GMI Covers: 2008 British Motor Show

[TJ95GAGT]

Originally Posted by RCDonner

Now everybody wants this car so much. And when it is available in US nobody buys it. This has been with everything from GM and Ford coming from europe to US. Look at the Astra or catera. In case of catera I remember how much car magazines praised it before it was available and you all know what happened then. Same with the Astra. Otherwise the Insigna has to be built in US, an export from europe would be far too expensive with current dollar rate.

I'm sure the Astra's problems have nothing to do with the advertising it is getting, or its below average status in every category or its low number of dealers or the fact it's only a hatchback. That being said bring THIS car over with the same options Europe gets and I will buy one, would be my first 4 door car.

[F14CRAZY]

It's beautiful, inside and out.

AND LOOK! A MANUAL TRANS! . GM actually offers those somewhere

[fp115]

Originally Posted by F14CRAZY

It's beautiful, inside and out.

AND LOOK! A MANUAL TRANS! . GM actually offers those somewhere

Last I checked all the Saturns offer them except for the Outlook. Most of the new GM models also offer them.

[F14CRAZY]

Originally Posted by fp115

Last I checked all the Saturns offer them except for the Outlook. Most of the new GM models also offer them.

Yes on the Astra, Sky

NO on the Vue, Aura (and Outlook)

[fp115]

Originally Posted by F14CRAZY

Yes on the Astra, Sky

NO on the Vue, Aura (and Outlook)

Geez I thought I was getting lucky with the automatic Vues all the time. Last time I drove one that was standard was in 2007, figured the 2008 would have it too. Aura has manumatic, which I can't really car for... GM needs more and better standard gearboxs... though I do like the Astra's a lot.

[djo165]

Originally Posted by RCDonner

Now everybody wants this car so much. And when it is available in US nobody buys it. This has been with everything from GM and Ford coming from europe to US.

That's because GM always does it only half right. Yeah, they'll bring the car in, but won't bring the coolest options. Look at the G8. No manual transmission options for the V6 or GT. Sure, the GTP might have one, but what about those of us who don't want to spend over $35k? Also, the Holden Commodore has more interior and exterior color options than the G8. What does the G8 get for the interior? Black, or black with red inserts. Woohoo! Two choices for the interior.

I want my next car to have four doors, a 6-speed manual transmission, and RWD. But you know what? If GM makes the Insignia the next Saturn Aura and keeps the manual tranny with a powerful V6, I'll take it.

But bring the brown/tan interior as well!

[mbukukanyau]

I cannot think of one good reason why GM should not be selling this car here, like now?

[jlt0x]

Why GM decided to delay this model coming to the US is way beyond my reasoning skills....

If the Insignia can be sold in the US as it looks today, I'd say GM would have a definite sales hit. And could easily pull the Honda/Toyota diehards into the showroom for that "crucial" 1st-look.

Marketing this vehicle would be easy...but GM seems to be making their light-work monumental tasks these days...

[jlt0x]

Originally Posted by djo165

That's because GM always does it only half right. Yeah, they'll bring the car in, but won't bring the coolest options. Look at the G8. No manual transmission options for the V6 or GT. Sure, the GTP might have one, but what about those of us who don't want to spend over $35k? Also, the Holden Commodore has more interior and exterior color options than the G8. What does the G8 get for the interior? Black, or black with red inserts. Woohoo! Two choices for the interior.

I want my next car to have four doors, a 6-speed manual transmission, and RWD. But you know what? If GM makes the Insignia the next Saturn Aura and keeps the manual tranny with a powerful V6, I'll take it.

But bring the brown/tan interior as well!

I agree. GM has had some dropdead gorgeous concepts that turned out to be duds in production guise. GM's inability to offer high-end options with models using smaller/weaker powertrains disappoints the masses that don't prefer to purchase the 300hp street rocket just to get a standard cd-changer and sunroof.

I'll admit though...I've given the thumbs-up on many concepts, but not followed through to actually purchase the production model. GM may have to increase their marketing to past customers that may be ready to purchase a new vehicle.

GM has records of consumers that have used GMAC financing...that should show who has purchased a vehicle 3-5 years ago. Heavily market (and offer extra-special rates, packages) to those people to be the 1st to own a new model. They'll -- in turn -- buy and be "on-the-street" marketing to other mildly interested customers.

GM should be ready to go the extra mile these days. Having quality vehicles and providing consistent good service is going to be key in re-solidifying why GM is the largest car organization in the world.

[chade]

This car is just plain beautiful!! Wow!!!

Honestly, if material quality is up to par, I would say it looks like a mate to the CTS. Takes the Malibu and ups the stakes. Definitely blows the Accord and Camry out of the water.

[DW115]

Originally Posted by RCDonner

Now everybody wants this car so much. And when it is available in US nobody buys it. This has been with everything from GM and Ford coming from europe to US. Look at the Astra or catera. In case of catera I remember how much car magazines praised it before it was available and you all know what happened then. Same with the Astra. Otherwise the Insigna has to be built in US, an export from europe would be far too expensive with current dollar rate.

Unfortunately the reason is because everytime we do have a breakthrough design it takes 3 years before it gets to market. The Aura took 2 1/2 years at autoshows. That could of been 2 earth shattering years of sales instead it made the body style old by the time it came to market.

[fp115]

Originally Posted by jlt0x

Why GM decided to delay this model coming to the US is way beyond my reasoning skills....

Its simple, GM is using the money to fund more important products such as the Volt, Cruze, Aveo which will be the ones that sell in volumes. The Insignia would be unable to sell in such volumes as those. No matter how nice it is, Saturn still needs to bring up its name first, then get more dealerships.

[MaxLegroom]

Where was that video of the Insignia moving through a city filmed? I'd like to go there sometime. As for the car, don't tease me with a sexy coupe, even if this car is great looking as it is. GM could lay the smackdown on Nissan (Altima coupe) and Honda (Accord coupe) with a two door Insignia/Aura.

[the_smurf2008]

You will most likely call me stupid, but if we are going to keep Buick, this car has the classy mid lux look that fits what the make needs to turn around.

Here is my photo chop on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13314536@N06/2694086114/

[Sgt Beavis]

That car is just so absolutely STUNNING. From a styling perspective it blows the doors off the Malibu. Considering how good the Malibu is, that's really saying something.

Its a shame that GM is delaying the Saturn version....

Oh, BTW GM, how about a wagon *ahem* a saloon version for the US