General Motors dealers delivered 230,157 vehicles in December 2013, representing a 6 percent decrease compared to the same time period a year ago.
Sales of each U.S. brand dropped on an annual basis, including Chevrolet (-8.1 percent), GMC (-1.8 percent), Cadillac (-0.5 percent), and Buick (-6.6 percent). Retail sales were down 6 percent and fleet sales were down 9 percent.
December sales highlights (vs. 2012):
Sales in the fourth quarter increased 6 percent and December’s volume was the highest since August.
The Chevrolet Corvette had its best December sales since 2006.
The redesigned Chevrolet Malibu and the all-new Impala were up 33 percent and 10 percent, respectively.
Crossover and SUV sales were strong, with the Chevrolet Traverse and Tahoe, and the GMC Acadia and Yukon XL all posting higher sales. The Acadia was up 53 percent, for its best-ever December.
Small business customers took delivery of 26,231 vehicles in December, up 20 percent. For the year, small business deliveries were up 35 percent.
“December started a little slow but sales were stronger later in the month, especially in the week between Christmas and New Year’s,” McNeil said. “We didn’t make any big changes to our ‘go-to-market’ strategy during the month, which is to offer competitive incentives and market aggressively, and we are carrying good momentum heading into January.”
2013 - December - USA - Chevrolet
MODEL
YOY MONTHLY CHANGE
2013
2012
YOY YTD CHANGE
YTD 2013
YTD 2012
CHEVROLET TOTAL
-8.14
153,493
167,091
+5.16
1,947,125
1,851,646
AVALANCHE
-95.36
127
2,737
-31.13
16,526
23,995
CAMARO
-14.08
5,015
5,837
-4.53
80,567
84,391
CAPRICE
+68.16
412
245
+4.42
3,899
3,734
CAPTIVA SPORT
-2.7
2,634
2,707
+28.88
47,600
36,935
COLORADO
-99.85
2
1,293
-90.74
3,412
36,840
CORVETTE
+132.77
3,005
1,291
+22.35
17,291
14,132
CRUZE
-14.45
18,162
21,230
+4.4
248,224
237,758
EQUINOX
-11.96
17,212
19,551
+8.95
238,192
218,621
EXPRESS
-3.09
7,159
7,387
+2.97
79,087
76,808
IMPALA
+10.29
10,633
9,641
-7.41
156,797
169,351
MALIBU
+33.22
15,493
11,630
-4.91
200,594
210,951
SILVERADO
-15.99
42,593
50,699
+14.85
480,414
418,312
SONIC
-25.96
4,435
5,990
+5.41
85,646
81,247
SPARK
-23.19
1,712
2,229
+175.58
34,130
12,385
SUBURBAN
-2.28
5,820
5,956
+6.53
51,260
48,116
SS
*
239
0
*
418
0
TAHOE
+0.51
8,646
8,602
+21.19
83,502
68,904
TRAVERSE
+5.01
7,802
7,430
+12.69
96,467
85,606
VOLT
-9.15
2,392
2,633
-1.56
23,094
23,461
2013 - December - USA - Buick
MODEL
YOY MONTHLY CHANGE
2013
2012
YOY YTD CHANGE
YTD 2013
YTD 2012
BUICK TOTAL
-6.64
15,379
16,473
+13.91
205,509
180,408
ENCLAVE
-20.37
4,819
6,052
+6.76
60,534
56,703
ENCORE
*
2,761
0
*
31,956
0
LACROSSE
-23.34
3,123
4,074
-14.5
48,798
57,076
REGAL
+14.48
1,747
1,526
-24.09
18,685
24,616
VERANO
-39.23
2,929
4,820
+10.93
45,527
41,042
2013 - December - USA - GMC
MODEL
YOY MONTHLY CHANGE
2013
2012
YOY YTD CHANGE
YTD 2013
YTD 2012
GMC TOTAL
-1.82
43,120
43,921
+8.94
450,901
413,881
ACADIA
+52.98
7,923
5,179
+14.71
89,793
78,280
CANYON
-99.37
2
315
-89.36
929
8,735
SAVANA
+94.59
2,588
1,330
-19.1
16,705
20,650
SIERRA
-4.58
17,854
18,710
+17.31
184,389
157,185
TERRAIN
-30.55
7,998
11,516
+1.78
99,525
97,786
YUKON
-8.75
3,597
3,942
+1.74
28,302
27,818
YUKON XL
+7.82
3,158
2,929
+33.43
31,258
23,427
2013 - December - USA - Cadillac
MODEL
YOY MONTHLY CHANGE
2013
2012
YOY YTD CHANGE
YTD 2013
YTD 2012
CADILLAC TOTAL
-0.45
18,165
18,248
+21.87
182,543
149,782
ATS
+30.48
3,887
2,979
+446.79
38,319
7,008
CTS
-4.6
3,217
3,372
-31.15
32,343
46,979
ELR
*
6
0
*
6
0
ESCALADE
+7.22
1,470
1,371
-0.18
12,592
12,615
ESCALADE ESV
-16.4
775
927
-1.65
7,950
8,083
ESCALADE EXT
-74.22
66
256
+1.96
1,972
1,934
SRX
-5.09
6,074
6,400
-1.23
56,776
57,485
XTS
-9.15
2,670
2,939
+116.35
32,559
15,049
2013 - December - USA - GM Total
BRAND
YOY MONTHLY CHANGE
2013
2012
YOY YTD CHANGE
YTD 2013
YTD 2012
GM US TOTAL
-6.34
230,157
245,733
+7.33
2,786,078
2,595,717
BUICK
-6.64
15,379
16,473
+13.91
205,509
180,408
CADILLAC
-0.45
18,165
18,248
+21.87
182,543
149,782
CHEVROLET
-8.14
153,493
167,091
+5.16
1,947,125
1,851,646
GMC
-1.82
43,120
43,921
+8.94
450,901
413,881
Some Notes About The Charts
25 selling days for the December period this year and 26 for last year.
Totals include discontinued models: Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS and STS, Chevrolet Aveo, Cobalt and HHR.
The most disturbing issues I see are pickup sales down and while ford’s and Ram were up. Silverado is underperforming relative to Sierra. I believe silverado has a styling issue which needs to be fixed fast. It’s not a good trend with the new F150 on the way.
Also, I was surprised the CTS was down year over year. Not sure if there is a simple explanation, like they were clearing them last year and the new CTS is not in full production. It also may be some sticker shock on CTS and customers choosing the less expensive ATS instead.
Finally Buick results would have been pretty bad without the new small SUV. GMC is performing well.
Not good news. The General should be worried, especially regarding truck sales. Ford’s F series is the oldest truck in the market, and yet in December, it outsold Silverado and Sierra (combined) by over 14,000! How can that be explained? What is going to happen if Ford score big on their new F150 in 2014? Nearly all reviewers like the new trucks, so what gives? Also troubling is Malibu sales, though improved over last December numbers, the refresh ‘bu got out sold by the Fusion by over 9000 units in December. What’s the problem here guys? is it marketing? or is it that the competition is superior?
These are questions i would love to put to GM executives.
I love the #TrulyRich Malibu ads! They are touching and get the message across to the customers in a very straight-forward manner. .
I think the problem is people are brainwashed by the “loss” of $10B dollars and they won’t buy a GM product because of it! GM needs to formally address that they’ve put over $10B into our economy in the past four years (through plant expansions, other donations and most importantly: the 1.2M jobs we would have lost). GM did in fact pay it’s bailout back in the full with interest!
GM could have some more ads though (without being in your face like Toyoblah, Hyundie and Nishit).
Competition is definitely not superior! Toyota, Hyundai and Nissan? They all are horrible! Honda and Ford are really the biggest threat to GM (product wise), Toyota is the biggest threat to GM (sales wise) and Hyundai is the biggest threat to GM (warranty wise)!
GM needs to step up their game! They have the product, but lack sales (as mentioned in the article) and have an abysmal warranty!
I say GM should have:
70K Mile / 6 Year Bumper-To-Bumper
100K Mile / 10 Year Powertrain
Unlimited / 8 Year Sheet Metal (Rust-Through/Corrosion)
Unlimited / 6 Year Roadside Assistance
500 Mile / 14 Day Buyback Guarantee
Lifetime Hybrid Battery/Component Warranty
There is no panic here and these numbers are somewhat misleading too.
Keep in mind the 6% is this year vs. last year for one and if GM had a real good month last year with a model it is not always going to be up the next year.
As for the trucks Ford and Dodge have been doing large discounts while GM has not. It is that simple Also GM sold a lot of trucks earlier this year. It will balance out with the others either cutting discounts or GM adding them.
The Fusion out selling the Malibu did you expect the redo to work a miracle? Right now they were only looking to stabilize the Malibu as they know even better than us the car is behind the competition right now. We will see a new platform and Malibu much sooner than you expect. The Fusion is a decent car and Ford targeted the last Malibu when GM should have just taken what they had and made it better. It is what it is and the present Malibu is just an old pre chapter 11 design and one of the last so we should see greater change soon. I am a GM guy and I have to be honest the Fusion styling is the best in the segment right not and the size is perfect like the old BU was.
GM has already upped the GM car money to $3000 based on what I got today so that will help. Auto show season is kicking in here too so we should also see many markets make some improvements.
CTS sales may be down for two reasons. One is the old car has still been on sale. Two the new car is last month hitting the market and is in short supply. Just look around and how many have you seen on dealer lots in many areas? Not many right.
Buick is a work in progress and now you know why GMC is around as they sell well and make more money per unit.
I hear you Scott, and a lot of what you said make sense, but in my opinion (you may not agree) GM blew an opportunity to conquest some truck customers from Ford and Ram, with their very conservative and “safe” redesign of the new Silverado/Sierra.
We all know its a huge improvement compared to the previous one, but a lot of people are emotional buyers, and may not have been attracted by the sameness (looks wise)
I just think the truck sales are disappointing. Like them or not, Ford is winning the attention battle, with this new Atlas thingy. Will this aluminum thing work? Who knows? But I think some truck buyers might be holding off to see what it is.
I think GM marketing dept needs a make over, they are losing the war
I think b/c of gm’s attempt to cut there incentives it might b hurting the trucks but don’t forget gm now has 2 new midsize trucks coming out that will draw a new customer group one that Ford and Ram don’t have. By the end of this year I’m hoping to b driving a sierra best looking truck in my opinion.
Not to defend the Malibu (it is a great car, but it does lack space and the interior is definitely Old GM), but I personally hate the Fusion! It is very ugly and feels plasticky! I don’t understand all the hype about it. .
GM needs to bring in new products!
Chevrolet Needs:
Redesigned Cruze (Soon!) By the way, when is GM unveiling the new Cruze?
Cruze Hatch
Redesigned Malibu
Malibu Coupe
Refreshed Equinox
Refreshed SS (Alpha, More options etc.)
SS Ute
Buick Needs:
Redesigned Verano
Redesigned Regal
Redesigned Lacrosse
Refreshed Encore
Anthem
GMC Needs:
Refreshed Terrain
Utility Wagon (Think Saab 9-3X, Audi Allroad or Subaru Outback)
GM also needs to replace its aging V6’s with more efficient turbo 4’s. I hate it, but it’s what’s gotta happen. .
Variable Valve Timing, Spark Ignited Direct Injection and Intake Variable Valve Control in all I3’s and I4’s. Variable Valve Timing, Spark Ignited Direct Injection, Active Fuel Management and Intake Variable Valve Control in all V6’s and V8’s.
I3’s and I4’s-
1.0L Turbo I3 with 120HP and 130LB-FT
1.2L Turbo I3 with 135HP and 150LB-FT
1.4L Turbo I4 with 170HP and 195LB-FT
1.6L Turbo I4 with 215HP and 230LB-FT
1.8L Turbo I4 with 240HP and 285LB-FT
2.0L Turbo I4 with 285HP and 305LB-FT
2.5L TDI I4 with 160HP and 265LB-FT
2.8L TDI I4 with 185HP and 350LB-FT
V6’s-
2.8L S/C V6 with 340HP and 360LB-FT
3.0L T/T V6 with 475HP and 485LB-FT
4.3L V6 with 320HP and 310LB-FT
4.5L TDI V6 with 315HP and 525LB-FT
V8’s-
5.3L V8 with 375HP and 395LB-FT
6.2L V8 with 460HP and 470LB-FT
7.0L V8 with 505HP and 490LB-FT
6.6L TDI V8 with 400HP and 770LB-FT
I don’t agree with you on the Fusion. I understand looks are subjective, but in my opinion, the Fusion is the best looker of the bunch. I drove a Titanium AWD recently, and was very impressed. Up here in Canada, a lot of people like AWD, and the Fusion is the only one of the bunch (Camry, Accord, Malibu) that offer AWD. Maybe that also account for a few thousand sales.
Autopal I agree that GM may have left some sales on the table with the new truck and not changing the styling enough to really reflect on the true nature of the changes under the skin but the discounts are what is making the biggest impact. I was critical of the lack of styling change from the start as it is not bad but it really does not send the signal of the many great changes it really has.
Evan GM has a lot of things to do and many more are already in the works than you even know. Many on your list are already on the way or in the works but it takes money and man power to do this and GM can does not have enough of either to do all of this in one year, no automaker does that is why it will take 5-10 years to turn GM around.
The only reason we have some new product now is GM took the money they had left pre Chapter 11 and dumped it into new models as they knew they would be done a few years before they could do much with the new money. The Malibu was one of these products. It may not be perfect but it is better than what Chrysler had to work with over there. All Chrysler has done since the bail out is refresh the old cars and name one a 200 to convince some uninformed people it was a new car.
The only real new car they have is the Dart and they are scrambling to fix it much the way GM Is fixing the Malibu.
The V6 is not as aging as you make it and there is still a place for it. But if you had not notice most of the car lines are now DI and Turbo engine across the board. So why are you calling for what they mostly are already. The real need is in the NHV in the 4 and to add a little more power as many MFG will have 300+ HP turbo 4 engines offered in the larger cars. GM had a lead there but the others are catching up and a few have passed them up. GM has improved Eco engines coming and we will soon see if they help the NHV of these engines.
You really surprise me with your laundry list as you being here already know most of what I just stated as we all here see the news and know where GM is going. Though the Malibu coupe may not be a good move and I would rather see a Sub Alpha RWD come in and take that slot.
As for the Fusion you may not like it but the public does. I see a car that the styling Is very appealing and best in class right now. The interior has room in all the right spots and the price is decent for what you get. I am not a Ford guy in any way but right now they hit where the market is at and no matter how subjective you want to be the fact is it is out selling all others and that is what matter not just how you feel. Money talks BS walks.
I see the present BU as a good car like the last CTS but the next one will be a jump ahead with the better funding and platform just as the new Alpha CTS was over the last one.
Like I try to remind people you have to look big picture and not micromanage this with out all the facts.
The first all new Chevy truck in seven years and sales are down compared last year’s lame duck truck!!! That’s called a hint. A GM guy for life, I am not ashamed to say that for the first time the competition builds better trucks hands down. And Ford is coming out with a new one in a year.
At the very least, GM needs to scratch the 4.3 (mileage advantage over 5.3 almost nonexistent), and make the third engine option a high feature diesel. But if you want a diesel half ton you have to buy an Italian owned Ram or a Nissan. Unbelievable.
The Chevy is a better truck it just does not appear like it due to the similar styling of the old.
The Ford is ok but the discounts this year have been heavy on them when Chevy has refused to discount the new Chevy. Price is everything when it comes to many buyers.
GM has a half ton Diesel coming very soon and it will be interesting how many sales it will take from the heavy diesel. The net gain could be negated or it could steal sales from Ford and net gain could see a rise. Only time will tell.
We should see the new engine with the new trannys too next year.
Hey Scott, what’s your opinion on a half ton truck with extensive use of aluminum? Do you think It will work?
750 lbs savings is HUGE!!
I think GM may need to refresh the Silverado much earlier than the usual 4 years, like what they were forced to do with the Malibu. I’m convinced the market doesn’t like the styling of this truck. I’ve driven one, the ride is exceptional, but that doesn’t matter if you can’t get customers in the show room
Scott,
So being third to MAYBE offer a diesel is good enough? GM had the chance to really rock the boat with the new Silverado / Sierra. Instead they “played it safe” and gave us loyal customers nothing to brag about besides cheesy plastic notches in the rear bumpers.
The styling screw ups on high volume segments, like silverado and is a big issue. Chevy has so many different design themes with the only consistent element being the giant cheap-looking, misplace chrome and gold bow tie.
We need a new chief of design. Ed Welburn needs to retire and we need a high-profile replacement. Pay up for a design genius. It’s money well spent.
Before anyone get any more crazy Ideas here let see what the experts say. I am just going to give a link here as they say it better than I can. The long and short of it before anyone panics lets consider all the facts and not just the few some want to select. Again I repeat this is big picture stuff and you just can’t take this fact and that fact you have to consider them all.
The Aluminum is a risk. If it works Ford will look like a genius if it fails it will cost them. So far the truck is delayed with issues on working with the aluminum. It will be a balance of cost vs. weight. Ford has to be careful not to add too much to the price. Ford also has to use care in where and how they use it as if it drives up repair cost it will turn many off as it is somewhat cheap now to repair and keep a truck on the road a long time. Trucks are not like FWD cars where you pretty much toss them away after 10-15 years. Trucks tend to stay on the road a long time. GM already had a weight advantage and I am sure we will see them add more to the trucks as well as Boron Steel that will help lose weight. Carbons should also come in as they will be cheaper in the near future and will be used more often in common cars for weight reduction.
The Truck will see more refresh and replacements as they are important and in the most competitive segment. No one will leave them out there for long term as they once did. This is one segment they all can afford to do more and they will.
While the styling may not have helped as much as it could it is not the reason sales are down. While it did not change much the truck did improve the looks so it is not like they regressed. Read the link I posted and you will see what I mean.
Magirus
GM would of liked to have had a proper diesel for this truck at intro. They would also have liked to have had the new transmission at intro too. There are times where the money and staff are not there to get it all done at one time. GM has more money now but the pockets are not endless and the trucks are only part of their business. GM would have like to already have had Cadillac finished an Buick fixed too but the money from the trucks are key to pay for them.
While being first is always great GM can get their Sh#t together and still have the best truck. As for the Half Ton Diesel it will be nice to have and will add sales but it is not going to even be close to the majority of sales. I would guess it may make up 15% once they get up to speed but the large trucks will still carry the load when it comes to diesels. Most are used for heavy towing and hauling so the heavy platforms will still be the key for the Diesel segment.
Sloan
It is not the styling that has hurt sales. If it were true then no one would have bought the old one either. If they had to error on styling conservative is the one that seldom bites you. Ford styling for a long time as not changed much and it has not hurt them. They just rehash the front end with a little more chrome each year and the styling has not radically changed for years.
I would have liked to see more changed just to represent the truck as to how much real changed in the drive line and frame it really saw as well as the interior. The present truck may have disappointed some but I really can’t find anyone playing with a full deck that could call it totally hideous.
The reviews have all been great the ride and handling have been great, the interior has been praised. The styling in reviews has been called conservative but not upsetting in any way. I just think GM may have left some sales on the table but not many. If someone was going to buy a GM truck the styling is not going to stop them.
You also need to read the link and consider all the facts not the ones that are your hot buttons.
On the Malibu GM knew before the car came out it was behind. Keep in mind the Bu was designed back in 07 and first shown in 08-09. GM really just put it on the shelf as they had a good selling model and many other models like the Aveo and Cobalt to worry about. By the time they pulled it back out it was behind and with the coming models they knew they had to get it out first.
GM put it out as it was because if they had waited for the fixes it would have put them out behind the Fusion and that would have been even worse to make an impression then. GM had these fixes planned and that is why they were out so fast. In other words they were damned if they did and damned if they did not. If you look back at the reports of how GM pushed this car up in to get it out asap it was because Ford knew about the Fusion and knew they could not come out second.
After the Chapter 11 GM had 20 gallons of work and only a 10 gallon bucket to work with. Things are getting better but they still need about 5 years to get to where they need to be. Chrysler is still much farther behind. Their RWD cars are so out dated and heavy and the mid size FWD is just now being seen in the mule status. If it is based on a Fiat it will not do wheel here just as the Dart. The only things keeping Chrysler going and is a help to Fiat is Ram and Jeep. If Chrysler stopped building cars today they would do just fine on just trucks and jeep. They were the two things worth the risk to Fiat as they have no real love for Chryslers old cars.
You write as though you work for GM. If you do, I commend you. But with all due respect, you are putting lipstick on a pig here: You say Chrysler is further behind than GM, yet the current gen Ram has sold better every year it’s been in production, but the brand spanking new GM half ton can’t outsell its mediocre predecessor.
The competition plays by the same rules and faces the same economic realities as GM. So maybe not every Ram will be a diesel, perhaps Ford doesn’t make a ton of profit on every Raptor it sells, but with those two models Ram and Ford showed some guts. Guts are what GM seems to be lacking.
I do not work for GM but I do keep up on what is going on and I do understand how the auto industry works on all levels not just on this is a good idea level.
If you read what I said the only things of value Fiat got in the Chrysler deal were the Ram and Jeeps. If they got rid of all the cars Chrysler would just do fine on these two products. Where they are behind are the cars as they have the LX line that is old, heavy and just out of the league when it come to the modern light weight RWD sedans that are now out. Even the old updated Zeta is a better car to drive and more refined than the LX cars. The Challenger is adding a new shaker scoop when GM has the Z/28 and Ford has a new Mustang. The 200 is still a mess of a car and the replacement has yet to show us it has what it takes as the one we have a photo of looks like a dated design. The Dart is too heavy and not selling well with out any discounts.
As for the trucks and Jeeps they are doing fine but even if you take all the truck they sell combine it with Toyota and Nissan together they do not even come close to what Ford and Chevy do alone. They are doing better but they are still a distant third.
As for guts for GM let them get to it as we have already seen last summer a Full Size off Road Package for the full size truck. Just what it will all be we do not know but one is coming. The Engine for the Half ton is not ready yet as is the Transmission. Should GM have waited the whole truck just to bring it out when the Diesel was ready?
As for these special editions like the Raptor they make little difference to the bottom line. They are good for image but in the total number they are not a big part of the profits. GM’s first goal was to get the new trucks out to generate capital to invest in the other projects they have to get done. Ford is in a place where most of their lines are ok as they started to revamp with their loans about 5 years before GM.
The deal comes down to this you need to get the products that pay the bills done first as they are the most important cars and trucks any company sells. Generally they are not all that exciting and generally just the average sedan or truck but they pay the bills. The cool stuff is the frosting here and I like frosting but it has little purpose if you do not have cake.
Right now Ford has about a 5 year lead on the others as they got bank loans leveraged on their plants about 5 years before GM and Chrysler. The banks were giving loans and this is why the they did not taken government money. The others would have done the same if the banks would have given them a loan.
Chrysler is good on the trucks and jeep right now as this is where all their income has come from. The car lines are a mess. The LX is old and in dire need of replacement. The mid size cars are even worse as they took a Sebring and suffered a better interior in it and called it a 200 not fooling anyone much. The small cars were left in ruins by Daimler since they did not really care about small cars. The Dart is better than what they had but it falls short of anything Ford and GM has now. They have a Viper but again this is a car that makes little difference and the money would have been better spent on the other lines.
GM prior to the bail out took the money they had left and pushed it into development of new cars. Cars like the Camaro, Cruze, Malibu Spark, Sonic and Impala were all started back then. Some were pretty much finished and shelved till later and others like the Cruze were pushed though. All this was going on and GM was still trying to fund the Volt. Many forget the Volt was not cheap but was done on less money than they would have liked. The idea Lutz and others at GM had was coming out of Chapter 11 they would have new product in less than 5-7 years.
Chevy is the volume and profit division so they got the first attention. The Alpha project was really pushed for Cadillac to make them relevant and while low volume a very profitable line.
Buick was down to mostly just SUV’s here but they were making money with these products. The car and later the added Opel/Buicks have given them not exactly what they want but at the least they are products that are very profitable in China and has pumped more money here to help revamp things like the trucks.
I agree the trucks are more conservative than I would have liked but the fact is they are not worse than what we had. They do look better but to me they just do not communicate the true improvements in the trucks. The new trucks if you have not driven one are so much stiffer and quiet. They ride unloaded better than any truck I have ever driven. But to look at one you just think of it as a mid cycle refresh and to me that just does not generate the excitement I feel as when I drive one.
While not a great thing the trucks should do just fine once they get up to speed. Hell the first few months they were competing with the marked down 2013 models at a discount and they were mostly only offered in a 4 door cab.
Add to that GM sold a lot of trucks last Dec at big discounts and you are not going to see the same numbers at trucks with a full price.
As I have said read the link and it explains very well what is going on and how GM’s refusal to discount is the right thing to do in the long run. Once you open the Pandora’s box of rebates it is hard to close. Also with the Colorado coming out the last thing they need to do Is sell a discounted full size for the same price as a Colorado.
Like I said look at this big picture and take in all the facts and not micro analyze this to the point where you can justify your own perceptions.
Do I like GM sales down No. Do I with they had a Raptor Yes!, Do I wish they had a Diesel and 8 speed tranny right now Yes. Many at GM would also like this too but the real business comes first. They have to pick and choose the projects that will generate the most profits first and then get to the fun stuff later.
You can not just build vehicles on what feels the best you have to also look a the number. I despise numbers in my own job but I need them to prove to management what we need to do to remain profitable. Too often they prevent me from doing what I really would like to do but they also keep me from making a mistake that will take us down the wrong road.
To run a car company you need a good balance of people who dream and design cars with emotion but you also need to have the people on had to keep things real and profitable. Note most companies run on a dream fail. Bricklin, Delorean. Vector, Fiskar, Tucker and the list could go on.
I agree with you on emotion on many things. But I also put in my business side of things and read up and look at the whole picture to read what is going on. I hold no secret knowledge here but I do look at the big picture and wish more people on the web did. I have been lucky over the years that I have had friends in the auto industry that have taught me a lot. I also had a great uncle that was like a grandfather to me that did work as a head engineer for GM for nearly 40 years. They have taught me the little things often over looked by many that make a difference on how things work. Often they make sense of things that just don’t always add up if you do not inject them into what is going on.
We here on the web like to play Web CEO and it is much easier behind the keyboard when you do not have to deal with all the facts and realities.
I understand where you are coming from but you have to use all the factors not just the cool or convenient ones. Follow the money and it will make better sense of things when it looks crazy.
Comments
The most disturbing issues I see are pickup sales down and while ford’s and Ram were up. Silverado is underperforming relative to Sierra. I believe silverado has a styling issue which needs to be fixed fast. It’s not a good trend with the new F150 on the way.
Also, I was surprised the CTS was down year over year. Not sure if there is a simple explanation, like they were clearing them last year and the new CTS is not in full production. It also may be some sticker shock on CTS and customers choosing the less expensive ATS instead.
Finally Buick results would have been pretty bad without the new small SUV. GMC is performing well.
With the CTS moving upmarket, its sales volume will naturally decrease and that of ATS will increase/take its place.
Silverado being down is troubling, especially in relation to the aging F-150. Not sure it has anything to do with its styling though.
Not good news. The General should be worried, especially regarding truck sales. Ford’s F series is the oldest truck in the market, and yet in December, it outsold Silverado and Sierra (combined) by over 14,000! How can that be explained? What is going to happen if Ford score big on their new F150 in 2014? Nearly all reviewers like the new trucks, so what gives? Also troubling is Malibu sales, though improved over last December numbers, the refresh ‘bu got out sold by the Fusion by over 9000 units in December. What’s the problem here guys? is it marketing? or is it that the competition is superior?
These are questions i would love to put to GM executives.
I love the #TrulyRich Malibu ads! They are touching and get the message across to the customers in a very straight-forward manner. .
I think the problem is people are brainwashed by the “loss” of $10B dollars and they won’t buy a GM product because of it! GM needs to formally address that they’ve put over $10B into our economy in the past four years (through plant expansions, other donations and most importantly: the 1.2M jobs we would have lost). GM did in fact pay it’s bailout back in the full with interest!
GM could have some more ads though (without being in your face like Toyoblah, Hyundie and Nishit).
Competition is definitely not superior! Toyota, Hyundai and Nissan? They all are horrible! Honda and Ford are really the biggest threat to GM (product wise), Toyota is the biggest threat to GM (sales wise) and Hyundai is the biggest threat to GM (warranty wise)!
GM needs to step up their game! They have the product, but lack sales (as mentioned in the article) and have an abysmal warranty!
I say GM should have:
70K Mile / 6 Year Bumper-To-Bumper
100K Mile / 10 Year Powertrain
Unlimited / 8 Year Sheet Metal (Rust-Through/Corrosion)
Unlimited / 6 Year Roadside Assistance
500 Mile / 14 Day Buyback Guarantee
Lifetime Hybrid Battery/Component Warranty
There is no panic here and these numbers are somewhat misleading too.
Keep in mind the 6% is this year vs. last year for one and if GM had a real good month last year with a model it is not always going to be up the next year.
As for the trucks Ford and Dodge have been doing large discounts while GM has not. It is that simple Also GM sold a lot of trucks earlier this year. It will balance out with the others either cutting discounts or GM adding them.
The Fusion out selling the Malibu did you expect the redo to work a miracle? Right now they were only looking to stabilize the Malibu as they know even better than us the car is behind the competition right now. We will see a new platform and Malibu much sooner than you expect. The Fusion is a decent car and Ford targeted the last Malibu when GM should have just taken what they had and made it better. It is what it is and the present Malibu is just an old pre chapter 11 design and one of the last so we should see greater change soon. I am a GM guy and I have to be honest the Fusion styling is the best in the segment right not and the size is perfect like the old BU was.
GM has already upped the GM car money to $3000 based on what I got today so that will help. Auto show season is kicking in here too so we should also see many markets make some improvements.
CTS sales may be down for two reasons. One is the old car has still been on sale. Two the new car is last month hitting the market and is in short supply. Just look around and how many have you seen on dealer lots in many areas? Not many right.
Buick is a work in progress and now you know why GMC is around as they sell well and make more money per unit.
I hear you Scott, and a lot of what you said make sense, but in my opinion (you may not agree) GM blew an opportunity to conquest some truck customers from Ford and Ram, with their very conservative and “safe” redesign of the new Silverado/Sierra.
We all know its a huge improvement compared to the previous one, but a lot of people are emotional buyers, and may not have been attracted by the sameness (looks wise)
I just think the truck sales are disappointing. Like them or not, Ford is winning the attention battle, with this new Atlas thingy. Will this aluminum thing work? Who knows? But I think some truck buyers might be holding off to see what it is.
I think GM marketing dept needs a make over, they are losing the war
I think b/c of gm’s attempt to cut there incentives it might b hurting the trucks but don’t forget gm now has 2 new midsize trucks coming out that will draw a new customer group one that Ford and Ram don’t have. By the end of this year I’m hoping to b driving a sierra best looking truck in my opinion.
Not to defend the Malibu (it is a great car, but it does lack space and the interior is definitely Old GM), but I personally hate the Fusion! It is very ugly and feels plasticky! I don’t understand all the hype about it. .
GM needs to bring in new products!
Chevrolet Needs:
Redesigned Cruze (Soon!) By the way, when is GM unveiling the new Cruze?
Cruze Hatch
Redesigned Malibu
Malibu Coupe
Refreshed Equinox
Refreshed SS (Alpha, More options etc.)
SS Ute
Buick Needs:
Redesigned Verano
Redesigned Regal
Redesigned Lacrosse
Refreshed Encore
Anthem
GMC Needs:
Refreshed Terrain
Utility Wagon (Think Saab 9-3X, Audi Allroad or Subaru Outback)
Cadillac Needs:
ATS Convertible
CTS Wagon
Redesigned SRX
LRX Crossover/SUV
GM also needs to replace its aging V6’s with more efficient turbo 4’s. I hate it, but it’s what’s gotta happen. .
Variable Valve Timing, Spark Ignited Direct Injection and Intake Variable Valve Control in all I3’s and I4’s. Variable Valve Timing, Spark Ignited Direct Injection, Active Fuel Management and Intake Variable Valve Control in all V6’s and V8’s.
I3’s and I4’s-
1.0L Turbo I3 with 120HP and 130LB-FT
1.2L Turbo I3 with 135HP and 150LB-FT
1.4L Turbo I4 with 170HP and 195LB-FT
1.6L Turbo I4 with 215HP and 230LB-FT
1.8L Turbo I4 with 240HP and 285LB-FT
2.0L Turbo I4 with 285HP and 305LB-FT
2.5L TDI I4 with 160HP and 265LB-FT
2.8L TDI I4 with 185HP and 350LB-FT
V6’s-
2.8L S/C V6 with 340HP and 360LB-FT
3.0L T/T V6 with 475HP and 485LB-FT
4.3L V6 with 320HP and 310LB-FT
4.5L TDI V6 with 315HP and 525LB-FT
V8’s-
5.3L V8 with 375HP and 395LB-FT
6.2L V8 with 460HP and 470LB-FT
7.0L V8 with 505HP and 490LB-FT
6.6L TDI V8 with 400HP and 770LB-FT
I don’t agree with you on the Fusion. I understand looks are subjective, but in my opinion, the Fusion is the best looker of the bunch. I drove a Titanium AWD recently, and was very impressed. Up here in Canada, a lot of people like AWD, and the Fusion is the only one of the bunch (Camry, Accord, Malibu) that offer AWD. Maybe that also account for a few thousand sales.
Autopal I agree that GM may have left some sales on the table with the new truck and not changing the styling enough to really reflect on the true nature of the changes under the skin but the discounts are what is making the biggest impact. I was critical of the lack of styling change from the start as it is not bad but it really does not send the signal of the many great changes it really has.
Evan GM has a lot of things to do and many more are already in the works than you even know. Many on your list are already on the way or in the works but it takes money and man power to do this and GM can does not have enough of either to do all of this in one year, no automaker does that is why it will take 5-10 years to turn GM around.
The only reason we have some new product now is GM took the money they had left pre Chapter 11 and dumped it into new models as they knew they would be done a few years before they could do much with the new money. The Malibu was one of these products. It may not be perfect but it is better than what Chrysler had to work with over there. All Chrysler has done since the bail out is refresh the old cars and name one a 200 to convince some uninformed people it was a new car.
The only real new car they have is the Dart and they are scrambling to fix it much the way GM Is fixing the Malibu.
The V6 is not as aging as you make it and there is still a place for it. But if you had not notice most of the car lines are now DI and Turbo engine across the board. So why are you calling for what they mostly are already. The real need is in the NHV in the 4 and to add a little more power as many MFG will have 300+ HP turbo 4 engines offered in the larger cars. GM had a lead there but the others are catching up and a few have passed them up. GM has improved Eco engines coming and we will soon see if they help the NHV of these engines.
You really surprise me with your laundry list as you being here already know most of what I just stated as we all here see the news and know where GM is going. Though the Malibu coupe may not be a good move and I would rather see a Sub Alpha RWD come in and take that slot.
As for the Fusion you may not like it but the public does. I see a car that the styling Is very appealing and best in class right now. The interior has room in all the right spots and the price is decent for what you get. I am not a Ford guy in any way but right now they hit where the market is at and no matter how subjective you want to be the fact is it is out selling all others and that is what matter not just how you feel. Money talks BS walks.
I see the present BU as a good car like the last CTS but the next one will be a jump ahead with the better funding and platform just as the new Alpha CTS was over the last one.
Like I try to remind people you have to look big picture and not micromanage this with out all the facts.
The first all new Chevy truck in seven years and sales are down compared last year’s lame duck truck!!! That’s called a hint. A GM guy for life, I am not ashamed to say that for the first time the competition builds better trucks hands down. And Ford is coming out with a new one in a year.
At the very least, GM needs to scratch the 4.3 (mileage advantage over 5.3 almost nonexistent), and make the third engine option a high feature diesel. But if you want a diesel half ton you have to buy an Italian owned Ram or a Nissan. Unbelievable.
The Chevy is a better truck it just does not appear like it due to the similar styling of the old.
The Ford is ok but the discounts this year have been heavy on them when Chevy has refused to discount the new Chevy. Price is everything when it comes to many buyers.
GM has a half ton Diesel coming very soon and it will be interesting how many sales it will take from the heavy diesel. The net gain could be negated or it could steal sales from Ford and net gain could see a rise. Only time will tell.
We should see the new engine with the new trannys too next year.
Hey Scott, what’s your opinion on a half ton truck with extensive use of aluminum? Do you think It will work?
750 lbs savings is HUGE!!
I think GM may need to refresh the Silverado much earlier than the usual 4 years, like what they were forced to do with the Malibu. I’m convinced the market doesn’t like the styling of this truck. I’ve driven one, the ride is exceptional, but that doesn’t matter if you can’t get customers in the show room
Scott,
So being third to MAYBE offer a diesel is good enough? GM had the chance to really rock the boat with the new Silverado / Sierra. Instead they “played it safe” and gave us loyal customers nothing to brag about besides cheesy plastic notches in the rear bumpers.
The styling screw ups on high volume segments, like silverado and is a big issue. Chevy has so many different design themes with the only consistent element being the giant cheap-looking, misplace chrome and gold bow tie.
We need a new chief of design. Ed Welburn needs to retire and we need a high-profile replacement. Pay up for a design genius. It’s money well spent.
Before anyone get any more crazy Ideas here let see what the experts say. I am just going to give a link here as they say it better than I can. The long and short of it before anyone panics lets consider all the facts and not just the few some want to select. Again I repeat this is big picture stuff and you just can’t take this fact and that fact you have to consider them all.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/01/04/why-isnt-anyone-buying-the-2014-chevy-silverado.aspx#.Ushsj34o6Uk
Autopal
The Aluminum is a risk. If it works Ford will look like a genius if it fails it will cost them. So far the truck is delayed with issues on working with the aluminum. It will be a balance of cost vs. weight. Ford has to be careful not to add too much to the price. Ford also has to use care in where and how they use it as if it drives up repair cost it will turn many off as it is somewhat cheap now to repair and keep a truck on the road a long time. Trucks are not like FWD cars where you pretty much toss them away after 10-15 years. Trucks tend to stay on the road a long time. GM already had a weight advantage and I am sure we will see them add more to the trucks as well as Boron Steel that will help lose weight. Carbons should also come in as they will be cheaper in the near future and will be used more often in common cars for weight reduction.
The Truck will see more refresh and replacements as they are important and in the most competitive segment. No one will leave them out there for long term as they once did. This is one segment they all can afford to do more and they will.
While the styling may not have helped as much as it could it is not the reason sales are down. While it did not change much the truck did improve the looks so it is not like they regressed. Read the link I posted and you will see what I mean.
Magirus
GM would of liked to have had a proper diesel for this truck at intro. They would also have liked to have had the new transmission at intro too. There are times where the money and staff are not there to get it all done at one time. GM has more money now but the pockets are not endless and the trucks are only part of their business. GM would have like to already have had Cadillac finished an Buick fixed too but the money from the trucks are key to pay for them.
While being first is always great GM can get their Sh#t together and still have the best truck. As for the Half Ton Diesel it will be nice to have and will add sales but it is not going to even be close to the majority of sales. I would guess it may make up 15% once they get up to speed but the large trucks will still carry the load when it comes to diesels. Most are used for heavy towing and hauling so the heavy platforms will still be the key for the Diesel segment.
Sloan
It is not the styling that has hurt sales. If it were true then no one would have bought the old one either. If they had to error on styling conservative is the one that seldom bites you. Ford styling for a long time as not changed much and it has not hurt them. They just rehash the front end with a little more chrome each year and the styling has not radically changed for years.
I would have liked to see more changed just to represent the truck as to how much real changed in the drive line and frame it really saw as well as the interior. The present truck may have disappointed some but I really can’t find anyone playing with a full deck that could call it totally hideous.
The reviews have all been great the ride and handling have been great, the interior has been praised. The styling in reviews has been called conservative but not upsetting in any way. I just think GM may have left some sales on the table but not many. If someone was going to buy a GM truck the styling is not going to stop them.
You also need to read the link and consider all the facts not the ones that are your hot buttons.
Autopal
On the Malibu GM knew before the car came out it was behind. Keep in mind the Bu was designed back in 07 and first shown in 08-09. GM really just put it on the shelf as they had a good selling model and many other models like the Aveo and Cobalt to worry about. By the time they pulled it back out it was behind and with the coming models they knew they had to get it out first.
GM put it out as it was because if they had waited for the fixes it would have put them out behind the Fusion and that would have been even worse to make an impression then. GM had these fixes planned and that is why they were out so fast. In other words they were damned if they did and damned if they did not. If you look back at the reports of how GM pushed this car up in to get it out asap it was because Ford knew about the Fusion and knew they could not come out second.
After the Chapter 11 GM had 20 gallons of work and only a 10 gallon bucket to work with. Things are getting better but they still need about 5 years to get to where they need to be. Chrysler is still much farther behind. Their RWD cars are so out dated and heavy and the mid size FWD is just now being seen in the mule status. If it is based on a Fiat it will not do wheel here just as the Dart. The only things keeping Chrysler going and is a help to Fiat is Ram and Jeep. If Chrysler stopped building cars today they would do just fine on just trucks and jeep. They were the two things worth the risk to Fiat as they have no real love for Chryslers old cars.
Scott,
You write as though you work for GM. If you do, I commend you. But with all due respect, you are putting lipstick on a pig here: You say Chrysler is further behind than GM, yet the current gen Ram has sold better every year it’s been in production, but the brand spanking new GM half ton can’t outsell its mediocre predecessor.
The competition plays by the same rules and faces the same economic realities as GM. So maybe not every Ram will be a diesel, perhaps Ford doesn’t make a ton of profit on every Raptor it sells, but with those two models Ram and Ford showed some guts. Guts are what GM seems to be lacking.
I still love my ATS…wonderful car….smooth and quiet….true luxury and style 🙂
I do not work for GM but I do keep up on what is going on and I do understand how the auto industry works on all levels not just on this is a good idea level.
If you read what I said the only things of value Fiat got in the Chrysler deal were the Ram and Jeeps. If they got rid of all the cars Chrysler would just do fine on these two products. Where they are behind are the cars as they have the LX line that is old, heavy and just out of the league when it come to the modern light weight RWD sedans that are now out. Even the old updated Zeta is a better car to drive and more refined than the LX cars. The Challenger is adding a new shaker scoop when GM has the Z/28 and Ford has a new Mustang. The 200 is still a mess of a car and the replacement has yet to show us it has what it takes as the one we have a photo of looks like a dated design. The Dart is too heavy and not selling well with out any discounts.
As for the trucks and Jeeps they are doing fine but even if you take all the truck they sell combine it with Toyota and Nissan together they do not even come close to what Ford and Chevy do alone. They are doing better but they are still a distant third.
As for guts for GM let them get to it as we have already seen last summer a Full Size off Road Package for the full size truck. Just what it will all be we do not know but one is coming. The Engine for the Half ton is not ready yet as is the Transmission. Should GM have waited the whole truck just to bring it out when the Diesel was ready?
As for these special editions like the Raptor they make little difference to the bottom line. They are good for image but in the total number they are not a big part of the profits. GM’s first goal was to get the new trucks out to generate capital to invest in the other projects they have to get done. Ford is in a place where most of their lines are ok as they started to revamp with their loans about 5 years before GM.
The deal comes down to this you need to get the products that pay the bills done first as they are the most important cars and trucks any company sells. Generally they are not all that exciting and generally just the average sedan or truck but they pay the bills. The cool stuff is the frosting here and I like frosting but it has little purpose if you do not have cake.
Right now Ford has about a 5 year lead on the others as they got bank loans leveraged on their plants about 5 years before GM and Chrysler. The banks were giving loans and this is why the they did not taken government money. The others would have done the same if the banks would have given them a loan.
Chrysler is good on the trucks and jeep right now as this is where all their income has come from. The car lines are a mess. The LX is old and in dire need of replacement. The mid size cars are even worse as they took a Sebring and suffered a better interior in it and called it a 200 not fooling anyone much. The small cars were left in ruins by Daimler since they did not really care about small cars. The Dart is better than what they had but it falls short of anything Ford and GM has now. They have a Viper but again this is a car that makes little difference and the money would have been better spent on the other lines.
GM prior to the bail out took the money they had left and pushed it into development of new cars. Cars like the Camaro, Cruze, Malibu Spark, Sonic and Impala were all started back then. Some were pretty much finished and shelved till later and others like the Cruze were pushed though. All this was going on and GM was still trying to fund the Volt. Many forget the Volt was not cheap but was done on less money than they would have liked. The idea Lutz and others at GM had was coming out of Chapter 11 they would have new product in less than 5-7 years.
Chevy is the volume and profit division so they got the first attention. The Alpha project was really pushed for Cadillac to make them relevant and while low volume a very profitable line.
Buick was down to mostly just SUV’s here but they were making money with these products. The car and later the added Opel/Buicks have given them not exactly what they want but at the least they are products that are very profitable in China and has pumped more money here to help revamp things like the trucks.
I agree the trucks are more conservative than I would have liked but the fact is they are not worse than what we had. They do look better but to me they just do not communicate the true improvements in the trucks. The new trucks if you have not driven one are so much stiffer and quiet. They ride unloaded better than any truck I have ever driven. But to look at one you just think of it as a mid cycle refresh and to me that just does not generate the excitement I feel as when I drive one.
While not a great thing the trucks should do just fine once they get up to speed. Hell the first few months they were competing with the marked down 2013 models at a discount and they were mostly only offered in a 4 door cab.
Add to that GM sold a lot of trucks last Dec at big discounts and you are not going to see the same numbers at trucks with a full price.
As I have said read the link and it explains very well what is going on and how GM’s refusal to discount is the right thing to do in the long run. Once you open the Pandora’s box of rebates it is hard to close. Also with the Colorado coming out the last thing they need to do Is sell a discounted full size for the same price as a Colorado.
Like I said look at this big picture and take in all the facts and not micro analyze this to the point where you can justify your own perceptions.
Do I like GM sales down No. Do I with they had a Raptor Yes!, Do I wish they had a Diesel and 8 speed tranny right now Yes. Many at GM would also like this too but the real business comes first. They have to pick and choose the projects that will generate the most profits first and then get to the fun stuff later.
You can not just build vehicles on what feels the best you have to also look a the number. I despise numbers in my own job but I need them to prove to management what we need to do to remain profitable. Too often they prevent me from doing what I really would like to do but they also keep me from making a mistake that will take us down the wrong road.
To run a car company you need a good balance of people who dream and design cars with emotion but you also need to have the people on had to keep things real and profitable. Note most companies run on a dream fail. Bricklin, Delorean. Vector, Fiskar, Tucker and the list could go on.
I agree with you on emotion on many things. But I also put in my business side of things and read up and look at the whole picture to read what is going on. I hold no secret knowledge here but I do look at the big picture and wish more people on the web did. I have been lucky over the years that I have had friends in the auto industry that have taught me a lot. I also had a great uncle that was like a grandfather to me that did work as a head engineer for GM for nearly 40 years. They have taught me the little things often over looked by many that make a difference on how things work. Often they make sense of things that just don’t always add up if you do not inject them into what is going on.
We here on the web like to play Web CEO and it is much easier behind the keyboard when you do not have to deal with all the facts and realities.
I understand where you are coming from but you have to use all the factors not just the cool or convenient ones. Follow the money and it will make better sense of things when it looks crazy.
@evan g-
I think the Malibu truly rich ad misses the mark badly. They are basically acknowledging the new ‘bu is boring, and making it a selling point.