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's Reuss would like a 'nice, light, rear-drive car that's inexpensive']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/gms-reuss-would-like-a-nice-light-rear-drive-car-thats-inex/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/gms-reuss-would-like-a-nice-light-rear-drive-car-thats-inex/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/gms-reuss-would-like-a-nice-light-rear-drive-car-thats-inex/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We'll admit we had to read the quote from General Motors President of North America Mark Reuss a few times just to make sure we weren't missing something obvious. But it is correct - Reuss told Automotive News he'd like "A really nice, light, rear-drive car that's inexpensive..." to join the Chevrolet line-up. Which means, if we've read this correctly, that Reuss wants the same thing that enthusiasts have been caterwauling about, like rutting cats and babies with colic, to join the Mazda Miata since the demise of the Honda S2000 - even after the arrival of the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S. The rest of the quote: "[W]e know that rings a bell." Indeed. As loud as Christ Church Cathedral, Mr. Reuss.

Mind you, this present-day evolution of Reuss' comments made at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show is still only wishlist material. As then, such a car is "not on the drawing board" according to AN. Even if it were, it wouldn't look like the 130R concept whose warm reception still has Reuss talking about the kind of car it represents. Nevertheless, if such a car were to appear, its sweet spot is the gentler end of the $20,000s, and it would utilize a "scalable and efficient" platform to compete against those aforementioned Japanese twins.

Feel free to speculate in Comments as to what kind of coupe Chevrolet should join the competition with, then forget this ever happened.

GM's Reuss would like a 'nice, light, rear-drive car that's inexpensive' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>130rchevychevy code 130rcode 130rgeneral motorsgmmark reussTue, 07 May 2013 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560023/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/gms-reuss-would-like-a-nice-light-rear-drive-car-thats-inex/20560023/article-detail.xml 20560023 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-130r-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-130r-concept.jpg <![CDATA['Birthplace of GM' now back in company hands [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Durant Dort Factory One

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dortdurant-dort carriage coflintgeneral motorsgmmark reussmichiganwilliam durantSun, 05 May 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557141/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/20557141/article-detail.xml 20557141 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/durant-dorch-factory-one_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/durant-dorch-factory-one.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy might've pulled out of NASCAR if it weren't for new Gen 6 car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/chevy-mightve-pulled-out-of-nascar-if-it-werent-for-new-gen-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/chevy-mightve-pulled-out-of-nascar-if-it-werent-for-new-gen-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/chevy-mightve-pulled-out-of-nascar-if-it-werent-for-new-gen-6/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 Chevrolet SS NASCAR racer - studio shot - front three-quarter view

We've been on the fence with NASCAR for some time now. On one hand, it's some of the closest racing anywhere in motorsports, with actual passing and door-handle-to-door-handle action as a matter of course. But on the other, it's become template racing - a personality-driven sport more about the drivers than any sort of loyalty to a particular automaker. The Car Of Tomorrow format really rammed that message home, with a racecar's identity coming down to little more than headlamp stickers slapped on the nose. That's not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself, but we've wondered for some time what's in it for the automakers, who pay big money to stay in a series that has had little increasingly little do with street car sales, let alone innovation.

Apparently General Motors was beginning to wonder the same thing. In a new ESPN report, Rick Hendrick, team owner of Hendrick Motorsports, suggests that GM would have seriously considered leaving NASCAR if it wasn't for the move away from the COT to the new Gen 6 racer. According to Hendrick, GM North America boss Mark Reuss spearheaded the charge away from the 2007 COT and toward a racecar with clearer automaker ties - cars like the new Chevrolet SS racer shown above. Learn more about the fight for a closer-to-production look in the ESPN story at the link.

Now, if we could just get more rear-wheel drive V8 coupes into showrooms....

Chevy might've pulled out of NASCAR if it weren't for new Gen 6 car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet sscar of tomorrowchevroletchevygen 6general motorsgmmark reussmotorsportsnascarrick hendrickssstock car racingWed, 20 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20469370/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/20/chevy-mightve-pulled-out-of-nascar-if-it-werent-for-new-gen-6/20469370/article-detail.xml 20469370 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-nascar-chevrolet-ss-002-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-nascar-chevrolet-ss-002-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Read an excerpt from Whitacre's book about how he fired Henderson and why Akerson got the job]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/read-an-excerpt-from-ed-whitacres-book-about-how-he-fired-fritz/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/read-an-excerpt-from-ed-whitacres-book-about-how-he-fired-fritz/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/read-an-excerpt-from-ed-whitacres-book-about-how-he-fired-fritz/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ed Whitacre's new book American Turnaround - coverIt is probably best just to play this down the middle and let you read the excerpt from American Turnaround: Reinventing AT&T and GM and the Way We Do Business in the USA by Ed Whitacre. The author, you'll remember, was the former AT&T CEO who came out of retirement to take the position of chairman at General Motors in June of 2009. Six months later, he took the role of CEO, and on September 1, 2010 he was replaced by current CEO Dan Akerson and gave up the chairmanship at the end of that year.

To read the excerpt, you're going to have to get past the Fortune headline "How Ed Whitacre brought GM back from the brink." Now, Whitacre didn't choose that headline, and since we're playing this down the middle, we can't say that the headline isn't the only eyebrow-raising line in the piece - but we won't charge it to Whitacre's account. However, when it takes five years to develop a single car, and redesigning a taillight for a midcycle refresh might take a year, we're not sure how anyone can reinvent a global automaker in just nine-months as CEO. Perhaps we should ask Ford boss Alan Mullaly about that timeframe.

To the point, the book will be out on February 12 - you can pre-order it on Amazon now - and Whitacre's explanation of how Fritz Henderson was let go, how he got the CEO position and how Akerson came to follow will be sure to get enthusiasts intrigued in what else the complete tome might say. All you've got to do is follow the link to read it.

Read an excerpt from Whitacre's book about how he fired Henderson and why Akerson got the job originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american turnaroundat and tattdan akersoned whitacrefritz hendersongeneral motorsgmgm bankruptcymark reussThu, 24 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20436474/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/24/read-an-excerpt-from-ed-whitacres-book-about-how-he-fired-fritz/20436474/article-detail.xml 20436474 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ed-whitacre-american-turnaround-book_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ed-whitacre-american-turnaround-book.jpg <![CDATA[GM's Reuss says rear-wheel drive Scion FR-S rival "on the list"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/gms-reuss-says-rear-wheel-drive-scion-fr-s-rival-on-the-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/gms-reuss-says-rear-wheel-drive-scion-fr-s-rival-on-the-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/gms-reuss-says-rear-wheel-drive-scion-fr-s-rival-on-the-list/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevrolet Code 130R Concept - on show stand

According to Australian site CarSales.com.au, General Motors North American boss, Mark Reuss, has expressed high interest in creating a small, rear-wheel-drive coupe to rival the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. If something like this ever came to production, it could take the shape of the Chevrolet Code 130R concept car (pictured) that debuted at last year's Detroit Auto Show.

"It's on the list. It would be a great entry for us," Reuss told CarSales.com.au, adding, "I don't know if they (Toyota) are making any money but it is a very attractive car."

A production version of the 130R would likely ride on a small, rear-drive platform like GM's Alpha architecture, which currently underpins the Cadillac ATS and will eventually be used in the next Chevrolet Camaro. "We would do something with the knowledge of Alpha and the background, but we wouldn't take Alpha and try and shrink it," said Reuss.

We've heard faint whispers about exactly this scenario previously, and the fact that it's still on the table is a good sign. Of course, if development hasn't started yet and a project like this gets the green light, there's no telling how far off a small, rear-drive coupe from GM could be. And considering how popular the Scion and Subaru twins have proven (at least in their early life), GM would be wise to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later.

GM's Reuss says rear-wheel drive Scion FR-S rival "on the list" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>130rchevroletchevycode 130rgeneral motorsgmmark reussThu, 17 Jan 2013 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20431816/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/gms-reuss-says-rear-wheel-drive-scion-fr-s-rival-on-the-list/20431816/article-detail.xml 20431816 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/01-chevrolet-code-130r-concept-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/01-chevrolet-code-130r-concept-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Reuss says GM "fundamentally" behind diesel in US, promises more models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/reuss-says-gm-fundamentally-behind-diesel-in-us-promises-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/reuss-says-gm-fundamentally-behind-diesel-in-us-promises-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/reuss-says-gm-fundamentally-behind-diesel-in-us-promises-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

GM President Mark Reuss

General Motors is sometimes faulted for poisoning demand for diesel engines in the US. But 30 years later, The General is warming to the idea of consumer-targeted oil burners again. GM President Mark Reuss tells TheDetroitBureau.com that if he has a say, his company will again sell a bunch of diesel-powered passenger cars in the US.

"There is, fundamentally, a place for diesel here," Reuss told TDB after Thursday's Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra intros. When asked directly about a diesel future for GM, Reuss answered, "more to come."

Reuss went on to say new technologies are making cleaner-burning diesels that should make meeting US emissions requirements easier, though he cautions they could push prices up beyond what buyers would be willing to pay. An anonymous GM exec says in the story that consumers have shown an interest in diesel and were willing to pay extra for the greater fuel economy - but not enough to cover actual costs of the technology.

GM's heavy-duty pickups currently offer a diesel engine, but the future of diesel-powered, light-duty cars from GM will likely depend heavily on the market performance of the upcoming diesel Chevrolet Cruze. If it can hit the mythical 50 mpg mark, it could be a hot enough seller that it triggers new conversations in GM's boardroom about developing other oil-burners for North American consumption. Could the future include diesel versions of GM's light-duty pickups? It would appear that the notion has at least one very powerful champion in Reuss.

Reuss says GM "fundamentally" behind diesel in US, promises more models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet cruzecruzedieselgeneral motorsgmmark reussreussFri, 14 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20403499/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/14/reuss-says-gm-fundamentally-behind-diesel-in-us-promises-more/20403499/article-detail.xml 20403499 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/mark-reuss-gm-president_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/mark-reuss-gm-president.jpg <![CDATA[How the SS will become Chevy's four-door Corvette halo car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/how-the-ss-will-become-chevys-four-door-corvette-halo-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/how-the-ss-will-become-chevys-four-door-corvette-halo-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/how-the-ss-will-become-chevys-four-door-corvette-halo-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

"This is not a return of the Pontiac G8."

Yesterday on a stage on the Encore Theater at The Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, Chevrolet revealed its NASCAR SS, the race car that will contest next year's Sprint Cup series. A lot of people are talking about this car, and doing so well beyond the NASCAR fraternity - we were told that 30 minutes after it began the car became the number one trending topic on Twitter. The car looks great, Jeff Gordon showed up for some banter, everyone who was there applauded, the assembled drivers said the the right things.

But it was at lunch after the event with Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America, and Jim Caldwell, US vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports, that we learned what we really wanted to know. That story centered on the car that the NASCAR Chevrolet SS heralds, the production Chevrolet SS that will go on sale late next year. Reuss was quick to lay out two of the biggest issues surrounding it: "The only reason we brought this car over is to go racing," and "This is not a return of the Pontiac G8."

Continue reading How the SS will become Chevy's four-door Corvette halo car

How the SS will become Chevy's four-door Corvette halo car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet sschevroletchevyfeaturedfour-door corvettemark reussnascar ssssss performanceFri, 30 Nov 2012 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391341/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/30/how-the-ss-will-become-chevys-four-door-corvette-halo-car/20391341/article-detail.xml 20391341 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/53nascarssrevealed-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/53nascarssrevealed-opt.jpg <![CDATA[GM's Reuss: Next Cadillac Escalade to be "much less ostentatious"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/gms-reuss-next-cadillac-escalade-to-be-much-less-ostentatious/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/gms-reuss-next-cadillac-escalade-to-be-much-less-ostentatious/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/gms-reuss-next-cadillac-escalade-to-be-much-less-ostentatious/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 Cadillac Escalade disguised spy shot

Within the next year or so, Cadillac will be launching its fourth-generation Escalade, and the SUV will be entering into a very different market than the one its predecessor first encountered in 2006. Over its history, General Motors' most expensive SUV has carved out a high-profile, highly profitable niche for itself as a larger-than-life, flamboyant style statement. But the next Escalade will dial back the chrome and the overtly conspicuous design that made it popular among attention-grabbing celebrities. Instead, General Motors' North American President, Mark Reuss, says the 2014/2015 Escalade will be "much less ostentatious" to be better in-step with the times.

At a media roundtable held earlier today at GM's downtown Detroit world headquarters, Reuss told Autoblog that Cadillac is changing its design tack with the next Escalade because there has been a "permanent mindset change about what luxury looks like." The new luxury, it follows, is more substantive and less showy, with a greater emphasis on efficiency. As a consequence, the Escalade will be "understated yet elegant," though Reuss was quick to assert that the SUV's new design "is not feminine." Indeed, spy shots of the next Escalade suggest that the truck's design will still have gobs of presence, including a massive front grille and an intimidating stance marked out by large wheels.

The Escalade will be "understated yet elegant," though Reuss was quick to assert that the SUV's new design "is not feminine."

Reuss cautions that even though GM is targeting a more refined visual and driving experience, the Escalade will still hold appeal for current owners, with a much more upscale interior and the same high ride height that buyers have come to know and love. And as the Escalade will remain a body-on-frame truck with V8 power, it should still maintain its workhorse capabilities for those who tow regularly, despite posting sizable efficiency gains.

At the same roundtable, Cadillac's new Global Vice President, Robert E. Ferguson, noted that the current Escalade has a surprisingly diverse ownership base, with clusters around both single males and mothers with young children. The next-gen Escalade will look to better leverage that spectrum of buyers, with GM hoping that its "audience will expand significantly." In order to court that broader consumer base, Reuss points out that the new Escalade also "won't be marketed the same as we did five years ago."

Of course, GM isn't looking to abandon core customers that helped make Escalade one of the industry's most recognizable nameplates. To that end, Reuss assured Autoblog that "there will continue to be a place and trim" for the model's traditional customers who were drawn to the current Escalade's splashier style.

GM's Reuss: Next Cadillac Escalade to be "much less ostentatious" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 cadillac escalade2015 cadillac escaladecadillacescaladegeneral motorsgmmark reussrobert fergusonsladeWed, 31 Oct 2012 17:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366910/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/31/gms-reuss-next-cadillac-escalade-to-be-much-less-ostentatious/20366910/article-detail.xml 20366910 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/escalade-spy-shots-1-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/escalade-spy-shots-1-628.jpg <![CDATA[Why Buick's Encore wasn't a Chevy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/buick-dealers-hot-for-encore/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/buick-dealers-hot-for-encore/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/buick-dealers-hot-for-encore/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Buick is taking a gamble with its 2013 Encore. General Motors' near-luxury brand has enjoyed great success attracting conquest buyers to its larger Enclave crossover, but it has never offered something quite like this small CUV.

Very early signs suggest that the gamble might be working. According to Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, the automaker expected about 1,500 initial orders from its dealers for the Encore, but it's tracking closer to 9,000 units. Alluding to the fact that historically, Buick has shared similar products with GM's other brands, Reuss says that Buick dealers are "thrilled to have an exclusive." The automaker already markets almost identical models in other markets as the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka and Chevrolet Trax, but The General's other brands won't offer a twin to the new baby Buick.

The new Encore is based on the Gamma architecture that underpins the Chevrolet Sonic, and it shares the economy car's available turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. With standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, GM says its Encore will be pitted against competitors like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, both of which are much more expensive but also much more powerful.

Some industry watchers - including members of Autoblog - have openly wondered whether the Encore is a good fit for Buick, as GM has been steadily working to turn the brand into a more premium marque to tackle the likes of Acura and Lexus. Those same pundits have suggested that the Encore's small size and limited power would perhaps play better under the Chevrolet banner, especially as there would appear to be enough white space below Bowtie's very popular Equinox CUV. Autoblog approached Reuss with this notion at a media roundtable today, and the executive bristled, stating categorically that the Trax "would have never worked" in the US because of financial and packaging reasons, not to mention the fact that the model doesn't wear Chevrolet's new design language (as seen in the 2014 Impala).

Certainly, GM will be able to ask more money for the Encore with a Buick Tri-Shield badge on its nose than it would with a Chevrolet emblem - the range will start at $24,950 when it launches in the first quarter of 2013 - and strong early orders suggest that the automaker may indeed have the last laugh.

Why Buick's Encore wasn't a Chevy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 buick encorebuickencoregeneral motorsgmmark reussWed, 31 Oct 2012 16:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366960/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/31/buick-dealers-hot-for-encore/20366960/article-detail.xml 20366960 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/001-2013-buick-encore-1326120425_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/001-2013-buick-encore-1326120425.jpg <![CDATA[GM now tying all employee bonuses to customer loyalty]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/gm-now-tying-all-employee-bonuses-to-customer-loyalty/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/gm-now-tying-all-employee-bonuses-to-customer-loyalty/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/gm-now-tying-all-employee-bonuses-to-customer-loyalty/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GM North America President Mark Reuss

Since it emerged from bankruptcy in 2009, General Motors has been spending a goodly amount of effort trying to prove that the "New GM" does things differently than the company that squandered over 15 points of market share in the past two decades. Its latest gambit is linking salaried employee bonuses, in part, to customer loyalty. While we tend to cast a skeptical eye on such proclamations - whether they come from GM or any other automaker - we're intrigued by what seems like a legitimate effort by GM North American President Mark Reuss to truly remake the automaker into a customer-focused company.

According to Automotive News, Reuss has ended the longstanding practice of each GM fiefdom having its own internal goals, with the overall success of the organization rendered irrelevant. As Reuss told AN, "Everybody had their own metrics, which somehow were all green. But, weirdly, when we added it up, it was pretty red."

All of GM's 29,000 salaried North American employees, including both sales and marketing and design and engineering staff, will be covered by the new policy, which rewards employees with year-end bonuses only if goals for quality and customer retention are met. The customer focus was added this year, with the quality goals having been set in 2011, according to the report.

AN says the biggest change the policy will have on GM's corporate culture may come at the dealership level. Where, in the past, GM's sales managers were known to push cars down the pipeline, essentially strong-arming dealers to take cars they didn't want, that practice has ended, according to the report.

GM now tying all employee bonuses to customer loyalty originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customer loyaltygmgm bonusesgm salesmark reussTue, 05 Jun 2012 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20250795/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/05/gm-now-tying-all-employee-bonuses-to-customer-loyalty/20250795/article-detail.xml 20250795 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/gmmarkreuss04-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/gmmarkreuss04-opt.jpg <![CDATA[GMC version of Chevy Colorado to look "significantly differentiated" - if it gets built]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/gmc-version-of-chevy-colorado-to-look-significantly-differentia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/gmc-version-of-chevy-colorado-to-look-significantly-differentia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/gmc-version-of-chevy-colorado-to-look-significantly-differentia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Chevrolet Colorado (global model)

The mid-size pickup truck segment should get a much-needed shot in the arm when the global Chevrolet Colorado reaches our shores in the near future. We're not exactly sure when the Colorado will be built and sold here, but thanks to its 2011 reveal we have a good idea of what it will look like. We also don't know any specs for the North American model, and we haven't received confirmation whether a GMC variant will follow to replace the current Canyon model.

Car and Driver reports that General Motors President Mark Reuss still won't confirm a GMC spinoff, but he does add that if a "Professional Grade" version of the Colorado is built, it will be very different than its Bowtie-wearing counterpart. As the current Canyon is essentially a badge-swap away from being a Chevy, the idea of increased differentiation strikes us as a welcome development. We aren't exactly sure how much different the would-be pickup might be, but we're guessing that Reuss is referring to more unique parts than than the front fascia and minor trim enhancements that differentiate the GMC Sierra from the Silverado.

Reuss also tells C/D that the new Colorado is surprisingly large - about 90-95 percent of the size of the Silverado, and he notes the truck will feature different powertrains. We assumed that the Colorado will feature different powertrains, and we hope that a fuel-efficient six-cylinder and a diesel offering will be available under the hood.

GMC version of Chevy Colorado to look "significantly differentiated" - if it gets built originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet colorado2013 chevrolet colorado2013 gmc canyonchevroletchevycoloradogmgmcgmc canyonmark reussMon, 16 Jan 2012 14:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20148909/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/16/gmc-version-of-chevy-colorado-to-look-significantly-differentia/20148909/article-detail.xml 20148909 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/global-chevrolet-colorado-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/global-chevrolet-colorado-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Volt will receive safety enhancements, but don't call it a recall]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/chevy-volt-will-receive-safety-enhancements-but-dont-call-it-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/chevy-volt-will-receive-safety-enhancements-but-dont-call-it-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/chevy-volt-will-receive-safety-enhancements-but-dont-call-it-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Chevrolet Volt is about to get safer. That's the big message from GM today as the company announced structural and cooling system "safety enhancements" that are intended to better distribute the car's energy load from a crash and, thus, better protect the battery from potential fires.

Mark Reuss, president of GM North America, said that GM is treating this as a voluntary customer satisfaction issue, and therefor it is not a recall. Still, the process to fix the cars does kind of smell like a recall, since all the Volts that have left the factory - roughly 8,000 already sold and another 4,400 at dealerships (every Ampera will need to get this fix as well) - will need to be changed, a process that takes roughly 2-3 hours, Reuss said. He would not hint at what this could cost GM.

Mary Barra, senior vice president of Global Product Development, said the repair parts should be ready and out to dealers in February. In a conference call with reporters, Barra explained the fix this way:

First, we're going to strengthen an existing portion of the vehicle safety structure that protects the battery pack in the event of a severe side collision. ... The current steel tunnel of the car acts as a safety cage surrounding the battery pack. The side pole test impacts the car directly in line with the cross car structure. ... The structural enhancements more evenly distribute the load to further protect the battery and coolant line in the event of a severe side crash. In addition to these structural modifications, we are going to make enhancements to the cooling system. First, we're going to be installing a sensor in the reservoir of the battery cooling system to monitor battery coolant levels. We're also adding a tamper-resistant bracket to the top of the battery coolant resevoir to prevent a potential coolant overfill.

Barra added that the LG Chem cell chemistry used in the Volt is safe and that, "We still believe liquid cooling is the right option for the Volt."

Since Volt production was shut down for the holidays (as is normal), Reuss said that when it is restarted "very shortly" the safety enhancements will be in place. As for the cars out in the wild, GM dealers can still sell them before the repairs are made because, Reuss said, "the car is safe."

Not everyone is so sure. Reuss said that around 250 Volt owners have requested either a loaner vehicle or a potential buyback, but he said this number may change following today's announcement. As for people who are still shopping, Reuss said, "To our potential customers, if you're in the market, we think you'll be missing an opportunity if you don't consider the Volt."

With that in mind, what does 2012 hold for the Volt? Reuss admitted that even though higher production numbers have been set for the coming year, GM is flexible and that, "We will match supply with demand."

Continue reading Chevy Volt will receive safety enhancements, but don't call it a recall

Chevy Volt will receive safety enhancements, but don't call it a recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery sarefychevroletchevyelectric vehiclemark reussmary barranhtsaplug-in hybridrecallsafety enhancementsvoltvolt firevolt recallThu, 05 Jan 2012 12:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20141233/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/chevy-volt-will-receive-safety-enhancements-but-dont-call-it-a/20141233/article-detail.xml 20141233 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/voltstructureenhancement-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/voltstructureenhancement-628.jpg <![CDATA[GMC to go further upscale?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/09/gmc-to-go-upscale/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/09/gmc-to-go-upscale/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/09/gmc-to-go-upscale/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 gmc acadia denali
2011 GMC Acadia Denali - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite sharing a lot of dirty bits underneath, General Motors has done a commendable job lately of differentiating GMC and Chevrolet. Look at the Equinox and Terrain or the Acadia and Traverse as proof. Both pairs of vehicles share the same underpinnings, yet each have their own look. That's a definite improvement over prior efforts, and Automotive News is reporting that GM may go further in the future.

Mark Reuss, GM President in North America, tells AN that GM's two-brand approach to trucks needs to be better executed in the future. The high-level exec adds that the similarities in price between the two brands often leads to identical incentives, which has in turn led to the dilution of the GMC brand.

One way to further differentiate GMC is to head upscale, and the Professional Grade has its successful Denali trim range to help make that happen. "I think we can do premium Chevrolets, and take GMC and move it even further up," says Reuss. If GMC were to use Denali to increase luxury sales, the brand would have to incorporate the badging on a lot more vehicles. Right now the Denali brand is limited to Sierra, Yukon and Acadia variants, but a Terrain variant has been spotted testing.

GMC to go further upscale? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denaligeneral motorsgmcgmc denalimark reussMon, 09 May 2011 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19935220/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/09/gmc-to-go-upscale/19935220/article-detail.xml 19935220 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/gmc-acadia-denali_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/gmc-acadia-denali.jpg <![CDATA[GM's Mark Reuss says Nissan Leaf is a "single-purpose" car that he wouldn't put in the hands of his three kids]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/06/gms-mark-reuss-says-nissan-leaf-is-a-single-purpose-car-that/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/06/gms-mark-reuss-says-nissan-leaf-is-a-single-purpose-car-that/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/06/gms-mark-reuss-says-nissan-leaf-is-a-single-purpose-car-that/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Nissan Leaf
2011 Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America, recently voiced his opinions on a slew of issues with the Nashville Business Journal. Reuss spoke of GM's future, the role of the Chevrolet Volt and more. But when the discussion turned to the Nissan Leaf, it became obvious that Reuss is not a fan of the electric hatch.

Reuss explained what he believes to be the most significant drawbacks of electric-only vehicles like the Leaf, stating:
[The Leaf] has a finite range and requires infrastructure and charging to run it, where the Volt is really an extended-range electric vehicle. The Volt can really be the only car you own. You better be living within a certain range for the Leaf. ... It's a lot different market, a lot different car and a completely different driver.
While we think that Reuss should've stopped at that, he didn't. Reuss continued to rag on the Leaf, boldly stating that:
I'm not sure if I'd put the Leaf in the hands of my three kids. Say, what if they can't charge it? What if they get to school and can't charge it? The Leaf is a single-purpose car.
Did Reuss' statements to a little too far? Let us know what you think by voicing your thoughts in 'Comments' below.

GM's Mark Reuss says Nissan Leaf is a "single-purpose" car that he wouldn't put in the hands of his three kids originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 nissan leafchevy voltelectric vehiclegeneral motorsleafleaf versus voltmark reussnissan leafplug-in hybridvoltFri, 06 May 2011 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19933686/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/06/gms-mark-reuss-says-nissan-leaf-is-a-single-purpose-car-that/19933686/article-detail.xml 19933686 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/01nissanleaf2011fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/01nissanleaf2011fd.jpg <![CDATA[Chevrolet Volt production officially begins today, GM auctioning first one for charity [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/30/chevrolet-volt-production-officially-begins-today-gm-auctioning/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/30/chevrolet-volt-production-officially-begins-today-gm-auctioning/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/30/chevrolet-volt-production-officially-begins-today-gm-auctioning/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

chevy volt charity auction
First Chevrolet Volt gets built - Click above to watch the time-lapse video

Want to be like Lance Armstrong and get the first available production model of one of the most eagerly-awaited vehicles of the decade? You can, if you're willing to bid some money to help the Detroit Public Schools - more specifically the Detroit Public Schools Foundation, which supports math and science education.

The "first Chevrolet Volt available for retail sale" will be auctioned on Bidonthevolt.com through 6 p.m. (EST?) December 14, with the winner announced on December 16. The actual first retail Volt will be kept by General Motors, so the Viridian Joule auction car will have a vehicle identification number ending in BU100002. The car includes the Light Neutral interior with dark accents, has the Premium Trim Package, Rear Camera and Park Assist Package and polished wheels. The auction starts at $50,000 and comes with a 240-volt charging station installed in the winner's home. No word on whether of not winning the auction still qualifies you for the $7,500 federal tax credit.

As you might expect, GM is highlighting the connection between all of the advanced technology in the Volt and the math and science needed to create it. General Motors North America president Mark Reuss said in a statement that, "By encouraging Detroit-area students to pursue these topics, we hope to cultivate the next generation of engineers who will build upon the Volt's innovative technologies." To this end, GM will also hire 1,000 engineers and researchers in Michigan within the next two years. You can read about these jobs on AutoblogGreen, but before you go anywhere, check out an official time-lapse build video of the first Chevy Volt after the jump.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Chevrolet Volt production officially begins today, GM auctioning first one for charity [w/video]

Chevrolet Volt production officially begins today, GM auctioning first one for charity [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charity voltchevroletchevrolet volt charitychevychevy voltdetroit public schoolsMark ReussvoltTue, 30 Nov 2010 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19738255/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/30/chevrolet-volt-production-officially-begins-today-gm-auctioning/19738255/article-detail.xml 19738255 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/voltauctionhome-630-1291131679_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/voltauctionhome-630-1291131679.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Top GM execs awarded millions in stock ahead of IPO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/08/report-top-gm-execs-awarded-millions-in-stock-ahead-of-ipo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/08/report-top-gm-execs-awarded-millions-in-stock-ahead-of-ipo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/08/report-top-gm-execs-awarded-millions-in-stock-ahead-of-ipo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It pays to be an executive for General Motors. Actually, scratch that... it will soon pay to be an executive with General Motors, assuming that the automaker's upcoming Initial Public Offering takes place according to plan. According to our friends at TheDetroitBureau.com, a dozen top officials at the company could be looking at a payday totaling as much as $13 million or more, depending on the value of GM stock after the IPO.

According to filings submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre, Vice Chairman Tom Stephens, Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell, Vice Chairman Chris Girsky and North American President Mark Reuss are all slated to get major stock deals.

After GM received its $50 billion bailout from the U.S. government, Kenneth Feinberg, Treasury's special master on pay, set up pay restrictions for officials at the automaker that capped salaries at specified levels, oftentimes to no more than $500,000 per year. Naturally, the stock deals awarded to the aforementioned executives after the company's expected IPO should more than help make up for any perceived monetary deficiencies.

[Source: TheDetroitBureau.com]

Report: Top GM execs awarded millions in stock ahead of IPO originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris girskychris liddellChrisGirskyChrisLiddelled whitacreEdWhitacregeneral motorsgeneral motors ipoGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsIpogmGm executivegm executive compensationGM executivesgm ipogm stockgm stock priceGmExecutiveGmExecutiveCompensationGmExecutivesGmIpoGmStockGmStockPriceinitial public offeringInitialPublicOfferingipomark reussMarkReusstom stephensTomStephensTue, 08 Jun 2010 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19508559/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/08/report-top-gm-execs-awarded-millions-in-stock-ahead-of-ipo/19508559/article-detail.xml 19508559 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gmlogodollarsign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gmlogodollarsign.jpg <![CDATA[GM President Mark Reuss: Chevrolet Cruze Coupe "may show up"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/gm-president-mark-reuss-chevrolet-cruze-coupe-may-show-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/gm-president-mark-reuss-chevrolet-cruze-coupe-may-show-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/gm-president-mark-reuss-chevrolet-cruze-coupe-may-show-up/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chevrolet Cruze - click above for high-res image gallery

Check out this little nugget General Motor's North American president Mark Reuss let slip during a recent web chat:
"[...] 2 door cruze is a nice idea, and it may show up in the global market. As we have 2 door Cobalts currently, [North America] would naturally look at a Cruze 2 door, but I believe our small car portfolio will be WAY beyond what it is now, so a 2 door something still is needed."
Quite interesting, no? Especially as the Cruze will eventually replace the Cobalt as Chevy's C-segment car. We suspect there will be a bit of overlap between the two cars (GM's high-volume models die hard), but the idea of a Cruze SS Coupe is quite tantalizing. To us at any rate.

Also lip smacking is another bit of info Reuss let slip when a man named Pete asked the following question, "Can you tell us if the plans for a ZETA RWD sedan in one of the core brands is moving forward?" Mr. Reuss' response, "quite possibly Pete......." That's not the Lutzian answer we're used to ("RWD, twin-turbo wagons with manuals for all!") but it's not a "no," either. Also of note, Reuss, a competition-license carrying "car guy" at one time owned Buick GNX #446. Good to know, and stay tuned....


Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze


[Source: GM Reinvention]

GM President Mark Reuss: Chevrolet Cruze Coupe "may show up" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Buikc GNXBuikcGnxChevrolet CruzeChevroletCruzeChevy CruzeChevy Cruze CoupeChevy Cruze Two-DoorChevyCruzeChevyCruzeCoupeChevyCruzeTwo-doorCobaltCruzecruze 2-doorCruze CoupeCruze two-doorCruze2-doorCruzeCoupeCruzeTwo-doorGNXMark ReussMarkReussreussFri, 12 Mar 2010 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19396932/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/12/gm-president-mark-reuss-chevrolet-cruze-coupe-may-show-up/19396932/article-detail.xml 19396932 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/630cruze_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/630cruze.jpg <![CDATA[GM announces sweeping North American management shuffle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/02/gm-announces-sweeping-north-american-management-shuffle/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/02/gm-announces-sweeping-north-american-management-shuffle/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/02/gm-announces-sweeping-north-american-management-shuffle/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It may be tough to remember the news earlier in the day that Bryan Nesbitt would be out as the head of Cadillac and back to his old position as executive director, advanced concept group. A metric ton of reveals from the Geneva Motor Show has a tendency to do that kind of thing... but General Motors rather quietly let loose a whole slew of sweeping changes to its North American leadership team. According to Mark Reuss, GM North America president:
It's become extremely clear to me since taking this role that there is a better way to structure this organization. The premise of the structure is simple - a clearer marketing focus to sell more vehicles, and freeing our sales and service experts to focus on customers and dealers... We've worked with a small group of executives to align this model and appoint the best candidates for each job.
Shortly after the announcement went out, Reuss held a conference call during which he admitted that GM's sales performance was not keeping up with the progress the automaker has recently made with its vehicle lineup. Hence, the leadership shakeup. The moves are way too thorough to go over here, so we suggest you click on past the break for the complete rundown straight from The General. Summing up the changes, Reuss had this to say:
This structure has been developed with as few layers as possible between me, the dealer and the customer. By removing layers and giving leaders increased accountability, we allow them to move faster and focus on what needs to be done.

[Source: General Motors | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Continue reading GM announces sweeping North American management shuffle

GM announces sweeping North American management shuffle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgeneral motors leadershipgeneral motors managementGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsLeadershipGeneralMotorsManagementgmgm leadershipgm management shakeupGmLeadershipGmManagementShakeupMark ReussMarkReussTue, 02 Mar 2010 18:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19380275/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/02/gm-announces-sweeping-north-american-management-shuffle/19380275/article-detail.xml 19380275 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/rencen-gm-hq-fist-630-getty_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/rencen-gm-hq-fist-630-getty.jpg <![CDATA[Report: GM's Mark Reuss ponders return of VE Commodore to U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/report-gms-mark-reuss-ponders-return-of-ve-commodore-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/report-gms-mark-reuss-ponders-return-of-ve-commodore-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/report-gms-mark-reuss-ponders-return-of-ve-commodore-to-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Holden VE Ute - Click above for high-res image gallery

As if General Motors hasn't endured enough turmoil in the last year, Pickuptrucks.com is reporting that GM North America president Mark Reuss is championing the idea of a stateside Holden VE Ute. Pardon us for thinking this issue was dead and buried in 2009, interred in the graveyard of stillborn ideas. Reuss, who ran Holden for GM during the VE's development, has a soft spot for the admittedly excellent platform that we only shortly knew as the Pontiac G8. While that dalliance was only marginally longer lived than Jay Leno's move to prime time (the promised G8 Sport Truck was announced and then canceled before birth), Reuss thinks that GMC or Chevrolet could proudly park the Ute in U.S. showrooms.

Rather than let all the hard work done to bring the G8 to fruition go to waste, Reuss is also reportedly looking for a slot for that car, as well. If GM can get the Ute classed as a truck in North America, it might play a significant role in Corporate Average Fuel Economy ratings, and that may be enough reason alone to offer a neo-El Camino. A revised G8 popping up under another GM moniker would be welcomed by the auto punditry, though may still fail to move enough units to make an impact. There's no denying that niche vehicles such as the Ute and G8 have a following, but we wonder how much focus these efforts are stealing from the pivotal vehicles that must launch and continue to sell without a hitch. As exciting as a Ute might be, a flawless and successfully marketed launch of the new Chevrolet Aveo is likely far more important to GM's financial health at this point than some hoon sled.


Gallery: Holden VE Ute


[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

Report: GM's Mark Reuss ponders return of VE Commodore to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>el caminoElCaminogeneral motorsGeneralMotorsholdenHolden CommodoreHolden VE UteHoldenCommodoreHoldenVeUtemark reussMarkReussPontiac G8pontiac g8 sport truckPontiacG8PontiacG8SportTruckFri, 15 Jan 2010 13:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19317707/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/15/report-gms-mark-reuss-ponders-return-of-ve-commodore-to-u-s/19317707/article-detail.xml 19317707 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/veute_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/veute.jpg <![CDATA[Saab Saga Update: Genii and Spyker pondering joint bid? Workers rally in Trollhätten, etc.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/14/saab-saga-update-genii-and-spyker-pondering-joint-bid-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/14/saab-saga-update-genii-and-spyker-pondering-joint-bid-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/14/saab-saga-update-genii-and-spyker-pondering-joint-bid-workers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Saab: A history in pictures - Click above for high-res gallery

Despite the fact that the Detroit Auto Show put the focus back on General Motors' new products and pulled the spotlight away from the will-they/won't-they saga that is the Saab sale/wind-down, there are no shortage of developments to report in the ongoing story.

Yesterday, Genii Capital and Bernie Ecclestone submitted a freshly revised bit for Saab, and Spyker Cars reportedly also did so, with CEO Victor Muller going so far as to say that, "We have shown Mr. Whitacre the money." For its part, Merbanco has also apparently been asked to tweak its bid by General Motors, and it has done so as well.

Swedish-language outlet Svenska Dagbladet has reported that Genii and Spyker may team up to present an even stronger bid, and Dagens Industri has gone so far as to speculate that Genii and Spyker might try to pull Renault into a three-way deal (as you may remember, Genii purchased Renault's Formula One team recently), but Saabs United indicates that there's not much to this rumor.

In what critics are suggesting as a less-than-good-faith move, GM may also schedule transportation of the 2010 Saab 9-5's tooling to China as early as tomorrow, January 15, where the model would likely be built wearing Buick badges. The General appointed Steven Taylor and Peter Torngren to oversee the liquidation of Saab on Monday, and as part of that move, they replaced both Saab's CEO and board effective immediately.

Despite all of this, GM's new president of North America, Mark Reuss, has been quoted suggesting that the protracted bidding struggle may continue until early February, all while GM continues to the process of shuttering the brand. It's enough to make us long for the simpler days of last November, when Saab was nearly sold to Koenigsegg for the symbolic sum of one krona (about .14 cents).

While all of this has been happening, Saab enthusiasts have apparently been gearing up for dozens of rallies around the globe to show support for the sale of the battered marque, with organizers in Yekatarinburg, Russia going so far as to create a commercial and running it on local television. On Tuesday, workers at Saab's Trollhätten plant rallied, calling for the newly-appointed liquidators at AlixPartners to "go home." This, as the very first Saab 9-3 convertible came off the line in Sweden - previous droptops had been assembled by Valmet in Findland and Magna Steyr in Austria.

Given how painfully drawn-out this process has become, we have to wonder... will there be anything left to save when all the chips fall? A final, they-really-mean-it-this-time decision on Saab's fate could happen as early as tomorrow, but sources close to the negotiations seem to think that the proceedings are likely to drag out into next week.


Gallery: Saab - A History in Pictures


[Sources: Saabs United, Saab History, Swedish Wire, Earth Times, Business Week; Contract Hire and Leasing]

Saab Saga Update: Genii and Spyker pondering joint bid? Workers rally in Trollhätten, etc. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlixPartnersBuickDetroit 2010Detroit atuo showDetroit2010DetroitAtuoShowMagna SteyrMagnaSteyrMark ReussMarkReussPeter TorngrenPeterTorngrenSaabSteven TaylorStevenTaylorValmetThu, 14 Jan 2010 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19316823/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/14/saab-saga-update-genii-and-spyker-pondering-joint-bid-workers/19316823/article-detail.xml 19316823 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/saab-historical_black-900t-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/saab-historical_black-900t-630.jpg -1 2