Why GM Owners Are Shopping Other Brands: Mailbag
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We here at GM Authority regularly receive messages from readers on all sorts of topics, including purchase decisions and the reasoning behind them. Now, we’re taking a closer look at why one GM owner has decided to shop other brands, and hopefully provide some insight with regard to the owner’s perceptions and reasoning.
This latest GM Authority mailbag comes to us from 2022 GMC Terrain owner Scott C., who tells us that although he’s owned GM vehicles for the last 12 years, he’s decided to start looking at other makes for his next purchase, listing five reasons for the decision. The reasons include the addition of OnStar and Connected Services as a $1,500 “mandatory option,” something which Scott says “very few owners will ever use.” Scott also tells us that the paint color options are “boring,” adding that anything other than white costs extra. Additionally, Scott doesn’t like the lack of heated seats with the leather upholstery, or the lack of engine options for the GMC Terrain, while adding that the 2019- through 2023-model-year GM vehicles saw “no major changes, just price increases for the same vehicles.”
“I could go on and on, but I think you get my point,” Scott tells GM Authority. “Jeep, Ford and even Kia have better color choices and powertrain options than GM, which has me leaving for the competition.”
Let’s address Scott’s concerns point by point, starting with OnStar and Connected Services, which was indeed added as a “mandatory option.” Looking ahead, though, the feature will be integrated into the vehicle’s standard feature list and will no longer appear as an option on Buick and GMC configurators.
Although OnStar and Connected Services includes some interesting app-based features, as well as on-board Wi-Fi, it also consequently raises vehicle MSRP. And although the latest 2023-model-year Chevy vehicles won’t get mandatory OnStar and Connected Services, they will get a mandatory Remote Access plan. The MSRP for Chevy vehicles will also increase, but by just $300, as compared to the $905 to $1,675 MSRP increase for Buick and GMC vehicles.
Next, let’s talk about colors. While some paint colors are reserved for pricier trim levels, most GM vehicles offer a fair number of color options, even in the base trim levels. The 2022 GMC Terrain, however, is an exception, offering Summit White as the only no-charge paint color, while all other hues cost $495. And of course, GM’s metallic / tri-coat / tintcoat paint colors do generally include an extra cost.
Then we have the heated seats issue. There are currently no GM models with leather or leatherette seating surfaces that don’t include standard heating, at least for the front seats. Unfortunately, the microchip shortage has forced GM to build units without heated and ventilated features. Thankfully, affected units will be eligible for dealer-installed retrofits when the components become available again.
Now let’s talk about the powertrain. It’s true that the GMC Terrain and the Chevy Equinox are currently offered with a just single powertrain choice, specifically, the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LYX gasoline engine. However, this is the engine that most buyers chose anyway, and the Equinox / Terrain’s previously available turbocharged 2.0L I4 LTG engine is currently on its way out the door, with the Chevy Camaro being the only model to still offer it.
It would also likely be too costly for GM to implement the turbo 2.0L I4 LSY engine at this point in the Equinox/Terrain’s production cycle, given the associated emissions certification costs and possibly even crash test costs, both of which would sink profits. With that in mind, Scott should consider the Buick Envision, rather than the Terrain, the former of which is equipped with the 228-horsepower turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY gasoline engine. It’s also worth mentioning that several rivals only offer one engine option as well, including the Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan, Subaru Forester, and Jeep Compass.
Finally, we have the refresh issue. As it turns out, several GM models received a mid-cycle update in the last two years, including the Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain, Chevy Blazer, Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Chevy Bolt EV, Chevy Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500. While some models received only mild changes, others received more extensive updates. However, two factors influenced the relatively slow refresh cadence, including the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as GM’s push for electrification, which means some ICE models may get extended production cycles, rather than redesigns.
Hopefully all that provides some insight into Scott C’s concerns. And don’t forget to subscribe to GM Authority for around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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The OnStar mandatory charge is reason enough to look elsewhere. I was a longtime subscriber way back when, however no way is it worth $900-$1500 today. I won’t buy from a dealer that charges a mandatory “paint protection” package or some other nonsense for $1000+, the fact that a manufacturer is starting to blatantly and significantly pad profits in a similar way is unacceptable.
Not a valued service consumers want. Fuel economy is another area GM is falling behind. I’ve been a GM owner since 1976 and and now considering a Toyota grand highlander hybrid over the traverse. Although GM authority hints that 2025 traverse may be a phev but that is a far stretch Sorrry GM after 37;years and 15 vehicles I am looking else where for Traverse alternative
Bud, the Highlander hybrid is significantly more expensive than the similar traverse trim, and doesn’t have as nice a layout, interior, style or refinement. I just bought a traverse because it was the best bang for the buck. Chevy trucks used to be as well, but rams deeper incentives have me looking towards ram, despite the silverados superior durability and towing.
GM may be floundering, but so is almost everyone else, especially ford and VW. Ford is right now over the target with the maverick and bronco sports, but in everything else their worse than GM.
Toyota and Honda right now are doing in the same they normally do, which I always thought was inferior and 2 steps behind other brands. They might for once get a chance to catch up.
I like to also add that GM is raking in the “conquest sales” from owners of other brands. The super high car prices from inflation have almost everyone who used to just show up and buy their next vehicle shopping around. GM buyers ain’t happy, ford buyers ain’t happy, Toyota buyers just as oblivious. Honda buyers angry they can’t get civics even at inflated prices. Nobody’s happy.
GM continues to add cost for items their customers don’t see value in. I’ve used Onstar and it’s doesn’t add value. To now force it on people or include in vehicle price reduces the value for the dollar GM should strive to achieve. Speaking from this consumer. I’m subscriptioned out! Everyone want to get their long term hands into my bank account and I’m not playing. You want monthly cash for something I’ll do without. The most recent move from GM will not fly with this 25+ year GM customer. Add it to the base price and I’m still going to shop because it’s tech I don’t want or will use my phone for. Even now they want 100 dollars to keep your map up to date. This is a service they should be happy to provide to keep customers coming back.
I’d really like to know GM’s plan for retro- fiting the missing features I paid for back in May of 2022. Seems they have forgotten about the unknown number of vehicles sold incomplete. I’m ready to trade to get heated stearing wheel and heated seats. Of they can get new parts for new trucks, they should be able to purchase the parts for 2022 vehicles before the molds are destroyed. Please somebody tell me when I will get my Sierra upgraded . If I try to sell or trade, I’m going to lose trade in value for missing features. I will never buy another Vehicle missing features with a promise to retro-fit ASAP. ITS BEEN NEARLY 9 MONTHS. All I want is a commitment date . I have had it with GM and their prioritys. When I talk trade they knock $ 2 k off value for a $25 .00 incontinence fee I got off new vehicle. Talk about a class action law suite coming up really soon. I have been scammed . Not a Happy GM customer.
I will be looking to update my vehicles ( currently a Malibu and an Impala). One vehicle I will not purchase is an all electric which will remove GM from my list. Additionally, being forced to a truck or a SUV is low down on my list. I had a 1984 Envoy with OnStar and when I added an Impala OnStar was a must. Since then GM removed the in vehicle calling. I am in the process of cancelling in can WIFI ( too expensive). It only leaves monthly notifications on tire pressure, upcoming oil change and how much warranty is left. I would not consider being forced paying a penny to purchase a GM in order to drive a GM off the lot.
It appears that GM is not considering offering hybrids in their fleet which is another reason to not consider a GM product.
I come from a GM family. I’m privy to the GMS discount program, but not sure if I will stay with GM. We would trade our 20 Sierra 1500 duromax for an updated 23 model, but those jokers discontinued Satin Steel color. I have a 1700 dollar paint matched cover on my truck. Mandatory onstar is pure bull. Oh, and their electric fetish is getting old.
Thanks. I absolutely agree with you about the mandatory Onstar charge. And you make a great analogy about being forced by dealers to play for mandatory “paint protection”. This is similar to GMC charging $495 for paint colors when Chevy offers the same colors at NO CHARGE.
There is an analogy – it goes back a few years – to hotels.
Chevy is the “budget” brand (har de har har) and yet has a few colors available standard. Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Best Western: high speed internet is free.
GMC is up-market, but charges for colors. Hilton, Sheraton, Starwood, etc charged $9.95 a day for internet.
Land line internet is 1/100000th the cost of over the air internet.
And, virtually any unlimited-data cell phone plan is a mere fraction of car internet. Before I retired, I regularly tethered my phone to my laptop when I just HAD to connect back to the office to download a file or something.
My wife’s Malibu had the onstar and it got her lost in rural TN at night because their system is primarily set up for major thoroughfares and metropolitan areas. They haven’t updated their system in so many years it’s pathetic. The only way she got out of her predicament was to call onstar and give them her location and then they probably asked google for directions and sent them to her. She never used it again and we never used the free trial in our 2017 Equinox. I had a free trial in a 2004 Trailbazer I bought used in 2005. Living in north AL I tried using it one time just to see how it was as I had never had it before. Sure enough when I left the interstate onto to a county road it didn’t know where it was taking me. Luckily I was familiar with the road or I would’ve been lost, their system is way out of date and I guess Marry won’t appropriate funds for an update.
My experience with OnStar was pretty good right up through about 2016. The personnel were attentive, could speak clearly, and understood what you were requesting.
Then, it went downhill. First it was interminable delays (“Your call is very important to us…”), and then the personnel declined to being mumblers who were hard to understand, and any sort of request had to be repeated. I speak clearly to the point I am asked if I was ever a broadcaster, so it wasn’t me. Add in prices that went through the roof and taking away the ability to store phone numbers starting in 2018, and I was done.
I remember when it first came out. A dealer I know, his wife didn’t know much about it. She was in an accident and it called her right away and asked her if she was hurt and said it had already notified the police. She was a bit shook up and said where are you. Who are you? She told everyone that story and said I will never be without it. But it looks like now it is price prohibited. A shame!
I may be guilty of hyperbole here, but, in 2022, “Your crash is very important to us, please remain on the line…”
The fact remains that across all GM-Chevy models of SUVs, they all look too boringly similar. Indistinguishable, unless you have them all lined up side-by-side. As done in most GM-Chevy ads, in order to help you notice the very subtle differences in grills and head/taillights
Have you noticed that every Lincoln SUV looks exactly the same? Every Audi, BMW…yes Cadillac too. I don’t think this is a mistake, but you single out Chevy and GM, why? VW in North America is appealing to those who want cheap cars, like back in the 60s. VW in Germany is on a completely different level, an upper lever because Americans are cheap.
Don:
I think my upcoming Caddy LYRIQ – pushed back *AGAIN* 3 months – looks like a 1958 Chrysler..So , its good!
But I like the Look…. Anyways the interior looks acceptable… Hopefully I’ll be able to turn off the silly light show every time I come near the car.
Hey Bill, I think the Lyriq looks absolutely beautiful, inside and out. It’s certainly looks much more attractive than the missing-link, the Tesla Y…hideous! I’d take the Lucid over the Model S easy…I’m anti-Tesla except for the real man who was a genius. Gone are the beautiful GM designs of the ‘60s & ‘70s, those were some of the most beautiful cars ever.
Marry should go the same way!
Hi Don :
Yeah- regarding nice designs I thought the original Monte Carlo with the old school round 7″ (single) headlights was a classic design – I never drove one so don’t know if seeing past that really long hood was ever a problem for anyone….
As far as Tesla goes, I had an early Roadster – which was the most unreliable vehicle I’ve ever owned… Powertrain stuff was fair – it was the rest of the car that fell apart – including all the ‘Improvements’ (really, just silly changes like electric latches which never worked right, un-anvilled switches for the OUTSIDE door handles, Ugly LED tailights replacing the very stylish single incandescent taillights on the Lotus Elise).. Tesla’s charging cords would fail every other month or so – and with only a 2 year/24000 mile warranty – alot of people wasted $1,500 opting for it…. Thankfully, I’m the first Tesla owner (so they told me), that DID NOT use an approved Tesla charging method… I ended up buying a $735 Schneider Electric (Square-D) 30 amp wall box, and a $700 converter cord for the standard J1772 connection so that I could drive the car farther and charge back up at a public wallbox. The Schneider had to be modified slightly to connect to the Roadster, and also to prevent easily preventable overheating, but I’m still using it 12 years later. Its only good for 30 amperes, but it was good enough for the 70 ampere Roadster and it will be just fine for the 80 ampere Caddy LYRIQ.
Fortunately they pretty much left the front of the car alone…. Very ‘energy in-efficient’ but I loved it… 25 watt (!!!!) amber incandescent turn signals, and 240 watts of headlights when on High-Beams..
I remember 1/2 year after I bought it – Tesla came out with a package to “Modernize the front of the car” with LED HEADLIGHTS, and LED turn signals – for $3,000. I told them NO WAY – this car had the BEST HEADLIGHTS of any car I’ve ever driven, haha.
My experience with the car is the same as with other guys who bought a boat… The 2 best days of my life were:
1). The day it arrived.
2). The day I traded it in (Phew !!!) – got alot of my money back before the car turned into junk.
At least the thing didn’t catch fire or explode like the slightly newer ‘old’ model “S” sedans did…
Nikoli Tesla I feel actually gets a bit too much credit these days…. Edison gypped him but George Westinghouse allowed him to put his NAME on anything he developed, as well as allowing him to use his name for any U.S. Patents, whereas Edison followed the current Corporate policy – namely – anything developed while being paid wages belongs to the Company, not whoever developed it.
In the end – Tesla gets a bit too much credit for developing the induction motor, and of course, a polyphase (actually 2-phase, 4-wire) generation method which was just two windings 90 degrees rotationally apart, to generate the rotating field for that motor.
The much more economic and elegant 3-phase and 6-phase systems would be developed by the General Electric company – the successor of the company swindled away from Edison.
Daughter had a 2021 VW burned oil from day one and dealer said it would quit as the engine broke in…never did..24 months out dealer offered an engine for 12k.. lofl
Could have been a Porsche mechanic filled in that day…or Audi, SEAT, Lamborghini, Skoda, Bentley or perhaps a Ducati one.
I’d really like to know GM’s plan for retro- fiting the missing features I paid for back in May of 2022. Seems they have forgotten about the unknown number of vehicles sold incomplete. I’m ready to trade to get heated stearing wheel and heated seats. Of they can get new parts for new trucks, they should be able to purchase the parts for 2022 vehicles before the molds are destroyed. Please somebody tell me when I will get my Sierra upgraded . If I try to sell or trade, I’m going to lose trade in value for missing features. I will never buy another Vehicle missing features with a promise to retro-fit ASAP. ITS BEEN NEARLY 9 MONTHS. All I want is a commitment date . I have had it with GM and their prioritys. When I talk trade they knock $ 2 k off value for a $25 .00 incontinence fee I got off new vehicle. Talk about a class action law suite coming up really soon. I have been scammed . Not a Happy GM customer.
GM is loosing me, too, for too much content (OnStar), blah paint, lack of sexy design, few sedans including loss of Regal/TourX–obviously they sold poorly & are now the property of Stellantis.
I’m a car guy–would rather drive a crappy but relaxing Dodge Dart than a GMC Arcadia–and GM has very few options for me making Honda & VW my best bets. If I were looking for an SUV Envision is the only GM option. Honestly Durango, Cherokee and Mazda CX 30 are superior to most of GM’s current offerings with both Terrain and Blazer being terribly over-priced.
GMC Acadia (not arcadia) is a fine SUV and top tow vehicle. I intend to have mine for 12 years ,as it does so much so well.
I trade my GMC truck every year since 2015. The only reason is that my dealer has always given me a very competitive trade allowance. My current GMC Sierra crew cab which is a 2022 limited bought in December 2021 list for 61,500. The same identical 2023 truck with mandatory Onstar (which I never use and consider a waste of monies) my dealer says will list close to 68.
Fortunately the dealer has a ford dealership and my four other friends on same annual trade yearly plan as myself are shopping ford and Ram. I can’t believe GM would add 1500 OPTION on window sticker for Onstar; it’s NOT an option, it’s a mandatory corporate greed markup!!
No need to buy a truck every year. Take it on a lease.
Woody:
Ever see the Tom Cruise Movie over a decade ago “MINORITY REPORT” about “PRE CRIME” police departments in the year 2054?
His ‘onstar-like vehicle’ shut him down and tried to lock him in the car….
I wonder if that was a “$1500 Mandatory Option”? Just another ‘mandatory option’ to confirm George Orwell’s writings. Of course the head of the CIA said years ago that:
“We’ll SPY on people through their Dishwasher”….. No need to mandate things since people will willingly pay CA$H for them, such as Smart Speakers, Smart Phones, Big Flat Screen TVs and Tablets and Lap Top computers with cameras and microphones in them – internet connection required of course. As well as Digital refrigerators with cameras looking not solely at the food. HAHA !!!
Glad I still have a roof top Antenna for the digital TV, as well as an internet connection that (SHUCKS) …. Just never can NEVER seem to connect to the monitoring devices… So sorry about that !!
I agree. I would think Envision also, but ill never buy anything manufactured in China.
75 Dart most comfortable car to ingress/egress ever! 67 Dart GT oooohhh my favorite!
If I could, I’d have a ’64 Dart convertible, with either the 273 or the 225, 4 on the floor.
We all have dreams…
maybe the Design is too bad since a while ? …. but then the Design in others is bad too… we have no options.
Don’t think you changed Scott’s mind.
Sorry but i agree with Scott. I, too am looking. Wanted another equinox but why would I give up the 2.0 engine which is more hp for the 1.5 because the majority buys the lower engine which most vehicle reviews says to buy the 2.0. One suv I was looking at next they eliminated the silver color. I’ve taken a poll from friends and strangers and all are shocked and asked why the silver – it’s a good and popular color. The interior seat colors are now dark and (absorbs heat) and unattractive. My main gripe is not just gm but it appears majority manufacturers option are catered to young drivers. The senior population is important also. Most can’t understand technology or want it but we are forced with apple/Android play vice our desire for a nice cd, many of us prefer sedans which is easier to get into and usually a more comfortable drive but are slowing being forced into suvs. I understand about transition to EV however it appears no one is looking at the populations that live in condo, townhouses assisted living homes (but still capable of driving) and other types homes that HOAs may not be able to put in the amount of power sources needed for each family. Also I’m guessing about half of the senior population only drives when required and average way less than 10k a year. We are not using much gas but are now being forced to get an EV even though our income is much lower than when working. I look forward to change but starting to get aggravated with being mandated to what I am allowed due to other people’s ideas or age groups of what is best for us.
Great post Darlene, that really sums it up. Lets hope someone at GM reads it. All I wanted was a short bed Silverado with a V8, somewhat loaded and it’s not available. They have lost me to ford who makes what myself and a lot of others my demographic want.
Love our current Cadillac but no longer have a local dealer. Will not buy a car unless there is a local dealer for convenience reasons. Considering a Genesis.
I prefer ICE large sedans over electrified SUVs and trucks and have purchased a 2017 Impala a couple of years ago. It seems that GM is not going to manufacture the type of vehicle that I like the next time I’m going to be in the market for a new vehicle. It looks like I will be forced to search other car companies for a large sedan when the time comes.
GM (sorry — “gm”) is in a painful transition. They have existing models, such as the Equinox and Terrain, that are showing signs of age, but they are aggressively marketing future models, such as the new Equinox EV and Blazer.
It seems clear to me that the transition to EVs means the current models are receiving less love, care, and attention. Of course as someone looking at the current Terrain, I think they are making a huge mistake. It results in people like Scott leaving to other brands, including Jeep, Ford, and Kia, which are looking at electrification, but not at the expense of their current models.
And once they move to different brands, they may never come back.
On the ‘may’:
You can probably say that they ‘probably won’t.
Redesigned Colorado coming and it only comes in a short box. One motor choice and u wonder why people are shopping other brands. Dealers having nothing on the lots but used vehicles. I’ve been buying new gm vehicles for 30 yrs but no more. Buying a vehicle is usually something u cherish, order it with everything you wanted, but now it’s just sorry this is the way they come. Greed! Dealers will suffer in the long run.
GM no longer cares about existing ICE models as they want to go all EV asap. California passes no ICE sales beyond 2035 one day & asks owners not to charge next day due to power grid issues. How does the world think enough electricity can be produced for ev & daily living needs? I got it. Mandatory wind mills ($1995 & solar panels $1495) on SUV roofs, hoods, and trucks or frunks.
I now believe GMauthority is owned by GM. After listening to complaints you spent the whole time disecting the comments and trying to prove them wrong (unsuccessfully). That’s been GMs M.O. and undoing for as long as I can remember.
As a former Chevy owner (’77 Chevy Van – 180k miles, ’95 Chevy Blazer – 363k miles, and others) I was really looking forward to the new Blazer EV. However, I’m really disappointed in the exterior shape. Sure, it’s got some new fancy plastic grill and spoiler(?), but it looks like every other SUV out there. But don’t get me started on the tires. The Blazer is no different from other makes with 55R19’s for the base model. I wish these designers had to drive on roads with potholes and other wheel bending hazards. One pothole and you’re buying two new tires and rims. I want a sport UTILITY vehicle, not a low-rider wanna-be sports car. I had high hopes for the Blazer EV, but now I’m going to pass.
Let’s see:
-Too many gm vehicles being made in Mexico, China, and Korea for US sale when gm claims to be an “American” car company
-Fewer choices (e.g. new Colorado/Canyon)
-No large luxury sedan
-A dead man walking Camaro that people may shy away from because its status is unknown
– No compact sedans
-Boring compact CUVs
-Becoming a political left-wing social organization over building the best vehicles on the market.
I think that Ford has a lot of the same problems as well. It looks like Barra and Farley are cut from the same paisley design woke cloth.
I 100% agree with you. In the end, Mary will likely be added into the Riger Smith Hall of Fame for one of the worst GM leaders of all time.
When I was ready to replace my 2017 CT6 Platinum I was hoping to replace it with a CT6 Blackwing until I caught wind the CT6 would be discontinued. No problem, I purchased my second non-GM vehicle in 50+ years of driving a BMW M550 with more performance and options than a Blackwing! When the current generation Escalade came out, made a decision to give GM a chance and ordered a fully optioned Premium Luxury. After being stroked on delays and delivery for 3+ months I cancelled the order, went to my BMW dealer and ordered to my specs, a BMW X5M50i, delivered in 12 weeks! No regret again! Cost less than the Escalade, in an exterior color I really love and with performance equal or quicker than an Escalade V.
The only Cadillac I have any interest in is the CT6 but it doesn’t look like it will be imported. I also have no interest in a luxury car with a 2.0 liter lawnmower engine. As it turns out, the Caddy dealer I dealt with took a buyout and decided not to make the investment for EVs. Just a side note, the dealership chain is owned by Lithia. This makes it less likely for me to go back to GM. No regrets moving on to BMW (4) vehicles later.
Marty:
Like Roger Smith: Mary Barra does very well from GM .. FOR HERSELF….
GM has for decades been a mixed bag for me…. I swore them off 30 years ago, but went back to them after listening attentively to BOB LUTZ – who himself was forced to retire early since he didn’t believe the “Fossil Fuel, Greenhouse Gasses” nonsense currently in Vogue.
But his micromanagement made his First Generation VOLT (2011-2015) the safest car every made.
I now have a 2019 second generation Volt – and its a fairly nice car – but as I say, a mixed bag since the car does what it wants even though you tell specifically *NOT* to do something, and of course, while reasonably safe, it can’t hold a candle to Lutz’s masterpiece.
The 2.7L Turbo Diesel would have been a interesting engine option for this SUV. The 2.7L in the Colorado would have been another compelling choice.
Colorado is powered by a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder, which comes in three versions. The base engine has 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. If you want more power, there’s the same engine that powers the Silverado, which has 310 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque in the Turbo Plus version.
GM sometimes misses an opportunity to offer the right engine in its vehicles. Like for example the Buick 3.8 (3800) in the Saturn Vue, the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15 compact trucks as well as in the Astro and Safari mini vans.
I have been asking my local dealer (bought 6 Buick /GMC Vehicles there since 2014) for a YEAR now to order a Buick Envision, but it needs to be a complete vehicle, heated seats, heated steering wheel etc, all MUST work when delivered….he just laughed……so just ordered a Volvo in August, with delivery in November….GM lost a good customer by not having their act together….
At least the Volvo is built in the USA.
Volvo is owned by a Chinese company and being built in china.
Yes. It’s Chinese-owned. But, last I looked, Charleston is still in South Carolina.
The article reports telling the consumer what the consumer wants.I hope that is not the mind set. If it is, it’s stupid. It reminds me of the day when employees would recommend a warning for leaving the lights on, and management’s response was much the same. It also reminds me of the automated warning that pops up on the screen from time to time about distracted driving. If the warning was not compelled it too is stupid.
I can’t believe that GM can’t or won’t adjust their marketing strategy to eliminate OnStar. It’s a profit scam and most people have figured that out. When I bought my last new GM product in 2014 I refused to activate OnStar since I learned from past experience that you never want to give them your credit card number. I had to sell my vehicle to get them to stop charging me the monthly fee.
I’d have done something far easier: called my credit card’s 800 number, and a) told the rep that charges from OnStar are fraudulent and not to honor them, and b) get the credit card number changed.
That may stop you from paying for what you all ready have but it won’t stop you from paying up front for something you don’t use.
I fully agree, but, I was addressing Retired Dude’s point about giving a credit card number.
For the record, I love my Ram pickup, but it just too much vehicle for my needs so I am in the market for something AWD that I can fit in. I WAS about to give the Traverse a look, but with mandatory OnStar, I’d not even consider one.
We have been a family which has been owning GM vehicles, and being an advocate of GM with the rest of the extended family for the past 33 years. My dad worked for Ford and really never got me into so my 1st purchase was a Chevy CK Truck back then (base model, stick shift, regular cab, regular box).
Even though my wife has tried to convince my daughter, now graduated with a bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering and working at a good company, she wants to buy a Audi A3. The reason: Chevrolet does not have a sedan, she is not going to drive an SUV or CUV and not willing to get into a Cadillac CT4 or CT5 (too much for her in her 20’s).
Nothing we can do here…
I don’t really understand this comment as Audi and Cadi are both considered luxury brands and the A3 and CT4 priced the same with the CT4 having a slightly larger footprint with their tweener sizing.
My last 2 trucks (16 & 19) were GM, but I made the switch to Ford also. I almost waited for the refresh, but when I saw trucks coming through with a “promise” to add at a later date, that made up my mind to jump ship. I have a 22 F150 with all the options working including BlueCruise, and I was also pleased that Ford does not nickel and dime customers for basic app functions that should be included. I’m very satisfied with the Ford so far. GM will really need to step up their game if they want my business back.
We’d been a GM family since 2014 when we bought a new Encore. We loved it, it drove great, but had to move on when we realized a stroller couldn’t fit with groceries. We have an Equinox now and had ordered an Envision back in April, but only reluctantly because the color choices were so limited, especially the interior choices being only black and white. Boring!
So I was reading my GM Authority morning roundup in June and saw the article about BMW’s total redesign of the X1, and it completely turned my head. After hearing about the mandatory OnStar thing, that was the last straw. Canceled the Envision, ordered a stunningly beautiful green X1 with brown interior in August, and now I can track my BMW’s build progression. It’s meant to be completed on Sep. 15 and should be delivered in October. Oh, and my BMW came in around $2500 cheaper than the Envision.
I believe your new BMW is made here, as well. So, it may be a German company, but at least you put some Americans to work at good wages and benefits.
GMA – your tone comes off somewhere between a defense of GM and chastising Scott C. for opinions you don’t care for. Even your defense of GM falls short by either deflecting or only partially disagreeing (the ol’ “well actually”). The connected services versus OnStar connected services difference is likely not going to be any consolation or provide any epiphany for Scott C. He doesn’t like being forced to buy the service. Even a few of the refutations you offered were sort of walked back at the conclusion with some acquiescence that he was correct in his point but that it didn’t apply to other models (which was not at all his point).
You’ve missed the mark with this article. As many, many of the other replies to this post attest — GM has some unhappy customers and former customers. Certainly GM doesn’t have to respond to customers or the market and may drive the business however it thinks best for shareholders — it’s an obligation of management to steer the business for the best interest of shareholders. However, inviting engagement and then dismissing and refuting OPINIONS is wrong minded.
A held opinion such as, “I don’t like the offered color selections” It is never wrong nor can it be refuted — it’s the man’s opinion.
GM is doing fine with it’s truck and SUV line and will sell everything they can make. That doesn’t mean everyone is satisfied with the effort or products or the direction the overall product development is headed.
I suggest you not discourage anyone from voicing a critical opinion.