Pontiac Grand Prix And/Or Buick LaCrosse Receive Production Extension

[Perian]

Link: http://money.cnn.com/2007/05/31/news...ce=yahoo_quote

Article quote:

The Ontario plant, which makes the Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick LaCrosse and Allure, took only 15.68 hours on average to build a vehicle in 2006. That's an improvement from the 16.08 hours it took in 2005, and is better than the 16.34 hours it takes to build a vehicle at the neighboring Oshawa No. 1 GM assembly line.

The No. 2 plant was originally slated to close when it's done making 2008 models about this time next year. But GM now plans to keep some production going there for an undetermined amount of time as it modernizes the Oshawa No. 1 plant to give that facility a more flexible assembly line.

Full article at quote.

[Perian]

Wild Guess:

Since most of the Grand Prix and LaCrosse output goes to fleet and rental sales, this life extension is interesting. The paragraph seems to suggest that the modernization of Oshawa Plant #1 will be extensive and require a loss of production.

The only vehicle currently built at Oshawa Plant #1 is the FWD Chevy Impala which as we know has a heavy fleet percentage. The Grand Prix/LaCrosse extension may go to cover the loss of Impala production during the heavy construction phase.

The fact that Oshawa Plant #2 is closing, would seem to suggest that Oshawa Plant #1 will be capable of producing both FWD and RWD vehicles - no easy accomplishment.

[VCDJ]

Why would gm want to close their most productive plant, and then keep open least productive one. This plant makes on of the highest quality vehicles, they should reward these people for doing a good job, not fire them. What is gm thinking?

[neshapop]

Originally Posted by Perian

Wild Guess:

Since most of the Grand Prix and LaCrosse output goes to fleet and rental sales, this life extension is interesting. The paragraph seems to suggest that the modernization of Oshawa Plant #1 will be extensive and require a loss of production.

The only vehicle currently built at Oshawa Plant #1 is the FWD Chevy Impala which as we know has a heavy fleet percentage. The Grand Prix/LaCrosse extension may go to cover the loss of Impala production during the heavy construction phase.

The fact that Oshawa Plant #2 is closing, would seem to suggest that Oshawa Plant #1 will be capable of producing both FWD and RWD vehicles - no easy accomplishment.

I was contacted by some headhunter last year for contract position for Zeta program and probably it would be in #2 plant. Just a reminder that Ontario government will step up with some money to support that investment.

http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2005/03/02/gm-050302.html

The Ontario and federal governments made formal commitments Wednesday to provide General Motors with up to $435 million to support a $2.5 billion project to upgrade plants and boost research and development in the province. (March 3, 2005)

[jbartley]

Originally Posted by VCDJ

Why would gm want to close their most productive plant, and then keep open least productive one. This plant makes on of the highest quality vehicles, they should reward these people for doing a good job, not fire them. What is gm thinking?

So is business. They are both GM's most productive plants. #1 is only LESS productive, by minutes, not the "least productive". Obviously #1 must be cheaper/better for production in the long run. Why speculate when the article must not have all the facts?


If they're going to heavily fleet the Lacrosse and Grand Prix like the article seems to indicate, I wonder if they'll call use the Lacrosse Classic name for fleeting purposes in MY 09'

[56 Starchief]

Originally Posted by VCDJ

Why would gm want to close their most productive plant, and then keep open least productive one. This plant makes on of the highest quality vehicles, they should reward these people for doing a good job, not fire them. What is gm thinking?

that's why theyre extending production at number 2, their most productive plant....

[MechEng]

Somebody correct me if i'm wrong but I thought that when Oshawa was awarded Zeta that the plan was to eventually merge the #1 plant with the #2 plant to make one large flexable manufacturing plant.

It's essentially one big building right now with two different sections.

[neshapop]

Originally Posted by jbartley

So is business. They are both GM's most productive plants. #1 is only LESS productive, by minutes, not the "least productive". Obviously #1 must be cheaper/better for production in the long run. Why speculate when the article must not have all the facts?


If they're going to heavily fleet the Lacrosse and Grand Prix like the article seems to indicate, I wonder if they'll call use the Lacrosse Classic name for fleeting purposes in MY 09'

Considering the drop in sales for LaCrosse I am very convinced that GM is sticking to its guns to limit Buick in fleet sales.

Ironically GP was also a winner in JD Power reliability study along with the Oshawa#2 plant.

[Orbit Orange]

Can't GM just let the W-body die? It's had its run. It is ancient in terms of longevity (dating back to 1988). Our GP GTP has been a great car for us, but it's time the GP and the rest of the W bodies ride off into the sunset.

[exmechanic]

Originally Posted by MechEng

Somebody correct me if i'm wrong but I thought that when Oshawa was awarded Zeta that the plan was to eventually merge the #1 plant with the #2 plant to make one large flexable manufacturing plant.

It's essentially one big building right now with two different sections.

I have talked to people that work there and they are making it one large building.

[smk4565]

I think every W-body needs put out of its misery. Although they do need something to sell for fleets, and W-Bodys are fleet sale gods. It doesn't really help brand perception though when you build junk like that.

[camaro_freak]

Originally Posted by Orbit Orange

Can't GM just let the W-body die? It's had its run. It is ancient in terms of longevity (dating back to 1988). Our GP GTP has been a great car for us, but it's time the GP and the rest of the W bodies ride off into the sunset.

what else will they have to sell to fleets

j/k... I wish it would just die too!

[jknudson98]

Originally Posted by smk4565

I think every W-body needs put out of its misery. Although they do need something to sell for fleets, and W-Bodys are fleet sale gods. It doesn't really help brand perception though when you build junk like that.

Sure the W-body's been around for a long time, but I think using the word junk to describe them is an over exageration.

I drove a Grand Prix for the first time just a couple moths ago. It was an '04 model. I didn't expect much, but was very impressed overall with the driving dynamcs and how quiet the interior was. It really surprised me.

They aren't junk. It's just that a newer car could be much more competitive in styling and packaging.

[zabolots]

Originally Posted by jknudson98

They aren't junk. It's just that a newer car could be much more competitive in styling and packaging.

I couldn't agree more about the packaging of the GP. For such a large car on the exterior the interior is not very spacious at all.

I'm really looking forward to the G8. According to the book describing it's development ("AutoBiography: The inside story of Holden's all-new VE Commodore, By Peter Robinson", a great read by the way) the Aussies at Holden take great pride in their packaging skills and really gave the car a roomy interior to meet the expectations of their customers.

[evolutionauto79]

come december of this year, the impala goes from plant 1 (one) to plant 2 (two) and will join the buick while the grand prix dies a painful death. at that time, plant 1, now empty will retool for the camaro. this info comes right from gm employees and from suppliers who make the interiors for them.