Product Mix-ups Explained; 2009 Launch Time Line

[nsap]

Product Mix-ups Explained; 2009 Launch Time Line
Much confusion surrounds the product programs right now, we'll try to clear some of it up....
www.gminsidenews.com
November 10, 2008
By: Nsap

Note: Date on top of arrow is the NEW projected production-start date.

Right now there is so much news getting thrown at everyone about General Motors; it's hard to keep it all straight. Most of us on GMI have high concern about what is going on with the product programs, so I'm going to layout the next year or so in product launches. I'm also going to explain what has happened to some of the initially planned launches for 2009 that are no longer on the chart above.

Saturn Aura: GMI reported back in June that the Aura had been placed on "hold" as they were rethinking the program. Later Saturn General Manager confirmed GMI's findings; stating that the Aura will have a "more conventional" life cycle of 4-5 years. The all-new, Opel Insignia cloned Aura was SUPPOSED to go into production in the Fall of 2009 as a 2010 model. At this time we are 99% certain that there will not be any new Aura come out of Saturn in 2009. This is one GM model that we really do not know much of anything about now. Some say the car is still going to be an Insignia clone, others suggest it will be on the long-wheel base Epsilon II platform; thus making it a far different car than the Insignia. Our best target date for the Aura would be Fall 2010; leaving it with a year delay.

Saab 9-4x: Yes, that is correct; the new Saab's brother (SRX) is on the 2009 time line, but it is not. The 9-4x has been delayed (just recently) almost a year to mid 2010. Personally I do not quite understand this delay. Where it and the SRX use quite a bit of common parts, I don't see the big gain in delaying one and not the other. Possibly it is an engine thing?

Cadillac CTS Coupe: As reported from the 3Q earnings reports, the CTS Coupe has been pushed back about a year. We want to stress that the Wagon is still on for early next year (see chart). The reason for the delay is that the Coupe requires quite a bit more new tooling; whereas the wagon does not require as much. We've also heard that Coupe volume is expected to be low. Expect the CTS Coupe sometime in the Spring of 2010.

Chevrolet Cruze: There are many rumors spreading about this car right now. Some are reporting that as of THIS week there is a year delay. That is untrue. From the first press release regarding the car from GM to now, it is planned to go into U.S. production in mid 2010 as a 2011 model. I'm going to stress this: the date has not changed from the initial announcement. The car is going to launch next year globally, then 9-12 months later it will launch here. The reason for the delay? The U.S. Cruze is going to have an all-new 1.4L Turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder that will not be ready for production until 2010. Actually, it is believe that the construction of the plant is much of the reason.

Chevrolet MPV: Most people did not know this product was initially so close to starting production. It was to go into production at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly in mid 2009. This little MPV is going to be based on the Orlando Concept that GM showed recently in South America. Where it stands now, this vehicle will go into production next year in South Korea for use around the world, and then in 2010 or so it will go into production at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant.

Known Product Details

2010 LaCrosse Details; Engines, Options, etc.

Information Regarding Equinox/SRX/LaCrosse Engine]

Chevrolet Orlando Production Information

2010 Equinox/Terrain Details; Engine, Options

Be advised that all of the above is extremely tentative. Right now everything is on shaky ground at General Motors. All of the above is the LATEST known information regarding upcoming (or formerly upcoming) product launches. There is no question though that more information will come out as time progress closer to each vehicle's launch. Stay with GMI, we are THE leader in GM news.

[WishIhadatruck]

If the Aura isn't an almost exact clone of the Insignia I really don't understand. It is such a waste of resources if the Insignia doesn't come to the US at one of the brands.

Glad to see an MPV/Orlando vehicle is still coming to the US. I think this would be my ideal family vehicle. If it can seat 5 easily and 7 in a pinch and still get as good or better mileage than current mid-size cars it will be perfect for me. I assume it will use the same 1.4L turbo that the Cruze will use?

[neshapop]

Was the info on GMI somewhere that new Buick Regal supposed to be built in Oshawa as Insignia knockoff for Canada and China? That would I guess kill Aura/Insignia for Saturn?

Will LaCrosse be available in Canada then or just Regal? How ironic with the names for Canadian vs. US markets...

Or I got it all wrong above?

And will GM live long enough to see those production launches?

[nsap]

Originally Posted by neshapop

Was the info on GMI somewhere that new Buick Regal supposed to be built in Oshawa as Insignia knockoff for Canada and China? That would I guess kill Aura/Insignia for Saturn?

Will LaCrosse be available in Canada then or just Regal? How ironic with the names for Canadian vs. US markets...

Or I got it all wrong above?

And will GM live long enough to see those production launches?

I'm not even sure that GM themselves has made a final decision on the Regal. As far as I know, it is going to China and possibly Canada. At last word, it had been ruled out for the US.

Canada gets the LaCrosse and Regal (if they get the Regal).

[Olds88]

Thank you for posting this nsap!!

Have you heard anything about any RWD vehicles for Chevy or Buick?

Originally Posted by WishIhadatruck

If the Aura isn't an almost exact clone of the Insignia I really don't understand. It is such a waste of resources if the Insignia doesn't come to the US at one of the brands.

Glad to see an MPV/Orlando vehicle is still coming to the US. I think this would be my ideal family vehicle. If it can seat 5 easily and 7 in a pinch and still get as good or better mileage than current mid-size cars it will be perfect for me. I assume it will use the same 1.4L turbo that the Cruze will use?

The concept uses a 2.0L diesel. The 1.4T won't have the gusto to move the Orlando with 7 people on board. I'd expect to see the 2.3L Ecotec as the engine of choice for the USDM.

[caddycruiser]

Originally Posted by WishIhadatruck

If the Aura isn't an almost exact clone of the Insignia I really don't understand. It is such a waste of resources if the Insignia doesn't come to the US at one of the brands.

Agreed. It always was questionable having put the time and money into making the first significantly upgraded EP-I car with the Aura only to build it for 2 or so years, BUT the Insignia is done, on the next gen platform, and by far a much more captivating car. That's not to say our Aura is sour milk by comparison at all, but seriously, the change is obvious.

I've been thinking, and maybe read, that a lot of it might be that the Insignia is a notably more expensive car to build as is (just in materials, finish quality, etc. alone), plus the costs of switching the line over again. That said, as the intention was there originally all along, I wish the Insignia->Aura was back on the original plan...but given the state of Saturn even with "great" new products, it wouldn't help right now I presume.

Same for the 'Bu that, although such an awesome design currently on the same fresh EP-I guts, apparently already had the "new" new one speeding right along with a lot of the same visual cues but adapted to the new EP-II. Wonder whatever happened to that talk from, well, just months back. That change is certainly less necessary than the Aura as the 'Bu is generally regarded as a more captivating and thoroughly done car right now, but still it would have been cool to have such great fresh designs be new again before anyone could even mention them aging. Trouble is, that kind of move is the last thing bleeding GM checkbooks want to think about.

[caddycruiser]

Originally Posted by nsap

I'm not even sure that GM themselves has made a final decision on the Regal. As far as I know, it is going to China and possibly Canada. At last word, it had been ruled out for the US.

Canada gets the LaCrosse and Regal (if they get the Regal).

Which just baffles me, if true, as do some other bizarre Canada only moves. If it were to happen., that is.

Other than the harsher winter, what possibly is SO different in Canada vs. the US that they should have 1 iota of difference in their vehicle lines from the US, other than the speedo change? Seriously. What? That has never made sense, and I don't think it does to people on either side of the border.

If I live in Canada and can buy an Insignia-Regal, but move 10 miles over the border and only have the Lacrosse...in land that's the same, people that are pretty much the same, etc. Whatever goes to Canada should go to the US and vice verse.

[WishIhadatruck]

Originally Posted by Olds88

The concept uses a 2.0L diesel. The 1.4T won't have the gusto to move the Orlando with 7 people on board. I'd expect to see the 2.3L Ecotec as the engine of choice for the USDM.

Well my first powertrain choice would be E-Flex but I'm sure I won't get that wish anytime soon. My second choice would be that 2.0L diesel. My third choice would be the 1.4L turbo which I think would be adequate. If a Mazda 5 can get around fine with 153 HP (which it does) then I think the flatter torque curve of the 1.4L motor would be just as good. Perhaps this will get DI even if the Cruze doesn't which certainly will make it adequate. We've historically been a little too power hungry in the US (me included) and I'm willing to give up a bit of accleration for economy.

[give_it_all_]

The Camaro starts production in about 2 months? The wait didn't seem to long now that it is getting here

[gypsygirl5]

Originally Posted by caddycruiser

Which just baffles me, if true, as do some other bizarre Canada only moves. If it were to happen., that is.

Other than the harsher winter, what possibly is SO different in Canada vs. the US that they should have 1 iota of difference in their vehicle lines from the US, other than the speedo change? Seriously. What? That has never made sense, and I don't think it does to people on either side of the border.

If I live in Canada and can buy an Insignia-Regal, but move 10 miles over the border and only have the Lacrosse...in land that's the same, people that are pretty much the same, etc. Whatever goes to Canada should go to the US and vice verse.

In some cases, it is due to the size of the market. The latest GTO was not sold here because GM did not feel the market was large enough to make it economically feasible.

Don't know the reasoning behind bringing the Regal here and not the U.S. Lacrosse is called Allure here. The Lacrosse name could not be used because it is too close to French-Canadian slang for an activity GM wouldn't want associated with its car.

[exmechanic]

Originally Posted by give_it_all_

The Camaro starts production in about 2 months? The wait didn't seem to long now that it is getting here

Actual Camaro production starts Feb 16/2009, the CTS coupe starts June 10/2009 and wagon starts March 30/2009.

[CanadianGMGuy]

[quote=gypsygirl5;1559939]In some cases, it is due to the size of the market. The latest GTO was not sold here because GM did not feel the market was large enough to make it economically feasible.

=QUOTE]

I thought the GTO could not be sold here in Canada due to the bumper on it. (Could not pass the crash tests or something?)

[gypsygirl5]

[quote=CanadianGMGuy;1559978]

Originally Posted by gypsygirl5

In some cases, it is due to the size of the market. The latest GTO was not sold here because GM did not feel the market was large enough to make it economically feasible.

=QUOTE]

I thought the GTO could not be sold here in Canada due to the bumper on it. (Could not pass the crash tests or something?)

Someone from the Swamp told me it was market size, but you could be right. I didn't verify. I do know the Lacrosse name thing is true, though.

[Canyonaro]

This helps a little bit since it seems like daily all this changes. Thanks for the info, it is much appriciated.

I myself am waiting for the GMC Terrain, my wife wants an Acadia but we don't need anything that big and I am a little cheap so thie will fit us quite well.

[mpsrent]

Originally Posted by caddycruiser

Which just baffles me, if true, as do some other bizarre Canada only moves. If it were to happen., that is.

Other than the harsher winter, what possibly is SO different in Canada vs. the US that they should have 1 iota of difference in their vehicle lines from the US, other than the speedo change? Seriously. What? That has never made sense, and I don't think it does to people on either side of the border.

If I live in Canada and can buy an Insignia-Regal, but move 10 miles over the border and only have the Lacrosse...in land that's the same, people that are pretty much the same, etc. Whatever goes to Canada should go to the US and vice verse.

Here is the story that GM will give you. I'm not defending GM, just explaining the point of view.

Canadians are more receptive to foreign cars, hachbacks and smaller cars than our American friends south of the border. As such, many cars that are available in Canada either arrive in the U.S. later or in some cases never. For example, Canada has had the SMART car for years whereas it is only now being introduced in the U.S.

On the other hand, I'd argue that the reason Americans don't buy these vehicles that are only available in Canada is because the U.S. automakers don't offer them or promote them.

Case in point, the Opel/Vauxhall Astra is a huge hit in Europe yet a dismal failure in the U.S. I go to the U.K. often (twice this year) and I am amazed at how popular this car is. Why? In Europe the car is offered with a variety of engines that we can't get in North America. Check out their site: www.vauxhall.co.uk Ten engine and 5 transmission options. If GM had added a few features (like another cup holder) and a more powerful engine option perhaps the Astra could share the praise it righfully receives in Europe?