GM — Into The Second Century At Year 101

There is a very strong probability that a reader of the Tribune is an automotive enthusiast, otherwise it is pretty unlikely that you would be following along with this gear-clashing chaos that is breaking out between Detroit and Washington.  Today the top story in the Wall Street Journal and the Nightly News have the lead story about Mr. Wagoner being let go by Mr. Obama.  From the Tribune’s position that makes total sense because reflecting on history associated with the Titanic, just ask yourself if Captain Smith would of deserved a bonus for hitting the iceberg?  Well, Mr. Wagoner’s company has continued to lose about 1% market share since he became CEO in 2000.

Last month the Tribune reported about the GM crisis.

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Who Killed The Electric Car? — A Movie Review

DVD Cover

This movie details the life cycle of the EV1 built by General Motors. It is an activist film. I almost expected to see Michael Moore doing a follow-up interview at the GM building in Detroit. To the automotive enthusiast, this film is absolutely alarming because there is a viable in-production at 4 units per day vehicle that was killed on multiple fronts at the same time. In 1996 the EV1 went into production. About 1,000 were built. I never had an opportunity to ride in or drive the EV1. However, I did have the opportunity to speak with a lady that had one in a Florida lease. She absolutely loved the car and I did have the opportunity to see her driving it on city streets and the interstate. EV1’s had an aluminum frame that was sophisticated and optimized for a sleek two passenger car. I remember seeing just an aluminum EV1 frame hanging up somewhere … unfortunately I just cannot remember where at the time this review is being written. As someone who has particular appreciation for drivable space frame technologies, this frame clearly incorporated suspension loading, occupant ergonomics, and collision dynamics. Yes, the EV1 was killed off and most of the cars were crushed and then shredded. There are a few non-drivable cars left including those at the National Museum of American History, a part of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. and the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.  … Continue Reading

Timely Automotive Tribune News

There are some important items in the world of automotive news that will be of interest to Tribune readers.

Dodge Ram truck sales are up significantly

was reported in the March 16th edition of Automotive News .  Ram 1500’s share of the full-sized pickup segment rose to 13.5 percent in February from 10.7 percent in January and 8.2 percent in December.  This momentum, general excitement, and life signs were observed  and expressed in the Tribune’s recent acticle on the Dodge Ram.

Tata Nano to start production

was an article in today’s Wall Street Journal .  It is reported that the 10.2′ foot long car will cost dealers just under $2,000.  This car has been in limited availability in India because the new almost-completed production facility had to be relocated because of violent problems with a political party and local residents over disputed land.  During a business trip to Paris in late 2008 I discussed the Nano with an executive from India.  You will find the Tata Nano official website of interest as it countsdown till Monday’s official launch.  There are absolutely no plans for the Nano to come to North America!  This car represents a focused effort to provide a very low cost global entry vehicle for developing nations.

2010 Camaro went into produciton on March 16th. 

You will be able to see the arrival of the Camaro at your local Chevrolet dealer in April.  Currently, GM reports that they have 14,000 vehicles on order.  Here is the link to the All New Camaro web site.   A base car in LS trim with IRS and a 304 HP V6 has a starting price of $22,995.  However, after spending some time with the Build Your Own feature, the Tribune is of the opinion that the full featured 2LT which comes in around $30k with the RS package will be the sales leader.  A fully optioned 2SS with either of the big ticket tire & wheel packages ($4,680 or $4,865) brings the total to just short of $42k for the 426 HP V8.

Kings For Another Era

Little brother to the ZR1, the 2009 Z06 Corvette has 550 HP

2009 CTS-V

CTS-V and ZR1

arguably represent the finest passenger car and Corvette built by GM.  These monster performance vehicles are at the zenith of advertized horsepower with 556 and 638 as explained on their respective pages at the GM web site.

Both vehicles have accolades from the world wide automotive press.  This is absolutely impressive, because now the press really does provide positive commentary about GM vehicles.  The CTS-V can feel right at home in the company of BMW M products and Mercedes AMG while the ZR1 Corvette can out perform almost every car ever produced.

Dinosaurs once romed the earth and in today’s environmentally conscious society and GM’s negotiation with Washington for capital CTS-V and ZR1 vehicles will end the run for ultra high power internal combustion engine GM vehicles.  This is a terrible consequence for performance car fans, who would love to have one of these vehicles and GM, who needs positive press for providing a fantastic car at a reasonable price for cars in that perforance category.  Admittedly, prices that start at $60K and $106K are not cheap but then that is the price required to get into this exclusive performance group. … Continue Reading

Sales Improve

Car Sales Bottom Out and Rebound

Car sales analysts are paid a lot of money to get the numbers right.  Massive investments ride on predictions of economists and mathematicians.  Production decisions must be made months in advance so that suppliers can have the parts and components ready at the assembly line. … Continue Reading

Ford Vision

Ford is the Premiere North American Automaker

To say these words almost sounds like shock for many who have followed American and World automotive car business.  However, the simple fact that both GM and Chrysler are at the financial edge and recognize cash flow failure and bankruptcy are real possibilities absolutely moves both companies to a file folder with the title of “Reorganize Business Model”.

Automotive history texts will likely say that Ford Motor Company recognized that its Business Model did not work for the 21st Centry in 2004 and that if effective change was not implemented then Ford was going to fail.  Harsh reality for a company incorporated in 1903 but absolutely true based on money in and money out. … Continue Reading