Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif 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/<![CDATA[GM and UAW reach tentative labor agreement [UPDATED]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/17/gm-and-uaw-reach-tentative-agreement-in-labor-talks/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/17/gm-and-uaw-reach-tentative-agreement-in-labor-talks/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/17/gm-and-uaw-reach-tentative-agreement-in-labor-talks/#commentsFiled under: ,

Chevrolet Volt Assembly

Contract negotiations between General Motors and the United Auto Workers have led to a tentative agreement on a new labor deal, pending ratification by membership.

Specifics of the four-year contract, agreed upon last night at around 11:00 PM, have not been released, but in an official announcement on its website, the UAW says that the deal includes improvements in both health-care coverage and profit sharing for its 48,500 GM workers. UAW boss Bob King also said that the proposed contract will lead to the rehiring of laid-off workers, the creation of new jobs, and the repatriation of some jobs that had been moved offshore.

In its coverage of the GM/UAW labor agreement, Bloomberg says that it's not yet clear whether higher-than-usual signing bonuses will be used to help ensure the contract's acceptance by the union rank and file.

With General Motors out of the way, Bloomberg reports that the union will likely shift focus to Chrysler. It appears that Ford, which has not received a no-strike pledge from the UAW, will need to wait until the Chrysler contract is settled to work on its new deal with the union.

UPDATE: In a follow-up to its initial article on the new GM/UAW deal, Bloomberg reports that sources with knowledge of the contract's specifics say that pay for entry-level workers will rise by $2.00 to $3.00 per hour.

Furthermore, UAW members will reportedly be paid a signing bonus of $5,000 each if the tentative contract is ratified. That would be a new record signing bonus (workers received $3,000 each for signing the 2007 contract), but well short of the $8,000 to $10,000 number that had seen speculation last week.

GM and UAW reach tentative labor agreement [UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcontractcontractsdealGeneralMotorslabor agreementunited auto workersSat, 17 Sep 2011 09:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20045415/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/17/gm-and-uaw-reach-tentative-agreement-in-labor-talks/20045415/article-detail.xml 20045415 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/volthammassambly_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/volthammassambly.jpg <![CDATA[Buick Envision crossover concept teased ahead of Shanghai reveal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/31/buick-envision-crossover-concept-teased-ahead-of-shanghai-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/31/buick-envision-crossover-concept-teased-ahead-of-shanghai-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/31/buick-envision-crossover-concept-teased-ahead-of-shanghai-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Buick Envision Concept
Buick Envision Concept - Click above to enlarge

Buick has a huge presence in China, where customers have placed the Tri-shield brand on par with the world's leading luxury automakers. It makes sense, then, that Buick would choose the Shanghai Auto Show as the location of choice to showcase the brand's new compact crossover concept.

General Motors says the Envision integrates global design with local Chinese-oriented aesthetics. GM says that the concept was made to have an "elegant and smooth exterior that emphasizes its modern styling and contemporary sportiness." The concept is also said to pack the new technology that the company hopes will eventually be a staple of the Buick brand, including an advanced plug-in hybrid system.

The Buick team isn't showing us much with this teaser sketch, but we can at least see plenty of sharp lines, a pair of sinister-looking taillamps and a lower rear fascia treatment that might look good on the Buick Regal GS. The General will officially unveil the Envision concept at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 18. Hit the jump to look over the brief press release.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Buick Envision crossover concept teased ahead of Shanghai reveal

Buick Envision crossover concept teased ahead of Shanghai reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 shanghaibuickbuick envisionconceptenvisionenvision conceptgeneral+motorsgeneralmotorsshanghaishanghai motor showshanghai+buickshanghaibuickThu, 31 Mar 2011 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19898053/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/31/buick-envision-crossover-concept-teased-ahead-of-shanghai-reveal/19898053/article-detail.xml 19898053 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/buick-envision-s_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/buick-envision-s.jpg <![CDATA[GM Belgium factory shutting down after failure to find buyer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/06/gm-belgium-factory-shutting-down-after-failure-to-find-buyer/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/06/gm-belgium-factory-shutting-down-after-failure-to-find-buyer/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/06/gm-belgium-factory-shutting-down-after-failure-to-find-buyer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



General Motors is shutting the doors on its Antwerp, Belgium manufacturing facility after failing to find a buyer for the plant. According to Automotive News, companies from both the United States and China expressed interest in the factory, but GM says that neither could come up with a sustainable business strategy that would keep the doors open and workers employed. The plant currently provides work for around 1,300 people who were warned earlier this year that the facility could be closed by the end of 2010. Now that possibility has become a reality.

The Antwerp plant builds the current Opel Astra, though with the company losing market share hand over fist, GM has been looking to shutter the facility for some time. Interestingly enough, AN says that this is the first closing of a European automotive manufacturing facility since 2006. GM says that while it continues to wind down operations at the plant throughout the remainder of this year, it will still be open to hearing proposals from companies looking to invest in the site.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: Filip Claus/AFP/Getty]

GM Belgium factory shutting down after failure to find buyer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Antwerp BelgiumAntwerpBelgiumBelgiumGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMOpelOpel Antwerp PlantOpel AstraOpelAntwerpPlantOpelAstraWed, 06 Oct 2010 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19661620/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/06/gm-belgium-factory-shutting-down-after-failure-to-find-buyer/19661620/article-detail.xml 19661620 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/par3506570-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/par3506570-630op.jpg <![CDATA[GM's Ed Welburn finally drives Oldsmobile Aerotech record-breaker he designed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/gms-ed-welburn-finally-drives-oldsmobile-aerotech-record-breake/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/gms-ed-welburn-finally-drives-oldsmobile-aerotech-record-breake/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/gms-ed-welburn-finally-drives-oldsmobile-aerotech-record-breake/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Olds Aerotech on the grass

Of all the people longing to drive the Oldsmobile Aerotech back in the 1980s, you'd expect that the cars designer would have taken it for a few spins. Despite having his first sketch for the project turn in to the record-setting aerodynamic research vehicle, Ed Welburn's closest contact with the Aerotech was during long wind tunnel sessions.
Having risen through the ranks during his nearly-40 year career at General Motors, Welburn is now oversees GM's worldwide design staff, and his memory was recently jogged by seeing photos of the Aerotech posted in a design studio. Being the chief has its privileges, so Welburn's desire to drive his creation turned into a trip to the Milford proving grounds, where a 1992 version of the Aerotech was waiting.

A Chevrolet Corvette set the pace at a sedate 60-something miles per hour, despite the Aerotech's V8 sourced from the Oldsmobile Aurora. While he may have only just gotten to drive the Aerotech, the car has had a significant effect on Welburn since he first penned it. The aerodynamic attention to detail he learned on the Aerotech has informed all his work since then. The Chevrolet Volt owes a lot to the Aerotech, because Welburn had the patience and discipline to work out the design for better airflow, as well as bring engineering and design together for a harmonious relationship, another seldom-seen skill among car designers. While the Oldsmobile brand has been shuttered, the Aerotech stands as a significant achievement, and the various speed and endurance records the car set have yet to be broken.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: Karrmann via CC 2.0]

GM's Ed Welburn finally drives Oldsmobile Aerotech record-breaker he designed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeroteched welburnEdWelburnGeneral Motorsgeneral motors designGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsDesignoldsmobilewelburnFri, 01 Oct 2010 08:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19649321/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/01/gms-ed-welburn-finally-drives-oldsmobile-aerotech-record-breake/19649321/article-detail.xml 19649321 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/aerotech2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/aerotech2.jpg <![CDATA[Report: U.S. breaks even if GM stock hits $133.78]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/23/report-u-s-breaks-even-if-gm-stock-hits-133-78/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/23/report-u-s-breaks-even-if-gm-stock-hits-133-78/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/23/report-u-s-breaks-even-if-gm-stock-hits-133-78/#commentsFiled under: , ,



According to Neil Barofsky, the treasury department's inspector general, in order for the U.S. government to break even on its investment in General Motors, the company's stock will have to hit at least $133.78 a share. Thanks to the massive auto industry bailout, the government currently holds a total of 304 million shares of common stock and $2.1 billion in preferred stock in the automaker. According to The Detroit News, Barofsky has said that he will keep a close eye on the GM IPO in order to get the best return on the tax payer's investment possible.

But will GM stock hit the magic number? Some analysts seem to think so. There's some buzz that when GM goes public, its stock will be worth well over $100 per share. The company has already begun to make noise indicating that soon after the November 2 elections, it will begin a campaign to build interest in its IPO, so anything's possible.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: AP/Al Goldis/Getty]

Report: U.S. breaks even if GM stock hits $133.78 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>General MotorsGeneral Motors IPOGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsIpoGMGM IPOGmIpoTreasuryUS TreasuryUsTreasuryThu, 23 Sep 2010 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19645839/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/23/report-u-s-breaks-even-if-gm-stock-hits-133-78/19645839/article-detail.xml 19645839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/volt-capitol-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/volt-capitol-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Report: GM's Akerson says taxpayer payback will take years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/16/report-gms-akerson-says-taxpayer-payback-will-take-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/16/report-gms-akerson-says-taxpayer-payback-will-take-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/16/report-gms-akerson-says-taxpayer-payback-will-take-years/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dan Akerson, General Motors CEO

New General Motors CEO Dan Akerson's first bit of big news isn't exactly good news: paying back the taxpayer for loans during GM's dark days is going to take years. How many years remains uncertain, with Akerson saying the company's performance will be the test, since repaying the government in a lump sum would be "unrealistic." It helps that this news isn't exactly unexpected, and if we can take anything from Akerson's 15 days on the job, well, at least he's honest.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: GM's Akerson says taxpayer payback will take years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dan akersonDanAkersondaniel akersonDanielAkersongeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgm bankruptcyGmBankruptcyThu, 16 Sep 2010 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19636454/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/16/report-gms-akerson-says-taxpayer-payback-will-take-years/19636454/article-detail.xml 19636454 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/was3360646-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/was3360646-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Ghosn confirms he got offer to run GM]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/13/report-ghosn-confirms-he-got-offer-to-run-gm/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/13/report-ghosn-confirms-he-got-offer-to-run-gm/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/13/report-ghosn-confirms-he-got-offer-to-run-gm/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Carlos Ghosn

In the book Overhaul: An Insider's Account of the Obama Administration's Emergency Rescue of the Auto Industry, former auto task force chief Steve Rattner details the goings on during one of the most tumultuous times in the history of the auto industry. Yet another factoid to come out of the book was Rattner's offering of the top job at General Motors to current Renault Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Given the fact that Ghosn still heads Renault Nissan it's pretty obvious Sir Carlos turned down the job. But did he think about the tempting offer? According to a report in Automotive News (via Bloomberg) the charismatic leader had "no hesitation" in declining the offer. Ghosn cited the deteriorating auto market when asked why he turned down the GM job, adding "to leave at that point would have been both disruptive and disloyal to both companies."

But while Rattner wanted Ghosn to run The General, the Renault Nissan CEO was more interested in talking merger. Ghosn said in a statement that when asked to lead GM he instead offered up an alliance between his companies and the Detroit-based automaker, but Rattner didn't see that happening. At least at GM...

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: Yves Forestier/Getty Images]

Report: Ghosn confirms he got offer to run GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceo carlos ghsnCeoCarlosGhsngeneral motorsGeneralMotorsghosn rattnerGhosnRattnergmOverhaul: An Insiders Account of the Obama Administrations EmergOverhaul:AnInsidersAccountOfTheObamaAdministrationsEmergencyRescrattner auto task forceRattnerAutoTaskForceMon, 13 Sep 2010 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19629858/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/13/report-ghosn-confirms-he-got-offer-to-run-gm/19629858/article-detail.xml 19629858 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ghosn_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ghosn.jpg <![CDATA[GM testing OnStar Facebook and texting functionality]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/08/gm-testing-onstar-facebook-and-texting-functionality-trapster-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/08/gm-testing-onstar-facebook-and-texting-functionality-trapster-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/08/gm-testing-onstar-facebook-and-texting-functionality-trapster-i/#commentsFiled under: , ,



General Motors is ready to bring the fight to Ford's Sync system with a reworked version of OnStar, but the salient details won't be revealed for another seven days. However, we've gotten word from the General that it's testing two new features: Audio Facebook updates and voice texting.

On the Facebook front, GM is the experimental phase of integrating OnStar with the 800-pound social media gorilla, allowing users to verbally update their Facebook status via audio recordings, with the possibility of utilizing the OnStar Virtual Advisor feature to read off Facebook status updates and news feeds.

Voice texting works in a similar manner, pairing the driver's Bluetooth mobile phone to OnStar and allowing the system to read received SMS messages and reply using a voice command to select four pre-set messages. That's not true voice-to-text functionality, but it's similar to what's being offered by other automakers.

GM testing OnStar Facebook and texting functionality originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillacfacebookgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmonstaronstar trapsterOnstarTrapstertextingvirtual advisorVirtualAdvisorvoice textingVoiceTextingWed, 08 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19625449/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/08/gm-testing-onstar-facebook-and-texting-functionality-trapster-i/19625449/article-detail.xml 19625449 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/x11chvt014-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/x11chvt014-630op.jpg <![CDATA[General Motors unveils Chevrolet Aveo show car ahead of Paris Motor Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/08/general-motors-unveils-chevrolet-aveo-show-car-ahead-of-paris-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/08/general-motors-unveils-chevrolet-aveo-show-car-ahead-of-paris-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/08/general-motors-unveils-chevrolet-aveo-show-car-ahead-of-paris-mo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevrolet Aveo
2011 Chevrolet Aveo - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors is continuing its small-car onslaught by showing off the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo at this year's Paris Motor Show. According to the company, the show car on display will be the spitting image of the actual production version, though we can expect a few small changes to show up as dictated by each market. GM says that the new Aveo borrows heavily from the Spark, complete with plenty of "hot hatch" styling. It's true that the forward-leaning shoulder line and aggressive headlights help give the Aveo plenty of menace for a vehicle this size, and judging from the powertrain lineup, there's a chance that this little sucker might scoot along with the best of them.

GM says that it will be offering a range of engines in the Aveo globally, from an anemic 70 horsepower, 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine to a variety of diesel mills and a 115 horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline four. We aren't engineers by a long shot, but 115 horsepower in a tiny tin box like the Aveo is bound to be at least somewhat entertaining.

The next-generation Aveo is both longer and wider than its predecessor, so there should be quite a bit more interior space to enjoy. Here's hoping the company has applied its newfound dedication to interior quality to the hatch. Hit the jump for the full press blast.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Aveo


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading General Motors unveils Chevrolet Aveo show car ahead of Paris Motor Show

General Motors unveils Chevrolet Aveo show car ahead of Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 Aveo2011 Chevrolet AveoAveobreakingbreaking newsChevroletChevrolet AveoGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsparis 2010paris motor showParis Motor Show 2010Paris2010Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19625169/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/08/general-motors-unveils-chevrolet-aveo-show-car-ahead-of-paris-mo/19625169/article-detail.xml 19625169 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01-aveoopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01-aveoopt.jpg <![CDATA[U.S. to limit foreign investors in GM IPO?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/05/u-s-to-limit-foreign-investors-in-gm-ipo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/05/u-s-to-limit-foreign-investors-in-gm-ipo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/05/u-s-to-limit-foreign-investors-in-gm-ipo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GM CEO Dan Akerson - AFP/Getty

According to The Wall Street Journal, members of the U.S. Treasury are worried about General Motors' upcoming IPO. They aren't concerned for the automaker's stock price, or how even how many investors may decide to buy into the company - they're concerned about what country the money is coming from.

The Journal suggests that government officials are considering whether to limit or select which non-U.S. investors would be invited to be so-called "cornerstone" investors in GM's IPO. Cornerstone investors are sought out to purchase and hold sizable stakes in a given company at a set share price. Said price is often lower than what the general investing public can secure, the theory being that the cornerstone investors' presence (and the stability it implies) serves to drive confidence in the company. The fear is that there could be considerable political fallout if, say, some of those cornerstone investors turned out to be from nations like China. Either way, GM will need to firm up its investment plan fairly quickly if it is to allow enough time to court the 'right' cornerstone buyers.

As GM readies its IPO pitch, another key element in the company's talking points will be its long-term stability - including a chief executive officer who plans to stick around a while. New GM CEO Dan Akerson has reportedly told the board that he'll stay at the helm for two to five years - or perhaps even longer. The manner in which his compensation agreement is structured will likely include incentives timed to take effect over a period of years as a way to show investors that he's serious about making a longer-term commitment to the automaker's recovery.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal - sub. req. | Image: AFP/Getty]

U.S. to limit foreign investors in GM IPO? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akersoncornerstone investorsCornerstoneInvestorsDan AkersonDanAkersonforeign investorsForeignInvestorsGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGM IPOGmIpoIPOSun, 05 Sep 2010 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19621677/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/05/u-s-to-limit-foreign-investors-in-gm-ipo/19621677/article-detail.xml 19621677 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/gm-ceo-dan-akerson_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/gm-ceo-dan-akerson.jpg <![CDATA[Chevrolet signs Tim Allen as brand's new voice]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/chevrolet-signs-tim-allen-as-brands-new-voice/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/chevrolet-signs-tim-allen-as-brands-new-voice/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/chevrolet-signs-tim-allen-as-brands-new-voice/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tim AllenGeneral Motors has officially announced that television and movie star Tim Allen will be the new "voice of Chevrolet," starting with a series of ads that will begin airing on September 7. These ads will be for the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, and while Allen is a big-name with a very recognizable voice, GM's vice president of marketing, Joel Ewanick, reminds us that "the car will be the star."

Allen is best known for his starring role on the long-running 1990s sitcom Home Improvement, as well as his roles in The Santa Clause movies and as the voice behind Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story trilogy. In addition, Allen is also a well-known automobile enthusiast and has an extensive car collection. He is a native of Detroit, Michigan, and has a strong love for classic American muscle cars.

Look Listen for Tim Allen in four 30-second GM spots, scheduled to hit your television screen in the coming weeks. GM says that the Cruze's marketing campaign will ramp up as the cars begin to arrive at dealerships in greater volume. For the full details, hit the jump to read GM's press release.

[Source: General Motors | Image: Michael Schwartz/WireImage.com]

Continue reading Chevrolet signs Tim Allen as brand's new voice

Chevrolet signs Tim Allen as brand's new voice originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingchevroletchevygeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmmarketingTim AllenTimAllenFri, 03 Sep 2010 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19620604/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/03/chevrolet-signs-tim-allen-as-brands-new-voice/19620604/article-detail.xml 19620604 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/tim-allen-pointing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/tim-allen-pointing.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Former GM CEO Fritz Henderson to lead Sunoco spinoff]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/report-former-gm-ceo-fritz-henderson-to-lead-sunoco-spinoff/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/report-former-gm-ceo-fritz-henderson-to-lead-sunoco-spinoff/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/report-former-gm-ceo-fritz-henderson-to-lead-sunoco-spinoff/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fritz Henderson looking contemplative

If you've been wondering what former General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson has been up to since getting the boot, The Detroit News has the skinny for you. Henderson is now headed to Sunoco to fill in as the company's senior vice president, at least for now. The company is currently planning to spin off its SunCoke Energy arm during the first half of 2011, and when that happens, Henderson will become the subsidiary's chairman and CEO.

SunCoke produces metallurgical coke used to manufacture steel. The company currently operates plants in Virginia, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, and is currently building a second, high-capacity facility in the Buckeye State. That plant, in Middleton, is slated to produce 550,000 tons of coke while at max capacity.

Coke is formed by super heating coal to bond carbon and ash. The process burns off contaminates like water and coal tar to create an energy-dense fuel. Byproducts of the process are typically used to generate electricity, as in the case with the Middleton plant.

Henderson, a long-time GM man, held the company's reins for a short time starting in 2009, but was replaced with Ed Whitacre amidst concerns that the company's turnaround wasn't moving fast enough.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Joe Raedle/Getty]

Report: Former GM CEO Fritz Henderson to lead Sunoco spinoff originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CoalCokeFritz HendersonFritzHendersonGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMSunCokeSunocoFri, 03 Sep 2010 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19620019/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/03/report-former-gm-ceo-fritz-henderson-to-lead-sunoco-spinoff/19620019/article-detail.xml 19620019 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/henderson_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/henderson.jpg <![CDATA[Chevrolet Volt will not be eligible for HOV-lane access until mid-2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/01/chevrolet-volt-will-not-be-eligible-for-hov-lane-access-until-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/01/chevrolet-volt-will-not-be-eligible-for-hov-lane-access-until-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/01/chevrolet-volt-will-not-be-eligible-for-hov-lane-access-until-mi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Prospective owners of the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf shouldn't get too excited about driving in California carpool lanes as soon as they take delivery. Late Tuesday night California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 535 into law, extending access to the high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes to certain very low and zero emissions vehicles. This new class of vehicles known as Enhanced Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (enh-ATPZEVs) and includes plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles like the Leaf and Toyota's Prius PHEV.

Unfortunately, there are some caveats. SB 535 doesn't take effect until January 1, 2012 and even then only 40,000 of the special stickers needed for HOV access will be made available. In order to qualify, the vehicle has to be rated as an enh-ATPZEV, which brings up the second problem for Volt drivers. A General Motors spokesperson confirmed that the 2011 and 2012 Volt will not be enh-ATPZEV certified. The requirements to earn the enh-ATPZEV label are significantly tougher than the standard ATPZEV. Given the escalated development of the Volt, GM didn't have enough time to calibrate and verify that the plug-in hybrid would meet the standard over a 10-year/150,000-mile period.

That's also why the Volt battery only has the eight-year/100,000-mile warranty required for the non-enhanced ATPZEV. GM spokesman Rob Peterson verified that the Volt will be updated to enh-ATPZEV in mid-2012 when the 2013 model is introduced. In the meantime, you'll just to make sure to bring a friend if you want to ride in the carpool lane.

UPDATE: We just got word from Nissan that the Leaf is eligible for the All Access stickers under a previous bill passed (AB 1500) earlier this year. That means if you take delivery of a Leaf today, you can be flying in the HOV lanes tomorrow.

[Source: General Motors]

Chevrolet Volt will not be eligible for HOV-lane access until mid-2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtPzevcaliforniaCarpoolcarpool lanecarpool lane accesscarpool lanesCarpoolLaneCarpoolLaneAccessCarpoolLanesenhanced advanced technology partial zero emission vehicleenhanced AT PZEVenhanced atpzevEnhancedAdvancedTechnologyPartialZeroEmissionVehicleEnhancedAtpzevgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmHOVHOV lanehov lane accesshov lanesHovLaneHovLaneAccessHovLanessb 535Sb535Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19617509/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/01/chevrolet-volt-will-not-be-eligible-for-hov-lane-access-until-mi/19617509/article-detail.xml 19617509 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/2011chevyvolt1qd028-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/2011chevyvolt1qd028-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Rumormill: General Motors mid-size sedans going all four-cylinder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/31/rumormill-general-motors-mid-size-sedans-going-all-four-cylinde/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/31/rumormill-general-motors-mid-size-sedans-going-all-four-cylinde/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/31/rumormill-general-motors-mid-size-sedans-going-all-four-cylinde/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Straight from the "No Surprise" department comes word from GMInsideNews that all of General Motors mid-size offerings will come equipped with four-cylinder engines as the only available powerplant.

GM has made it clear for the last few years that a large part of its future product strategy is to downsize its engine line-up in preparation for the new 2015 CAFE standards. The shift has already begun with the introduction of the 2011 Buick Regal, available with either a 182-horsepower direct injected 2.4-liter or a turbocharged 2.0-liter putting out 220 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque.

The next model to go all-four-banger will be the next generation Chevrolet Malibu, slated to arrive late next year and likely packing - to begin with - the same 2.4-liter four. A range of direct injected engines, both naturally aspirated and turbocharged, are in the works, so the General won't be hurting for options, but expect the V6 to stick around for GM's larger offerings, including the next Impala.

[Source: GMInsideNews]

Rumormill: General Motors mid-size sedans going all four-cylinder originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 Chevrolet Malibu2012ChevroletMalibubuickbuick regalBuickRegalchevroletchevrolet malibuChevroletMalibuchevygeneral motorsGeneralMotorsmaliburegalTue, 31 Aug 2010 18:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19615504/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/31/rumormill-general-motors-mid-size-sedans-going-all-four-cylinde/19615504/article-detail.xml 19615504 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/24di-250op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/24di-250op.jpg <![CDATA[GM releases 2011 Holden Series II family for Australia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/31/gm-releases-2011-holden-series-ii-family-for-australia/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/31/gm-releases-2011-holden-series-ii-family-for-australia/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/31/gm-releases-2011-holden-series-ii-family-for-australia/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Holden Series II family
2011 Holden Series II family - Click above for high-res image gallery

We'll admit it - we miss the Pontiac G8. A lot. General Motors' Americanized version of the rear-wheel-drive Holden Commodore met its death with the demise of Pontiac last year, and of all the GM products that we've lost in the past twelve months, the G8 is the one we'd immediately rebirth if we could (especially the GXP). Holden, however, is still alive and well in its native Australia, and the automaker has just released its Series II family, which offers up a host of small changes to nearly the full line of products.

There isn't anything drastically different about the Series II versions of the Commodore, Calais, Caprice, Berlina or Omega - just the typical new model year additions. Most notably, the 3.0-liter V6 and 6.0-liter V8 engines are now capable of running on bio-ethanol fuel, and slight improvements to fuel economy have been made across the range. In addition, small visual tweaks have been made to the fascias of all models and new paint colors have been added.

A similar story can be told about these cars' interiors - minute tweaks to fit and finish have been made, though the big news is the addition of GM's new Holden-iQ infotainment system, available on all Series II models. Holden-iQ incorporates audio, Bluetooth and navigation functions into one 6.5-inch touchscreen interface, as well as a back-up camera (not available on the Ute).

For the full list of changes, browse through Holden's press release, available after the jump, and see the full 2011 Series II range for yourself in the high-res image gallery below. Hat tip to Neil!


Gallery: 2011 Holden Series II Family


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM releases 2011 Holden Series II family for Australia

GM releases 2011 Holden Series II family for Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiageneral motorsGeneralMotorsholdenholden calaisHolden CapriceHolden Commodoreholden ss uteholden uteHoldenCalaisHoldenCapriceHoldenCommodoreHoldenSsUteHoldenUteTue, 31 Aug 2010 13:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19614409/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/31/gm-releases-2011-holden-series-ii-family-for-australia/19614409/article-detail.xml 19614409 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/holdenseriesiiopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/holdenseriesiiopt.jpg <![CDATA[Report: New GM CEO shopping for house in Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/report-new-gm-ceo-shopping-for-house-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/report-new-gm-ceo-shopping-for-house-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/report-new-gm-ceo-shopping-for-house-in-detroit/#commentsFiled under:

Outgoing CEO Ed Whitacre was never supposed to be the long-term chief executive at General Motors. In fact, he never even purchased a home in the Detroit area, instead opting to commute between San Antonio, Texas and a (we're guessing really nice) Detroit apartment. That won't be the case for Dan Akerson, who takes over for Whitacre on September 1st. The Detroit Free Press reports that Akerson is looking into purchasing a primary residence in the Detroit area, placing the current Virginia resident close to the company's Motown headquarters.

But while Akerson is planning on staying at GM for a bit longer than Whitacre, the new boss will reportedly only reside over the company for two to four years. After The General's IPO is complete and the company is solidly profitable, GM is likely to pick a replacement candidate from within the organization. In the meantime, someone needs to tell Akerson that the roads in Detroit are horrible, because otherwise he may think there is something wrong with the suspension on his Cadillac.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Report: New GM CEO shopping for house in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akerson moving to detroitAkersonMovingToDetroitdan akersondan akerson car guydan akerson gm ceoDanAkersonDanAkersonCarGuyDanAkersonGmCeoed whitacre gm ceoEdWhitacreGmCeogeneral motorsGeneralMotorsTue, 24 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19604777/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/24/report-new-gm-ceo-shopping-for-house-in-detroit/19604777/article-detail.xml 19604777 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/gmceod6dae60d95df4817a8572e2031a91a73.04048b3d073e4308b26efa5ac0825039_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/gmceod6dae60d95df4817a8572e2031a91a73.04048b3d073e4308b26efa5ac0825039.jpg <![CDATA[GM to Investors: Internal financial reporting controls are ineffective]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/22/gm-to-investors-current-internal-financial-reporting-controls-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/22/gm-to-investors-current-internal-financial-reporting-controls-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/22/gm-to-investors-current-internal-financial-reporting-controls-i/#commentsFiled under: , ,

General Motors Renaissance Center

Now that General Motors has submitted the necessary paperwork for its IPO to the SEC, Forbes read through the entire 734 page filing and found this curious tidbit: "We have determined that our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting are currently not effective." And yes, that means exactly what you think it means.

In case you think it's only cautious puffery, the document goes on to say, "Until we have been able to test the operating effectiveness of remediated internal controls and ensure the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, any material weaknesses may materially adversely affect our ability to report accurately our financial condition and results of operations in the future in a timely and reliable manner."

And there's more, but the gist is that GM wants you to know that it might have to shuffle some of its past numbers at some future date. The problem seems to go back to early last year, when new accounting procedures were put in place to please the SEC. The General's trip to Narnia bankruptcy and back, however, prevented it from fully vetting those procedures, so it can't be 100% certain that they're 100% accurate. It could actually just be caution on GM's part, but nevertheless, some funny things are happening on the way to this IPO...

[Source: Forbes]

GM to Investors: Internal financial reporting controls are ineffective originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgeneral motors ipoGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsIpogm ipoGmIpoipoSun, 22 Aug 2010 16:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19603201/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/22/gm-to-investors-current-internal-financial-reporting-controls-i/19603201/article-detail.xml 19603201 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/gmnumbersshonky_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/gmnumbersshonky.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Bill Ford admits Blue Oval may lose investors to GM IPO, seems unconcerned]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/report-bill-ford-admits-blue-oval-may-lose-investors-to-gm-ipo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/report-bill-ford-admits-blue-oval-may-lose-investors-to-gm-ipo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/report-bill-ford-admits-blue-oval-may-lose-investors-to-gm-ipo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bill Ford dons sunglasses

Bill Ford, executive officer for Ford Motor Co., seems to be taking a fairly realistic stance when it comes to arch-rival General Motors releasing its IPO. While speaking at the kickoff of this weekend's Woodward Dream Cruise, Ford said that he was certain that some of his company's investors would likely move to GM, but he isn't entirely concerned. Even though Ford stock has slid off from its 52-week high of $14.57 recently, the company's executive officer said that he doesn't spend his time fretting over stock prices, preferring instead to worry about steering the company in the best direction possible.

This week, GM filed paperwork to issue an IPO, thought to be one of the largest offerings in America's history. Until then, Ford had enjoyed the privilege of being the only publicly-traded domestic auto manufacturer after both GM and Chrysler filed bankruptcy in 2009. With a new kid on the block, odds are some money is bound to move toward The General and away from FoMoCo.

[Source: Bloomberg, The Detroit Free Press | Image: Scott Olson/Getty Images]

Report: Bill Ford admits Blue Oval may lose investors to GM IPO, seems unconcerned originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill FordBillFordFordFord stockford stock priceFordStockFordStockPriceGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGeneralMotors IPOGeneralmotorsIpoGMGM IPOGmIpoFri, 20 Aug 2010 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19602201/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/20/report-bill-ford-admits-blue-oval-may-lose-investors-to-gm-ipo/19602201/article-detail.xml 19602201 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/bill-ford-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/bill-ford-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: GM poaches Hyundai marketing VP Chris Perry to head Chevy PR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/report-gm-poaches-hyundai-marketing-vp-chris-perry-to-head-chev/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/report-gm-poaches-hyundai-marketing-vp-chris-perry-to-head-chev/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/report-gm-poaches-hyundai-marketing-vp-chris-perry-to-head-chev/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chris Perry, GM marketingThe constant churn at General Motors' U.S. marketing organization continues with the hiring of former Hyundai marketing vice president, Chris Perry (right), to run marketing for the Chevrolet brand. Perry follows former top Hyundai marketing chief Joel Ewanick over to GM just five months after replacing him as the head of marketing at the Korean automaker. Perry is the fourth marketing executive chosen to run Chevrolet in the past 13 months.

Perry, 50, who spent 10 years at Hyundai in various positions, has left the Korean automaker effective immediately. Hyundai isn't yet prepared to name a successor to Perry, though we expect to hear something in the next couple weeks. Ewanick sounds pretty excited to have Perry working for him again, saying in the post-jump press release that Perry has a "unique ability to integrate strategic and creative marketing activities across all communications disciplines to reconnect consumers to the Chevrolet brand."

With Perry entering the fold at Chevy, someone had to move out, and that person is Jim Campbell. But while Campbell didn't get much of a chance at Chevy, he may have gotten a far more exciting job as he has been named vice president of GM's performance vehicles and motorsports unit. That doesn't sound like a demotion - or a bad gig - in our estimation.

[Sources: General Motors, Automotive News - sub. req.]

Continue reading Report: GM poaches Hyundai marketing VP Chris Perry to head Chevy PR

Report: GM poaches Hyundai marketing VP Chris Perry to head Chevy PR originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chris Perrychris perry chevrolet marketingChrisPerryChrisPerryChevroletMarketinggeneral motorsgeneral motors chris perryGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsChrisPerrygmgm marketingGmMarketingjim campbelljim campbell chevrolet gmJimCampbellJimCampbellChevroletGmjoel ewanickJoelEwanickFri, 20 Aug 2010 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19601086/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/20/report-gm-poaches-hyundai-marketing-vp-chris-perry-to-head-chev/19601086/article-detail.xml 19601086 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/perry-gm-marketing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/perry-gm-marketing.jpg <![CDATA[General Motors 2011 VIN decoder reveals new 1.0L, 1.2L, 1.6L four cylinder engines]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/general-motors-2011-vin-decoder-reveals-new-1-0l-1-2l-1-6l-fou/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/general-motors-2011-vin-decoder-reveals-new-1-0l-1-2l-1-6l-fou/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/general-motors-2011-vin-decoder-reveals-new-1-0l-1-2l-1-6l-fou/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Chevrolet Spark - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors' Service and Parts Operations website has published a pair of new documents for decoding 2011 model year Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) which reveal several new engines. The passenger car list includes a pair of small inline-fours of 1.0 and 1.2-liters displacement. Both engines are listed as port-injected, dual-overhead-cam units from the automaker's South Korean operations, GM Daewoo Automotive Technologies (GMDAT). We're assuming that these are the engines for the Spark mini-car that is due to arrive on our shores sometime during the coming year.

Also on the car list are a pair of 1.6-liter fours listed at 80 and 82 kilowatts. The 80 kW unit matches the 108 horsepower output of the current Aveo engine, so presumably it's a carryover until the new model arrives early in next year. That car is expected to use 110 hp (82 kW) version.

Finally, in the light-duty truck list, there is a 177 horsepower 2.2-liter diesel inline-four. GM has made clear that it has no plans to offer any light-duty diesel engines in the States, so we assume that this is for an export market vehicle, likely the Chevrolet Colorado pickup. The decoder guides are after the jump. A tip of the hat to xeong5!


Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark


[Source: General Motors Service and Parts Operations]

Continue reading General Motors 2011 VIN decoder reveals new 1.0L, 1.2L, 1.6L four cylinder engines

General Motors 2011 VIN decoder reveals new 1.0L, 1.2L, 1.6L four cylinder engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 Chevrolet aveo2011 general motors engines2011 gm engines2011ChevroletAveo2011GeneralMotorsEngines2011GmEnginesaveochevrolet aveoChevrolet SparkChevroletAveoChevroletSparkchevycoloradogeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGM Daewoo Automotive Technologiesgm enginesGmDaewooAutomotiveTechnologiesGMDATGmEnginessparkWed, 18 Aug 2010 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19598368/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/18/general-motors-2011-vin-decoder-reveals-new-1-0l-1-2l-1-6l-fou/19598368/article-detail.xml 19598368 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/chevrolet-spark-2010-green-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/chevrolet-spark-2010-green-630.jpg -1 2