Another year has gone by us, and 2015 was full of news, events, vehicle launches and more revolving around General Motors. The year certainly had its ups, and it most definitely had some downs.
Therefore, we’ve decided to compile the General Motors Year In Review to look back at some of the moments that defined GM throughout 2015. In the spirit of Chevrolet’s “Five in ’15” vehicle launches, here are the five happenings we feel defined GM in 2015. Have a safe holiday, and we will see you in 2016.
1. The Ignition Switch Fallout
Of course, we need to rank the fallout from the ignition switch recalls at number one on our five in fifteen. The actual Switchgate recalls occurred in early 2014, just as current GM CEO Mary Barra, took her position, but that doesn’t mean it was brushed under the rug in 2015; quite the opposite in fact.
2015 saw the appointing of Kenneth Feinberg to oversee compensation for worthy victims involved in ignition switch related accidents, injuries and death. In total, on behalf of GM, Feinberg reviewed 4,343 submissions for compensation, approved 124 deaths caused and paid out $595 million to victims.
2. First Of Its Kind Global Vehicle Safety Department
Number two of our five in fifteen is a reaction to number one. The General Motors Global Vehicle Safety Department was created in the aftermath of the ignition-switch recall, and is the first department of its kind at any major automaker.
The department encompasses a team of analysts and engineers to carefully watch emerging issues and crunch data to spot potential issues before they near the production line. Earlier this year, GM’s Mark Reuss told listeners at an address over the deferred prosecution agreement the department was a crucial step to become a zero-defects automaker.
3. The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
There are two cars we feel really defined General Motors, and both deserve spots on our five in fifteen, but the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro beats out any other new vehicle introduction this year. The hype, the suspense, the teasers; GM, Chevrolet and the Camaro team knocked one out of the park.
Starting with a massive reveal at Belle Isle, down to the detailed specifications, the 2016 Camaro is poised to be a powerhouse. Three excellent powertrain offerings, the superb-nimble Alpha platform and much more breathe new life into the Camaro name. Oh, and it took home the Motor Trend 2016 Car of the Year.
4. The Chinese-Built 2016 Buick Envision
If there is one piece of news that garnered some of the most attention this year, it was this. GM and Buick announced the 2016 Envision crossover would be manufactured in China and exported to the North American market.
Despite statements to help understand the move, promises of superb build quality and more, the reception has been lukewarm to the idea of a Chinese-built vehicle sold in the U.S. from GM. But, we’re ready to bet the 2016 Buick Envision will have no problems finding more than a few homes when the CUV arrives on dealer lots shortly.
5. The 2016 Cadillac CT6
No, it’s not the flagship model it was supposed to be, but the 2016 Cadillac CT6 has quite a bit going for it to help Cadillac ring in the new year. The pricing strategy is extremely aggressive, it’s the first application of GM’s state-of-the-art Omega platform and it will be one of the first vehicles launched wholly under Cadillac President, Johan de Nysschen.
Although crossovers will be the money makers once again in 2016, and that’s merely an educated inference judging by market trends in 2015, the 2016 CT6 should sit as a new symbol for what is possible with Cadillac: a large, dynamic sedan evoking yesteryear with absolute modern influence.
Comments
Of the 5 listed in the article I think number 4 (Buick being built in China) is the most important as it will have long term repercussions for future vehicles.
If the process goes well it could open the door for other low volume GM models to be built in China.
If it goes poorly then GM will be unlikely to attempt a Chinese built model in the foreseeable future.
If they’re made well, I’d guess they’ll sell a ton of them. Encore and Envision would carry the brand – so, we’ll see. Maybe South Korea can advise them, since SK and China get along so well!
Happy new year!
Still expect Encore and Enclave to carry the brand in 2016 as they are expecting only about 40000 units first year production for the Envision which will be outsold by the aforementioned models.
Happy New Year all GM Authority forum members!!
I think you really missed on the Malibu. Having been in one yesterday I feel many have under estimated what this car will do for Chevy.
To see it in person really is a different thing as the photos never really captured the car as it really is. This thing look much more expensive than it is.
The interior is a very good place. The rear seat room is back to 08 or larger standards. The front seat felt more open than my 08.
The roof pillars appear thinner. The one I saw was under $29K sticker and even had leather. This is one very pleasant car and with the MPG and value I think it will do very well. The center screen is very large too. It almost looks as if someone left an I pad on the dash.
Your tax dollars at work
If my tax dollars had not saved GM they could be owned by China and people would most likely still buy those cars and trucks. Think how many people would be out of a job or forced to take a minimum wage job.. Volvo is owned by chia and people still buy them.
I think that the automotive bailout was one of the most effective parts of our government’s attempts to right the economy. It was George W. Bush who CORRECTLY signed the legislation into law to save over ONE MILLION Manufacturing jobs, and One MILLION Dealership jobs, not to mention the HALF MILLION or So automotive supplier jobs, which, had they been affected, would have threatened the remainder of the non-bailed out companies like Ford,Toyota, Honda, BMW, Subaru and others who utilize the same suppliers for their lines to keep running.
U.S. assembly and suppler plants employ some 770,000 Americans, according to seasonally adjusted figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s up from fewer than 625,000 at the bottom of the recession, but it pales in comparison to pre-recession figures, when the industry employed more than 1 million.
When you factor in those who sell cars, you’re talking even more Americans, and that lets brands with no U.S. manufacturing presence still claim a piece of the pie.
The BLS reports new- and used-car dealers employ nearly 1.1 million Americans, and it’s a more stable source of jobs, fluctuating between 1 million and 1.25 million for most of the past 10 years.
Those millions of workers are consumers also which help to keep other non-auto assembly businesses and enterprises going as well.
A report I read a while back puts the ‘spin-off’ jobs at 3 to 1 that is to say that for every 1 assembly job there are 3 supplier jobs created for tier 1, 2 and 3 manufacturers.
Then factor in the tax the government is collecting on those workers. Add the shares that they received and subsequently sold at market value.
All in all the government did not lose any money when they decided to bail out GM and Chrysler.
All things considered the bailout in both the U.S. and Canada was a wise long term move.
extremely impressive model of cars you have shared in this article. safety is also increasing in this models the new things come with new ideas. my assignment writing service http://www.buyassignmentservice.com/write-my-assignment-for-me gives huge knowledge about these developments.