andy82471

Good job, Ted. Very interesting presentation to say the least.

http://today.reuters.com/stocks/QuoteCompa...TE-1.XML&rpc=66 I have one question. What is the difference between operating profit vs net profit ? I am guessing the net profit includes the cost of laying off 35,000 workers and closing 12 plants, right ? DETROIT, July 26 (Reuters) - General Motors Corp. (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday posted a larger-than-expected quarterly operating profit as it slashed costs in North America and raised its cost-cutting target by $1 billion, sending its shares up 5 percent. GM, the world's No. 1 automaker by sales volume, reported its net loss widened for the second quarter after writing down previously announced costs associated with buyouts for almost a third of its factory work force. GM said its global automotive operations, excluding charges, posted their first profit excluding charges since 2004 after cost reductions in the core U.S. market. The company raised its target for cutting recurring costs in North America by $1 billion to $6 billion by the end of 2006. Total revenues for the second quarter rose to $54.4 billion from $48.5 billion. Revenue from auto sales rose 11 percent to $45.2 billion from $40.4 billion. In response, GM shares surged 5 percent in premarket trading to $32.17 on the Inet brokerage system. GM posted a second-quarter net loss of $3.2 billion, or $5.62 per share, compared with a loss of $987 million, or $1.75 per share, for the year-ago quarter. Excluding charges, GM posted a profit of $2.03 per share. Analysts, on average, had forecast an operating profit on that basis of 51 cents per GM had not forecast its results, and analyst estimates ranged widely between 29 cents and 80 cents per share for the automaker's second-quarter earnings after excluding charges. The company said it slashed the adjusted loss at its North American operations to $85 million in the quarter, excluding special items, marking an improvement of $1.1 billion from the year-earlier period, as it slashed costs, including cutting its ongoing pension expense. Chief Executive Rick Wagoner has been under pressure to show improvement as the company studies a possible three-way proposal with Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. (7201.T: Quote, NEWS, Research) and Renault SA (RENA.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) in which the two could buy up to a 20-percent stake in GM. That deal, urged by GM's largest individual shareholder, Kirk Kerkorian, has been widely viewed as a means of prodding Wagoner to speed the automaker's turnaround efforts after a $10.6 billion loss in 2005. In recent months, GM has cut 35,000 factory jobs through buyouts and early retirement offers and clinched an agreement with its major union, the United Auto Workers, that reduces the company's share of health care costs. GM shares, which have gained almost 60 percent since the start of the year, closed at $30.66 on Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange on growing expectations that the automaker would report progress in its turnaround. That marked the first time the stock has closed over $30 in nine months and took Kerkorian's $1.7-billion investment in GM back to profitability. < Previous 1 | 2 Next > © Reuters 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Agree with the article. A smaller GM free from the constraints of the UAW and legacy costs will definitely be a more creative GM that could dazzle the automotive world with class leading product. At this point I think GM should just let off the gas and let Toyota pass them. Being number 1 ain't what it is cracked up to be. Both Toyota and GM are good example of that.

Toyota is having PR problem to say the least. But you gotta remember REG, that if the internet didn't exist, most of us wouldn't know of all the problems and coverups. HAIL TO AL GORE for inventing the internet.

Yup. Toyotas aren't hotsellers because of their style. Is the second pic suppose to be the new Sequoia ? I hope the production version doesn't look even remotely similar to this. YIKES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Agreed. Although the previous version looked pretty nice, IMO.

Very nice interior. Now if GM could give it a more macho exterior like the 96 SS, this car would have been a great hit. I wonder why the speedometer only goes up to 140 when the top speed is 150 + mph. I think a 160 mph speedometer is needed for the SS. Hopefully the shortcomings of this car will be addressed with the next generation. And PLEASE GM NO MORE FWD V8.

Yeah, that is a shame. It is a pretty fun car to drive if you can overlook some of its shortcomings. But I am glad that major improvements are coming for MY 07.

I think it will eat both of them for lunch. The current Seb convertible is a piece of crap and that is only loved by the rental agency. Once the new 3.6L engine and the 6 speed auto finds its way into the G6 vert, I think it could be the best selling convertible.

I don't think eroding market share is a big deal for GM. You are right that worldwide GM is selling more cars than ever. And they will continue to grow in Eastern Europe, Russia and China in the forseable future. Their biggest problem is the legacy costs (aka healthcare, pension etc). Once that is brought under control (although I think at some point the government has to intervene in some way) GM could very well be the most profitable carmaker in the world. Remember that is the healthcare cost that responsible to a large extent to GM's market share erosion in North America. If GM could make money with all the cars they were selling they would have been the most profitable car company in the world. However, it does beg the question that if GM can build profitable, fun small cars and trucks elsewhere, why can't they seem to get the car market right here? Yes, but to do that, healthcare costs has to be under control. GM needs to renegotiate with the union soon. Right now GM isn't making any money on small cars. Hence, they have to rely on big SUVs and trucks for the bulk of their profits and suffer the wrath of misguided liberal columists like Tom Friedman.

Seems like TOYOTA is doing just that. Increasing production at an incredible rate. No wonder their quality has taken a hammering lately.

I guess he is just stating the inevitable. Although it is a bit sad coming out of Wagoner's mouth. I guess this is just a politically correct way of saying Toyota beat us. But hopefully GM will be motivated by their runners up status and try hard to regain the championship soon.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/06/14/wag...r-gms-top-goal/ General Motors boss Rick Wagoner said being the world’s largest automaker is not the company’s top priority anymore, according to the Wall Street Journal. “Would we like to stay number one? Sure. Is it the top priority of the company? No,” he said at a press conference in St. Petersburg, Russia, where the automaker is building a new plant. “We’re really focused on very strong profitability growth and balance-sheet strength in addition to driving the revenue side.” Recently, there has been a great deal of speculation that Toyota will soon surpass GM in terms of overall worldwide sales volume. However, Wagoner hasn’t conceded to losing the sales battle entirely. “If we can keep growing where the opportunities are to grow […] someone’s going to have to hustle pretty hard to catch up with us like that,” he said.

Is the tranny still a 4 speed ?

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/03/24/tra...utomaker-plans/ In any industry, one sure way to get a glimpse of future product plans is to query the U.S. patent office for various automaker names and brands. We already told you about the Infiniti G37, FX37, and M37. Well, we did a little more digging, and found a number of fascinating product name trademarks that hint to new products that could be just around the corner. Lincoln MKV? Mercedes GLK? It’s all after the jump… Below are some recent filings with the U.S. patent office: Lincoln MKV (March 1, 2006) This name clearly follows Lincoln’s new “Mk” or “Mark” naming scheme. Lincoln has announced the MKS (a new sedan), the MKZ (the Zephyr) and the MKX (the Aviator). So what is the MKV? Lincoln once had a Continental called the MKV. Could the Lincoln Continental Concept be coming to life? An answer to the 300C? Perhaps related to Ford’ rear-wheel-drive sedan? Alternatively, it could be a new name for the Navigator. No one knows for sure, but time will tell. Mustang GT-R (March 7, 2006) The name “Mustang GT-R” was first conceived in February, 2004. However, it was just opened for opposition on March 7, 2006. What could this be? Mercedes GLK-Class (March 14, 2006) Mercedes first filed for the GLK-Class name in July, 2005. This February, it also registered the name GLK63, to reflect its new 6.3 liter AMG engine. The GLK name was also opened to opposition on March 14, 2006. This suggests Mercedes plans to use the GLK for its compact SUV, rather than MLK. The MLK name was last touched in 1996. Mercedes CLK550, E550, CLS550 (December 12, 2005) Is Mercedes considering dropping the new V8 engine from S550 into the CLK-Class, CLS-Class, and the E-Class. This looks like a strong possibility… Cadillac BLC (2005) At the same time Cadillac filed for the “BLS” name — which it now uses — it also filed for the name BLC. Is a coupe version of the BLS in the works? Perhaps… Camaro Z28 (2006) At the same time Chevy revived the trademark on the Camaro name, it also revived the name “Z28.” Will the new Camaro have a “Z28″ model like the classics did? Or is this just a precautionary measure? Lexus LX600, LX590, LX570, LX550, LX520 (February 21, 2006) Ok, so we know a new Lexus LX is coming. But that’s about it. We’re sure some of the above engine configurations will be used, but not all of them. Mercury Cougar ZN (March 21, 2006) This name was first filed in 2001, when the Mercury Cougar ZN debuted. The Mercury Cougar coupe, in its latest form, existed between 1999 and 2002. On March 21, 2006, there was some activity with this filing. Is Ford planning a new Cougar to bring some youth appeal back to Mercury? Or is this just an echo from the past? Infiniti G37, M37, and FX37 + JX, AX, VX (2005-2006) For more information on the Infiniti G37, M37, and FX37, see our original report. In 2005 and 2006, there was also some activity surrounding the JX, AX, and VX names. The names could be used by Nissan or Infiniti. In 2005, there were rumors Lexus planned to use the “VX” name. Perhaps this was a counter-measure? BMW Z1, Z5 (2006) On January 17, 2006, BMW published the names Z1 and Z5 for opposition. Is BMW working on some new roadsters? We doubt it, unless “Z1″ is the planned name for BMW’s new super-roadster (rumored to be called Z10). On January 13, 2006, Saturn registered the tagline, “Like Always. Like Never Before.” Sometimes, automakers scrap applications entirely. Other times it cannot obtain the rights to the name. Below are some recently killed applications: Buick Invicta (Dead: March 21, 2006) Just recently, there were rumors that the new Zeta-platform-based Buick sedan would be called the “Invicta.” However, GM’s outspoken Bob Lutz said the car would be called the “Statesman.” Looks like Mr. Lutz was right. Chevrolet Bel Air (Dead: January 15, 2006) In 2002, Chevrolet showed the Bel Air convertible concept. It looks like this car will never see the light of day — at least not under the Bel Air name. Ford GT Mark VI (Dead: December 11, 2005) We already know the Ford GT is dead. Is this the nail in its coffin? Chrysler New Yorker (Dead: September 4, 2005) The name “Imperial” was re-registered by Chrysler just before this trademark was killed. We suspect “New Yorker” was an alternate name considered for the Imperial Concept. Ford Equator (Dead: December 31, 2005) In 2000, Ford showed the Equator concept. This year, another Equator concept was shown. We doubt Ford has scrapped plans for this car. Rather, it looks like they may not have been able to secure the name. In late 2004, BMW registered names relating to the 4-Series, including 425, 435, and M4. However, it has since been reported that BMW scrapped plans to use the name, and will instead continue to refer to its new coupe and convertible as 3-Series models.

Does Tom Friedman have his email address listed ? If so we should all give him a piece of our mind. Most of his recent articles are complete junk anyway.

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/06/08/010402.html GM still is the biggest car company in the world. I wonder if GM's overseas brands are included in this figure

Good Point, Sciguy. I personally think the 04 Malibu should have gotten SATURN AURA's powertrain. I think GM would have been a lot more competitive. But looks like GM has finally learned its lesson about not taking short cuts to make a buck or two. GM's future lineup looks very promising. I just hope the DELPHI situtation gets settled quickly.

It will be interesting to see what Tom Freidmen has to say about the upcoming TUNDRA and SEQUOIA.

The new Tundra supposedly can tow over 10,000 lbs. But the current Tundra is a dog as far as towing goes.

http://detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic.../605300366/1148 Does Fujio Cho always have to smile in these carefully choreographed photo ops ? Makes him look like a circus clown. But I guess he has reasons to be happy.

True to some extent but I also think the analysts like what they see in future GM products.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/060523/china_toyota_camry.html?.v=3 AP Toyota Rolls Out First Made-In-China Camry Tuesday May 23, 5:12 am ET By Elaine Kurtenbach, AP Business Writer Toyota Rolls Out First Made-In-China Camry in Bid to Catch Up With Rivals NANSHA, China (AP) -- Toyota Motor Corp. on Tuesday rolled out its first made-in-China Camry from a new factory that the Japanese automaker hopes will help it to catch up with rivals in the world's fastest-growing car market. ADVERTISEMENT Hundreds of Japanese and Chinese dignitaries were on hand for an elaborate ceremony as the Camry, the best-selling car in the United States and a top import in China, rolled off a line at Toyota's 3.8 billion yuan ($475 million) plant in Nansha, north of Hong Kong. The company says the spic-and-span facility brings its most advanced technology to China -- a step sought by Chinese leaders as they try to build up a world-class auto industry. "There is no question but that the Chinese market will overtake the Japanese market," said Yoshimi Inaba, Toyota's former chief for America, who was appointed last year to head the company's push into China. Toyota joins a rush by the world's automakers for a share of China's auto market, which saw sales jump by 30 percent last year to 5.7 million vehicles, third largest in the world behind Japan's 5.8 million. In a bid to pump up sales, Toyota said Chinese-made Camrys will be priced at 197,800-269,800 yuan ($24,700-$33,700), well below analysts' expectations. Imported Camrys last year sold for 340,000 yuan ($42,500). "You see the price, it's very clear that we face heavy pressure in this market," said Zhang Fangyou, chairman of Toyota's local partner, Guangzhou Automobile Group. Toyota, a relative latecomer to China, had a paltry 3.5 percent of the market last year, with 183,150 vehicles, according to the company's latest statistics. That puts it well behind top foreign automaker General Motors Corp., which vaulted past Volkswagen AG of Germany to grab 11 percent of the market last year with 665,390 units sold. Despite political tension between Japan and China that flared into riots last year, Japanese automakers are heavily investing in China, and last year pumped a total of 113.7 billion yen ($1.03 billion) into the country. Much of that spending has gone to the area around the southern city of Guangzhou, near Hong Kong, which has become an automaking hub. Japan's No. 3 automaker, Honda Motor Co., began making Accords in Guangzhou in 1999 and launched exports of its Jazz compact model from there to Europe last year. No. 2 Nissan Motor Co.'s joint venture in eastern Guangzhou with Dongfeng Motors has been ramping up production of the Tiida. Toyota began exporting to China in 1964 but lagged behind rivals in the country, choosing instead to concentrate on the markets in the United States and Europe. It wasn't until 2002 that it rolled out its first locally produced, Toyota-brand car with a Chinese partner, state-owned FAW Group Corp. Chinese and Japanese officials are keen to highlight progress in business ties between the two Asian giants amid disputes over territory and over Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to a war shrine that honors the dead of World War II, including war criminals. Such political tension doesn't seem to affect most Chinese consumers, who link Toyota with quality, reliability and fuel-efficiency. "There are already a lot of loyal customers," said Yale Zhang, an analyst at CSM Asia Corp. "Everybody is waiting for this car." Toyota says it has spent 215 billion yen ($1.9 billion) in China since 1998 and now has a dozen plants making parts and assembling vehicles. "This factory has the world's most advanced technology, the newest equipment," says Katsuhiro Shinzato, a Toyota employee, as he led a tour through the factory's highly automated lines ahead of the Camry launch. Local workers spent between three and six months in training. The daily routine calls for 30-minute meetings twice a day, at the beginning and end of shifts, to thrash out any problems. The production line is built at eye level to encourage eye contact as well, Shinzato said. "Communication is extremely important," he said. Although the factory has 263 of the latest robots, its level of automation is only 54 percent, he said, well below the 80 percent to 90 percent found at factories in Japan and the West. That's typical of most foreign auto plants in China, where labor costs a fraction of Western rates. Despite wages of about $2 an hour, foreign automakers face relatively high costs in China, mainly due to their need to import steel and components from abroad. But that is changing as productivity improves and auto parts makers shift factories to China. Toyota's joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile, a state company that was founded as a machining factory before the 1949 communist revolution, is due to have a capacity of 100,000 Camry sedans a year and to add the Vitz subcompact by 2008. Before the company stopped exporting Camry's to China in mid-2005, the car was the top-selling import model for years. Sales dropped last year to 9,000 from about 23,000 the year before. The new Nansha factory also has drawn a group of parts suppliers such as Japan's Denso Corp., which said Tuesday it will spend 30 billion yen ($265 million) over the next five years to shift production to China. With its partner FAW, Toyota made 240,000 autos in four locations in 2005. It plans to bring another factory online in Tianjin in 2007, and to bring its market share up to 10 percent by 2010.

http://www.npr.org/news/specials/gmvstoyota/ I found this interesting article in the NPR website. The data gives a pretty good idea as to how each company is doing financially and what the production numbers are for each company.

I agree, but how many people can resist that kind of money? From her point of view it will be much better to accept the money and avoid a lengthly trial that could damage her reputation as badly as Toyota's. Big corporations can hire the best of the best lawyers who can literally turn truths into lies and lies into truth. A settlement would serve her just as well as it would Toyota.