What Can We Now Expect from (G)overnment (M)otors?

dd74 · 06-01-2009, 10:04 PM

I guess if this were a question about Chrysler, it'd be easily answered with "Fiat(s)."

But about GM, what can we now expect? I was thinking very small cars from Korea, maybe even China. Lots of Opel derivatives as well, and probably many overseas built engines and drivetrains sold on our American lots.

I expect more diesels and small high compression and/or turbo engines. I think Holden will be a it-that-will-not-be-named brand in the GM halls, and everyone's beloved Silverado will be shrunk to Chevy Luv size.

Sure, this is speculative. But then again, check out what Cadillac has done to its SRX:

Cadillac SRX, circa 2009

Cadillac SRX, 2010

The SRX has been downsized, there is no third row seating, and you can forget about a Northstar V8 version.

Welcome to the new GM.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

SSDD

You really think GM is that different, pre-June 1 versus post-June 1?

nynor · 06-01-2009, 10:14 PM

we can expect some ugly and unwanted product. sieg heil.

dd74 · 06-01-2009, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noah930

SSDD

?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noah930

You really think GM is that different, pre-June 1 versus post-June 1?

GM doesn't have a lot of time. It's 11:18 PM PST. Germany is bound to be awake. I'd be on the phone to them, asking to start re-badging Astras and Aglias with something Yankee sounding.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Same S*** Different Day

I haven't seen details of the reorganization plan, but have heard rumors and criticism that the UAW (which I think is a big part of the reason for ponderous GM's temporary demise) hasn't had to give up much. This is not a true chapter 11 type reorganization.

RoninLB · 06-01-2009, 10:23 PM

small 1,500# cars getting 60mi/gal subsidized $7-10k or more until they sell

major gas tax increase to influence more green car sales

GM hearings happening just before next election timed that way for a reason

increase in Hy deaths

Jim Bremner · 06-01-2009, 10:24 PM

I shudder to think of what will happen to the Che'vette!

pwd72s · 06-01-2009, 10:25 PM

I expect them to make cars designed with specs provided by the sierra club and the "earth first" types....all filtered through new owner Obama.

dd74 · 06-01-2009, 10:45 PM

Guess what the big wrench in the works might be with all this "re-design" and small car-mindedness? Crash safety.

nynor · 06-01-2009, 10:52 PM

a year ago, someone at work asked me what i thought of the 'smart' car.

i said, "i think i could drive right over one with my wife's rover."

the response: silence.

fast-forward to a couple of months ago: "the smart car is not safe in an accident."

who knew?

jyl · jyl's Garage

See the "we own GM now" thread for my list of the changes to the UAW/GM contract (may not be a complete list).

Quote:

Same S*** Different Day

I haven't seen details of the reorganization plan, but have heard rumors and criticism that the UAW (which I think is a big part of the reason for ponderous GM's temporary demise) hasn't had to give up much. This is not a true chapter 11 type reorganization.

widgeon13 · 06-02-2009, 01:39 AM

At $55/hr, nothing has changed!

Jim Richards · 06-02-2009, 02:22 AM

I expect that GM will try to meet the emissions/fuel economy limits that all the other manufactures must meet. Beyond that, who knows?

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

And I thought you were going to say 'Snow Tires'

Rick V · 06-02-2009, 02:50 AM

I would expect GM to get it's books in order, let the dust settle and return to building the crap they have built for years, telling us that we want these vehicles, even if we don't. They know what is best for us, they know what we want, we just havn't realized it yet.

tabs · 06-02-2009, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick V

I would expect GM to get it's books in order, let the dust settle and return to building the crap they have built for years, telling us that we want these vehicles, even if we don't. They know what is best for us, they know what we want, we just havn't realized it yet.

Sounds like Liberals are running the company now.

tabs · 06-02-2009, 03:00 AM

GM is going to fail later than sooner now. I would think the Chevy, Buick (China) and Cadillac brands will be bought out by someone...like Peugeot...

tabs · 06-02-2009, 03:04 AM

Didja ever think that Geithner gave the Chinese GM...

tabs · 06-02-2009, 03:06 AM

The UAW Pensioners got a 25% reduction in their health care bennies...that is going to start happening every where now...

jyl · jyl's Garage

Where do you get that figure?

Quote:

Originally Posted by widgeon13

At $55/hr, nothing has changed!

Edit: I see, you are using the "all-in" hourly labor cost - wage, benefits, retirement, everything.

The transplants' "all-in" hourly labor cost is appx $49/hr. F is appx $55/hr with its 2009 UAW contract. I think GM is similar to F with its 2009 UAW contract, assuming that contract is not further modified in BK.

So there is appx $6 difference between domestics and transplants now.

If/as the auto market recovers, both GM and F will eventually be able to hire new "Tier 2" hourly employees at "entry level" wages ($14/hr) with an "all-in" cost of appx $28/hr. Presumably this is after existing furloughed workers are rehired. However, I understand that in 2 years the so-called "Job Bank" goes away, meaning GM nor F will have no obligation to offer new jobs to previously furloughed workers; they'll be able to replace them with Tier 2s.