GM CEO Dan Akerson knows that his company cannot accomplish its mission until it builds and sells the world best vehicles — a phrase we all remember from when the GM exited bankruptcy in 2009.
“As far as we have come, we’ve got many, many miles to go to achieve the heights and goals we set out for ourselves,” Akerson stated at a news conference yesterday as the company re-entered the S&P 500 index. Playing to GM’s favor, its U.S. market share is growing — slightly, at 18 percent compared to 17.8 a year ago — and sales are up 8 percent from a year ago. And the introduction of a revised Chevy Malibu, along with the launch of its all-new line of full-size pickups, has outlook on the positive side.
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This what I have been preaching.
GM was not going to turn around in 2-5 years but closer to 10 years if all goes well. Even then the work will never end as to stay on top they need to continue to work.
GM return to greatness will be built model by model and platform by platform. Also cost savings will play an important part of keeping the products affordable and profits up.
New car cost will be a major factor in who continues to gain market share and also to keep the profits up and keep a company strong enough to continue to build new and competitive products.
Development cost are off the chart for all makers and the one who contains it will be in a good place.
I believed in General Motors even since my Dad bought his first Chevrolet in the late 1950s. He had several other models, including a beautiful 1967 Olds Cutlass Supreme with the 400 CI V8 and luxury interior. My first GM car was a 1975 Chevrolet Vega Kammback Wagon that I later sold in 1985. I had a 1984 Olds Ciera for 26 years (I sold it in 2010), and I now drive a 1995 Buick Regal (with the 3.8 L V6) and a 2009 Chevrolet Equinox CUV. Every one of these cars has given excellent service and comfort.
I am very excited that GM survived from the bankruptcy and recovered its lead as the world’s best vehicle manufacturer. Now I am waiting to buy a Chevrolet Volt and/or a Chevrolet Spark EV as soon as they become available in my area.
Good work, GM!