UPDATE: We've learned that the UAW contract disputes aren't likely to affect the introduction of the 2008 Malibu, since it will be built on the Epsilon I platform, which is still on track. The negotiations, however, may affect the debut of the next-generation Malibu and Aura, both of which will move to the Epsilon II platform.
EpsThe turnaround at General Motors is in full swing thanks to a bevy of new models on the horizon. One of those promising products is the new Chevy Malibu, which we're looking forward to reviewing as soon as possible. It turns out we may have to wait longer than expected to get behind the wheel of the new Epsilon 2-based Malibu. Apparently contract negotiations with the local UAW at GM's Lordstown, Ohio and Fairfax, Kansas plants have hit a snag. The Lordstown plant builds many of GM's Delta-based models, including the Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5, and is earmarked to build the next generation of Delta-based models, as well. The Fairfax plant, meanwhile, builds the current Malibu and Pontiac G6, but is being renovated to handle the new Malibu and Saturn Aura.
GM had asked for some big concessions from the local unions at both plants that included 10-hour shifts with no overtime and the ability to hire some non-union workers to do janitorial work, unload trucks and even do assembly in some cases. The local unions were very close to closing the deal with GM until the national UAW stepped in and stopped the talks.
The unions are reportedly seeking a guarantee that the next generation Delta and Epsilon 2 models will be built at these plants, which has come under question since GM has halted development of new assembly-line tooling for these vehicles. GM, on the other hand, claims to have halted the development of new tooling in response to these talks breaking down. Clearly there's some tit-for-tat going on here, and both sides hope things can be ironed out after UAW international reps meet with GM next week in Detroit.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mike @ Apr 27th 2007 3:16PM
The face of the Malibu looks DRASTICALLY, DRASTICALLY better in person. I was amazed when I saw it at the auto show here, I expected a bloated, misproportioned look based on the photos, but found a trim, agressive look instead. The new 'Bu should be a sales winner.
dave @ Apr 27th 2007 3:26PM
I think you are confusing the development of the existing Epsilon products with future Epsilon II products. The 2008 Malibu is derived from the streched version of the Epsilon platform while the 2011 Malibu is derrived from the Epsilon II platform.
Jeremy @ Apr 27th 2007 3:30PM
"big concessions from the local unions at both plants that included 10-hour shifts with no overtime and the ability to hire some non-union workers to do janitorial work, unload trucks and even do assembly in some cases. The local unions were very close to closing the deal with GM until the national UAW stepped in and stopped the talks.".....
What?????? 10-hour shifts. I hope that's only 4 days a week then. That really makes you want to work for a union.
Dave, what? So is this article about the Malibu coming out here this year or as a 2011 model? I don't remember seeing anything about the 2011 model.
JD @ Apr 27th 2007 3:59PM
The Union and GM have a chance to put maybe something good on the road. The Union wants to show how big their balls are. So this will get fucked up and GM will lose their chance to put something good on the road. Of course I'm not saying GM will completely miss because of this, but the GD Union isn't helping.
They need to get good car on the market. GM is losing money and the Management in the Union is getting richer, works still pay dues. When there's no jobs because no one is buying, watch the Union cry!!!
Chet @ Apr 27th 2007 4:17PM
It must be four 10-hour days... five 10-hour days with no overtime for hourly employees would violate labor law, wouldn't it?
jeffinToronto @ Apr 27th 2007 4:17PM
That is such an incredibly ugly car that no matter how decent the new platform is, it will be a sales disaster.
Be Oh Be @ Apr 27th 2007 4:21PM
I read the 2008 Malibu is a go for sure. Also, I thought the Aura was already being made in Fairfax? The cars in question (of not being produced at those plants) is probably the 2011 model.
dave @ Apr 27th 2007 4:25PM
This story seems to originate from the WSJ story (April 27th page A11) on UAW negotiations. The last line of this story states: “He said the company's redesigned Malibu sedan will go into production this fall as planned but declined to comment on product plans beyond that.”
I repeat that “I think you are confusing the development of the existing Epsilon products with future Epsilon II products. The 2008 Malibu is derived from the stretched version of the Epsilon platform while the 2011 Malibu is derived from the Epsilon II platform.” Please see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Epsilon_platform
From what I understand this story is about development of the next generation Epsilon platform, the one put on hold, and discussions about where those cars will be built, not about the 2008 Malibu.
foo @ Apr 27th 2007 4:53PM
and leave it to the UAW to stymee the turnaround of a domestic manufacturer...GM should say yah i'll guarantee you a job for now.
whofan @ Apr 27th 2007 4:54PM
"That is such an incredibly ugly car that no matter how decent the new platform is, it will be a sales disaster."
It`s not ugly. Your comment doesn`t work for Toyota either but it fits better.
BOB @ Apr 27th 2007 5:02PM
UAW does not want concessions of any kind, since the retirees will be afraid their lavish heathcare will go on the table next.
OF COURSE GM WILL HOLD UP THE NEXT ROUND OF MODELS --- they would be idiots to build them here for $1000 per car higher health care cost than Toyota -- then get bitched at by the Auto critics and customers because the cars have obvious corner-cutting.
UAW needs to realize that they are on their VERY LAST SHOT to keep production after 2012 or so from all movng to China. -- maybe the leaders of the UAW might, but they will be out of office if the concessions are enough to save US plants and jobs.
If we had real leaders in Washington, they would be pressing for this to be settled ASAP.
BartMack @ Apr 27th 2007 5:17PM
You know, I don't really care TBH. I've had it with American made autos (yes- I said that out loud) The domestic makers seem to think we're chronically stupid sods who will buy any trash they care to market- forget building world class high quality anything, Americans want plastic chrome junk SUVs, right? and/or affordable cars sans character and handling-?. Sorry, I'm not buying it (literally). It will take a deep, sustained change of perspective from the bigish 2.5 to get my attention again, and I don't see that on any horizon. To be fair, I am no fan of Toyota and Honda either, but at least they make cars I don't like 'well'.
Audi and BMW mostly have my attention these days, along with the prospect of some spicy Italian offerings like Alpha Romeo that I'd love to see available again on these shores.
Ford gives us last gen garbage but gives Europe significantly better products, and GM can't for a moment resist superglue-ing various badges on anything they can half-cook up.
There are only a very few American straggler brands (like Jeep) who offer anything original, and even Jeep is tarnished by that loathsome Compass-thingy that clearly points south rather than north.
I'm sorry for those of you that I may have offended by being bold enough to say this, but this is truly how I feel... how I wish Detroit would take notice.....
automag5 @ Apr 27th 2007 5:21PM
Effing Auto Unions. I would have zero problem with GM importing all of their cars from Australia. At least we as consumers will have new models to choose from instead of reading articles about vehicles that might come out after a new round of negotiations.
Ligor @ Apr 27th 2007 5:40PM
just when you though GM had the answer to the Camry/Accord, they go and delay it
I hope those plants can agree on something quick as GM needs to pull the #1 spot again, though very unlikely
AirZurk @ Apr 27th 2007 5:41PM
the G6 was NEVER made in Fairfax. It's always been at Orion Assembly in Michigan.
phewop118 @ Apr 27th 2007 6:00PM
Please GM. Hold your ground against the God damned union. If necessary fire all union workers and hire scabs. Please!! They are more reliable workers and have MUCH less legacy costs.
naif @ Apr 27th 2007 6:28PM
1st, 10 hours a day on an assembly line is to long, if any bigshots doubt this put your behind on the line for 10 hours. been there done that.
2nd, gm would most likely want to build these cars outside the U.S. where most everything else in the future will be built.
Richard @ Apr 27th 2007 7:39PM
phewop118 wrote (No. 16) "Please GM. Hold your ground against the God damned union. If necessary fire all union workers and hire scabs. Please!! ..."
I presume that you intend to insist on buying cars made during the 9th hour of those new 10-hour shifts?
Kumar @ Apr 27th 2007 7:47PM
* introducing the new Malibu, proudly made in Canada after the tools in the US tried to hold up the GM comeback.
naif @ Apr 27th 2007 8:46PM
# 18, i would explain the factory world to you but your mind has already made a decision your brain is not capable of rationalizing.
you do not compare law firms and factorys and explaining is 1 thing, working in 1 is another.