trying to protect me.

Beats me. I'm not interested in breaking any laws.
What's the real deal? :confused: ]]> Customers and the Outside Neanderthal http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f73/odd-stipulation-86330/ CNBC: Volt Drive: Great Ride, Interesting Interior and a Friendly Chirp http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f38/cnbc-volt-drive-great-ride-interesting-interior-friendly-chirp-86329/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:26:11 GMT CNBC.com

Volt Drive: Great Ride, Interesting Interior and a Friendly Chirp



By: Phil LeBeau

We're now roughly a year away from the much hyped, much anticipated Chevy Volt going on sale and GM is starting to take the wraps off its extended range electric car.

This week I was the first journalist to get an exclusive test drive of a Volt model similar to what we'll see in showrooms next year.

We did this drive at the GM proving ground in Milford, Michigan.

I wanted to share with you several impressions from my time in the Volt:

Instant, smooth acceleration and great handling.

With the battery stack running under the middle bottom, the Volt has a lower center of gravity and a sportier feel when you're accelerate. This is certainly not a sports car, but it's also not a car that just putzes along. The near instant torque when you hit the accelerator gives you the responsiveness you want in car.

The transition to the gas assist engine needs to be smoothed out

When you go from driving all-electric to running the gas-assist engine, the transition is disconcerting.

It needs to be smoothed out, and GM engineers know it.

When you're driving on the gas assist engine, there's no fall off in power, handling, etc. and perhaps I found it jarring because I went from the silent electric drive to hearing the engine. Whatever the reason, it needs to be improved.

Comfortable interior, but center stack needs refining.

The Volt has more than enough space and is comfortable, even for a guy like me (6' 1"). GM admits it still needs to finalize the grain and look of the dashboard, including the center stack, which has an iPod feel to it. This look and configuration needs to be upgraded before the final Volt comes out. Some of the dials felt odd, and should be replaced.

A pleasing instrument panel.

It has some unique features I loved including an efficiency gauge that is green when you are getting the most effective use of cars power. Accelerate or brake too quickly and the gauge turns yellow. The car also tells you in a simple, but pleasant manner, how much battery power you have left and the mileage you are getting on your drive. Overall, a great instrument panel.

for more go HERE ]]> Suggest a News Article Simon says http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f38/cnbc-volt-drive-great-ride-interesting-interior-friendly-chirp-86329/ <![CDATA[Ordering from Dealer that's losing franchise?]]> http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f39/ordering-dealer-thats-losing-franchise-86328/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:52:52 GMT HI, I ordered a new Equinox LTZ last week and then found out from another dealer that my dealer is losing the franchise. I called my dealer and he said he still has the franchise but has received the letter from GM that his franchise is one of many that probably will be closed by 10/2010. I am torn between sticking with him or canceling my order and going with a bigger dealer. How long do I have to cancel the order? Is there a chance my dealer will have a hard time getting my car? This is my first post but I would appreciate any insight. Thanks, Randy HI,
I ordered a new Equinox LTZ last week and then found out from another dealer that my dealer is losing the franchise. I called my dealer and he said he still has the franchise but has received the letter from GM that his franchise is one of many that probably will be closed by 10/2010.
I am torn between sticking with him or canceling my order and going with a bigger dealer. How long do I have to cancel the order? Is there a chance my dealer will have a hard time getting my car?

This is my first post but I would appreciate any insight.

Thanks, Randy ]]> Chevrolet Car Discussion rengleh http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f39/ordering-dealer-thats-losing-franchise-86328/ <![CDATA[Dealer Website: "We're here to stay"]]> http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f19/dealer-website-were-here-stay-86326/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:47:38 GMT Had an email from a dealer I contacted when I was searching for the Colorado to visit their website for some promotion or other (Red tag maybe?).

Went to their website and saw the banner said "We're here to stay".

I clicked on the link to read: "We are extremely pleased to announce that we have been identified by General Motoers as "Key Dealers", and have been selected by General Motors to be part of "The New GM" structure."

http://www.williamschev.com/MiscPage_3 ]]> General Car Lounge 4x4x4doors http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f19/dealer-website-were-here-stay-86326/ U.S. Nov auto sales could top 11 million annual rate: GM http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f12/u-s-nov-auto-sales-could-top-11-million-annual-rate-gm-86325/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:34:06 GMT
Quote:
U.S. Nov auto sales could top 11 million annual rate: GM
Thu Nov 19, 2009 6:01pm EST

DETROIT (Reuters) - U.S. auto industry sales could exceed an 11 million vehicle annualized rate in November with signs the economy has continued to strengthen, General Motors Co's GM.UL U.S. sales analyst said on Thursday.

GM also is "cautiously optimistic" that the automaker will see a U.S. market share gain for a fourth consecutive month since it emerged from bankruptcy in July, sales analyst Mike DiGiovanni said in a conference call with reporters.

"We believe the November (seasonally adjusted annualized rate of sales) could approach or maybe slightly exceed 11 million units," DiGiovanni said of the annualized rate closely watched by economists.

GM's forecast included medium and heavy trucks, which can add up to 300,000 to the annualized rate, but was still sharply higher than November light vehicle forecasts Edmunds.com and J.D. Power & Associates released on Thursday.

J.D. Power said it expected U.S. auto industry light vehicle sales at a 10.2 million unit annualized rate in November, while Edmunds expected a 10.34 million unit rate.

DiGiovanni said GM was encouraged by data showing some strengthening in the U.S. economy, while acknowledging rising unemployment and a decline in single family housing starts in October.

"Obviously this isn't a perfectly linear trend. There are some setbacks in some areas," DiGiovanni said. "Overall, we feel pretty confident that the economy is on its way back."

A seasonally adjusted annualized sales rate, or SAAR, at or above 11 million would be the strongest for the industry since September 2008, outside the government "cash for clunkers" program that boosted sales in July and August this year.

U.S. sales chief Susan Docherty said GM expects U.S. retail sales for its Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands to be up 10 percent to 15 percent in November from a year earlier.
Full text here: http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-A...5AI5P920091119 ]]> Automotive Industry News Hurricane http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f12/u-s-nov-auto-sales-could-top-11-million-annual-rate-gm-86325/