Autoblog

Sweeney takes over Buick/GMC general manager duties

Chris Shunk — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Buick, GM, GMC

For the third time in two months, General Motors has a new Buick/GMC general manager, this time hiring longtime employee Brian Sweeney to the high-profile post. Sweeney gets the job one week after Michael RIchards quit after just nine days on the job.

Sweeney gets the general manager post after spending a year and a half as general sales manager of Buick GMC. GM Sales Service and Marketing VP Susan Docherty said in a press release that Sweeney "consolidated 13 different agencies to one dedicated partner to drive a consistent brand message, led the dealer network through a difficult transition and has earned a reputation for tirelessly driving results that benefit consumers." That sounds like a lot of work to us. Here's to hoping this Sweeney guy lasts a lot longer than the last guy.

Sweeney's old job goes to 25 year GM vet Jennifer Costabile. The 25 year GM employee is coming off assignment as regional sales and marketing manager for Cadillac in GM's Southeast Region. Hit the jump to read the GM press release.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Sweeney takes over Buick/GMC general manager duties

Sweeney takes over Buick/GMC general manager duties originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GMC reveals gussied-up Acadia Denali for 2011

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Crossover, GMC, Luxury, Off-Road

2011 GMC Acadia Denali - Click above for high-res image gallery

A little ahead of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next month, GMC has revealed its new 2011 GMC Acadia Denali. Although the Denali tag has been used across the GMC lineup to signify their top-of-the-range trim level, this is the first crossover from the brand to get the tag. We first heard about this Acadia Denali on Twitter, thanks to loose-lipped Buick GMC Communications Group Manager Dayna Hart. From where we sit, the Denali makeover makes perfect sense for the Acadia, as it should help retain those affluent customers who are ditching SUVs in favor of CUVs.

The 2011 Acadia Denali will hit showroom floors late next year and will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive in seven- or eight-passenger form. The package will include a brace of signature Denali design cues: monotone paint, honeycomb grille, unique front and rear fascias, along with HID headlamps, chrome accents and exhaust tips, and the usual badges. The Acadia Denali will also get special six-spoke 20-inch wheels like the polished jobbies seen above. The model will be available in Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat or White Diamond Tricoat.

Inside the Acadia Denali, you'll find all of GMC's top-level bells and whistles: Premium audio systems with XM, perforated leather, heated and cooled seats, mahogany accents, a heads-up display, the Dual SkyScape sunroof system, plus tri-zone automatic climate control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, OnStar, rear-seat DVD, a rearview camera and even remote starting (in case you find yourself living near either Denali or Acadia!). No pricing has been announced, yet but hopefully we'll get more details at the Detroit Auto Show next month. For now, there's a full press release after the jump and a small gallery of high-res pics in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 GMC Acadia Denali

[Source: GMC]

Continue reading GMC reveals gussied-up Acadia Denali for 2011

GMC reveals gussied-up Acadia Denali for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Buick-GMC general manager Michael Richards leaves after just nine days on the job

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Buick, GM, GMC

Nine days ago, we posted about Michael Richards getting Susan Docherty's old post at General Motors, brand manager for Buick-GMC. Today, he walked away. According to The Detroit News, the official (yet still unofficial) reason is that Richards' previous employer - Trinity Automotive in Austin, TX - made him a very strong counter offer. Though it seems to us that Trinity would have made the counter offer before Richards packed up and moved north, and we've also heard rumblings from Detroit insiders that there's more to this story than meets the eye.

Whatever the actual reason for Richards' abrupt departure, Buick-GMC is currently without a leader. Chevrolet is in a bit of a better position, even though just yesterday its vice president and 31-year company vet Brent Dewar suddenly retired. Dewar was appointed to his position in July by ex-CEO Fritz Henderson, who just resigned/was outsted from GM... nine days ago. Dewar was immediately replaced by Jim Campbell, Chevy's Fleet and Commercial Operations manager.

It seems mostly obvious to us, that both Richards and Dewar's sudden departures have to do with Henderson leaving. Because honestly, it sure as hell ain't the weather outside the Renaissance Center. As for Richards specifically, it must have been odd and unsettling to start a new career on the very same day that the guy that hired you exits stage left.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Buick-GMC general manager Michael Richards leaves after just nine days on the job originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki

Chris Shunk — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Canada

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's safe to say that 2009 has been the most difficult year in the 101-year history of General Motors. But while most of the news coming out of GM has been tough to swallow, the Detroit, MI-based automaker has had one very good piece of news: its new products are faring well in the marketplace. And of all the new products GM brought to market this year, none has higher volume than its Theta-based crossovers built at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain have been successful enough that The General has added a third shift, scheduled regular overtime for the rank and file and even spent $93 million on a new body shop to increase production capacity by 40,000 units per year.

But GM was spending big bucks and building very important vehicles at a plant that it jointly owned with partner Suzuki. Well, GM changed that last week when it announced that it was buying Suzuki's stake in the Canadian facility. GM has not disclosed the amount of money it paid to take over full interest of the facility, but we're guessing the total wasn't nearly as much as the cost of a new plant, which can cost over $1 billion. But while the news was good for GM and the people of Ingersoll, we're guessing the folks who work at closing plant in the U.S. aren't all that happy about this development. Hit the jump to read over GM's brief press release.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki

GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager

Chris Shunk — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Buick, GM, GMC

Fritz Henderson's unexpected resignation may have taken top billing today, but it wasn't the only move announced by General Motors today. Michael Richards has been named the new General Manager of Buick GMC effective immediately, with the automaker looking from outside the company to fill the roll. Richards replaces Susan Docherty, who was named Vice President of US Sales in October. Richards joins GM after a short stint at Trilogy Automotive in Austin, Texas, where he led the use of digital and Internet-based solutions. Richards also worked as a consultant for JD Power where he launched tools for improved vehicle launch profitability and customer satisfaction.

The bulk of Richards' experience comes from cross-town rival Ford where he worked from 1981-2008. Richards was most recently the marketing brand manager for Lincoln Mercury from 2006-2008. Prior to that he worked as the general sales manager for Ford Customer Service from 2002-2006.

Regardless of where Richards received his management chops, Vice Chairman and Marketing and Communications chief Bob Lutz likes what he has with the long-time Ford man. "We are pleased to have Mike as a member of the GM family. His vast sales and marketing experience will be invaluable in his new role, as he leads the team building the Buick and GMC brands."

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager

Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: GM's next-gen SUVs to be body-on-frame (otherwise they'd be crossovers)

Chris Shunk — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum - Click above for high-res image gallery

The GMT900 platform is by far the highest volume chassis General Motors has here in the States, as it underpins the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Avalanche and Suburban, the Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV, and the GMC Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL. We never had any doubt that GM would continue to build body-on-frame trucks in the future, but with demand for SUVs shrinking quickly, some thought the body-on-frame SUV would soon be a thing of the past. Maybe not.

Our friends over at Pickuptrucks.com are reporting that the next generation of the GMT platform will be produced by Magna International's Cosma in Canada and Mexico - and that new platform will underpin the next-generation of GM SUVs along with the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado. Pickuptrucks quotes Magna spokesperson Scott Worden as confirming that the next generation of GM's large SUVs will come with the body-on-frame architecture. This sort of chassis tends to add weight versus a unibody platform, but it also adds capability for towing and payload at lower cost.

We're not really all the surprised that GM will continue to build BOF SUVs, especially when considering that the General sold a combined 200,000 copies of the Suburban, Yukon, Tahoe and Escalade last month alone. And last we checked, these are still relatively expensive vehicles that bring in quite a bit of desperately needed profit. And if customers are interested in a family hauler with better interior packaging and fuel economy, we're sure GM dealers will be happy to get them into a Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse or GMC Acadia.

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum

[Source: Pickuptrucks]

REPORT: GM's next-gen SUVs to be body-on-frame (otherwise they'd be crossovers) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: GM to invest C$100M in Ingersoll plant to boost GMC Terrain, Chevy Equinox volume

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Canada

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's early, but so far, General Motors' 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain twins are exceeding sales expectations by enough of a margin that the automaker may have to shell out some serious coin to better-align production with demand. Reuters and the Toronto Star say GM will pay $100 million loonies ($93M USD) to upgrade its CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario to pump out more copies of the well-received crossovers. The move comes after The General added a third shift at the facility on October 19, resulting in 350 new jobs. The plant expansion, which Canadian officials told The Star would occur over the next six months, would result in the call-back of an additional 150 laid off positions.

The Equinox and Terrain were major factors in GM's 4% year-over-year sales increase in October, as the two new crossovers accounted for 7,868 and 2,994 October sales, respectively.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Gallery: New York: 2010 GMC Terrain

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: GM to invest C$100M in Ingersoll plant to boost GMC Terrain, Chevy Equinox volume originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First shot of A-Team cast released, GMC van included [w/VIDEO]

Chris Shunk — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, GM, GMC, Celebrities

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The A-Team was a pop culture phenomenon of the Eighties on par with Knight Rider and The Dukes of Hazard. And since Hannibal, B.A., Face and Murdoch hold a special place in the hearts and minds of Gen-Xers, it was only a matter of time before the super-fake action show hit the silver screen. After all, we already saw (unfortunately) the Dukes remake, and our own Alex Nunez liveblogged the sucktastic time waster that was the new (now canceled) Knight Rider series on NBC. All three shows have one thing in common; a bad ass vehicle that serves a different purpose in each show. B.A.'s GMC G-Series, with its red stripe and red turbine mag wheels was the command center for our favorite wrongly sought soldiers of fortune.

The A-Team hits theaters on June 11, 2010 and at the very least, the actors chosen are better than we expected. B.A Baracus will be played by Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, and the one and only Liam Neeson will play Hannibal. Bradley Cooper from The Hangover checks in as Face and Sharlto Copely will be the wacky pilot Murdoch. If that isn't enough star power for you, the beautiful Jessica Biel will play the part of Carissa Sosa. Naturally, the iconic GMC van is making a triumphant return to the A-Team, though we're guessing General Motors isn't going to stand for blacking out the GMC lettering from the van's grille like the show's creators did after season one.

We'd love it if this plan came together, though we admit that we're not hopeful. These "turn a TV show into a movie" deals seldom work out the way our inner children hope for. Hit the jump to watch interviews with some of the movie's stars.

[Source: ETOnline via Auto-Focus]

Continue reading First shot of A-Team cast released, GMC van included [w/VIDEO]

First shot of A-Team cast released, GMC van included [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Edmunds: GM market share will grow in October

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Earnings/Financials

According to the number-crunchers over at Edmunds.com, things are looking up for General Motors in the month of October. If preliminary figures hold up, The General's market share should come in at 22.4 percent, a notable gain from the 19.1 percent share the automaker averaged throughout the third quarter of 2009.

Driving this newfound marketplace success is thought to be GM's recent abundance of new product launches, which include important models like the Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX along with the Equinox and Camaro from Chevrolet. GM has received mostly favorable reviews on each of these vehicles and has invested money into advertising and media campaigns.

Still, maintaining the measure of success seen over the last month and continuing to grow that momentum in the long term won't be easy, and GM isn't likely to recapture its position as the dominant player in America that it once was any time soon. Of course, we'll be watching.

[Source: Auto Observer | Photo: Tom Pennington/Getty Images]

Edmunds: GM market share will grow in October originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: GMC planning diesel Terrain? How about a Denali? Umm... not so much.

Chris Shunk — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, GM, GMC

2010 GMC Terrain - Click above for high-res image gallery

The GMC Terrain is just coming to market, but some have speculated that a diesel variant could be on the way to trump the crossover's already impressive 32 mpg highway figure. Well that's just not going to happen, according to Buick GMC boss Susan Docherty. Last month, GMC Communications Group Manager Dayna Hart Tweeted that the Acadia would receive a Denali variant, but the Terrain won't be so lucky. Docherty made no bones about the fact that Denali badging wasn't being planned during a web chat on the GM FastLane blog. That doesn't mean that the Terrain will never be Denali-fied, but at the very least, it won't happen any time soon.

We've heard the Terrain referred to as "awkward," "odd," "homely," and even "brutally wretched," but we've also heard some say that it has "genuine presence for such a small vehicle," and that it is "seriously butch." Either way, Docherty insists that the newest GMC could also be called an early sales success. Inventory for the CUV is low and demand is reportedly high, but Docherty says that the situation should improve in October as production is ramped up at the General's ~~Ramos, Mexico~~ Ingersoll, Ontario plant.

Gallery: 2010 GMC Terrain Live

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: GMC planning diesel Terrain? How about a Denali? Umm... not so much. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: GM halting Duramax production for 10 weeks

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Diesel

The revamped 6.6-liter Duramax V8 engine will go into production in April 2010 and the current Duramax, which doesn't meet emissions requirements that go into effect January 1, 2010, will cease production the day before the new year begins. In the interim, GM will be retooling the factory and won't be producing any of the engines to go in the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra.

This has some dealers and outside observers wondering if GM will run out of 2009 Duramax engines before the new ones are built and installed in engine bays. One dealer says GM will take orders for extended cab models with the big diesel, but no longer accepts orders for Duramax regular cabs. Analysts believe that with the car and work truck market showing some recovery, that demand will grow just as GM is trying to play the inventory game.

While the General prepares it's urea-infused powerplants, any engines that GM builds through the end of 2009 can be installed in vehicles even if those vehicles are ordered and built next year. For now, GM says it is padding its stocks of Duramax engines and is confident about being able to meet the need.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: GM halting Duramax production for 10 weeks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM investing $21M in Flint assembly plant to build light-duty crew cab pickups

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors gave embattled Flint, MI a rare bit good news today with the announcement that the truck assembly plant in the company's home town will add some additional production. The truck plant on the south side of the city currently builds heavy duty versions of the GMT900 trucks (Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra) including all of the crew cab versions. GM has decided to spend $21 million on new tooling for the plant that will allow it to add production of light duty crew cabs as well.

With truck sales seeing some recovery this year with sustained lower fuel prices and the Oshawa truck plant closing, GM decided some extra light-duty crew cab capacity was warranted. Crews will start to make the modifications to the assembly line in the last quarter of this year and production is scheduled to start next July with the 2011 models.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM investing $21M in Flint assembly plant to build light-duty crew cab pickups

GM investing $21M in Flint assembly plant to build light-duty crew cab pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: GM dealers opting out of 60 day satisfaction guarantee?

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Pontiac

GM Chairman Ed Whitacre in GM's 60 Day Satisfaction Guaranteed ad

It looks like a group of General Motors dealers aren't fond of the company's new 60-day satisfaction guarantee. In fact, they dislike it so much that about 3.5 percent of the General dealers are opting out of the program, according to the financial site 24/7 Wall St. Although GM has stated it will foot the bill for returns, it appears there's enough concern (or confusion) that it's causing a car-fuffle.

According to the report, at least 149 of the company's 4,000 dealers will let other retailers handle the claims. Other reports put the number of non-participating dealers even higher. The 24/7 Wall St. crew phoned a few dealers to find out why they weren't participating, and the reasons cited included everything from not liking the new ads featuring Ed "I don't know anything about cars" Whitacre to beliefs that the program sends a message of desperation (duh), and fears that there will be financial risks to the dealers.

The promotion allows a buyer to return a new Chevy, Buick, GMC or Cadillac after 30 days of ownership, with GM refunding the purchase price minus any rebates and sales tax as long as the car is returned before the 60th day of ownership. It does seem like there's plenty of potential for the campaign to backfire, but we were a bit surprised that so many dealers would choose to pass on the promotion altogether.

[Source: 24/7 Wall St.]

REPORT: GM dealers opting out of 60 day satisfaction guarantee? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: GM kills plans for unibody pickup truck

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

GMC Denali XT concept - click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has reportedly cancel plans for a new unibody mid-sized pickup truck after finding it wouldn't get much better fuel economy than existing body-on-frame designs. In early 2008, GM showed off the GMC Denali XT concept at the Chicago Auto Show. That truck was actually based on the same Zeta rear wheel drive platform used for the Pontiac G8. And unlike the star-crossed G8 ST that never made it into showrooms, the intended production truck would have been derived front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive Epsilon II architecture like Honda's Ridgeline.

GM vice-chairman Tom Stephens told Automotive News the unibody design would not give much of an efficiency boost while losing capability that buyers were willing to pay a premium for. That means the trucks would have been less profitable, something GM is obviously trying to avoid. The current four-wheel drive Chevrolet Silverado pickup has an EPA rating of 14/20 mpg while the all-wheel drive Ridgeline only gets 15/20 mpg, so there's clearly something to this.

As a mid-sized truck, the unibody would have likely replaced the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon, two vehicles that are getting long-in-the-tooth. It's not clear how GM plans to handle those products (or that segment) going forward.

Gallery: Chicago 2008: GMC Denali XT concept reveal

[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]

REPORT: GM kills plans for unibody pickup truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The A-Team van spied in action on set in British Columbia

Alex Nunez — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, GMC, Celebrities

Joe Carnahan's big-screen adaptation of the '80's TV classic, The A-Team, is apparently coming together up in British Columbia. That's where Splash News caught the movie version of the familiar black GMC van in action kicking up dirt for the cameras. The film's slated for a 2010 release, starring Liam Neeson as Hannibal, Bradley Cooper as Faceman, and UFC brawler Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as B.A. Oh, Jessica Biel's in it, too. Anyhow, we're curious to see how this all turns out. For instance, will the A-Team actually hit any bad guys when they fire their rifles at them in the movie? For more views of B.A.'s signature ride, head on over to Splash News, where a slew of photos are posted for your enjoyment. . Thanks to Chris for the tip!

[Source: Splash News]

The A-Team van spied in action on set in British Columbia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Four new GM commercials airing this weekend, check 'em out early

John Neff — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Buick, GM, GMC

Click above or follow the jump to view more videos

By now we've all seen the commercial for General Motors that features the company's new chairman, Ed Whitacre, introducing its "Satisfaction Guaranteed" 60-day return program. Good stuff, but that commercial was just an opening salvo in the company's upcoming marketing assault. We've got the next four commercials for you right here, set to air late Sunday evening during The Emmys and NFL games. We particularly like the one above that compares the new GMC Terrain to the Mini Cooper S with an automatic transmission since both get 32 mpg highway (NOTE: a Cooper S with a manual achieves 34 mpg highway). Sure, it's not an apples-to-apples comparison, but the stark contrast in size makes a big point. What's even more interesting than their matching highway mpg numbers is that the Mini's 23 mpg city is just 1 mpg better than the Terrain. Follow the jump to the other three new GM commercials that will air this weekend, one of which directly compares the 2010 Buick LaCrosse to a Lexus ES350.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading VIDEO: Four new GM commercials airing this weekend, check 'em out early

VIDEO: Four new GM commercials airing this weekend, check 'em out early originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM to offer 60 day money back guarantee on all new vehicle purchases

Chris Shunk — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors wants to prove to you that their vehicles are up to snuff, and The New York Times is reporting that a new marketing initiative aims to get more customers behind the wheel of GM cars and trucks. The General's rumored Satisfaction Guaranteed program promises to give customers their money back within 60 days if they're not completely satisfied with their purchase. The new sales tool, which will reportedly begin Monday and run through November, may mark the first time a major automaker has backed their product with a money back guarantee. The new initiative will cover new Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC models.

New GM Chairman Edward Whitacre stars in the new commercials designed to promote the porgram, reportedly uttering confident proclamations like "We're putting our money where our mouth is" and "May the best car win." That sounds a lot like the old Chrysler spots featuring then chairman Lee Iacocca to us - GM can only hope that its new chairman can capture the attention of the car-buying public as well as ol' Lido did.

The idea for the new initiative was allegedly hatched by GM's new board as a way to stir up customers post-bankruptcy. Details of the impending program are sketchy at this point as the General has yet to publish a press release, but if the marketing initiative starts Monday, we'll know soon enough.

[Source: The New York Times | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

GM to offer 60 day money back guarantee on all new vehicle purchases originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Texas truck sales uptick seen as bellweather for auto sales?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota

2009 Ford F-150 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When auto sales began to circle the drain in 2008, no single segment was hurt more than pickup trucks. Sales were cut in half in many instances, pummeling the domestics from Detroit more often than their foreign competition. Truck sales even dropped in Texas - easily the world's largest market for all things with four wheels, a bed and a V8 engine. Some Texas dealers saw sales drop 30% or more in 2008 and 2009, but some signs point to a turning point for truck sales and perhaps even the auto industry as a whole.

In August, the Ford F-150 saw its first year over year sales increase in three years. Automotive News is reporting that dealers in Texas are reporting more fleet and retail traffic, and one ton trucks are beginning to move off the lot again. Analyst Erich Merkle with Autoconomy.com told AN that the increased truck activity in Texas could mean that the auto industry is on the back swing, and more importantly, perhaps the entire American economy.

As an example of how this could play out, Texas is home to many of our nations biggest ranches. Dealers often sell entire fleets of trucks to these massive ranches, and if they are asking for more trucks, the results will be noticeable in our monthly By the Numbers update. And if ranchers are buying trucks again, that means we're making more things and more money changes hands, which means the economy may be bouncing back to life.

We know it's a bit of a stretch to hang the entire economy on Texas truck sales, but more trucks usually means more building and more construction. We're not sure if that's a bellweather for success, but it can't exactly be a bad thing either.

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150

[Source: Automotive News - Subs. Req'd]

Texas truck sales uptick seen as bellweather for auto sales? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GMC Acadia Denali arriving soon, confirmed on GM exec's Twitter feed

Chris Shunk — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, GM, GMC

2010 GMC Acadia SLT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back when U.S. car shoppers actually purchased the GMC Yukon in big numbers, the division's Denali designation meant that you were getting the crème de la crème of large SUVs. One summer of $4 gas later, and we were getting the impression that the name would fade away with sales of the once popular SUV.

If a sliver of news gleaned from Buick GMC Communications Group Manager Dayna Hart's Twitter feed is to believed, we're going to see another Denali, but the new one will differentiate the top-shelf Acadia crossover from its lesser brethren. The Tweet simply says "Denali version of Acadia approved and coming soon." If you head over to Hart's Twitter page, you'll have to scroll down a bit, just past news of her daughter's triathlon victory and just after some positive words about the GMC Terrain. Gotta love Twitter.

Adding the Denali name to the Acadia makes perfect sense. The Denali name has brought affluent customers into GMC showrooms in the past, and if done right, a gussied up Acadia could bring those customers back for a second tour of duty. We just wonder why it took so long for General Motors to get around to this.

Gallery: 2010 GMC Acadia SLT

[Source: Twitter]

GMC Acadia Denali arriving soon, confirmed on GM exec's Twitter feed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM's Docherty says 'No' to Pontiac G8-based Buick Grand National, promises two more sedans

Dan Roth — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Buick, GMC

Susan Docherty, General Manager of Buick and GMC, recently made some time available for a General Motors Fastlane blog webchat to discuss the futures of her brands. Stating plainly that "every new product we launch must be a home run. No second chances," indicates that at least some GM employees realize that the automaker is not going to coast through this latest crisis of consumer confidence. The stakes are make-or-break for the company, and initial feedback from the new LaCrosse has been very positive, but Buick can't survive with a lone great product. Chat participants lobbed questions about what's coming, and the answers reveal a hopeful, and hopefully well-executed, future.

Firstly, as great a car as it is, the Pontiac G8 is not going to slide over to Buick as a Grand National or something else. While Docherty herself cited the GN as one of her favorite Buicks ever, Pontiac is clearly in hospice, clutching a DNR. What will be coming are two new sedans - both junior to the LaCrosse - which will eventually top the sedan line at the Tri-Shield. One of the new sedans will be a compact, likely based on the new Opel Astra, while the other is headed for midsize waters, probably as the Regal.

Perhaps more exciting for those wishing to see a sportier Buick, intimations that a Riviera coupe may show up. "It would be a nice addition" says Docherty, though it's doubtlessly more important for GM to get its bread-and-butter squared away without getting distracted by a spicier coupe and its almost certainly smaller sales projections. Still, a Camaro-underpinned two-door Buick with classically gorgeous styling would certainly generate attention, wouldn't it? Ah, we can dream...

[GM Fastlane blog]

GM's Docherty says 'No' to Pontiac G8-based Buick Grand National, promises two more sedans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments