Autoblog GM http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog GM http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[China continues foreign automotive investment incentives after all]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/china-continues-foreign-automotive-investment-incentives-after-a/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/china-continues-foreign-automotive-investment-incentives-after-a/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/china-continues-foreign-automotive-investment-incentives-after-a/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Buick and China flags fly at dealership

China has reversed a policy that would have nixed incentives for investments from foreign automakers, paving the way for further expansion by General Motors, Volkswagen and others. Legislators had removed automotive manufacturing from the list of industries that would receive government support in the future, but foreign investment fell off significantly in April. The country's National Development and Reform Commission responded by not only reinstating foreign automotive investment but by giving the business "preferential treatment," according to Automotive News. Last year, China's central and western regions attracted $19.2 billion in foreign investment across the board.

With China serving as the world's largest automotive market, manufacturers are keen to make inroads in the region. The local government incentivised foreign-owned manufacturing plants for some seven years before the National Development and Reform Commission removed the industry from its approved list in an attempt to stave off overcapacity. Automotive News reports GM and VW have both invested heavily in the region, with the latter set to begin construction on an all-new facility. The new plant is part of a $13 billion investment in China and will join Volkswagen's 12 other car and component facilities in the region.

China continues foreign automotive investment incentives after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinachinese auto marketchinese carschinese governmentgeneral motorsgminvestmentnational development and reform commissionvw Thu, 23 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575202/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575202/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/china-continues-foreign-automotive-investment-incentives-after-a/20575202/article-detail.xml 20575202 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/buick-and-china-flag-at-dealer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/buick-and-china-flag-at-dealer.jpg <![CDATA[Ford and Chrysler reducing summer plant shutdowns]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Dodge Dart production line worker

Most domestic automaker assembly plants traditionally take a couple of weeks off during the summer. The shutdowns give each plant time for much needed repairs and maintenance, and in some cases, help better align production with demand. Not this year, though, as demand for many models is outstripping what Ford, Chrysler and General Motors plants can produce.

Ford has announced that it will shorten its annual summer shutdown for most North American plants from two weeks to one. The shorter shutdown will increase the carmaker's annual North American production by 40,000 units on top of the 200,000 extra units that it was already planning to produce this year versus last. Automotive News reports that Ford produced 2.8 million vehicles on this continent in 2012, and that output this year has already increased 13 percent through April.

Chrysler, meanwhile, is also operating at full tilt and plans to run some plants through the summer with no shutdown at all. Those not getting a break include Jefferson North where the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are assembled, Toledo North that will assemble the new Cherokee, and Conner Avenue, home of SRT Viper production. Other assembly plants will be down for a single week, while all of Chrysler's engine and transmission plants except one in Indiana will continue operating with no shutdown this summer.

Lastly, GM is keeping its cards closer to its chest. The automaker declined to comment to Automotive News about its summer production plans, instead saying that the company "does things a bit differently" now compared to the past, tying plant shutdowns to model life cycles and market demand rather than traditional annual timetables.

Continue reading Ford and Chrysler reducing summer plant shutdowns

Ford and Chrysler reducing summer plant shutdowns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerfordgeneral motorsgmplant shutdownshutdownsummer shutdown Wed, 22 May 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579690/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579690/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/20579690/article-detail.xml 20579690 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dodge-dart-production_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dodge-dart-production.jpg <![CDATA[Graduates! The CEO of GM has some wisdom to share]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/graduates-the-ceo-of-gm-has-some-wisdom-to-share/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/graduates-the-ceo-of-gm-has-some-wisdom-to-share/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/graduates-the-ceo-of-gm-has-some-wisdom-to-share/#comments Filed under: ,

GM CEO Dan Akerson commencement

Universities are right now trotting out Grade-A commencement speakers to motivate this year's graduating class of collegiates to change the world, or at least vacate their parents' property before the age of 30. Some of the most inspiring commencement speeches of all time include the one Steve Jobs gave at Stanford in 2005, and this year's address du jour is one given by the late David Foster Wallace at Kenyon College in 2008 (watch them both below).

Automaker executives are often invited to the podium to speak as well. Former General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner spoke in 2011 at Virginia Commonwealth University, and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne just recently addressed graduates at Walsh College. Over the weekend, current GM CEO Dan Akerson took to the podium to inspire students embarking from the Mendoza School of Business at Notre Dame.

Did Akerson, who graduated from Annapolis in 1970, motivate the next Jobs, Musk or Gates to lead us all into a bright and promising future? We'll let you read the transcript below and judge for yourself. His message had to do with what constitutes a good leader, those qualities being the ability to define reality by setting priorities, allocating capital and resources to meet those priorities, a willingness to serve and leading by example.

Speaking to a room full of business school graduates, Akerson also remarked, "If all you intend to do with this knowledge and influence is see how many points you can score on your personal wealth scorecard... then something is terribly wrong." An interesting, if convenient, revelation from someone whose salary topped $11 million in 2012.

Continue reading Graduates! The CEO of GM has some wisdom to share

Graduates! The CEO of GM has some wisdom to share originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> commencement speechdan akersonleadershipmendoza school of businessnotre dame Mon, 20 May 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576608/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576608/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/graduates-the-ceo-of-gm-has-some-wisdom-to-share/20576608/article-detail.xml 20576608 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/akerson-commencement-speech-notre-dame_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/akerson-commencement-speech-notre-dame.jpg <![CDATA[GM stock prices finally eclipse $33 IPO price]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/gm-stock-prices-finally-eclipse-33-ipo-price/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/gm-stock-prices-finally-eclipse-33-ipo-price/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/gm-stock-prices-finally-eclipse-33-ipo-price/#comments Filed under: ,



General Motors has reached an important milestone this morning: the price for one share of the company has climbed to over $33. That's higher than the Initial Public Offering price from 2010. At roughly 12:15PM Eastern today, GM shares were up $0.97 on the day, some 2.99 percent, for a total of $33.36. The Detroit Free Press reports that the last time GM stock closed over $33 was on May 4, 2011. GM stock has been steadily growing in value throughout 2013. The stock price is up by 14 percent since the start of the year.

The jump over $33 per share is undoubtedly great news for both investors and GM employees, who've suffered through some scary moments over the last few years. In 2012, the share price fell below $19. Later that summer, GM CEO Dan Akerson spent some $500,000 on 25,000 shares as a vote of confidence in the embattled automaker (shares that are now worth roughly $825k... nicely played, Dan).

As has been widely reported, the $33 price still is far from the break-even point for the shares purchased by the US Government, however. The Treasury Department is still planning on divesting itself of GM shares by early 2014, and would need to see roughly $75 per share to break even on the investment it made in 2009 as part of the company's bankruptcy restructuring.

GM stock prices finally eclipse $33 IPO price originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dan akersongeneral motorsgeneral motors stockgmgm ipogm stockgm stock price Fri, 17 May 2013 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573955/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573955/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/gm-stock-prices-finally-eclipse-33-ipo-price/20573955/article-detail.xml 20573955 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gm-renaissance-center-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gm-renaissance-center-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 GMC Sierra Regular Cab revealed]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2014-gmc-sierra-regular-cab-revealed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2014-gmc-sierra-regular-cab-revealed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2014-gmc-sierra-regular-cab-revealed/#comments Filed under: , ,



Despite initially launching in just the Crew Cab configuration, the lineup of 2014 GMC Sierra and 2014 Chevrolet Silverado trucks will eventually grow to include three cab sizes and three bed lengths. Oddly enough, our first look at the Regular Cab bodystyle has arrived in a General Motors press release discussing the aerodynamics of the new truck, with an image showing a Sierra Regular Cab testing in the wind tunnel. GMC's website says that Regular Cab and Double Cab models will be available by summer.

While it really didn't take too much imagination to figure out what the two-door version would look like, this Regular Cab Z71 looks pretty sharp with its standard-length (6.5-feet) bed - a longer bed will also be offered. In regards to the aero tuning of the 2014 Sierra, these images show just how far GM has gone in maximizing the truck's fuel efficiency and reducing its noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. Interestingly, the press release shows visual evidence that keeping the tailgate up is best for aero - there's always been some Mythbusters-level contention about such things -but GM also says that adding tonneau covers (preferably soft) and running boards can also help improve the overall aerodynamics. Scroll down for all of this aero info in the official press release.

Continue reading 2014 GMC Sierra Regular Cab revealed

2014 GMC Sierra Regular Cab revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 gmc sierra2014 gmc sierra regular cabchevy silveradogeneral motorsgmcgmc sierragmc sierra regular cab Thu, 16 May 2013 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572439/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572439/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/2014-gmc-sierra-regular-cab-revealed/20572439/article-detail.xml 20572439 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-gmc-sierra-regular-cab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-gmc-sierra-regular-cab.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen GM SUVs caught wearing new boxy bodies [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/next-gen-gm-suvs-caught-wearing-new-boxy-bodies-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/next-gen-gm-suvs-caught-wearing-new-boxy-bodies-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/next-gen-gm-suvs-caught-wearing-new-boxy-bodies-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

GM's next-generation SUVs caught testing in prototype form with cladding

We recently drove the brand-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and found it to be vastly improved compared to the outgoing model. And now that The General's pickup trucks have been squared away, it's time to focus our attention onto their passenger-friendly companions, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon (above).

Our spy photographers have passed along a huge smattering of photos (and a video), showing the new SUVs out testing. Both the short- and long-wheelbase models were spied, and while the overall shape of the vehicles hasn't changed all that much, we expect the updates to be substantial. In addition to new powertrain options, like GM's new small-block V8, we expect the interiors of both SUVs to get massive makeovers, providing better materials throughout their cabins and quieter, more refined environments. We even hear that some trick new suspension developments may be in store for upper-end models.

Visually, these spy shots allow us to see a couple of new details on the SUVs' front and rear fascias, including LED running lamps on the Yukon and some interesting LED taillamp treatments. Of course, the obvious third party missing from this set of photos is the Cadillac Escalade, but as we reported earlier, GM is working to further differentiate the 'Slade from the rest of the fullsize SUV lineup, and is working to make the new model "much less ostentatious."

Have a look at dozens of spy shots in our galleries above and below, and scroll down to see a video of one of the prototypes out on the road.

Continue reading Next-gen GM SUVs caught wearing new boxy bodies [w/video]

Next-gen GM SUVs caught wearing new boxy bodies [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 chevrolet tahoe2014 gmc yukonchevroletchevrolet tahoegmgmcgmc yukonspy photosspy picsspy shotsvideo Wed, 15 May 2013 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20570138/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20570138/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/next-gen-gm-suvs-caught-wearing-new-boxy-bodies-w-video/20570138/article-detail.xml 20570138 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-gmc-yukon-spy-shots628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-gmc-yukon-spy-shots628opt.jpg <![CDATA[HSV unholsters Holden Gen-F lineup [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/hsv-unholsters-holden-gen-f-lineup-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/hsv-unholsters-holden-gen-f-lineup-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/hsv-unholsters-holden-gen-f-lineup-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Holden HSV Gen-F GTS

Here it is, folks. Right on schedule, Holden has revealed full details on its reborn range of HSV Gen-F models. The bulk of the new HSV machinery will go on sale next month, though the baddest of them all, the supercharged HSV GTS, will reportedly be delayed until September.

The GTS may well be worth the wait, however, as its 430kW supercharged V8 engine (known as the LSA, the engine makes 580 horsepower and 556 pound-feet of torque in the US-market Chevy Camaro ZL1) will make this the fastest Holden ever produced. Lower-level ClubSport models will come equipped with a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 with 317kW of power. A ClubSport R8 sedan with a 325kW version of the engine and a ClubSport SV with a 340kW engine will also be available.

Bodystyle choices range from a sedan to a wagon and, of course, an El Camino a Ute called the Maloo, since this is Australia after all. Long-wheelbase Grange model and an upscale Senator model will be offered with slightly more toned-down exterior looks for those who'd rather blend in to the crowd. Pricing has yet to be announced, but you're welcome to scroll down below to watch a video before checking out all the details from Holden here.

Continue reading HSV unholsters Holden Gen-F lineup [w/video]

HSV unholsters Holden Gen-F lineup [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> australiagen-fholdenhsvhsv gen-fhsv gts Tue, 14 May 2013 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568942/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568942/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/hsv-unholsters-holden-gen-f-lineup-w-video/20568942/article-detail.xml 20568942 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/holden-hsv-gts-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/holden-hsv-gts-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan NV200 puts on a Bowtie as new Chevy City Express]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/nissan-nv200-puts-on-a-bowtie-as-new-chevy-city-express/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/nissan-nv200-puts-on-a-bowtie-as-new-chevy-city-express/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/nissan-nv200-puts-on-a-bowtie-as-new-chevy-city-express/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2015 Chevy City Express

Your eyes do not deceive you - that is, in fact, a Nissan NV200 work van with Chevrolet badging. General Motors and Nissan today announced a partnership where the Japanese automaker will build Bowtie-badged vans for Chevy dealers to sell throughout the United States and Canada. The new van, called the City Express, is expected to go on sale in the fall of 2014.

"Our fleet customers have asked us for an entry in the commercial small van segment, so this addition to the Chevrolet portfolio will strengthen our position with fleets and our commercial customers," Ed Peper, US vice president of GM fleet and commercial sales, said in a press release.

No details have been released regarding specific changes for the new City Express, though from the images released today, it's clear that the vehicle's front fascia has been reworked, and some super-sexy new wheel covers have been added. If we're honest, the NV200 wasn't all that pretty to begin with, and this, well, isn't any better. Not that looks are of primary concern in the commercial truck business, of course.

Nissan already sells the NV200 in several global markets; it has even been selected as the New York City Taxi of Tomorrow. Pricing for the new City Express will be revealed closer to the van's launch, and we'll be curious to see how it lines up with the NV200's numbers. Either way, we think this has all the signs of a win-win for both companies - Nissan has the capacity and Chevy has a pretty pronounced need for modern commercial vans.

Have a look below for the official press release from GM.

Continue reading Nissan NV200 puts on a Bowtie as new Chevy City Express

Nissan NV200 puts on a Bowtie as new Chevy City Express originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 chevy city expresschevychevy city expressgeneral motorsgmnissannissan nv200 Tue, 14 May 2013 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568180/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568180/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/nissan-nv200-puts-on-a-bowtie-as-new-chevy-city-express/20568180/article-detail.xml 20568180 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2015-chevy-city-express628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2015-chevy-city-express628opt.jpg <![CDATA[GM to go coastal on dealer improvements]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/gm-to-go-coastal-on-dealer-improvements/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/gm-to-go-coastal-on-dealer-improvements/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/gm-to-go-coastal-on-dealer-improvements/#comments Filed under: ,

Cadillac dealership

According to a report from The Detroit News citing "sources familiar with the company's plan," General Motors will spend $200 million to revamp dealerships on the East and West Coasts, specifically in California, New York and New Jersey. Many dealerships will be restyled, some will be relocated and some will be closed entirely.

Car buyers in coastal regions of the US, particularly in California, tend to prefer import brands, but GM's market share falls short even when compared to crosstown rivals Ford and Chrysler. Naturally, GM senses a prime opportunity to attract a larger share in these locations and has reportedly seen improvements already in some metropolitan areas in California where it has focused on making inroads.

In addition to restyling its East Coast dealerships, GM will reportedly move some of their service departments to offsite locations to free up space for better facilities.

GM to go coastal on dealer improvements originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> californiagmgm dealershipsnew jerseynew york Tue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567283/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567283/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/gm-to-go-coastal-on-dealer-improvements/20567283/article-detail.xml 20567283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cadillac-gm-dealership_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cadillac-gm-dealership.jpg <![CDATA[Would you allow advertisements on your infotainment system? [w/poll]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/would-you-allow-advertisements-on-your-infotainment-system-w-p/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/would-you-allow-advertisements-on-your-infotainment-system-w-p/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/would-you-allow-advertisements-on-your-infotainment-system-w-p/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



As consumers find new ways to avoid commercials and advertisements, companies are constantly trying to find new ways of marketing to them. Other than radio commercials, it's hard to think of a way for ads to show up in our cars, but Reuters is reporting that General Motors is considering selling ads show inside its in-car infotainment systems.

In the article, GM CEO Dan Akerson talked about the possibility of in-car ads with the example being a "brought to you by Alltstate" message showing up on the infotainment screen. Of course, this doesn't even begin to factor in what sort of ads we'll start seeing in GM cars once it launches its widespread 4G LTE Internet access for most vehicles starting with the 2015 model year.

Does this kind of advertising creep strike you as being par for the future course, or insidious beyond your wildest dreams? Make your voice heard, in our poll below.

View Poll

Would you allow advertisements on your infotainment system? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 May 2013 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisingdan akersongeneral motorsgmin-car advertising Sat, 11 May 2013 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560845/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560845/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/11/would-you-allow-advertisements-on-your-infotainment-system-w-p/20560845/article-detail.xml 20560845 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cadillac-cue_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cadillac-cue.jpg <![CDATA[American automakers fall in latest Fortune 500 rankings]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/american-automakers-fall-in-latest-fortune-500-rankings/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/american-automakers-fall-in-latest-fortune-500-rankings/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/american-automakers-fall-in-latest-fortune-500-rankings/#comments Filed under: , ,

Fortune 500

Not that it means anything beyond bragging rights, but if you're fixated on the positions of domestic automakers on the annual Fortune 500 list, both General Motors and Ford are still on it but they've slipped a couple of notches. The list ranks American companies and they're ordered solely by revenue. GM, fifth last year, came in seventh, while Ford fell from ninth to tenth even though both companies saw small gains in annual revenue.

GM's $152.3 billion in revenue was less than a third of that of the first company on the list: Wal-Mart, which regained the title from Exxon Mobil. Berkshire Hathaway and Apple are the firms that moved GM down. Ford, displaced by energy company Valero, had $134.3 billion in revenue.

On a side note, profitability isn't a factor, but both GM and Ford were down in this year's list compared to last year's: GM declined from $9.2 billion to $6.2 billion, Ford fell from $20.2 billion to $5.6 billion. If profits were included, Exxon Mobil would probably still be king: although the energy company made almost $20 billion less in revenue than Wal-Mart's $469.2 billion, it posted $44.9 billion in profit compared to Wal-Mart's $17 billion.

American automakers fall in latest Fortune 500 rankings originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fordfortunefortune 500gmprofitrevenue Fri, 10 May 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562799/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562799/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/american-automakers-fall-in-latest-fortune-500-rankings/20562799/article-detail.xml 20562799 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fortune-500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fortune-500.jpg <![CDATA[Treasury to begin selling off more GM stock]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/treasury-to-begin-selling-off-more-gm-stock/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/treasury-to-begin-selling-off-more-gm-stock/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/treasury-to-begin-selling-off-more-gm-stock/#comments Filed under: , ,

GM Rencen with American flags

Reuters reports that earlier this week the US Treasury announced the sale of another tranche of General Motors stock. It didn't say how many of the 241.7 million shares it holds in the automaker it would sell, nor exactly when - the discretion apparently intended to keep hedge funds from profiting from the situation. The government's ownership is broken down into common and diluted shares, representing close to 18 percent of the company at the moment, down from the 60.8 percent it owned in 2009 after GM's bankruptcy. This follows a share sale in February, when Treasury sold 17.2 million shares for $489 million.

Although GM's share price is nowhere near the $70-per-share or so that Treasury would need to break even, the department has reiterated that the point of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) wasn't to make money but to save jobs. GM's share price has, however, almost edged back to its November 2012 IPO price of $33. At the time of writing, shares were trading for $32.10. Based on the timetable Treasury gave in December, it should be fully divested of its GM ownership within a year from now.

Treasury to begin selling off more GM stock originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bailoutfinancial crisisgeneral motorsgmgm bankruptcygm stocktarptreasurytroubled asset relief program Thu, 09 May 2013 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561573/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561573/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/treasury-to-begin-selling-off-more-gm-stock/20561573/article-detail.xml 20561573 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gyi0061332043_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gyi0061332043.jpg <![CDATA[GM to build $1.3 billion Cadillac plant in China]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/gm-build-cadillac-plant-china/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/gm-build-cadillac-plant-china/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/gm-build-cadillac-plant-china/#comments Filed under: , , ,



General Motors has gotten approval to build a $1.3 billion manufacturing facility for its Cadillac brand in China. China's National Development and Reform Commission signed off on plans for GM to build the plant in the country's Shanghai's Jinqiao zone; construction is expected to begin in June of this year. According to a Bloomberg report, the plant will have an annual production capacity of 150,000 units.

No surprise here, but Cadillac would like to sell a lot more cars in the plush Chinese luxury market. The brand moved only 30,010 cars in China last year, compared with 400k for Audi, and about 330k for BMW. With Cadillac already telling us that it would be moving production of its XTS sedan to China - a production decision that saves having to pay 25-percent import tariffs - approval of the factory is a critical win for the company.

In fact, according to earlier comments by GM China president Bob Socia, it's at least conceivable that Chinese-built Cadillacs could be shipped back to the US for sale. The brave new world of globalization, getting stranger by the minute.

GM to build $1.3 billion Cadillac plant in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cadillaccadillac xtschinageneral motorsgm Wed, 08 May 2013 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562283/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562283/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/gm-build-cadillac-plant-china/20562283/article-detail.xml 20562283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cadillac-xts-china-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cadillac-xts-china-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 GMC Sierra 4.3L V6 to offer segment-best 305 LB-FT]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/2014-gmc-sierra-4-3l-v6-to-offer-segment-best-305-lb-ft/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/2014-gmc-sierra-4-3l-v6-to-offer-segment-best-305-lb-ft/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/2014-gmc-sierra-4-3l-v6-to-offer-segment-best-305-lb-ft/#comments Filed under: , ,

GM 4.3-liter V6 Engine

General Motors has released more information on the 4.3-liter V6 available in the 2014 GMC Sierra. The engine will serve up 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission, and giving the V6 Sierra a maximum tow rating of 7,200 pounds in regular cab, short bed four-wheel drive configuration. GM claims that figure is 500 pounds more than the equivalent Ford F-150 equipped with a 3.7-liter V6, and 700 pounds more than the Ram 1500 with its 3.6-liter V6. Buyers can expect to see the 2014 GMC Sierra with the 4.3-liter engine start at $25,085 including destination.

While the engine does deliver more torque than either of its main competitors, it falls short on the horsepower front. The 3.7-liter V6 in the F-150 develops 302 hp while the 3.6-liter V6 in the Ram 1500 yields 305 hp. GM says fuel economy estimates for its newest entry will land later this year. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading 2014 GMC Sierra 4.3L V6 to offer segment-best 305 LB-FT

2014 GMC Sierra 4.3L V6 to offer segment-best 305 LB-FT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 gmc sierrageneral motorsgmgmcgmc sierragmc sierra v6v6 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:49:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559409/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559409/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/2014-gmc-sierra-4-3l-v6-to-offer-segment-best-305-lb-ft/20559409/article-detail.xml 20559409 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gm-v6-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gm-v6-628.jpg <![CDATA[38k GM eAssist hybrids recalled for circuit board, fire risk]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/38k-gm-eassist-hybrids-recalled-for-circuit-board-fire-risk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/38k-gm-eassist-hybrids-recalled-for-circuit-board-fire-risk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/38k-gm-eassist-hybrids-recalled-for-circuit-board-fire-risk/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2013 Chevy Malibu Eco

General Motors has issued a recall covering 38,197 2012 and 2013 model-year Chevy Malibu Eco, Buick LaCrosse and Regal sedans equipped with eAssist, and sold in the United States. The automaker will check the generator control module for proper operation. Only vehicles built before December 2012 are being recalled.

According to the automaker, a malfunctioning generator control module could slowly drain the battery, causing an indicator to light up in the dash. If that indicator is ignored, the driver may experience a stalling engine, and in some cases, "a burning or melting odor, smoke, and, in rare instances, a fire in the trunk."

GM says the issue is not with the eAssist battery pack; the smoke and fire comes from overheating of the control board. One trunk fire has been reported, but no injuries are known. Scroll down below for the official press release from GM.

Continue reading 38k GM eAssist hybrids recalled for circuit board, fire risk

38k GM eAssist hybrids recalled for circuit board, fire risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> buickbuick lacrossebuick regalchevychevy malibu ecoeassistgmrecall Mon, 06 May 2013 13:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559352/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559352/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/38k-gm-eassist-hybrids-recalled-for-circuit-board-fire-risk/20559352/article-detail.xml 20559352 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013malibueco026-1303317332_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013malibueco026-1303317332.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy sees greener pastures with 2014 Silverado High Country]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/2014-chevy-silverado-high-country-official/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/2014-chevy-silverado-high-country-official/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/2014-chevy-silverado-high-country-official/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country - front three-quarter view

It's no secret that fullsize pickups are the financial engines that power Detroit automakers - it's been that way for decades. In recent years, though, growing consumer appetites for dolled-up trucks has meant even more opportunities for manufacturers to line their coffers while pleasing increasingly discerning customers. Trims like King Ranch on the Ford F-Series and Laramie Longhorn on Ram trucks now include high-end amenities that were the exclusive preserve of luxury cars just a few years ago.

General Motors has been content to let its GMC brand harvest top-shelf pickup buyers for some time now - particularly with its high-line Denali models - but it's hard to turn away easy profits. GM says over 30 percent of new pickup sales now transact above $40,000, and that figure is growing by the year. Thus, it's no surprise that execs are finally letting Chevrolet get in on the action with this new range-topping High Country trim for the 2014 Silverado. Officials tell Autoblog that it's the first premium-branded Chevy pickup since the Cameo Carrier of the 1950s.

Sitting above the LTZ and Z71 off-road model, the Silverado High Country sets itself apart with trim-specific chrome grille and body-color bumpers front and rear - the only fullsize Chevy so equipped - along with unique 20-inch alloy wheels and a few bits of chrome frosting to go with the usual complement of badges. Available only in crew cab configuration, High Country will be offered in both two- and four-wheel drive with the buyer's choice of V8 engines - 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter - along with either a 5-foot, 8-inch or 6-foot, 6-inch box. There are no specific powertrain or suspension calibrations for the model.

Continue reading Chevy sees greener pastures with 2014 Silverado High Country

Chevy sees greener pastures with 2014 Silverado High Country originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 chevy silverado2014 chevy silverado high countrychevychevy silveradochevy silverado high countrygeneral motorshigh country Sun, 05 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556432/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556432/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/2014-chevy-silverado-high-country-official/20556432/article-detail.xml 20556432 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-chevrolet-silveradohighctry-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-chevrolet-silveradohighctry-628.jpg <![CDATA['Birthplace of GM' now back in company hands [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Durant Dort Factory One

General Motors has signed a purchase agreement for the Durant-Dort Carriage Company factory in Flint, Michigan for an undisclosed sum. Calling the location "Factory One," GM President of North America Mark Reuss said he isn't sure what will be done with the site yet, but when it's "reborn" it will "be great and it's going to be something we can all be proud of - GM and Flint."

According to Wikipedia, William Durant co-founded the Durant-Dort Carriage Co. with Josiah Dallas Dort in 1886. They leased a factory to build carriages from the Flint Woolen Mills, and the office building across the street is where Durant dreamed up the idea for General Motors - coincidentally, both David Dunbar Buick and Charles Nash, who would open their own respective car companies, worked for the carriage company.

GM will also take over the upkeep of the carriage company's office building. It has been suggested that the boardroom there could become a museum, but publicly all we know is that Reuss says, "We're going to make that area a really special area." Scroll down to watch a video offering a bit of history on the venture, as well as an announcement message from GM's Reuss.

Continue reading 'Birthplace of GM' now back in company hands [w/video]

'Birthplace of GM' now back in company hands [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 May 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dortdurant-dort carriage coflintgeneral motorsgmmark reussmichiganwilliam durant Sun, 05 May 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557141/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557141/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/20557141/article-detail.xml 20557141 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/durant-dorch-factory-one_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/durant-dorch-factory-one.jpg <![CDATA[Couple found guilty of trying to sell GM hybrid tech to China sentenced to year in prison]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/couple-found-guilty-of-trying-to-sell-gm-hybrid-tech-to-china-se/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/couple-found-guilty-of-trying-to-sell-gm-hybrid-tech-to-china-se/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/couple-found-guilty-of-trying-to-sell-gm-hybrid-tech-to-china-se/#comments Filed under: ,



Five months ago, former General Motors engineer Shanshan Du and her husband, Yu Qin were convicted of stealing hybrid technology trade secrets, in attempts to sell the information to Chinese competitors.

US District Judge Marianne Battani sentenced Du to serve one year and one day in prison, a relatively lightweight sentence compared with the minimum six and a half years called for by Federal guidelines. (The minimum sentence is not mandatory, in this instance.) Qin meanwhile, who was convicted of fraud and obstruction of justice, in addition to the conspiracy and possessing trade secrets convictions he shared with his wife, was sentenced to three years in prison. Both will remain free until late this summer.

The Associated Press and ABC News report that Judge Battani took Du's health problems, as well as threat to the public, into account with the sentencing. Said Battani, "I don't think the public needs to be protected from you, but it needs to be protected from others like you," according to the AP story.

Du and Qin both admitted to being guilty of and remorseful for their crimes, claiming they made "wrong decisions."

Couple found guilty of trying to sell GM hybrid tech to China sentenced to year in prison originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> shanshan duyu qin Sat, 04 May 2013 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556370/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556370/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/04/couple-found-guilty-of-trying-to-sell-gm-hybrid-tech-to-china-se/20556370/article-detail.xml 20556370 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/yu-qin-shanshan-du-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/yu-qin-shanshan-du-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Chevy Spark ditching four-speed automatic for CVT]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/2014-chevy-spark-ditching-four-speed-automatic-for-cvt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/2014-chevy-spark-ditching-four-speed-automatic-for-cvt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/2014-chevy-spark-ditching-four-speed-automatic-for-cvt/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2013 Chevy Spark

According to Green Car Reports, a few minor changes are on deck for the littlest Chevrolet. Christi Landy, Chevy's small car marketing director, confirmed to GCR that the 2014 model year Spark will lose its four-speed automatic transmission in favor of a continuously variable unit.

The new CVT will be offered alongside the Spark's five-speed manual transmission, and no other changes are planned regarding the car's 84-horsepower, 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy numbers have not been released as of this writing, but a slight gain is expected for the new CVT model.

This isn't a huge deal to the naked eye, but we fully expect that the new CVT-equipped Spark will offer a more refined driving experience. The 2014 Spark hits Chevy dealers later this year.

2014 Chevy Spark ditching four-speed automatic for CVT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 chevy sparkchevychevy sparkcontinuously variable transmissioncvt Fri, 03 May 2013 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557346/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557346/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/2014-chevy-spark-ditching-four-speed-automatic-for-cvt/20557346/article-detail.xml 20557346 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2013-chevrolet-spark-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2013-chevrolet-spark-fd.jpg <![CDATA[GM nets $865M in Q1, down 14%]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gm-nets-865m-in-q1-down-14percent/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gm-nets-865m-in-q1-down-14percent/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gm-nets-865m-in-q1-down-14percent/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

General Motors RenCen

As the last of the Detroit automakers to check in with its first-quarter earnings in 2013, General Motors has announced that it saw a net income of $0.9 billion, which, according to Automotive News, is rounded up from $865 million, to go with Q1 revenue of $36.9 billion and a pre-tax profit of $1.8 billion. These numbers are all slightly lower than Q1 2012 in which GM posted a $1 billion net income, $37.8 billion in revenue and a pre-tax profit of $2.2 billion.

In North America, GM's pre-tax income was $1.4 billion (down from $1.6 billion last year), which, says AN, is being attributed to fullsize trucks with excessive rebates on existing models and idled plants retooling for the redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. GM Europe was the only division in which the automaker lost money with a pre-tax loss of $0.2 billion.

In comparing GM's Q1 earnings with its Detroit counterparts, Ford just posted a net income of $1.6 billion - and its highest quarterly pre-tax profit since 2000 - while Chrysler brought in $166 million. All three Detroit automakers posted a market share gain in the first quarter, which is an accomplishment that hasn't been achieved since Q1 1993. Scroll down below for the official announcement from GM.

Continue reading GM nets $865M in Q1, down 14%

GM nets $865M in Q1, down 14% originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> general motorsgmgm earningsgm profitsgm q1 2013 earningsgm q1 earningsq1 2013 Thu, 02 May 2013 17:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556213/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556213/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/gm-nets-865m-in-q1-down-14percent/20556213/article-detail.xml 20556213 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gmrenaissancecenter04_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gmrenaissancecenter04.jpg -1 2