Can new lineup of big SUVs revive GM?
09-21-05, 10:21 AM
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Can new lineup of big SUVs revive GM?
Can new lineup of big SUVs revive GM?
Ailing automaker hopes 12 full-size models will invigorate a segment that has been shrinking.
By Bill Vlasic / The Detroit News
WARREN -- General Motors Corp. on Tuesday unveiled the most important new vehicles in its effort to turn around its troubled North American operations.
But by betting big on a redesigned fleet of 12 full-size SUVs, including the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade, GM is trying to buck a consumer shift toward smaller, more fuel-efficient cars and crossover vehicles.
Rising gas prices have hit the large SUV segment hard this year, with U.S. sales down 11 percent through August.
Yet GM, the biggest player in the full-size SUV market, expressed confidence that its new lineup will invigorate a segment that has been steadily shrinking.
"It may contract, but it's not going away," said Mark LaNeve, GM's head of sales and marketing. "This is a very large, very important and very profitable market."
GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said the new SUVs will average an industry-best 20 miles per gallon for combined city and highway driving -- an incremental improvement over competitors such as the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia.
"It can't hurt, but that segment is in a state of long-term decline," said David Healy, an analyst with Burnham Securities. "To me, GM is kind of whistling past the graveyard."
With GM losing $2.5 billion in North America in the first half of this year, the automaker can ill afford a lukewarm reaction to its new large SUV lineup, which debuts early next year.
Earlier this year, GM said it decided to launch the new sport utilities ahead of schedule in the order to speed its turnaround efforts.
"It's very important that GM reach the customer base that is turning in their big SUVs coming off lease," said Joseph Phillippi of Auto Trends Consulting in Short Hills, N.J. "It cannot afford to lose those people to other products."
The stakes are huge. Lutz said GM expects to sell about 375,000 full-size SUVs annually, and to account for more than 60 percent of an annual market he estimated at 750,000 vehicles industrywide.
But with gas prices fluctuating wildly in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the industry will be hard-pressed to sell that many big SUVs this year.
"GM obviously didn't see $3-a-gallon gasoline when they made the decision to speed up the development of these vehicles," Healy said.
In 2004, large SUV demand slumped 6 percent. Tahoe has been the top-selling large SUV since 2001, but sales are off its 2002 peak of nearly 210,000 units. Tahoe sales fell 9.2 percent through August. The Chevrolet Suburban is down 16 percent, and the GMC Yukon 5.9 percent.
But Lutz said short-term spikes in the price of gas hardly diminish the appeal of brawny SUVs that can carry nine passengers and haul trailers and boats.
"We're realistic, and we don't expect the segment to grow," Lutz said. "But there are people who want and need the capabilities of a full-size SUV."
To that end, GM is embarking on one of its most ambitious vehicle launch programs in recent memory.
In the first half of 2006, GM will roll out 12 models off of its so-called T-900 truck platform, beginning with the Tahoe, Escalade and the GMC Yukon in the first quarter.
The automaker also is planning to offer hybrid gasoline-electric versions of the SUVs by 2007, but GM execs gave few details about sales volumes or fuel efficiency targets for the hybrid models.
The sheer breadth of GM's lineup dwarfs the competition in the large SUV segment
From the mass-market Tahoe to the upscale Escalade, GM went to great lengths to differentiate the new vehicles with unique grilles, headlamps and interior packages. The company also will offer quasi-pickup versions like the Chevy Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT.
And while the dimensions of the big SUVs have changed ever so slightly, the company's designers gave the new vehicles a sleeker look with narrower front ends and sharply angled windshields.
"They're not smaller," Lutz said. "But they look smaller."
Gary White, GM's vice president of North American truck operations, said the product development team had two guiding principles for the new SUVs -- "living larger" and "driving smaller."
Additional head- and kneeroom was added in the passenger compartment, and second-row seats can be folded flat or "tumbled" forward for extra cargo space.
In addition to dual-stage air bags for the front passenger seats, GM put roof-mounted side air bags for all three rows of seats.
New suspension and steering systems and an available 6-speed automatic transmission will improve the overall driving experience, White said. New, available safety equipment includes rear-mounted cameras.
GM dealers hope the improvements will retain existing customers and draw new ones.
"We're really anticipating the release of the new vehicles," said Rick Resinger, new-truck sales manager at Champion Chevrolet in Howell. "We've done well with the current models and are looking forward to the '07s. As soon as we can start ordering, we've got customers ready."
Russ Shelton, owner of Shelton Pontiac-Buick-GMC, said he doesn't think he'll have a problem selling the new GMC Yukons when they arrive on his lot.
"For the majority, gas price is not a big issue," Shelton said. "We are still selling SUVs. It's new. It's beautiful. It's exciting. I wish we had it today."
GM executives declined to discuss pricing for the new models, except to say that they expect better profit margins than in the current incentive-driven environment. The current Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade are priced from $35,000 to more than $51,000, but GM has had to offer generous discounts to lure buyers.
"We've obviously had to accept some reduction in (profit) margins," Lutz said.
"We naturally plan to re-establish those margins."
While the automaker showed off the entire new lineup to members of the media Tuesday, the vehicles will be introduced to the public sequentially, beginning with the Tahoe's appearance next week at the Texas State Fair.
The challenge will be to build interest in each version of the SUV and to establish separate brand identities in the marketplace, something GM has struggled to accomplish with its passenger cars.
Lutz was quick to point out that the big-SUV introduction is only part of GM's "full-frontal product assault on the marketplace," and noted that the company expects to increase its lineup of smaller crossover vehicles from six to 14 within four years.
But there was no denying the importance of the large SUVs to GM's future prospects.
"This launch," said LaNeve, "is critical to us."
You can reach Bill Vlasic at (313) 222-2152 or bvlasic@detnews.com.
Article and full size picture at:
http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosin.../A01-322175.htm
By Bill Vlasic / The Detroit News
WARREN -- General Motors Corp. on Tuesday unveiled the most important new vehicles in its effort to turn around its troubled North American operations.
But by betting big on a redesigned fleet of 12 full-size SUVs, including the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade, GM is trying to buck a consumer shift toward smaller, more fuel-efficient cars and crossover vehicles.
Rising gas prices have hit the large SUV segment hard this year, with U.S. sales down 11 percent through August.
Yet GM, the biggest player in the full-size SUV market, expressed confidence that its new lineup will invigorate a segment that has been steadily shrinking.
"It may contract, but it's not going away," said Mark LaNeve, GM's head of sales and marketing. "This is a very large, very important and very profitable market."
GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said the new SUVs will average an industry-best 20 miles per gallon for combined city and highway driving -- an incremental improvement over competitors such as the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia.
"It can't hurt, but that segment is in a state of long-term decline," said David Healy, an analyst with Burnham Securities. "To me, GM is kind of whistling past the graveyard."
With GM losing $2.5 billion in North America in the first half of this year, the automaker can ill afford a lukewarm reaction to its new large SUV lineup, which debuts early next year.
Earlier this year, GM said it decided to launch the new sport utilities ahead of schedule in the order to speed its turnaround efforts.
"It's very important that GM reach the customer base that is turning in their big SUVs coming off lease," said Joseph Phillippi of Auto Trends Consulting in Short Hills, N.J. "It cannot afford to lose those people to other products."
The stakes are huge. Lutz said GM expects to sell about 375,000 full-size SUVs annually, and to account for more than 60 percent of an annual market he estimated at 750,000 vehicles industrywide.
But with gas prices fluctuating wildly in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the industry will be hard-pressed to sell that many big SUVs this year.
"GM obviously didn't see $3-a-gallon gasoline when they made the decision to speed up the development of these vehicles," Healy said.
In 2004, large SUV demand slumped 6 percent. Tahoe has been the top-selling large SUV since 2001, but sales are off its 2002 peak of nearly 210,000 units. Tahoe sales fell 9.2 percent through August. The Chevrolet Suburban is down 16 percent, and the GMC Yukon 5.9 percent.
But Lutz said short-term spikes in the price of gas hardly diminish the appeal of brawny SUVs that can carry nine passengers and haul trailers and boats.
"We're realistic, and we don't expect the segment to grow," Lutz said. "But there are people who want and need the capabilities of a full-size SUV."
To that end, GM is embarking on one of its most ambitious vehicle launch programs in recent memory.
In the first half of 2006, GM will roll out 12 models off of its so-called T-900 truck platform, beginning with the Tahoe, Escalade and the GMC Yukon in the first quarter.
The automaker also is planning to offer hybrid gasoline-electric versions of the SUVs by 2007, but GM execs gave few details about sales volumes or fuel efficiency targets for the hybrid models.
The sheer breadth of GM's lineup dwarfs the competition in the large SUV segment
From the mass-market Tahoe to the upscale Escalade, GM went to great lengths to differentiate the new vehicles with unique grilles, headlamps and interior packages. The company also will offer quasi-pickup versions like the Chevy Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT.
And while the dimensions of the big SUVs have changed ever so slightly, the company's designers gave the new vehicles a sleeker look with narrower front ends and sharply angled windshields.
"They're not smaller," Lutz said. "But they look smaller."
Gary White, GM's vice president of North American truck operations, said the product development team had two guiding principles for the new SUVs -- "living larger" and "driving smaller."
Additional head- and kneeroom was added in the passenger compartment, and second-row seats can be folded flat or "tumbled" forward for extra cargo space.
In addition to dual-stage air bags for the front passenger seats, GM put roof-mounted side air bags for all three rows of seats.
New suspension and steering systems and an available 6-speed automatic transmission will improve the overall driving experience, White said. New, available safety equipment includes rear-mounted cameras.
GM dealers hope the improvements will retain existing customers and draw new ones.
"We're really anticipating the release of the new vehicles," said Rick Resinger, new-truck sales manager at Champion Chevrolet in Howell. "We've done well with the current models and are looking forward to the '07s. As soon as we can start ordering, we've got customers ready."
Russ Shelton, owner of Shelton Pontiac-Buick-GMC, said he doesn't think he'll have a problem selling the new GMC Yukons when they arrive on his lot.
"For the majority, gas price is not a big issue," Shelton said. "We are still selling SUVs. It's new. It's beautiful. It's exciting. I wish we had it today."
GM executives declined to discuss pricing for the new models, except to say that they expect better profit margins than in the current incentive-driven environment. The current Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade are priced from $35,000 to more than $51,000, but GM has had to offer generous discounts to lure buyers.
"We've obviously had to accept some reduction in (profit) margins," Lutz said.
"We naturally plan to re-establish those margins."
While the automaker showed off the entire new lineup to members of the media Tuesday, the vehicles will be introduced to the public sequentially, beginning with the Tahoe's appearance next week at the Texas State Fair.
The challenge will be to build interest in each version of the SUV and to establish separate brand identities in the marketplace, something GM has struggled to accomplish with its passenger cars.
Lutz was quick to point out that the big-SUV introduction is only part of GM's "full-frontal product assault on the marketplace," and noted that the company expects to increase its lineup of smaller crossover vehicles from six to 14 within four years.
But there was no denying the importance of the large SUVs to GM's future prospects.
"This launch," said LaNeve, "is critical to us."
You can reach Bill Vlasic at (313) 222-2152 or bvlasic@detnews.com.
Article and full size picture at:
http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosin.../A01-322175.htm
09-21-05, 10:22 AM
#2
Speaks French in Russian
Thread Starter
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
GM stresses fuel efficiency as it introduces new SUV lineup
By Dee-Ann Durbin / Associated Press
WARREN -- General Motors Corp., in the awkward position of introducing a new lineup of full-size sport utilities as oil prices reach record highs, stressed the vehicles' fuel efficiency during a media preview Tuesday.
"We're very aware of fuel prices and the impact that they have on our business," said Mark LaNeve, GM's vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing for North America. "We understand this, and we've been committed to fuel efficiency."
GM unveiled the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali and Cadillac Escalade, which will be in dealerships in January. Later in 2006, the Chevrolet Suburban and Avalanche and larger versions of the Yukon and Escalade also will be available. The company didn't reveal prices, but the current models start between $35,000 and $51,000.
Some analysts have questioned GM's emphasis on SUVs at a time when gas prices are high and demand for smaller crossovers is growing. Sixty-six percent of GM's new vehicles are trucks, compared to 37 percent for the industry, and GM also is introducing fewer crossover vehicles than average, Merrill Lynch analyst John Casesa said in a recent report.
LaNeve said full-size SUVs aren't likely to see the boom times they saw early this decade, when industrywide sales approached 900,000 a year. GM is expecting 750,000 in sales next year.
But LaNeve said full-size SUVs remain a very important and profitable vehicle in the company's portfolio. Of the 6.5 million full-size SUV owners in the United States, 62 percent own GM vehicles, LaNeve said.
GM said the new, four-wheel-drive Tahoe can achieve an average fuel efficiency of 20.1 miles per gallon, compared to 18.2 for the 2004 Tahoe. That's better than competitors such as the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia, GM said.
"Even before the spike in fuel prices, GM led this segment in fuel economy," LaNeve said.
GM's new SUVs are about 100 pounds heavier than current models, but the company got fuel savings by installing new V-8 engines that shut off half the cylinders when the truck needs less power.
Engineers also made the vehicles more aerodynamic. The windshields tilt at a more dramatic angle and there are smaller gaps between vehicle panels. Even the luggage rack and running boards are shaped differently to improve efficiency.
GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said drivers who want even better fuel economy will be able to get hybrid versions of the SUVs in 2007. LaNeve said the company also is considering diesel versions.
LaNeve said vehicles with the 5.3-liter engine also are capable of using ethanol, which is less fuel efficient but cheaper than regular fuel and contains only 15 percent gasoline. GM already has 1.3 million vehicles on the road that can run on ethanol and gas and will produce up to 500,000 more next year, LaNeve said.
LaNeve said GM plans to heavily promote ethanol capability in states with a lot of ethanol fueling stations, including Minnesota and Illinois. It also plans to send letters to owners who may not realize they have ethanol-compatible vehicles.
LaNeve said surveys indicate fuel economy is the most important feature to drivers right now. But GM also has significantly upgraded interiors. GM slimmed down the seats and contoured them to increase leg room. It replaced shaggy ceiling upholstery with smooth fabric and gave individual lines distinct colors and materials, such as metal finish on the console and steering wheel in the GMCs. New options include power liftgates and rear seats that fold up automatically.
The vehicles also have new safety features, including seat belts that tighten if the vehicle is struck from the front, side or rear and standard stability control to prevent rollovers. Side-impact air bags and rearview cameras are optional.
GM shares closed down 23 cents to $31.08 on the New York Stock Exchange.
Dee-Ann Durbin can be reached at ddurbin@ap.org.
http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosin.../suv-321456.htm
By Dee-Ann Durbin / Associated Press
WARREN -- General Motors Corp., in the awkward position of introducing a new lineup of full-size sport utilities as oil prices reach record highs, stressed the vehicles' fuel efficiency during a media preview Tuesday.
"We're very aware of fuel prices and the impact that they have on our business," said Mark LaNeve, GM's vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing for North America. "We understand this, and we've been committed to fuel efficiency."
GM unveiled the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali and Cadillac Escalade, which will be in dealerships in January. Later in 2006, the Chevrolet Suburban and Avalanche and larger versions of the Yukon and Escalade also will be available. The company didn't reveal prices, but the current models start between $35,000 and $51,000.
Some analysts have questioned GM's emphasis on SUVs at a time when gas prices are high and demand for smaller crossovers is growing. Sixty-six percent of GM's new vehicles are trucks, compared to 37 percent for the industry, and GM also is introducing fewer crossover vehicles than average, Merrill Lynch analyst John Casesa said in a recent report.
LaNeve said full-size SUVs aren't likely to see the boom times they saw early this decade, when industrywide sales approached 900,000 a year. GM is expecting 750,000 in sales next year.
But LaNeve said full-size SUVs remain a very important and profitable vehicle in the company's portfolio. Of the 6.5 million full-size SUV owners in the United States, 62 percent own GM vehicles, LaNeve said.
GM said the new, four-wheel-drive Tahoe can achieve an average fuel efficiency of 20.1 miles per gallon, compared to 18.2 for the 2004 Tahoe. That's better than competitors such as the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia, GM said.
"Even before the spike in fuel prices, GM led this segment in fuel economy," LaNeve said.
GM's new SUVs are about 100 pounds heavier than current models, but the company got fuel savings by installing new V-8 engines that shut off half the cylinders when the truck needs less power.
Engineers also made the vehicles more aerodynamic. The windshields tilt at a more dramatic angle and there are smaller gaps between vehicle panels. Even the luggage rack and running boards are shaped differently to improve efficiency.
GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said drivers who want even better fuel economy will be able to get hybrid versions of the SUVs in 2007. LaNeve said the company also is considering diesel versions.
LaNeve said vehicles with the 5.3-liter engine also are capable of using ethanol, which is less fuel efficient but cheaper than regular fuel and contains only 15 percent gasoline. GM already has 1.3 million vehicles on the road that can run on ethanol and gas and will produce up to 500,000 more next year, LaNeve said.
LaNeve said GM plans to heavily promote ethanol capability in states with a lot of ethanol fueling stations, including Minnesota and Illinois. It also plans to send letters to owners who may not realize they have ethanol-compatible vehicles.
LaNeve said surveys indicate fuel economy is the most important feature to drivers right now. But GM also has significantly upgraded interiors. GM slimmed down the seats and contoured them to increase leg room. It replaced shaggy ceiling upholstery with smooth fabric and gave individual lines distinct colors and materials, such as metal finish on the console and steering wheel in the GMCs. New options include power liftgates and rear seats that fold up automatically.
The vehicles also have new safety features, including seat belts that tighten if the vehicle is struck from the front, side or rear and standard stability control to prevent rollovers. Side-impact air bags and rearview cameras are optional.
GM shares closed down 23 cents to $31.08 on the New York Stock Exchange.
Dee-Ann Durbin can be reached at ddurbin@ap.org.
http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosin.../suv-321456.htm
09-21-05, 10:25 AM
#3
Speaks French in Russian
Thread Starter
................
Industry trade publication says that company sees flat sales given record gasoline prices.
September 20, 2005: 10:04 PM EDT
Industry watchers say the new Chevy Tahoe won't boost flagging sales.
DETROIT (CNN/Money) - General Motors rolled out its next generation of sport utility vehicles, saying that they will debut with "significant gains in fuel efficiency, safety, sophistication and design," but a report quotes a GM executive saying that even with the new vehicle's fuel efficiency the segment's sales will be flat.
GM, which unveiled Tuesday its 2007 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe as well as the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, is projecting sales to maintain current levels, according to report by the trade publication Automotive News.
"It is realistic to assume the segment won't grow," said Robert Lutz, GM's vice chairman of global development, was quoted by the trade publication as saying.
GM (down $0.23 to $31.08, Research) did not return CNN/Money's calls seeking comment.
GM says it currently sells 60 to 62 percent of the 750,000 large SUVs sold in America annually and leads in certain sales categories, including the large-luxury market, the report said.
Lutz blamed record gasoline prices for the lack of growth in the SUV market, and said that GM's market share and the segment volume should hold steady, according to Automotive News.
"People are still going to buy full-sized sport-utilities at $3 a gallon. But even at $3 a gallon, it's 750,000 people a year. It's not going to go to a million," Lutz was quoted as saying. "Two years ago we would have told you the segment is going to go to a million vehicles. It's not going to do that. It's leveled off.
"We think 750,000 (units) is the best prediction based on today's fuel prices. I think we may maintain our volume at other people's expense, even if the segment shrinks a little bit," Lutz said according to the report.
In March, GM noted that sales of generally more fuel-efficient cars were showing strength due to rising gasoline prices and to the detriment of SUV sales.
That announcement came long before gasoline prices made their most recent record-breaking run in August and September.
GM says its new SUVs will offer a number of advantages, including, increased horsepower and better fuel economy and better handling.
The new Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade will be available in the first quarter next year, according to a statement from GM. The Suburban and Avalanche, Yukon XL Denali, Escalade ESV and EXT will be available in the second quarter.
September 20, 2005: 10:04 PM EDT
Industry watchers say the new Chevy Tahoe won't boost flagging sales.
DETROIT (CNN/Money) - General Motors rolled out its next generation of sport utility vehicles, saying that they will debut with "significant gains in fuel efficiency, safety, sophistication and design," but a report quotes a GM executive saying that even with the new vehicle's fuel efficiency the segment's sales will be flat.
GM, which unveiled Tuesday its 2007 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe as well as the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, is projecting sales to maintain current levels, according to report by the trade publication Automotive News.
"It is realistic to assume the segment won't grow," said Robert Lutz, GM's vice chairman of global development, was quoted by the trade publication as saying.
GM (down $0.23 to $31.08, Research) did not return CNN/Money's calls seeking comment.
GM says it currently sells 60 to 62 percent of the 750,000 large SUVs sold in America annually and leads in certain sales categories, including the large-luxury market, the report said.
Lutz blamed record gasoline prices for the lack of growth in the SUV market, and said that GM's market share and the segment volume should hold steady, according to Automotive News.
"People are still going to buy full-sized sport-utilities at $3 a gallon. But even at $3 a gallon, it's 750,000 people a year. It's not going to go to a million," Lutz was quoted as saying. "Two years ago we would have told you the segment is going to go to a million vehicles. It's not going to do that. It's leveled off.
"We think 750,000 (units) is the best prediction based on today's fuel prices. I think we may maintain our volume at other people's expense, even if the segment shrinks a little bit," Lutz said according to the report.
In March, GM noted that sales of generally more fuel-efficient cars were showing strength due to rising gasoline prices and to the detriment of SUV sales.
That announcement came long before gasoline prices made their most recent record-breaking run in August and September.
GM says its new SUVs will offer a number of advantages, including, increased horsepower and better fuel economy and better handling.
The new Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade will be available in the first quarter next year, according to a statement from GM. The Suburban and Avalanche, Yukon XL Denali, Escalade ESV and EXT will be available in the second quarter.
09-21-05, 11:51 AM
#4
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With all this said by the GM execs, has their quality within thier SUVs' actually improved? Big gamble if you ask me. Love some of their trucks, but @ times have quality issues with their interior and certain exterior parts. As for re-calls it has become 2nd nature to GM, where the consumer is now more accustomed to the term and involvement for that matter....."lab rats" or "guinnea pigs". As for hybrids being integrated into the GM suvs', that should be a major concern in realiabiltiy(or is this already planned to be on GM's recall list?) unless they have already secretly bought some of Toyota's patents? Who knows at this point? If not, then be concerned. And what city/hwy mpg numbers are they talking about? They can't say at the moment.......well it makes me wonder, when they say "hybrid" do they mean we are innovators too? or do they say "hybrid" in a sense of a marketing tactic to slow down the consumer in purchasing other rivals to fall in love with till GM's release? Especailly when the rivals are ready to launch more suvs' with hybrid in the next coming years.....hmmmm (Toyota and Lexus)?!?!? I respect GM for the simple fact that they have been in this game for the longest time, but unfortunately when it comes to technological "quality" innovations they never really reached that "nameplate". They had up to 100 years to figure it out, so what happened? They simply branded themselves as the leader in SUV's. GM even said that with the new suv line up it should turn things around for the better, but what about the rest of the models?(small compact, to large sedans and sports cars) will they be left as "half-***"?. What ever fuel efficient technology they come up with into the future along with "true quality", let's hope it's a good one because it looks to be they have used their last "Life-Line".... 
09-21-05, 01:19 PM
#6
Super Moderator
As long as they keep looking like land barges...and that goes for Ford, too, the answer is no.
Chrysler 'started' to get the right idea with the Pacifica, but the styling department on domestic models needs some creative impulse.
I have Mexican friends who repeatedly comment on how much they tlove my new car...and they are shocked when I tell them it is a 99.
Chrysler 'started' to get the right idea with the Pacifica, but the styling department on domestic models needs some creative impulse.
I have Mexican friends who repeatedly comment on how much they tlove my new car...and they are shocked when I tell them it is a 99.
09-21-05, 05:12 PM
#7
Lexus Champion
Let's see... we have a market share that's noticeably shrinking. Oh I know, let's focus all our energy on further saturating that segment... that should improve things, right?
... I rest my case.
... I rest my case.
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09-21-05, 09:51 PM
#8
Lexus Champion
they look like a big improvement, but with how gas prices are+GM's employee discount(and how domestics have to discount heavily to sell)+sales to fleets, which dump newer cars onto the used market for cheap+Toyota pushing hybrids heavily, i think GM might have a tough sell. The big SUV bubble is starting to pop. I'm waiting for 1SICKLEX or mmarshall to chime in.
09-22-05, 10:32 AM
#9
Lexus Champion
Perfect timing- with fuel prices on the rise, are people still in the market for giant, gas-guzzling pigs?
This is what happens when you put all your eggs in one basket- GM has survived largely on SUV and truck sales for the last decade. I'm sure that the new GM SUVs are better than the old ones- but at this point, does anybody care?
The only question: how big does the rebate have to be?
This is what happens when you put all your eggs in one basket- GM has survived largely on SUV and truck sales for the last decade. I'm sure that the new GM SUVs are better than the old ones- but at this point, does anybody care?
The only question: how big does the rebate have to be?
09-22-05, 11:34 AM
#10
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let's hope so. otherwise there will be a lot of unemployment which we dont need at this moment and more importantly, we will be paying much higher price to have japanese cars in our garages.
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