GM Sales Down 11 percent

[BORG]

GM is still very dependent on sales to daily rental agencies, particularly Chevy which is shockingly fleet-oriented for this day in age. Confusing sales figures will be the norm until this is resolved.

The G5 vs. Sunfire issue is related largely to the fact that Sunfire was also available as a sedan and sold at SUBSTANTIAL discount. GM used a lot of money to get that type of volume, more so than any other manufacturer. They subsidized their market share to remarkable heights. And then they dumped what they couldn't sell to fleet. Loosing that market share is not an unhealthy thing at all.

Saturn is not a well managed brand AT ALL! Dumping products on Saturn does not a brand make! This is one spectacular example of how overhauling a brand with products that don't target their consumers will lead you down the wrong path. Lutz is famous for developing cars but not consumers. This is one way to waste money (good if you have it I guess).

[mpsrent]

Not sure I would call the Equinox, Torrent and Lacrosse changes as updates. They are just a few mid life chagnes. Other than Sport models, the Equinox and Torrent still have the 3.4 that has been (right or wrong) a huge negative for many propsectivie buyers. The Lacrosse (I own one) has many short comings that still need to be addressed. It works as a commuter or fleet car, but certainly would not be my long term purchase option.

The point was well made, there are a number of key products that desparately need an overhaul. The Lambda models are proof that GM can build competitive product. Whoever planned the Lambdas had great foresight for if GM didn't react, many Yukon, Tahoe owners looking to downsize a little would have looked at competitors and we all know what happens once a loyal buyer swithces brands - they don't always come back. The Lambda SUV's kept GM faithful in the family.

Not every crossover buyer wants a vehicle as large as the Lambda. GM needs to create an Equinox sized model that is just as modern as the Lambda models or their share of the smaller SUV market will continue to dwindle away as potential buyers swithc to other brands. I have an Enovy that will need replacing and find the Lambdas to be larger than what I need yet I have no interest in an Equinox.

[hotrod1949]

Originally Posted by tgagneguam

CTS moved 5,586 units, up 55.1%. I'd like to say that beating expectations is getting old, but really, it isn't.

I think it's completely unacceptable that in its second month GM still has yet to ramp up Malibu; 7,210 sales, some of which were undoubtedly last generation Malibu's?! This car is far too important for there to be a ramp-up phase, especially considering the new CTS seemed to have been going full tilt from month 1. Come on, GM, you're better than this.

If it wasn't for the controlled ramp of start up, you would be shortly complaining of quality and fit & finish issues. Sometimes build issues don't present themselves until line is at near full speed.

[377Z]

Originally Posted by paul8488

...How will GM move ANY Equinoxes and Torrents in 2009 against ever-improving competition?

With incentives & fleet sales.

HA!

You don't expect the ENTIRE LINEUP to be competetive, do you?

dimwits note: Last sentence is sarcasm.

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by 377Z

dimwits note: Last sentence is sarcasm.

Ah thanks... I was ready with my angry response!

[377Z]

Originally Posted by paul8488

Ah thanks... I was ready with my angry response!

Not directed at you, no offense.

[igor]

Originally Posted by paul8488

The Aura will not hit 60,000 in its first full year of production. That's scary.

It is nice to see GM small cars doing well.

Acadia is doing very well... Lambda will sell about 130,000 this year, which has to be in line with their expectations for the first year, I'd think.

Equinox and Torrent have been left to suffer... as someone else mentioned it's a hot segment... unfortunate that they haven't received some attention.

What scares me most is the number of GM vehicles that need attention and won't be getting it next year. Equinox and Torrent, Cobalt and G5, G6, Lacrosse and Lucerne, STS and DTS, Colorado and Canyon... there's nothing planned for any of these anytime soon... some will have to sit patiently for 2 more years before getting any attention!!! How will GM move ANY Equinoxes and Torrents in 2009 against ever-improving competition?

to quote Peter DeLorenzo: Too many brands, too many models, too many dealers.

Igor

[b4z]

Did anybody notice the HHR was up 29%?

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by 377Z

Not directed at you, no offense.

Oh hey, none taken... actually, I'm more offended that you DIDN'T write that for me! I take pride in being a dimwit... it's the one thing I do very well!

[goodtime]

The one bad piont to the malibu is that they made this great advertising blitz, which I think began in mid october I think, and now its the begininng of december and they still don't have anything on the lots. According to the numbers, they have built roughly 19,000 new malibus, now we just need to get these to the dealers.

[drew770]

Originally Posted by paul8488

The Aura will not hit 60,000 in its first full year of production. That's scary.

It is nice to see GM small cars doing well.

Acadia is doing very well... Lambda will sell about 130,000 this year, which has to be in line with their expectations for the first year, I'd think.

Equinox and Torrent have been left to suffer... as someone else mentioned it's a hot segment... unfortunate that they haven't received some attention.

What scares me most is the number of GM vehicles that need attention and won't be getting it next year. Equinox and Torrent, Cobalt and G5, G6, Lacrosse and Lucerne, STS and DTS, Colorado and Canyon... there's nothing planned for any of these anytime soon... some will have to sit patiently for 2 more years before getting any attention!!! How will GM move ANY Equinoxes and Torrents in 2009 against ever-improving competition?

That's the problem with being a giant with few resources and even fewer talent to balance so many brands and platforms.
It almost gives credence to what Alan Mulally is doing at Ford at dumping brands to focus resources and talent at core assets.

[tripowergto]

Originally Posted by b4z

Did anybody notice the HHR was up 29%?

The new panel version is now readily available and a truly unique vehicle.

[tripowergto]

[quote=paul8488;1253116]STS is down below last years already low sales. If it was redone (and I didn't know that it was) they did a poor job. Equinox and Torrent have new Sport / GTP models, but these expensive versions should be the base models (at base model prices), not uplevel versions. And even with the much better drivetrains they still need a restyling. The Lacrosse does have a new grille, but it doesn't stand out as a 'new' car... and the V8 is an option... a welcome one, but an option nonetheless.

I am not saying because of one bad month that GM is doomed... I've felt for a long time that even though there are many great GMs currently available and coming out soon that there are still many other neglected vehicles. The STS, Equinox / Torrent, Lacrosse, Lucerne, Cobalt, G5, Colorado, and Canyon are all vehicles that are not selling very well (compared to their competition) and that will only become more dated over the next 2 years. As far as we know there aren't even any solid plans for Cobalt/G5 or Colorado/Canyon replacements.

QUOTE]

I recently compared both the new Torrent GXP and Equinox Sport and their exterior revamps are actually quite extensive. The GXP even has a brand new hood. Coupled with the new drivetrain option and interior upgrades it stands a chance IF(as you suggested) these revisions eventually trickle down to the base models as GM does have a habit of doing as models age. The Lacrosse and STS revisions are much more obvious and compelling in person. The Cobalt/G6 was used as a UAW bargaining chip to possibly close Lordstown unless GM got concessions. It worked, but the MCE was a victim of the negotiations. At least the Turbo Cobalt will be here soon. The Lucerne is not very old... YET. The Colorado/Canyon is my biggest concern as there appears to be zero upgrades in the pipeline.

[Buickman]

the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results...ie. leaving Red Ink Rick in place.

[1487]

Originally Posted by paul8488

STS is down below last years already low sales. If it was redone (and I didn't know that it was) they did a poor job. Equinox and Torrent have new Sport / GTP models, but these expensive versions should be the base models (at base model prices), not uplevel versions. And even with the much better drivetrains they still need a restyling. The Lacrosse does have a new grille, but it doesn't stand out as a 'new' car... and the V8 is an option... a welcome one, but an option nonetheless.

I am not saying because of one bad month that GM is doomed... I've felt for a long time that even though there are many great GMs currently available and coming out soon that there are still many other neglected vehicles. The STS, Equinox / Torrent, Lacrosse, Lucerne, Cobalt, G5, Colorado, and Canyon are all vehicles that are not selling very well (compared to their competition) and that will only become more dated over the next 2 years. As far as we know there aren't even any solid plans for Cobalt/G5 or Colorado/Canyon replacements.

The Cobalt has been doing okay... but it's going to have a tough time against the new Focus and Corolla.

I'm a GM fan and love much of their lineup... but so many of these other vehicles have no hope of selling two years from now when they aren't moving all that well right now. Saab's another worrisome case... the 9-3 and 9-5 redos don't appear to have bolstered sales all that much. Not sure when a 9-2 or refreshed 9-3 and 9-5 models are coming out, but it had better be soon!

every car company wants to have a completely fresh lineup all the time. Its not going to happen. There was a time when the cobalt and Equinox were amongst the better vehicles in their class but newer competitors have surpassed them. The STS got a new exterior and new base powertrain for 2008, this is common knowledge. The Lacrosse got a new front end and new toplevel trim/engine. The 9-3 is getting a new AWD system and more power for 2008. It also got revised styling. GM is doing a decent, if not perfect, job of updating models. I dont think the slow sales can stictly be attributed to lack of updates. Sometimes the competition is just newer better or offered with better incentives. We all know the LAcrosse is going to be around until 2009 as will the cobalt so its pointless to complain about them needing an immediate redesign every month.

As for the Aura, its sales arent great but its still outselling the Taurus which is a nice car in its own right. Saturn's dealer network and ad budget dont seem to be large enough to drive any significant volume increase. I believe Saturn should offer special incentives to those who trade in a Honda or Toyota.

The colorado and canyon are slowly dying. I dont know why anyone is surprised they are struggling.