Autoblog

GM recalling over 40,000 Chevy, Pontiac and Saturn models over fuel pump woes

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Saturn

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall for a number of General Motors cars and crossovers bought or currently registered in the hot-climate states of Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma and Texas. As many as 40,859 units consisting of the 2007 Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent and Saturn Ion and the 2007-2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (shown) and its Pontiac G5 twin are being recalled for potential fuel leaks.

This recall is being issued due to potentially faulty fuel pump components that can crack and cause gasoline to leak from the return or supply ports and possibly cause a fire. NHTSA has not indicated how many fuel leaks or vehicle fires have been reported. As a fix, GM will replace the fuel pump modules on all affected vehicles free of charge. Since Pontiac and Saturn have been shuttered, owners will be able to go to another GM-brand dealership to have their vehicles repaired.

While the list of affected cars and crossovers varies by state and model year, if you own any of these models and live in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, Oklahoma or Texas, be sure to check the official notice below for more details.

Continue reading GM recalling over 40,000 Chevy, Pontiac and Saturn models over fuel pump woes

GM recalling over 40,000 Chevy, Pontiac and Saturn models over fuel pump woes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Royal Enfield G5 Classic is a real-world time machine

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, New Car Reviews

2010 Royal Enfield G5 Classic - Click above for high-res image gallery

*Ahem.* Said in our very best Monty Python Cockney accent: "And now for something completely different."

The last couple of motorcycles we've reviewed - namely the Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP and Aprilia Dorsoduro - have been V-twin powered machines with horsepower figures that flirt with three digits and top speeds well over The Ton. Either of these bikes can quite easily loft the front wheel (or the rear, if that sort of thing is your bag, baby), burn up the drive rubber with reckless abandon or grind their hard bits into oblivion with the kinds of ludicrous lean angles that are normally seen only at weekend MotoGP races.

However, today's review is most definitely not that kind of bike. In fact, you might say it's diametrically opposed to either of the aforementioned pavement pounders. The subject of this test is the brand-new-for-2010 Royal Enfield G5 Classic, and the question that was on our minds when we first laid our eyes and sweaty palms on the machine was this: Is it possible that a classically styled, low-horsepower, single-cylinder motorcycle that traces its heritage way back to the 1950s can be as fun to ride as a much more powerful, fully modern and well-equipped model? Read on, friends.

Gallery: Review: Royal Enfield Bullet G5 Classic

Continue reading Review: 2010 Royal Enfield G5 Classic is a real-world time machine

Review: 2010 Royal Enfield G5 Classic is a real-world time machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalls 1.3 million Cobalts, G5s for power steering problem

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:49:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Communications professionals know that the best time to release bad news about a company is at 5:15 pm on a Friday afternoon before a long weekend. By the time everyone comes back to work the following week, so much other stuff has happened that the story often gets lost in the shuffle. In the auto industry, another good time would be late in the evening just hours before a major overseas auto show while at the same time your biggest competitor is mired in a crisis of its own.

As many of the world's automotive journalists were converging in Switzerland for the Geneva Motor Show late Monday night, General Motors announced it would recall 1.3 million Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s built between 2005 and 2010. GM will replace the motors on their electric power assisted steering (EPAS). Over time the motors can reportedly fail and lead to a loss of steering assist.

When the EPAS fails, the result is similar to a belt breaking on a hydraulic power steering pump. The car is still drivable and controllable, but the steering effort at low speeds rises significantly, making it difficult to maneuver at parking lot speeds. At higher speeds, relatively little steering assist is needed and drivers should be able to make it safely to the side of the road if the warning lamp comes on.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM recalls 1.3 million Cobalts, G5s for power steering problem

GM recalls 1.3 million Cobalts, G5s for power steering problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern

Chris Shunk — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Saturn

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS - Click above to view high-res image gallery

General Motors may have shed itself of much of its pre-bankruptcy problems, but the automaker still has to tend to its warranty and recall duties. As such, GM is recalling 53,000 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and Saturn Ion models for a potential fuel leak problem that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says could lead to a fire. The problem involves 2006 Cobalt and Ion model models sold or registered in Arizona and Nevada and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models sold or registered in Arizona, California, Texas, Florida and Nevada.

NHTSA says the plastic supply or return port on the cars' modular reservoir assembly may crack, potentially leading to a fuel leak that could cause cause decreased efficiency and performance. Worse, if that leaking gasoline comes into contact with an ignition source of any kind, you could be looking at a Delta platform car-b-que.

To fix the fuel leak problem, company dealers will replace the fuel pump module of affected vehicles free of charge. GM is also providing a special coverage for 2006 and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models in other warm weather states, and you can hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release to see if you live in a participating location. GM hasn't yet provided a time frame for owner notification, but if you have questions you can read the official press release after the jump or call 1-800-630-2438 (Cobalt), 1-800-972-8876 (Ion) or 1-800-620-7668 (G5).

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern

GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: GM kills Pontiac UPDATED with LIVE webcast embed

Chris Paukert — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:50:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM, Pontiac, Earnings/Financials

Rumors from late last week have come home to roost, and as part of its restructuring efforts, General Motors has just announced that Pontiac will be "phased out by the end of 2010." GM will continue to build its accelerated viability plan around four brands: Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC.

As part of its latest announcement, GM also announced that it plans to have "the resolution" of Saab, Saturn, and Hummer by the end of 2009 "at the latest." In total, GM plans to end up with just 34 nameplates for 2010, as compared to 48 for 2008 - a reduction of some 29%. Further, as part of its viability plan tendered to President Obama's Auto Task Force, the automaker's revised viability plan projects that GM's total market share will dip to 18.4 to 18.9% - the plan is banking on a 19.5 percent share for this year.

A media conference call is scheduled for later this morning and we will have more details and analysis following that, but for now, the official press release after the jump.

*UPDATE: LIVE WEBCAST of GM press conference embedded after the jump... ~~going on right now!~~ (Concluded)

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: GM kills Pontiac *UPDATED with LIVE webcast embed*

Officially Official: GM kills Pontiac *UPDATED with LIVE webcast embed* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem

Michael Harley — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, Saturn

Citing a defect that can cause a parked vehicle to roll away, General Motors is recalling 277,000 cars and trucks. The models involved, all built for the 2009 model year, may have a loose clip on their transmission shift cable. The failure of the clip to be locked into place may prevent the transmission from moving into Park - even if the driver moves the shift lever into the proper position. GM has told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that dealers will inspect the transmission shift cable and replace broken units. Affected models include the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet HHR, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Pontiac G5, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura and Saturn Outlook. NHTSA Safety Campaign after the jump.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Continue reading GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem

GM recall affects 277,000 models with shifter problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM cuts 1,100 staff at Lordstown plant to meet slowing demand

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:42:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac

Click above for more high-res shots of the Chevy Cobalt SS

Less than 2 months ago the headline here was GM ramps up Cobalt production to meet demand. It's amazing how quickly things change in this crazy environment. Just months after adding a third shift at the Lordstown, OH assembly plant where the Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5 are built, on Friday GM gave 1,100 employees at the facility layoff notices. The company isn't getting rid of the third shift but, it is slowing the build rate in line with current sales demand. Earlier this summer, GM was selling Cobalts as fast as they could build them and now all of a sudden, those sales have dried up. The spike was triggered by $4 gasoline, and even though gas prices have dropped to half that level, you might not expect sales to fall so fast. The real problem is the lack of available credit for financing. Most of the inherent customer base for cars like the Cobalt simply can't afford to pay cash for a new car. With credit increasingly hard to get, car sales have crashed almost across the board in October. Even the Honda Civic that sold 53,000 copies in May got just under 19,800 in October. Expect to hear more about slowdowns at other carmakers, including mighty Toyota and Honda, very soon.

[Source: Vindy.com]

GM cuts 1,100 staff at Lordstown plant to meet slowing demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Solstice coupe due in 2008, Torrent dead, RWD G5 under development

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Pontiac

Automotive News has been pumping out a ton of information about the General's future products, and between buffing fingerprints off the crystal ball and making phone calls to unnamed sources, they've shed some light on the future of Pontiac.

According to AN, we can expect to get a hard-top version of the Solstice sometime in 2008 as a 2009 model, complete with a revised powerplant that will boost output, although there was no mention of changes to the GXP. Pontiac will stick with the in-line four for the time being, as a V6 variant is officially off the table, and by 2011 it's assumed that new sheetmetal will adorn the Pontiac and possibly its Saturn-badged brother.

The remake of GM's performance brand will also include the demise of the Torrent, while the G5 will be replaced with the RWD Alpha platform by 2010 - unless CAFE standards put those plans on hold.

Naturally, the big non-news is the upcoming G8, with V8 power and rear-wheel drive, which is expected to be the flagship of the brand. Base models will come equipped with a 261 HP 3.6-liter V6, while the GT model will boast a six-liter V8 producing 362 HP. The bad news: don't expect to see a GTO or Firebird in the near future, as GM contends that the market isn't ripe for offering too many high-po gas-guzzlers. Disappointing, to say the least, but if the Camaro explodes, we'd expect both vehicles to see the light of day.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Solstice coupe due in 2008, Torrent dead, RWD G5 under development originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Mill: Next gen Pontiac G6 will be RWD

Scott Davis — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 11:51:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, GM, Pontiac

Rumors abound within the hallowed halls of General Motors as it prepares to go through a major transformation that will include products designed to make the world take notice. For a brand that was once deemed "damaged" by car guy Bob Lutz, Pontiac is destined to make a huge splash at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

An interesting rumor is that the next G6 replacement will be a rear-wheel drive vehicle on a yet-to-be determined platform. Could this be a viable contender to the 3-series?

Yet another possibility is a rear-drive compact car replacing the current badge-engineered G5 under the G4 name. Speculation has this vehicle riding on the Kappa platform that underpins the Solstice and being available in both coupe and sedan models. GM has been mulling a second Kappa car for a while, and it sounds like it still is.

Last but not least, there has been talk of a Grand Prix replacement called the G8 that will be built on the Zeta platform. From what we hear this car will definitely appear at the Chicago Auto Show in February, if not sooner at the Detroit show in January Aren't rumors great?

[Source: GM Inside News]

Rumor Mill: Next gen Pontiac G6 will be RWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G5 Coupe advertising online only

John Neff — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Pontiac

Pontiac is trying a new tactic to get the word out about its new G5 Coupe. Every single ad dollar earmarked for promoting the car will be spent on online. Pontiac's marketing director Mark-Hans Richer calls it "a radical experiment". While online-only advertising may not raise Pontiac's brand awareness among consumers like a traditional TV spot, it does allow the brand to target the youth male audience at which the G5 Coupe is aimed more effectively. Plus, it's a lot cheaper than buying a primetime TV spot and producing a commercial. The online ad campaigh will run through at least the end of the year, and while it's too early to judge its success, Automotive News reports that the G5 Coupe has already exceeded its sales goal for August by 185 percent. That number could also be attributed to how much Pontiac dealers were starved for a small car after the Sunfire was discontinued.

[Source: Automotive News]

Pontiac G5 Coupe advertising online only originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Aug 2006 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM spoils Pontiac dealers: Canadian Pursuit arrives as G5

John Neff — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 09:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Coupe, Budget, GM, Pontiac

Pontiac dealers have been complaining to General Motors about the void created when the Sunfire small car was cancelled. With no small car to offer, these dealers have had a hard time attracting fuel- and price-conscious buyers into their showrooms. Apparently GM has been happy to oblige by bringing down the Canadian-market Pontiac Pursuit coupe, which itself is a Chevy Cobalt coupe and perhaps the most blatant case of rebadging we've seen in... at least a couple of months. It was no big deal when the twins were separated by the world's longest unprotected border, but now they'll be forced to share the same lane on the streets of America.

Renamed the G5 to fit with Pontiac's current nomenclature, the base model will be offered with a 148-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder and the GT with a 173-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The GT comes nicely loaded with 4-wheel disc brakes and ABS, 17-inch aluminum wheels, foglamps and more, though we'll have to wait until this fall to find out if there's anything about the G5's pricing structure that will set it apart from its Cobalt twin. What we'd like to know is if anyone thinks the G5 has a better beak than the Cobalt. We actually think Pontiac's flared nostrils don't look that bad on the Cobalt's beak.

[Source: Inside Line]

GM spoils Pontiac dealers: Canadian Pursuit arrives as G5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jul 2006 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is a four-door Pontiac G5 in the works for the U.S.?

Chris Paukert — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Etc., GM, Pontiac

We at Autoblog love our eagle-eyed readers. From pointing out any spelling/grammar gaffes in our posts, to sending in cameraphone spyshots unsolicited, our site wouldn't be as good a product as it is without your help. But sometimes, your attention to detail and command of minutia can even ~~scare~~ surprise a jaded bunch like us.

So it is with tipster Neal M, who clearly ~~has way too much free time~~ lives and breathes cars as much as we do. How else to explain the fact that he's pointed out a possible snafu and/or future product teaser in General Motors' new Pontiac G5 microsite on the basis of an extra couple of switches?

Scan the photo above. See anything unusual? Neither did we, at least upon first glance. But as Neal M correctly points out, there's a set of rear window toggles- odd, considering the G5 is only slated to be available as a coupe when it arrives this August.

So what gives? Did GM's people just Photoshop a Pontiac badge on a Chevrolet Cobalt sedan's interior photograph? Or (more likely), did they just use a stock shot of the Canadian-market G5 Pursuit, where the re-schnozzed Cobalt can be had in two or four door configuration? Either way, should anything be divined from this apparent slip-up?

Okay... so it's probably nothing. But we're suckers for a good conspiracy theory.

Click on the photo above for a higher-resolution image, or check out the company's site to see for yourself by following the link below.

[Source: Pontiac]

(Tip-top, Neal M!)

Is a four-door Pontiac G5 in the works for the U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G5 debuts at fundraiser

Joel Arellano — Sun, 07 May 2006 22:15:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Auctions, GM

The Tribune Chronicle reports that the upcoming Pontiac G5 coupe made its first public debut last week. The coupe, based on the Chevrolet Cobalt, was displayed during the Beatitude House of the Ursuline Sisters fundraiser for disadvantaged women and children. The reaction was reportedly quite positive.

The displayed G5 is a pilot vehicle that General Motors will use to work out any kinks in the new model before it goes on to production next month at the automaker's Lordstown, Ohio plant. The coupe is slotted as an entry-level car for the brand below the G6.

Related post:
Pontiac to get Cobalt-based econobox

[Source: Tribune Chronicle]

Pontiac G5 debuts at fundraiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 May 2006 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G3 proves badge engineering alive in Mexico

John Neff — Wed, 03 May 2006 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Budget, Chevrolet, Pontiac

Though General Motors has promised to end the exercise of badge engineering in the U.S., our kin over at Autoblog Spanish have found proof the practice is alive and well in Mexico. Meet the Pontiac G3, what is essentially the 2007 Chevy Aveo that will be sold in the U.S. later this year. The Aveo is itself a clone of the Daewoo Gentra.

Don't get us wrong, we're not knocking the General for selling a version of the Aveo/Gentra in Mexico under the guise of Pontiac. Just as long as Pontiac dealers in the U.S. don't start demanding another small car in addition to the Cobalt-based G5 sold in Canada they're already clamoring for.

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Pontiac G3 proves badge engineering alive in Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 May 2006 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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