Product Mix-ups Explained; 2009 Launch Time Line

[steve333]

Originally Posted by fp115

Wagoner has nothing to do with the name or the engine selection. IF anything it would be Bob Lutz. But for the most part the name comes from marketing and the companies they hire to provide the census.

The buck stops at the CEO's desk. I have a hard time believeing that Lutz would approve of a car named Cruze.
At Ford, Mullaly makes the decisions on what cars to bring over from Europe and what to call them.
Wagoner is the problem at GM.

[fp115]

Originally Posted by steve333

The buck stops at the CEO's desk. I have a hard time believeing that Lutz would approve of a car named Cruze.
At Ford, Mullaly makes the decisions on what cars to bring over from Europe and what to call them.
Wagoner is the problem at GM.

Lutz doesn't decide on car names, LaNeve does. Lutz can have a say in it but in the end its LaNeve and the census results. Census results hold higher weight than anything else. If you want to complain about the name, complain to the people who do not work for the company who were given a list of names to pick out.

The Cobalt name is by far too tarnished for people to want to buy the car. Changing the name to Cruze will also increase resale value and allow GM to give it a premium equal to the Civic.

[96_impala_ss]

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?

LaCrosse is Allure because its supposedly French/Quebecois slang for jacking off. The word Crosse is slang for being screwed over. Technically the slang word for masturbation in normal French is SeCrosse. I guess things arent always expected. The Regal is the Insignia though. Nothing more than a rebadge. Its not a knock off. Im not sure if GMNA will want to bring back the Regal name though. It might end up with a name like Branler or SeCrosser. (more slang for masturbation )

[exmechanic]

Originally Posted by nsap

The Coupe has been pushed back a year as of last week.

We got our revised production schedule today for 2009's and 2010's and the CTS coupe is still on there.

[A.J.]

Having read the story again, I can understand the reasoning for delaying the new Saturn Aura.

First, GM sells the Insignia as an Opel/Buick over in Europe and China.
Second, GM works out any potential problems that the Insignia might have.
Third, GM sells the Insignia as a Saturn over here in the States.

It's common sense, really. Why would you want to get a product over here early when it might be plagued with problems?

[nsap]

Originally Posted by Chaz_23

What about the Volt?

I bet GM is going to screw Epsilon II up, the way they did Zeta. For decades only Buick will get it, which means it'll get some good reviews here and there and very few sales. It should have been an Aura first and then a Buick. Higher prices for the Buick are not going to make up for the dismal sales that it'll have.

And what are the plans for NA Zeta? Camaro, that's it? All that retooling for one niche car?

I can tell you that the LaCrosse will have the content/features to compete very well. I'm crossing my fingers that we have another Enclave on our hands....

Originally Posted by steve333

The buck stops at the CEO's desk. I have a hard time believeing that Lutz would approve of a car named Cruze.
At Ford, Mullaly makes the decisions on what cars to bring over from Europe and what to call them.
Wagoner is the problem at GM.

The "Cruze" name was fully picked by marketing. Few others were involved in the decision. Same goes for SRX and LaCrosse for the new ones.

Originally Posted by exmechanic

We got our revised production schedule today for 2009's and 2010's and the CTS coupe is still on there.

All of GM's press releases clearly state its pushed back a year. These changes are so new its possible they haven't made it through the channels yet. I'm told things are nuts right now (not a surprise).

[The Law]

What about:

Saab 9.3 and Saturn Corsa?

[stevecmh]

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?

agreed.. very happy to see the MPV coming.

also very happy to see the Camaro on time.

Most are very close which is good.. to bad bout the CTS coupe

[nsap]

Originally Posted by The Law

What about:

Saab 9.3 and Saturn Corsa?

Neither are even close to launching, so I didn't bother to include them.

Oh, I should add that the Delta II Astra has been pushed back as well. Not that it's a surprise...

[gmhashope]

Originally Posted by steve333

All the Astra needed was the 2.2L Ecotec Powertrain and the Sedan version. How freaking hard is that for GM to understand?

As for the Cobalt/Cruze 2010 is ridiculous. GM could just put in the 2.2L Ecotec for now and offer the 1.4 Turbo when it is ready. Keep the name Cobalt and it would sell very well, IMO. There is NO reason to wait and NO reason to change the name to Cruze. Wagoner is an amazing imbecile.

The Insignia should be built here as the new Buick Regal. LaCrosse is a dumb name and doesnt sell.

Saturn needs to be axed yesterday. Small dealer network, low sales. How much money is GM dumping into this brand and for what reason? Just use Opel designs for Buicks and Pontiacs.

Rick Wagoner has got to go, NOW.

Right I forgot you had 30 years of experience running multi-billion dollar companies.

GM makes NO MONEY on small cars. Gas is $1.99 by me so yea great idea lets rush forward something GM will make no money on when they have serious money issues.

The Astras price is too high and it is not advertised enough, actually barely at all. Ideally, I'd love to have a lot of things.

The problem with GM is they keep changing their plan. They waste some money doing something then a month change their mind and waste more money. Couple this with the rising costs of material and labor, legacy costs, and a declining economy and things will be bad no matter who's in charge.

[Hoboken Tim]

What about the Saturn 2 mode hybrid, when will that get here?

[fp115]

Originally Posted by Hoboken Tim

What about the Saturn 2 mode hybrid, when will that get here?

The Vue PHEV? That is set for 2009.

[hotrod1949]

Originally Posted by 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.

I think the chart is a little off, from what I understand, the Terrain SOP is August/09.

[kenman923]

I think that the Government should only give GM a loan if they promise to do some serious restructuring. If GM is not willing to do that, they deserve to go under.

[1931Chevy]

will there be a GM for this cars