Straight Talk About GM
Scroll Down For New Data On Recalls And Awards
2010
General Motors Leads Again In Vehicle Sales For July 2010
Jul 12, 2010
GM - Goat to Hero: GM Manages to Grab Half
the "Best Launch" Awards from Edmunds.com
By Jim Henry | Jul 12, 2010
General Motors is starting to gain some traction in its effort to put its
image as “Generic Motors” in the rearview mirror. The timing is good, since
GM is getting ready to take itself public again.
Surprisingly, GM won awards from Edmunds.com last week for five successful
new-product launches in the last year out of 10 possible spots.
That’s especially good news for GM, because creating distinctive and
attractive new products and matching them up with the right brand names is
something that’s been troublesome for the company, even though it may sound
simple.
The poster child for GM’s troubled new-product pipeline was the notoriously
homely Pontiac Aztek and its slightly less-homely sister, the Buick
Rendezvous, back in 2001. However, the company has launched plenty of other
lookalike GM cars and trucks since then. GM has been known for parceling out
cars to its many brands in order to maximize sales volume, whether they fit
the various brands or not.
That’s how GM ended up with non-sequiturs like Pontiac, the quote-unquote
“excitement” division, selling minivans; the “import-fighting” Saturn
division selling imported cars; the “premium import” Saab brand selling
U.S.-built SUVs. As part of its bankruptcy restructuring last year, GM
dropped Pontiac, Saturn, Saab and Hummer.
The winning models for GM for the Edmunds.com Launch Breakthrough Award were
the Chevy Camaro, the Chevy Equinox, the Cadillac SRX, the Buick LaCrosse
and the GMC Terrain. All share parts and development costs with other models
spread across GM’s worldwide operations, without looking too much alike. Not
only that, according to GM several of its new models are retailing for
thousands of dollars more than the models they replaced.
GM would never phrase it quite this way, but one of the main things it needs
to do is “accelerate the development of new products our customers want and
value.” GM wouldn’t phrase it that way because it’s a phrase from Ford
President and CEO Alan Mulally. It’s a key element of Mullaly’s simple
business plan for Ford, which fits on the back of a business card. “One
Ford,” another keystone of Mullaly’s plan, refers to Ford’s need to get its
worldwide divisions on the same page.
In parallel with its new-product efforts, GM is engaged in exactly the same
thing. The Edmunds.com awards are a sign GM is on the right track, but
higher retail prices are the ultimate praise.
http://industry.bnet.com/auto/10005562/goat-to-hero-gm-gets-five-of-top-10-best-launches-from-edmundscom/
May 17, 2010
GM Rebounds With $865M 1Q Profit!
GM rides cost cuts, new model sales to 1Q profit
GM rebounds with US economic recovery, rides cost cuts and new models to $865M 1Q profit
, On Monday May 17, 2010, 9:53 am
DETROIT (AP) --
The $865 million first-quarter profit is a dramatic reversal from the huge $6 billion loss in the same period last year. The last time the company made a quarterly profit was the second quarter of 2007, when it earned $891 million.
The Detroit automaker said it made money because debt and other expenses were slashed by its stay in bankruptcy court, and because of strong new-model sales. It also generated higher revenue from growth in Asia and South America.
The earnings of $1.66 per share from January through March are stunningly different from the first quarter of last year, when the largest U.S. automaker lost $9.78 per share as it skidded into bankruptcy protection.
First-quarter revenue soared 40 percent to $31.5 billion.
GM lost $3.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009 on revenues of $32.3 billion, the company's first full quarter out of bankruptcy protection.
Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell was said it may be difficult to sustain the same level of profit for the remainder of the year because first-quarter production is usually higher than other quarters, with automakers ramping up for the spring selling season.
"I'd still be reasonably cautious about the rest of the year," he said.
New models such as the Chevrolet Equinox small sport utility vehicle and the Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan lifted GM's North American operations to a $1.2 billion profit, compared with a $3.4 billion loss in the year-earlier quarter. North America had been a continual drain on GM's profits before its bankruptcy filing last year.
CEO Ed Whitacre has predicted a full-year profit as U.S. auto sales continue their slow recovery. That could lead to a public stock offering late in the year and full repayment of the $50 billion in U.S. government aid that stopped GM from going under last year. The U.S. government now owns 61 percent of the company.
Liddell said the company hasn't committed to any date for a public stock offering. GM has said, however, that it hopes to make an initial public stock offering late this year.
In bankrutpcy court, GM was split into two companies, the old one carrying unprofitable assets and much of its debt, while the new one moved forward with a much stronger balance sheet. Based on the trading price of Old GM's bonds, the U.S. government could get back $40 billion, former Obama administration auto czar Steven Rattner said last week.
Also on Monday, GM said it paid $203 million in dividends to its
preferred stockholders, the U.S. and Canadian governments and a
The company reported $35.7 billion in cash at the end of the quarter, including a final installment in April of $6.6 billion in aid from the U.S. government. That money had been held in escrow by the government and is included in the $50 billion aid total.
GM has lost more than $86 billion since 2005, even though it had a few profitable quarters along the way. Before heading into bankruptcy protection last year it had almost $53 billion in debt, but it ended last quarter at $14 billion. GM paid $5.8 billion to the U.S. and Canadian governments in April, reducing its debt further to $8.4 billion.
The automaker has repaid a total of $6.7 billion to the U.S. government, and the Obama administration hopes to get the remaining $43 billion by selling its 61 percent stake in the country's largest automaker.
The remaining balance on the government aid tab isn't considered debt since it was converted to equity in the company.
GM, once a symbol of U.S. industrial might, would have disappeared late in 2008 or early last year without help from the government. The company cut 10,000 workers last quarter and now employs 205,000 people across the globe, including 77,000 in the U.S.
The company has cut worldwide employment by nearly half in the past decade.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/GM-rides-cost-cuts-new-model-apf-435350698.html?x=0
May 3, 2010
April 2010 Auto Sales By Units | GM
Largest Sales Of All Car Makers:
GM: 183,091
Ford: 162,996
Toyota: 157,439
Honda: 113,697
Chrysler: 95,703
Los Angeles Times | latimes.com
Automakers see sales jump in April
Read Story Here:
jerry.hirsch@latimes.com
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-autosales-20100504,0,3748070.story
May 3, 2010
Chevrolet Camaro and Equinox win Awards
The Chevrolet Equinox was named the Interior of the Year for Trucks, and the Chevrolet Camaro
was named the Interior of the Year for Sports Cars by Ward’s AutoWorld Magazine. GM will
accept the awards during Ward’s Auto Interior Conference on May 19 at the Dearborn Ritz
Carlton.
Posted: April 27, 2010 10:34 PM
How Ed Whitacre Is Rebuilding General Motors
It's no secret I have been critical of General Motors management, right up to its bankruptcy filing a year ago. For decades, GM management focused on short-term profits, while it was steadily losing market share - from 53 percent of the U.S. market all the way down to 19 percent. Along the way it was unable to keep pace with international competitors or shifting customer demand and concessions in work rules, health care and pensions to its union that caused the firm to fail when the market collapsed in the fall of 2008.
All that changed rapidly when the Obama administration appointed Ed Whitacre as its chair in July 2009. Whitacre, the highly successful ex-CEO of ATT, took over as CEO as well last fall and immediately started transforming GM into a modern auto company that could compete in both the U.S. and world markets.
He went out on a limb and promised GM would return to profitability within two years and repay its debts to the United States government within seven years. At the time GM was still in the red, while Ford was thriving and Toyota was outpacing both in worldwide production and sales. Furthermore, American consumers were distrustful of General Motors quality and angry that their tax dollars had been used to keep the company on life support.
When Toyota encountered its quality problems earlier this year, Whitacre moved in high gear to capture the available market share. Now he has taken action to fulfill his promises. Not only has General Motors repaid its loan with interest from the United States government, it has continued to improve customer service. Currently, GM is projecting ambitious global growth in 2010 and 2011. In the coming months, the company plans to initiate a public sale of stock, allowing the automaker to regain its independence from the U.S. government.
How did this turnaround happen so rapidly? How did Whitacre restore a bankrupt giant, repay billions to the government, and make bold growth projections for the future?
Whitacre made the tough internal decisions. He shed unprofitable brands like Saturn, Hummer, Saab, and Pontiac, eliminated layers of management, abandoned the company's fossil-like committee structure, reduced excess global inventory, and closed 1,350 underperforming dealerships. Those were not popular decisions internally or with GM's bloated dealer structure. But they were necessary steps to shed its losses and transition away from the finance-driven "analysis paralysis" that dominated its management for four decades.
He became the face of the company with the public. With public speeches, press interviews, and even starring in company ads, Whitacre put himself on the line with the American public. Americans wanted a real leader at the helm of GM, and Whitacre was willing to be that person.
He regained trust in the company. By backing up his public promises - and offering himself up as the new face of GM, Whitacre lent personality and warmth to a brand that had become a concrete monolith of stagnation. At risk to his impressive professional career, Whitacre put his reputation on the line. He fought for new customers by making promises about GM's autos and trucks and their quality, even offering a "money back guarantee." If nothing else, Americans respect a confident, trustworthy leader who is trying to restore respect for a tattered institutional brand.
He's not done yet. Whitacre is not one who rests when a preliminary goal is met. In his recent television spot and speeches, it's clear that he and GM management are focused on improving GM's product lineup while fulfilling its promises to its customers.
At a time when so many leaders have failed, Americans are pleased to rally around a corporate comeback story built on trust and quality assurance. With Ed Whitacre still at the helm, it's a comeback story that could keep going for years to come.
Follow Bill George on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Bill_George
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-george/how-ed-whitacre-is-rebuil_b_554567.html
Cadillac DTS Named Industry’s Most Dependable Large Premium Car
J.D.
Power and Associates study finds DTS has
the fewest problems in the industry
2010-03-18
DETROIT, MI., – Today Cadillac DTS was named the industry’s most dependable large premium car, part of the results of the 2010 Vehicle Dependability Study from J.D. Power and Associates. In addition, the study found that the Cadillac DTS has the fewest problems in the industry, with just 76 problems per 100 vehicles.
“It’s gratifying for DTS to excel in a study that is well respected by consumers,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “Luxury buyers value leadership in the products they select, from brands that they trust.”
In addition to the full-size DTS luxury sedan being named as the industry’s most dependable large premium car, Cadillac’s STS (Midsize Premium Car) and CTS (Entry Premium Vehicle) sedans and Escalade EXT (Large Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle) reached the top-three of their respective segments. Cadillac DTS offers advanced technologies such as Magnetic Ride Control, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control. All Cadillac models feature 5-year/100,000-mile transferrable powertrain warranty, with Courtesy Transportation and 24/7 Roadside Assistance.
J.D. Power and Associates’ annual Vehicle Dependability Study is a U.S.-market based survey providing insight into quality and reliability as vehicles approach the end of a typical warranty cycle. The study surveyed more than 52,000 owners on any problems encountered during the past 12 months on three year-old vehicles (model year 2007.) More information can be found at http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=3826661&msgid=183295&act=PVQU&c=610518&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jdpower.com
Buick Ranks High in 2010 J. D. Power
Study
J.D.
Power and Associates announced that
Buick ranked third in vehicle
dependability for three-year old models,
further demonstrating Buick’s commitment
to vehicle quality and reputation.
Buick has ranked in the top ten brands
in the J.D. Power and Associates
dependability study for the past nine
years. The study tracks vehicle issues
over a three-year ownership period and
this year evaluates 198 problem areas,
which provides insight into the
reliability and dependability of a brand
and specific model as they approach the
end of a typical warranty period.
The Buick LaCrosse received top honors
in the midsize car segment for the
second year in a row, outperforming the
competition. The Buick Lucerne is among
the top three models in the large car
segment and the Buick Terraza came in
third in the midsize van segment.
Motor Trend Declares “Buick is Back!”
For the first time in 28 years, Buick
dominates the cover of Motor Trend
magazine, along with a headline
declaring “Buick is Back!” The April
issue of the premier automotive
publication features photos of the Buick
LaCrosse, Regal Turbo and Regal GS
Concept and touts the growing momentum
behind Buick.
The April 2010 edition of the magazine
includes two Buick features; a drive
review of the new 2011 Regal called
“International Rescue” and “Trading
Places,” a comparison of the 2010
LaCrosse and the 2010 Lexus ES350, in
which LaCrosse emerges the winner. The
Century T-Type was the last Buick to
grace cover of Motor Trend in
August of 1982. The April issue of
Motor Trend is now available on
newsstands.
“We are
thrilled to be honored with the
placement of Buick models on the cover
of Motor Trend,” said John
Schwegman, U.S. marketing vice
president, Buick GMC. "The declaration
that 'Buick is Back' attests to the
transformation of the Buick brand and
the buzz building for the LaCrosse and
Regal. It shows that we are introducing
cars that merit the attention of auto
enthusiasts, including the editors of
Motor Trend."
Read the
review here: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_1004_2011_buick_regal_drive/index.html#ixzz0ftt3PCwa
GM Brands Rank Tops for Service
GM’s brand dealerships are now providing the best service among mass-market automakers to drivers in their early years of ownership, a comprehensive annual report says, according to the Toronto Star.
J.D. Power and Associates said Wednesday its study shows retailers under six GM brands – including three that are being eliminated – posted most of the highest scores for service to customers with new vehicles in the first three years of operation in the United States, Canada and several other countries.
HUMMER, Saturn, Buick and Chevrolet dealerships led the rankings while Pontiac and GMC held the sixth and seventh positions for levels of service initiation, quality, advice, and facility.
The only brand to break GM's dominance at the top of the study's rankings is BMW's Mini branch.
Among luxury brands, Toyota's Lexus, GM's Cadillac, Jaguar, Honda's Acura and BMW generated the highest scores.
Read more here:
Chevrolet Picks Up Eight Awards at Chicago Auto Show
Chevrolet
General Manager
Jim Campbell
accepted eight
awards, from
three different
organizations,
that recognized
the best of the
Chevrolet
line-up.
MotorWeek presented
two awards to
Chevrolet,
including MotorWeek’s
Best Sport Coupe award
for the Camaro
and MotorWeek’s
Best Small
Utility award
for the Equinox.
The editorial
staff of MotorWeek test
drives more than
150 cars, trucks
and utilities
each year.
Drivers’ Choice
Award winners
are chosen
following a
comprehensive
evaluation of
factors that
matter most to
consumers –
performance,
technology,
practicality and
value.
Chevrolet also
collected three
awards from the
first-ever
Internet Car and
Truck of the
Year. A panel of
12 online
automotive
journalists
named the
Equinox the
Jurors’ Truck of
the Year. In
addition, the
Equinox was
named the Public
Truck of the
Year, and Camaro
the Public Car
of the Year,
based on more
than 50,000
reader votes
cast online.
Finally,
IntelliChoice
recognized three
2009 Chevrolets
as the Best
Overall Value in
their segments,
including the
Corvette,
Silverado, and
Silverado HD.
The
IntelliChoice
Best Overall
Values identify
vehicles with
the best total
costs to own and
operate a
vehicle for the
first five years
of ownership.
Selected from
over 1,700
model-year
domestic and
import vehicles
from 2009, the
Best Overall
Value of the
Year awards
recognize the
best car values
by class.
2010 Buick LaCrosse Named MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Award winner for "Best Luxury Sedan"
The LaCrosse Continues to Earn Industry Praise for Design and Quality
The 2010 Buick LaCrosse continues to earn industry praise and recognition, as it receives a 2010 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award today at the Chicago Auto Show. The LaCrosse was named MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Award winner for "Best Luxury Sedan."
"MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Award for ‘Best Luxury Sedan’ is a great honor for the Buick LaCrosse and confirms the growing momentum behind the car,” said Brian Sweeney, general manager of Buick GMC. “The LaCrosse is a leader in the luxury sedan segment and continues to sell quickly off dealer lots. This award is tribute to the designers, engineers, sales team, employees who build the LaCrosse in Fairfax and dealers who work so hard to bring the LaCrosse to market.”
The annual MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards are chosen by MotorWeek’s editorial staff who test drive more than 150 cars, trucks and utilities each year. Winners are then selected on factors including performance, technology, practicality and value.
According to MotorWeek the LaCrosse received its top honor for its “stunning good looks and quality inside and out.” The 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan has been redesigned from the ground up, and offers all-wheel drive, a suite of advanced personal technologies and safety features and a luxurious interior.
In addition to two fuel-saving V-6 engines, a new fuel-efficient, direct inject Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine will be available with the LaCrosse CX model this spring. As the only four-cylinder engine offered in its class, the new powertain is expected to deliver fuel economy of 30 mpg highway, making the LaCrosse one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.
With its long list of standard safety equipment, the LaCrosse’s safety credentials rate among the best in the industry. It earned five stars – the highest rating possible – in all four metrics from the federal government new car assessment program. The vehicle also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s IIHS Top Safety Pick award, achieving a “good” rating in each of the four crash simulations and offering StabiliTrak, electronic stability control shown to help drivers avoid certain types of crashes.
Other Buick LaCrosse Awards and Recognitions
- Consumers Guide 2010 Best Buy and Recommendation Award
- MotherProof.com’s 2010 Sedan of the Year
- About.com Car’s Best New Cars of 2010
- 2010 North American Car of the Year finalist
- About.com Cars’ Best New Cars of 2010
- Edmunds.com’s 2010 Most Recommended Vehicles
- Drive Car Reviews “Top Picks for 2009”
- CanadianDriver.com -- Top Picks Award
GM Receives Consumer Guide Automotive Awards
For more than 40
years, Consumer
Guide has
empowered car
buyers to shop
with confidence,
providing
reviews in 18
vehicle
categories. The
following GM
vehicles have
been awarded
with a
best buy or
recommended buy
from the 2010
Consumer Guide:
• Chevrolet
Malibu – midsize
car, best buy
• Chevrolet
Corvette –
premium
sporty/performance
car, best buy
• Chevrolet
Equinox –
midsize SUV,
recommended buy
• Chevrolet
Traverse –
midsize SUV,
best buy
• Chevrolet
Tahoe – large
SUV, best buy
• Chevrolet
Suburban, large
SUV, best buy
• Chevrolet
Silverado, large
pickup,
recommended buy
• Buick LaCrosse
– large car,
best buy
• Buick Enclave,
premium midsize
SUV, best buy
• GMC Acadia –
midsize SUV,
best buy
• GMC Terrain –
midsize SUV,
recommended buy
• GMC Yukon –
large SUV, best
buy
• GMC Sierra
1500 – large
pickup,
recommended buy
• Cadillac CTS –
premium midsize
car, best buy
• Cadillac DTS –
premium large
car, recommended
buy
• Cadillac
Escalade –
premium large
SUV, recommended
buy
Sierra 2500 HD Awarded 2010 Best Overall Truck Value by IntelliChoice
Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Hybrid, Sierra 2500 HD Crew Cab, Sierra 3500 Crew Cab and Yukon Denali also named Best Overall Values of the Year
At the Chicago Auto Show today, the GMC Sierra 2500 HD received IntelliChoice’s prestigious "Best Overall Value of the Year" annual award, an honor it shares with the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD.
As the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, IntelliChoice recognizes vehicles in 31 classes and nine overall category winners. The Sierra 2500 HD was named the overall category winner for the Best Truck Value Over $28,000, and four other GMC models were named the top vehicle in its class.
"The IntelliChoice ‘Best Overall Value" award is a top honor to receive in the automotive industry, and we are pleased that several Sierra models along with the Yukon Denali were recognized,” said Brian Sweeney, general manager of Buick GMC. "Today’s consumers are looking for vehicles that will provide the best value for their money, which is what we strive to accomplish with GMC trucks and SUVs. This award proves that we are achieving our goal."
Other GMC vehicles that took top honors as "Best Overall Value of the Year" include:
- GMC Yukon Denali – Luxury SUV
- GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Hybrid 2WD – Full-Size Pickup 2WD ½ Ton (tie with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Hybrid 2WD)
- GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Hybrid 4WD – Full-Size Pickup 4WD ½ Ton (tie with Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Hybrid 4WD)
- GMC Sierra 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD – Full-Size Pickup 4WD ¾ Ton (tie with the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD)
- GMC Sierra 2500 HD Crew Cab 2WD – Full-Size Pickup 2WD ¾ Ton (tie with the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 2WD)
- GMC Sierra 3500 Crew Cab 2WD – Full-Size Pickup 2WD One Ton (tie with the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Crew Cab 2WD)
- GMC Sierra 3500 Crew Cab 4WD – Full-Size Pickup 4WD One Ton (tie with the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Crew Cab 4WD)
The annual IntelliChoice.com “Best Overall Value of the Year” awards evaluate approximately 1,800 vehicles to identify the models that offer the best value within their class.
They analyze data to determine actual cost of ownership over a five-year period, which factors in the accumulated ownership costs of depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing, and insurance to identify the true standout models in each class.
2009
GM leads the world with 5 of the top 20 vehicles sold in 2009!
Toyota also had 5 of the top 20 vehicles sold in 2009
Ford had 4 of the top 20 vehicles sold in 2009
Honda had only 3 of the top 20 vehicles sold in 2009
Chrysler had only 1 of the top 20 vehicles sold in 2009
Nissan had only 1 of the top 20 vehicles sold in 2009
Hyundai had 0
Kia had 0
Vehicles 2009 volume 2009 % change from 2008
1. Ford F-Series 413,625 -19.8%
2. Toyota Camry 356,824 -18.3%
3. Chevrolet Silverado 316,544 -31.9%
4. Toyota Corolla 296,874 -15.4%
5. Honda Accord 287,492 -22.9%
6. Honda Civic 259,722 -23.5%
7. Nissan Altima 203,568 -24.5%
8. Honda CR-V 191,214 -3.1%
9. Ford Fusion 180,671 22.4%
10. Dodge Ram 177,268 -27.9%
11. Ford Escape 173,044 10.5%
12. Chevrolet Impala 165,565 -37.7%
13. Chevrolet
Malibu
161,568 -8.8%
14. Ford Focus 160,433 -18.1%
15. Toyota RAV4 149,088 8.8%
16. Toyota Prius 139.682 -12.1%
17. GMC Sierra 111,842 -33.6%
18. Lexus RX 93,379 10.9%
19. Subaru Legacy 86,330 29.1%
20. Chevrolet Equinox 86,148 27.7%
Source: Autodata
Recalled Vehicles More Than Double in 2009
Toyota is Poorest Performer
Source --
WardsAuto.com – December 30, 2009
More
than twice as many light vehicles have been recalled in 2009
than 2008, with two campaigns accounting for nearly half of this
year’s total, according to preliminary government data.
A Ward’s analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall notifications through mid-December shows U.S.-market auto makers initiated 105 campaigns affecting 18.4 million vehicles this year. In 2008, there were 101 recalls with implications for 7.7 million vehicles.
For the first time, Toyota was the poorest performer on a volume basis. The perennial quality leader’s nine campaigns ensnared 4.8 million vehicles, with the contentious issue of ill-fitting or unsecured floor mats accounting for 4.3 million.
Ford was close behind. Its four campaigns had implications for 4.5 million vehicles – a total that included some medium-duty truck models.
Chrysler initiated the most campaigns with 16. But they affected 565,558 vehicles, the lowest total of any U.S.-based auto maker. Numerous recalls affecting fewer vehicles, as in Chrysler’s case this year, can be an indicator of diligence, says Mike Donoughe, senior partner with St. Clair Consortium, a business consultancy.
“A company’s internal processes speak a little bit to their cultural orientation,” says Donoughe. “Are they proactive? Do they have a good customer feedback mechanism? Are they acting on that feedback in a timely and diligent manner or are they in a dithering mindset?”
The best strategy for addressing problems, particularly safety issues, is “deal with it, as it comes up, in real time,” he says. “Get it behind you as fast as possible,” Donoughe adds.
Litigators lining up to pursue damage claims linked to the Toyota floor-mat issue suggest the auto maker has long known about a problem – an allegation Toyota rejects. And Ford’s major recall was initiated after 18 months of investigation.
Meanwhile, General Motors, which topped 2008’s list of worst performers with 17 recall campaigns affecting 1.7 million vehicles, improved this year on both fronts. GM staged 12 recalls with implications for 2.2 million vehicles.
Hyundai – which has seen the U.S. largest market-share gain of any auto maker this year, according to Ward’s data – staged a significant turnaround in second-half 2009. After initiating five recalls affecting 1.2 million vehicles from January through June, Hyundai launched just two campaigns accounting for 3,093 vehicles.
Volvo was 2009’s poorest performer among Europe-based auto makers. With five of its seven recalls coming in the second half, accounting for 161,688 vehicles, it vaulted past Volkswagen’s eight recalls that had implications for just over 100,000 vehicles.
Honda recorded what likely was the nastiest recall of 2009. Because of excessive pressure in a driver’s side airbag inflator “metal fragments could pass through the air bag cushion material possibly causing injury to vehicle occupants,” NHTSA said. Some 440,000 Honda and Acura cars were affected.
Despite the industry’s year-over-year 139% leap in vehicles affected by recalls, 2009 trails by a wide margin the record of 24.3 million units, set in 2000, when Ford was stricken by the Firestone tire debacle.
How GM Stacks Up in 2009 Sales
Top six auto makers in the U.S. by 2009 vehicle sales and change from 2008
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| 2,063,069 | 1,770,149 | 1,615,799 | 1,150,784 | 931,402 | 770,103 |
| -29.7% | -20.2% | -15.3% | -19.5% | -35.9% | -19.0% |
Note: Data are preliminary
Source: Autodata and onlinewsj.com
Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac Post Sales Gains in December
- Retail Sales of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac Up 13 Percent
- GM Retail Market Share Increased Two Share Points in Q4 vs. Q3
- U.S. Dealer Inventory Reaches 385,000 – Lowest Year-End Level on Record
GM dealers in the U.S. reported 160,996 retail deliveries in December – a seven percent increase compared to last year, and a 50 percent increase over last month. Retail sales of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands were 146,419 – up 13 percent for the month. In total, GM dealers in the U.S. delivered 208,511 vehicles in December. This represents a total sales decline of six percent from the previous year, driven primarily by declines in fleet sales (33 percent) and in sales of non-core brands (55 percent).
"The fact that our retail market share has increased two full points from the third to fourth quarters demonstrates that we are strengthening our brands," said Susan Docherty, vice president, Sales, Service and Marketing. "We are delivering a healthier sales mix and earning consumer confidence through our launch vehicles such as Chevy Equinox and Camaro, Buick LaCrosse, GMC Terrain and Cadillac SRX."
In 2009, GM dealers delivered 2,084,492 vehicles, down 30 percent compared with 2008. "The year-over-year comparison reflects a 38 percent reduction in fleet, reduced overall incentive spending and the orderly wind-down of the Pontiac and Saturn brands," Docherty said. "Our sell-down of Pontiac and Saturn inventory is 10 months ahead of schedule and we only have about 1,700 vehicles left – 800 Pontiacs and 900 Saturns. This shows real progress in our action plans."
Other December Key Facts:
- Retail sales of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands were 13 percent higher than in 2008 – achieved with 47 percent less inventory than last year
- Chevrolet retail sales were up 14 percent – driven by strong sales of Camaro (7,518 sales – segment leader for 7th straight month), Traverse (up 92 percent), Malibu (up 34 percent) and Equinox (up 137 percent)
- Buick retail sales were up 32 percent compared with a year ago on the continued strength of LaCrosse (up 370 percent) and Enclave (up 37 percent)
- GMC retail sales were up four percent vs. December 2008 on strong Acadia sales (up 49 percent) and Terrain (up 197 percent vs. the vehicle it replaced, Pontiac Torrent)
- Cadillac retail sales were up seven percent, led by the 2010 SRX, with sales 357 percent higher than a year ago (4,880 vs. 1,069)
- December month-end dealer inventory of 385,000 – the lowest year-end level on record
- Total GM crossover retail sales were up 67 percent
"The year 2009 was a watershed year for us in many ways. From our dealer restructuring to our focus on Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC, we have made the difficult but necessary decisions to position our new company for success," Docherty added. "We’re looking forward to 2010 as a year when the economy continues a modest recovery, industry sales begin to improve and our outstanding new products build additional sales momentum."
GM Says China Sales Up 67 Percent In 2009
By The Associated Press 01/04/10 - 12:26 AM EST
BEIJING (AP) — General Motors Co. said Monday that 2009 sales
in China by the company and its local partners rose 67
percent to a record 1.8 million vehicles amid tax cuts and
incentives to help boost the industry.
Detroit-based GM and other global automakers are looking to
China's fast-growing market to drive sales amid slack demand
elsewhere. Chinese auto purchases surpassed those in the United
States for all but two of the first 11 months of the year. Total
sales for December are yet to be released.
GM said its own China sales in December soared 96.6 percent from
a year earlier to a new monthly high of 189,793 vehicles.
"Despite the sales records in 2009, it looks as if 2010 will be
even stronger. The industry outlook is strong and we expect more
growth, albeit on a somewhat slower pace," GM China president
Kevin Wale said in a statement.
Beijing has helped to boost auto sales with tax cuts and
subsidies for drivers to shift to cleaner, more fuel-efficient
cars. Most of that aid has gone to Chinese makers of smaller
cars, though foreign producers also see sales rising.
GM and other automakers are looking to first-time buyers in
smaller Chinese cities to help drive sales as incomes outside
the country's prosperous east coast rise.
http://www.thestreet.com/story/10654864/1/gm-says-china-sales-up-67-percent-in-2009.html?cm_ven=GOOGLEFI
Product Award
Wins
The Buick LaCrosse CSX and Cadillac CTS/CTS-V have been selected
as Drive Car Reviews top picks for 2009. The 2010
Chevrolet Equinox is an Honorable Mention.
Here’s what they said about the Buick LaCrosse CSX: “This
sedan is such a departure for the brand it’s hard to fathom.
Turns out buyers are beginning to notice. The word is the
average LaCrosse buyer is 15 years younger than Buick’s normal
demographic. Standard on the CXS are heated and cooled seats,
heated steering wheel, and dramatic lighting in the sculpted
cabin. Wrapped up in bold sheetmetal, LaCrosse is a jolt to the
competition.”
Their
Cadillac comments: “Making the list 3 years straight, the
stealth fighter shaped Caddy is a joy to pilot. The performance
V model is so exhilarating, it will tempt even the most
conservative drivers to tarnish their driving records. There’s
a wagon version too and soon a very edgy coupe. Those looking
at the usual suspects (3 Series, C Class, G37, IS, A4) deserve
to put the CTS on the test drive list.”
Additionally, CanadianDriver.com named LaCrosse as their
Top Picks Award. And, the Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Camaro
won a spot on About.com Best New Cars of 2010.
2008
GM Announces 2008 Global Sales of
8.35 Million Vehicles!
Of course, according to the news
media, these are vehicles that people don't want to buy!
Record-setting sales performance in GM’s Latin America, Africa and Middle East
and Asia Pacific regions, and a third consecutive 2 million vehicles sales
performance in Europe during 2008 helped General Motors sell more than 8.35
million vehicles globally last year.
GM’s nearly 3% growth in both the Asia Pacific and LAAM regions partially offset
North America sales that declined 21%, and growing pressure in Europe that
resulted in 7% fewer sales. Compared with 2007, GM’s total sales were down 11%,
reflecting continuing global economic pressures that include tightening credit,
falling commodities prices and lack of GDP growth.
Here are some 2008 highlights:
Chevrolet sales in China grows 16% to nearly 200,000 vehicles; 1.09M vehicles sold in China sets record with 6 percent volume growth.
Chevrolet sales breakthrough 500,000 mark with record share; Opel sets sales
record in Central and Eastern Europe with volume up 13%.
GM beats the industry with more than 1.27 million total vehicle sales in Latin
America, Africa and Middle East Region, led by top-selling Chevrolet Corsa,
Celta and Aveo.
GM continues emerging markets leadership with 2008 market share growth in 14 of
26 markets.
Please read the entire press release:
http://email.graction.com/cgi-bin15/DM/y/jdQV0KOLGx0D4Y0mgt0Eu
2007
GM Sells More Than 9 Million Vehicles Globally In 2007
General Motors sold 9,369,524 cars and trucks around
the world in 2007, an increase of 3 percent, according to preliminary sales
figures released yesterday.
The 2007 tally is the second best global sales total in the company’s 100-year history, and marks the third consecutive year (2007, 2006, 2005) and the fourth year overall (1978) that GM sold more than 9 million vehicles in a calendar year.
GM’s global position – especially in emerging markets – built the sales momentum reflected in the 2007 performance. GM’s sales highlights include:
- Becoming the first global automaker to sell more than one million vehicles in China
- Doubling sales in Russia to an all-time record of more than 258,000 vehicles, which is an increase of 95 percent
- Setting a sales record in Brazil by selling nearly half a million vehicles
- Posting record sales in two regions – Europe and Latin America, Africa and Middle East
Did you know that GM is the industry leader in its commitment to the American economy? GM helps support the livelihoods of more than a million people in North America. That's more than any other car manufacturer.
Facts:
- Every day, approximately one million North Americans earn their living helping GM build and sell cars in North America
- More than 1.1 million people receive heath care benefits from GM
- Toyota employs only about 38,000 people in North America
It's no surprise that GM tops the auto industry in our commitment to the American economy. We're building some of the best vehicles we've ever built and we're investing in America's future.
Feel free to pass along these facts:
U.S. Capital Investment (in Billions)
· GM $31.0*
· Toyota $13.4**
· Honda $8.5**
* GM data (1999-2002)
** Honda data (through 2006), Toyota data (through 2003)
Whether it's quality, safety, fuel economy, technology or design, GM has a strong story to tell.
This new study should open every Americans Eyes..........Wake Up American's!
Auto Jobs Disappearing
For every 10 jobs lost in the U.S. by one of the big three American automakers, only one job is created by a foreign automaker opening a plant in the US. Phil LeBeau, CNBC Auto Reporter, has more. Click link below:
http://www.overthehillcarpeople.com/why_we_should_buy_vehicles_from.htm
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