Is it possible that GM is considering a second Alpha plant?

[Z284ever]

A couple of weeks ago, GMI reported that Buick's consideration of RWD Alpha products hinged on GM's decision to build the Chevy Code 130R. Last week, GM confirmed what we had already strongly suspected, that sixth gen Camaro production moves to Lansing Grand River in 2015. Basically, what this means is that LGR will be pretty well be taken up by CTS, ATS and Camaro production. Apparently, or so it seems to me, that's why approval of the Code and Buick Alphas seemed to be tied at the hip. There's no room for them at LGR.

Let's be brutally honest about the Code 130R for a moment. It is something I'd like to see, but beyond Clay Dean and afew others, I really detect no great groundswell of support for it from inside GM. But maybe Buick's interest in Alpha spruces up the Code's business plan. And visa versa. A second plant, probably Oshawa or Spring Hill, if it were to happen, would need 150,000-200,000 annual units to make a slam dunk business case. That's alot of RWD Codes and Buicks. There have been rumors that Buick could replace the Regal with an Alpha based RWD model. That brings up the question of whether GM would export these cars to Europe as Opels and China as Buicks.

What does the GMI brain trust think? Is it possible that GM could have two Alpha assembly lines going in North America?

[prototype66]

Are we 100% LGR cannot handle the additional product?

[Z284ever]

Are we 100% LGR cannot handle the additional product?

I'm sure that LGR could handle a bit more volume than the ATS/CTS/Camaro.

[Tone]

That's a lot of volume for what amounts to a couple of largish niches. I have a hard time imagining a Code 130 + a Buick variant hitting 150,000 cars combined. It might make sense in a flex plant with a third, higher volume product -- like the Ford plant that made Mustangs and Mazda6s.

The only other thing I can think of is a larger and smaller Buick as well as the replacement for the SS -- add those plus a Code 130 and maybe you're getting toward the needed volume.

[ChevyRules]

That's a lot of volume for what amounts to a couple of largish niches. I have a hard time imagining a Code 130 + a Buick variant hitting 150,000 cars combined. It might make sense in a flex plant with a third, higher volume product -- like the Ford plant that made Mustangs and Mazda6s.

The only other thing I can think of is a larger and smaller Buick as well as the replacement for the SS -- add those plus a Code 130 and maybe you're getting toward the needed volume.

Hence why Oshawa and Spring Hill would be good candidates as the second Alpha plant. Spring Hill needs product as they will only be assembling Equinox's and Terrain's as another overflow plant. Oshawa already has Regal, Impala, and XTS so that plant has volume to justify niche vehicles.

[mrDenali]

Well Alpha shouldn't be held down to two models, and LGR would probably hit full capacity with those three models.

There have been rumors that Buick could replace the Regal with an Alpha based RWD model.

Awesome. Maybe with a Buick coupe, as well as 130R in multiple body styles, we could see it hit 100-150K units annually. Maybe use that plant to export out to Europe for an Opel model.

[JBsZ06]

Why does anyone think quick needs a rear wheel drive platform?

I don't believe it's the correct path unless all wheel drive is available..



I could see this with 2 electric wheel hub motors for the front wheels

[Z284ever]

Why does anyone think quick needs a rear wheel drive platform?

I don't believe it's the correct path unless all wheel drive is available..



I could see this with 2 electric wheel hub motors for the front wheels

Actually, I'm not really convinced that it does.

[63GrandSport001]

If Buick were to move the Regal to the alpha platform and export it to China and Europe (as Opel/Vauxhall models) then I can see them hitting the volume targets needed. The Buick and chevy model would need to hit 12,500 units a month in global volume in order to reach 150,000 units. I actually find that goal to be very tangible, that is 6,250 units a month for both vehicles to achieve and I can see the Buick beating that mark and the chevy falling short. I honestly think that Buick can sell roughly 3,000 RWD Regals in the US, 3,500 in China and 2,000 units in Europe a month for a grand total of 8,500 units.

Also this plant can act as over flow in case the ATS/CTS/Camaro demand goes above what LGR can handle.

[sfdenny]

Was really wanting to have the 130R available when the ATS comes off lease. I'm a Chevy guy at heart.... The next-gen Camaro might fit the bill as well - and the timing could be ideal - but something smaller would be better.

[dslay04]

I think its bigger than that. The 2nd alpha plant would have to make the Code 130r, the rwd Buick, a compact Cadillac crossover, gen 2 Chevy SS, and anything made on Omega. That is if we ever are going to get the Cadillac line up we deserve

[American_Muscle]

They could buy back the Wilmington plant here in DE now that Fisker is all but done.

[FenwickHockey65]

Pretty sure Janesville is still listed on idle status.

[oldmember2]

I believe GM should not build another Alpha, sense they will have three the ATS, Camaro 6 generation and future Alpha 2015/16 SS,that will be build here in the United States.I believe we don't want GM to become the OLD GM AGAIN By having two of the same cars the SS and Buick Regal. I am more for a small RWD car to compete with other 4cylinder RWD Cars like the (Toyota Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ .

[Orbit Orange]

How about reviving Pontiac with an Alpha Firebird.

More capacity needed? Alpha (stretched) GTO