Is Chevrolet A Full-Line Automaker? It’s Time To Fill Those Gaps Then!
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Since the demise of Saturn and Pontiac, it’s now up to Chevrolet to cater to the mainstream car buyer. On multiple occasions, GM executives have expressed plans for the bow-tie brand to take over lost sales volume from Saturn and Pontiac. And it’s about time – I’ve been a huge proponent of a single mainstream brand to face off against other full-line auto makers such as Toyota, Honda, and Ford (we can place VW here as well, to a certain extent). Having said that, GM has its work cut out for it in getting Chevrolet to a point where its product portfolio is fully competitive with the aforementioned brands.
Here’s what we know is coming for sure:
Impala Replacement
Today’s Impala is not a bad car; in fact, it’s very comfortable. The Impala has also been a surprisingly solid performer for Chevy, having sold upwards of 289,000 units in 2006 and 311,000 in 2007. The only problem is, the Impala is old, riding on the W-body platform, whose roots can be traced back to 1988. The current Impala is scheduled to continue on in its current guise through at least 2012. When it comes to a replacement vehicle, the future is a little unclear: at first, the plan was to use the RWD Zeta architecture to underpin the next-gen Impala. Since then, we’ve heard reports that the US-bound Zeta project has been shelved for all models save for the Camaro. It has been reported that the Super-Epsilon platform has been chosen to be the architecture for the next-generation Impala.
Aveo
Coming in 2010 as a 2011 model year, the Aveo replacement can’t come soon enough! It’s not that the current Aveo is a terrible car, it’s just not very competitive with its rivals from Japan (Yaris, Versa) and Korea (Accent, Rio). The upcoming Aveo will use GM’s new global sub-compact platform also known as Gamma II (SCCS – Small Common Components and Systems), which was developed in Korea.
Cruze
The Chevy Cruze will replace the aging Cobalt in the US and the Lacetti in international markets. As is the case with the Aveo, the present-day Cobalt isn’t a “bad” car, but it’s greatly outclassed by its competition in terms of materials, refinement, and design. As such, it can’t come soon enough to US shores. In fact, the Cruze is already available in certain International markets like Europe and Australia! The Cruze is built on GM’s new global compact platform, the Delta II, that will be shared with the upcoming Chevy Orlando and possibly a compact premium vehicle from Buick.
Orlando
The Orlando is a new kind of vehicle for Chevrolet, as the auto maker has never sold something like it before (in the US, anyway). It’s an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) that will compete with the Mazda 5 and Ford’s upcoming Focus C-Max. Built on a stretched Delta II platform shared with the Cruze, the Orlando will enter production in 2011 as a 2012 model-year.
More importantly, here are the models I propose to be added to the Chevy product line:
Malibu Wagon
Proposed Malibu Wagon
Since the ’70s and ’80s, hatchbacks and wagons haven’t had the appeal or the sales volume of traditional sedans (at least in the United States). That’s largely due to the image that the word “station wagon” brings along with it – usually something along the lines of old and unhip. In Europe, wagons and hatches are a lot more popular than they are in the US. In any case, I predict that wagons may be the next big thing here in the States: we made the transition from mini vans to SUVs and from SUVs to CUVs. Is it possible that the “big transition” in consumer buying preferences is the migration aways from CUVs and toward wagons/hatches?
Proposed Malibu Wagon
The proposed Malibu wagon would compete head-on with such vehicles as the Toyota Venza and the Honda CrossTour and would, of course, ride on the same Epsilon platform that underpins the Malibu sedan. In fact, the existence of the Toyota Venza should get the Chevrolet product development team to take notice, since Toyota’s strategy here is nothing short of brilliant: Toyota uses the same platform for the Venza as it does for the Highlander. The two vehicles are of the same length, but the Venza carries a much more sporty perception, largely because of the way it looks. In that regard, GM may consider foregoing the Malibu wagon altogether, and making a Venza-like vehicle based on the Equinox Theta platform, albeit with a sportier (sleeker) top hat (body).
If Chevrolet decides to go ahead with the proposed Malibu wagon, it would most likely debut alongside the next-generation Malibu – since that’s when Chevy’s mid-size sedan would be moved over to the newer Epsilon II architecture (the Malibu currently utilizes the first-generation Epsilon platform).
Malibu Coupe
Proposed Malibu Coupe
The competition’s doing it, and is doing it very well. Honda sells the Accord coupe, Toyota has the Camry Solara, and Nissan just redesigned its Altima coupe. If Japan’s big three are competing in this segment, why isn’t Chevrolet? This one’s a no-brainer, no questions asked, especially when components can be shared between the upcoming Buick coupe (Riviera?). Since the current Malibu is approaching the end of its life-cycle (along with its Epsilon I platform), the Malibu coupe will most likely show its face once the next-gen Malibu comes to market (riding on the Epsilon II). Chevy can even use the launch of the next-gen Malibu sedan to coincide with the introduction of the Malibu coupe. Think of all the advertising goodness that can come of that!
Cruze Hatch
This one is just like the Malibu coupe. The competition is doing it and consumers are buying what the competition is offering. Chevrolet is losing sales and market share by not offering a compact hatch. The Cruze hatch is basically an extension of the Cruze line and will compete with such compact hatchbacks as the Toyota Matrix, Mazda 3 hatch, Hyundai Elantra Touring, and the VW SportWagen. On top of that, the Cruze hatch would be a direct replacement for the outgoing HHR and would slot in below the Orlando. Easy-peasy!
Cruze 3-door Hatch
Let’s face it – a new Chevrolet isn’t exactly the brand a teenage car enthusiast aspires to own. Sure there is the Cobalt SS… But it leaves something to be desired, especially in overall refinement. In fact, the proposed Cruze 3-door hatch could prove more important to the Chevrolet brand than the Cruze hatch. Volkswagen has a loyal following worldwide with its Golf and GTI 3-door hatchbacks. These cars are a blast to drive – they handle with precision, are inexpensive, have polished interiors, and have a huge after-market community. The 3-door Cruze hatch should do the same for Chevy. Given the fact that the bow-tie brand already has two sports cars in its line-up with the Camaro and Corvette, building another fun-to-drive vehicle is something the folks at GM definitely know how to do!
Compact CUV (sub-Equinox)
I wrote about the need to have a CUV that slots in underneath the Equinox a few days ago. Since the Saturn VUE is no longer available, consumers looking for a true competitor to the RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue may find the 2010 Chevy Equinox too big. In fact, the new Equinox actually competes in the mid-size CUV segment (based on its dimensions) – contending with such vehicles as the Toyota Venza, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, and Hyundai Veracruz (to an extent).
Aveo 3-door Hatch
At this point, we know that the aging Aveo will be replaced for the 2011 model year. A 5-door hatch is coming and a sedan is a possibility. The Aveo is a sub-compact that takes on the Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa – but it could have a three door hatch version to go against the Yaris 3-door as well as the Hyundai Accent. Moreover, the Aveo 3-door could prove to be a lucrative export to Europe as well as to developing countries around the world. In fact, the European market is more susceptible when it comes to smaller vehicles as a whole. A high-quality 3-door sub-compact would feed this desire.
We will be discussing all of this in further detail on this week’s GM Authority Podcast and would love for you to join the conversation.
Images by the talented Hakim Givens
[Source: MotorTrend, MSNBC, TruckTrend]Sponsored Links
Although there’s good ideas throughout, taken as a whole, this looks like a lot of glut.
I agree that the Cruze should launch with a couple/sedan combination, but I’m quite surprised that the Aveo would be coming as a sedan. Those size cars look goofy as sedans, in my opinion. An improved Impala should be a high priority. I believe Orlando isn’t quite that differant than the HHR (they’re calling it the replacement), and a wagon/hatch Cruze would be too much.
But a couple/wagon/sedan Malibu lineup isn’t something I think would be good. It dillutes what Malibu is, with questionable returns. I believe Orlando isn’t quite that differant than the HHR (they’re calling it the replacement), and a wagon/hatch Cruze would be too much. Having two CUVs in the lineup is questionable, but having 3 hatches/wagons in the lineup – based on most of your cars? Too much.
I think a reasonable ‘add’ to Chevrolet would be a Bel Air coupe/convertable combination, and a Nomad wagon. These would be smaller volume vechiles built on flex lines, using Epsilon II or Delta II underpinings. You could market these directly as opposed to diliuting Malibu or Cruze. The HHR wouldn’t have been as good of a seller as a Cobalt Hatch, and the design wouldn’t have been as functional had it been based of the Cobalt’s lines — but it was affordable to produce because it used the broadly used Delta platform.
Gagarin (like Yuri, the Russian astronaut?) – thanks for your comment!
The Impala should be a priority, but isn’t. I think GM will take their time with the Impala replacement. The more I think about it, the more I’m sure that the Statesman from Australia will be next-gen Impala. The Super Epsilon is also a possibility, but from what I’ve been hearing – it’s too heavy and will result in inferior fuel economy. Having said that, the current Impala is old but it isn’t that bad. It’s actually quite nice and competitive. Remember, the regular consumer has no idea that it rides on a 20+ year old W-body platform. Nor does the regular consumer care…
Regarding the Cruze variants – Chevy needs to compete for all the buyers it can get. Obviously, this is a question of strategy within GM – does it want to be the market share leader or is there a new strategy in the company to be a lower-volume maker? In either case, take a look at VW’s compact line-up: the Golf has five variants – the Golf 3-door, Golf 5-door, Golf Sedan/Jetta, Golf SportWagen, and the EOS. Count the GTI as a separate model and you have six models derived from one platform/model. GM needs to compete for those buyers.
Same thing for the Malibu wagon and coupe. I’m not sure what you mean by “diluting,” but a mid-size sedan should be either the second or the first most popular product line in a company’s range. Think Corolla and Camry, Civic and Accord. A wagon isn’t necessary if they decide to make another CUV to compete with the Venza + Highlander duo. The post explains it better 🙂
The Orlando will not be competitive if it’s the replacement for the HHR. It’s am MPV – a van for all intents and purposes. It competes with the Mazda 5, not the Mazda 3. With the Orlando, Chevy will serve the Mazda 5 buyer, but not the bigger market for the 3.
I think what I may have misunderstood from your comment, however, is that you suggest naming (and styling) the coupe and wagon variants differently from their sedan counterparts – like the Cobalt and HHR. That may be an idea worthy of consideration by Chevy, but again – VW has no problem making the Golf variants look the same. They do, however, carry different names. This is a question of brand perception: does a model have stronger ties to the consumer than a model range? Interesting!
The Aveo should have a sedan, since Toyota and Nissan don’t seem to have a problem selling those by the boatload. Looks are subjective. Remember, Americans have a distaste for hatches/wagons for some reason (as I outlined in the post). 🙂
Let me know how I did!
Alex :))
Hi, I think Gm needs to be more careful before putting out all kinds of new models. They are pretty close to having the best lineup in the market. It’s true we need a small CUV. But also a smaller car like the Beat, cuz the Aveo is going to be bigger. A small coupe or hatch will be needed but lets make shure the quality of the next generation of small cars is as good or better than the new LaCrosse, Equinox, Terrain…. first. To get the 20% market share they need to bring up the peoples thinking about Gm, and that is what M. Lutz is doing. After all that is done they will fill in the gaps in products, but before all is right, don’t ask them to throw away money out the windows like they use to… thanks great subject…(I work in a Gm dealer and we fught over this all the time.)
Come on, guys. Wagons?
That aside, what about the Gen X and Y market?
20-year-old’s wouldn’t be caught dead in a Malibu, let alone a Malibu wagon.
GM needs, NEEDS models to appeal to these generations. The Asian auto companies have done a great job doing this, along with great aftermarket support. If GM wants to latch on to a virtually untapped market for them, and keep the customers for more years to come- they need to make an impact in the under 30 market. Sporty entry level cars that are zippy, sexy and reliable.
GM needs to consider a few of these model types:
1. Your right about needing a compact hatch… but the world needs a compact hatch with some grit. How about a compact/compact hatch w. an AWD option and possibly turbocharged 4 cyl. engine to compete w. Subaru’s and Mistubishi’s rally inspired models. No domestic maker really has a model like this that is sold in the States. It can even rival VW’s Golf hatch and Mazda 3 5dr. Subaru does a very good job offering all sorts of different packages for its Impreza, if Chevy followed a similar setup it should be successful. It also can be something to replace the Cobalt SS. Even though the Cruze is promising- it’s docile and not a lot of variations seem to be in the making. The Cobalt SS really did the trick in terms of performance, mpg and price.
2. A re-engineered 2 seat compact roadster to stick it to Mazda’s Mx-5 Miata. Can you say “Stingray?”
3. A new hatch that’s competative with Honda’s Fit, the new Viva set to launch in the coming years may do just that (the compact you mentioned out to replace the Aveo)
Hope to hear from you guys and have an intelligent conversation w. other GM fans.
Manny, those are some great points! The most youthful car in the Chevy line-up right now is the Camaro, no question about it. The Cobalt SS – while a good car – is by no means an attention-getter – an attribute that younger demographics seem to gravitate to. The Camaro starts around $20,000, though, and it may not be very affordable for gen Y’s or X’rs – especially the Y’s.
It’s also very interesting, if not strange, that one of GM’s chief competitors – Toyota – was able to go as long as it has without anything sporty in its line-up (save for Lexus). The upcoming FT-86 RWD coupe that big T is developing with Subaru should fix that, though. In that regard, Malibu Wagons are meant for a completely different thing – to better compete with Toyota and its recent onslaught of CUVs (like the Venza).
1. A line of compact hatches is just what the doctor prescribed. There should be 3- and 5-door hatches, as well as a 5-door wagon. Think VW’s Golf 3-door/5-door/Jetta Wagon. These don’t have to look like the Cruze (which looks great in my opinion), although nameplate familiarity wouldn’t hurt. In either case, Delta II would underpin these cars and – like you said – the 3- and 5-door versions should have “hot-rod” editions (maybe not wearing the SS badge, though because of this little tid-bit – http://gmauthority.com/blog/2009/11/report-ss-badge-to-become-more-selective-adorn-chevrolets-that-really-deserve-it/).
2. Agreed about the roadster 100%
I say – bring back the Kappa platform from the Solstice/Sky; Stingrays are dangerous! The Cruze *will* have a two-door model – we’ve all but confirmed this with GM execs – so that should help out with point #1 above as well.
3. The new Aveo (or maybe Viva, although the name change is unlikely in my opinion – http://gmauthority.com/blog/2009/11/spied-next-gen-chevy-aveo/) – should go head-to-head with the Yaris, Versa, Ford’s Fiesta, and the Fit. From what we’ve been hearing, it will be a great car and the most interesting thing is – the new global SCCS/Gamma II platform is said to be very flexible. This means GM could make various top-hat variations off the same platform and compete with the Scion xD/xB lines, which is interesting nonetheless.
PS: I will be revising the entire full-line automaker post in the next few days so as to reflect your suggestions as well as those who sent in comments after listening to the podcast (http://gmauthority.com/blog/podcast). Look for the revised post soon!
Oh, and I’m very excited to have found another person who is capable of carrying an intelligent conversation regarding GM! Nice to meet ya!
Alex,
After I listened to your podcast… I realize just how much more on the same page we are!
Saturn’s cars should have been Chevy’s! Absolutely! The Vue and Astra should have been incorporated into Chevy.
Pontiac has turned into a brand with a lost identity, which lead to its discontinuing for sure. It SHOULD have been the Gen X/Y target brand- much like Scion is to Toyota. Except it would have more selection and spunk. Small hatches to the full size Zeta G8… but I guess what’s done is done.
Anyhoo, after reading your reply and listening to your podcast I have this to say-
About the Malibu Hatch proposal. I think we should first consider the data on whether GM could see a profit in this section of the market. I mean, do Americans really “get” cars like the Venza? The fluctuation of the market taste should definitely influence what automakers produce, but GM should make sure it’s not getting too big (and thus taking a step backwards). Does Chevy need hatches? Yeah, of course. But if I had to call the shots, I would utilize the Delta II design as much as possible and would not be as big.
The Orlando seems to be described as an MPV/CUV and a hatch depending on who you talk to. The HHR is the same way. Look at how versatile the HHR is from models ranging from the SS to the blue collar Panel. The Orlando can cover the same grounds. It also utilized the Delta II platform, like the Volt and Cruze.
For Buick- Yes, they are a premium brand much like Lexus, Volvo and Acura (and Lincoln?). The Delta II platform seems like a good idea. I also find a need for some sport versions of the new models such as the Regal GSX (Lexus F models, Acura’s SH packages) but they need to do it right. By that I mean don’t enter the segment underpowered, overweight and less responsive. The hard part is (as you mentioned in the podcast)- staying out of Caddy’s territory.
And though Buick is starting to catch the eye’s of crowds under 70, the older folks are still there and it makes me wonder if they will stick to the brand when it doesn’t seem to cater to them anymore. The Lucerine is going away, do they really want the sportier replacements?
As for Toyota getting into the youth scene with the FT-86- don’t forget about Scion.
The California based brand is Toyota’s Gen X/Y niche badge. The Celica has been around for a while too. The FT-86 might just be the latest RWD sports car since the Supra, but it’s not the only hip car Toyota offers. As for the Matrix- it’s being discontinued as is the Solara (last I heard, anyways). Toyota has flourished because of it’s track record (and biased media support). But all these recalls as of late may, just may change things.
GM can really explore the space with the Gamma II for sure. If they can be successful in marketing to young people and standing up to real stiff competition from Honda’s Fit and Ford’s Fiesta then they will become globally respected. A shorter version to compete with the Ford Ka and Fiat 500 would also be a great idea.
A new roadster would have to be re-engineered to be up to par with any small roadster. They should figure out a way to utilize the Gamma II platform here or possibly the Delta II considering they abandoned the Kappa II a while back.
GM has been trying to utilize more models on less platforms. The Epsilon II and Delta II are proving to be very versatile. The Zeta platform is not looking to be around much longer- but something that is here that is not present in other platforms is body-on-frame construction. This makes it great for Police cars (which is happening as you may know), or the potential for more hefty things like pickup trucks. But expect models like the Camaro to be added to the Epsilon II list come its redesign.
Look to hear from you…
Manny,
Great to hear we’re on the same page!
I agree that GM should do the proper market analysis on a Malibu wagon. It’s my opinion that the move to wagons will be the next big “move” for American consumers: first there was the move to SUVs, then we moved to CUVs, and – in my opinion – the third move will be to wagons. But seeing that many CUVs are just slightly raised versions of their sedan counterparts, I guess the argument can go either way.
As far as the Orlando goes, I don’t think it hits the spot. The Orlando is (will be) an MPV – very much along the lines of a Mazda 5/Ford C-Max. In fact, Ford is bringing the C-Max to the US with the next-gen C1-based Focus! A Cruze hatch – in my opinion – is necessary to compete with the Mazda 3, Golf variants, Hyundai Elantra, etc. In fact, the upcoming Ford Focus line is expected to have ten different variants (10!) – very similar to VW’s strategy with the Golf. I think what you’re saying, though, is to perhaps forgo the Malibu Wagon and just use the Orlando instead. That, I think, would be just fine for me (although I’m a wagon lover and would personally love to see a Malibu wagon, but this would contribute to line-up bloat and not help GM’s bottom line).
Speaking of line-up bloat, I’m not sure Buick needs performance versions of any of its models. Like I said before, it’s a bit difficult to explain in such a short amount of space, but I will have an entire 10-page (or more) research proposal ready and published this coming weekend explaining why. AWD is fine for northern climates, but high-performance versions aren’t necessary for Buick; it’s not the right brand. Lexus has done just fine without performance models for the last 10 years (until the IS-F, of course). But Lexus is just one brand. GM has Cadillac for those looking for performance-luxury.
Also, that’s an interesting point about Buick catering to the younger demographic while – possibly – alienating its core (older) customers. While I think it’s possible that this may happen, I’m not sure Buick’s 70+ year-old customers will notice the difference that much – they’ll like the fact that the car is better (interior and quality), and that’s that. Even if Buick were to lose a few older customers, I think that’s a sacrifice the Brand must be willing to make in the long run.
I also anticipate the next-gen LaCrosse moving up into Lucerne territory in terms of size – growing by about four inches. This will further distance itself from the mid-size Regal.
Scion shmion! 🙂 While it may Toyota’s Gen X/Y brand, I don’t think it’s Gen X/Y’s Toyota brand. What I mean is that Scion doesn’t appeal to the youth as much as Toyota would like it to. In fact, there was a report about a year ago documenting the fact that the majority of Scion customers were over 50 years old. Don’t get me wrong, I think a separate “youth brand” is a great idea, but I don’t think the Scion product fits the demographic properly.
I remember reading the Solara is going to be discontinued (as it should, that ugly abomination of a coupe), but haven’t heard as much about the Matrix. Could you point me to an article/post? I would be very surprised if that were the case, seeing as how Toyota would be left without a compact hatch in the US market (if you don’t count Scion, that is).
Having said that, GM should do great things with Gamma II in making some interesting products for the Gen X/Y segment. I just hope they’re not tall boxy things like the Scions. The Aveo should be the focus of GM’s first serious foray into B-segment/ultra compact. But it shouldn’t end there: there should be – as you wrote – some fun and exciting product built on that platform such as a coupe, roadster, 3-door super mini, etc.
Who knows, maybe Kappa II can be “unshelved.” It’s not like they threw the diagrams out 🙂
Absolutely agreed about the “more models on less platforms” bit. isn’t that the whole point of platformization!
I was wondering about the Zeta myself. Word on the street is that next-gen Zeta will become much less expensive to produce and thus will be the “mainstream” RWD platform for GM. PS: are you sure it’s body-on-frame? I though it was unibody, being present in the Camaro and G8. I think what GM will do is keep Zeta for the Australian market and the Camaro at the very least! Australians and Camaro buyers will never buy anything FWD! That would be shooting themselves in the foot… literally!
Looking forward to your comments and sorry it’s taken me so long to respond. Would love to hear your comments about the site overall and the new daily hot lap podcast series I launched last week.
PS: I deleted your second identical post so as to not clog up the comments section. Hope that’s okay 🙂
– Alex
Yo, Alex,
What I meant for the Orlando was that it is fit to be an HHR replacement, it’s not big enough to fill the shoes of anything Malibu-sized. It would be roughly the same size as the Cruze, but then again it can do a lot of things a Cruze hatch can’t (like seat 8 people). Yeah it would be a great car to rival the Mazda 5 and the Ford C-Max , but the Orlando is much more versatile than both of those models, which is a great thing. I think a Malibu Wagon would make a great concept model to show people in the coming auto shows and they should go from there based on response. They did it for the CTS wagon and coupe.
I think many different variations of both Delta II and Gamma II platforms should happen, too. A Cruze coupe, hatch, sport, rally sport (maybe rally hatch too?), rally coupe and even a hybrid. Plus even the Volt and Orlando are already being built on the same platform as well. With the Delta II Chevy can compete from models like the Subaru WRX STi to the Honda Civic Hybrid.
We agree on the Gamma II platform it seems, and GM should recognize the kind of competition it has from brands like Ford, VW and Honda. Whatever the hell names they are going to use for the models (Viva, Spark, Aveo…) they should make (and hopefully are going to) a super compact, an entry 5 door and 4 door. These small cars will also have to be world class- as these small entry level cars will help sway opinions of GM much more than say, the Corvette would. There’s a lot of competition in this ground but if they actually put their heart into these cars than they should be fine. There is a compact boxy hatch coming out with a GMC badge (which I feel is a total disgrace to the truck brand, it needs to be a Chevy) in the near future.
Ha! They could just resurrect the Kappa II platform, couldn’t they!
About the Matrix- I thought it was going to be discontinued when the announcement of the NUMMI plant was going to be shut down, but it looks like they just moved the operation to Canada and elsewhere. My bad!
Body-on-frame = Unibody 😉 , but I didn’t know that GM was developing a Zeta II! I’m glad, because I too was cringing at the thought of a RWD legend becoming part of the FWD Epsilon II. Whew! If that’s the case, I can’t wait to see the final product of that.
Majority of Scion drivers are over 50?! My guess is that they are all ‘Trekies 😀
Now, back to Buick…
We agree that Cadillac is a sport/lux brand. But it’s also an expensive brand at that. the CTS-V hovers just under $70 grand starting and is only RWD- whereas cars like the Acura TL are at most around $50 grand and is AWD. Same with the Taurus SHO and Infiniti M45. These cars are between roughly $40 and $50K. Cadillac is just a cut above such cars, where Buick can fill the gap nicely with the availability of the AWD Epsilon II platform supporting it. Just ONE sporty Buick is needed. The Regal GSX won’t really cut into Cadillac- because it won’t compete with the German 3 but brands from the Japanese 3 and Ford. I hope you considered that before you wrote 10 pages 😛
From Caddy I would LOVE to see the finished product of their entry level sedan, the ATS (and ATS-V). I’m told it will be able to really take it to BMW’s 3 series (which has been praised by many as one of the best cars in the world) along Audi’s A4, Lexus IS, Mercedes C Class… oh yes! I want to see them expand their lineup and include a small roadster (Audi TT territory), and a Lambda based SUV (which was rumored to be the next Escalade, but my sources tell me that they will keep the name on the GMT frame and may still go on to have a Lambda SUV under a different name), their new full size sedan and a luxury GT car (XLR II?), a supercar (CIEN!!) and maybe a super fancy $100,000 sedan. Mmmmmm. Even its all a bit much, I don’t care- these cars would looks fantastic. I’m also stoked about the Converj. I just wish it was as fast as it looks!
I’ll be checkin’ in to see what you have to say!
I just wacthed a comercial on abc tv. It was avertizing one of your vehihicles. It showed someone putting a four or five year old child in the frount seat of the car. The law is that you do not put a child in the frount seat of vehihicle. That could be deadly. I am a concerned citizen and some peoplie watcing could do the same after wacing your televized comecial. Jud Sheffield My cell3 404-660-5412
Our vehicles? What does that mean? Hell, if I owned GM I wouldn’t be answering these posts! I’d be in my private jet flying somewhere. Folks, we are INDEPENDENT! WE ARE NOT GM!
Yea, I think Judy is confused… we ARE NOT GM – we are GM Authority – an independent fan site.
I’m not sure how much more clear we can make it – the first thing one sees upon entering GM Authority is our tagline: THE ULTIMATE INDEPENDENT GENERAL MOTORS FAN SITE.
PS @Erik – I don’t think any of the GM execs are flying private jets anymore – the government put the kibosh on that when it became Government Motors 🙂