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erpowers

(9,350 posts)
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 09:10 AM Jul 2017

GM weighs cutting six cars from lineup

Source: Apress

Reuters has learnt from sources close to the plans that General Motors has placed six of its passenger cars under review and could cancel them after 2020. These vehicles are the Chevrolet Volt, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CT6, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Impala and Chevrolet Sonic.

In the first half of 2017, General Motors car sales have fallen by 19 per cent and collapsed by 36 per cent in June alone as U.S. customers continue to buy pickups, SUVs and crossovers in record numbers. According to analysts, GM may have to close certain factories because of the dwindling demand for cars.

Arguably the most vulnerable is the Hamtramck facility in Detroit, responsible for building the Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala, Cadillac CT6 and Chevrolet Volt. This year, it has built 32 per cent fewer vehicles than in the first half of 2016, churning out less than 35,000 cars. By comparison, most other GM plants build between 200,000 and 300,000 vehicles annually.

According to vice president of AutoForecast Solutions Sam Fiorani, GM has two options; “create some innovative new products” to replace its sedans “or start closing plants.”

Read more: http://apressagency.com/gm-weighs-cutting-six-cars-from-lineup-13581-2017/

37 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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GM weighs cutting six cars from lineup (Original Post) erpowers Jul 2017 OP
Four of the five cars in my life exboyfil Jul 2017 #1
Used Volts (2013) are in that price range n2doc Jul 2017 #8
I am definitely eyeing the Leaf exboyfil Jul 2017 #9
Volt has no battery degradation issues JCMach1 Jul 2017 #10
I've had a Tesla since 2011 and the battery is still in perfect condition. truthisfreedom Jul 2017 #22
Especially if there is a climate and proper charging control JCMach1 Jul 2017 #24
the Chevy Volt is a hybrid car. uncle ray Jul 2017 #29
I am aware of that n/t n2doc Jul 2017 #32
So in the infinite wisdom of the NEW GM, they want to possibly close the Volt line turbinetree Jul 2017 #2
Expecting GM to actually build innovative cars is like waiting for the GOP to 'fess up to treason. Ford_Prefect Jul 2017 #3
I love my Volt, it is the best car I've ever owned. berni_mccoy Jul 2017 #4
I have a 2013 Volt. I was really hoping they would move that technology to other vehicles, but that still_one Jul 2017 #5
I love my Volt... Someone needs to GM in the teeth JCMach1 Jul 2017 #11
Chevy is axing the Volt due to the release of the Bolt NickB79 Jul 2017 #19
Bolt is not a PHEV JCMach1 Jul 2017 #25
PHEV's are being left behind as battery tech improves NickB79 Jul 2017 #34
Why would they make news like this public? Do they want to make sure they kill the sales in those still_one Jul 2017 #6
They are required to make the information public. former9thward Jul 2017 #14
Sued for what? The report also say they are considering it, not a definite decision. If they still_one Jul 2017 #21
Unbelievable..... LovingA2andMI Jul 2017 #7
The Volt is one of the best American cars ever made period JCMach1 Jul 2017 #12
They need a car people can afford without having to take out a 10 year loan. Sunlei Jul 2017 #13
My daughter drove a rental impala after her car was totaled Danmel Jul 2017 #15
Consumer Reports SCantiGOP Jul 2017 #16
I only drive GM. hamsterjill Jul 2017 #17
Truck and SUV sales are where the money is at right now for the big 3 inwiththenew Jul 2017 #18
Build the BelAir again, GM. MineralMan Jul 2017 #20
I would love to see an updated version of the Nova SS. n/t X_Digger Jul 2017 #31
GM is going down the same road that bankrupted them again rockfordfile Jul 2017 #23
And offering the volt drive train in other places JCMach1 Jul 2017 #26
They just spent a billion developing the Bolt. GM is further ahead on electrification than most. tinrobot Jul 2017 #37
Bring back the AZTEC!! JNelson6563 Jul 2017 #27
Bring back Pontiacs! kimbutgar Jul 2017 #28
The Pontiac Vibe was just a rebranded Toyota Matrix, Codeine Jul 2017 #35
The tax code (Sec 179) is part of the problem TexasBushwhacker Jul 2017 #30
Bring back The .... "Falcon " Stuart G Jul 2017 #33
I suspect the Volt is going away because mostly because it is a sedan. tinrobot Jul 2017 #36

exboyfil

(17,862 posts)
1. Four of the five cars in my life
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 09:30 AM
Jul 2017

have been Chevys. All my cars were purchased new, and all but the first with at least a $2K credit card points rebate.

85 Chevy Cavalier (bought before I was married)
94 Chevy Lumina (wife's car until I got the Escort)
02 Chevy Cavalier (my current car)
09 Chevy HHR (my wife's current car)

and a 98 Ford Escort Wagon

I am thinking my next, and hopefully last car, will be a small all electric vehicle in the $12-$15K price range (assuming that is available). I don't see that coming from Chevy.



exboyfil

(17,862 posts)
9. I am definitely eyeing the Leaf
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 12:01 PM
Jul 2017

$5K for a battery replacement is definitely a consideration though. I typically own cars 10 years or more so I might have at least one battery replacement. The fuel and other maintenance savings would have to overcome that cost.

truthisfreedom

(23,145 posts)
22. I've had a Tesla since 2011 and the battery is still in perfect condition.
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 04:25 PM
Jul 2017

Lithium technology is pretty damned good.

JCMach1

(27,556 posts)
24. Especially if there is a climate and proper charging control
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 05:17 PM
Jul 2017

Like GM and Tesla.

Nissan relies on air cooling = not good

turbinetree

(24,695 posts)
2. So in the infinite wisdom of the NEW GM, they want to possibly close the Volt line
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 09:30 AM
Jul 2017

while the Saudi's have cut exports to the US at 540,000 barrels of oil per day, but keep building the trucks, FULL SIZE, don't put anything like the venerable S-10 back on the market, and thinking of the future planet they belong to stave off a further erosion of the ice shelf's on the planet...............nope, they are looking at the f*cking bottom line, while there competitors are going full bore to build more electric vehicles.................amazing




Where's that dipsh*t Orange fraudster-----------------nowhere, that's where , but getting ready to take a vacation for two weeks at the Bedminister golf club, and being paid at the taxpayers expense, how come zippy the f*cking clown hasn't donated anymore of his PAYCHECK" from the taxpayers to the National Park Service for the last quarter...........


Ford_Prefect

(7,887 posts)
3. Expecting GM to actually build innovative cars is like waiting for the GOP to 'fess up to treason.
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 09:31 AM
Jul 2017

Doing so would refute their claims of infallibility and verity.

 

berni_mccoy

(23,018 posts)
4. I love my Volt, it is the best car I've ever owned.
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 09:33 AM
Jul 2017

Meanwhile, the Chinese owned Volvo is making only electric cars moving forward.

So very sad to see America fall behind in innovation.

still_one

(92,138 posts)
5. I have a 2013 Volt. I was really hoping they would move that technology to other vehicles, but that
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 10:25 AM
Jul 2017

appears to be in doubt now. In fact according to the OP the vehicles they are looking to cut appear to be the most fuel efficient.

I suspect the lower fuel prices are causing a complacency for consumers to forget that gasoline can very easily go back to 4 dollars a gallon or more here in California. It isn't a question of if, but when that will happen.

What got them into trouble the last time was they weren't as diversified in their vehicle lineup, and when fuel prices shot up people moved to car manufactures who offered a more diversified selection.

The biggest issue I have with the Volt is the backseat does not have enough room for two adults, and a few other ergonomic issues, but as far as the technology, it is a winner as far as I am concerned, and if they abandon it, I think they are making a huge mistake. Other car makers are actually following GM's lead on the Volt's technology, and GM is considering walking away from it? If the OP is accurate, that is pretty short sighted in my book.

NickB79

(19,233 posts)
19. Chevy is axing the Volt due to the release of the Bolt
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 02:38 PM
Jul 2017

All-electric Tesla 3 competitor, 230 mile range, 30K base price. Just hitting dealerships now. So Chevy is clearly pushing forward with innovations.

JCMach1

(27,556 posts)
25. Bolt is not a PHEV
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 05:20 PM
Jul 2017

Volt gives you the battery you want for daily driving and extended range for road trips.

You will wave to the Bolt and Tesla drivers as you pass them waiting at the charging stations.

NickB79

(19,233 posts)
34. PHEV's are being left behind as battery tech improves
Tue Jul 25, 2017, 01:31 PM
Jul 2017

I can't even think of another vehicle that took the same approach as the Volt. At the time, it appeared revolutionary, but since the Volt was introduced the battery life of an all-EV car has more than doubled, to the point that range anxiety for most driving is largely irrelevant now. I can see a niche for PHEV's, but it appears to be a niche that most of the major car companies are seeing fit to leave unfilled for the time being.

still_one

(92,138 posts)
6. Why would they make news like this public? Do they want to make sure they kill the sales in those
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 10:27 AM
Jul 2017

vehicles affected?

If I am in the market for a car, I am sure not going to be looking for a car which isn't going to be produced anymore in a few years


former9thward

(31,981 posts)
14. They are required to make the information public.
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 01:44 PM
Jul 2017

Any business decision which may materially affect stock prices is required to be made public. They would be sued if they didn't.

still_one

(92,138 posts)
21. Sued for what? The report also say they are considering it, not a definite decision. If they
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 03:11 PM
Jul 2017

decided to no longer produce them I could understand announcing it to the investors, but this isn't for sure, and it sure would damage existing sales. Self fulfilling prophecy

LovingA2andMI

(7,006 posts)
7. Unbelievable.....
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 11:02 AM
Jul 2017

GM would kill off the Impala -- one of the best cars in their lineup. Either way, give all the way up on GM after they closed the plant in our local community and left nothing there in 2009. Own a Nissan now and LOVE IT. Never will purchase another GM car ever again.

Danmel

(4,913 posts)
15. My daughter drove a rental impala after her car was totaled
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 02:13 PM
Jul 2017

And she liked it so much that she bought a Cruze, which was smaller and she absolutely loves it. It's a very nice car.

SCantiGOP

(13,869 posts)
16. Consumer Reports
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 02:20 PM
Jul 2017

Has listed the Impala as the top full-sized American sedan the last two years. I know it is bit pricy, but it seems like it would have a niche.

hamsterjill

(15,220 posts)
17. I only drive GM.
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 02:21 PM
Jul 2017

I've never had a problem with any GM vehicle that I've owned and I've driven them for over 40 years.

It's important to me to support GM as opposed to other automakers. Its an individual choice, but that's mine.

inwiththenew

(972 posts)
18. Truck and SUV sales are where the money is at right now for the big 3
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 02:30 PM
Jul 2017

I read earlier this month that car sales fell 13% in June and truck and SUV sales were up 4%. Truck and SUV sales accounted for 63% of sales last month. 5 years ago that number was less than 50%.

Here's the link.

[link:http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hy-auto-sales-20170703-story.html|

MineralMan

(146,286 posts)
20. Build the BelAir again, GM.
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 02:51 PM
Jul 2017

Or maybe some business coupes or reintroduce the Nova and Chevette. Go backward, not forward.

tinrobot

(10,895 posts)
37. They just spent a billion developing the Bolt. GM is further ahead on electrification than most.
Tue Jul 25, 2017, 03:14 PM
Jul 2017

The Volt as a car may go away, but I doubt GM will ditch the drivetrain. Expect more electrification from GM, not less.

JNelson6563

(28,151 posts)
27. Bring back the AZTEC!!
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 05:53 PM
Jul 2017

Ok, didn't GM make this mistake before?? Big gas guzzlers don't sell when gas skyrockets. Anyone think the global picture is nice and stable so as to insure stable fuel prices for many years to come? No? Me neither. They must be pretty high down there in Detroit or where ever they make these bad decisions these days.

kimbutgar

(21,130 posts)
28. Bring back Pontiacs!
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 06:06 PM
Jul 2017

I'm still driving my 2003 vibe. It has a bigger space in back than suv's. I used to own a nissian pathfinder a the space was smaller than the vibe which has a bigger space in back. I would buy a vibe again if they manufactured them.

That said with the politicial situation going on in this country I am nervous about taking out a car loan. I know I need to replace my vibe with 125,000 mikes but it still runs well and I fear for the future of this country. No debt for me outside of my mortgage.

 

Codeine

(25,586 posts)
35. The Pontiac Vibe was just a rebranded Toyota Matrix,
Tue Jul 25, 2017, 03:00 PM
Jul 2017

which was itself basically a Toyota Corolla in hatchback form. It wasn't really indicative of GM quality or design.

TexasBushwhacker

(20,174 posts)
30. The tax code (Sec 179) is part of the problem
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 06:45 PM
Jul 2017

The IRS allows a larger deduction for heavy SUVs, vans and trucks than it does for lighter vehicles. A shiny new SUV, truck or van that has a loaded weight of over 6000 pounds can be depreciated 2 to 3 times faster than a lighter vehicle. If your business has taxable profits, that depreciation deduction means bigger and quicker tax savings.

Stuart G

(38,419 posts)
33. Bring back The .... "Falcon "
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 07:19 PM
Jul 2017

Wait a minute....that wasn't GM...?
How about ...the "Dart"......no?
Rambler???........................no?
maybe...Edsel?...................no?

how about Pontiac?..............not likely
how about Oldsmobile?........ " "

what will they bring back??????????

tinrobot

(10,895 posts)
36. I suspect the Volt is going away because mostly because it is a sedan.
Tue Jul 25, 2017, 03:13 PM
Jul 2017

People want cars that are more practical - hatchbacks, CUVs, SUVs. I could easily see the Voltec drivetrain placed into a compact SUV. It would sell a lot more than a four seater.



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