Buick holds back LaCrosse due to lingering quality problems
#1
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1...ality-concerns
Sad to see them struggling with what seems like an otherwise great car. This is somewhat alarming to me considering the quality problems that the Camaro has had as well. There were some earlier reports of electrical issues with some of the early test cars, so I wonder if that is what they are referring to. Hopefully things aren't falling apart at GM...
Among automotive journalists and other obsessive car types, the concept of the "public beta" form of vehicle release is a common one. Rather than testing a car to completion, manufacturers sometimes let a car loose that's only about 85% finished, letting the public find the rest of the flaws and quirks. Not so with the 2010 Buick LaCrosse.
That was nearly the case, however. About 300-400 examples of the all-new 2010 LaCrosse were shipped last month, but further deliveries are being held until GM can chase down some lingering quality issues, according to vice president of U.S. sales Mark LaNeve.
As usual, GM isn't releasing details of the "quality issues" it's concerned with. During Motor Authority's first drive of the 2010 LaCrosse, Susan Docherty made it clear that the rollout of the car - which hadn't yet received a solid date - would only take place when production of the car was up to snuff, so today's announcement means only that GM may have jumped the gun with the August shipments, not that plans for the LaCrosse have changed.
The delay may not be all bad, says LaNeve, as GM still needs to get the word out that the LaCrosse is not business as usual for the brand, but a completely new direction. As we noted in our first drive review back in mid-July, and as many other outlets are beginning to realize, the LaCrosse isn't just the equal of its competition - in most cases, it's better.
That was nearly the case, however. About 300-400 examples of the all-new 2010 LaCrosse were shipped last month, but further deliveries are being held until GM can chase down some lingering quality issues, according to vice president of U.S. sales Mark LaNeve.
As usual, GM isn't releasing details of the "quality issues" it's concerned with. During Motor Authority's first drive of the 2010 LaCrosse, Susan Docherty made it clear that the rollout of the car - which hadn't yet received a solid date - would only take place when production of the car was up to snuff, so today's announcement means only that GM may have jumped the gun with the August shipments, not that plans for the LaCrosse have changed.
The delay may not be all bad, says LaNeve, as GM still needs to get the word out that the LaCrosse is not business as usual for the brand, but a completely new direction. As we noted in our first drive review back in mid-July, and as many other outlets are beginning to realize, the LaCrosse isn't just the equal of its competition - in most cases, it's better.
#2
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
It is too bad. All of their national print ads are running and a couple of dealers around here have advertised it as being available for sale. One dealer has one in their showroom, but for display only. The caution might pay off in the long run though.
#4
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I agree. While unfortunate that they have these issues I agree hold back, get it right and then roll out.
My hope is that once this is resolved they will do a proper analysis so they can learn from this and not repeat it again.
My hope is that once this is resolved they will do a proper analysis so they can learn from this and not repeat it again.
#5
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Between this and the Camaro, just further proof that GM is not capable of running a successful company and should have been forced into bankruptcy. Now that they're operating on the tax payer dollar you would think they would have improved their quality controls. Obviously they haven't.
![Thumb Down](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsdown.gif)
#6
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Between this and the Camaro, just further proof that GM is not capable of running a successful company and should have been forced into bankruptcy. Now that they're operating on the tax payer dollar you would think they would have improved their quality controls. Obviously they haven't.![Thumb Down](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsdown.gif)
![Thumb Down](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsdown.gif)
And as far as bankrupcy goes, GM was forced to lay off a number of its employees as part of the settlement program....you can blame the Government and the company bean-counters for that. Some of those laid-off employees could (?) have been crucial to maintaining quality control. Before the bankrupcy actually occured, for instance, the new Chevy Malibu, Saturn Aura, and a number of Buick models proved that GM could do a quality product. All of those vehicles have been better-than-average in reliability.
#7
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Toyota and Lexus are not immune from start-up goofs either. Remember what happened recently with the Camry V6 automatic transmissions?....and the flimsy Tundra tailgates that bent from the loads?
Trending Topics
#8
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
You're jumping to conclusions here. GM is not the only company that sometimes has start-up glitches with new models...or even existing ones. Do you remember, for example, my review of a new BMW M3 last year (a $63,000 vehicle), and what I found on that car before I even got the engine started?
And as far as bankrupcy goes, GM was forced to lay off a number of its employees as part of the settlement program....you can blame the Government and the company bean-counters for that. Some of those laid-off employees could (?) have been crucial to maintaining quality control. Before the bankrupcy actually occured, for instance, the new Chevy Malibu, Saturn Aura, and a number of Buick models proved that GM could do a quality product. All of those vehicles have been better-than-average in reliability.
And as far as bankrupcy goes, GM was forced to lay off a number of its employees as part of the settlement program....you can blame the Government and the company bean-counters for that. Some of those laid-off employees could (?) have been crucial to maintaining quality control. Before the bankrupcy actually occured, for instance, the new Chevy Malibu, Saturn Aura, and a number of Buick models proved that GM could do a quality product. All of those vehicles have been better-than-average in reliability.
The bottom line is if the tax payers are paying for it, you would think that GM would do everything in it's power to improve it's operations. Yes, every manufacturer has issues with first year model cars but not as consistently as with the Camaro and LaCrosse.
How is a company that is being funded by the tax payers going to gain the trust and loyalty of it's customers? They were already to the brink of bankruptcy and yet they don't change one of their fundamental problems?
![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
Good to see that GM has changed their way of thinking and the car czar is pushing for change.
![Thumb Down](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsdown.gif)
#9
Pole Position
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'll bet this is a stunt. Probably the quality of the already released cars is no better or worse than the usual GM stuff. This makes it LOOK like there is some "new" concern for quality. Great stunt GM!
#10
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I do have a number of review requests for this car, however, and plan to review it whenever it becomes available. The Buick people, here in my area, say about 10 days to two weeks now.
#12
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yes, every manufacturer has issues with first year model cars but not as consistently as with the Camaro and LaCrosse.
How is a company that is being funded by the tax payers going to gain the trust and loyalty of it's customers? They were already to the brink of bankruptcy and yet they don't change one of their fundamental problems?
![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
Good to see that GM has changed their way of thinking and the car czar is pushing for change.
![Thumb Down](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsdown.gif)
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#13
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
From what I've heard, it an electrical problem where, when the front doors are opened, the dash/door wiring goes haywire and all the dash lights go on and off like a Christmas tree.
#14
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The problem is that so many of its employees are gone that some serious brain drain (and quality control) might have gone with it. That's not an issue of taxes or taxpayers....that's simply an issue of having (maybe) laid off too many employees. And those big layoffs were part of the government (and taxpayer) settlement plan. You generally can't have government taking over auto firms without negative effects.....this may be proof of that.
Further, management should have reconsider their priorities and quality control should have been moved to the top or near the top of that list. The fact that GM has been given a second chance, on the tax payers dime, dicatates that they must make huge changes and greatly improve their efficiency, productivity and quality.
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
I am not anti-GM. I have owned several and loved some of them. What I do have a fundamental issue with is the government handing out billions of dollars to a company that seems unable or unwilling to make the necessary improvements to sustain long term viability.
If I, or any other small business owner, some how miraculously were to receive a loan or bail out for our companies the expectation would be that we could identify our shortcomings and improve them....or face the end of our businesses. Why is GM any different?
![Uhh...](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/1387914497.gif)
Agreed. NOTHING could be as bad as the way Roger Smith ran the company in the 1980s.....even Obama trying to dictate things. Roger Smith was a character, and little or no concern for quality control, as long as the company was making money. Even as a terrible manager, though, he does deserve credit, though, for one thing......approving the start of the Saturn Division. ![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#15
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
There is still no excuse for junk in first year launches in the modern era. And Toyota and Lexus have set the standard for a high percentage of successful first year launches, with other companies now are trying to follow the lead. Even Mercedes (with it's recent history of several years of poor reliability) successfully launched the all-new 2008 C-class without a significant hitch. It's simply expected today.