General Motors has plenty of work ahead in the next several months. It seems safe to say that all GM brands have been tainted by bankruptcy and the media scrutiny of the bailout. The only true escape from the negative consumer perception is to produce new products that buyers truly want, but of course that’s easier said than done.
Although the badge may carry a stigma for some, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is an indication that GM is starting to get it. Sure younger buyers looking for an entry premium vehicle wouldn’t consider a Buick even for a second, but the LaCrosse is truly one of the best sedans to be built by GM in a very long time.
The exterior of the 2010 LaCrosse is stunning, with graceful yet conservative lines that make the car look like as if it truly belongs in the premium segment. Best of all, consumers at Bristol CT Buick have noticed that this new Buick sedan has more subtle portholes and unnecessary design blemishes that have been so prevalent on recent Buick models.
The same classiness found on the exterior also flows into the interior. Bright and well organized, the LaCrosse’s interior is a divergence from recent GM interior designs. Some may argue that cheap materials still have crept into the cabin, but overall the interior still conveys a premium look and feel that has been absent from other so-called premium GM vehicles.
Unlike much of the competition, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse rides on a front-wheel drive platform. Performance is not the LaCrosse’s strength admits Buick dealers Washington DC, but it does provide an acceptable eight second 0-60 mph time with the base 30-liter V6 and both engine choices provide competitive fuel efficiency ratings.
Starting at just over $31,000, Car Loan Detroit says the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is certainly competitively priced. If the brand can attract younger buyers than Buick's normal clientele, the LaCrosse may be the hit that this brand needs to change its stodgy image.
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Full reviews of the Buick lineup can be found right here shortly.
General Motors has faced a tough year and has plenty of work ahead to revamp its image. Helping to achieve this new image will be an all-new advertising campaign that will feature GM’s new chairman, Ed Whitacre.
The new GM ads will include 60 second television spots developed by McCann-Erickson Worldwide. According to Cheese Town Chevrolet, these new commercials will be highlighting the remaining GM brands, which include Chevrolet, Buick, GM, and Cadillac.
Including GM’s Chairman in television sports is a bold move to get the attention of consumers suggests Auto Repair Lawrence. With new products sitting in idle showrooms, GM’s mission to get weary consumers to take a look at what the embattled automaker offers. Initially, advertising for the “New GM” was going to focus on individual brands, but Philadelphia Used Chevrolet says this new campaign marks a new direction or temporary deviation from that concept.
Ed Whitacre formerly served as CEO at AT & T and was brought to GM through the bankruptcy process to ensure the government’s investment was protected. Although Pohanka Chevrolet Service and others see the value in strengthening the GM after such a dismal year, they'll be eager to see advertising featuring specific brands resume rather than promoting GM as a whole.
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Get the latest on the New GM here.
Hybrid technology will likely play an important role for GM in the near future, particularly as the Chevrolet Volt is still a ways off. Unfortunately, with the demise of its Saturn brand, GM will lose over a quarter of its hybrid models. This will leave Buick as a likely benefactor of a new hybrid.
Set for launch in 2011, Buick has already released a teaser of a new plug-in hybrid crossover vehicle. Expected to have a gasoline solely gasoline powered model, Philadelphia used car dealerships believe the new Buick crossover will be based heavily on the Saturn Vue, but Chevrolet Dayton dealers say this model will utilize a 2 mode hybrid system that has also combined technology used in the Chevrolet Volt’s Voltec system.
Powered in part by a lithium-ion battery back, the new Buick plug-in hybrid crossover features sophisticated motors and controls to ensure the hybrid system is running optimally. According to Hartford auto dealers the system also works in conjunction with a fuel efficient 3.6-liter V6 engine that features direct-injection technology.
For those interested in the gasoline-only model, the Buick crossover will likely feature an Ecotec 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine. Another possibility is also a 3.0-liter V6 that will also utilize direct-injection technology. Naming and pricing remains to be released.
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Update: Due to a barrage of criticism, GM has since decided to axe the aforementioned Buick compact crossover.
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Read more on Buick crossovers here.
General Motors has dramatically shrunk its lineup through bankruptcy proceedings, and one of the brands that GM is retaining as a core component is Cadillac. The luxury brand has lost plenty of ground to Japanese and German competitors in recent years, but it remains important to General Motors.
Among Connecticut Cadillac dealers, one of the most exciting models in the Caddy lineup is the CTS-V. Powered by a 556 horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine, the CTS-V is complete with massive Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, and a range of other performance tweaks. But with only 12 miles per gallon, Cleveland Chevrolet dealers say the Cadillac CTS-V may seem like an odd vehicle to hold on to when the brand is struggling - especially considering its price tag of over $60,000.
The Cadillac CTS-V is limited to about 1,000 vehicles. Being such as low-volume model, Pittsburgh Cadillac Loans admits the survival of the CTS-V may be in question . With the exit of Bob Lutz, perhaps no one at GM is left to defend such a frivolous model for the financially strapped automaker.
Where the Cadillac CTS-V truly shines is in its ability to deliver the performance of a Chevrolet Corvette, while providing an upscale interior environment and the flexibility of four full-size doors. With a 0-60 mph speed of only 4.3 seconds, Avon Auto Repair suggests that the Cadillac CTS-V packs plenty of performance for the price. Although there is plenty of German competition in this class, the CTS-V is a standalone among American luxury vehicles.
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Get the latest insights into new Cadillac cars here.
The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is truly a standout model for GM. The latest Chevy Corvette model delivers delivers supercar performance, but luckily offers it with a sub-supercar price tag. Starting at $104,920, the latest ZR1 may be out of reach for many potential buyers, but the price tag easily provides value considering the ZR1’s performance credentials.
Powering the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a 638 horsepower supercharged V8 engine. In addition to mods to the Corvette’s V8, Illinois Chevrolet dealers say the ZR1 also sports plenty of carbon fiber bodywork to keep the vehicle as light as possible.
The 2010 Corvette ZR1 is just under $3,000 more than the previous model. That being said, Used Car Loans Kansas City believe the modifications and performance of the ZR1 make it competitive with sports cars that cost more than double that of the Vette. Perhaps the only high-performance rival that provides even greater value is the Nissan GT-R, but even so the difference is about $20K.
Although a price hike is not surprising given GM’s financial turmoil, the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 gets a number of features that were not available in the 2009 model. According to Chevrolet Parts Peoria, this includes a launch control system and a new Performance Traction Management system.
Interestingly, the regular Chevrolet Corvette has also received the new launch control system and Performance Traction Management system. Cincinnati Chevrolet dealers say this likely explains the price hike on the standard model for this year as well.
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For a review of the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 keep checking back here.
Despite a temporary delay, the U.S. Supreme Court approved the sale of Chrysler’s assets to Italian automaker Fiat. The Chrysler-Fiat alliance will help finalize the Chrysler bankruptcy, leaving Fiat with 20% control of the company, and U.S. and Canadian governments and the United Auto Workers union owning the rest.
While the Chrysler bankruptcy has moved quickly, it has not been without detractors observes one Pennsylvania used car dealer. This included a pension funds holding as well as numerous Chrysler dealerships. Chrysler let 789 Chrysler dealerships go, and needless to say many took legal action against the automaker.
The Supreme Court has rejected the challenges that were presented against the automaker says Used Cars Chattanooga. Arguing that the only alternative to the sale was total liquidation of Chrysler’s assets, the Supreme Court approved the sale in hopes of averting worsening viability and the loss of thousands of jobs.
In addition to having to close dealerships, car loan reading PA specialists also point out that the Chrysler bankruptcy has forced production to stop at all of the automaker’s plants. In addition, new products such as the upcoming Chrysler 300 and all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee may be delayed due to these problems. Despite the problems, the official sale of Chrysler’s assets is expected to come to an end June 15. With Chrysler and its dealers losing money daily, the end of the bankruptcy proceedings couldn’t end soon enough.
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As the Chrysler bankruptcy developments, look here to read more.
More than 1,100 GM dealers were recently let go by General Motors, and it seems that was just the beginning. With GM now officially in bankruptcy, more dealerships are likely to be cut in the coming weeks.
Another 450 GM dealerships are likely to lose their franchises when it’s time for franchise agreements to be renewed, which is not much of a surprise to those in the industry says one used car dealer Hartford. GM has pointed out that dealerships that are at risk have specific problems that will hinder the restructuring. These problems may include simply having low sales says Used Cars Birmingham. But some dealers that have exclusively sold dissolved brands such as Pontiac will also not receive a franchise renewal.
When all is said and done, GM will be cutting more than 1,500 dealerships. Some have already received notices, while other dealers are expected to be notified this week of what can be expected. As the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history gets underway, New Orleans Auto Loans say these cuts are expected as GM will soon be selling fewer brands to consumers.
In addition to these cuts, Used Cars Orlando points out that GM is also likely to sell off Hummer, Saturn, and Saab. With these brands gone, this could increase the number of dealers that will lose their franchises in the coming months.
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Read current GM news on this blog.
Despite continuing hardships at General Motors, the ailing automaker's sales that the all-new Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric vehicle is still on track to reach showrooms in late 2010. GM stresses that despite setbacks and financial difficulties, the automaker is pushing ahead with important new products, such as the Volt.
GM has a number of crucial vehicles in its development pipeline. These not only include the Volt, but also the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and the Cadillac SRX. These vehicles remain crucial to GM’s success says one Ohio Chevrolet dealer as the ailing automaker hopes to continue to lure customers to dealerships. GM has had success with recent models, such as the latest Chevy Malibu and the Pontiac Solstice, both of which showed that GM was still capable of designing competitive vehicles. Unfortunately, GM is in a tough position trying to continue such momentum amid slumping sales and looming bankruptcy.
The automaker faces a June 1st deadline to restructure. If the restructuring efforts are not enough, GM may be forced into bankruptcy. Already Chrysler has fallen into bankruptcy, and New Orleans Chevrolet dealers fear that GM may be next. Despite the lofty challenges, the Volt remains on schedule.
GM and Chevy have been putting significant emphasis on the Volt at auto shows and in advertising and promotions. With its release, Cleveland Chevrolet dealers will be able to convince buyers that the automaker is on the cutting edge of fuel efficient technology. With Saturn, Pontiac, Saab, and Hummer leaving the GM umbrella, the automaker is likely to continue its emphasis on the upcoming Volt.
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Keep track of the changing Chevrolet lineup right here.
Buick has long held a reputation of producing stodgy cars, even despite Tiger Woods promoting models like the Lacrosse on television commercials. But with the launch of the all-new 2010 Buick LaCrosse, perhaps Buick can truly capture the attention of premium segment car buyers.
What may convince many car buyers to consider to the new Buick LaCrosse sedan is the price says Springfield MA Buick dealers. The Buick LaCrosse starts at $27,835. The Base CX model comes standard with a powerful 3.0-liter direct inject V6 engine that produces 255 horsepower and 217 lb ft of torque and it mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The mid range Buick LaCrosse CXL brings heated leather seating, automatic climate control, and 18 inch alloy wheels, all of which add to what Oklahoma City Buick dealers say is a more upscale product than the outgonig model. Additionally, all-wheel drive is also available for just over $32,500. The top of the line Buick LaCrosse CXS features a larger 3.6-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower engine and 259 lb ft of torque and is mated to a six-speed transmission.
The Buick LaCrosse is available with a wide range of features that should appeal to more affluent buyers. This includes all-wheel drive, 19 inch wheels, blue booth connectivity, HID headlamps, side blind zone alert, and even a rear-seat DVD system. Buick Hartford says that best of all the styling of the new Buick is far superior to its predecessor and should help to change perceptions of the brand.
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Find Buick dealer news and much more right here.
With Chrysler building a much needed alliance with Fiat, attention now turns to General Motors, and what exactly the automaker will do with some its lackluster brands. Repeatedly, GM has pointed out their core brands as being Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac. This leaves the fate of Pontiac and Saturn up for speculation, with Saab and Hummer expected to be sold.
Pontiac is a unique case as the automaker intends to keep the brand. However, the automaker has indicated that Pontiac will in some way become a “specialized” brand. Turing Pontiac into a performance oriented brand seems to already be underway, which has appeased Louisville Pontiac customers. Despite the cancellation of some Pontiac models such as the Pontiac G8 ST, one thing is for sure - the Pontiac Solstice isn’t going anywhere any time soon. With GM relying increasingly on Opel vehicles for their unique styling, the next generation G6 may also be a re-badged Opel. Based on recent Opel designs Chicopee Chevrolet dealers expect this will be a positive direction.
To remain competitive in the long-term, Pontiac will of course have to produce more than just Solstices and G6s. Waterbury Pontiac says that an ideal product would be a car that is small and fuel-efficient and would be needed simply to balance the lineup, and drive customers to dealerships. Pontiac Pittsburgh proposes that something that’s efficient and sporty that can take on the Mini Cooper is precisely what this supposed “specialty” brand really needs.
Saab is expected to get the shorter end of the stick, as usual. The Swedish government has already pledged vital money to the automaker to keep it afloat, but it makes sense that GM at this point would much rather sell Saab as it has always been a low-volume brand. Despite potentially being up for sale, the next vehicle coming down the pipeline at Saab is a crossover based on the new Cadillac SRX, but don’t expect it any sooner than the end of 2009. Saab is also reportedly working on the replacement for the archaic 9-5 sedan, the automakers flagship model.
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Find more coverage of General Motors news on this blog.
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The Green Market said:
As I understand up to 6000 dealerships will close. Please see The Green Market read more
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The Green Market said:
[this is good]As I see it the only thing that can resurrect GM is a change in business model and the manufacturing... read more
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bobr512_41 said:
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on GM Brands Are Likely To Change Soon
Good point. If they can not only make greener transportation but improve quality, GM would take a huge step in... read more
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