Articles: Articles

Meet The Next-Generation GM EcoTec Engine Family

Wed, 19 Mar 2014 20:35:00 +0000

Today at a media briefing, General Motors unveiled their next-generation EcoTec engine family. The family will go into production later this year and promises to be more refined and efficient than before.

The engine family is made up of eleven different three and four-cylinder engines ranging in displacement of 1.0 to 1.5 liters. Both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged engines will be on offer and the engines have been designed with hybrid and alternate fuel configurations in the future. Power will range from 75 to 165 horsepower and 70 to 184 pound-feet or torque.

"The new Ecotec architecture represents the most advanced and efficient family of small-car gas engines in GM's history. Along with performance and efficiency targets, we've also aimed for segment-leading refinement with low noise and vibration - and we've hit the bulls-eye," said Tom Sutter, GM's global chief engineer.

The first vehicles to get the latest EcoTec engines will be the Opel Adam and the Chinese-Market Chevrolet Cruze. The Adam will get a new turbocharged 1.0L three-cylinder that is 20 percent more efficient than the 1.6L four-cylinder it replaces. Meanwhile, the Chinese-Market Cruze replaces the 1.6L four-cylinder with a new turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder with 148 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

GM plans to roll out the engine lineup to twenty-seven different vehicles globally. Oddly, GM hasn't announced any plans for the U.S. for the new EcoTec family. We'll likely hear about that later this year.

Source: General Motors

Press Release is on Page 2

New Modular Ecotec Engines are More Adaptable, Efficient

Modular architecture streamlines powertrain portfolio, reduces manufacturing complexity
Global design and manufacturing processes enhance adaptability, with 11 engine variants ranging from 1.0L to 1.5L
Up to 2.5 million annual production at five global plants by 2017

DETROIT – A new generation of Ecotec small-displacement engines streamlines General Motors’ global powertrain portfolio with a modular architecture that broadens its adaptability to global markets and reduces manufacturing complexity – while offering customers leading-edge efficiency, refinement and durability.

The new engines were developed for GM’s global vehicle portfolio and will power many of the company’s highest-volume small cars and compact crossovers – including the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze specifically tailored for China, which launches in 2014 as a 2015 model.

By 2017, more than 2.5 million new Ecotec engines are projected to be built annually in at least five manufacturing locations around the globe: Flint, Mich. (U.S.); Shenyang, China; Szentgotthárd, Hungary; Toluca, Mexico; and Changwon, South Korea. The Flint facility alone represents an investment of more than $200 million in technology and tooling to support the engines’ production.

“Transportation solutions vary around the world and GM is committed to developing engines matched to the needs of the regions where they’re sold,” said Steve Kiefer, GM vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering. “The new engine family is designed to achieve segment-leading refinement and efficiency, and will make its way into five GM brands and 27 models by the 2017 model year.”

The new Ecotec portfolio will include 11 engines, with three- and four-cylinder variants ranging from 1.0L to 1.5L – including turbocharged versions – and power ratings ranging from 75 horsepower (56 kW) to 165 horsepower (123 kW), and torque ranging from 70 lb-ft (95 Nm) to 184 lb-ft (250 Nm). The architecture is also designed to support hybrid propulsion systems and alternative fuels.

The first production applications include a 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder for the Opel ADAM in Europe, and 1.4L turbocharged and 1.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines for the 2015 next-generation Chevrolet Cruze in China.

The turbocharged variants enable the engines to deliver the power and torque of larger-displacement engines with the efficiency of smaller engines. For example, the turbocharged 1.0L three-cylinder used in the Opel ADAM makes as much power as the naturally aspirated 1.6L four-cylinder it replaces – with an estimated 20-percent improvement in efficiency.

In fact, the new Ecotec family is on the leading edge of efficiency, with the new 1.4L turbo up to five percent more efficient than the 1.4L turbo engine it will replace. The new Ecotec engines also deliver segment-challenging refinement. Noise intensity is up to 50-percent quieter than Volkswagen’s EA211 1.4L four-cylinder and up to 25-percent quieter than Ford’s 1.0L turbo three-cylinder.

Clean-sheet design

The new Ecotec engines represent a clean-sheet design and engineering process, leveraging the diverse experience of GM’s global resources. Technologies such as central direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing, turbocharging and variable intake manifold airflow help achieve efficiency goals with broad power bands, for an optimal balance of strong performance and lower fuel consumption.

“The new Ecotec architecture represents the most advanced and efficient family of small-car gas engines in GM’s history,” said Tom Sutter, global chief engineer. “Along with performance and efficiency targets, we’ve also aimed for segment-leading refinement with low noise and vibration – and we’ve hit the bulls-eye.”

Modularity in parts – such as four-cylinder and three-cylinder blocks – that share bore spacing, bore diameter, liners and other dimensions, reduces complexity while increasing the flexibility to quickly adapt the architecture for new applications.

The new Ecotec engines are calibrated to run on regular unleaded gas – even the high-output turbo variants.

The new 1.4L turbo for the 2015 next-generation Chevrolet Cruze in China is estimated at 148 horsepower (110 kW) and 173 lb-ft of torque (235 Nm). The 1.5L is rated at an estimated 113 horsepower (84 kW) and 108 lb-ft of torque (146 Nm).

In China, Cruze models with the 1.4L turbo engine will also feature an all-new dual-clutch gearbox.

Investigations Open By Justice Department, Congressional Committee On General Motors Ignition Switch Recall

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 22:45:00 +0000

Both the U.S. Justice Department and the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee announced this week they would start investigations into General Motors' ignition switch recall. The recall which affects 1.62 million vehicles worldwide has been linked to 31 crashes and 13 deaths.

The Detroit News reports that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New York is heading up the Justice Department's investigation. This is the office that has been investigating Toyota's unattended acceleration recall since 2010 to determine whether or not the company misled Government officials over claims of sudden acceleration. According to two people familiar with the matter, the office's office’s criminal division deputy chief has reached out to lawyers to gather information for a possible subpoena to GM. This is a possible sign to a preliminary investigation.

When asked for comment, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and GM declined.

The other investigation is coming from the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee who is looking into why General Motors failed to act quickly on this problem.

“Significant questions need to be answered. Did the company or regulators miss something that could have flagged these problems sooner? If the answer is yes, we must learn how and why this happened, and then determine whether this system of reporting and analyzing complaints that Congress created to save lives is being implemented and working as the law intended,” said U.S. Representative Fred Upton, R-Michigan, chairman of the Committee.

The committee is also looking into why National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ignored complaints over GM vehicles turning off via the faulty ignition switch.

Source: The Detroit News, Detroit Free Press

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM's Bankruptcy Terms Could Reduce Liabilities Over Ignition Switch Lawsuits

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 13:35:00 +0000

Another twist in the General Motors' ignition switch recall story. Automotive News reports that the company may have a possible legal shield from lawsuits stemming from the recall. During the restructuring process, GM negotiated with state attorney generals and consumer groups to carry product liability on vehicle faults after it left bankruptcy in 2009. Those faults prior to 2009 would need to take it up with old GM. So far, any lawsuits brought against the company for pre-2009 faults have gone nowhere.

"It is true that new GM did not assume liability for claims arising from incidents or accidents occurring prior to July 2009.Our principle throughout this process has been to the put the customer first, and that will continue to guide us," said GM spokesman Greg Martin in a email.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

107 Questions For GM To Answer Over Ignition Recall

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 14:25:00 +0000

General Motors' problems with the 1.6 million vehicle recall over a faulty ignition switch are growing. This week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has sent a 27 page document with 107 questions asking about the recall and the timeline. Questions range from how the investigation process on the ignition "was not as robust as it should have been" to when GM decided to start investigating crashes with the 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2007 Pontiac G5 where the air bag did not deploy.

NHTSA has also requested documents ranging from complaints from owners to lawsuits involving GM vehicles in the recall.

"We are a data-driven organization, and we will take whatever action is appropriate based on where our findings lead us," NHTSA said in a statement.

"In addition to getting NHTSA the information they need, we are doing what we can now to ensure our customers' safety and peace of mind. We want our customers to know that today's GM is committed to fixing this problem in a manner that earns their trust," said GM in a email statement to Automotive News.

General Motors has until April 3rd to comply with the document.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), NHTSA

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release and NHTSA's Special Order document is on Page 2

"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued General Motors LLC a Special Order as part of a Timeliness Query investigation of the automaker. The Special Order is part of the agency’s ongoing investigation into the timeliness of General Motors’ recall of faulty ignition switches to determine whether GM properly followed the legal processes and requirements for reporting recalls. General Motors’ response to this Special Order must be provided to NHTSA by April 3, 2014. We are a data-driven organization, and we will take whatever action is appropriate based on where our findings lead us."

NHTSA Opens An Investigation Into GM's Ignition Recall Timing

Thu, 27 Feb 2014 22:35:00 +0000

Yesterday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced they would open a formal investigation into the timeliness of GM's ignition switch recall. The recall affects over 1.6 million vehicles which are,

2005-07 Chevrolet Cobalt
2006-07 Chevrolet HHR
2005-07 Pontiac G5
2006-07 Pontiac Solstice
2003-07 Saturn Ion
2006-07 Saturn Sky

In a statement, NHTSA says “opened an investigation into the timeliness of General Motors’ recall of faulty ignition switches to determine whether GM properly followed the legal processes and requirements for reporting recalls.”

This investigation could cost GM dearly. The Detroit News reports NHTSA could issue a maximum fine of $35 million if it failed to recall the vehicles because of a safety defect within five days. Documents filed by GM to federal regulators this week say they knew about the problem back in 2004 as the 2005 Cobalt was hitting dealerships.

"We deeply regret the events that led to the recall and this investigation. We intend to fully cooperate with NHTSA, and we welcome the opportunity to help the agency have a full understanding of the facts. Today’s GM is committed to learning from the past while embracing the highest standards now and in the future," said GM in a statement.

The Detroit News also reports that GM has hired an law firm to conduct a full review. The review will look at the decisions made by GM concerning their handling of this problem.

Source: The Detroit News, (2)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM Expands Ignition Switch Recall Amid A Climbing Death Toll

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 00:15:00 +0000

Two weeks ago, General Motors announced a massive recall that involves 778,562 Chevrolet Cobalts built between 2005 to 2007 and Pontiac G5s built in 2007 because of a faulty ignition switch that slip out of the run position if jostled or if any weight was applied to the key in the cylinder. Now this problem has caused 22 accidents and claimed the lives of six people since the air bags didn't deploy since the key was turned away from the run position. Now a GM spokesman pointed out at the time that the lack of air bags weren't the only factor in these fatalities; high speed, alcohol, not wearing a seat belt, and going off the road played a role in the six different fatalities.

At that time, GM told owners to remove non-essential items from their key rings and get to their nearest dealer for a free replacement of the switch.

Well today, GM has expanded the recall to an additional 588,000 vehicles bringing the total amount to over 1.6 million vehicles. The vehicles announced in this additional recall are,

2003-07 Saturn Ion
2006-07 Chevrolet HHR
2006-07 Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky

Along with the addition of the vehicles to the recall, the number of crashes and fatalities has increased to 31 and 13 respectively.

In a statement, General Motors says they have begun the process of letting owners owners of the affected vehicles know. But it will go further by reaching out to social media and its customer care centers.

But this may be only the beginning of problems for GM. Last week USA Today got their hands on documents in a court case concerning the death of pediatric nurse Brooke Melton. In 2010, she got into a accident with her 2005 Cobalt, killing her. A dump of the vehicle's black box showed that before the crash, the key was not in the run position, thus turning off the vehicle and causing the vehicle to lose control. During the trial, a GM engineer said the problem appeared when testing the Cobalt before went on sale.

This was confirmed by documents filed by GM to safety regulators yesterday. Engineers were able to replicate the problem and an inquiry was opened. However, no action was taken after lead time, cost and effectiveness of potential solutions were taken into account.

The paperwork goes on to say that in 2005, GM started getting reports that Cobalts were losing power when a driver inadvertently hit the key or the steering column. The company issued a service bulletin telling dealers that the likely cause came down to a heavy or large key ring. Dealers were told to notify customers to remove non-essential items from the key ring. During the 2007 model year, GM transitioned to a new ignition switch.

But it was a few years ago that GM started getting reports of accidents in Cobalts where the airbag didn't deploy. It was discovered that the key was turning into the accessory position.

With this, GM has opened itself up to the potential of lawsuits.

"The chronology shows that the process employed to examine this phenomenon was not as robust as it should have been. Today's GM is committed to doing business differently and better. We will take an unflinching look at what happened and apply lessons learned here to improve going forward," said GM North America President Alan Batey.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), USA Today, (2), General Motors

Press Release and GM's Filing is on Page 2

GM Expands Ignition Switch Recall

Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac Solstice, and Saturn Ion and Sky included
Company Launches Process Review

DETROIT – General Motors is expanding the recall of certain 2003-2007 model year vehicles to correct a condition with the ignition switch that may allow the key to unintentionally move or switch to the "accessory" or "off" position, turning off the engine and most of the electrical components on the vehicle.

In addition to 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5 and Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada only, GM is separately recalling 2003-2007 Saturn Ions, 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHRs, and 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky models. The affected U.S. vehicle population, including those vehicles recalled Feb. 13, totals 1,367,146.

This expanded vehicle population raises the number of reported incidents involving frontal crashes, in which the recall condition may have caused or contributed to the non-deployment of the frontal airbags, to 31 involving 13 front-seat fatalities.

As part of the recall, GM is taking steps to address customer concerns and working with its suppliers to increase parts production and accelerate availability.

GM will notify all affected customers that in addition to recalling their vehicles and performing repairs at no charge to them, GM and its dealers will work with customers on an individual, case-by-case basis to minimize inconvenience associated with the recall.

"Ensuring our customers' safety is our first order of business," said GM North America President Alan Batey. "We are deeply sorry and we are working to address this issue as quickly as we can."

Going beyond required written notification, GM, through its customer care centers and social media teams, is using customer records and communications channels to notify affected customers of the recall and additional actions the company is willing to take to relieve their concerns and minimize inconvenience.

GM is recalling these vehicles because the ignition switch torque performance may not meet GM specifications. If the torque performance is not to specification, and the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off road or experiences some other jarring event, the ignition switch may inadvertently be moved out of the "run" position.

The timing of the key movement out of the "run" position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may result in the airbags not deploying, increasing the potential for occupant injury in certain kinds of crashes.

Dealers will replace the ignition switch to prevent the unintentional or inadvertent key movement. Until this correction is performed, customers should use only the ignition key with nothing else on the key ring. As always, customers should drive responsibly and use their safety belts.

On Monday, the company submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a detailed chronology associated with its initial recall of the ignition switch torque performance condition in Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s and Pursuits. The chronology outlines events that happened during the time that elapsed between receiving the first field reports and issuing a recall.

"The chronology shows that the process employed to examine this phenomenon was not as robust as it should have been," said Batey. "Today's GM is committed to doing business differently and better. We will take an unflinching look at what happened and apply lessons learned here to improve going forward."

Rumorpile: General Motors Joins The Aluminum Truck Brigade

Wed, 19 Feb 2014 18:20:00 +0000

Ford pulled off a bit of coup at the Detroit Auto Show last month with the introduction of the 2015 F-150 which features an all-aluminum body to help meet the upcoming fuel efficiency standards. Now, another truck maker looks to be following in the footsteps of the blue oval.

The Wall Street Journal has learned from sources familiar with the matter that General Motors is working on making the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra have aluminum bodies. The company has secured contracts with with Alcoa and Novelis Inc. to supply aluminum for the next-generation trucks, due out in late 2018.

GM's global product development chief, Mark Reuss hinted at the company possibly going towards aluminum with their trucks last month.

"We need to see how much aluminum is in it, not what they say is in it but what is actually in it. We are going to look at what they advertise as the weight savings from it and then we are going to go back and do some math.…We can play this game real easily."

Sources tell WSJ that GM will use a patented method of where multi-ringed electrodes are used to weld the aluminum panels. This eliminates a number of rivets used in the assembly of the trucks and allows the company to build a lighter and stronger truck.

Source: Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

General Motors Says They Will Fix The Corvettes Damaged In The Sinkhole

Fri, 14 Feb 2014 14:45:00 +0000

Back on Wednesday, we reported that the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky had a sinkhole open up and take with it eight Corvettes; two of those on loan from General Motors. Now, GM is stepping and saying it will fix all of the Corvettes.

In a statement, GM says the damaged Corvettes will be shipped to the GM Motors Design facilities in the Warren Tech Center where they will get a look over and be fixed. GM's vice president of global design, Ed Wellburn will look over the process.

“There can only be one 1-millionth Corvette ever built. We want to ensure as many of the damaged cars are restored as possible so fans from around the world can enjoy them when the Museum reopens,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of General Motors Global Product Development.

Before the vehicles can be shipped, they first need to be extracted out of the sinkhole. During a press conference today at the National Corvette Museum, contractor Mike Murphy says it will take two to three weeks to stabilize the sinkhole area. Once stabilized, Murphy says it will take four to six days for the vehicles to be extracted.

Source: General Motors, Automobile Magazine

Pic Credit: National Corvette Museum

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

Chevrolet to Oversee Restoration of Historic Corvettes

Museum cars damaged in sinkhole collapse will be shipped to Warren Mich.

DETROIT – To help the National Corvette Museum recover from the massive sinkhole that opened under the facility this week, Chevrolet will oversee restoration of the Corvettes damaged. General Motors Design in Warren, Mich., will lead the project.

“The vehicles at the National Corvette Museum are some of the most significant in automotive history,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of General Motors Global Product Development. “There can only be one 1-millionth Corvette ever built. We want to ensure as many of the damaged cars are restored as possible so fans from around the world can enjoy them when the Museum reopens.”

Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design, will oversee the restoration.

When the cars are recovered, they will be shipped to the Mechanical Assembly facility, a small specialty shop within GM Design, where the best restoration approach will be determined. Mechanical Assembly has been part of GM Design since the 1930s, and today maintains and restores many of the vehicles in the GM Heritage Collection and GM’s historic concept cars.

The National Corvette Museum is independently owned, and supported solely by charitable donations from enthusiasts. It is currently accepting donations on its website to assist in refurbishing the facility. Donations are tax-deductible.

GM: Diesel For The Light-Duty Trucks Are Under Consideration

Wed, 15 Jan 2014 14:35:00 +0000

With Ram offering a small diesel and Ford announcing that next F-150 will be considerably lighter, GM is considering all options with their pickups to raise fuel economy. One of those options happens to be a 4.5L Diesel V8 that was planned to go into their pickups five years ago.

Steve Kiefer, GM's vice president of global powertrain tells Automotive News that GM is considering dusting off that engine and slip it into their new trucks.

"We are looking closely at diesel entrees in that segment. In fact, I heard the terms 'dust off' that 4½-liter at one point. That is certainly one of the options. Clearly, we have a portfolio of diesel engines," said Kiefer.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM Korea Plans Job Cuts Due To Chevrolet Pullout In Europe

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 14:25:00 +0000

As we reported a couple weeks ago, General Motors has decided to pull Chevrolet from Europe to give Opel and Vauxhall some breathing room. But with this pullout comes a problem for GM in South Korea. The continent produced most of the Chevrolet models for Europe. With Chevrolet saying pulling out in late 2015, production volume is expected to drop 20 percent. This has GM thinking about cutting jobs.

Reuters reports that GM Korea is planning to launch a "voluntary retirement" the 6,000 salaried workers by March. A spokesperson says this is the fourth round of job cuts since 2009. GM Korea CEO Sergio Rocha says that no production jobs will be cut.

"Workloads are too light and there is a lot of anxiety about job restructuring," said an employee.

GM Korea is currently working on 2015 Chevrolet Sonic, but reportedly has nothing to work on after that.

"For me, this is the biggest crisis facing GM Korea since 2000 (when Daewoo Motor went bankrupt)," the employee went onto say.

Source: Reuters

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

BREAKING: Changing Of The Guard At GM: Akerson To Step Down, Mary Barra To Become The New CEO

Tue, 10 Dec 2013 14:50:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

December 10, 2013

January 15, 2014 will be an important day at General Motors. Current CEO Dan Akerson will retire and Mary Barra, the executive vice president for global product development, purchasing, and supply chain will become the company's CEO. This announcement just comes a day after the U.S. Treasury said it had sold all of its shares in GM.

Akerson planned to stepped down from the automaker sometime in 2014, but pulled ahead his succession plan after finding out his wife was diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer.

“I will leave with great satisfaction in what we have accomplished, great optimism over what is ahead and great pride that we are restoring General Motors as America’s standard bearer in the global auto industry,” Akerson said in a statement.

Barra was one of the people in the running to become the next CEO at GM, Other people in consideration were Vice Chairman Steve Girsky, Chief Financial Officer Dan Ammann, and North American President Mark Reuss. Many people who keep a close eye on the automotive industry throught Reuss would be the one.

Barra has been with GM since 1980 and has held a number of positions during that time including executive director of competitive operations engineering, plant manager at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly, and vice president of global manufacturing engineering.

“With an amazing portfolio of cars and trucks and the strongest financial performance in our recent history, this is an exciting time at today’s GM. I’m honored to lead the best team in the business and to keep our momentum at full speed,” said Barra.

Along with the appointment of Barra to CEO, General Motors has also made a few other changes to the executive lineup.

Dan Ammann, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer has been named company president. His responsibilities include managing the company’s regional operations around the world.
Mark Reuss, Executive Vice President and North American President will take Mary Barra's former position of Executive Vice President, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain.
Alan Batey, Senior Vice President of Global Chevrolet and U.S. Sales and Marketing will become the new North American President.
Steve Girsky, Vice Chairman for Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Global Product Planning will move into a senior advisor role before stepping down from GM next April. He will remain apart of GM's Board of Directors.

Source: General Motors, The Detroit News

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

Dan Akerson to Retire as GM CEO in January 2014

Mary Barra to Become Next CEO; Dan Ammann Named President

DETROIT – General Motors today announced that Dan Akerson, who guided today’s GM to record profits and dramatic improvement in vehicle quality while closing the chapter on government ownership in the company, will step down as chairman and CEO on Jan. 15, 2014.

Mary Barra, 51, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, was elected by the Board of Directors to become the next CEO of the company. Barra will also join the GM Board.

Akerson, 65, pulled ahead his succession plan by several months after his wife was recently diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer.

The Board also named Theodore (Tim) Solso to succeed Akerson as Chairman. Solso, 66, is the former chairman and CEO of Cummins, Inc., and has been a member of the GM Board since June 2012.

With 33 years of experience at GM, Barra has risen through a series of manufacturing, engineering, and senior staff positions. She is a leader in the company’s ongoing turnaround, revitalizing GM’s product development process resulting in the launch of critically acclaimed new products while delivering record product quality ratings and higher customer satisfaction.

“With an amazing portfolio of cars and trucks and the strongest financial performance in our recent history, this is an exciting time at today’s GM,” said Barra. “I’m honored to lead the best team in the business and to keep our momentum at full speed.”

Dan Ammann, 41, executive vice president and chief financial officer, was named company president and will assume responsibility for managing the company’s regional operations around the world. The global Chevrolet and Cadillac brand organizations and GM Financial will also report to Ammann.

Ammann joined GM in 2010 where his first assignment was to manage GM’s initial public offering. As CFO, he has led a transformation of GM’s finance operations into a world-class organization. He also led the strategy to rebuild the company’s captive finance capability through the successful establishment and growth of GM Financial.

“We have a significant opportunity to further integrate and optimize our operations to deliver even better results,” said Ammann. “While we have made good progress, we still have much work ahead of us to realize GM’s full potential.”

Ammann will retain CFO responsibilities at least through the release of the company’s fourth quarter and full-year 2013 results in early February 2014. His replacement as CFO will be named later.

Mark Reuss, 50, executive vice president and president, North America, will replace Barra as executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. Under Reuss’ watch, GM’s North America region has produced consistent profits and improved margins during a product renaissance that includes the launch of award-winning cars and trucks such as the Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Corvette, Impala and Silverado pickup.

“The driver’s seat of designing and engineering the strongest product line up in GM’s history is the best seat to have,” said Reuss. “We’re going to keep the pedal down on GM’s product resurgence and keep winning new customers.”

Alan Batey, currently senior vice president, Global Chevrolet and U.S. Sales and Marketing, will replace Reuss and is named Executive Vice President and President, North America. Batey, 50, joined GM’s Vauxhall operation in 1979 and held several sales, service and marketing positions around the world. In his current position, he has developed the Chevrolet brand’s Find New Roads advertising campaign and has overseen a sweeping upgrade of retail sales and service operations at hundreds of U.S. dealerships.

“North America is the foundation of the GM turnaround story and I’m honored to help continue what Mark started,” said Batey. “We remain committed to delivering the world’s best retail experience to match the world’s best cars and trucks.”

The company also announced that Steve Girsky, 51, vice chairman, Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Global Product Planning, will move to a senior advisor role until leaving the company in April 2014. He will remain on the GM Board of Directors.

Girsky led GM’s turnaround plan for Europe that has put that region’s operations back on a path to profitability. He has also put GM’s OnStar unit at the forefront of in-vehicle connectivity and helped create GM Ventures to speed the commercialization of new technologies in GM vehicles.

“I share Dan’s pride for what the company has accomplished and his sense of optimism for a bright future,” said Girsky. “This team is united in its commitment to building on the foundation that we have established.”

Under Akerson’s leadership, GM made swift progress as the company transformed from being majority owned by U.S. Treasury to being publicly traded and investment grade rated.

“My goals as CEO were to put the customer at the center of every decision we make, to position GM for long term success and to make GM a company that America can be proud of again,” Akerson said. “We are well down that path, and I’m certain that our new team will keep us moving in that direction.”

Akerson was named GM Chairman and CEO on September 1, 2010. He joined GM in 2009 as a member of its Board of Directors. Since the company’s November 2010 Initial Public Offering, GM has recorded 15 consecutive quarters of profitability, has earned this year the best overall initial vehicle quality scores of any auto manufacturer, and has re-invested nearly $9 billion and created or retained more than 25,000 jobs at its U.S plants.

End Of 'Government Motors', U.S. Treasury Sells Final Shares Of GM

Mon, 09 Dec 2013 22:20:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

December 9, 2013

'Government Motors' is no more. Today, the U.S. Treasury sold its remaining shares of General Motors, ending a four-year ownership of the automaker. The Treasury says it recouped $39 billion of its original $49.5 billion investment into GM.

“The U.S. Treasury’s ownership exit closes just one chapter in GM’s ongoing turnaround story. We will always be grateful for the second chance extended to us and we are doing our best to make the most of it. Today is not dramatically different from the hundreds of preceding days during which we have worked to make GM a company our country can be proud of again,"said GM CEO Dan Akerson in a statement.

“Continued investments, innovation, and job creation are just some of the “returns” of a healthy GM and domestic auto industry. Our work continues uninterrupted, and we will keep our sights squarely on our customers and transforming the way we do business.”

GM's North American President, Mark Reuss told reporters that this could help bring more customers into the showroom and help improve the company's image.

“I think probably some people will begin to consider us right away, maybe the next day.”

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), General Motors

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Rumorpile: GM's Current CEO Could Step Down Next Year

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 16:45:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 14, 2013

General Motors' current CEO, Dan Akerson, could be stepping down as early as next year, according to a report from Reuters.

Sources tells Reuters that Akerson hasn't formally notified GM's board of directors of any plan to step down, but could come to fruition some next year.

"I assume at some point he (Akerson) will decide he has done what he has wanted to do and will step down, but no one has a date for that," said a source.

Now the board has a succession plan in place if Akerson makes a decision to step down. But according to sources, the board hasn't set a timeframe to begin a search for a new CEO. This will most likely change when Akerson makes a decision.

Who are the possible contenders for GM CEO? Well the running favorite is GM's North American President, Mark Reuss. Also in the running are Mary Barra, GM's product development lead; Steve Girsky, GM's vice chairman; and Dan Ammann, GM's CFO.

Source: Reuters

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

A Peek Into The Mind Of GM's North American President

Sat, 09 Nov 2013 00:40:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 8, 2013

Forbes had the chance to talk with General Motors' North American president Mark Reuss this week. Reuss talked about key gaps that he sees in GM's lineup and what could be done to fill them.

We'll start with the Chevrolet Cruze. Since going on sale in the U.S., a lot of us have been wondering why there isn't a hatchback version. Especially considering the number of compact hatchbacks that are on sale has been growing and that Chevrolet sells a Cruze hatchback in Europe. Reuss said “That was a pre-bankruptcy planning mistake.”

Even without the hatchback, the Cruze has been doing quite well, with 211,862 models sold so far this year.

Speaking about the next-generation Cruze, Reuss said “the next-generation will blow you away.” From what we know, the next-generation Cruze will adopt a design profile similar to the Sonic. Maybe the five-door Cruze will come as well.

Reuss also talked about a "contemporary wagon for mainstream America." Something more affordable than the wagons from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and even Cadillac's own CTS Sports Wagon.

There are a few other models that were bandied about by Reuss including a compact van to take on the Ford Transit Connect, a “black hole” pickup truck that would be sandwhich between a medium-duty and heavy-duty truck, and a a flagship model for Buick that Reuss says “a much more beautiful Panamera.”

Source: Forbes

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM Considering Changing Up Silverado, Sierra Sales Mix

Tue, 05 Nov 2013 16:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 5, 2013

October was a very good month for GM's pickup lineup. With the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra in the mix, GM was able to move 59,163 trucks this past month. Still that wasn't quite enough to beat the Ford F-Series which sold 63,803 units in the same timeframe. Part of the reason is that Ford has been laying on the incentives as a way to keep sales up. But Kurt McNeil, GM’s chief sales analyst tells Wards Auto there is another reason at play.

“We are still over-weighted toward crew-cab and V-8 trucks. Our light-duty (pickup) mix will moderate over time as our launch progresses,” said McNeil.

GM decided to give dealers an abundance of crew-cab models equipped with the 5.3L EcoTec V8 since that was considered to be the most popular model. But with supplies of leftover 2013 models, which are being sold at heavy incentives, are beginning to shrink, buyers who are on a budget or want to splurge are looking elsewhere instead of going for one the popular models.

“We still have a little bit lower than our target” of double- and regular-cab pickups. We think by early in the new year, we’ll be in line with what our targets are. Early Q1, we should be there,” said Don Johnson, head of sales at Chevrolet.

Source: Wards Auto

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

General Motors Urges Their Dealers To Setup A Tech Center

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 16:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

October 31, 2013

More and more vehicles are coming equipped with elaborate infotainment systems that can do pretty much everything from giving directions to playing music off your phone. But these systems aren't always user friendly. A number of OEMs saw their ratings drop in Consumer Report's Auto Reliability survey because of their infotainment systems. General Motors wants to change that and is asking their 4,300 dealers about adding a customer Connection Center, a place where consumers can learn more and ask about in-vehicle technology and infotainment systems.

GM spokesman Klaus-Peter Martin tells The Detroit News that the center give customers and the dealers’ certified technology experts a dedicated place to answer questions about technology. The center would also help improve customer loyalty and retention. A handout given to dealers says that 94 percent of customers believe there is a need for tech support, and 57 percent of customers would use it.

“It’s another effort on our journey to provide this overall customer experience,” said Martin.

This a voluntary move for all Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers as GM readies a roll-out of embedded 4G LTE mobile Internet access in most of its 2015 vehicles that will be sold in the U.S. and Canada.

Source: The Detroit News

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM Slows Pickup Launch Due To A Supplier Issue

Sun, 27 Oct 2013 14:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

October 27, 2013

General Motors' rollout of their new pickups has hit a few bumps. There was story that GM was cutting back on orders of pickups equipped with the 5.3L V8 due to supplier issues and the concern of dealers not being able to move as many trucks because of GM's decision to not pile on incentives. Well here's another bump in the road. Automotive News is reporting that GM has cut back production on regular and double cab version of the trucks due to a supplier issue.

GM's plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana has cut production from 1,500 trucks a day to 1,300 due to a supplier not being able to deliver enough axles.

"We've been slowed down for several weeks because we can't get enough axles," said Rich LeTourneau, shop chairman for UAW Local 2209.

People familiar with the situation tell Automotive News that problem is more to deal with supply than quality. The plant that supplies the axles to the Fort Wayne plant also supplies the Arlington, TX plant where the full-size SUVs are built. GM has apparently put the SUVs on high priority with axles as the company wants to have a decent stock as the plant transitions over to building the next-gen models.

"GM is moving to take care of Arlington's current needs, which are greater than expected, so there has been some short-term sacrifice" of pickup production at Fort Wayne, a source said.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroen Slim Down Their Alliance

Wed, 23 Oct 2013 15:45:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

October 23, 2013

The alliance between General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroen was supposed to help out the two companies with number of new vehicles and powertrains, and lower costs. But since the alliance was announced last year, it has been fraught with disappointment. Now it appears the alliance is scaling back a bit.

According to Automotive News, the two companies are slimming down the alliance as the two companies pursue other ways to reverse losses. Part of this slim down is due to the planned joint platform for subcompact cars was nixed. This platform was the heart of the alliance.

"Further analysis showed that the business model just wasn't there," said a PSA spokesperson.

But there a couple other items at play. For one, sources say PSA Peugeot Citroen is in talks with Chinese automaker Dongfeng about a new partnership. The automaker plans to increase capital by about 3 billion euros, with Dongfeng and the French state possibly each taking stakes of about 20 percent. Now GM could pull out of the alliance since Dongfeng is a competitor to SAIC, GM's partner in China.

The other item is that GM has been taking its own path for recovery in Europe. GM's new Europe chief, Karl-Thomas Neumann has been making a number of changes. He has moved some of the production of the Opel Mokka from Korea to Spain and recently got GM's Russian operations under his control. GM is also stepping up their efforts of using their platforms globally.

"It certainly seems GM has no focus on the alliance with Peugeot any more. They don't want to be partnered with a struggling company, and they have alternative methods to turn things around," said Kristina Church, analyst with Barclays.

But the alliance isn't coming to a close. The two still have two vehicle projects which happen to be compact minivans and crossovers and a joint purchasing program.

"We are moving forward with the implementation" of the projects which have already been agreed upon, said GM spokesman Ulrich Weber.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM Dealers Not Pleased About Pickup Prices

Tue, 22 Oct 2013 18:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

October 22, 2013

Last week, General Motors announced they would be raising the prices on the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra by as much as $1,500. This week, dealers are giving the company a piece of their mind with this decision. They say sales of the two trucks are getting beaten up by discounts and rebates being offered by Ford and Ram to clear out their stock of 2013 models.

"We all know that it's a great truck. But [GM's] position is that the vehicle stands on its own and it doesn't need a bigger rebate. That's not what the market is telling us," said W. Carroll Smith, president of Monument Chevrolet in Pasadena, Texas.

Part of the problem for GM is that its trucks are arriving at the time when the current F-150's is reaching the end of its lifecycle, a fact that Ford has taken advantage of by offering massive discounts. Dealers want GM to fight back by offering more incentives. GM is sticking to its guns however.

"You don't ever want to let the oldest trucks in the market dictate strategy for the newest and best truck in the market," said GM spokesman Jim Cain.

Dealers and analysts do believe that the price disadvantage on GM's new trucks is only temporary and sales will climb back up when Ford and Ram's supply of 2013 models is depleted. However, some dealers believe this move could hurt sales in the long run.

"It looked like we're finally going to get into the game. Then they raise the prices. It's like it kicks you in the head," said Rox Covert, dealer principal at two Chevrolet dealerships and two Buick-GMC stores in the Austin, Texas, area.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

General Motors Considers Its Powertrain Options For The Full-Size SUVs

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 13:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

October 15, 2013

When General Motors introduced their next-generation full-size SUVs last month, some people were expecting some major changes to the powertrains. What was introduced were the next-generation of V8 engines and that was really about it. However, GM's chief engineer for trucks says changes are coming.

"We've got some interesting powertrain technologies coming on the SUVs over the next few years," said GM's executive chief engineer for trucks, Jeff Luke.

For example, Luke hinted that the Escalade's current six-speed automatic will give way to a higher-geared transmission in the future. Under consideration is the return of a hybrid model and the introduction of a diesel model.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

General Motors Having A Tough Time Keeping Up With Their Popular Truck Orders

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 13:35:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

October 1, 2013

2013 has been the year of the pickup truck with sales reaching levels that haven't been seen since the recession. If you're a truck manufacturer, the last thing you want to have happen is a hiccup when you're launching a new pickup. Unfortunately that is happening with General Motors.

According to Bloomberg, General Motors is facing a shortage of the 5.3L V8 for the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra due to a unnamed supplier not being able to keep up with demand. This is causing GM to restrict the number of V8 pickups that Chevrolet and GMC dealers can order.

Now General Motors is saying this is a temporary thing, but doesn't give a range of when they should be back to normal. This is a critical time since just over the horizon is the new Ford F-150.

Source: Bloomberg

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

UPDATE GM Files Patent for 7-Speed Dual Clutch Gearbox

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 20:26:00 +0000

September 26th, 2013

Drew Dowdell

Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com

Patent Drawings published on September 19th reveal that General Motors has filed a patent for a 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission. While there has been talk about a conventional GM 8-Speed automatic for a while, a 7-Speed DCT could give GM an upmarket transmission to offer in premium products from Cadillac or the Chevrolet Corvette.

At the moment, the 2014 Corvette Stingray will be shipping with a 6-speed auto when the buyer opts not to row his own, leading us to believe that this 7-Speed DCT could be offered in the Corvette in the future. We also speculate that with a couple of V-series Cadillacs on the way, the timing could be right for an introduction in one of them.

Update: A reader points out that the output shaft in the above drawing is offset to the side of the transmission (label 16). This means it is highly unlikely that this is a rear wheel drive transmission, but instead is a front wheel drive, transversely mounted transmission.

Source: CorvetteBlogger.Com, US Patent Office

Drew Dowdell is Managing Editor of CheersandGears.com and can be reached at Drew.Dowdell@CheerandGears.com or on Twitter as @Cheersngears

GM's CEO: Cadillac Will Take On Tesla

Mon, 23 Sep 2013 18:45:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 23, 2013

Tesla has apparently gotten under the skin of General Motors' CEO Dan Akerson. As we reported back in July, Akerson created a group to study Tesla and how it could effect the company. Now, Akerson wants to take on Tesla with Cadillac.

“If you want to compete head-to-head with Tesla, and we ultimately will, you want to do it with a Cadillac,” Akerson said to The Detroit News.

Akerson went on to indicate that he would like to compete with Tesla Model S directly.

“But I do think when the (Cadillac) ELR comes out late this year, early next — it’s certainly in the same postal code as Tesla, but now we’re going to move up. It’s not going to be a mass-produced car."

Akerson also gave Tesla a bit of a ribbing.

“We’ll sell more (Chevrolet) Volts and lose less money on the Volts than they’ll lose on the (Tesla) Model S.”

Source: The Detroit News

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM Considering Off-Road Versions Of Their Full-Size SUVs

Mon, 23 Sep 2013 16:00:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 23, 2013

General Motors is considering whether or not to do off-road-focused versions of their next-generation full-size SUVs.

"We are looking at, for this generation, a more off-road variant," said Jeff Luke, GM's executive chief engineer for trucks.

Luke explains that off-road capability is a major reason why buyers go to full-size SUVs and not crossovers.

Owners "just love off-roading with these vehicles. They look at this vehicle as more off-road capable" than crossovers, said Luke.

GM sold a Z71 off-road package for their current-generation of full-size SUVs. The package added stronger shocks, larger wheels, and special styling cues such as bigger wheel flares and badging. The Z71 package was never a big seller though.

Luke also said that GM would introduce more enhancements after the SUVs go on sale in March. When asked if an eight-speed automatic would be making its way into the SUVs, Luke said "Stay Tuned".

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

General Motors: We Are Ready To Add Diesels To Our Half-Ton Pickups

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:05:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 19, 2013

It seems diesel mania is hitting truck manufacturers. Ram has the 1500 with a diesel option; Nissan has announced a diesel V8 for the next-generation Titan; and Toyota is considering whether to do a diesel option for the Tundra. Now a new report says General Motors is ready to join the diesel fray in half-tons if it proves to be popular.

According to AutoGuide, GM can use the same 3.0L Diesel V6 found in Ram 1500. This is due to GM owning a part of the engine builder of the 3.0L Diesel V6, VM Motori. Also, General Motors commissioned VM Motori to build this engine for the European market CTS a few years ago. However, GM announced bankruptcy before the project was finished and the engine was shelved.

General Motors spokesman Tom Wilkinson says that even if the company has access to that engine, they are pessimistic about the chances of diesel half-ton pickups succeeding. Wilkinson points out the high cost of diesel fuel and higher price premium the diesel models command over their gasoline brethren as possible reasons why diesel half-ton pickups could fail.

But Wilkinson admits if diesel half-ton pickups take off, GM is “in a position to respond quickly.”

Source: AutoGuide

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

General Motors Has Tesla In Their Sights

Wed, 18 Sep 2013 00:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 17, 2013

It's no secret that General Motors has been keeping a very close eye on Tesla. Back in July, we reported that CEO Dan Akerson created a group to study Tesla and how it could effect GM. Now it seems GM wants to take Tesla on.

According to the Reuters and the Wall Street Journal, General Motors is working on a electric vehicle with a 200 Mile range and a pricetag of $30,000. This information came from GM's vice president of global product programs, Doug Parks. This comes on the heels on Tesla's founder and chief executive Elon Musk announcing a compact electric sedan known internally as Gen 3 due in 2016. This sedan will have a 200 mile range and cost somewhere around $35,000.

The big challenge for this new model is the price of the batteries admits Parks. Current battery technology can allow this, but the costs to implement this are too high for the time being.

GM hasn't given a possible date of when this magical vehicle will be shown.

Source: Reuters, Wall Street Journal

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Revealed! Your 2015 GM Full Size SUV Lineup

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 16:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 12, 2013

General Motors has unveiled today its next-generation of full-size SUVs, including the 2015 Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, and the GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, and Yukon Denali.

Much like the Silverado and Sierra, the Chevrolet and GMC SUVs have different styling on the front ends with different front clips and headlights. From the A-Pillar back, the SUVs are the same with inlaid doors that tuck into the door sills to provide better aero and refinement. General Motors also used aluminum for the hood and tailgate to help reduce weight.

Inside, the SUVs get massive changes. The second and third-row seats now fold flat and can be be equipped with an optional power-folding feature. The second-row also sees an increase of two-inches in legroom. An eight-inch touchscreen is standard on the Yukon and optional on the Tahoe and Suburban.

Much like the exterior, GM made sure the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban were different. The Yukon is positioned as to be the more luxurious of the two and comes with seats stuffed with dual-firmness foam, Bose Sound System, laminated glass for the windshield and front windows. Denali models takes that further with active noise-cancellation technology, real wood inserts, high-grade leather, and aluminum panels.

Powering GM's full-size SUVs is the 5.3L EcoTec V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The Yukon Denali comes with the 6.2L EcoTec V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines come paired with a six-speed automatic.

GM's Magnetic Ride Control is standard on the Yukon Denali models and comes as an option the Tahoe and Suburban LTZ models.

Safety-wise, GM's full-size SUVs come packed. Chevrolet and GMC don't say which features will be standard, but they include forward collision alert, front park assist, lane departure warning, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, front-center airbag, and GM's Safety Seat Alert.

The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and GMC's Yukon lineup arrives at dealers in the first quarter of 2014.

Source: General Motors

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

Chevrolet Introduces All-New 2015 Tahoe and Suburban

Industry-leading full-size utilities are quieter, more refined and safer

NEW YORK – Chevrolet today introduced the 2015 Tahoe and Suburban – all-new versions of the industry’s best-selling duo of full-size SUVs. They offer more functionality, greater refinement, new safety features and an increased range of advanced technologies to appeal to two distinct customer groups who want the unique combination of features only Tahoe and Suburban provide.

All-new styling advances the Tahoe and Suburban’s design, which contributes to a quieter ride. A more-efficient, direct-injected EcoTec3 powertrain coupled with improved aerodynamics help offer greater estimated highway fuel economy based on GM testing while preserving overall performance and capability. Official EPA estimates are not yet available.

“There are several new features and enhancements at the core of the all-new 2015 Suburban and Tahoe that will extend the legacy Chevrolet has built as the segment leader,” said Tim Mahoney, Chevrolet global chief marketing officer. “Customers will experience greater refinement, efficiency and safety with the same capability that has made Chevrolet the go-to brand for full-size SUVs.”

With more than 117,000 sold in 2012 and sales up more than 16 percent for the first six months of 2013 over last year. Chevrolet’s full-size SUVs continue to play an important role in the brand’s success and General Motors’ profitability. Introduced in 1935, the Suburban is the segment’s founder and the industry’s oldest continuously available nameplate, while Tahoe is the segment’s sales leader.

“The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban will continue to be dominant forces in the marketplace and provide great value for our customers, Chevrolet and General Motors," said Dan Ammann, GM executive vice president and CFO. "This is an important and profitable segment and we have set the bar high to ensure we provide our customers with great quality and performance they expect and deserve."

The all-new 2015 Suburban represents the 80th anniversary and 12th generation of the original SUV. This generation has been designed for today’s active families needing space for everyone and everything. Suburban continues to offer legendary roominess, unmatched functionality, connectivity and first-class amenities.

New functionality and technology features found on both vehicles for 2015 include:

Fold-flat second- and third-row seats that enhance cargo convenience – including an available power-folding feature
Approximately two inches greater legroom for second-row passengers, along with easier entry/exit
Available eight-inch color touch screen radio with next-generation MyLink connectivity
Up to six USB ports and six power outlets – including a 110-volt three-prong outlet – to support electronic devices of all kinds (up to 12 charging locations)
Available rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens (Suburban only) and Blu-ray DVD player
Conversation mirror in the overhead console that provides a panoramic view of the rear seats
Keyless entry and push-button start.

360 degrees of safety

Tahoe and Suburban incorporate new technologies – including radar – that contributes to 360 degrees of crash avoidance and occupant protection. Standard and available features include forward collision alert, front park assist, lane departure warning, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. Chevrolet’s Safety Alert Seat is available and offers directional vibrations to alert the driver about potential crash threats.

Both vehicles also offer the segment’s only front-seat center air bag (bucket-seat models), which is engineered to provide additional protection for drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes, where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle.

Chevrolet’s full-size SUVs have also been designed with greater security features to thwart theft attempts, including available window break in or glass-break, vertical-movement and interior movement sensors. Along with triggering the vehicles’ alarm systems, some of the features shut down key control systems to make it almost impossible to start or move them.

Contemporary designs

The exterior designs of the 2015 Tahoe and Suburban are more refined and precisely sculpted. Not a single exterior sheet metal panel or lighting element is shared with Chevrolet’s full-size pick-ups.

“The designs of the all-new Tahoe and Suburban reflect their greater functionality, technology and refinement, forging a new presence for Chevrolet SUVs that’s conveyed with unmistakable brand heritage,” said Ken Parkinson, executive director of design.

New inlaid doors fit into the body side openings instead of over the top of the body, significantly improving the quietness of the interior cabin and contributing to improved aerodynamics – an attribute that helps the vehicles slip through the air on the highway with less drag for greater efficiency. Lightweight aluminum hood and lift gate panels also enhance efficiency through reduced overall mass.

Projector-beam headlamps flank the Chevrolet-signature dual-port grille – chrome on all models – and sweep into the front fenders. high-intensity discharge headlamps and light-emitting diode daytime running lamps are included on the up level LTZ model.

Inside, premium materials and enhanced ergonomics demonstrate the Tahoe and Suburban’s blend of sophistication, craftsmanship and function. A new instrument panel houses an available eight-inch color touch screen radio with a secured storage bin behind the motorized screen. The compartmentalized center console is large enough to store a laptop or iPad.

First-class comfort, unmatched capability and rewarding driving experience

The 2015 Tahoe and Suburban are engineered to deliver the customer a quieter, more-controlled ride and improved steering and braking feel. It all starts on a stronger, fully boxed, perimeter frame, which supports payload and trailering capability that body-frame-integral crossovers and SUVs can’t match. The all-new Tahoe will offer today’s customers the capability of a truck and the amenities of a luxury vehicle.

The driving experience of the new SUVs is further enhanced with:

A stronger frame and a wider rear track that contributes to a more planted stance
LTZ models include third-generation magnetic ride control, a real-time damping system that delivers more precise body motion control by “reading” the road every millisecond and changing damping in just five milliseconds.
Eighteen-inch standard wheels that are a half-inch wider, reducing tire flex for improved cornering performance. Twenty- and 22-inch wheels are available.
New, electric variable-assist power steering system enhances fuel economy and tailors steering assist to vehicle speed.
New four-wheel-disc brake system with Duralife™ brake rotors that offer up to double the service life, along with brake pedal revisions that improve pedal feel for stronger-feeling, more-confident braking performance.

EcoTec3 powertrain

Tahoe and Suburban’s standard 5.3L V-8 feature state-of-the-art technologies, including direct injection, cylinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system, designed to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.

Improved engine mounts, electronic throttle control, adaptive exhaust systems, improved aerodynamics and other technologies help the engines operate in four-cylinder mode more often with Active Fuel Management, further increasing efficiency.

The engine is mated to a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission, featuring TapShift control, Tow/Haul mode and Auto Grade Braking.

The new Tahoe and Suburban will be built at GM’s Arlington, Texas assembly plant. Both vehicles are scheduled to arrive in dealerships in the first quarter of 2014.

GMC Introduces All-New, More-Capable 2015 Yukon Family

LOS ANGELES – GMC announced today the all-new 2015 Yukon, Yukon XL and flagship Yukon Denali models will deliver greater capability and refinement, with more power, new fold-flat rear seats and a quieter interior. And thanks to a new family of advanced EcoTec3 engines, the lineup is expected to deliver the segment's best V-8 fuel economy.

Bold styling and advanced technologies – including new safety and security technologies – support Yukon's greater capability, while a more comprehensive list of standard features and enhanced infotainment options are designed to broaden the appeal of one of the industry's most-popular full-size SUV lineups. Combined Yukon/Yukon XL and Denali sales were up 24 percent for the eight months of 2013.

"We've engineered the Yukon and Yukon XL from the ground up, building on a strong legacy of capability to take them to the top of the segment with exceptional refinement and purposeful technology," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of GMC Marketing. "And when it comes to the tasks people rely on a full-size SUV for, they do it better than ever – and with more style."

Yukon and Yukon XL share design, architectural and powertrain elements, but Yukon XL has an approximately 14-inch longer wheelbase and is approximately 20 inches longer overall, providing greater legroom for third-row passengers and almost twice the cargo room behind the third-row seat.

"Although they are based on a similar architecture, Yukon and Yukon XL are distinctive products that appeal to different customers," said DiSalle. "Versatility and spaciousness are valued by customers for both vehicles, but the Yukon XL is the choice for families with more children and those with lifestyles that require its unique combination of passenger- and cargo-hauling capabilities. In fact, Yukon XL owners are more than twice as likely to transport passengers daily in the third-row seat."

New and enhanced product highlights of the 2015 Yukon lineup include:

- Fold-flat second- and third-row seats that enhance cargo capability and convenience – including an available power-folding feature

- Approximately two inches more legroom for second-row passengers and easier entry/exit

- All-new cargo management system

- Available power rear liftgate with multiple programmable height settings

- Standard eight-inch-diagonal color touch screen radio with enhanced IntelliLink and available navigation

- Eight-inch-diagonal customizable driver display with three available user themes and available head-up display (Denali models)

- Multiple USB ports, SD slots and accessory power outlets – including a 110-volt three-prong outlet – to support electronic devices of all kinds

- Available Blu-ray/DVD rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens on Yukon XL

- Conversation mirror in the overhead console that provides a panoramic view of the rear seats

- Keyless entry and push-button start.

When it comes to safety, the Yukon lineup incorporates new technologies to help protect the driver and passengers before, during and after a collision. They include a forward radar system and the segment's only front seat center-mounted air bag (models with bucket seats), which is engineered to provide additional protection to drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes, where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle.

Standard and available safety features, depending on the model, also include forward collision alert, front park assist, lane departure warning, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, front and rear automatic braking, and GM's Safety Alert Seat. It offers directional vibrations to alert the driver about potential crash threats.

Bold styling, enhanced refinement

All-new exterior and interior designs advance GMC's professional grade aesthetic with elements designed to be beautiful and functional. The exteriors are sleeker and more aerodynamic, enhancing efficiency on the highway and contributing to the new Yukon's quiet ride.

Bold styling cues include highly detailed, chrome-accented grilles matched with GMC's signature C-shaped light-emitting diode lighting motif, front and rear. Projector-beam headlamps are standard on Yukon and Yukon XL. The distinctive Denali models are instantly identifiable by their signature chrome grille and unique exterior appointments, including exclusive high-intensity discharge headlamps.

Additional exterior features include:

- New inlaid doors fit into the body side openings instead of over the top of the body, significantly reducing wind noise and contributing to improved aerodynamics

- Laminated windshield and front door glass to enhance quietness

- Lightweight aluminum hood and liftgate panels enhance efficiency through reduced overall mass

- A standard rear spoiler on the liftgate houses a relocated rear window wiper that is hidden when not in use

- New worm screw-style liftgate arms take up less interior space than the previous gooseneck arms

- Illuminated, power-retractable assist steps available on Denali

- New family of 18-, 20- and 22-inch wheels, including standard 20-inch wheels on Denali.

Inside, the all-new 2015 Yukon's precisely crafted interior features a quiet cabin, authentic materials and premium infotainment choices. Examples include soft-touch instrument panel, console and door panel materials with live stitching and purposeful use of ambient lighting in functional areas, including first- and second-row foot wells and the center console. All models have a standard Bose sound system, seats with dual-firmness foam and an ambient air vent designed to enhance comfort for front-seat passengers.

Denali models feature active noise cancelation technology to make the interior quieter.

There are more storage options in the new Yukon lineup, including a compartmentalized center console that's large enough to store a laptop or iPad and has provisions for hanging file folders and other organizational features, especially for customers whose vehicle also serves as a rolling office.

More capable, more comfortable

The 2015 Yukon lineup delivers greater capability and greater refinement through new and enhanced chassis and suspension systems. A fully boxed frame – composed of more than 75 percent high-strength steel – supports a quiet and controlled ride. New shear-style body mounts attached to the frame significantly improve stiffness and contribute to the Yukon's smooth ride.

Compared with previous models, the driving experience of the new SUVs is further enhanced with:

- Wider rear track that contributes to a more planted stance

- Wheels that are a half-inch wider, reducing tire flex for improved cornering performance

- New, electric variable-assist power steering system enhances fuel economy and tailors steering assist to vehicle speed

- New 9.5-inch rear axle and standard automatic locking rear differential

- Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control, tow/haul mode, trailer sway control, auto grade braking and hill start assist

- New four-wheel-disc brake system with Duralife™ brake rotors that offer up to double the service life, along with brake pedal revisions that improve pedal feel for stronger-feeling, more confident braking performance

- Denali models include third-generation magnetic ride control, a real-time damping system that delivers more precise body motion control by "reading" the road every millisecond and changing damping in just five milliseconds.

Advanced engine technology

The all-new Yukon family is more powerful and efficient than before, thanks to the new EcoTec3 engine family, which debuted earlier this year in the all-new 2014 Sierra. A 5.3L V-8 is standard in Yukon and Yukon XL models and an exclusive 6.2L engine is standard in Denali models, which is expected to deliver the segment's best horsepower and torque – SAE-certified 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 460 lb-ft of torque (623 Nm).

The EcoTec3 engines feature state-of-the-art technologies, including direct injection, cylinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system, designed to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions. More precisely controlled combustion enables the new engines to run with a higher compression ratio, which delivers greater power and efficiency.

Hydraulic engine mounts, electronic throttle control, adaptive exhaust systems, improved aerodynamics and other technologies help the engines operate in four-cylinder mode for longer periods of time with Active Fuel Management, further increasing efficiency.

Both engines are matched with the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission.

The new Yukon family will be built at GM's Arlington, Texas assembly plant, and scheduled to begin arriving at GMC dealerships in the first quarter of 2014.

Don Butler Resigns From Cadillac

Mon, 05 Aug 2013 19:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 5, 2013

Some surprising news coming from General Motors today. The Detroit Free Press reports that Cadillac's vice president of global strategic development, Don Butler resigned his post today. In a email, Butler explained that his departure is “a personal decision.”

“As I've told others, I just need to take a step back to recalibrate, reassess my priorities. I know it’s time for a change but I don't know what’s next. I'm trusting that God will provide,” Butler went onto to say.

Butler's exit comes at at an inopportune time for GM as it tries to capitalize on the recent success of Cadillac in the U.S. by expanding it to other regions. One key area is China where Cadillac wants to triple sales by 2015.

Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell says Butler's departure isn't 'house cleaning.'

“In fact Bob and other leaders asked him to stay on. Don's here in the office today — and told our team that his decision is purely on a personal level. After three years of putting everything into Cadillac, he is stepping away for some personal time, and to consider new avenues in his life,” Caldwell said.

Source: Detroit Free Press

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

General Motors Fires More Than 10 People Over Fraudulent Emission Testing In India

Tue, 30 Jul 2013 13:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

July 30, 2013

In India, General Motors hasn't issued a recall since 1995. That trend ended this past week as GM announced the recall of 114,000 Chevrolet Tavera utility vehicles built from 2005 to 2013 and are equipped with the 2.5L and 2.0L engines. The reason? According to India's Economic Times via Automotive News, GM employees deliberately fudged emission inspections to meet the standards.

"Over a period of time some employees of the company engaged in the practice of identifying engines with lower emission which were fine-tuned and kept aside to be used for installation on vehicles during inspection," said GM in a letter sent to Indian regulators on July 18th. GM also admits that the reported weight of certain models were "manipulated" to meet lest stringent emission standards.

Now GM has halted the sales of Tavera 2.5L and 2.0L and says they and that the company "has since identified a solution to the issues and performed the required engineering validation, and is awaiting regulatory approvals." GM also fired a number of employees at GM Powertrain this week. Sources at the company say one of the employees fired is Sam Winegarden, GM's vice president for global engine engineering. Winegarden joined the company in 1969. He is known for overseeing oversaw the Northstar V8 and premium V6 engine programs and became the VP of global engine engineering in 2004.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), The Economic Times of India

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

2014 GM Fleet & Commercial Road Show

Tue, 23 Jul 2013 13:00:00 +0000

G. David Felt

Staff Writer Alternative Energy - CheersandGears.com

2014 GM Fleet Roll Out

When I first got my invitation to attend the 2014 GM Fleet roll out I asked myself, besides traditional fleet purchasing and fleet options including the new Crew Cab CNG truck and police Caprice, what could really be worth my time of spending a day at this function? Boy was I glad I went as this is what I call a NEW GM FLEET!

Let’s start with the fact that GM has reorganized the way they do fleet sales and their approach to fleets. GM is focusing on a being a partner to solve fleet problems and not just an auto supplier. They are taking the approach of “Our Company Success is your success.” Let us offer solutions.

GM rolled out the following plan for success:

Flexible Product Portfolio
Product Service
Solutions

GM was proud to announce that starting with the 2014 product portfolio that fleet ordering is no longer tied to the retail solutions packages. Fleet can order with the retail packaging but effective immediately Fleet is A la carte in ordering. GM believes fleet needs an individual approach to building a truck, SUB, Crossover, or car. Examples of this are that power seats are no longer tied to the luxury groups that retail has. Also new for 2014 is a “Power Bench Seat” option. As GM Fleet presenters said, "It has never been easier to custom order your fleet your way!"

GM has rolled out their new https://www.gmfleettrac.com/ Fleets purchases come with 24K/24 month service. GM’s Fleet Trac allows for consolidated billing, fleet service tracking and GM believes will lead to a lower cost of ownership, less downtime, increased safety, better productivity and increased residual value.

GM wants to have both Fleet and retail customers see higher residual values after only 2yrs of ownership in their autos.

They are focused on listening to the fleet customer by having a sounding board. This comes from the GM Commercial Sounding Board or (CSB) http://www.gmfleet.com/contact/commercial-sounding-board.html

CSB has rolled out the following key objectives:

Capture the voice of the fleet customer
Reach out to gather customer input
Identify strengths and weaknesses in products and processes
Strengthen the business relationship with fleet owners

The aforementioned items are what came out of the 2012 feedback which identified two key items that GM believes needs to be #1 to the company: Relationships and listening to the customer.

BUICK & GMC

The presentation was an eye opener as these two divisions focus on growing their fleet sales by offering purpose built versions of their products that you will not find on the retail floor which ends in higher residual values.

Buick stated that with the final launch of their new 2014 versions, the oldest auto in the Buick lineup is the Verano which will be only 2 years old. All Buick 2013’s were top IIHS safety picks. Sales for the Buick line were up 22.7% for 2013 through the month of June.

GMC showed that they were #1 followed by Buick for the JD Powers customer surveys. They were followed by Buick, Cadillac and Chevy. New changes for 2014 include having the trailer brake control on the dash, multiple 110V outlets and USB ports in the cabs in both front and back of the trucks and suv’s. Trucks/suvs will now come standard with 4 – 30 amp up fitter fuses. New for GMC is a Double Cab that will replace the King Cab for easier access and was based on real world work needs as shown by fleet customers. GMC / Chevy trucks also will now have built-in movable tie downs. The new tie downs offer 9 different placements in the bed for ease of access based on the type of load.

Cadillac

Cadillac is starting off the 2014 model year where the ATS left off with the all new CTS. CTS will be Longer, lower, lighter and keep it’s perfect 50/50 weight distribution. At 3600lbs, the CTS will be 200lbs lighter than a BMW 5 series. Cadillac saved 250lbs by using doors made of all aluminum rather than steel. Use of high strength aluminum will help to lower weight, increase fuel efficiency and increase the driving performance. The 2014 CTS will come with the new 3.6L TT V6 and 8 speed transmissions. The interior is beautiful as they listened to both fleet and retail customers on what is expected in a sedan of this level to compete against BMW & MB. New power seats that are 20-way adjustable.

The new CTS will come with 4 driving modes:

Touring – Focused on Fuel Economy
Sport – Performance Driving
Winter – Optimized Traction Control
Track – Aggressive driving mode for TT models and V versions.

We were teased with an amazing black silhouette of the 2015 Escalade. You could clearly make out more muscular wheel wells and the headlights are an intriguing element. The closest thing I can relate it to is the 2004 SRX rear taillights that are LED, the new standard headlight is an LED vertical line and then in the lower front fascia is an arching L shaped day time running light made up of LED’s.

Chevrolet

Chevy introduced us to their new 2014 tag line “Americas” Favorite Car Company”. The focus is as a Value brand where you get more work out of your auto than what you pay for leaving you with an overall experience of satisfaction.

Chevy has introduced 13 new or redesigned autos for North America and 12 new autos for the worldwide market this year, more than at any other time in Chevy’s history. The Chevy Cargo van has been voted Best Fleet Value 6yrs running. Residual values have gone up 3.4% this year over Ford and resale values at auction are 2-3k more than competition on equal like products.

Chevy is proud of their new Ecotec 3 V8 Engine lineup of 4.3L, 5.7L and 6.2L engines and the only engines in the industry that will be having the following 3 technologies in an engine.

Variable Valve Lifter (VVL)
Direct Injection
Displacement on Demand, cylinder deactivation

5.3L is rated at 23mpg in 2wd and 22mpg in 4wd. They said that the Cruze with Diesel has seen considerable orders already from fleets and to expect GM to move their stable of Diesel engines throughout their product lines over the next 18 months. The 2.0L turbo-diesel is expected to average 46MPG across all autos the engine is put into for the 2014 model year.

At lunch, the GM rep who sat with me said do not be surprised by having a choice of diesel size in the new Canyon/Colorado and full size trucks over the next 18 months as this is one area that was made very clear to GM, they had to have a high mileage, torque diesel in the mid and full-size truck market. As such GM is listening to their fleets and retail customers and is working to bring clean diesel solutions to more products.

At the 2013 CES, GM won best-in-class Electronic Infotainment system with their new Interface that is being pushed out to update all systems across the globe.

The Chevy rep did the usual sales pitch of pushing the New 2014 Impala Hybrid as an excellent option for fleets with an average of 35mpg. Trucks were an interesting area that had the following updates: for 2013 Chevy trucks had the highest resale value in the market after 3yrs with a 55.3% residual value. New for the model year on trucks is an updated new box frame that improves Isolating road noise from entering the Cab. 2014 models saw the release of the new Silverado and Sierra 1500 with next year seeing the new 2015 HD models being released along with the full-size SUV’s. City Express will hit the market to fill the small to medium size van market.

Chevrolet stated that the focus is to reduce weight in all vehicles by a minimum of 10% for next year as that would equal a 6.5% reduction in fuel use.

The weight reduction is not only focused at Chevy, but all divisions and will be helped by their Electric series of autos such at the VOLT, Cadillac ELR and Spark EV and the LaCrosse with eAssist.

CNG

The Model roll out of the 2014 Crew Cab CNG truck was only the beginning with GM focused on an early year release in 2014 of both regular and double cab models of their full-size truck lines being able to be ordered in CNG also. Currently Chevy has the 2014 full size CNG cargo van and next year it gets a full-size passenger CNG van that can hold up to 15 people.

The engines in the CNG Bi-Fuel trucks and Vans are a hardened 6.0L V8 with auto transition from petrol to CNG and back to petrol. The engines start in Petrol mode and once warm up transition to CNG and then once the CNG tank is empty will move back to petrol. This gives the trucks a estimated range of 650 miles. There have been posted example of people getting up to 900 miles on a road trip with these Bi-Fuel trucks. The tanks are all CNG Type 3 tanks, 17GGE capacity and come with a hardened valve head collar to protect against accidental hitting. Any GM dealership in North American can work on the CNG autos.

I will have to say that I was actually very impressed with how quiet the CNG truck ran even on the highway. No noise even road noise was really noticeable. The interior did not even have the wind noise which was really surprising. I have to say that GM has taken their 2014 models to a very high level of fit and finish along with using their skills in isolating the road noise from coming inside.

I found the layout of the dash to be easy to use and the new interface on the infotainment system to be very intuitive and easy to use especially compared to my 2006 Escalade. The Navigation was just plain cool, I wish they could upgrade my system or offer an upgraded unit to be added to my SUV as I really am impressed by the new units. I believe that anyone who played with Version 1.0 of GM Infotainment systems will come away impressed with how GM has listened to the customer and how quick they changed the interface.

GM Service

GM has two web sites to help customers. http://www.gmupfitter.com/ is a web site dedicated to fleet needs of add on bodies, snow plow, etc. This is a great site to look at if you need a truck or SUV that is focused on work needs. You will also find some great additional info on their police options and cargo van / service auto options. https://www.gmstc.com/ is a site dedicated to GM’s Service Technical College. Great place to learn about everything GM.

GM 4yrs running has won the O.T.D. award for on time delivery of factory orders. GM Currently continues to have the shortest delivery time from order to customer receiving of their auto.

2012 GM had the lowest ever Auto recalls based on total auto’s on the road with only a 2.29% recall rate compared to low to high teens for many other makers especially from the Asian rim. GM was proud to show that they had only 98 defects per 100 cars built in 2012. Industry average was 113 defects per 100 autos built.

GM Police

The police Caprice was an amazing fast tight car to drive. They had a 2013 model on hand for people to check out and take through its paces. The shifter on the center console of where other equipment would be located such as a laptop, communication gear etc. was very compact yet I can see why police departments have held off as it did catch on my own pant legs. New for 2014 is GM going back to a column shifter which frees up that space in the center console. I have to say anyone who has driven GM full-size cars of the 80’s or early 90’s will appreciate the room in the Caprice. If you are one wanting a RWD sedan that moves, I could not recommend this car enough as it brings back fond memories of growing up in my family’s Delta 98 and Caprice as a roomy comfy ride.

The 2014 Fleet roll out ended with a full day of listening to the marketing show of what GM is doing now and what is coming along with an excellent breakfast and lunch and a host of great third party companies who work with GM to offer up fitter solutions. We walked away with an assortment of documentation, a GREENLIGHT collectors ZL1 Camaro model car and 4GB usb thumb drives with various GM product files.

Questions on anything you have just post away and I will respond.

General Motors CEO Creates Team To Study Tesla

Mon, 22 Jul 2013 14:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

July 22, 2013

Electric automaker Tesla has been a tour-de-force over the past year. Sales of the Model S have exceeded expectations; profits are though the roof; the company has been implementing free charging stations across the U.S. for owners and other things. These success have caught the attention of General Motors. More specially, GM CEO Dan Akerson.

According to Bloomberg, Akerson has created a small team to study Tesla and how it could affect the company.

“He thinks Tesla could be a big disrupter if we’re not careful. History is littered with big companies that ignored innovation that was coming their way because you didn’t know where you could be disrupted,” said GM vice chairman, Steve Girsky.

The formation of the group comes from Akerson's desire to change GM’s culture. He has refocused what is being spent of research and development, making the implementation much faster, and number of items to keep up and keep focus.

“We had people with 20 and 30 patents. I was kind of a downer. I said, ‘How many have we commercialized? How many are in our cars?’ None,” Akerson recently told a crowd in Houston.

Source: Bloomberg

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

General Motors Considering Selling Rebranded Peugeot Vans In U.S.

Thu, 11 Jul 2013 16:50:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

July 11, 2013

A new report from Reuters cites France's La Tribune story that General Motors is in talks with PSA Peugeot-Citroën about possibly selling vans in the United States. The report doesn't say which vans are in consideration, only saying that van would be sold under ofne of GM's brand, most likely Chevrolet.

This news doesn't come as a surprise. GM currently has some of the oldest full-size vans on the marketplace and with fresh models coming in from Europe, GM could use all the help they can get. Also, GM recently struck a deal with Nissan to sell the NV200 as the Chevrolet City Express.

Source: Reuters

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Buick and Opel Bond To Become Stronger

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:05:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

June 18, 2013

In a effort to help out its struggling European operations, General Motors will further intertwine Opel/Vauxhall engineering efforts with Buick.

"What we're trying to do is bring together the product development teams much more closely," said GM CEO Dan Akerson, so that "there will be all sorts of synergies, I believe, between Opel-Vauxhall and Buick."

Currently, Buick sells three different Opel models in the U.S.: Encore (Opel Mokka), Regal (Opel Insignia), and Verano (Opel Astra).

So what will this mean in the future? Well, expect more Opel products to arrive as Buicks in the coming years.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

U.S. Treasury and UAW Health Care Trust To Sell More Shares of General Motors

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

June 5, 2013

The U.S. Treasury said today it plans to sell an additional 30 million shares of General Motors stock (about 12 percent) in anticipation of GM's return to the S&P 500 on Thursaday. In addition, the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust announced they would be selling 20 million shares.

During the first three months of the year, the U.S. Treasury sold off about 20 percent of its remaining GM stake. Currently, the Treasury holds 16.4 percent of GM, down from a 60.8 percent share in 2009.

The Treasury has said previously they plan to sell off all of their shares by 2014. But with this announcement this week, analysts think the Treasury is accelerating their plan.

"The sale is opportunistic given the recent S&P500 inclusion announcement, which we estimate requires a 85.4mm share buy. The accelerated sell-down by the government should be viewed positively. We believe (the Treasury exit) could be quicker — perhaps by the end of the year," said RBC Capital analyst Joseph Spak.

Source: The Detroit News

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

General Motors Hoping To Gain More Market Share With New Models

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:15:00 +0000

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

April 30, 2013

General Motors is hoping to reverse a trend of losing market share by introducing new models over the next few years.

Since 2002, GM has seen its market share decline at a steady rate, losing 10.5% in that time. This is due to competitors such as Chrysler and Japanese automakers roaring back in sales.

GM believes a onslaught of new products can help them claw back some market share. The Detroit News reports that 70% of GM's product portfolio will be refreshed by the end of this year. That will climb to 89% by 2016.

"The oldest car will be the (Chevrolet) Cruze and the (Buick) Verano, very shortly. So this is all guns blazing," said GM North America President Mark Reuss at the New York Auto show last month.

The product push seems to be working. According to Autodata Corp, GM's market share was up 0.5 percentage points to 18% in the first quarter.

"2013 is off to a very good start for General Motors on both a product and market-share basis. And we're increasingly well-positioned to compete as the economy strengthens and our launch cadence accelerates," said Kurt McNeil, GM's vice president of U.S. sales operations.

Analysts believe GM has a good shot of improving their market share, especially in 2014 when products such as the Chevrolet Impala, Cadillac CTS, and pickups.

"GM definitely has the opportunity to stabilize if not grow market share, given they have a number of new products," said Rebecca Lindland, principal of Rebel Three Media & Consulting in Greenwich, Conn.

"They'll have more product on the ground, less disruption at the plants. That's the year when they can gain substantial share," said Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas.

However analysts say GM better pay close attention to competitors.

"The landscape has never been more competitive, especially in the mainstream as opposed to the luxury," said Lindland.

Source: The Detroit News

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Spying: 2015 GM's Full Size SUV Lineup

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:15:00 +0000

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

April 10, 2013

Its nice whenever spy shots show a group vehicles undergoing some testing. Its even better when the group has the all the different models in one group. Case in point, Automobile Magazine has some new spy shots featuring the new 2015 GM full-size SUV lineup.

The test mules in the pictures look to be wearing the production-ready bodies. The differences between the mules are dependent on the headlights and grilles. The Escalade is wearing a set of vertical LED running lights both in the lower front fascia and headlights and a an exposed “waterfall” mesh grille. The Yukon has a set of LEDs in the headlights only, and a mesh two-bar grille. The Tahoe appears to have a single-bar grille.

The new SUVs will use the same platform as the new GM trucks and come with the choice a 4.3L V6, a 5.3L V8, and a 6.2L V8, all mated to a six-speed automatic. Production is expected to start in January for the Chevrolet and GMC SUVs, while the Cadillac Escalade family will begin in April.

Source: Automobile Magazine

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

General Motors Announces A $332M Powertrain Investment

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:55:00 +0000

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

April 4, 2013

General Motors announced today a new investment of $331.8 million in four manufacturing sites to produce more fuel-efficient engines and transmissions.

GM said in a press release today that some parts of the investment will help prepare its factories to produce a new eight-speed automatic transmission and increase capacity for an existing six-speed gearbox. Other parts will go towards support the production of a new V6 engine (no details given in the release) and a new EcoTec engine that will be part of a new family of 3- and 4-cylinder variants with displacements ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 liters..

Here is a breakdown of the investments:

$215 million in Flint Engine Operations
$55.7 million in Toledo Transmission Operations
$31.7 million in Bay City Powertrain
$29.4 million in Bedford Castings

GM will also increase a previous $600 million investment in its Saginaw Metal Castings Operations and Romulus Engine Operations by $46 million.

Source: General Motors

Press Release is on Page 2

GM Invests $332 Million for New Fuel-Efficient Powertrains

Brings to $1.2 billion amount of U.S. facility investment announced this year

DETROIT – General Motors Co. will invest nearly $332 million in four manufacturing sites to produce more fuel-efficient engines and transmissions, demonstrating GM's commitment to deliver what customers want: technology-driven performance and fewer trips to the pump.

The investments – announced today at GM plants in Flint and Bay City, Mich.; Toledo, Ohio, and Bedford, Ind. – will support production of a new Ecotec small gas engine, a new V6 engine, 8-speed transmission, and tooling for an existing 6-speed transmission.

GM also is increasing previously announced powertrain investment in plants in Romulus and Saginaw, Mich., to $646 million – an increase of $46 million – to support production of the new V6 engine.

Since 2009, GM has announced nearly $1.8 billion of investments for the six Powertrain facilities.

“We are investing in technologies and manufacturing capabilities that produce high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles and components for our customers,” said Diana Tremblay, vice president of GM North American Manufacturing. “Today’s announcement demonstrates GM’s commitment to growing the business and strengthening the plant communities where we receive so much support.”

Combined, the two investments will retain about 1,650 jobs at the six facilities.

“The selection of these plants and the opportunity for the United Auto Workers to build the next generation of engines and transmissions reflects the great efforts of our work force,” said UAW Vice President Joe Ashton, who directs the union’s GM department. “This investment goes a long way to ensuring GM remains a marketplace leader and our members can continue to support and share in the company’s growth.”

GM’s newly announced $331.8 million investment includes:

$215 million in Flint Engine Operations for a new small Ecotec gasoline engine, which is part of a new family of engines that includes 3- and 4-cylinder variants with displacements ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 liters. Details of what variants the plant will build will be announced later. The plant will also upgrade tooling for its current V6 engine.
$55.7 million in Toledo Transmission Operations for increased capacity and tooling to produce an all-new, advanced 8-speed automatic transmission and an existing 6-speed transmission. The Toledo-based 8-speed will be used in numerous GM vehicles by the end of 2016.
$31.7 million in Bay City Powertrain including $19.2 million to produce components for a new V6 engine and $12.5 million to produce components for the small Ecotec gasoline engine.
$29.4 million in Bedford Castings including $19 million to produce components for the small gas engine and $10.4 million to produce components for the new 8-speed and existing 6-speed transmissions.

The additional $46 million brings the total to $646 million for the V6 project including:

A $41 million increase to $256 million for Saginaw Metal Castings Operations to produce castings for the new V6 engine.
A $5 million increase to $390 million for Romulus Engine Operations to build the new V6 engines.

The new small Ecotec gasoline engine is part of a global engine family that could top 2 million engines a year by the end of the decade, based on production in Flint and other locations around the world. The new engines will offer improved fuel economy, higher quality, better performance and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

The 8-speed automatic transmission will assist in improved fuel economy and performance. Details about the new V6 engine program will be announced later.

Since 2009, GM has announced investments of more than $8.5 billion in its U.S. operations - $1.2 billion so far in 2013 – creating or retaining more than 24,700 jobs.

Rumorpile: GM Ponders A Three-Cylinder For The Volt and ELR

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:35:00 +0000

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

March 20, 2013

Edmunds has learned from industry sources that General Motors is considering a three-cylinder engine for the Cadillac ELR and Chevrolet Volt. The reason for the three-cylinder is to help reduce fuel consumption and vehicle weight, something CEO Dan Akerson mentioned during a speech at a Houston energy conference a couple weeks ago.

The proposed idea would have the 1.4L four-cylinder that is used in the Volt and ELR to be replaced by either a 1.0 or 1.2L three-cylinder engine that is currently being developed by GM and its partners in China. If given the green light, the engine would appear in the Volt refresh which is due in 2015, followed by the ELR in 2016.

When reached for comment, GM declined.

Source: Edmunds

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM CEO Wants Lighter Vehicles, Promises A 200 Mile Electric Vehicle

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:00:00 +0000

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

March 7, 2013

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson made some ambitious announcements at a energy conference in Houston, TX on Wednesday.

For starters, Akerson said General Motors has a goal of reducing vehicle weight by 15% by 2016. This will be accomplished by using lightweight materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, and magnesium. Akerson says the move to lightweight materials could improve fuel economy by more than 6.5%.

Akerson also said the company is working on two electric vehicles; one that comes with a 100 Mile range and another vehicle with a 200 Mile range.

"There will be breakthroughs in battery technology, they're on the horizon. We're actually developing a car today which is really anathema to the way the auto industry works: We're running a dual play on the technology to see which one will succeed. One will result in" a 100-mile range, "the other will be a 200-mile range," Akerson said.

While GM is embracing its green and efficiency side, Akerson reassured everyone that future GM models would still be desirable.

“But if you’re worried that we’re going to throw safety, comfort and performance out of the window to get there, you can breathe easy,” Akerson said.

Akerson confirmed that the automaker will continue to produce V8 engines, mostly for Camaro, Corvette, and truck customers. Akerson went onto to say that internal combustion engines will be sticking around thanks to advancements such as direct fuel injection, turbocharging, and cylinder deactivation.

Akerson also promoted commercial trucks and vans powered by compress natural gas, and called on the Obama Administration to form a commission to evaluate the nation’s energy framework every five years for the next three decades.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM Plans To Increase Production Of Plug-In Vehicles

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:30:00 +0000

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

February 28, 2013

Before the Chevrolet Volt was launched, General Motor executives were making some very bold claims on production numbers, throwing numbers like 60,000 or 45,000 Volts a year. Since going into production, GM has sold 7,671 Volts in 2011 and 23,461 in 2012. Combine the Opel and Vauxhall Ampera and then you're looking around 30,000 plug-in vehicles. Now for 2013, General Motors looks to be boosting their production number, albeit more realistic.

Bloomberg reports that General Motors is planning to boost production of their plug-in vehicles to 36,000, a 20% increase. This information comes from two sources familiar with the matter.

Source: Bloomberg

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

U.S. Treasury Begins Unload Their Remaining Shares Of General Motors

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 21:15:00 +0000

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

February 26, 2013

The U.S. Treasury has began to sell off its remaining shares in General Motors, with a goal of selling it all by next March. Currently the U.S. Treasury owns more than 300 million shares in the auto maker, or about a 19% stake.

In a statement, the Treasury said it "intends to sell its shares into the market in an orderly fashion and fully exit its remaining GM investment within the next 12-15 months, subject to market conditions."

The Detroit News says the U.S. Treasury has recouped $29 billion from its $49.5 billion bailout to GM. To break even, the U.S. Treasury would need to get $72 per share, which will likely not happen. At this moment, GM's share price is $26.80. This would result in a $12 billion loss.

Source: The Detroit News

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

General Motors To Differentiate Next-Gen SUVs

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:25:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

December 27, 2012

In the past few generation of its full-size SUVs, General Motors used pretty much the same interior design across all brands. That looks to be changing with the next-generation SUVs.

“In the past we shared SUV and (pickup) truck interiors. That is not the case going forward,” said Chris Hilts, creative manager of interior design at General Motors to Car and Driver.

Hilts cites two reasons for this change. One is that SUV owners want more refinement in their vehicles. Pickup owners want something a bit different.

“We went to a lot of clinics. What we learned is that truck customers like their interior to feel like a truck. In some of our past experiences, we felt truck customers would like a passenger-car interior. That wasn’t quite the case when we started listening to what was being said,” Hilts said.

The second is to help better separate the Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac versions from one another.

“I think in the past we have not done so well with brand differentiation and we haven’t done so well with trim differentiation,” Hilts said. With the next-generation pickups and SUVs, “we tried to make a great effort to correct that.”

Source: Car and Driver

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Rumorpile: GM Service Document Reveals 3.6L Twin Turbo, LS7 V8 For 2014 Camaro

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

December 21, 2012

The folks at Camaro5.org got their hands on General Motors service document on decoding VIN number on 2014 model year vehicles for dealers and found some interesting information.

First is the 2014 Camaro which features a listing of the 7.0L LS7 V8 engine from the current Corvette Z06 (505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque). Speculation has it being for a new Camaro model, the rumored Z28 model.

Next, the document references a LF3 engine which is noted as "ENGINE GAS, 6 CYL, 3.6L, SIDI, DOHC, VVT, ALUM, TWIN TURBO". In plain English, it could be the long rumored 3.6L twin-turbo V6. The document doesn't list the 3.6L twin-turbo in any of the models.

Other items the document notes is the 2014 Buick Verano looks be dropping its base 2.4L four-cylinder and going towards a 1.6L turbo-four. The 2.0L turbo model will stick around.

Source: Camaro5.org

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM Buying 200 Million Shares From The Treasury

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

December 19, 2012

General Motors announced today that they will be buying back 200 million shares of stock from the U.S. Treasury. The buyback will cost GM about $27.50 per share - about $5.5 billion in total.

GM says the $27.50 share price represents a 7.9% premium over the closing price on December 18. The share buyback is expected to close by the end of December.

After this buyback, the Treasury will still hold close to 300 million shares of the automaker's stock – roughly equal to a 19% stake. Treasury officials say they will begin to sell off the rest of their shares as early as next month, "through various means and in an orderly fashion." The Treasury plans to sell all of its GM shares over the next 12 to 15 months.

“This announcement is an important step in bringing closure to the successful auto industry rescue, it further removes the perception of government ownership of GM among customers, and it demonstrates confidence in GM’s progress and our future,” said Dan Akerson, chairman and CEO of GM in a press release today.

Source: GM, U.S. Treasury

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

GM to Buy Back Stock from U.S. Treasury Department

U.S. intends to fully exit GM investment within 12-15 months

2012-12-19

DETROIT - General Motors today said it will purchase 200 million shares of GM common stock held by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for $5.5 billion, or $27.50 per share. The share buyback is part of the Treasury’s plan, also announced today, to fully exit its entire holdings of GM stock within 12 to 15 months, subject to market conditions.

Treasury has announced its intention to sell its remaining shares of common stock into the market through various means and in an orderly fashion. Treasury intends to begin its disposition of its remaining shares as soon as January 2013, consistent with a pre-arranged written trading plan. In addition, Treasury has agreed to relinquish certain governance rights that were included in the U.S. Treasury Secured Credit Agreement with GM.

Dan Ammann, senior vice president and CFO added, “A fortress balance sheet has been a pillar of GM’s financial strategy and has enabled us to undertake today’s actions. GM’s balance sheet will remain very strong, with estimated liquidity of approximately $38 billion at the end of 2012, following the closing of the share buyback.”

The repurchase price of $27.50 per share represents a 7.9 percent premium over the closing price on December 18, 2012. The share buyback is expected to close by the end of the year. This transaction will be accretive to earnings per share, as GM’s total shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis will be reduced by approximately 11 percent. In association with this share buyback, GM expects to take a charge of approximately $400 million in the fourth quarter, which will be treated as a special item.

After the repurchase, Treasury will continue to own approximately 300 million shares of GM common stock, or approximately 19 percent of the outstanding shares on a fully diluted basis. Government ownership of GM stock was the result of the auto industry rescue that began under President George W. Bush in 2008 and which was expanded by President Barack Obama in 2009.

The industry in general, and GM in particular, have rebounded sharply since the rescue. Since the rescue, GM has announced investments of more than $7.3 billion in the U.S. and created or retained more than 20,000 jobs.

“We come to work every day grateful that taxpayers from the US and Canada stepped forward to rescue our industry, and determined to show this extraordinary help was worth it,” Akerson said.

GM Quietly Kills Off Next-Gen Hybrid Pickups, SUVs To Follow?

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

December 18, 2012

GM's full-size hybrid pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid have offered the best fuel economy in the class since being introduced in 2009. However, they haven't been a sales success as GM had expected. Last year, GM sold 3,114 Hybrid trucks and SUVs, from a high of 8,797 vehicles in 2009.

Last week at the press introduction of the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, GM North America President Mark Reuss told GreenCarReports that a hybrid model isn't in the cards.

“In this truck we decided to go with the EcoTec3 technology, with the V-6 and the two V-8s, and we think that's the best solution for our customers. So with this next generation it will not be a hybrid,” said Reuss.

This response mostly confirms earlier reports, the first being from GMInsideNews.com back in August that cited information from sources that GM would be killing off its hybrid trucks and SUVs.

When asked about what the future holds for the hybrid system in SUVs, Reuss declined to comment.

Source: GreenCarReports.com

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Next-Gen GM SUVs To Appear In 2014

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

December 17, 2012

While GM showed off the new full-size trucks this past week, they are still busy working on the new full-size SUVs.

GM North American President Mark Reuss told the Detroit Free Press that redesigned versions of the automaker's full-size SUVs - Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL will be arriving in 2014. Reuss didn't give an explanation as to why there is a delay to the full-size SUVs.

While the popularity of SUVs have falter somewhat, they still represent a important part of GM's lineup. Reuss said that GM owns a 70% share of the SUV market.

Source: Detroit Free Press

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Dan Akerson: We Will Not 'Cut and Run' From Opel

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 21:00:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 16, 2012

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson told Opel employees this week that the company will not sell or "simply close up shop and leave".

"As a global auto company, GM needs a strong design, engineering, manufacturing and sales presence in Europe. There's room for Chevrolet in Europe but Opel fulfills that role," Akerson said in a speech. "Recommendations that we 'cut and run' show you that some people simply do not see how important Opel is to our success."

Opel and Vauxhall have been a big loser for General Motors with the brands posting losses for the past few quarters. The two are expected to post a loss between $1.5 to $1.8 billion loss in the next fiscal year. Still, GM is very hopefully the brand will break even by 2015.

Akerson also mentioned PSA during his speech saying, "The fact is we lack economies of scale in critical areas and if we can achieve scale by partnering with PSA, that's what we are going to do."

Source: Reuters

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Related Stories:

GM and PSA Tie-Up Talks Come To Halt

GM: Plug-In and Electric Vehicles Coming, Hybrids Not So Much

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 22:45:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 14, 2012

During an event in San Francisco, GM's product chief Mary Barra announced the company their green-car will focus on plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

"A major focus for GM's electrification strategy will center on the plug," said Barra. She went onto say that plug-ins offer "a unique opportunity to change the way people commute.”

GM's original strategy for green cars included the development of different powertrains, including hybrids. That plan has proven to be too expensive and not efficient.

"We need to make educated bets on which technologies hold the most potential for creating values for our customers and our company," said Barra.

GM's mild-hybrid system, branded the eAssist system will be sticking around.

GM is hoping by 2017 to sell 500,000 vehicles with some sort of electrification.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM and PSA Tie-Up Talks Come To Halt

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:05:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 14, 2012

The talks between General Motors and PSA-Peugeot/Citroën have come to halt. According to Reuters, the talks were stopped due to worsening finances and a government-backed bailout.

As we have been reporting since February, General Motors and PSA have been in talks about expanding their alliance. Rumors have ranged from 50/50 deal, selling Opel to PSA, buying up PSA's auto division, and putting Citroën, Opel, and Peugeot into one new entity.

Sources close to talks tell Reuters the talks have been off after Peugeot agreed to take a bailout from the French Government. Peugeot/Citroën are currently burning through 160 million euros (about $200 million) a month. Taking the bailout also means PSA can't shed anymore jobs and factories, nor make any deeper ties with GM.

"They now consider that any deeper tie-up is unlikely before 2014, when the market picks up," a source told Reuters. "The government bailout conditions rule out French job cuts, which means a deal can't happen any faster. It would be politically impossible to have all the cuts falling on the German side."

For the time being, GM and PSA's basic agreement stands.

Source: Reuters

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Rumorpile: Is There More To The GM-PSA Deal?

GM and PSA Announce Four New Co-Developed Platforms

Rumorpile: General Motors To Turn To Aisin For Eight-Speed Transmission For A Year?

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 22:00:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 12, 2012

Motor Trend is reporting that General Motors and Aisin have come to an agreement dealing with transmissions.

The report says General Motors is working on eight-speed transmissions for longitudinal (RWD/AWD) and transverse (FWD/AWD) applications. A source tells the magazine that the eight-speed transmissions for longitudinal applications aren't quite ready.

The source goes onto say that General Motors have reached an agreement with Aisin to supply transmissions for one year. The transmissions would be likely used in the Cadillac ATS, and the upcoming Cadillac CTS and Chevrolet Corvette.

Source: Motor Trend

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM and PSA Announce Four New Co-Developed Platforms

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:45:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

October 25, 2012

In a not surprising announcement yesterday, General Motors and PSA Peugeot-Citroen said they will be co-developing four new platforms that are part of the Global Strategic Alliance between the two. The platforms will primarily be for Opel/Vauxhall, Peugeot, and Citroën. Those four platforms are,

A new low-emissions city car
Midsize car (sedan, hatchback, and wagon)
Small Multi-Purpose vehicle
Joint program for compact MPV for Opel/Vauxhall and a compact CUV for Peugeot

GM and PSA say the launch of the first models of this joint venture will happen in 2016.

The two also announced the Global Strategic Alliance will establish a new joint purchasing operation, to help lower costs. This is currently on hold while two wait on antitrust regulatory approval. GM says the alliance could save about $2 billion in five years for the companies.

Source: GM

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

PSA Peugeot Citroën and General Motors Confirm Key Steps

in Global Strategic Alliance

Four common vehicle platform development projects
Next steps in joint purchasing organization
Synergy target of $2 billion annually confirmed

DETROIT/ PARIS/ RUSSELSHEIM – PSA Peugeot Citroen and General Motors today confirmed important steps toward the execution of their Global Strategic Alliance. Consistent with terms of the Master Agreement signed Feb. 29, the Alliance partners have selected four vehicle projects and confirmed the next steps in joint purchasing organization.

Four Common Vehicle Platform Development Projects

The four common vehicle projects selected to move to the next step encompass the following segment entries for both groups:

A joint program for a compact-class Multi-Purpose Van for Opel/Vauxhall and a compact-class Crossover Utility Vehicle for the Peugeot brand.
A joint Multi-Purpose Vehicle program for the small car segment for Opel/Vauxhall and the Citroen brand.
An upgraded low CO₂ small car segment platform to feed Opel/Vauxhall’s and PSA’s next generation of cars in Europe and other regions.
A joint program for mid-size cars for Opel/Vauxhall and the Peugeot and Citroen brands.

The Alliance aims to launch the first vehicles on these common programs by the end of 2016.

All four projects will be developed combining the best platform architectures and technologies from the Alliance partners.

Next Steps in Joint Purchasing Organization

The Alliance partners also confirmed the next steps in their joint purchasing organization. This collaborative effort will draw on the combined purchasing reach of both companies to realize purchasing synergies benefitting both companies. The joint purchasing organization will be subject to customary antitrust approvals.

Synergies Confirmed

Based on the above programs and the joint purchasing organization, both companies confirm the previously stated synergy target of $2 billion annually achievable within five years.

With the common vehicle development projects and next steps in purchasing organization now confirmed, the teams will work to finalize the associated definitive agreements in addition to exploring other cooperation opportunities.

Rumorpile: Is There More To The GM-PSA Deal?

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 14:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

October 14, 2012

When General Motors and PSA/Peugeot-Citroen announced their alliance back in February, questions were brought up of what this deal would bring and if there was more this to the deal.

This past week, French Newspaper La Tribune reports that the two companies have been in talks to possibly extend their partnership to a 50/50 deal, with General Motors adding more cash. Neither company commented when asked.

Reuters has learned from one of their sources that the two companies has discussed "selling Opel to Peugeot, buying Peugeot's automotive business or putting them all together in a new entity."

The first two options are good only for the seller since that would let them walk away from the mess. The third option is an unknown at this point.

Source: Reuters

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Buick and GMC Announce Nine New Models For The Next 12 Months

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 17:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 18, 2012

Buick and GMC have announced to their dealers today that the two brands will collectively launch nine new or revised products over the next 12 months.

Some of the products have already been shown. Those products include,

Buick Enclave
Buick Encore
GMC Acadia

Others have either been talked about and/or been caught in spy shots. Those vehicles are,

2014 Buick LaCrosse
2014 Buick Regal
2014 GMC Sierra
2014 GMC Sierra HD
2014 GMC Yukon
2014 GMC Yukon XL

Dealers were also told that GMC Canyon would be returning. When the Canyon would be arriving wasn't talked about.

“While we continue to make strong progress in fuel economy gains on our full-size trucks, we know that there is a group of customers who want the functionality of a truck but may not need full-size pickup. We believe that introducing a new, agile and efficient mid-size Canyon will meet the needs of many pickup buyers,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick and GMC Marketing.

Source: GM

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

Nine New Models in Next 12 Months for Buick and GMC

Product surge comes amid third year of consecutive retail sales gains for both brands

2012-09-20

DETROIT – Buick and GMC told dealers today that it will introduce nine new or significantly updated models in the next 12 months, starting with the new Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV and GMC Acadia crossover SUV this fall.

The new Buick Encore small luxury crossover, which will be priced at $24,950 including a $750 destination charge, arrives in early 2013. A Buick Regal luxury sport sedan, Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan, GMC Sierra and Sierra HD full-size pickups, as well as GMC Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUVs will arrive next year.

In addition to these nine models, GMC will offer luxury-appointed Denali versions of its four upcoming vehicles and a new 2.0L turbocharged powertrain will be available in the Buick Verano this year.

By the end of 2013, the oldest non-commercial models in a Buick/GMC showroom will be the Buick Verano luxury sedan and GMC Terrain small SUV. Verano has been in dealer showrooms for less than a year and has gained sales volume every month since launch. Terrain arrived as a 2010 model and is on pace for its best sales year ever in 2012. A new Denali luxury trim level recently was added.

GMC also announced the return of the GMC Canyon midsize pickup as an all-new model to be built in Wentzville, Mo. Arrival timing will be announced later.

“While we continue to make strong progress in fuel economy gains on our full-size trucks, we know that there is a group of customers who want the functionality of a truck but may not need full-size pickup,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick and GMC Marketing. “We believe that introducing a new, agile and efficient mid-size Canyon will meet the needs of many pickup buyers.”

Buick and GMC have grown together as distinctly different but complementary brands. Together, they have sold more than 400,000 vehicles so far this year, a pace that should allow each brand to achieve a third consecutive year of sales gains.

“We’re not only selling more vehicles, we’re bringing new customers to the Buick and GMC showroom,” said Brian Sweeney, vice president of Buick and GMC Sales and Service. “Both brands report more than 40 percent conquest sales. Buick was the only automotive brand in the United States to reduce the average age of its buyer during the past five years, and GMC continues to attract more female buyers and – with Denali vehicles – more import and luxury owners.

Overall, General Motors will have 70 percent all-new or significantly refreshed products across its four U.S. brands in 2012-2013.

U.S. Treasury To GM: No, We're Not Selling Our Shares Yet

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:45:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 18, 2012

The U.S. Treasury said no to a plan from General Motors to sell their remaining shares in the company according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.

Earlier in the summer, GM floated a plan to the Treasury department to purchase the remaining 200 million shares the Treasury hold. Under the plan, the Treasury would sell the remaining shares through a public stock offering.

The Treasury wasn't so thrilled with GM's plan, citing major losses to the Government if they sold at GM's current stock price. However, people familiar with the situation tell the Journal that the Treasury could sell if the share price was in the thirty dollar range.

Source: Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM CEO Addresses Employees About Leaks UPDATED

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 21:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 12, 2012

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson is not happy with the media this past week. During the company’s Thursday employee meeting, Akerson criticized leaks to news media.

"We have to stop leaking in this company. It's an act of treason — it really is," Akerson said.

Akerson used the Ewanick departure as an example. As we reported last week, Ewanick was thrown out of GM due to internal frictions and failure to disclose the full $559 million cost of a soccer deal. This information was gotten by Bloomberg News after a source told them about what had happen.

It was almost verbatim what happened. That is unfair to anybody whether you think he's right, wrong or in-between."

Akerson also cited a former executive leaking financial information and another employee filming a new truck interior and posting it on the Internet.

"If you don't want to play by the rules, then you ought to work somewhere else," Akerson said. "We have the right to expect that people will behave with integrity. And when they don't, we can't tolerate it, and we won't."

Akerson announced to all employees at the meeting they would be signing a document called "Winning With Integrity." A GM spokeswoman told The Detroit News the document isn’t new , and that employees have had to sign a compliance form for at least 10 years.

*UPDATE* - An employee at GM Communications contacted me to offer additional information. The "Winning with Integrity" document is not a new policy. All salaried employes are required to electronically sign the document each year and has been part of the official policy at General Motors for about 10 years. The reason that GM CEO Dan Akerson mentioned this document during the meeting was due to the coinciding of the scheduled annual compliance signature requirement with the departure of some key executives. Employees represented by the United Auto Workers are not required to sign the document. - Drew Dowdell, Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com

Source: The Detroit News

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Whistle-Blower To Have Cause The Departure Of Joel Ewanick

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 21:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 8, 2012

Last week, we reported on the departure of GM's global marketing chief, Joel Ewanick. The reason given out at the time was Ewanick not meeting up to expectations. A day after his departure, a report from Bloomberg said Ewanick's departure was due to a review of a recent sponsorship agreement that didn't meet company policy.

A week later, a new report from Bloomberg sheds some more light on why Ewanick was kicked out.

The recent sponsorship agreement in question was a partnership between Chevrolet and U.K. soccer team Manchester United. The agreement, lasting till 2021, would have GM shelling out $18.6 million for this and next year, rising to roughly $70 million in 2014, and increasing 2.1% after that. Total cost of the deal: $559 million.

This would have been ok if Ewanick hadn't spread the cost out to other marketing budgets and disclosing a price that was much less than the $559 million.

A source tells Bloomberg that a whistle-blower came forward questioning certain aspects of the agreement between GM and Manchester United. An internal investigation was launched and found that the total cost was much higher and hidden in other budgets. Ewanick denied he was hiding anything about the deal during the investigation, but that soon unraveled. Ewanick's resignation was announced on July 29th.

Source: Bloomberg

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM CEO: Not Afraid To Continue The Executive Shuffle

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 17:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 4, 2012

"In recent weeks, you have seen that we do not hesitate to act when change is required to make the business stronger."

Those words coming out of General Motors CEO Dan Akerson during a conference call with reporters this week. Akerson was referencing the recent outings of Global Marketing Chief Joel Ewanick and Dave Lyon, who was to become VP of design at GM Europe.

Akerson went on to say, "from time to time, it will mean parting company with people who are not delivering expected results, or alternatively, who don't meet the highest standards for accountability or integrity."

In terms of making the business strong, GM needs some help. Second quarter results saw revenue and net income drop when compared to the same time last year. Chalk the losses to the uneasy economy in Europe and Japanese Automakers coming back strongly after last year's earthquake.

Source: The Detroit News

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

GM's Second-Quarter Sees Earnings Drop By 40%, Profit Up

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 2, 2012

General Motors released their second quarter earnings report and the results are a bit disappointing. The company posted a net income of $1.5 billion and a revenue of $37.6 billion. Those numbers are significantly down from the same figures in the second quarter of 2011, when GM posted a net income of $2.5 billion and a revenue of $39.4 billion. That's a drop of 40% in income and a 4.6% drop in revenue.

This announcement comes a day after GM released their sales results for July, which saw sales drop by 6% compared to 2011 sales. Part of the decline was due to declining fleet and rental sales. The other part was due to competitors like Toyota and Honda clawing back sales they had lost due the earthquake and tsunami last march.

Europe was what hurt GM the most, posting a $400 million loss in the second quarter. That's a 400% increase when compared to a $100 million loss in the second quarter of last year. South America operations broke even in this quarter, but had posted $100 million profit in the second-quarter of 2011. GM International Operations, which includes the Chinese and Indian markets, posted a profit of $600 million, which matches second quarter results from last year.

North America was one bright spot for GM, posting a $2 billion profit for the quarter, down from $2.2 billion in the second quarter of 2011.

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

GM Reports Second Quarter Net Income of $1.5 Billion and EBIT-adjusted of $2.1 Billion

DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today announced second quarter net income attributable to common stockholders of $1.5 billion, or $0.90 per fully diluted share. In the second quarter a year ago, GM’s net income attributable to common stockholders was $2.5 billion, or $1.54 per fully diluted share.

Net revenue in the second quarter of 2012 was $37.6 billion, compared with $39.4 billion in the second quarter of 2011. The decrease was due almost entirely to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus other major currencies. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) adjusted was $2.1 billion, compared with $3.0 billion in the second quarter of 2011. Total restructuring expense included in EBIT-adjusted for the second quarter of 2012 was $0.1 billion.

“Our results in North America, our International Operations and at GM Financial were solid but we clearly have more work to do to offset the headwinds we face, especially in regions like Europe and South America,” said GM chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. “Despite the challenging environment, GM has now achieved 10 consecutive quarters of profitability, which is a milestone the company has not achieved in more than a decade.”

GM Results Overview (in billions except for per share amounts)

Q2 2012

Q2 2011

Revenue

$37.6

$39.4

Net income attributable to common stockholders

$1.5

$2.5

Earnings per share (EPS) fully diluted

$0.90

$1.54

Impact of special items on EPS fully diluted

EBIT-adjusted

$2.1

$3.0

Automotive net cash flow from operating activities

$3.8

$5.0

Automotive free cash flow

$1.7

$3.8

Segment Results

GM North America (GMNA) reported EBIT-adjusted of $2.0 billion, compared with $2.2 billion in the second quarter of 2011.
GM Europe (GME) reported an EBIT-adjusted loss of $0.4 billion, compared with EBIT-adjusted of $0.1 billion in second quarter of 2011.
GM International Operations (GMIO) reported EBIT-adjusted of $0.6 billion, equal to the second quarter of 2011.
GM South America (GMSA) reported breakeven results on an EBIT-adjusted basis, compared with EBIT-adjusted of $0.1 billion in the second quarter of 2011. The second quarter 2012 results include $0.1 billion in restructuring expenses.
GM Financial earnings before tax was $0.2 billion for the quarter, compared with $0.1 billion a year ago.
In the Corporate segment, GM reported EBIT-adjusted of $(0.2) billion, of which $(0.1) billion was attributable to a non-cash foreign exchange loss.

Cash Flow and Liquidity

For the quarter, automotive cash flow from operating activities was $3.8 billion and automotive free cash flow was $1.7 billion. GM ended the quarter with very strong total automotive liquidity of $38.5 billion. Automotive cash and marketable securities was $32.6 billion, compared with $31.5 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2012.

At the end of the first quarter, GM indicated that GMNA’s results for the second and third quarters of 2012 were expected to be comparable to the first quarter. Second quarter GMNA results were stronger in part due to timing of spending that was deferred to the third quarter. GM continues to expect that the average of its second and third quarter EBIT-adjusted in GMNA will be comparable to first quarter results.

“We’re executing an aggressive product plan around the world, and at the same time we are working systematically to simplify the business and truly leverage our scale to grow our margins,” said Dan Ammann, senior vice president and CFO.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

In this press release and in related comments by our management, our use of the words “expect,” “anticipate,” “possible,” “potential,” “target,” “believe,” “commit,” “intend,” “continue,” “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “project,” “projected,” “positioned” or similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements that represent our current judgment about possible future events. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any events or financial results, and our actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Among other items, such factors might include: our ability to realize production efficiencies and to achieve reductions in costs as a result of our restructuring initiatives and labor modifications; our ability to maintain quality control over our vehicles and avoid material vehicle recalls; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources and an appropriate level of debt, including as required to fund our planned significant investment in new technology; the ability of our suppliers to timely deliver parts, components and systems; our ability to realize successful vehicle applications of new technology; the overall strength and stability of our markets, particularly Europe; and our ability to continue to attract new customers, particularly for our new products. GM's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q provides information about these and other factors, which we may revise or supplement in future reports to the SEC.

Joel Ewanick Leaves General Motors Update

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:15:00 +0000

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

July 29, 2012

Automotive News reports General Motor's global marketing chief, Joel Ewanick is leaving. The reason according to General Motors is Ewanick didn't meet expectations.

GM hired Ewanick back in May 2010. Prior to this, he worked at Nissan for two months. Before Nissan, Ewanick worked at Hyundai where he was the chief of marketing and is credited with creating Hyundai Assurance, which allowed owners that lost their jobs to return their vehicles.

During his tenure, Ewanick led a consolidation of marketing and advertising agency work at GM. The biggest consolidation to place last spring when Chevrolet's marketing was moved from many agencies to just one, Commonwealth of Detroit.

Ewanick has also been in the spotlight for some controversial decisions and statements. Back in September 2010, Chevrolet launched the "Chevy Runs Deep" tagline. Critics have said the tagline doesn't really give Chevrolet a narrative. The tagline has been under review since then.

Then in May, Ewanick expressed concern about the effectiveness of advertising on Facebook and comfirmed that GM would pull their advertising from the site. Also, Ewanick revealed that GM would not be advertising during next year's Super Bowl. Both of these comments caught officials off guard and caused GM to go into damage control.

Ewanick's interm replacement is Alan Batey, GM's Vice President of U.S. Sales and Service.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Twitter, 2

Updated: July 30, 2012: Bloomberg reports that GM executives asked for Ewanick's resignation after a review of a sponsorship agreement that failed to meet company policies.

"It has been a privilege & honor to work with the GM Team and to be a small part of Detroit's turnaround. I wish everyone at GM all the best," Ewanick said on his twitter account last night.

Source: Bloomberg, Twitter

What's GM's Plan To Solve The MPG Problem With Trucks?

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 15:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

June 8, 2012

Ford has been having a resounding success with the EcoBoost option one the F-150 pickup truck. With new full-size trucks on the way, you would think GM would be heading down the same route.

Not so fast.

"I wouldn't say that's a huge priority. I think there are other answers to that, which they don't have, for us that make a lot more sense," said GM North America President Mark Reuss.

Reuss believes the full-sized pickup can't be all things to all buyers. He figures that fuel economy isn't that big of a concern for people who rely on them for a living.

He puts its this way: if GM was to downsize from the current V8 engines used in the Silverado/Sierra while still offering power and towing capacity, GM would have to significantly reduce the truck's weight and powertrain.

"So what have you really done? You've made a mid-sized pickup," Reuss said.

GM's strategy is to offer a mid-size (Colorado) and a full-size truck (Silverado/Sierra).

However, Reuss didn't say no the idea of a turbocharged V6 for its next generation pickups. GM is rumored to be developing one, but no one knows if that is to be the case or what vehicles this engine will go in.

Regardless if the turbo V6 is part of the lineup or not, the next generation of GM pickups will be on a diet, get the next-generation small block V-8 engine with direct injection, and a eight-speed transmission.

Source: Autoweek

GM To Close Down Oshawa Consolidated Line UPDATED

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:35:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

June 1, 2012

General Motors is expected to announce today the closing of the Oshawa Consolidated Line. The line currently builds the Chevy Impala and overflow production of the Equinox.

General Motors told workers this morning the closure will happen on June 1, 2013 and layoff around 2,000 people. Chris Buckley, president of CAW Local 222 is not happy with the decision.

“GM announced to us this morning their plans to close the plant. We are extremely offended. Our members. both active and retired, made huge sacrifices to help save this company during their auto crisis. GM’s way of rewarding Canadian autoworkers is to throw them onto the street,” Buckley told the Windsor Star today.

Production of the Impala will move to the Detroit-Hamtramck plant. Chevrolet Equinox production will move to Spring Hill, Tenn.

We'll be keeping an eye out for an official announcement from GM.

Source: The Truth About Cars, The Globe & Mail, The Windsor Star

UPDATE: The Truth About Cars has gotten some comments from GM about Oshawa Consolidated Line closing. Originally, the line was supposed to close down in 2008, based on plans made in 2005. However, demand for the Equinox and Impala was so high, the plant was left open.

The closing will take place in shifts. Third shift will be phased out in the forth quarter of this year, while second shift will follow in the first quarter of 2013. Production will end will when the final W-Body Impala rolls of the line later in 2013.

There is somewhat good news for the laid-off workers. GM could add a third shift to the the Oshawa flex plant that builds the Chevrolet Camaro, Buick Regal, Cadillac XTS, and the next-generation Impala if additional capacity is needed. The 2,000 laid-off workers will have first shot at applying for the jobs.

Source: The Truth About Cars

Rumorpile: Will Holden Announce An Export Program For The Commodore?

Wed, 16 May 2012 22:00:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

May 16, 2012

There is a new report from Australia saying Holden will be announcing a new export program to bring the next generation of the Commodore sedan codenamed VF to America as the new Chevrolet SS sedan.

If and when this announcement, this could end the long running speculation, ranging from a U.S. trademark filling to an OnStar leak.

The report from News.com.au also ties the announcement to it being the replacement for the current NASCAR Impala. Also, the report brings up Holden doing tests of left-hand drive models of the Commodore and comparing it to the Dodge Charger.

Source: News.com.au

Déjà Vu: GM Really Wants a Slice of Isuzu Motors

Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Blake Noble

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

May 3rd, 2012

At one point in the past, General Motors held a 49 percent stake in the Japanese automaker Isuzu. Over the years however, as GM’s market share eroded and the Detroit car company began fighting against the tides of red ink, it began selling off its shares in Isuzu until the alliance came quietly to an end. In 2006, it sold off its last 7.9 percent stake in the company for a reported $300 million dollars in order to fund restructuring efforts that were badly needed at the time.

History is about to repeat itself then, as General Motors is reportedly in talks with Isuzu Motors to form a new alliance. This past Sunday, Japanese newspaper Nikkei reported that GM could buy a 10 percent stake in Isuzu. The two automakers would collaborate on developing pickup trucks and selling vehicles in Central and South America, as well as Asia. Isuzu could also benefit from access to GM’s hybrid know-how and other fuel saving technologies.

Since emerging from bankruptcy in 2009, GM has been focused on striking up new partnerships. Most notably, GM recently bought a 7 percent stake in Peugeot-Citroen SA back in March that cost $423 million dollars.

While General Motors may be set to take 10 percent of Isuzu, it’s also rumored that GM initially wanted to buy 33.4 percent of the automaker — which amounts to roughly one-third — at a cost of $3 billion dollars. If GM didn’t scale down how much of Isuzu it wanted to buy, it would give GM the right to veto any decision made by board members.

Source: Reuters 4/29/12, Reuters 5/2/12

GM CEO Pushes For Internal Successor

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

April 26, 2012

General Motors' CEO, Dan Akerson recently said that he would like to see GM’s next CEO come from within the company ranks.

“My preference would be for it to be an internal candidate just because as you might expect, in any company in any industry, it’s less disruptive,” Akerson said at the 2012 Automotive News China Conference.

Akerson told The Wall Street Journal earlier this month that GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky is on the list of candidates with a shot at replacing him as CEO. Also on that list are North America chief Mark Reuss and global product head Mary Barra.

When asked how long he would continue on as GM CEO, Akerson hinted at a timeframe of two to five years.

"I owe the board, as every CEO does, what happens if I get run over today? What would I recommend you do, tomorrow? But that's not what we're really worried about. We're worried about what happens two to five years from now."

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Gases Caused The Explosion Yesterday Says GM

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

April 12, 2012

The Detroit News is reporting the explosion that happened yesterday at the General Motors Tech Center in Warren was caused by gases venting from an experimental battery pack.

The explosion which happened yesterday morning in a battery lab was liken to a natural gas explosion. Gases from experimental battery gathered in the room during extreme testing and ignited.

The explosion caused damaged to the at least part of the global battery lab inside the Alternative Energy Center and injured five people. GM spokesman Alan Adler said one employee was kept kept overnight at a hospital for observation.

Source: The Detroit News

Explosion At GM Tech Center UPDATED

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:50:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

April 11, 2012

CBS Detroit affiliate WWJ reports that the GM Tech Center in Warren was rocked by an explosion earlier this morning.

Deputy Fire Chief Gary Wilkinson said the explosion happened around 8:50 a.m. at the Alternative Energy Center research center. The cause of the explosion is likely a lithium-ion battery. Wilkinson also said two people have been rushed to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, although a statement released by GM says one has been sent.

GM spokesman Greg Martin told The Detroit News, "We’re aware of an incident this morning at one of our labs at the GM Tech Center that required a fire and emergency response. All employees are accounted for, and we’re trying to learn more details and we’ll share them when we can.”

We'll update this story as soon as we get more information.

UPDATE: Green Car Reports published a statement from GM about the explosion. GM says the explosion was unrelated to the Chevrolet Volt or any other production vehicle, instead saying it was a prototype battery undergoing extreme testing.

Source: CBS Detroit, The Detroit News, Green Car Reports

Does Mark Reuss Think Large Cars Have a Future? “Absolutely”

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 01:13:00 +0000

G. Noble

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

April 10th, 2012

Yesterday evening, we reported on a few statements GM North American President Mark Reuss made to Australia’s GoAuto at this month’s New York Auto Show. Reuss briefly discussed with GoAuto concerns about the Zeta platform’s viability and what could be in store for the Australian Holden Commodore sedan. As it turns out though, GoAuto wasn’t the only auto-centric Aussie establishment itching to get a crack at Reuss.

Australian car magazine Drive spoke to Reuss shortly after he introduced the new 2014 Chevrolet Impala large sedan at the Big Apple show. During the course of their conversation, Reuss hinted to Drive about the Commodore’s return to the US market as a new Chevrolet sports sedan that would also spawn a NASCAR version that would replace the current stock car based around the tepid outgoing Impala. The possibility of a double-edged large sedan attack from Chevrolet is certainly interesting then, given that buyers aren’t buying as many big cars as they used to these days.

However, Reuss’ response, when asked if he thought big cars had a future around the world, was “absolutely.”

“You’ve got technology inside these cars that give you close to 36, 37 miles per gallon on it. So it’s no longer a big fuel economy badness,” he said. “We don’t see fuel spikes happening right now, either. It’s a much more gradual move, which is much more palatable because people can adjust to the way they live to it.” He then continued: “So you’ve got those two dynamics and you’ve got the efficiency and the technology coming it to displace it and so it’s fueling demand to get a car that’s at a better operating cost and I think that’s only going to continue.”

Reuss added that more sensible running costs will secure the future of large sedans. It seems he may be right when you consider that there are plenty of big cars these days that get decent fuel economy. While it’s unknown what figures the new Impala will achieve, its rivals — the Ford Taurus and Dodge Charger — all boast fuel economy numbers hovering near or at the low 30s on the highway. It’s reasonable to expect the next-generation of large sedans will boast numbers even better than that.

“It’s a very naïve discussion to talk about big cars and small cars, it’s what kind of car do you want to get. The operating costs are going to be very good on these things as you go over time.”

As for the Commodore’s return to America since it first came here as the Pontiac G8? Some insiders suggest the Commodore-cum-Chevy-cum-stock car is a done deal and will be here in 2013. It bears repeating that Chevrolet has confirmed a new model is coming to NASCAR next year that isn’t based on any current model or nameplate. Reuss said that he wants the race car to be in sync with the road going version — much like what Ford has done with the Fusion and what Dodge has done with the Charger — a statement that may point to a new V8, rear-drive model.

So then it seems Zeta isn’t going anywhere and, after years of butting heads and gnashing teeth here on Cheers and Gears about the issue, cars of its ilk might be here to stay. Enthusiasts rejoice; it’ll be raining cars for a while yet.

Source: Drive

GM’s Underdog Zeta Platform is Still a Relevant Player

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:39:00 +0000

G. Noble

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

April 9th, 2012

Despite its limited application as the basis for the Australian Holden Commodore sedan and Chevrolet Camaro coupe, GM North American President Mark Reuss says the rear-wheel drive Zeta platform is still a relevant global architecture for cars. Speaking to Australia’s GoAuto at this month’s New York Auto Show, the former Holden boss defended what has been called an “orphaned” platform, saying that Zeta would continue as long as sales in Australia would support it and exports remained healthy, and that it currently still figures in GM’s global strategy.

“It’s still a global rear-wheel drive architecture, so we leverage it on Camaro, we do lots of things,” Reuss said. “I mean, you guys (Holden) still export things. There’s all that.” He then continued: “I’m not sure that changes unless the market tells us to change it. If the market tells us to change it, we’ll change it.”

While it’s good news that it seems Zeta won’t be going anywhere any time short-term, Reuss also claimed he couldn’t make any long-term predictions about its future.

“I don’t know because the volume comes out of Australia,” he said. “And if the [Australian] economy says that we’re going to keep making it, we’ll keep making it.”

During GM’s perilous restructuring efforts a few years ago, the company assigned what it called a “homeroom” status to certain branches of itself — for example, GM Europe (aka Opel AG) would be the homeroom for small to medium front-wheel drive car platforms, mainly handling their development. Although GM Holden was assigned as the homeroom for rear-wheel drive platforms and cars, the only Zeta platform spin-off has been the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro, whose version of the Commodore architecture is known as Zeta II. Because Zeta has only birthed two different versions of itself focused solely on two different markets, some folks are quick to say it isn’t a true global automotive architecture.

Some of those people will also point out other factors which work against Zeta. For example, the Camaro’s sales numbers suggests its more of a “niche” player and, overall, it’s a lower volume platform. There’s also the curiosity of GM North America developing GM’s newest global rear-drive platform dubbed “Alpha” and used beneath Cadillac’s new BMW 3-Series competitor, the ATS.

Reuss had something to say about most of that. He was quick to bring up that Camaros were sold all over the world and that he thought GM was “kicking ass with it.” He maintained that it doesn’t matter that Zeta doesn’t have the sales volumes of Delta II small car platform or the medium car-sized Epsilon II.

“No, but so what? I don’t care as long as we’ve already paid for it, it’s all done,” he said.

Mark Reuss is currently championing the return of the Commodore to the U.S. as a rear-drive Chevrolet sports sedan. GM has confirmed that some sort of new top-dog Chevrolet is coming and that it will woo millions of Budweiser-swillin’, lawn chair-sittin’, salad-hatin’ NASCAR fans at racetracks next year. What remains to be seen, however, is if it will in fact be related to the Commodore or the new ATS, since some industry analysts claim that, on the contrary, Zeta no longer fits into GM’s plans for big rear-drive cars and a upsized version of Alpha will succeed it.

Source: GoAuto

GM Announces Pricing For The Cadillac XTS and Chevrolet Spark

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

April 5, 2012

Today, General Motors announcing pricing for the Cadillac XTS and Chevrolet Spark.

The Spark will start at $12,995 (includes destination) for the base LS model. The base LS includes 10 airbags, air conditioning, power windows, OnStar and 15-inch alloys. Next up is the 1LT trim, costing $14,495. The 1LT will include seven-inch color touchscreen, USB connectivity, satellite radio, keyless entry, power mirrors, cruise control, Bluetooth, visor mirrors, and floor mats. The top level 2LT, costing $15,795 will include a unique set of 15-inch wheels, sportier body-color fascias, fog lamps, exterior brightwork, heated, leatherette-covered seats, and a leather-wrapped wheel.

All models will come equipped with a 1.2L Ecotec four-cylinder and a five-speed manual. A four-speed automatic is optional.

The Spark arrives at Chevrolet Dealers sometime later this year.

As for the Cadillac XTS, its base price starts at $44,995 for the base, front-wheel-drive model. The base model includes dual exhaust, 10-way power front seats, passive keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, perforated leather upholstery, eight-speaker Bose stereo, Sapele wood trim, "cut and sew" dash and trim, high-intensity-discharge headlights, rear parking sonar and 19-inch aluminum wheels.

Also on the base model XTS is Cadillac's new CUE multimedia system with a standard 8-inch touch display. Magnetic Ride Control, a rear air suspension, and Brembo brakes.

Instead of offering model trims, the XTS will offer "option collections". The "option collections," are Luxury, Premium and Platinum. AWD will also be available.

The XTS will debut in May.

Press Releases are on Page 3 & 4

2013 Spark Packs Technology and Features into Small Price

Mini car comes in three trim levels starting at $12,995 including destination

DETROIT – Chevrolet is taking the guesswork out of the car-buying process with a new, simpler approach to pricing and packaging for the 2013 Spark. When the mini car goes on sale later this year, Spark will be available in three well-equipped trim levels starting at $12,995 including destination.

Spark is a sporty, fuel-efficient, four-passenger, five-door hatch designed to excite first-time car buyers and city dwellers with bold styling, attention-grabbing colors – including Salsa, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade and Techno Pink – engaging driving dynamics, the personalized connectivity of MyLink, and the safety of 10 standard air bags.

Spark also offers more passenger and cargo room than other mini cars such as the Fiat 500, Smartfortwo and Scion IQ.

“With the Spark Chevrolet has the opportunity to connect with a new generation of car buyers who expect more from every product they purchase,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Global Marketing. “So we wanted to make the process of choosing a Spark as simple as possible by reducing the number of stand-alone options and providing more standard content to each trim level at a competitive price.”

Spark LS starting at $12,995 includes:

Standard 1.2L Ecotec engine and five-speed manual transmission
Standard convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, rear window wiper, auxiliary input jack, outside temperature display and trip computer
15-inch alloy wheels
60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seat
Comprehensive safety package including 10 air bags, electronic stability control with traction control and brake assist
OnStar Directions & Connections plan standard with six-month introductory subscription

Spark 1LT starting at $14,495 includes LS standard content and adds:

Standard 7-inch color touch radio with Chevrolet MyLink, Bluetooth connectivity for select phones, steering wheel audio controls, USB port and Sirius XM Radio with three-month trial subscription
Other standard convenience features include power door locks with remote keyless entry, theft deterent system, outside power mirrors, floor mats, visor mirrors, and cruise control

Spark 2LT starting at $15,795 includes all 1LT standard content and adds:

Unique 15-inch alloy wheels
Fog lamps
Exterior appearance enhancements including silver painted roof rails; chrome lift gate handle, exhaust outlet and beltline molding; body-color lower rocker molding; front and rear body-color sport fascias with unique front upper and lower grille inserts

On the interior, leatherette seats and heated front seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel

A 4-speed automatic transmission is available on all models for $925. The only other available options include an engine block heater for $75 and Black Granite paint for $195.

Chevrolet MyLink in the Spark will include Pandora internet radio and Stitcher Smart Radio apps. Later in the model year, the recently introduced GogoLink – an embedded smartphone application that delivers full-function navigation including live traffic updates – will be available. Pricing for GogoLink will be announced later.

Spark is the only car in its segment to provide the added value of a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and the safety and security of OnStar.

High-tech Cadillac XTS is New Definition of Luxury

CUE, new in-car user experience, and Magnetic Ride Control standard

DETROIT –The 2013 Cadillac XTS luxury sedan, Cadillac’s most technologically advanced car yet, will be available at U.S. dealerships later this spring with a starting price of $44,995 including destination

The all-new XTS is the only car in its class with standard Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s-fastest reacting suspension technology. Also standard and making its debut in the XTS, is CUE, Cadillac’s breakthrough in-vehicle user experience for control and connectivity.

Three option collections will be offered on the XTS: Luxury, Premium and Platinum. The XTS Platinum model represents the highest level of technology and luxury, including a unique front appearance, wheels and interior colors, materials and trim. An advanced all-wheel-drive system, using Haldex technology to transfer power front-to-back, and side-to-side along the rear axle, will be offered on all three trim levels above the standard model.

“The all-new XTS redefines our approach to the luxury sedan by combining advanced technology, stunning design and confident performance,” said Don Butler, vice president Cadillac marketing. “XTS brings new and exclusive technology, while still delivering the space and elegance that is Cadillac’s DNA.”

Cadillac is preparing for the debut of CUE first automotive use of capacitive touch, the technology used by many of today’s best tablets and smartphones.

A new CUE iPad Application, which replicates the center screen that is the hub of the system, is being used to familiarize dealers with the experience as well as provide videos and information. The App will be opened to the public via the App Store in May as the XTS launches.

“We're taking advantage of the fact that CUE is parallel technology to tablets,” Butler said. “CUE is intuitive, in part because its control and command structure aims to be consistent with popular devices millions of people already use. The App adds to this by literally putting CUE into your hands, even before you can get into the car.”

Cadillac also will use OnStar to provide live assistance to XTS owners for CUE questions. And Cadillac dealerships will contain certified technology experts to familiarize shoppers and drivers with the system.

Where Are The Four-Cylinder Equinox/Terrains?

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

March 13, 2012

If you been shopping for a Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain with a four-cylinder and been wondering why there is a lack of them on dealer lots, blame a supplier.

Automotive News reports that for the past two months, GM has put order limits on the four-cylinder Equinox and Terrain. That's due to a tier 2 supplier having problems with certain parts for the 2.4L four-cylinder engine.

GM spokesman Jim Cain said dealers were told by GM the constraint on the four-cylinder is temporary, but didn't say when it would be resolved.

So what do you do if you want an Equinox or a Terrain? If you're willing to give up some MPGs, GM is putting $1000 on the hoods of 3.0L V6 Equinox and Terrain. However, if your heart is set on the 2.4L four, Cain says GM is working with with suppliers to get the supply up to meet demand.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

GM Vice Chairman Says PSA Stake Is Part Of Fixing Opel

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter- CheersandGears.com

March 7, 2012

Last week, General Motors and PSA announced a new alliance that would have the two sharing components and give stronger purchasing power for both. The deal is "an additional tool to the toolkit in Europe" said GM Vice Chairman Stephen Girsky to reporters. When asked what would come next in GM's plan to save Opel, Girsky declined.

"We can't tell you what our play is in Europe. We will tell you when it plays out over the next period of months and years ... I don't see the play in Europe showing up in one big bang."

This has everyone worried about what the next move will be for Opel. Currently, European production capacity is estimated to be 20% higher than needed to keep companies profitable in a weakening market.

"Excess capacity is not a GM issue, it's an industry issue," Girsky argued.

Also, GM is keeping quiet on whether it will post a thirteen year of losses in the European market. This comes on the heels of Ford announcing a $500 to $600 million dollar loss in Europe this year due to an 8.5% drop in European auto sales.

"It's not just investors who hate uncertainty. It's the workers, it's the employees. People are working really hard on this," Girsky said.

However, analysts aren't liking the silent treatment from GM. Michelle Krebs, analyst with Edmunds.com told Reuters that GM was taking risk with investors and consumers by saying they have a plan and not reveal any specifics. Also, the PSA deal doesn't solve the whole excess capacity problem.

"It's not solving their problem, which is stemming the losses, and they are basically asking us to trust that the payoff will come in the future," said Krebs.

Source: Reuters

An Alliance Is Formed: GM Buys 7% Stake Into PSA Peugeot Citroën

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

February 29, 2012

The rumor of GM and PSA Peugeot Citroën creating an alliance for the past couple of weeks is now true. Today, the two announced a new global alliance in which GM will buy a 7% stake in PSA.

The alliance would have GM and PSA sharing vehicle platforms, components and modules. Plus, the alliance would give both stronger purchasing power for sourcing components, raw materials and other goods and services. The vehicle platforms in question are will be small and midsize passenger cars, MPVs and crossovers, with the first one arriving by 2016.

GM says that results from the alliance will save approximately $2 billion annually within about five years.

Still, analysts and investors are still wondering why GM & PSA are teaming up.

Press Release is on Page 2

GM and PSA Peugeot Citroën Create Global Alliance

Long-term strategic pairing to leverage combined scale and strengths

NEW YORK – General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroën today announced the creation of a long-term and broad-scale global strategic alliance that will leverage the combined strengths and capabilities of the two companies, contribute to the profitability of both partners and strongly improve their competitiveness in Europe.

The alliance is structured around two main pillars: the sharing of vehicle platforms, components and modules; and the creation of a global purchasing joint venture for the sourcing of commodities, components and other goods and services from suppliers with combined annual purchasing volumes of approximately $125 billion. Each company will continue to market and sell its vehicles independently and on a competitive basis.

Beyond these pillars, the alliance creates a flexible foundation that allows the companies to pursue other areas of cooperation.

In connection with the alliance, PSA Peugeot Citroën is expected to raise approximately €1 billion through a capital increase with preferential subscription rights for shareholders of PSA Peugeot Citroën, underwritten by a syndicate of banks and including an investment from the Peugeot Family Group, as a sign of its confidence in the success of the alliance. As part of the agreement, which includes no specific provision regarding the governance of PSA Peugeot Citroën, GM plans to acquire a 7 percent equity stake in PSA Peugeot Citroën, making it the second-largest shareholder behind the Peugeot Family Group.

“This partnership brings tremendous opportunity for our two companies,” said Dan Akerson, GM chairman and CEO. “The alliance synergies, in addition to our independent plans, position GM for long-term sustainable profitability in Europe.”

Philippe Varin, chairman of the managing board of PSA Peugeot Citroën, declared, “This alliance is a tremendously exciting moment for both groups and this partnership is rich in its development potential. With the strong support of our historical shareholder and the arrival of a new and prestigious shareholder, the whole group is mobilized to reap the full benefit of this agreement.”

Under the terms of the agreement, GM and PSA Peugeot Citroën will share selected platforms, modules and components on a worldwide basis in order to achieve cost savings, gain efficiencies, leverage volumes and advanced technologies and reduce emissions. Sharing of platforms not only enables global applications, it also permits both companies to execute Europe-specific programs with scale and in a cost-effective manner.

Initially, GM and PSA Peugeot Citroën intend to focus on small and midsize passenger cars, MPVs and crossovers. The companies will also consider developing a new common platform for low emission vehicles. The first vehicle on a common platform is expected to launch by 2016.

This alliance enhances but does not replace either company’s ongoing independent efforts to return their European operations to sustainable profitability.

The purchasing cooperation defined in the agreement allows the companies to act as one global purchasing organization when it comes to sourcing commodities, components and services from suppliers, taking full advantage of the joint expertise, volume, platforms and standardized parts. Combining GM’s robust global processes and organizational structure with best practices from PSA Peugeot Citroën will bring significant value and efficiencies to the purchasing operations at both companies.

Additionally, the alliance is exploring areas for further cooperation, such as integrated logistics and transportation. To this end, GM intends to establish a strategic, commercial cooperation with Gefco, an integrated logistics services company and subsidiary of PSA Peugeot Citroën, whereby Gefco would provide logistics services to GM in Europe and Russia.

The total synergies expected from the alliance are estimated at approximately $2 billion USD annually within about five years. The synergies will largely coincide with new vehicle programs, with limited benefit expected in the first two years. It is expected the synergies will be shared about evenly between the two companies.

The alliance will be supervised by a global steering committee that includes an equal number of senior leader representatives from each company.

Its implementation is subject to requisite regulatory approvals in certain jurisdictions as well as notification to the appropriate workers councils.

Rumorpile: GM Buying 5% of Peugeot-Citroën To Cement Deal

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

February 28, 2012

Last Wednesday, we reported on talks between General Motors and Peugeot-Citroën on a possible alliance. Now, Reuters is reporting the talks have gone into advance stages and General Motors could be buying up a small share.

Reuters has learned from a couple sources at both companies that General Motors would purchase 5% of Peugeot-Citroën as part of their alliance deal. The stake could be worth $240 million dollars at Peugeot's current market value of $4.8 billion.

Sources say the deal could be announced within the next few days, but caution that an agreement has not been reached and the talks could still fall apart.

When asked for comment, GM and Peugeot-Citroën didn't respond.

Source: Reuters

General Motors & Peugeot-Citroën In Talks

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

February 22, 2012

Question: What do GM's European arm and Peugeot-Citroën have in common? The answer; both are in dire financial straits and are trying to turn their fortunes around. GM's European arm announced a $562 million loss in 2011. Meanwhile, Peugeot-Citroën's announced a loss of $121 million in 2011 and has cut 6,000 jobs.

It seems fitting then that GM and Peugeot-Citroën are talking about an alliance. Reuters is reporting that the two are in talks about a possible alliance. The alliance would have Opel/Vauxhall and Peugeot-Citroën cooperating on projects ranging from developing engines and transmissions to complete models that each brand could sell. No shares for either company would change hands.

French newspaper La Tribune says the talks have been going on for the past few months and is entering the final stage of negotiations.

When asked for comment, GM spokesman Johan Willems said,

"We routinely talk with others in the industry, but have no comment beyond that."

PSA, Peugeot & Citroën's parent company said in a statement,

"In the context of its globalization strategy and improving its operational performance, PSA Peugeot Citroen looks at potential cooperations and alliances, There can be no certainty at this stage that these discussions will result in any agreement."

Source: Reuters, Automotive News (Subscription Required)

GM Announces 2011 Results

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

February 16, 2012

Today, General Motors announced their results for 2011 and forth quarter.

The company announced a profit of $7.6 billion for 2011, a large increase from the $4.7 billion profit in 2010.

However, forth quarter results were not as impressive. Net income for the forth quarter was only $472 million, or about the same as Q4 2010. While this makes it eight straight quarters of positive growth, the earnings were weighed down by losses of $562 million in Europe.

There were also a number of one-time events that affected earnings in the fourth quarter. Take those events out and GM says the profit would have been around $900 million.

Press Release is on Page 2

GM Reports 2011 Net Income of $7.6 Billion

Full-year EBIT-adjusted of $8.3 billion, up $1.3 billion from 2010
Fourth quarter net income of $0.5 billion and EBIT-adjusted of $1.1 billion

DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today announced 2011 calendar-year net income attributable to common stockholders of $7.6 billion, or $4.58 per fully diluted share, up from $4.7 billion, or $2.89 per fully diluted share, in 2010.

Revenue increased 11 percent to $150.3 billion, compared with $135.6 billion in 2010. Full-year earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) adjusted was $8.3 billion, compared with $7.0 billion in 2010.

“In our first full year as a public company, we grew the top and bottom lines, advanced our global market share and made strategic investments in our brands around the world,” said Dan Akerson, chairman and CEO. “We will build on these results as we bring more new cars, crossovers and trucks to market, and make GM a far more efficient global team. This includes reducing our break-even level in Europe and South America and driving higher revenues around the world.”

Overview (in billions except for per share amounts)

Q4 2010

Q4 2011

Full-year 2010

Full-year 2011

Revenue

$36.9

$38.0

$135.6

$150.3

Net income attributable to common stockholders

$0.5

$4.7

$7.6

Earnings per share

(EPS) fully diluted

$0.31

$0.28

$2.89

$4.58

Impact of special items on EPS fully diluted

$(0.21)

$(0.11)

$(0.14)

$0.70

EBIT-adjusted

$1.0

$1.1

$7.0

$8.3

Automotive net cash flow from operating activities

($1.7)

$1.2

$6.6

$7.4

Automotive

free cash flow

($2.

($0.9)

$2.4

$1.2

Fourth Quarter Results

Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2011 increased 3 percent to $38.0 billion, compared with the fourth quarter of 2010. GM’s fourth quarter 2011 net income attributable to common stockholders was $0.5 billion, or $0.28 per fully diluted share, including a net loss from special items of $0.2 billion or $0.11 per fully diluted share.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, GM’s net income attributable to common stockholders was $0.5 billion, or $0.31 per fully diluted share, including a net loss from special items of $0.4 billion or $0.21 per fully diluted share.

EBIT-adjusted was $1.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared with $1.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010. Fourth quarter EBIT-adjusted for 2011 includes the impact of restructuring charges of $0.3 billion.

GM’s fourth quarter 2011 special items include impairment charges related to goodwill and GM’s investment in Ally Financial, and gains related to the Canadian Health Care Trust (HCT) settlement, the reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowances in Australia and the extinguishment of debt.

Regional Results

GM North America (GMNA) reported EBIT-adjusted of $1.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared with $0.8 billion in 2010. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $7.2 billion in 2011 compared with $5.7 billion in 2010. Based on GMNA’s 2011 financial performance, the company will pay profit sharing of up to $7,000 to approximately 47,500 eligible GM U.S. hourly employees. The full payout will be paid to employees who had 1,850 or more compensated hours in 2011.
GM Europe (GME) reported an EBIT-adjusted loss of $0.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011, including $0.2 billion of restructuring costs, matching last year’s results. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was a loss of $0.7 billion in 2011, an improvement of $1.3 billion over 2010.
GM International Operations (GMIO) reported EBIT-adjusted of $0.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared with $0.3 billion in 2010. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $1.9 billion in 2011 compared with $2.3 billion in 2010.
GM South America (GMSA) reported an EBIT-adjusted loss of $0.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011, including $0.1 billion in restructuring costs, compared with EBIT-adjusted of $0.2 billion in 2010. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was a loss of $0.1 billion in 2011 compared with EBIT-adjusted of $0.8 billion in 2010.

Cash Flow and Liquidity

For the fourth quarter of 2011, automotive cash flow from operating activities was $1.2 billion and automotive free cash flow was $(0.9) billion, which includes the previously announced $0.8 billion contribution to the HCT.

GM ended the year with strong total automotive liquidity of $37.5 billion compared with $33.5 billion in 2010. Automotive cash and marketable securities was $31.6 billion compared with $27.6 billion at the end of 2010.

U.S. Pension Update

GM’s U.S. defined benefit pension plans earned asset returns of 11.1 percent in 2011. They ended the year 88 percent funded, largely unchanged from 89 percent funded a year ago.

The company also announced today that it is taking further steps toward its goals of de-risking and fully funding its U.S. pension plans. Effective Sept. 30, 2012, GM will freeze its defined benefit pension plan for U.S. salaried employees, who instead will receive contributions to a defined contribution plan, or 401(k). This initiative will affect GM's U.S. salaried employees hired prior to Jan. 1, 2001. Salaried employees hired after that date are already covered by a defined contribution plan.

2012 Outlook

Looking forward, GM expects to increase its top-line revenue year-over-year in an expanding global automotive industry. In addition, GM expects continued pricing improvement with cost inflation well contained, while product mix and pension expense are expected to be unfavorable.

Capital spending in 2012 is expected to be in the range of $8 billion as the company continues to aggressively invest in new products and technologies.

“We are executing an aggressive product plan that will give customers around the world even more reasons to purchase a General Motors vehicle,” said Dan Ammann, senior vice president and CFO. “Behind the scenes, we are working hard to eliminate complexity and cost throughout the organization to increase margins in all of our regions, and return Europe and South America to profitability. Overall, we have made good progress and we have more work to do.”

Ford Asks GM To Not Show Silverado "2012" Ad, GM Says No UPDATED

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:05:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

February 5, 2012

General Motors and Ford Motor Company are butting heads over a commerical to air on tonights Super Bowl. Today, Ford sent GM cease and decease order to take down the "2012" commercial for the Chevrolet Silverado. Ford also pressured NBC to not air the ad tonight.

The ad shows the Mayan prediction that the world will end on December 21, 2012 comes true. With a disastrous looking landscape, the only remaining object to survive is a new Silverado truck. The driver and his dog drive around in the wasteland till they come across a group of other Silverado owners. The group talks about a fellow friend that did not make it because he drove a Ford truck.

“We stand by our claims in the commercial, that the Silverado is the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickup on the road. The ad is a fun way of putting this claim in the context of the apocalypse. We can wait until the world ends, and if we need to, we will apologize. In the meantime, people who are really worried about the Mayan calendar coming true should buy a Silverado right away,” said General Motors Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick.

For now, GM has said the ad will still air during the first quarter.

*UPDATE* Ford spokesman Mike Levine confirmed to Motoramic that Ford did send GM a letter asking them to take the ad down, saying Ford disagreed with several of GM's claims, "particularly around durability." Levine also said GM's "longest-lasting" claims are false due to Ford having more trucks on the road with 250,000 miles or more than any other make.

"Claims are made in advertising frequently by every auto manufacturer. This type of ad protest happens from time to time...We'll always defend our products."

Levine said any decision on what to do after the ad airs will come from Ford's legal team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxFYYP8040A&feature=youtu.be

Source: Motoramic

Press Release is on page 2

Chevy Response to Ford on Silverado 2012 Super Bowl Ad

DETROIT – Last evening Chevrolet was asked by Ford Motor Co. to stop showing its Super Bowl commercial for the Silverado, the longest-lasting, most-dependable full-size pickup on the road.

The good-humored ad, called “2012”, shows the Silverado navigating a completely over-the-top, outrageous version of the devastation and destruction predicted to occur this year by the Mayan calendar includes giant attack robots, meteors and frogs falling from the sky.

A group of friends, who are Silverado owners, makes its way to the designated meeting spot but notice one of their buddies is missing. The missing friend, however, did not drive a Chevrolet. Instead, he drove a Ford and doesn’t appear to have made it to the meeting point.

“We stand by our claims in the commercial, that the Silverado is the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickup on the road. The ad is a fun way of putting this claim in the context of the apocalypse,” said General Motors Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick. “We can wait until the world ends, and if we need to, we will apologize. In the meantime, people who are really worried about the Mayan calendar coming true should buy a Silverado right away.”

The Silverado ad will run in the first quarter of the Super Bowl and is one of five spots that Chevrolet is debuting on Super Bowl Sunday. To see all of the spots visit: http://www.youtube.c...Chevrolet/home.

GM Announces New Upgrades To Plant, Quietly Signals New SUVs

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

February 2, 2012

GM’s Arlington, Texas plant, the place where the current Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL is going under some renovations. GM announced a new $200 million stamping facility that will produce large stamping components for GM’s next-generation full-size SUVs. The facility will save the company $40 million in logistics and will come online in 2013.

Since we’re talking about Arlington and next generation SUVs, Motor Trend has uncovered some information about the next generation. All of the SUVs will stick with the underpinnings from Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. GM will use more high-strength steel as well as other alloys to keep weight down. Also being talked about for the next generation SUVs are direct-injected small-block engines, eight-speed transmissions, and a updated two-mode hybrid system.

The new SUVs are due out sometime in late 2013.

Source: Motor Trend

Press Release is on Page 2

GM Will Build $200 Million Stamping Facility in Texas

2012-01-31

ARLINGTON, Tex. – General Motors will start construction next week on a new $200 million stamping facility that will create approximately 180 jobs. The new facility, part of the company’s Arlington manufacturing complex, will produce large stamping components for the next generation of full-size Chevrolet Tahoes, Suburbans, GMC Yukons and Cadillac Escalades.

"Our investment in GM's Arlington plant is one more example of GM strengthening the economy and creating jobs throughout the many U.S. communities where GM does business," said GM Manufacturing Manager Larry Zahner.

Currently, Arlington receives stamped components from several GM plants, with some parts coming from more than 1,000 miles away. The new facility, which comes on line in 2013, will save about $40 million a year in logistics cost. The new facility is in addition to a $331 million investment to purchase tooling and equipment and expand the Arlington Assembly Plant that was announced along with 110 additional jobs in May 2011.

“Today’s announcement is further evidence that the U.S. auto industry is back. An important goal for the UAW is to increase the number of manufacturing jobs in the United States and we are pleased that General Motors has decided to make this investment in Arlington,” said Joe Ashton, vice president of the UAW representing the GM department. “We look forward to more good news in 2012 as our workers continue to build the world’s best vehicles.”

Tuesday’s announcement is the first manufacturing investment by GM in 2012. Since June 2009, the company has announced more than $6.9 billion of investment to upgrade or expand operations in 12 states, creating or retaining more than 17,600 jobs.

“This investment is possible because of the teamwork among GM, the UAW, the Arlington community and the great State of Texas,” said Zahner. “We truly appreciate the support we have enjoyed from the Arlington community over the years.”

Volt Gets Its Day In Congressional Hearing

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

January 25, 2012

Today, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus Oversight and Government Spending (gesundheit!) held its hearing on the Chevrolet Volt and investigation done by NHTSA. The hearing titled - "Volt Vehicle Fire: What did NHTSA Know and When Did They Know It?" showed the committee led by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., wasn't here to mess around.

First to testify was NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. Strickland defended the agency's decision not to talk about the fire in a crash-tested Volt for more than five months, saying that it would have been "irresponsible" to disclose the fire before the agency had determined whether the Volt posed a risk to safety.

Strickland also said replicating the initial fire was "difficult" and took a "tremendous amount of engineering" to produce a second fire in laboratory conditions.

Next to testify was General Motors CEO and chairman Dan Akerson testified to the committee that the Volt is a safe vehicle and it has become "political punching bag."

"We engineered the Volt to show the world the great vehicles we make at General Motors. Although we loaded the Volt with state of the art safety features, we did not engineer the Volt to be a political punching bag. Sadly that is what it's become." Akerson said.

Akerson also told the comittee that GM never asked the White House to keep the Volt Fire that happen in June a secret and never had disscussions with the White House about the Volt.

When asked how he got to hearings, Akerson said he drove a Volt.

Issa said after the hearings he's satisfied with GM's response but now plans to focus on NHTSA.

"We are disappointed. NHTSA could have been a much better job both in transparency and speed. When you have a new vehicle, it's better to take a pause," said Issa.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), The Detroit News

3,400 GM Workers At Kansas Plant Prepare For Strike Vote

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

January 24, 2012

The UAW has scheduled a strike authorization vote for Thursday after workers at GM’s Fairfax, Kansas assembly plant voted last Friday to reject a proposed contract at the plant.

On Friday, 66% of production workers and 58% of skilled-trades workers voted against a contract.

"The UAW is working through issues with the company and is optimistic that we will be able to reach an agreement,” said UAW spokeswoman Michele Martin.

George Ruiz, president of UAW Local 31 said the strike authorization vote is part of the negotation proces. The vote helps gives the UAW more leverage during negoations.

Ruiz said the UAW and GM have taken a break, but expects negoations to resume after the vote is taken. Ruiz wouldn't go into details to what the issues are.

GM and the UAW negotiate separate contracts at each of its plants that cover issues like work rules and other items.

When asked for comment, GM Spokeswoman Kim Carpenter declined.

GM employs 3,400 workers at the Fairfax, Kansas plant which builds the Buick La Crosse and Chevrolet Malibu.

Source: Detroit Free Press

Spying: Buick Enclave & GMC Acadia On A Stroll

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

January 23, 2012

GM's Lambda Trio; the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia are still selling very well (sales were up 5% in 2011), but there is no hiding the face that these three models are growing long in the tooth. Outside, the three are still very handsome. But, jump inside or drive one and you realize how old the three are. That will soon change as GM is readying updated models of the Enclave and Acadia, as shown here via some new spy shots.

From what the pictures show, the overall shape remains the same. The Enclave gets a new, larger front end and headlights. The Acadia receives similar updates, but judging from the pictures, the grill outline shows designers are attempting to visually tie it to the smaller Terrain.

Expect bigger changes under the skin for the two vehicles. The interior of both vehicles were heavily camouflaged, suggesting big changes are in store.

GM's 3.6L DI V6 is expected to stay on, but rumors point to turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines.

We'll likely see both vehicles make their appearance sometime this year, with GMC Acadia appearing at next month's Chicago Auto Show.

Source: Motor Trend

General Motors Leads 2011 Global Auto Sales

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:48:00 +0000

V.V. Haldavnekar

Administrator - Cheers and Gears

January 19, 2012

After turning in profits for consecutive quarters of 2011, General Motors regained the global sales crown for 2011. Buoyed by an upswinging Chevrolet brand that saw growth in many of global markets, GM reported sales of more than 9 million units, a gain of over 7% compared to last year's sales. Chevrolet brand accounted approx. 4.8 million units. General Motors reports that it gained the global market share by 4th of a percent during 2011 to 11.9 percent.

Hit the jump to read the full article.

Tom Stephens To Retire On April 1st

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:30:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

January 15, 2012

Tom Stephens, the Vice Chairman and Chief Technology Officer for General Motors is retiring on April 1st, ending a 43-year career that included leadership of GM's global powertrain and product development organizations.

Stephens started at GM back in 1969 as part of a student program. From there he would hold positions at Cadillac, Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac Division, and GM Powertrain.

Highlights for Stephens include leading the development of the first Cadillac Northstar engine and spearheaded the creation of GM’s advanced propulsion technology strategy.

“Tom Stephens is an engineering icon within our company and within our industry. We have all benefited greatly from his passion, wisdom, and commitment to product excellence. His talent and contributions to GM are deeply appreciated and his expertise will be missed,” said GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson in a statement.

Press Release is on Page 2

GMViceChairman and Chief Technology Officer to Retire

Tom Stephens caps 43-year powertrain and product development career April 1

DETROIT – General Motors Vice Chairman and Chief Technology Officer Tom Stephens has elected to retire effective April 1, capping a 43-year career that included leadership of the company’s global powertrain and product development organizations.

In his most recent role as CTO, Stephens led the company’s product technology arm, working to identify and develop advanced and game-changing technologies for integration in future GM vehicles. He also focused on building closer relationships with external and internal technology partners. His successor will be named later.

Stephens, 63, served as Vice Chairman, Global Product Operations from April 2009 through February 2011. He was Group Vice President of Global Powertrain from July 2001 to March 2008, when he was promoted to Executive Vice President of Global Powertrain and Global Quality.

His GM career began in 1969 as an hourly employee at the Chevrolet Engineering Center in Warren, Mich., under the University of Michigan Student Co-op Program. Stephens held several engineering positions at Cadillac Motor Car Division and a series of engineering leadership posts with the Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac Division before being chosen to lead the newly created GM Powertrain Division.

“Tom Stephens is an engineering icon within our company and within our industry,” said GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. “We have all benefited greatly from his passion, wisdom, and commitment to product excellence. His talent and contributions to GM are deeply appreciated and his expertise will be missed.”

Key highlights of Stephens’ career include leading the development of the first Cadillac Northstar engine, GM’s premier dual overhead cam performance engine, which won numerous industry and engine awards. He also spearheaded the creation of GM’s advanced propulsion technology strategy, which guided the company’s development of a wide range of advanced engine technologies, hybrid vehicles, and the Chevrolet Volt.

Stephens led the globalization of powertrain engineering, leveraging global centers of expertise to speed engine development. He also championed the use of computational tools and common parts in GM engineering and product development processes to increase quality and efficiency.

After retirement, Stephens will continue to serve on the board of directors of the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Foundation and the board of trustees for the Detroit Science Center. He is a member of the Engineering Advisory Council for the University of Michigan School of Engineering and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2007 for his contributions to powertrain engineering.

Farewell GM 2.4L Four-Cylinder, Hello 2.5L Four-Cylinder

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:35:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

January 12, 2012

GM is retiring one of their workhorse engines. The 2.4L four-cylinder found under the hoods of the Buick Regal and Verano, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain will say farewell. In it’s place will be a new 2.5L DI four-cylinder.

The new four-cylinder will make its debut in the regular Chevrolet Malibu, due out this summer. The engine is rated at 190 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. This is a decent size bump in power compared to the 2.4L’s 169 hp with port injection and 182 hp from the direct-injected version.

The changeover will happen within the next twelve months. GM hasn’t said if the 2.5L will also take the place of the 2.4L in its eAssist hybrids.

Source: Car & Driver

GM's Stock was the Worst of 2011

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:39:00 +0000

January 3rd, 2011

by "black-knight"

CheersandGears.com

Good news doesn't always mean great news, especially if you're in GM's shoes right now. Despite the fact GM is closer to snatching Toyota's global sales crown away, Chevrolet is very close to eclipising its all time sales record, and more new models are on the way, GM's stock has been trading somewhere between $20 to $21 bucks a share the last few days. Compare that to around this time last year when one share of GM's stock would have set you back about $36 dollars a pop or back in October when shares skyrocketed to about $43 dollars a piece.

When you do all of the math, it adds up to a decrease of 46.1 percent, which sadly makes GM's stock the automotive industry's worst performing stock of 2011. By comparison, Ford's stock decreased by 37.3 percent throughout the course of last year -- which still isn't anything to celebrate about.

So why has GM's stock taken such a nosedive in light of the major progress GM has made over the course of last year? Blame GM's European operations, which are still running in the red thanks to the Euro's rapid approach to meltdown status, and the U.S. Treasury still holding on to a big chunk of GM's shares.

However, if the Motley Fool is to be believed, this might also be a good time to snap up a few of GM's shares if you think they are a wise investment since they are, after all, trading for less than five times of GM's earnings.

Epcot GM Test Track to Get Refurbished, New Name

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:51:00 +0000

I am a huge Disney Parks fan - My favorite attraction to visit at Epcot in WDW happens to coincide with my passion for all things General Motors - the GM Test Track (formerly GM's World of Motion pavilion).

Mouseplanet's weekly WDW news update reports that the GM Test Track attraction is scheduled to be closed from April 15 through September 21, 2012 for an upgrade to include a name change -Test Track presented by Chevrolet:

…Our friends over at TouringPlans.com are reporting that Test Track may close from April 15 through September 21, 2012 to get an upgrade and to also change the official sponsor from General Motors in general to GM's Chevrolet brand in particular. It's likely that the changes to some of the attraction's vehicles are a preview of some of the new look. We'll have more once this closure is confirmed.

TouringPlans.com also reveals a possible logo change for the attraction, seen below.

The ride will feature new vehicles designed by GM's own research and development team rather than Disney's Imagineering unit who previously did the cars. Essentially, the ride will be gutted to the point where only the track path and vehicle chassis remain with a new ride built on the skeleton. The theme is going to be highly futuristic to mesh with the rest of Epcot .

So, what's your take on this news? Is it a good idea for GM to concentrate on only one of it's brands in such a widely seen place?

Source: Mouse Planet, TouringPlans.com, epcyclopedia.com

21 Week Vacation Coming To GM's Truck Plants

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:59:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

December 26, 2011

With GM's next generation pickups just around the corner, GM is planning a 21 week vacation for their truck plants to update them.

GM spokesman Chris Lee told Automotive News the company will begin idling their Fort Wayne assembly plant for nine weeks from January to October. Following Fort Wayne will be Flint assembly which will be idled for seven weeks from June to November. GM’s Arlington assembly is scheduled to shut for five weeks from June to December.

GM's next generation pickups will arrive in 2013.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

After 103 Years, General Motors Corp. Shuts its Doors Forever

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:36:00 +0000

General Motors Corp., which was 103 years old and was once America's largest company quietly died on Dec. 15, 2011. There were no ceremonies or anyone present to mark the company's passing.

General Motors Corp. was founded in 1908, acquired more than 20 other companies in its life, including Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, Opel, and Oakland. It would become the world's largest Automaker from 1931 until 2008 when it was eclipsed by Toyota. For much of the century it was the world's largest company, and at one point employed more than 600,000 people.

In its final years it was known as "Old GM", although it had been been officially renamed "Motors Liquidation Co. when it went into bankruptcy in 2008. "Old GM" became the bad assets and debts of General Motors Corp. Some assets were sold to startup automakers Tesla and Fisker. The remaining assets, including some 65 building spanning 14 states and 40 million square feet are being transferred to four trusts, which includes The Revitalizing Auto Communities Environmental Trust (owner of those 65 buildings).

In some ways the passing of Old GM is more symbolic than it is substance. General Motors Co., born from the bankruptcy, and free of the debt and bad assets still uses the same trademarks, brand names, and email addresses.

In other ways it was a painful end of an era. Once having over 1 million stockholders in the 1960s, Old GM canceled stock during bankruptcy and made significant cuts on pension plans recipients Bondholders were only paid part of what they were owed and GM walked from with many bills.

However, while the chapter closes on General Motors Corp. and new one is being written for General Motors Co. New GM earned 7.1 billion in the first nine months of 2011, and is a leaner, more efficient company than it was before.

"It's the end of an era," said David Cole, chairman emeritus of the Center for Automotive Research. "But new GM is a phoenix rising from the ashes."

Rumorpile: GM & BMW To Cooperate On Fuel Cells?

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:05:00 +0000

Back in September, we reported that GM and BMW were in talks about an alliance. The possible alliance would have General Motors looking at BMW's lineup of gas and diesel engines, while BMW is looking at the Voltec powertrain. Now, a report from German business magazine Wirtschaftswoche says there could be more to this alliance.

Wirtschaftswoche reports the two are in talks about jointly developing fuel cell technology for vehicles. The plan would allow BMW to access GM's fuel cell tech. In return, BMW would help pay research costs.

When asked about this, a BMW spokesman said,

"We are speaking to GM about various future technologies but we are not saying anything more beyond that."

GM declined to comment.

Source: Reuters

Related:

Rumorpile: GM & BMW To Team Up?

Detroit 2012: Five For General Motors

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:45:00 +0000

With Detroit only a month away, news has began to come/leak out of what will be premiering. Late last week, GM’s senior vice president of global product development, Mary Barra told the Automotive Press Association in Detroit the new ATS would make it's debut at Detroit.

But that's not all, Chevrolet will be showing a production version of the Sonic RS and two concept vehicles from their GM North Hollywood Design Center. Buick will have the brand new Encore, a small crossover based on GM’s front-wheel-drive Gamma II platform there as well.

Source: Automobile Magazine, Left Lane News

Sources Say The Coolant Is What Caused The Volt Fire, Solution Is Near

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:05:00 +0000

General Motors might have figured out what caused the Volt to catch on fire in a NHTSA storage yard back in June.

A source tells the Associated Press the cause of the fire is the coolant used in batteries to help keep them cool. The coolant didn't catch on fire, but crystallized and caused a short circuit.

But just as that information was coming out, Reuters learned from a couple sources that GM is closing in on a package of proposed fixes for the battery pack. The fixes include laminating the circuitry in the Volt's 400-pound battery pack, reinforcing the case surrounding the lithium-ion battery and better protecting the coolant system from leaks in a severe crash.

The fixes could cost less than $9 million, or about $1,000 per Volt, the sources say.

Sources: Associated Press, Reuters

NHTSA Opens Investigation Into Volt Batteries

GM Offering Free Loaner Cars to Volt Owners During Battery Investigation

Chevy Volt Tops Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction Survey

GM May Redesign The Volt's Battery *UPDATED*

A "couple dozen" Chevrolet Volt Owners Take Up GM's Buyback Offer

House Committee Planning A Hearing Into The Volt Fire

A "couple dozen" Chevrolet Volt Owners Take Up GM's Buyback Offer

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:24:00 +0000

Last week, GM's CEO Dan Akerson said in a interview with the Associated Press that the company would be willing to buy back Volts from concerned owners.

Well some owners are taking GM up on that offer. Today, GM told The Detroit News that a "couple dozen" Volt owners have asked the company to buy back their Volts.

"For those few who have requested repurchase, we're going to move fast" if their concerns can't be met any other way, said Greg Martin, GM spokesman.

GM is currently working with Volt owners individually to understand their concerns and offering loaner vehicles to those owners during the NHTSA investigation.

Source:

The Detroit News

GM May Redesign The Volt's Battery UPDATED

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:00:00 +0000

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

December 1, 2011

In a interview today with Reuters, GM CEO Dan Akerson said the company may redesign the Volt's battery in response to a NHTSA investigation.

"We want to assure the safety of our customers, of our buyers, and so we're just going to take a time out, if you will, in terms of redesigning the battery possibly," Dan Akerson told Reuters.

Back on Monday, GM announced they would offer loaner vehicles to 5,500 Volt owners after NHTSA opened a investigation into Volt's batteries last Friday.

In addition, Akerson said the Opel Ampera would not go on sale until engineers and safety regulators had worked out how to deal with the 400-pound battery pack after any accident.

Akerson also reiterated that the Volt is a safe car, pointing to the safety ratings the car has received.

Source: Reuters

UPDATE: Dan Akerson told the AP today that the company would be willing to buy Volts back from their owners. Akerson also said that if necessary, GM will recall more than 6,000 Volts on the road in the U.S. and repair them once the company and safety regulators figure out what caused the fires.

"I think in the interest of General Motors, the industry, the electrification of the car, it's best to get it right now than when you have - instead of 6,000 - 60,000 or 600,000 cars on the road," said Akerson.

Source: The Associated Press

Further Reading:

NHTSA Opens Investigation Into Volt Batteries

GM Offering Free Loaner Cars to Volt Owners During Battery Investigation

Chevy Volt Tops Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction Survey

GM Offering Free Loaner Cars to Volt Owners During Battery Investigation

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:08:00 +0000

Today, General Motors announced that it will provide a loaner to any Chevrolet Volt owner concerned about the safety of their vehicle. The announcement comes a few days after NHTSA announced an investigation into the Chevrolet Volt's batteries after tests done by NHTSA have cause the batteries to catch on fire.

GM says they will try to contact every Volt owner to attempt to clear up the confusion. GM has sold 5,329 Volts and each owner should receive a letter within the next few days.

“We are contacting all Volt owners to assure them and reassure them the car is safe to drive. The Volt is our pride and joy and we will do all we can to make Volt owners as happy with it as we can,” said Mark Reuss, head of General Motors North America, in a conference call with reporters.

Press Release is on Page 2

GM Builds on Battery Safety to Ensure Confidence in Chevrolet Volt

Customer safety, satisfaction remain highest priority
Volt owners offered alternative GM vehicle loans for peace of mind
Senior GM engineering team to work with NHTSA on possible changes

2011-11-28 - DETROIT - General Motors announced Monday initiatives for customer satisfaction and battery safety research to ensure ongoing confidence in the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle.

The initiatives follow six months of research and testing in the United States with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration designed to induce electric vehicle battery failure after severe crash situations.

The agency advised GM on Friday that it would open a preliminary evaluation of Volt battery assemblies after NHTSA test results caused electrical fires up to three weeks after an initial vehicle New Car Assessment Program side pole crash test.

Mark Reuss, president, GM North America, said the company would take every precaution to assure the driving public of GM’s commitment to the safety of the Volt being handled after a severe incident and the total satisfaction of everyone who owned one.

“The Volt is a five-star safety car. Even though no customer has experienced in the real world what was identified in this latest testing of post-crash situations, we're taking critical steps to ensure customer satisfaction and safety,” Reuss said.

“Our customers' peace of mind is too important to us for there to be any concern or any worry. This technology should inspire confidence and pride, not raise any concern or doubt.

“The question is about how to deal with the battery days and weeks after a severe crash, making it a matter of interest not just for the Volt, but for our industry as we continue to advance the pursuit of electric vehicles.”

Senior GM engineering investigation team

Mary Barra, senior vice president, Global Product Development, said GM had established a senior engineering team to develop changes to eliminate concern of potential post-crash electrical fires and work with industry to ensure appropriate electric vehicle protocols were in place. Barra said such electrical fires had not occurred on public roads and NHTSA was not investigating any such potential imminent failure on the roads.

“GM and the agency's focus and research continue to be on the performance, handling, storage and disposal of batteries after a crash or other significant event,” she said.

“We’re working with NHTSA so we all have an understanding about these risks and how they can be avoided in the future. This isn’t just a Volt issue. We’re already leading a joint electric vehicle activity with Society of Automotive Engineers and other automotive companies to address new issues, such as this protocol of depowering batteries after a severe crash.”

Barra said the team would continue to work closely with NHTSA, suppliers, dealers and manufacturing teams to initiate any necessary changes as soon as possible.

Volt owner loan program

Reuss said GM would establish a Volt owner satisfaction program. Any Volt owner concerned about safety can contact his or her Volt advisor to arrange for a free GM vehicle loan until resolution of the issue.

“A vehicle loan program of this nature is well beyond the norm for a preliminary investigation, and it underlines our commitment to the vehicle and its owners,” he said. “These steps are the right ones to take regardless of any immediate impact on our operations.”

Launched in late 2010, the Chevrolet Volt has won more than 30 awards in the United States and other markets. The Volt achieved a five-star NCAP overall vehicle score for safety by the NHTSA and is a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. GM carried out more than 1 million test miles in vehicle development.

GM Announces $244 Million Investment For Spring Hill

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

GM's Spring Hill assembly has been quiet since production of Chevrolet Traverse moved in 2009, with the plant building powertrains and other components. Now, a car is returning to Spring Hill.

Today, GM announced a $244 million investment into Spring Hill that will create one of the industry's most flexible production lines. The assembly line will open in the second half of next year building the Chevrolet Equinox, which will help supplement production in Canada. But GM says the plant will be capable of assembling any car from its portfolio should increased demand require another production site.

GM says the investment will bring forth 594 hourly jobs and 91 salaried positions in the next half of next year. Out of the $244 million, $183 has been reserved for “future midsized vehicles,” a move that will eventually bring around 1,090 hourly workers and 106 salaried jobs.

Press Release is on Page 2

Spring Hill Assembly Reborn as Ultra-Flexible Operation

Additional production of Chevrolet Equinox to begin in second half of 2012
$61 million investment and 685 jobs for flexible operation
$183 million for future midsize vehicles and 1,196 jobs

SPRING HILL, Tenn. – General Motors will invest $61 million to bring its idled Spring Hill assembly plant back to life as one of the world’s most-flexible manufacturing facilities capable of building any GM car or crossover based on customer demand or manufacturing need.

The investment will create 594 hourly jobs and 91 salaried positions for the flexible operation scheduled to begin with the hot-selling Chevrolet Equinox in the second half of 2012. The additional production will supplement Equinox production in Canada, the main assembly sites of the midsize crossover vehicle and its sibling the GMC Terrain.

The Equinox has been so popular – U.S. sales were up 18 percent in October – that GM has increased production three times since it went into production in 2009.

GM also announced Monday a second investment of $183 million for future midsize vehicles to be built at Spring Hill, located about 40 miles south of Nashville. Timing was not announced, but that investment is expected to create an additional 1,090 hourly and 106 salaried positions.

“Spring Hill has a history as one of GM’s most innovative and flexible plants,” said Cathy Clegg, vice president of GM Labor Relations. “We’re pleased that, working together with the UAW, we were able to build on that history and develop a plan to resume production at Spring Hill.”

The potential for Spring Hill’s future role was discussed as a part of negotiations for a four-year national labor agreement ratified in October.

"Our number one priority in auto negotiations this year was jobs," said UAW President Bob King. "We asked the company to bring jobs back to America , and that’s what this collective bargaining agreement represents. Together, we are bringing 1,800 jobs to Tennessee, and a total of 6,400 new GM jobs, which translates to nearly 60,000 good, auto-related jobs in the United States."

Equinox production is only the start for Spring Hill Flex. Operators will be capable of building a variety of products on a range of platforms – covering for plants being retooled for new products and also allowing real-time reaction to sales spikes in a given car or crossover.

Spring Hill powertrain and stamping operations, part of the integrated complex that was the home to the former Saturn brand from 1990 to 2007 and the Chevrolet Traverse large crossover into 2009, are still operating. In fact, GM has invested $515 million in the engine operations in the last 14 months for current and next-generation Ecotec 4-cylinder engine production.

"The re-opening of Spring Hill is a testament to the value of collective bargaining," said UAW Vice President Joe Ashton, who directs the union's General Motors Department. "Collective bargaining works for companies, for workers and for America. Collective bargaining is what brought good jobs to Tennessee. It is what built our middle class. It is how workers and communities have a voice in corporate decision-making. Bargaining is what gives the working class a seat at the table."

Spying: Chevrolet Sliverado/GMC Sierra

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The current Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are getting shown up by Ford’s F-Series and Ram truck lineup with their improved interiors, ride, and powertrains. But GM is busy at work on the next generation pickup to steal back some of the spotlight.

This week, Inside Line got some spy shots of the new Sliverado/Sierra undergoing some testing. The biggest difference between the current trucks and the one featured in the pictures is a new greenhouse. Also, the truck looks to sporting more cues from the current GM HD trucks with it’s larger front end and less rounded shape.

Also, the new trucks are expected to be 500 lbs less than the current Siverado/Sierra.

Source: Inside Line

Revealed! 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer Concept

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:42:00 +0000

Revealed! 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer Concept

By "black-knight" C&G Editor/Reporter

9th November, 2011

Dinosaurs. Sabre-Toothed Tigers. Megalodons. Cheap V8-powered, mid-sized muscle coupes. Large, rear-drive Cadillacs. Truck-based mid-sized SUVs. These are all things that have wound up extinct or virtually endangered to the point of complete extinction.

But once in a rare while, sometimes a species can save itself and rise triumphantly from the point of sinking completely into the primordial ooze (organic, automotive, or otherwise). Out of the groups mentioned above, one may just do that.

Of course, I'm talking about truck-based mid-sized SUVs and one small, Bowtie-based faction of the species may be making a small comeback.

As we reported last month, the new Trailblazer reconnects with its old S10 Blazer roots and forsakes a unique platform this time, instead choosing to share it with the new Colorado. Nostalgic indeed. Powertrains are expected to be the same as what will be offered in the Colorado.

Previously, GM has stated there are no current plans to bring the new Trailblazer Stateside, which means it will only see duty in Asia and South America. However, there are rumblings it may eventually find its way here, if not in Chevrolet guise then as a GMC. However it gets here doesn't matter. What's important is that shows up to throw a big middle finger in the face of CAFE (and smug Prius driving women).

More information on the new Trailblazer will be released throughout the day, so stay tuned.

Source: Car Adivce

More Photos:

Album: 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer Concept

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GM CEO Wants To See More Cuts

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:45:00 +0000

For the first half of this year, General Motors posted a profit of $6.3 billion, making it the best start in over two-decades. However, GM CEO Dan Akerson wants the company to do better.

$6.3 Billion is nothing to scoff at, but Akerson points out that figure equates to a 6% margin. He wants to see GM beat out the 7% margins realized by Ford & Volkswagen.

So how will GM do it? By cutting. GM has put forth plans to have just 14 global architectures by 2018, a dramatic drop from the 30 architectures in use. Also, GM will cut down their engine platforms from 20 to 10 in the same time frame.

Akerson is also targeting the company’s marketing efforts to help cut costs. GM's Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick wants to have 10 agencies for the whole group.

Source: Bloomberg

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