March 31, 2009
It doesn't get much more turbulent in the automobile industry than the last 24 hours, and a little birdie told me there's plenty more coming in the next couple weeks, not to mention the next 24 hours...
But for now let's focus on what we know.
We know Rick Wagoner is gone. It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with how he ran GM. It doesn't matter if you think his dismissal was prudent change or simple posturing (one guess as to what I think). The bottom line is he's viewed as the man at the wheel when GM steered into the sun, and the president's administration wanted a "fresh" approach.
We know Obama wasn't satisfied with either Chrysler or GM's viability plans and has asked for a "do over" from both. The president seems fired up by the idea of a Chrysler/Fiat merger (more fired up than he should be?), but he was nebulous about GM's next steps. It seems "go futher" and "work harder" on restructuring is the only concrete takeaway.
We know the president left open the concept of bankruptcy as a possible pathway to viability in his speech. After the speech GM's new CEO, Fritz Henderson, reiterated the bankruptcy option and spoke of likely government aid to expedite bankruptcy proceedings.
Finally, we know the government is now guaranteeing the warranties on all domestic automobiles. This is good because it means current and potential new domestic car owners can be comfortable knowing the government has backed up their vehicles (versus leaving them "out to dry" on warranty work).
Add these indisputable facts up and I think we all know something else: A GM bankruptcy is inevitable.
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- Karl Brauer March 31, 2009, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive News, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saturn, Talk Back Tuesday
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- GM Bankruptcy Automobile
March 25, 2008
I don't have one topic worthy of a full Talk Back Tuesday post, but I do have a few mini topics from the past week that, when added up, almost equate to one worthy discussion...hopefully. Here goes:
In the spirit of "perfect timing" comes a new Hummer H2 book: Yes, just as oil passes $100-a-barrel and gas hits $4-a-gallon we get a new book that, according to the press release:
"With unfolded centerfold the book reaches a width of 237 cm (94.5 inches), wider than the subject of the book, the HUMMER H2, itself. HUMMER H2 - KING SIZE AMERICA! is the biggest and most exclusive car book in the world and is published in a limited edition of just 999 sequentially numbered and signed copies. On 200 gloss-laminated pages German automobile journalist Hans-Jürgen Tücherer tells a great many entertaining and amusing stories that surround this spectacular American SUV. More than 270 fascinating pictures up to 43 x 237 centimeters (17 x 94.5 inches) in size depict the HUMMER H2 in all its glorious details and from many highly unusual perspectives. HUMMER H2 - KING SIZE AMERICA! is available for 999 Euros. The German edition is on sale now. The English version will be available online at www.h2book.com starting in April 2008."
Yes, for a mere $1,500 you too can pay proper homage to your H2 with a book as obnoxious as the vehicle itself! Better reserve your copy today!!
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- Karl Brauer March 25, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Audi, BMW, Bugatti, Hummer, Mazda, Talk Back Tuesday, Vehicle Awards
January 10, 2008
The good news regarding the Hummer H3 Alpha relates to the SUV's geneology. Starting with the same platform as the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon is reason enough to give me pause. Our long-term GMC Canyon was underpowered, unrefined and unappealing in almost every way. But this version of the GMT355 platform (called the GMT345 for Hummer use) is surprisingly adequate in terms of ride quality, handling and front-seat comfort (none of which could be said of the pickup trucks). And with the 5.3-liter V8 in the "Alpha" version, it's actually relatively quick, too (for a serious off-road machine anyway).
But that's about where the accolades end. The list of de-merits is pretty long, particularly for a $43,000 SUV. Most competitors (Toyota FJ Cruiser, Nissan Xterra, Jeep Wrangler) are considerably cheaper while being about as quick in a straight line and just as competent off road. And they don't swill pretrol like this beast, either (13/18 mpg vs. 16/20 for the FJ).
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- Karl Brauer January 10, 2008, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Fuel Efficiency, Hummer
November 30, 2007
I don't have much passion (positive or negative) for the Hummer H3, but I know plenty of people do. It's generally a "love it or hate it" car because of the emotions it evokes. I used to dislike it, but with the proper engine finally available it does what it's supposed to do quite capably.
If you read Mark Tapscott's review of the H3 you don't learn how good or bad the H3 is, but why it should be offered to the buying public at all...
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- Karl Brauer November 30, 2007, 1:30 PM
- Categories:
- Hummer
September 1, 2006
This is old news, but 2006 is the last year for the Hummer H1
. The vehicle represented the ultimate Sierra Club atrocity, and in a world of $3-a-gallon gasoline I don't expect too many tears to fall -- GM only sold 374 last year. While I, like others, felt the H1 was a bit ridiculous as a civilian vehicle, I do find something troubling about the existence of the H2 and H3 (and rumored H4) without the H1 around. The H1 defined the brand for years, and only recently did "other" Hummer models exist. Now the basis for the entire Hummer image is going away (unless you're an enlisted man) but the "knock off's" are still available...
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- Karl Brauer September 1, 2006, 8:09 AM
- Categories:
- Fuel Efficiency, Hummer
