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GM scraps LA Auto Show press conference
General Motors' ongoing financial problems mean that the company Gulfstream won't be shuttling executives to the LA Auto Show next week. After canceling plans to unveil the new Buick LaCrosse and the production version of the Cadillac CTS coupe, it became clear that there really wasn't anything else to discuss in LA. As a result, there won't be a GM press conference at the show.
GM spokesman Scott Fosgard told the Detroit News that with all the bad financial news and discussions about a bailout, any product news would simply get lost in the shuffle. Instead, GM will still show the Saab 9-X Air concept from the Paris Motor Show along with the production version of the Chevy Volt.
Now, two questions remain: 1) Will GM last long enough to make it to the Detroit Auto Show in January, and 2) Why are they spending cash on a driving "experience" at the Alabama "International" Auto Show?
[Source: Detroit News]
PRESS RELEASE
Public Invited to Put Pedal to the Metal Behind the Wheel of GM Vehicles at the Alabama International Auto Show November 14 -16
-- Consumers Invited To Test Drive Escalade Hybrid, Chevy Traverse and other '09 GM Vehicles --
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Consumers attending the Alabama International Auto Show Friday, November 14 -Sunday, November 16 will have a unique opportunity to truly 'experience' the GM display by getting behind the wheel and test driving many of General Motors' new, fuel-efficient vehicles.
Vehicles available for test drives that illustrate the breadth of General Motors' 2009 product portfolio include:
* The new Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, award-winning CTS, spacious Cadillac SRX crossover, and the Cadillac DTS full-size sedan
* GMC's professional grade Yukon Hybrid and Sierra 1500 extended cab
* The iconic and powerful HUMMER H3T Alpha
* The sleek Buick Enclave CXL
* The sporty Pontiac G6, high performance G8 GT and the Pontiac Vibe GT
* The dramatically restyled Saab 9-3 Aero convertible
* The Saturn Aura mid-size sports sedan, the popular Saturn Vue SUV and the Saturn Astra
* The all-new Chevy Traverse, completely redesigned Malibu Hybrid, award-winning & best-selling Chevy Silverado, full-size SUV Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Avalanche, Chevy Colorado LT, popular Chevy HHR truck, Aveo 5, and the youthful and sporty Chevy Cobalt LT
The "GM Experience" Ride & Drive will be held Friday, November 14 from 10 am – 7 pm, Saturday, November 15 from 10 am – 7 pm and Sunday, November 16 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Registration will be located at the entrance of the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex adjacent to the main ticket window (off Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, directly across the street from the Sheraton) and inside the show and inside the show at the GM auto show display on the show floor.
To participate, drivers must be at least 21 years of age and present a valid driver's license. Children may ride along as passengers if seating is available. No sales people will be on-site at the "GM Experience" Ride & Drive, however product specialists will be on hand to answer any consumer questions. Test drive participants will also receive a car care kit upon the completion of the drive.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
why not the LS2LS7? 1:42PM (11/11/2008)
Yes GM will last until NAIAS. Sheesh.
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obie 1:52PM (11/11/2008)
The "driving experience" event in Alabama can translate directly into sales, whereas the press conference can't. And I doubt it costs nearly as much.
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JDC 2:01PM (11/11/2008)
Exactly, they are driving current products. The LA Show would be presenting cars that will be facing delayed introductions. Besides, the dealers in Alabama must be stocking the event with the product since no one can get financed.
Noz 1:55PM (11/11/2008)
Burn bitches burn...I hope they go down in flames.
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Mazdaspeed 2:02PM (11/11/2008)
"Burn bitches burn...I hope they go down in flames."
Why do so many people feel this way. I do not drive an american car at the moment, but with several members of my family working at both GM and Chrysler, I think it's sad.
I'm from Detroit and I root for the big 3 to do well. But it's looking like a lot of you will get your wish and be able to watch the demise of these companies.
TJ 2:13PM (11/11/2008)
And the dumbest comment of the day award goes to.........
arturo 2:22PM (11/11/2008)
Goes to Noz. Stop playing video games with flamethrowers kid. My next car would be american, just because I care for this nation. Saturn Sky redline I hope.
Travis Rassat 2:44PM (11/11/2008)
I'm with Mazdaspeed on this one - we can't afford for any manufacturers to go out of business. The more players in the game, the better the competition, and the better the product. Competition drives innovation. If only one brand existed, they would produce complacent crap because they had nobody to compete with. As consumers, we need GM, even if we don't buy their cars.
happy_penguin 3:03PM (11/11/2008)
A quick check of Noz's comment history reveals that he is a pathetic, feeble little loser who's own miserable existence is reflected in his words. Just check his profile. Pathetic. :)
Noz 4:17PM (11/11/2008)
ARTURO:
Kid?
Haha...yeah whatever. Dust off your cobb webs...you ned to realize that these companies are archaic and out of date....they need to make room for better run, more efficient, more innovative firms.
But since most of you here are too selfish to give anything up, we'll probably stay the way we are....and not much will change. For a ME ME ME society, you guys pretty much fit the bill.
happy_penguin:
Thanks for the kind words...now get your head out of your ass and actually do something to better this country if not for yourself, but perhaps for your kids.....if indeed we were unfortunate enough that you procreated. Now that's pathetic.
fixitfixitstop 5:11PM (11/11/2008)
If you really care about your country, you will hope that GM smartens up, survives, and thrives. Otherwise, that 3 million people out of work (not counting supplier layoffs) in the US, and the consequences would be devastating.
happy_penguin 5:38PM (11/11/2008)
And it continues....
You're pathetic. :)
Noz 6:08PM (11/11/2008)
You've got it backwards....if you care you'll do whatever you can to make sure the country has strong and efficient companies to back it up...not companies that are a cancer to your economy.
I wouldn't expect people like Happy_P to understand..it's a bit above him....I mean look..he can only speak in single sentences.
Torrent 8:25PM (11/11/2008)
I hope your mom goes down in flames.
happy_penguin 9:12PM (11/11/2008)
She was getting pretty hot when I did her...
TJ 1:55PM (11/11/2008)
Man, I was looking forward to this one almost as much as I was looking forward to the Chrysler media day...
Wait. Um, Chrysler will show up at LA with the EV Trio and nothing new...
:cries:
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Dave 1:57PM (11/11/2008)
Of course they will be around. Sam just likes to stir the rumor pot.
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Joe 1:59PM (11/11/2008)
What is the GM's future?
Finally, It conquered by Japanese car industry.
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happy_penguin 3:33PM (11/11/2008)
Lamer.
Noz 6:11PM (11/11/2008)
Yet another example of lack of intelligence...
Sore loser...sounds like you have GM stock and you're losing your shirt....ah well...better luck next time.
Pathetic indeed.