Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2012 Buick Regal GS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/2012-buick-regal-gs-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/2012-buick-regal-gs-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/2012-buick-regal-gs-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A Great Sport Sedan With One Big "But"



Of the remaining General Motors nameplates, Buick is the one that's most difficult to wrap your mind around. On the one hand, it's supposed to be a premium brand, but on the other, it's selling vehicles with sticker prices that tend to start in the $20,000 price range, seemingly encroaching on Chevrolet territory. To wit: The Buick Verano is a bit over $23,000 and the Buick Regal starts just under $28,000, while Chevy sells its Cruze, Malibu and Impala in that same range. Even the Buick LaCrosse, whose price shot up nearly $4,000 this year, starts at $31,045. Indeed, GM must be using a mandoline to price the different versions of its sedans clustered around the $25,000-$30,000 price range.

But it's over that threshold where things get really perplexing. Because whether we understand GM's strategy or not, a twenty-some-thousand dollar Buick makes sense. You look at all the boxes you have to tick on a mainstream brand product to get the amenities that Buick offers and you dump that and all the data about the premium competition in a spreadsheet, and you can probably justify a Buick as a wise purchase. If you're an actuary or an accountant, all the better.

A Regal GS with a $35,310 base price (or an as-tested cost of $38,155 like ours), however, has stepped onto an entirely different playing field, like a junior varsity kid getting bumped up to play on Friday night. This isn't the sort of car you research over the Internet and lease after a five-minute test drive. It's purportedly a driver's car, something to seek out and manhandle. We thus find it rather disingenuous to compare it with cars from Acura and Volvo - the Regal GS is really scrapping with vetted sports sedans like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, and even its kissing-GM-cousin, the larger Cadillac CTS.

Continue reading 2012 Buick Regal GS

2012 Buick Regal GS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 buick regal gsbuickgeneral motorsgminsigniainsignia opcopcopelopel insignia opcregalregal gsreviewreviewsMon, 13 Feb 2012 11:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20170055/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/13/2012-buick-regal-gs-review/20170055/article-detail.xml 20170055 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/03-2012-buick-regal-gs-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/03-2012-buick-regal-gs-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chevrolet Cruze station wagon unveiled ahead of Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/chevrolet-cruze-station-wagon-unveiled-ahead-of-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/chevrolet-cruze-station-wagon-unveiled-ahead-of-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/chevrolet-cruze-station-wagon-unveiled-ahead-of-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon

This is the new Chevy Cruze station wagon, which will debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show and then arrive in European showrooms this summer. At 184 inches, it's longer than both the Cruze sedan and hatchback (by three and seven inches, respectively).

Inside, there's 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, and up to 52.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Drivers will get to choose from a range of gasoline (1.6, 1.8, and 1.4T) and diesel (1.7 and 2.0) powertrains, and the long-roof Cruze arrives with Chevy MyLink available.

Australians will get a Holden-badged version, but as for us? Sorry, guys. Don't expect anything in the near future. Chevrolet spokesman Michael Albano says, "No plans on bringing the wagon to US at this point. But we'll continue to evaluate market as needed."

The official press announcement is pasted after the jump, and you can click on the image above to see a larger version.

Continue reading Chevrolet Cruze station wagon unveiled ahead of Geneva

Chevrolet Cruze station wagon unveiled ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingchevroletchevycruzeestategmholdenstation wagonwagonThu, 09 Feb 2012 09:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167995/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/chevrolet-cruze-station-wagon-unveiled-ahead-of-geneva/20167995/article-detail.xml 20167995 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/cruzewagonsmall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/cruzewagonsmall.jpg <![CDATA[GM marketing chief thinks there are only two truck companies: Chevy and Ford]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-thinks-there-are-only-two-truck-compa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-thinks-there-are-only-two-truck-compa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-thinks-there-are-only-two-truck-compa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Super Bowl ad for the Chevrolet Silverado shows that the rivalry between Chevrolet and Ford still rages strong. But is there room for another brand or two to mix it up in the battle for pickup supremacy? Not according to General Motors marketing chief Joel Ewanick.

Fox News reports that Ewanick said during a web chat on Jalopnik that "the two big players are Ford and Chevy." Ewanick added that it's like a presidential debate, saying "We want to have it with the other strong candidate - and we want to engage them and want them to engage us."
A quick look at the numbers shows that Ewanick has a point. The Ford F-Series was the top dog in 2011, with 584,917 trucks sold. The Silverado came in second with 415,130 sales, but if you add the nearly identical GMC Sierra, General Motors makes the battle much closer with 564,300 unit sales. That's more sales than the Toyota Tundra, Ram full-size and Nissan Titan combined (even without the Sierra.)

The Ram, also an excellent pickup, finished a distant third with a reported 244,763 sales. Still, Ram brand spokesperson Dave Elshoff insists that Ram trucks remain part of the equation, adding "across much of the west - where trucks are worked hard - it's Ram that's either number one or two in market share."

We're not so sure that the truck battle is Chevy versus Ford and then everybody else, but it sure is nice to see GM and Ford getting a little chippy. It's a good bet that the chatter grows louder as the next generation Silverado and F-150 hit the auto show circuit in about a year.

GM marketing chief thinks there are only two truck companies: Chevy and Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletf-150fordgeneral motorsgmramsilveradotruck salesWed, 08 Feb 2012 18:42:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20166814/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-thinks-there-are-only-two-truck-compa/20166814/article-detail.xml 20166814 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/joel-ewanick-chevy-gm_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/joel-ewanick-chevy-gm.jpg <![CDATA[2013 GMC Acadia shows up with slightly new look]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-gmc-acadia-chicago-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-gmc-acadia-chicago-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-gmc-acadia-chicago-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



General Motors has lifted the veil on its refreshed 2013 GMC Acadia at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. Designers gave the big crossover a slight redo with a new front valance, headlight details and new interior materials.

Up front, the 2013 Acadia boasts a new grille set into a more vertical nose (reminiscent of the Granite, anyone?), and buyers can now look forward to more attractive diffused LED daytime running lights on both projector and HID headlight-equipped models. At the back, the Acadia now wears wrap-around glass and a redesigned spoiler. GM has also thrown in a few more wheel design options in both 18- and 19-inch sizes.

Inside, the new Acadia offers upgraded materials, including details like French stitching and red ambient lighting. High-zoot models will boast aluminum trim work, as well.

More importantly, the 2013 Acadia will come with what GM calls the industry's first center air bag. The system is designed to protect drivers and front passengers in accidents where the impact is on the opposite side of the vehicle. The bag inflates from the right side of the driver's seat and stabilizes occupants during the crash. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading 2013 GMC Acadia shows up with slightly new look

2013 GMC Acadia shows up with slightly new look originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 gmc adaciaacadiachicagochicago 2012chicago auto showgeneral motorsgmgmcWed, 08 Feb 2012 10:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165274/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/2013-gmc-acadia-chicago-2012/20165274/article-detail.xml 20165274 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013acadia35-1328717578_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013acadia35-1328717578.jpg <![CDATA[Bush says he'd pull the trigger on auto bailouts again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/bush-says-hed-pull-the-trigger-on-auto-bailouts-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/bush-says-hed-pull-the-trigger-on-auto-bailouts-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/bush-says-hed-pull-the-trigger-on-auto-bailouts-again/#commentsFiled under: , ,



President George W. Bush recently spoke to a gathering of auto dealers in Las Vegas, saying that while he believes in the free market under normal conditions, he doesn't regret the $700 billion bailout fund used to rescue General Motors and Chrysler from the brink of collapse. Bush was quoted as saying he'd do it again, and that he didn't want there to be a 21 percent unemployment rate. The former leader avoided addressing remarks from the current gaggle of Republican presidential candidates who have criticized his decision to lend a hand to banks, insurers and automakers.

"If you make a bad decision, you ought to pay," Bush said. "Sometimes circumstances get in the way of philosophy."

Bush championed a $17.4 billion bailout for the two automakers in December of 2008 as part of the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has said both Bush and current President Barack Obama were mistaken in bailing out the auto industry. Instead, Romney believes GM and Chrysler should have been allowed to go into a controlled bankruptcy from the start.

Bush says he'd pull the trigger on auto bailouts again originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive bailoutbailoutbarack obamachryslergeneral motorsgeorge bushgeorge w bushgmmitt romneytarptroubled asset relief programTue, 07 Feb 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165990/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/bush-says-hed-pull-the-trigger-on-auto-bailouts-again/20165990/article-detail.xml 20165990 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/gyi0056392389_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/gyi0056392389.jpg <![CDATA[Why haven't you seen many new Chevy Caprice police cars? GM delays.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/why-havent-you-seen-many-new-chevy-caprice-police-cars-gm-dela/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/why-havent-you-seen-many-new-chevy-caprice-police-cars-gm-dela/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/why-havent-you-seen-many-new-chevy-caprice-police-cars-gm-dela/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Chevrolet Caprice Patrol Vehicle

The sun has long since set on the Ford Crown Victoria and the big sedan's Police Interceptor variants, but many parts of the country still haven't seen the next-generation of pursuit vehicles take to the street. In the case of the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle, that's because General Motors has hit a delay in providing the Holden-based sedans. According to the DuPont Registry, the delay is two-fold. Shipping from Australia is taking longer than expected, and Chevrolet dealers aren't outfitting the vehicles quickly enough to satiate demand.

The report quotes Deputy Chief Jeff Undestad of the Largo Police Department in Largo, Florida as saying his office waited more than eight months for GM to deliver their Caprice Patrol Vehicles to the dealer. Undestad should consider himself lucky. A neighboring department waited 10 months for its new patrol cars. Chrysler, meanwhile, usually takes two to three months to deliver its police-duty Dodge Charger models.

GM, meanwhile, says that the company is working to address the shipping issues. The company now has a pool of Caprice Patrol Vehicles at port, which should help trim the wait time.

Why haven't you seen many new Chevy Caprice police cars? GM delays. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacaprice delaychevroletchevrolet caprice delaychevrolet caprice police patrol vehiclechevrolet caprice ppvdelaygeneral motorsgmpolice carpolice patrol vehicleppvshippingMon, 06 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20164709/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/06/why-havent-you-seen-many-new-chevy-caprice-police-cars-gm-dela/20164709/article-detail.xml 20164709 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chevrolet-caprice-patrol-vehicle-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chevrolet-caprice-patrol-vehicle-628.jpg <![CDATA[Wagons West: Domestics picked up market share in California last year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/wagons-west-domestics-picked-up-market-share-in-california-last/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/wagons-west-domestics-picked-up-market-share-in-california-last/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/wagons-west-domestics-picked-up-market-share-in-california-last/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2012 Jeep Wrangler

Most days, California must seem like Kazakhstan for the Big Three. Domestic products aren't so popular out West, where Toyota and Honda have long stood atop the sales charts. But not in 2011.

According to a report in Automotive News, both General Motors and Ford managed to bump Honda from its silver medal position in 2011, though Toyota still holds a commanding market share lead. In a storyline we've heard before, the twin natural disasters in Asia curbed Japanese production, causing a 4.5 point loss of market share. Toyota's market share dropped from 22.8 to 19.2 percent, while GM and Ford tied at 12.6 percent - ahead of Honda at 12.1.

Booming sales in the Golden State helped the domestics to their 1.8 point gain. New vehicle registrations in California were up 9.9 percent, according to the report. The biggest sales gains last year were made by Kia and Jeep, which were up 53 and 49 percent, respectively.

Wagons West: Domestics picked up market share in California last year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacalifornia car salescalifornia carsdomestic automakerfordgeneral motorsgmhondajeepkiamarket sharetoyotaFri, 03 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163109/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/wagons-west-domestics-picked-up-market-share-in-california-last/20163109/article-detail.xml 20163109 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2012-jeep-wrangler-opt-1328211579_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2012-jeep-wrangler-opt-1328211579.jpg <![CDATA[Cadillac denies ATS Coupe development halted [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/cadillac-denies-ats-coupe-development-halted-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/cadillac-denies-ats-coupe-development-halted-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/cadillac-denies-ats-coupe-development-halted-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Wide Open Throttle

Motor Trend launched its new "Wide Open Throttle" news program on YouTube with a bombshell: "Cadillac Puts Hold on ATS Coupe." While it certainly gave us reason to click play, there's just one problem. The report - claiming that not just the coupe, but multiple ATS variants have been delayed or cancelled - may not be accurate.

Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell gave us the usual manufacturer disclaimer about not commenting on future product, but he did tell us, "There has been no recent radical shift in strategy" for the ATS. Reading between the lines, that either means an ATS coupe hasn't gotten past the idea stage, or that GM is still working hard at bringing us a two-door version of Caddy's BMW 3 Series fighter.

"On either end of the spectrum the reporting is inaccurate," Caldwell said, referring to those who have opined that Cadillac will launch several variants of the ATS sedan that comes to market later this year, including a coupe, a convertible, a wagon, and a shooting brake.

"We do plan to do variants," Caldwell told us. "We haven't yet called our shot of how we're going to execute that."

So what do we make of all this? We're pretty sure that we'll still see an ATS-V sedan, and perhaps that could be it for ATS models if the standard sedan is not well received. If sales take off, however, don't be surprised if Cadillac does move forward with at least one new bodystyle.

Click past the jump to watch the premiere episode of "Wide Open Throttle."

Continue reading Cadillac denies ATS Coupe development halted [w/video]

Cadillac denies ATS Coupe development halted [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 cadillac atsatsats convertibleats coupeats wagonats-vcadillaccadillac ats variantsgeneral motorsgmmotor trendwide open throttleFri, 03 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163786/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/cadillac-denies-ats-coupe-development-halted-w-video/20163786/article-detail.xml 20163786 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/wot-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/wot-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Foreign auto companies irked by Obama snub at DC Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/foreign-auto-companies-irked-by-obama-snub-at-dc-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/foreign-auto-companies-irked-by-obama-snub-at-dc-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/foreign-auto-companies-irked-by-obama-snub-at-dc-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

President Barack Obama checks out the new Dodge Dart

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama visited the Washington Auto Show, and he even had time to get a closer look at a few vehicles. We're guessing that the carmakers were more than happy to set aside some time to talk to the Commander In Chief, but not every automaker got the chance.

Bloomberg says that the Association of Global Automakers is upset because the president only spent time with the Detroit Three, even though other automakers reportedly flew in executives from around the world for the occasion. The executives were reportedly on hand and waiting in a "bullpen" in the event President Obama had any questions about specific vehicles, but The Pres stuck to American cars like the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Chevrolet Silverado.

AGA CEO Michael Stanton voiced his disappointment about the perceived slight, adding that many members "bent over backwards to meet the request from the White House." Stanton also points out that AGA members have invested $43 billion in the U.S. and employ over 80,000 workers here.

Foreign auto companies irked by Obama snub at DC Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>association of global automakersbarack obamachryslerdc auto showfordgmmichael stantonobamapresidentwashington auto showFri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163516/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/foreign-auto-companies-irked-by-obama-snub-at-dc-auto-show/20163516/article-detail.xml 20163516 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/obama-with-dodge-dart_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/obama-with-dodge-dart.jpg <![CDATA[GM stock price leads to greater estimate of losses on bailouts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/gm-stock-price-leads-to-greater-estimate-of-losses-on-bailouts/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/gm-stock-price-leads-to-greater-estimate-of-losses-on-bailouts/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/gm-stock-price-leads-to-greater-estimate-of-losses-on-bailouts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GM headquarters

The "Government Motors" crowd isn't going to be happy about this: The Detroit News is reporting that the U.S. Treasury now says it has lost an extra $170 million in the auto industry bailout. The culprit? The declining price of General Motors stock.

According to the report, GM's stock crested at $37.23, but is down 35 percent from that level today. The Treasury Department based its calculations on a $21.29 value from November 30, 2011. The government's share of GM was initially 61 percent, but has been reduced to 26.5 percent. The News says that the lower stock price has kept the government from selling its remaining 500 million shares.

While political opponents of the Obama administration will no doubt jump all over this report, the final cost of the bailout is still looking like it will be far less than originally thought. According to the report, the $44 billion estimate was reduced to $30 billion in December 2009, and this most recent estimate puts the total sum at $23.77 billion.

Matthew Anderson, a Treasury spokesman, was quoted as saying: "The auto industry rescue helped save one million jobs and is still projected to cost dramatically less than many had expected during the crisis."

GM stock price leads to greater estimate of losses on bailouts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto industry bailoutbailoutgeneral motorsgmgovernment motorsobamaobama administrationstock priceus treasuryWed, 01 Feb 2012 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161006/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/gm-stock-price-leads-to-greater-estimate-of-losses-on-bailouts/20161006/article-detail.xml 20161006 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/gmrexterior02-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/gmrexterior02-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Analysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Alan Mulally, Dan Akerson and Mark Reuss

Domestic automakers have much to be happy about, with Chrysler, Ford and General Motors all gaining market share last year for the first time since 1988. Yet according to Bloomberg, 2012 won't be as good to Detroit. Total sales are projected to grow from 12.8 million vehicles last year to 13.6 million, according to the report, but increasing competition from Korea and a Japanese recovery from the natural disasters of 2011 mean those extra sales aren't likely headed to the Big Three.

The news agency spoke to five analysts, and predictions have the U.S. automakers losing 1.3 percentage points this year. The analysts estimate that GM will drop 0.6 of a percent, Ford will lose 0.5 percent, and Chrysler will be down 0.2 percent. Toyota is seen gaining 0.9 percent, with Honda grabbing an extra 0.5 percent, while Hyundai and Kia are only projected to see their combined market share improve by 0.01.

If all this comes true, GM would have the top market share in the U.S. at 19 percent, with Ford in second at 16.3 percent, followed by Toyota at 13.8 percent, Chrysler at 10.5 percent, and Honda at 9.5 percent.

Analysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesbig threecar saleschryslerdomestic automakersfordgeneral motorsgmhondahyundaikiamarket sharetoyotau.s. automakersTue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160811/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/20160811/article-detail.xml 20160811 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012naiascharitypreview-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012naiascharitypreview-opt.jpg <![CDATA[A sneak peek at Chevrolet's plan for the Super Bowl]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/a-sneak-peek-at-chevrolets-plan-for-the-super-bowl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/a-sneak-peek-at-chevrolets-plan-for-the-super-bowl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/a-sneak-peek-at-chevrolets-plan-for-the-super-bowl/#commentsFiled under: ,



Chevrolet has purchased seven spots.

It's the two-minute warning in terms of Super Bowl advertising and Chevrolet still has some ground to cover. General Motors' largest brand is still mulling its advertising lineup with less than two weeks remaining until the New York Giants and New England Patriots meet in the big game.

Chevrolet has purchased seven spots. Exactly which vehicles will be featured and at what times is still stirring healthy debate at GM headquarters.

"Every day, we're changing the spots of what's running where," said Chris Perry, Chevrolet's vice president of global marketing and strategy. "We're probably going to push it to the end."

That comes Tuesday, Jan. 31 when NBC wants final decisions. Click past the jump to continue reading.

Continue reading A sneak peek at Chevrolet's plan for the Super Bowl

A sneak peek at Chevrolet's plan for the Super Bowl originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarochevroletchevygmsilveradosonicsuper bowlsuper bowl adssuper bowl commercialsvoltFri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157905/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/27/a-sneak-peek-at-chevrolets-plan-for-the-super-bowl/20157905/article-detail.xml 20157905 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/sonickickflipstill-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/sonickickflipstill-opt.jpg <![CDATA[GM CEO stands up for Chevy Volt in D.C. hearing; Issa tells NHTSA: "I don't believe you"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/gm-ceo-stands-up-for-chevy-volt-in-dc-hearing-issa-tells-nhtsa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/gm-ceo-stands-up-for-chevy-volt-in-dc-hearing-issa-tells-nhtsa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/gm-ceo-stands-up-for-chevy-volt-in-dc-hearing-issa-tells-nhtsa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



What a surprise. Today's Congressional hearing over the Chevrolet Volt fire and the resulting investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration turned out to be contentious.

The hearing took place in the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus Oversight and Government Spending. Just from the title of the event - "Volt Vehicle Fire: What did NHTSA Know and When Did They Know It?" - it was plain to see that chairman Darrell Issa was not looking to mess around. Issa had General Motors CEO Dan Akerson, NHTSA Administrator David Strickland and John German (Senior Fellow and Program Director at the International Council on Clean Transportation) at his disposal, but he clearly didn't always like what they had to say. Issa and other Republicans questioned the "unnatural relationship" between the Obama Administration and GM as well as why it took NHTSA so many months to reveal the fire in November when it happened in June.

GM's Akerson stood up for the Volt, saying that the fire that's caused so much commotion only happened "after putting the battery through lab conditions that no driver would experience in the real world," according to his prepared remarks. Strickland said NHTSA "pulled no punches" in the Volt fire investigation - which recently ended after finding the Volt to be a safe car - but Issa was having none of it. He told Strickland: "I hear you, I don't believe you."

You can find the official Congressional website about the hearing (which includes a video of the entire session) here. The subcommittee's staff report, "Government Motors: A Preliminary Report on the Effects of Bailouts and Politics on the Obama Administration's Ability to Protect American Consumers" is available as a PDF. Be careful when reading it, though, as it starts by subtly misleading the reader. The report says:

Moreover, in the case of GM, the [Obama] Administration has offered substantial taxpayer funded subsidies to encourage production of the Volt. ... It has also extended a significant subsidy to encourage consumers to purchase the vehicle, offering buyers of the Volt a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 per vehicle.

A bit of research shows that the $7,500 tax credit was first put into law in the 2007-2008 Congress with the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, well before there was an Obama Administration.

Continue reading GM CEO stands up for Chevy Volt in D.C. hearing; Issa tells NHTSA: "I don't believe you"

GM CEO stands up for Chevy Volt in D.C. hearing; Issa tells NHTSA: "I don't believe you" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltakersonchevroletchevrolet voltchevychevy voltdan akersondarrell issageneral motorsgmissanhtsaplug-in hybridvoltvolt fireWed, 25 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20156446/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/25/gm-ceo-stands-up-for-chevy-volt-in-dc-hearing-issa-tells-nhtsa/20156446/article-detail.xml 20156446 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/gm-ceo-akerson-at-volt-fire-hearing_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/gm-ceo-akerson-at-volt-fire-hearing.png <![CDATA[Memo says Bush administration almost pushed GM and Chrysler into earlier bankruptcy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/memo-says-bush-administration-almost-pushed-gm-and-chrysler-into/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/memo-says-bush-administration-almost-pushed-gm-and-chrysler-into/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/memo-says-bush-administration-almost-pushed-gm-and-chrysler-into/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

George Bush with Bob Nardelli of Chrysler

2008 was one crazy, almost surreal year. It was the year when the economy took a nosedive, and the U.S. auto industry nearly ceased to exist. One of the last major decisions former President Bush made before he left office was to give Chrysler and General Motors a combined $17.4 billion to keep their doors open.

That money held over the two automakers for a few months, but The Detroit News reports that the Bush administration almost took a different tack. The New Yorker published a 57-page economic memo that was written by economist Larry Summers to President Elect Obama. The memo claims that President Bush was noodling an earlier bankruptcy for the automakers, backed by up to $100 billion in government financing.

By instead forwarding GM and Chrysler a bridge loan, Bush (pictured here with former Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli) effectively prolonged the inevitable and pushed the tough decision on to the next administration. But that could have been the best possible action to take - Summers was reportedly of the opinion that pushing the automakers through bankruptcy too early could have severely damaged the entire U.S. auto industry - not just at Chrysler and GM.

In the end, Chrysler entered bankruptcy in April, followed by GM in June. Chrysler no longer owes the federal government any money, though Uncle Sam still owns 26.5 percent of The General. As a result of the Bush administration's choices, the Obama administration is the one that gets the blame and credit (depending on your political viewpoint) for shepherding the two automakers through bankruptcy.

Memo says Bush administration almost pushed GM and Chrysler into earlier bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto bailoutbailoutbankruptcybushchryslerchrysler bankruptcygeneral motorsgeorge bushgmgm bankruptcylarry summersobamaTue, 24 Jan 2012 10:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/24/memo-says-bush-administration-almost-pushed-gm-and-chrysler-into/20155012/article-detail.xml 20155012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/george-bush-with-bob-nardelli-of-chrysler_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/george-bush-with-bob-nardelli-of-chrysler.jpg <![CDATA[GM's business in Iraq is booming]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/gms-business-in-iraq-is-booming/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/gms-business-in-iraq-is-booming/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/gms-business-in-iraq-is-booming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2012 Chevrolet Colorado available in Iraq

Long before the first U.S. soldier laid a boot on Iraq soil in the first Gulf War, General Motors planned to build a manufacturing facility in the country. According to The Detroit News, the years since haven't been entirely kind to the automaker's sales efforts in Iraq. That's no shock given America's reputation in the Middle East nation, but its prospects are beginning to look up. Whereas GM once trailed even Renault in sales, the company managed to move 35,000 vehicles last year. Not bad considering the entire new vehicle market in Iraq totaled just 115,000 in 2011.

GM's sales largely consisted of SUVs and pickup trucks (like the locally available version of the Colorado seen above), though The Detroit News notes that some Chevrolet and Cadillac sedans have sold as well, too. That's particularly impressive given that Iraqi drivers aren't required to have insurance and kidnappers in the country have been known to favor those who drive high-dollar luxury vehicles.

GM's business in Iraq is booming originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillacchevroletgeneral motorsgeneral motors in iraqgmgm in iraqgulf wariraqiraq warMon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153894/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/gms-business-in-iraq-is-booming/20153894/article-detail.xml 20153894 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-chevy-colorado-iraq_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-chevy-colorado-iraq.jpg <![CDATA[Some Chevy dealers rejecting further Volt allocations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/some-chevy-dealers-rejecting-further-volt-allocations/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/some-chevy-dealers-rejecting-further-volt-allocations/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/some-chevy-dealers-rejecting-further-volt-allocations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt front three-quarter

General Motors is having a hard time with the Chevrolet Volt. First, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a probe into the vehicle over the possibility of post-crash fires, and now some of its dealers are refusing to take their allocations of the extended-range plug-in hybrid. For example, according to Automotive News, GM set aside 104 Volt models for 14 dealerships across the greater New York City market. Of those vehicles, dealers took just 31. The problem isn't just out East, either. The report claims one California dealer turned down all six Volt models allocated to him despite the fact that his franchise sold 10 of the vehicles last year.

GM, meanwhile, admits that ordering on the vehicle is down. The automaker attributes the slump to the fact that most dealers were awaiting resolution on the NHTSA investigation (the Volt has since been given a clean bill of health), though GM has announced a voluntary repair to prevent the fires in the future. Even so, public opinion on the vehicle has taken a ding, and many dealers may simply be waiting for the dust to settle before recommitting to the model.

Some Chevy dealers rejecting further Volt allocations originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltchevroletchevrolet voltchevrolet volt saleschevygeneral motorsgmvoltvolt salesMon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20154548/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/some-chevy-dealers-rejecting-further-volt-allocations/20154548/article-detail.xml 20154548 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2011-chevrolet-volt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2011-chevrolet-volt-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford to pay bonuses and raises, GM and Chrysler decline to do same]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/ford-to-pay-bonuses-and-raises-gm-and-chrysler-decline-to-do-sa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/ford-to-pay-bonuses-and-raises-gm-and-chrysler-decline-to-do-sa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/ford-to-pay-bonuses-and-raises-gm-and-chrysler-decline-to-do-sa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Badge

Ford has announced that it will give both bonuses and merit-based raises to the company's salaried workers in the United States and Canada for the first time since 2008, according to Reuters. On average, the manufacturer will offer a 2.7 percent salary increase based on individual performance. The company stopped offering the bonuses after the financial crisis of 2009 sent automotive sales into a plunge. Ford paid neither bonuses nor merit raises that year, but offered merit raises in 2010. In 2011, the company's workers received bonuses only.

Of course, this decision has sent all eyes toward General Motors and Chrysler and their plans for their own workers. According to The Detroit News, both GM and Chrysler have said raises and bonuses will be determined by their own performance, not their rival's actions. GM has announced the company will make a final decision after it analyzes its financial results for 2011. Chrysler, meanwhile, intends to announce its fourth-quarter 2011 results on February 1, after which it will determine whether its workers will be eligible for their yearly awards.

Ford to pay bonuses and raises, GM and Chrysler decline to do same originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusbonuseschryslerfordgeneral motorsgmmerit raiseMon, 23 Jan 2012 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153893/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/ford-to-pay-bonuses-and-raises-gm-and-chrysler-decline-to-do-sa/20153893/article-detail.xml 20153893 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ford-badge-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ford-badge-628.jpg <![CDATA[VW takes issue with claim that GM is world's largest automaker]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/vw-takes-issue-with-claim-that-gm-is-worlds-largest-automaker/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/vw-takes-issue-with-claim-that-gm-is-worlds-largest-automaker/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/vw-takes-issue-with-claim-that-gm-is-worlds-largest-automaker/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volkswagen badge

We hope General Motors hasn't started planning that ticker-tape parade down Jefferson Avenue yet, as Volkswagen has apparently taken issue with the notion that GM might again be the world's largest automaker.

According to The Wall Street Journal, VW has said it will be adding some 200,000 units to its previously released sales total, contributions from some commercial truck manufacturers that are subsidiaries. Moreover, the WSJ has called into question GM's practice of counting the vehicles sold by two Chinese partners in which GM does not have a controlling interest. Liuzhou Wuling Motors sold 1.2 million vehicles in China last year, according to the report, which the Journal says some analysts don't count in tabulating their numbers. If those vehicles were excluded from GM's nine million vehicle sales total, it would drop behind VW.

Further controversy may cloud third place on the list, as the Nissan-Renault partnership may have passed Toyota in the rankings, according to the report. That is, if you accept the notion that Nissan and Renault are one company and that Renault's AvtoVAZ subsidiary should have its sales numbers count. Renault has a 25-percent state in the Russian company, notes the report.

Since there's little agreement about what rules should govern the accounting, until one of the top four really separates itself from the rest and pushes its total sales over 10 million vehicles, we will likely continue to see the annual global sales championship end in argument. VW, for what it's worth, seems hell-bent on becoming the undisputed largest car company, having repeatedly stated its intention to top 10 million sales.

VW takes issue with claim that GM is world's largest automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 auto salesauto salesbiggest automakercar salesgeneral motorsgmlargest automakernissannissan-renaultrenaultrenault-nissantoyotavolkswagenvwFri, 20 Jan 2012 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153181/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/20/vw-takes-issue-with-claim-that-gm-is-worlds-largest-automaker/20153181/article-detail.xml 20153181 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vwemblem-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vwemblem-opt.jpg <![CDATA[GM chooses "Chevy Happy Grad" for Super Bowl ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/gm-chooses-chevy-happy-grad-for-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/gm-chooses-chevy-happy-grad-for-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/gm-chooses-chevy-happy-grad-for-super-bowl-ad/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Super Bowl commercials are big business, with multimillion-dollar 30-second spots and productions that seem to get more costly and elaborate every year. General Motors bucked that trend by giving independent film makers the opportunity to make their own 60-second spot, with the winner having their ad played in front of an estimated 110 million viewers during The Big Game.

Long Island, New York resident Zach Borst is that winner, and his first place entry is available after the jump. Borst decided to show what would happen if a new graduate was given a brand-new Camaro convertible as a graduation present - except the grad is really getting a mini fridge. Sounds like a bit of a letdown to us, but Chevrolet marketing boss Joel Ewanick says the ad "clearly shows the passion that Chevrolet elicits."

Hit the jump to read the GM press release and stay to watch the minute-long video.

Continue reading GM chooses "Chevy Happy Grad" for Super Bowl ad

GM chooses "Chevy Happy Grad" for Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet camarocamarocamaro convertiblechevroletcommercialewanickgmsuper bowlsuper bowl adssuper bowl commercialssuperbowlvideozach borstFri, 20 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20152769/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/20/gm-chooses-chevy-happy-grad-for-super-bowl-ad/20152769/article-detail.xml 20152769 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/camaro-convertible-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/camaro-convertible-ad.jpg <![CDATA[GM retakes global sales crown with over 9M units shifted in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/gm-retakes-global-sales-crown-with-over-9m-units-shifted-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/gm-retakes-global-sales-crown-with-over-9m-units-shifted-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/gm-retakes-global-sales-crown-with-over-9m-units-shifted-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevrolet sets sales record

Look who's back on top again? Just 30 months since General Motors emerged from bankruptcy, the Detroit-based automaker can once again call itself the world's largest. GM sold just over 9 million vehicles globally in 2011, its highest sales total ever, while chief rival Toyota may slip as far as third place, according to TheDetroitBureau.com, which reports that Volkswagen will pass Toyota to claim the runner-up spot.

Led by a record-setting 4.76 million sales year from Chevrolet, GM saw sales rise in all four of its reporting regions. The company says it now claims 11.9 percent of the global market. Sales in the U.S. were up 13 percent with 1.7 million vehicles sold.

It wasn't a good year for Toyota, the largest carmaker by sales volume for the past three years, since unseating GM in 2008. The Japanese manufacturer experienced production interruptions from the earthquake and resultant tsunami in Japan in early 2011, and then again when Thailand experienced widespread flooding later in the year.

While GM's legion of critics will no doubt point to the natural disasters in an attempt to diminish the significance of GM reclaiming the top spot, the company has to be feeling pretty good about its accomplishments last year. Not that being number one matters that much. As analyst Aaron Bragman of IHS Automotive tells The Bureau, "Being biggest in the world is not necessarily an advantage to anyone."

But it's certainly good for bragging rights and positive morale. As they say in sports, "scoreboard, baby." To read GM's full press release, click past the jump.

Continue reading GM retakes global sales crown with over 9M units shifted in 2011

GM retakes global sales crown with over 9M units shifted in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 auto salesauto salesbiggest automakercar saleschevroletgeneral motorsglobal salesgmlargest automakertoyotaThu, 19 Jan 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20152438/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/gm-retakes-global-sales-crown-with-over-9m-units-shifted-in-2011/20152438/article-detail.xml 20152438 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chevy2011sales-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chevy2011sales-opt.jpg -1 2