Motors Liquidation Company = The Old GM

Motors Liquidation Company

GM filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on June 1, 2009 and GM officially changed its name to Motors Liquidation Company.

On June 1, 2009 Motors Liquidation Company (formerly General Motors Corporation) and certain of its subsidiaries filed a voluntary petition seeking relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

For bankruptcy court documents, please visit www.motorsliquidationdocket.com.

If you are accustomed to looking at the GM stock price you will find Motors Liquidation at MTLQQ

Some Not So Fine Print … Continue Reading

Auto Ramblings

National Automobile Dealers Association

NADA asked the Federal Government on August 19, 2009 to suspend the CARS Cash for Clunkers Program because, by their research, the $3B has been exhausted.

It is clear that the CARS program has lifted vehicle production quotas, especially for fuel efficient vehicles.  Automotive Tribune is of the opinion that winding the CARS program down will result in a long term Federal program that will encourage purchase of high mileage vehicles.

‘Old Chrysler’ Creditors Sue Daimler Over Assets

Daimler still owns 19.9% of Chrysler.  However, since the failed “Merger of Equals” things have again started to heat up.  It is clear that a great deal of discontent is evident because of the Chrysler meltdown.  Watching this litigation will definitely produce another round of very nasty automotive finger pointing.  There will be plenty of media coverage … stay tuned.

Cash For Clunkers Program

Car Allowance Rebate System = Cash For Clunkers Program

Cash for clunkers may or may not be the correct terminology for this Federal Program, depending on what you are bringing to the dealership.  However, having the opportunity to receive some Federal financial assistance to purchase a replacement vehicle has motivated many customers to come into dealerships.

What Is The Effect

US auto sales totaled 4.8 million units in the first half of the year which calculates to about 800,000 vehicles per month.  With the CARS program in place sales jumped to 1M vehicles in July.  Going from 800k to 1M represents a 25% increase in sales for the month.

$3500 to $4500

CARS Program information is pretty well explained explained and HERE is the Simple Explanation.  Or, if you want to review the complete US Department of Transportation Code of Federal Regulations then HERE is the 136 page Detailed Explanation.

… Continue Reading

You Can Communicate With GM

You Can Communicate Directly With GM

GM has set up a web site link where you can actually communicate with CEO Fritz Henderson.  This web site provides a “Corporate View” for GM at www.GM.com and drilling into the site gets to Mr. Henderson’s direct link and includes contemporary videos with his message, vehicles coming on-line now, and a very significant video with the pilot build for the Volt.

Is This Significant?  Yes!

Auto manufacturers are elusive.  Communication of any type to the auto manufacturer is always filtered, diverted, re-routed, and potentially a waste of time.  However, one good thing that has come out of the Structured Bankruptcy is that GM is now more transparent. 

Spend a few minutes with this site.  You will see an openness that has never been in place before.  Will this last?  Is this just a bunch of “smoke and mirrors”.  Who knows???  But, for now there appears to be a realistic effort for communication.

As a follower of the Tribune if you have some success or failure of the GM Link let us know.

Bob Lutz Has A New Role

GM’s “Car Guy” Will Not Retire

Bob Lutz will continue to have an active role in the New GM.  This is important news 

The Lee Iacocca Model

GM because Lutz is the one guy that absolutely delivers and his new role will be to Deliver GM to the customer!

What exactly will Bob Lutz new role be … well that seems to be unclear.  However, what is clear is that A) his strong character type and B) USA’s need to be comfortable with GM.  Putting together A & B results in a classic Lee Iacocca that can be the voice of the New GM.

If you can find a better car then buy it … in the best of Lee Iacocca.

GM and America need Bob Lutz.  He is the one leader that can deliver comfortability and quality assurance for GM.  We will all be watching for the media update.

Racing “On The Beach” At Daytona

Where Did They Race On The Beach At Daytona Beach?

Beach racing at Daytona Beach was the foundation that led to today’s Daytona International Raceway built by “Big Bill” France who organized NASCAR.

Original beach racing photos and movie coverage is captivating … assuming that you like that sort of history with all of the drivers and unique challenges associated with an earlier era of technology and safety issues.

Today, if you want to go to the actual beach race course the best location is Racing’s North Turn Restaurant which is located at the point of the north turn along the beach.  Inside the restaurant are hundreds of photos and memorabilia.  Spending some time at Racing’s North Turn Restaurant is an opportunity to look back at history.