The end has come. GM to wind down Saab operations.

After failed talks between Koenigsegg and now Spyker, General Motors has announced today that the Saab brand is no more. GM will begin immediately to wind down operations of the 62 year old Swedish auto manufacturer. It truly is a shame that a deal couldn't happen between either of the interested parties. But alas there just isn't a place for Saab in the New GM.

Official Statement from GM.

 

Saab Sale Cannot Be Concluded

Brand to be Wound Down

2009-12-18

 

Detroit.  General Motors announced today that the intended sale of Saab Automobile AB would not be concluded. After the withdrawal of Koenigsegg Group AB last month, GM had been in discussions with Spyker Cars about its interest in acquiring Saab. During the due diligence, certain issues arose that both parties believe could not be resolved.  As a result, GM will start an orderly wind-down of Saab operations.


“Despite the best efforts of all involved, it has become very clear that the due diligence required to complete this complex transaction could not be executed in a reasonable time.

In order to maintain operations, Saab needed a quick resolution,” said GM Europe President Nick Reilly.  “We regret that we were not able to complete this transaction with Spyker Cars. We will work closely with the Saab organization to wind down the business in an orderly and responsible manner. This is not a bankruptcy or forced liquidation process. Consequently, we expect Saab to satisfy debts including supplier payments, and to wind down production and the distribution channel in an orderly manner while looking after our customers.”


Saab will continue to honor warranties, while providing service and spare parts to current Saab owners around the world.


As part of its efforts to become a leaner organization, GM began seeking a buyer for Saab’s operations in January.  Last week, Saab Automobile AB announced that it had closed on the sale of certain Saab 9-3, current 9-5 and powertrain technology and tooling to Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings Co. Ltd. (BAIC).  GM expects today’s announcement to have no impact on the earlier sale.


As the company continues to reinvent itself, GM has been faced with some very difficult but necessary business decisions. The focus will remain on the four core brands – Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC – and several regional brands, including Opel / Vauxhall in Europe.  This will enable the company to devote more engineering and marketing resources to each brand and model.




General Motors Company, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 209,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall, Wuling and Jiefang. More information on the new General Motors Company can be found at www.gm.com.

As official as it is going to get. General Motors files for bankruptcy

We're experiencing history folks. General Motors, the largest auto manufacturer and one of the worlds largest corporations has officially filed for bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court.

We are awaiting a press conference from President Barak Obama regarding GM, and we will bring updates as they become available.

We do know that Chairman Fritz Henderson WILL continue to lead GM through bankruptcy. The fate of Saturn, Hummer and Saab is still up in the air at this point. Going through bankruptcy, GM will carry Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC Truck. Hummer, Saturn, Saab and Pontiac will be either phased out or sold.

The New York Stock Exchange was showing GM stock valued at $.75 cents late last night with morning trading showin $.70, though it has steadily gone back up all morning. Currently it is trading at $.98 cents per share.

General Motors to declare bankruptcy tomorrow

Tomorrow will be a truly sad day for the automobile industry. General Motors, the largest automobile manufacturer in the world, bankrupt. It just doesn't make sense saying it, even though we've been talking about it for months now.

General Motors was once THE company to watch in the industry. You could have said, what General Motors wants is what America wants. Unfortunately that isn't the case any more. Poor management decissions and the inability to keep up with market trends led to yearly losses in the billions of dollars. Couple that with legacy costs, the UAW, and the failure to restructure after government loans to the tune of $20 billion and we're left with the smoldering pile of goo that was once General Motors.

The saddest part is the loss of some great GM brands. We lost Oldsmobile in 2004. Hummer and Saab had been up in the air for the last 6 or so months, Saturn was poisoned by GM management over the last 15 + years. Opel is being divided up. And the biggest blow, Pontiac. Finally when Pontiac is making some great, fun cars they get the rug pulled out from under them.

This leaves GM with just Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC truck. I doubt we'll see the giant of GM that once was in the 1950s and 60s.

Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available.

NADA responds to GM dealer announcement

The National Automobile Dealers Association won't go quietly into the night. They are continuing to fight for the Chrysler dealers who were cut yesterday, and the announcement earlier regarding General Motors announment with the reduction of some 1100 GM dealers by the end of 2010.

Source: NADA

WASHINGTON (May 15, 2009) -- General Motors’ plans to cut its dealer network are drastic and far-reaching and will impact more than 63,000 dealership employees and thousands of their sales and service customers.

We view GM’s action with a profound sense of sadness and disappointment.
GM’s decision comes through no fault of the dealers, who are, in many cases, family-run businesses that have been loyal partners with GM – through good times and bad – for multiple generations.

NADA fully expects GM to honor all its obligations to the affected dealers, whether or not they decide to wind down their operations. It’s critical for GM to treat each affected dealer fairly and equitably.

NADA will work aggressively on all fronts with regard to assisting these dealers during these historically challenging times.

GM dealer network update

General Motors is going a different route than Chrysler LLC in regards to their dealer network. Rather than just say adios, you're done. GM is electing to not renew sales and service agreements with 1100 dealers when they come available for renewal in the 4th quarter of 2010.

Dealers targeted were stores that have poor annual sales 35 units or less per year. That makes up 400-500 of the dealers. The rest are not meeting their required sales and service performance, CSI, etc. that are performing below average. These 1100 dealers make up 7% of GMs yearly sales.

There are about 500 dealers who are dedicated to Hummer, Saab & Saturn brands. There will be a further update regarding these brands and those dealers in the next week or so. General Motors North America Vice President Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, Mark LaNeve did make it clear that dealers of these three brands "will exist outside of General Motors next year".

It was made clear that without GM filing bankruptcy, that these letters will be hard to enforce. This is why GM is putting the options into the dealers hands to enforce whether to wind down business and close, or find another brand to carry.

GM's intentions are to land somewhere in the neighborhood of 3600-4000 dealerships.

"This is one of the most difficult decissions we have as part of our restructuring" LaNeve said.

Press Release:

In conjunction with conversations General Motors started with its U.S. dealers today, GM issued the following statement -->

GM Statement Regarding Dealer Network Communications

As noted in our recent S-4 filing and updated Viability Plan, General Motors plans to reduce its dealer network from 5,969 stores today to approximately 3,600 by the end of 2010.

This process starts today, as GM begins contacting dealers regarding its long term planning. Approximately 1,100 underperforming and very small sales volume U.S. dealers will be advised that GM does not see them as part of its dealer network on a long-term basis. In most cases, existing franchise agreements run through October of 2010.

In addition, we will be updating about 470 Saturn, HUMMER and Saab dealers on the status of those brands and we will be discussing how the remaining dealers will support our retail plans going forward. While additional cuts will be made, we believe the vast majority, over 90 percent, of the remaining dealers will be offered a chance to remain with GM. However, specific dealer issues, further attrition and additional possible dealer network actions are expected to bring the number of future GM dealers to around 3,600 by the end of 2010, as described in the Plan. The actual number could vary given levels of attrition, etc. outside of GM’s control.

“We have said from the beginning that our dealers are not a problem but an asset for General Motors,” said Mark LaNeve, GM Vice President of Sales Service and Marketing. “However it is imperative that a healthy, viable GM have a healthy, viable dealer body that can not only survive but prosper during cyclical downturns. It is obvious that almost all parts of GM, including the dealer body, must get smaller and more efficient.”

“In response, we are letting them know about our long term plans. GM’s viability plan calls for fewer, stronger brands as well as fewer, stronger dealers. We have taken a very difficult step by identifying those dealerships we’d like to keep in the GM dealer network and those with whom we will have to wind down our business relationships,” LaNeve said.

As independently owned businesses, dealer owners will make their own decisions if and when they want to make this information public. GM is not releasing the names of any dealers.

“We are not terminating any dealerships today,” LaNeve clarified, “We will be talking to all of our dealers over the next few weeks, letting them know now in the spirit of open communication, so they are advised well in advance, about our long-term plans and their role in them. Long term, GM should have fewer, healthier dealers, maintaining GM’s current high customer satisfaction ratings, with more sales per outlet.”

Limo One version 9.0

Just as Air Force One serves as the President of the United Sates transportation from Washington D.C. to anywhere in the world. Limo One serves as his ground transport to and from Air Force One. On Tuesday, the world will be watching as Barack Obama takes the oath of office as the 44th President of the United States. President Elect Obama will ride to the U.S. Capital in an entirely new Presidential Limousine. Meet the 2009 Cadillac DTS Presidential Limousine. For years the President's limo has served as the power of America especially in foreign countries as the President travels around world. For many, glimpses of November 22nd, 1963 come to mind when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in his 1961 Lincoln Continental limousine in Dallas Texas.

Prior to 1993, all Presidential limousines were produced by outside coach builders with development, engineering, and testing partnered with the Secret Service. Many of them built by the Hess & Eisenhardt Company. And usually were Lincoln automobiles, but since 1983 have been Cadillacs. Also since 1963, the President of the United States has not been allowed to ride in an open car in response to the Kennedy assassination. Starting in 1993 all Presidential limos have been designed, developed and built by General Motors, again with the aid of the Secret Service.

Both General Motors and the Secret Service are hush hush about the specific details of the modifications made to Presidential vehicles for obvious security reasons. Some speculations around the new Obama limo are that it is built on a GMC Topkick pickup truck and possibly diesel powered. And there certainly isn't 20 inch spinners, tinted glass, or billet grilles on this black caddy.

Source: General Motors Cadillac Division.

For release: Jan. 14, 2009
An American Tradition Continues: New Presidential Era Begins With a New Cadillac Presidential Limousine

President Obama to Christen New Car at Jan. 20 Inaugural Parade

WASHINGTON – As Americans celebrate the inauguration of a new president of the United States next week, another new Cadillac will grace Pennsylvania Avenue to lead the proceedings. President Barack Obama will ride in an all-new Cadillac Presidential Limousine, continuing a long tradition of Cadillac limousines that have served many U.S. presidents.

“Cadillac is honored to again provide a new Presidential Limousine,” said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. “This is a great American tradition that we’re delighted to renew with an all-new car featuring the best of Cadillac’s dramatic design and technology.”

The image of an American president greeting crowds from a Cadillac limousine dates to President Woodrow Wilson and the early days of the automobile, and continues into a historic new era. The latest Cadillac Presidential Limousine is a completely new design, succeeding the DTS Presidential Limousine that debuted in 2004. The new car incorporates many of the dramatic design and technology features of new and highly acclaimed Cadillac vehicles in a purpose-built format tailored to specific and exacting specifications befitting presidential transport.

Inside and out, the Cadillac Presidential Limousine includes many of the brand’s signature design elements. Assertive, modern and elegant, the front of the car includes the intricate, dual-textured grille made famous by Cadillac’s most popular current models, the CTS sport sedan and Escalade. Vertical design elements, such as the car’s front and rear lighting, mirror those used on production models.


For largely functional reasons, such as optimal outward visibility, the car is slightly more upright than its predecessor. However, this new Cadillac Presidential Limousine occupies roughly the same overall footprint on the road as the previous model, with a similar size and proportion.

The side and rear profiles of the new Presidential Limousine are classic, elegant forms, evocative of Cadillac’s STS and DTS luxury sedans. Inside the cabin, the car includes the finest examples of Cadillac’s recent renaissance in design, technology and craftsmanship. The cabin blends modern design and technology with old-world craftsmanship. Major aspects of the cabin are cut and sewn by hand, the same process used in popular Cadillac models such as the CTS sport sedan.

Naturally, many purpose-built aspects of the car are specially designed and prepared for presidential use. The rear passenger area includes an extensive executive compartment with ample seating space, outward visibility and useful mobile office features.

The car was designed, developed and tested by specialists who adhered to an extensive set of specifications. It was subjected to an extreme testing regimen to ensure performance that achieves precise functional requirements. In doing so, security provisions were undertaken at all times during development to ensure the car’s functional capabilities are preserved and confidential.

An embroidered presidential seal is positioned in the center of the rear seat back panel, as well as on each rear door trim panel. Presidential seals are also affixed to the exterior rear doors. The U.S. flag is placed on the right front fender, and the presidential standard is located on the left front fender when the president travels in the vehicle. High-tech LED spotlights illuminate the flags at night.

History – Cadillac and the U.S. Presidency

Cadillac has built limousines and special vehicles for U.S. presidents, diplomats, ambassadors and foreign dignitaries since the early 20th century, an iconic aspect of the brand that continues today.

Cadillac’s central role began during World War I, when many Cadillac engines and cars were transferred to military and government service because of their superior durability and power. One of the first chief executives to use a Cadillac was President Wilson, who rode through the streets of Boston during a World War I victory parade in 1919. A lavish 1928 Cadillac town car was used in the Calvin Coolidge administration.

In 1938, two Cadillac convertibles, dubbed the "Queen Mary" and "Queen Elizabeth," were delivered to the U.S. government. Named after the great ocean liners of the time, the vehicles were 21.5 feet long, weighed 7,660 pounds and were equipped with a full ammunition arsenal, two-way radios and heavy-duty generators. Durable and reliable, the two "Queens" served Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

President Eisenhower, known as a car buff, rode in one of the first Cadillac Eldorado models ever produced during his 1953 inaugural parade. The Eldorado represented a high point in automobile design history, as it had the first wraparound windshield, a feature quickly adopted on other new production models.

In 1956, the Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth II convertibles replaced the original series. The vehicles were slightly smaller, but like their predecessors, were fully armored and featured state-of-the art communications. Moreover, the vehicles were fitted with narrow rims inside the tire in case the tires were shot out. The Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth II served not only President Eisenhower, but also Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Both vehicles were retired in 1968.



The Ronald W. Reagan administration was delivered a 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine and a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham – Presidential Series was delivered to the William J. Clinton administration in 1993. Unlike previous models that typically were Cadillac cars adapted and modified by independent limousine companies, the 1993 Presidential Brougham was designed, developed and manufactured totally within General Motors and Cadillac. This included an extensive set of security measures to maintain confidentiality, a process that continues today.

Currently, the 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine resides at the Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Calif., while the 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Ark.

Cadillac has produced two presidential limousines this decade that remain in service. The first was a Deville Presidential model delivered to President George W. Bush in 2001. In 2004, President Bush debuted a new DTS Presidential model. It was the first application of a new design that launched later that year for the production DTS full-size sedan.

Save General Motors!

I'm am sure by now, everyone has seen the failure of the Auto Industry (Not a Bailout) Loan. Like many of you. I myself work in the auto industry and am very scared about the goings on in both Washington and Detroit. Now is the time to put aside personal differences and bias to a particular manufacturer.

The U.S. Auto Industry is the backbone of America. The auto industry stepped up to the plate at the beginning of World War 2. They stepped up after 9/11. Killing the Auto Loan Bill in Washington is killing the American Spirit at its best. Both General Motors and Chrysler have begun to seek bankruptcy lawyers. Can you picture a world with GM? I can't.

Detroit lost their chance by a simple 8 votes. Now is the time to stand up an be heard. This is OUR time to make history. It is time for us as U.S. citizens to make a difference. http://www.savegm.org/ is a grassroots campaign started by a friend. All proceeds go directly to General Motors. It may not be much, but at times like this. Every little bit counts.

GM to discontinue Hummer brand? And close more plants

Now surely there a vehicles much more fuel efficient than the Hummer H2 right? Of course. So many in fact that we haven't seen an H2 actually driving on the road in well over 3 weeks. I caught wind of this little quote in an article released by the Associated Press this morning. GM CEO Rick Wagoner has announced the closing of 4 more GM plants in the United States and Mexico.

This is in efforts to save GM an additional $1 billion a year by 2010. By 2010 GM is hoping to have cut costs by $15 billion a year. The plants affected are Oshawa, Ontario; Moraine, Ohio; Janesville, Wis.; and Toluca, Mexico. The closing of these plants eliminates 2500 jobs, but in an act of good faith. They can return later this year thanks to 19,000 buyouts and early retirments that will leave towards the end of 2008.

Now what caugt me, was the mention of GM discontinuing the Hummer brand. It's mentioned by GM, but is not quoted anywhere in the article by Rick Wagoner. Of course it's no surprise since gas is nearly $5 a gallon in parts of the country. And the shift to smaller, economical cars is permanent said Wagoner.

But what about Hummer? You'd figure if the CEO actually dropped this bomb in an interview with MSN that there would be a quote in there somewhere outlying the fate of Hummer. So who knows how much truth there is to the article other than the plant closings, confirmation of high gas prices, and yet another confirmation that we'll see the Chevy Volt in 2010. We'll keep following this one til we get some answers. In the meantime, here's the article. Read it and draw your on conclusions as to how AP missed this one.

Source: MSN

Full Article

General Motors Cancels $4.1 Billion line of credit

In the early part of last year. General Motors took out $4.1 Billion dollars in a line of credit through various banks. All of this of course was to be used in case of emergency. 2007 proved to be a very lucrative year for the General. The new CTS and Malibu are flying off dealer lots all over the country. And talks with the UAW went smoothly. So General Motors has announced that they have canceled the agreements with the banks. GM has also informed the SEC that they have "sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility" for the start of 2008.


Source: Automotive News.

Pick your poison. 2009 Camaro Color Chart

Now first off, these are not official from GM. A diligent reader of autoblog.com, who just happens to work in the body shop of a Chevy dealer found these. So a Thank You goes out to this anonymous reader. Known only as Chris.

What we have is a list of 8 "possible" colors and the names of two others, sans the color chip. Those colors are Switchblade Silver Metallic and Aqua blue Metallic. We did notice that there is also a lack of white or green shades for the Camaro. I don't know about green, but it would look good in white. So we'll take this for what it is, and hope to hear something from Chevrolet soon. Here is the list.

*Victory Red

*Yellow

*Red Jewel Metallic

*Imperial Blue Metallic

*Ink Slate Metallic

*Mocha Bronze Metallic

*Black

*Dark Tarnished Silver Metallic

*Switchblade Silver Metallic

*Aqua Blue Metallic

We'll take ours in Mocha Bronze Metallic wit silver stripes.

Source: autoblog.com

General Motors the first global automaker to sell 1 Million cars in China in one year

The General has turned the emerging Chineese market into the glordy days of the U.S. market of old. GM has announced today that they have become the first global automaker to sell one million, yes 6 zeros. One million cars in China for 2007. The one millionth car was a Buick Park Avenue.

Source: GM

Press Release:

General Motors Achieves New Milestone in China

First Global Automaker to Sell 1 Million Vehicles in Single Year

Shanghai – General Motors became the first global automaker to sell 1 million vehicles in China in a single year today when GM China Group President and Managing Director Kevin Wale handed the keys to a Buick Park Avenue to Mr. Zhang Jianping at Shanghai GM's corporate showroom in Shanghai.

"Becoming the first global manufacturer to sell 1 million vehicles in China is a demonstration of the strength of our product, our people and our partnerships," said GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner. "China is a very important market, and we're extremely proud of the contribution we have been able to make to the growth and development of its automotive industry. It's been an extremely beneficial relationship for both sides."

GM sales in China first surpassed 100,000 units annually back in 2002. Since then, GM sales have enjoyed steady growth, topping 500,000 annual sales in 2005, thanks to its growing lineup of brands and vehicles. The milestone million mark featured GM's best-known and strongest brand in China, Buick.

"I'm extremely honored to be the one millionth customer in 2007 for General Motors," Mr. Zhang said. "This is my second Buick and I appreciate the performance, safety and durability of Buick. In addition, I was very satisfied with the fuel economy of my first car. After comparing other products in the premium segment for my next car, it made perfect sense to choose the Park Avenue."

"From day one, GM and our partners have been committed to continually rolling out new and upgraded models, with specific engineering done in China for China to satisfy the needs of Chinese vehicle buyers across the country," Wagoner added.

This year, GM and its joint venture partners have begun offering several new products, including the Cadillac SLS luxury business sedan, Buick Park Avenue premium sedan, Chevrolet Captiva SUV, all-new Chevrolet Epica intermediate sedan and Wuling Hong Tu minivan.

According to Wagoner, reaching the new sales mark in 2007 is especially significant as it is taking place in a year in which GM has celebrated several milestones in China. Both Shanghai GM, the automaker's flagship manufacturing joint venture, and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), GM's engineering and design joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), marked their 10th anniversaries earlier this year. SAIC-GM-Wuling, GM's mini-vehicle joint venture, also celebrated its fifth anniversary.

The King returns! The 2009 Corvette ZR1

The Myth, The Legend, The History. It all returns with the new C6 Corvette ZR1. Formerly known as the Blue Devil and the Corvette SS. What we are looking at here is the fastest production Corvette of all time.

The aluminum and magnesium from the Z06 is the basis for the ZR1. At the front, you'll find a C6-R inspired splitter in carbon fiber. Flared front fenders with large air outlets to quickly move hot air out of the engine compartment. Also for the first time on a production Corvette, the hood has a clear lexan window to show off the new LS9 V8 engine. Which is oh so cool to look at. Oh, did we also mention that all the front sheet metal is carbon fiber rather than fiberglass?

A major styling change is the carbon fiber roof. GM really pulled out all the stops for the carbon fiber. GM materials engineers put a lot effort into developing an additive for the clear coat that could be applied to the carbon to preserve it for the life of the car. The ZR1 is the first car ever to have a carbon fiber clear coat that will last the life of the car. The chemical additive costs $60,000 a gallon and the clear coat with the additive mixed in comes to $2,000 a gallon. With out this the resins in the carbon fiber will break down over time, causing the appearance to yellow and become brittle.

When the original ZR1 was let lose in 1990, it was powered by a dual overhead cam, 5.7 liter V8 with 405 horsepower. Seems like nothing when compared with the super cars of today, but for 1990 this was earth shattering. The new LS9 supercharged 6.2 liter V8 in the 2009 ZR1 is rumored to have somewhere between 620 and 650 horsepower. That's well over the 505 hp on the current Z06 with it's 7.0 liter V8.

With the Z06, GM received many complaints about how hard the car was to drive on the street. Yeah it did great at the track, but in an everyday setting. It was just too much. In the ZR1, there are softer springs than the Z06 but GM added the same magneto-rheological dampers as the Ferrari 599. The fluid in these units is filled with iron particles and the viscosity can be instantly changed by varying an electric current passing through it. Sensors in the car take measurements every 0.001 seconds and adjust the dampers every 0.002 seconds.

15 inch Brembo brake rotors are placed in the rear wheels, while 15.5 inch rotors are used up front. Capped with bright blue 6 piston front and 4 piston rear calipers, also from Brembo. The brakes are topped with Michelin Pilot Sport

285/30ZR19s front tires while traction goes through 335/25ZR20s at the rear.

Will the new ZR1 be King of the Hill like the C4 ZR1? Only time will tell, and the numbers will be proven once GM sends a few out for testing. Look for more details as we get closer to the Detroit auto show next month.

Source: GM.

Detroit 08 Preview: Buick Riviera Concept

To kick off its North American Tour. Buick will bring the GM China designed Buick Riviera Concept Car to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.

The exciting gullwing door sports coupe was a hit at the 07 Shanghai Motor Show. The Riviera shows where Buick styling is headed in the next few years, and would make an excellent production vehicle for Buick(GM are you listening?). Look for more info and picture when we visit Detroit next month.

Source: Autoblog.com

2008 Chevrolet Impala 50th Anniversary Edition

The Chevrolet Impala has long been a favorite of ours. For 2008, not only will General Motors be marking their 100th anniversary, but Chevrolet will be marking the 50th anniversary of the Impala. Now before we get all excited and start dreaming of the return of the ever popular 94-96 Impala SS. We have to pop out balloon and come back to earth.

What we have for a special 50th anniversary edition is a dressed up Impala LT. Nothing too special, but for a paint and badge option. You will get an Impala that is a little different from the rest. The LT comes as an already well equipped grocery getter, though here are some of the major items you'll get with the 50th.

*Sports Suspension

*18 inch wheels

*Rear Spoiler

*2 Tone leather interior

*Special 50th Anniversary badges, doorsills & embroidery

*Choice of Black Granite Metallic or Red Jewel Tintcoat paint

Otherwise, the rest of the car is a pretty much standard affair. 3.5 liter V6 pushing 211Hp with 214 lb. ft. of torque. And will be a FlexFuel car. Able to run on both gasoline and E85 Ethanol. OnStar will of course, also be standard.

Now if I worked and GM(and I wish I did). I would have based the 50th anniversary Impala on the Impala SS. But that's just me. That would have given the just that extra bit to make it a really special car. I would also make maybe two or three thousand of them. After all, isn't that what makes a special edition a special edition? We'll take ours in black at any rate.

Source: GM.

PRESS RELEASE:

CHEVROLET MARKS 50 YEARS OF THE IMPALA WITH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

DETROIT – An iconic brand of America's automotive market for half a century, Chevrolet's venerable Impala celebrates its golden anniversary in 2008. Chevy is recognizing the milestone with a commemorative model.

Like the original 1958 edition, the 2008 Impala 50 th Anniversary Edition is distinguished with unique trim and amenities, giving customers a special product infused with the fun-to-drive spirit that has characterized the Impala for half a century.

"Chevrolet is thrilled to mark 50 years of the Impala," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "Few brands can claim such a heritage and throughout the decades, Impala has always stood for the value, performance and style that has made Chevrolet America's car."

The Impala 50 th Anniversary Edition goes on sale in spring 2008. It is based on the popular and well-equipped Impala LT, with the following unique and standard features:

* FE3 Sport Suspension (replaces the FE1 Touring Suspension)

* Four-wheel ABS

* Eighteen-inch alloy wheels (replaces 16-inch wheels)

* Rear spoiler

* "50 th Anniversary" Impala badge on the C-pillar

* Two-tone, leather-trimmed seats and "50 th" logo embroidered on the front headrests
* Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat (replaces six-way adjustability)

* Leather-wrapped steering wheel with accent-color thread (includes audio controls)

* Ebony carpet

* Ebony floor mats with accent threading

* "50 th" Anniversary emblem on the sill plates

* Two premium exterior colors: Black Granite Metallic or Red Jewel Tintcoat

The 50 th Anniversary Impala also includes a one-year upgrade to the OnStar Directions and Connections package, including Turn-by-Turn Navigation.

Also standard is the Impala's convenient flip-and-fold rear seats, the cushions of which flip forward to reveal a storage tub that serves as a covered storage area beneath the seat and offers convenient grocery bag hooks. A generous pass-through from the trunk can be created by flipping the seat bottoms forward and the seat backs flat – an exclusive feature in the midsize segment.

The 50 th Anniversary Impala is powered by a refined and efficient 3.5L V-6, rated at 211 horsepower (157 kW)* and 214 lb.-ft. (290 Nm)* of torque. Vehicles with federal emissions systems in the United States are equipped with the 3.5L engine, which is compatible with E85 ethanol fuel, allowing the vehicle to run on any combination of gasoline and/or E85.

When using gasoline only, the 3.5L-equipped Impala is EPA-rated at 29 mpg on the highway.

Chevrolet to return to ALMS with Corvette C6.R in 2008

There had been some speculation that Chevrolet was not going to continue to participate in the American LeMans Series(ALMS) after the 2007 season due to lack of competition inf the GT1 class. Though today Chevrolet has announced that they will participate in the full 12 race 2008 schedule. So expect to see the familiar images of the competition yellow C6.R Corvettes thundering down the straights next year.

Competing in the series for 2008 will be an important part of General Motors 100th anniversary celebration in 2008.

Since the teams debut in 1999. Corvette Racing has won seven consecutive GT1 manufacturers and team championships and six straight drivers championships in ALMS. The team also holds the series' records for class victories (57) and 1-2 finishes (40).

Source: GM.

Press Release:

Chevrolet Factory Team to Run Entire ALMS Schedule and 24 Hours of Le Mans

DETROIT – Corvette Racing, the most successful team in the history of the American Le Mans Series, will compete in the GT1 class in all 12 events on the ALMS schedule in 2008. Chevrolet's two-car factory road racing team will also return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in pursuit of a sixth GT1 title in the world's most famous sports car race.

"Corvette Racing was conceived as a long-term program to showcase the performance, technology, and value of Chevrolet's world-class sports car," said Mark Kent, director of GM Racing. "Since the team's competition debut in 1999, Corvette Racing's success in top-tier road racing has produced a strong return on our investment, paying dividends in marketing, engineering, technology transfer, personnel development and other areas of our business. Corvette is now a performance icon that's recognized around the world, and Corvette Racing's continued participation in the ALMS and the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be an important element in the global celebration of GM's 100th anniversary in 2008."

Corvette Racing has won seven consecutive GT1 manufacturers and team championships and six straight drivers championships in ALMS competition. The team holds the series' records for class victories (57) and 1-2 finishes (40).

"Our decision to compete in all 12 rounds of the ALMS schedule in 2008 reflects our commitment to our sponsors, our suppliers, and to Corvette enthusiasts worldwide," said Steve Wesoloski, GM Racing Road Racing Group manager. "There is a reason why thousands of Corvette owners attend Corvette Corrals at ALMS events and why the autograph line at Corvette Racing is the longest in the ALMS paddock: Racing is an integral part of Corvette's history and heritage, and we are continuing that tradition.

"Experience teaches us that motorsports is cyclical, and the GT1 category is currently in transition," Wesoloski observed. "Would we like to see more competition in GT1 in the ALMS? Absolutely! But in the absence of season-long competition, we are absolutely committed to controlling our own destiny. We are pushing hard to develop our chassis and powertrain, to refine our race strategy, and to continuously improve every element of the program. We know that the competition at Le Mans will be intense, and we will use the ALMS series to hone the race cars, the drivers, and the team to prepare for it."

Corvette Racing will test two new Compuware Corvette C6.R race cars in February in preparation for the season-opening round of the ALMS series, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, on March 15, 2008.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Chrysler says it can meet new CAFE standards

Chrysler LLC is readily welcoming thew new CAFE standards with open arms. When it happens of course.

"We will" cooperate rather than fight the anticipated increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standard," Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli told TheCarConnection.com Wednesday. "We'll have to obviously accelerate significantly our investment in technology to get there," said Nardelli.

Some of the technology being used is a new two mode hybrid system that was jointly developed and engineered by BMW, General Motors, and Daimler. Chrysler's former German parent company.

Chrysler is looking to recent help from the United Auto Workers(UAW) and their agreement to take over Chryslers heft healthcare costs. This helped to free up a large amount of cash. This will allow for Chrysler to invest $500 million dollars in product development.

Source. The Car Connection.

Camo'd Camaro spotted in Australia

Looks like the General is doing some down under testing of the 2009 Camaro. Why they have the car camouflaged is anyone's guess though. Chevrolet vowed to keep the car as close as possible to the concept car as they could. You can make out the roof line is the same and the rear end looks to be pretty similar to the concept. No good shots of the front end though. Enjoy the pics.

Source: Straightline via Autoblog.com.

Detroit Preview: Hummer HX Concept

Here are some design sketches of the up coming Hummer HX Concept which we will see in Detroit next Month.

Three months worth of sketching and sculpting went into this concept before it was given the go ahead by GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. The concept is designed with the future of off roading in mind, with a flair for the youth market which loves the Hummer brand. The HX Concept will feature removable body panels and roof, similar to the Jeep Wrangler. And like most of GMs more recent concepts, will be powered by E85 Ethanol FlexFuel.

Should be interesting to see the finished project next month.

Source: GM

PRESS RELEASE:

Three Young Designers Shape Future Of HUMMER Through HX Concept

DETROIT – Scheduled for introduction at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the HUMMER HX concept reflects the innovative minds of three new GM designers - David Rojas, Min Young Kang and Robert Jablonski - whose first assignment was to provide a vision for the future design of off-road vehicles.

Fresh out of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Mich., the designers' first test in GM was to design a fun, nimble and innovative HUMMER concept.

"HUMMER appeals to young people globally and served as a perfect first assignment for our newest talent," said Ed Welburn, vice president of global design and product planning. "Today's graduates from top design schools are ready to hit the ground running. The HUMMER design challenge gave our newest designers an opportunity to sprint."

The task presented numerous challenges to the new designers, from creating a vehicle for a brand known around the globe for its iconic design, to ensuring the model would live up to the market's expectation of HUMMER off-road capability.

To help ensure designs were true to the HUMMER brand, these designers were given limited design direction by Carl Zipfel, an ex-professional motocross racer and director of the HUMMER design studio.

"Carl definitely set the tone," said Rojas. "While he gave us creative liberty and challenged us to develop innovative ideas, he also defined three HUMMER proportions – wheelbase, approach and departure angles, and stance – and assigned one to each of us. It gave us a chance to collaborate, but also take our own direction."

While sketching and sculpting together in the HUMMER studio, these recent graduates drew upon the creative energy of each other, further improving their individual designs, as well as that of the final concept.

"We drew inspiration from one another," said Kang. "As you're designing and sketching you try to absorb what the other designer is doing and try to make it better."

David, Min Young and Robert's collaboration inspired the HUMMER HX concept, which presents extraordinary efficiency without sacrificing the unique essence of the HUMMER brand, the world's most capable off-road vehicles.

"While we took inspiration from the HUMMER heritage and DNA, we each wanted to evolve it in a new way," said Jablonski. "We agreed it should be contemporary, compact and definitely open air. It came out great."

After three months of sketching and sculpting theme work for the new HUMMER concept, each designer had the opportunity to present scale clay models to Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman and Ed Welburn, who chose which design would ultimately become the HX concept.

In its final concept form, the E-85 FlexFuel capable HUMMER HX embodies the off road spirit of HUMMER in a fully customizable package. The HX offers an open-air driving experience via a pair of removable roof panels above the driver and front passenger and a modular, removable rear roof assembly enabling a quick conversion from closed vehicle to open vehicle SUT. It also features a slant back assembly with removable doors and fender flairs.

"Working as a team, you realize it's more than one person influencing the vehicle," said Rojas. "You can see the inspiration from each of our designs in the final concept vehicle. We're all proud to have the chance to see our sketches become reality."

Super Bowl ads. Ford, Chrysler, & VW oddly missing

We got word that there will be four automakers with ads during the Super Bowl this year. General Motors will have a Chevrolet 60 second spot during the second quarter and Cadillac will be sponsor for the pre and post game shows.

Hyundai and Toyota will both have two spots each. Also announced is a spot from Audi. This marks their first time advertising during a Super Bowl in 20 years. Theirs will be a two minute long spot featuring the Audi R8.

Toyota's ad will more than likely pump up the new Sequoia and Tundra pickup. Though I highly doubt that it will do anything to help the Tundra's image right now.

Cars.com will also have a 30 second spot this year.

Strangely though is the lack of an announcement that Ford or Chrysler will be having spots. There is still time for them to jump on the band wagon, so we'll see where it goes.

I watch the Super Bowl just for the car ads. General Motors has always topped our list of favorites. So as a bonus, we're including our favorite GM spot from the Super Bowl in 06.


Source: Automotive News, Audi.

GM to halt production at three factories

GM has plans in place to cut production in the first quarter of 08 to help dealers control their excess inventories. Though today, The Detroit News announced that GM will halt production at three factories for two weeks. Production is limited to just the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra as of right now. The factories effected are, Pontiac, Michigan, Fort Wayne, Indiana and Oshawa, Ontario Canada. The factories will stop production effective December 31st.

Source: The Detroit News.