Simon C

I think they are funny. People remember "funny".

Everyone know's (including GM) that their old designs were ... blah, and they are making fun of it.

If you can't laugh at yourself ...

I like it. I'm glad they are bringing the AWD back. Hope the gas mileage is good. I hate to say it, but it's coming to mpg for me.

It 's good to see the strike over so soon. I think it's a very reasonable compromise. That's what collective bargaining is all about. Despite all the union bashing on these blogs, it shows that the UAW are willing to work with the car companies as long as they're treated fairly.

Agreed!

Although no one my family has been a union member, I tend to side with them 99% of the time. However, I do not understand the signing bonus thing. It should seem to further differentiate the "new hires" from the lucky ones who get a higher wage plus a signing bonus. Perhaps the signing bonus should go to the union to set up a job retraining program.

99% of the time? That's pretty cool, and very different from what I read in here. But I understand, a little, why we (UAW) get such a bad rap. There are a few "bad apples". But there are those kind of people in every workplace.

About the "signing bonus" ... I think it's the wording that is weird. When I hear "signing bonus" I think of pro sports.

In this situtation, I think it could be worded differently.

Your statement about the union setting up a job training program sounds good though.

signing bonuses? what a wonderful little dream world the UAW live in

It is nice. But don't be "hate-in".

Ok seriously, I haven't seen the paperwork yet, but I'm sure GM made out pretty good. Yeah, all everyone will look at and talk about (complain) is the "signing bonus", and "lump sum payments". But what GM is going to save, $$,$$$,$$$,$$$ - as in billions, will definately help the company.

And for that, I and the UAW are very happy!!

I think there is a secret deal between GM and the Union. The Union gets to flex its muscle showing that they will strike. GM gets to save money by shutting down its plants for a few days and reducing inventory. After a few days, they come back to the bargaining table work out some deal that was inevitable and walk away looking like winners on both sides.

I think you hit it right on.

Ford and Chrysler should lock out UAW members in retaliation.

Dude, what the heck are you talking about? They want GM & the UAW to setup the pattern of the contracts.

"retaliation"?? Retaliation for what ... striking another company?

It ain't going to happen.

As usual, the Woodward Dream Cruise was incredible. For all you guys who live out of state, you have to try one year to come out this way. It really is the biggest "Car Party" in the world.

Also, did any one get to see the corvette with the (I'm guessing) Nomad front and back end?

I got a side shot but not the front.

(I'll put the picture I got in here when I get home).

It was sharp.

I don't think it looks bad, but I would need to see it in person.

I think it'll look sharp.

Just wish it was built here.

Still too much money. 3 Series / 5 Series ... it's too much.

Why does a diesel cost $1000 more? Help me out guys.

Griffon, nice post with all the examples.

I hate to say it, but they all look fine. They're all so small, it's hard to look at then as "cars", but that's what it's going to come down to. Gas will be $3.00 a gallon this summer and it's only going to go UP.

The only thing about these cars is going up against the 18 wheelers. If we're making cars smaller doesn't it make sense to start making the big rigs smaller? I know the arguments are cost of shipping smaller amounts of "widgets" will make the cost of it go up, but just imagine 2 or 3 of those trucks around you in one of these small cars.

I think it looks sharp!! Looks aggressive ... yet elegant.

I think, the only reason the Imperial is even on the table is 1) To maximize volume on the LY platform and up profits and 2) To keep the UAW/CAW working instead of sitting on their asses collecting a free check.

Ah ... yeah, that's why.

No more Cutlass Supreme, no more Buick Regal, and now no more Monte Carlo or Grand Prix.

This "change" is killing me. I'll miss them all.

GM REPORTS IMPROVED SECOND-QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS .... GM has reported significantly improved 2006 second quarter financial results. Global automotive operations were profitable on an adjusted basis, excluding special items, for the first time since 2004, and the company posted a second consecutive quarter of record revenue.

GM reported a net loss of $3.2 billion, or $5.62 per share, for the second quarter of 2006, compared with a reported loss of $987 million, or $1.75 per share, for the year-ago quarter. The net loss for the quarter included a total of $4.3 billion, or $7.66 per share, in special items that reflected a previously announced $3.7 billion after-tax charge related to the successful accelerated attrition program, in which 34,400 hourly employees participated. Other special items included a loss related to the pending sale of 51 percent of GMAC, a gain on the disposition of Isuzu stock, and restructuring charges.

GM posted 2006 second-quarter adjusted net income, excluding special items, of $1.2 billion, or $2.03 per share, on record revenue of $54.4 billion. This reflects a $1.4 billion improvement from the year-ago adjusted loss of $231 million, or $0.41 per share, on revenue of $48.5 billion.

"With the support of our employees, unions, dealers, suppliers and stockholders, we are moving rapidly and aggressively to address our challenges and restructure GM for future success," said Rick Wagoner, GM chairman and chief executive officer. "It's rewarding to see our automotive business return to profitability on an operating basis and a clear sign that we're on the right track, but there is more work to be done."

The ship is turning!!

You have to admit, when Cadillac came out with the new look and the Zepplin song was used, everything just fit ... perfectly.

I'd hate to see such a pitiful end for one of America's great companies. 

Nissan/Renault will pick and choose which GM lines they want, shut everything else.  They'll raid GM for technology and factories.  GM brands will die.  GM's heritage will die out.  All that will remain are some Silverados badged as Renaults

I'd hate to see it too. Only because when GM's new designs start coming out (and they will be sharp) Nissan and Ghosan will get the credit. You guys and I know that it just doesn't work that fast, but, people will say it.

And, it'll look like GM couldn't do it without some outside help.

I'd hate that!!

That is just something any good business should do, union or not. I bet it is something Toyota and the rest of the transplants do as well.

I hate how it's referred to as GM is working with the UAW to do something. Those workers are GM workers!!! They don't work for the UAW. GM should work with their workers to advance their processes. That is the mentality that needs to go away. They work for GM, and they should act as such.

Unfortunately, GM didn't want to work with the UAW (back in the day). It was the "do as I say" mentality. Something may work on paper up in the offices, but when you try and do it on the floor, there were things that they didn't know what happens if you try this with that.

Anyway, the UAW and GM somehow got together ( in the 80's) and decided it was better to work together. I know that's how it should have always been, but for whatever the reasons, it wasn't.

Today, the relationship is so much better. It's a difference of night and day.

Agreed.

I'm sorry if I came out with a chip on my shoulder. It's been a rough time since last Oct.

The union doesn't exist now - nor has it ever - for the creation of a more competitive product. The union, just like any other money making institution in a capitalist society, exists to maximize profit. For a union, that means getting as many people to be dues paying members as possible. How do you do that? You do it by promising higher wages & better benefits. It has absolutley nothing to do with making good cars.

I disagree with this statement. In the 80's, the Big 3 and the UAW worked together to make production better. They took more of what the UAW had to say, "suggestion-wise" on how to make things better in the plants. The guys up in the offices have all kinds of idea's, but the UAW member is the one who puts the things together. So, they formed "committees", hourly and salary, to work together and make a process better. This is just one reason why GM is making as many cars as they do, with the amount of people they have. AND quality is the best it has ever been.

I agree with some of what you say, but, the union is supposed to take care of their membership. The UAW is working with GM with reducing manpower, while not pushing everyone out and saying "that's it, go" during this transition.

I personally want to thank the UAW and GM for making the transition easier than it could have been.

Good morning everyone, long time reader, first time poster.  I agree that a big problem with GM staying on top is the union especially when the union has members who act like the following:  a fraternity brother of mine's dad retired from GM and is complaining about them cutting pensions and health benefits.  This guy is obese though, probably 60-80 lbs. overweight and is on oxygen.  I don't know if he is on oxy because of the work he was doing in the factory or what, but regardless, he could breathe a lot easier if he lost the set of tires around his middle. 

So he has health problems and is pissed his health care is being cut.  Understandable except for the fact that within the past two years he has bought a new Trailblazer EXT, a brand new Hitachi Plasma (the model with the rotating remote controlled stand which is EXPENSIVE!), a new Onkyo sound system, an XBOX 360 (a retiree?  Yup, NOT his kid), a new high end HP computer, etc...real responsible spending there and all he can do is bash GM for cutting the benefits of retirees.  How sick is this?  If GM is going to stay on top, it needs to change more than just its business, but people's modes of thinking and lifestyle too...

Ahhh yeah, we know all UAW members are "overweight", and we all play with our XBOX as soon as we get home from work. And then we drink beer!!

GM's problems have nothing to do with design, cookie-cutter cars (1980-1998), and good competition.

The UAW has been a part of GM for what something like 60 years. Back in the 60's I don't recall anyone saying "GM is doing great. It's all because of the UAW". But today, GM is struggling and everyone says "GM is in trouble. It's all because of the UAW"

Guys, check this out. What a great read. Article by Ed Wallace.

http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/...paign_id=search

Define "fair wage." Is that $28 an hour for a janitor, and $100,000 a year for a forklift operator?

Fair is determined by the market. They are losing their jobs because they are getting paid more than fair wages, simple as that.

Hey Caddy, I know everyone thinks we (the UAW) makes $100,000 a year, but we don't. Some skilled trades do, but they just about live in the plant. If you did the math on the $100,000, at $28 dollars an hour, it would take someone to work about 68 hours a week to make that much money.

Come on guys, get off the UAW "bad guy" stuff. In case you haven't been listening, GM and the UAW are working things out just fine.