jd2b

What about?? The Tundra or the GMT-900s?

AH-HA, hehe great minds think alike!

I have to reply to the above message, FWD is NOT dead!!!!!!! Look at the volume in the Mid-Size and Larger-Size segments. The volume vehicles are all FWD. RWD has a place and it would be best if GM worked on a mid/large size platform that will be extremely versatile for use by most of the divisions to supplement their FWD offerings. Give me one shred of evidence that there is a complete and exclusive resurgence for RWD sedans. I would like just ONE! There isn't a single instance that would show this. The LX line-up is still questionable as to whether the momentum will last and infact I would question whether RWD really has anything to do with the success of the line, I say it has more to do with the styling. That said, the sales are not that impressive compared to models such as Impala, Camery, and Accord.

http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet...n=2&docid=22705 GM Reports 296,003 Deliveries in January, Up 6 Percent Cadillac, HUMMER, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn Post Sales Increases Deliveries of Chevrolet Tahoe Up 53 Percent; Large Utility Sales Rise 23 Percent Launch Vehicle Momentum Continues, Paced by DTS, Lucerne, HHR, Impala, G6 and H3 DETROIT - General Motors dealers in the United States sold 296,003 new cars and trucks in January, up 6 percent compared to the same month a year ago. Car sales were up 15 percent and truck sales were comparable to year-ago levels (-0.5 percent). "We had solid results in January and showed some very encouraging pockets of strength," said Mark LaNeve, General Motors North America vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "Dealers reported improving traffic in their showrooms and internet lead generation as the month progressed and consumers became aware of our aggressive reduction in sticker prices. Recent new segment entries, Chevrolet HHR, Buick Lucerne and HUMMER H3, continue to accelerate, and we had terrific sales performance for Cadillac DTS, Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac G6. We also had a very encouraging start for the new Chevy Tahoe." GM's January deliveries were led by a 23 percent increase in full-size sport utility sales. Chevrolet Tahoe, which had a 53 percent sales increase, paced large utility deliveries. Sales of the all-new 2007 Tahoe are off to a strong start, and production of GM's other all-new full-size utilities, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, is ramping up. LaNeve went on to explain that while it was early in the launch of GM's all-new full-size utilities, there are a number of positive signs. "Dealers, consumers and third parties have reacted very enthusiastically to these segment-leading new vehicles," LaNeve said. "Sales, production, inventory turn rates and dealer orders are all ahead of plan. It's January, it's early, but we're optimistic that these great new products will be successful." Small utility deliveries rose 76 percent, led by continuing strong sales of the Chevrolet HHR and Saturn VUE. HHR had its second-best monthly sales since its launch. The new VUE, which posted record January deliveries (up 39.5 percent) drove a 22.5 percent sales improvement for Saturn. This was the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains for VUE. GM continued to experience strong sales of its luxury vehicles with Cadillac, HUMMER and Saab all posting January sales increases. Luxury utility deliveries again were driven by the HUMMER H3, which continued the strong sales pace HUMMER began in 2005. HUMMER posted a year-over-year sales record for the ninth consecutive month, and January deliveries were 180 percent greater than year-ago levels. In addition to improved luxury utility sales, January luxury car deliveries posted a 24 percent gain. Luxury car sales were paced by Cadillac DTS, with deliveries more than double year-ago sales for DeVille, the vehicle it replaced. DTS achieved its second-best sales month since launch, and CTS set a new January sales record (up 6 percent), driving Cadillac to a 5 percent sales improvement. Saab's 34 percent sales gain was paced by the 9-3, which achieved solid sales results, posting a 35 percent improvement over year-ago levels. Certified Used Vehicles January sales for all GM certified used vehicle brands, including GM Certified Used Vehicles, Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned, Used Cars from Saturn, Saab Certified Pre-Owned and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned were 39,491 units, down nearly 2 percent from last year. GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used brand, posted sales of 34,493 units in January, up 0.5 percent from year-ago levels. Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles posted sales of 2,943 units in January, down 1 percent. Used Cars from Saturn sold 1,607 units, down 33 percent. Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 434 units, down 2.5 percent. HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned reported 14 units sold in its first month of operation. "Coming off record certified-segment annual sales in 2005, GM Certified Used Vehicles posted solid sales results in January," LaNeve said. "GM Certified continues to lead all manufacturers in the certified category, and we are optimistic about the prospects for continued growth in 2006." GM North America Reports January Production, 2006 First-Quarter Production Forecast Remains Unchanged GM North America in January produced 386,000 vehicles (158,000 cars and 228,000 trucks). This is up 33,000 units, or 9 percent, compared to January 2005 when the region produced 353,000 vehicles (143,000 cars and 210,000 trucks). Production totals include joint venture production of 26,000 vehicles in January 2006 and 22,000 vehicles in January 2005. The region's 2006 first-quarter production forecast remains unchanged at 1.25 million vehicles (505,000 cars and 745,000 trucks). In the first quarter of 2005, the region produced 1.182 million vehicles (470,000 cars and 712,000 trucks).

Why does Lincoln always show these white interiors? They are hideous, show the damn design in a darker color so a person can compare it to the other automakers offerings.

I didn't know Chrysler was getting their own CSV.... GM badge engineering at its finest, hehe. Seriously though, the side profile on this thing is very close to the CSVs.

Lame introductions, these are merely option packages, NOT new models.

What an amazing engine!!! GM really has the best powertrain department, this engine blows any similar displacement engines out of the water for HP and Torque, holy cow look at that torque coming out of a 2.0L :omfg: :omfg: :omfg: :omfg: :bowdown:

FOG, great signature quote! "AS AMERICANS, WE CAN FORGIVE JAPAN FOR PEARL HARBOR YET WE CAN'T FORGIVE DETROIT FOR THE 70s?" While I promote forgiveness all around, it is interesting that this is the case.

Your not compromising if there is potential that one plastic is safer and more environmental to produce AND it is recycable (sp) at the end. Now, I don't know which car satisfies this requirement better but I would like to know because that should be advertised. ALSO, if the plastics add cost well you are not "compromising" then you are making a decision based on value. Personally, as long as it is an attractive design and well put together there is no reason to care, Do you touch the dash regularly? The more expensive the car the more this matters, but lets try and keep the cost of such cars down so that people can purchase them. Using "harder" plastics must accomplish this goal. Do you honestly think that if Toyota or Honda eventually ran GM and Ford out of town that they would continue to use such plastics??? It is a business decision because some people seem to think this matters. I would argue that very few people actually care, but the damn uneducated press thinks that this is soooo important that people feel they are being shafted if they are not getting the very best. Lets face it, when you buy a Yaris or an Aveo you should not be expecting Cadillac/Lexus materials.

As long as the car is well built, and tightly screwed together who cares about the quality of the plastic? The thing we should care about is whether or not the plastic used is recoverable..... I am always amazed that people compare plastics.... especialy in this price range...

Just like there is little costs difference between the 3.5L and 2.5L I5 engines, there would be even less expense between a 3.6 and 3.8L version of the same engine. This is how GM should maximize their offerings without adding costs.

I know that, and Holden was working on a 3.8L version of the engine. I am saying that is the motor that Buick should get. The 3.6 can be used in non-Buick brands. The 3.8L should be a special motor exclusive to them.

What GM needs to do is certify and import the Aussie version of the 3.6L that is 3.8L.

Umm, buttttt isn't Steam Piston technology older than both OHC and OHV, what are the OHC strokers gonna say......???? I guess it will still have a OHC engine as the powerplant though so they should rest easy at night... Hehe I would love to learn more about this system, it looks like good old fashion thinking outside the box.

What a great review! About time somebody gave a fair review of an American auto.

Very well written article, I would have focused a little of it on the potential problems with pollution surrounding battery packs, but otherwise great article.

Now that I think about the 3 models, Acadia, Outlook and Enclave, the Acadia should be quickly rebadged as a Chevy. It seems really really stupid to have two SUVs in the same dealership that are very similiar and the Acadia and Enclave will end up being side by side. GMC should build BOF only trucks, Buick and Pontiac can build the Crossovers. Where is Chevy's SUV? They need the Acadia much more then GMC. Chevy is the only brand (other than Caddy with the Escalade) that has both BOF and crossovers. This prevents rebadges and vehicles that are competing against themselves.

Hmm, this Camry looks like a Mazda 626, Mazda 3 and Toyo Avalon got busy...

These things are subjective but I personally dislike the styling direction of Lincoln interiors. They give me a 1970's feeling, basically I think of the TV show Dallas whenever I see them (NOT a good thing). The 70's and 80's are not periods the Detroit automakers want to revisit. I can't speak to the quality of the new escalade interior as I have not yet seen it in person.

Link Next Significant Step in GM's North American Turnaround Plan 9 Assembly, Stamping & Powertrain Facilities, 3 SPO Facilities to Cease Operations Total Reduction of 30,000 Positions Total Cost Reduction Running Rate of $7 Billion by End of 2006 DETROIT - General Motors will undergo a wide-ranging restructuring of its manufacturing operations in the United States and Canada as part of its comprehensive four-point plan to return the company to profitability and long-term growth, GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced today. GM's next step in its North American turnaround plan addresses its ongoing capacity utilization, a major component of reducing structural cost. A total of nine assembly, stamping and powertrain facilities and three Service and Parts Operations facilities will cease operations. The additional actions will reduce GMNA assembly capacity by about 1 million units by the end of 2008, in addition to the previously implemented reduction of 1 million units between 2002 and 2005. Factoring in the additional capacity from GM's new Delta Township facility in Lansing, Mich., slated to begin production next year, the overall net result will be a GMNA assembly capacity of 4.2 million units. While down 30 percent since 2002, this capacity level will still provide GM plenty of flexibility to anticipate and meet market demand, but in a much more cost-effective manner. A total of 30,000 manufacturing positions will be eliminated from 2005 through 2008. "The decisions we are announcing today were very difficult to reach because of their impact on our employees and the communities where we live and work," Wagoner added. "But these actions are necessary for GM to get its costs in line with our major global competitors. In short, they are an essential part of our plan to return our North American operations to profitability as soon as possible. "We continue to be equally committed to revenue drivers - introducing compelling new cars and trucks, and executing our revitalized sales and marketing strategy - and we have received ratification of the agreement with the UAW, which will help significantly to address our health-care cost challenges," Wagoner said. "We are making steady and significant progress in implementing the plan to turn around our U.S. business." The following six assembly plant sites will be affected in the years indicated: Oklahoma City, Okla., will cease production in early 2006. Lansing, Mich., Craft Centre will cease production in mid-2006. Spring Hill, Tenn., Plant/Line No. 1, will cease production at the end of 2006. Doraville, Ga., will cease production at the end of its current products' lifecycle in 2008. The third shift will be removed at Oshawa Car Plant No. 1, in Ontario, Canada, in the second half of 2006. Subsequently, Oshawa Car Plant No. 2 will cease production after the current product runs out in 2008. The third shift will be removed at Moraine, Ohio, during 2006, with timing to be based on market demand. Capacity-related actions affecting stamping, Service & Parts Operations and powertrain facilities include: The Lansing, Mich., Metal Center will cease production in 2006. The Pittsburgh, Pa., Metal Center will cease production in 2007. The Parts Distribution Center in Portland, Ore., will cease operations in 2006; the Parts Distribution Center in St. Louis, Mo., will cease warehousing activities and will be converted to a collision center facility in 2006; the Parts Processing Center in Ypsilanti, Mich., will cease operations in 2007. One additional Parts Processing Center, to be announced at a later date, will also cease operations in 2007. The competitiveness of all unitizing (packaging) operations at the Pontiac, Drayton Plains, and Ypsilanti Processing Centers in Michigan, as well as portions of the unitizing operations at the Flint, Mich., Processing Center will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the GM-UAW national agreement. St. Catharines Ontario Street West powertrain components facility in Ontario, Canada, will cease production in 2008. The Flint, Mich., North 3800 engine facility ("Factory 36") will cease production in 2008. Given the demographics of GM's workforce, the company plans to achieve much of the job reduction via attrition and early retirement programs. GM will work with the leadership of its unions, as any early retirement program would need to be mutually agreed upon. GM hopes to reach an agreement on such a plan as soon as possible. "These are difficult moves that will affect thousands of dedicated GM employees and families, as well as state and local governments," Wagoner said. "We will work our hardest to mitigate that impact." There will be a significant restructuring charge in conjunction with this capacity announcement, and also with any related early retirement program. The details of these charges will be provided when available. Wagoner also said the company has further accelerated its efforts in structural cost reduction, raising the previously indicated $5 billion running rate cost reduction plan in North America to $6 billion by the end of 2006. In addition, GM continues to pursue its plans to target $1 billion in net material cost savings. In total, the plan is to achieve $7 billion of cost reductions on a running rate basis by the end of 2006 - $1 billion above the previously indicated target. "Our collective goal remains the same: to return our North American operations to sustained profitability as soon as possible, thereby helping to ensure a strong General Motors for the future," Wagoner concluded. General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader since 1931. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 325,000 people around the world. It has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 200 countries. In 2004, GM sold nearly 9 million cars and trucks globally, up 4 percent and the second-highest total in the company's history. GM's global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com. ### Forward-looking Statements In this press release and in related comments by General Motors management, our use of the words "expect, anticipate, design, estimate, forecast, initiative, objective, plan, goal, project, outlook, priorities, target, intend, evaluate, seek, impact" and similar expressions, including references to what the future implementation of our restructuring plan and the tentative health-care agreement with the UAW will achieve, and when, in terms of cost savings and capacity reduction, is intended to identify forward-looking statements. While these statements represent our current judgment on what the future may hold, and we believe these judgments are reasonable, actual results may differ materially due to numerous important factors that are described in GM's most recent report on SEC Form 10-K, which may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports on SEC Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Such factors include, among others, the following: the ability of GM to realize production efficiencies, to achieve reductions in costs as a result of the restructuring and health-care cost reductions and to implement capital expenditures, all at the levels and times planned by management; the pace of product introductions; significant changes in the competitive environment; changes in laws, regulations and tax rates; the ability of the corporation to achieve reductions in cost and employment levels to realize production efficiencies and implement capital expenditures at levels and times planned by management; changes in relations with unions and employees/retirees and the legal interpretations of the agreements with those unions with regard to employees/retirees; shortages of and price increases for fuel; labor strikes or work stoppages; market acceptance of the corporation's new products; additional credit rating downgrades; and changes in economic conditions, commodity prices, currency exchange rates or political stability.

We are going to piss off a lot of countries in order to change this because the WTO agreement won't allow us to increase these tariffs. I feel however this will be a necessary evil. What else can we do? As the middle class slowly gets divided between the haves and the have nots, with most going to the have not side what will become of our democracy? We need healthcare reform, not a nationalized system, but just plain old regulation much akin to what the government used to do with other industries. Installing price caps for procedures and reducing pharmacuetical promotion expenses would go a long way to fixing our problem.

This is getting crazy, where does it stop? I used to hate the UAW but now I am more behind them because of the ridiculous demands made by managment. Before the UAW had ridiculous demands and now it is managment. The union should not accept anything more then a 20% reduction in wages, however they need to pick up more of the health insurance tab. This just goes to show that our country needs medical reform. Physician salaries are the ones that need to be cut and there needs to be more price regulation of the healthcare industry. This will help the US companies without needing to adopt a national healthcare system. We as Americans are in for a shock. I don't care if you are a line worker, middle managment or a professional. Our way of life is about to radically change.

Josh, why the Jackstands? Are you buying the car as a collectible or preparing for modifications? I would imagine that the Soltice could be very very similar to the Vette in terms of collectibility, especially since its production is limited.

But Croc, we still do not know who is making what. I am pretty sure the people netting ~65hr or above are skilled and senior. Of course the company is going to make their situation seem as worse as possible. This bankruptcy is a BS if you ask me because clearly Delphi is NOT insolvent. If an entity is NOT insolvent it should not be able to get the benefits of bankruptcy.