Just because they share some parts doesn't mean the fit/finish is junk... sit in a new Malibu, a Denali Truck, a 4LT trimmed Corvette... they're easily as good or better in many cases then the cometition.

I sold Jags, Porsches, and Audis for most of last year... Other than using some higher end materials in certain models the fit/finish was really no better than the higher end GMC vehicles.

 

He said Asian cars, not European.

 

The issue with your first paragraph is that the well finished GM product is the exception, not the rule. Also, since you have experience with Audi, I'm sure you're well aware of how long it takes for a manufacturer to kick a bad reputation... even if it's based on false stories, not fact. Audi was almost driven into bankruptcy over the whole uncontrolled acceleration thing and it took them over a decade to work their way out of it.... and that reason was proven to be made on false pretenses. GM products have been known for the low quality craftsmanship for decades, it's going to take a LONG time for them to work their way out from under that reputation. GMs latest offering have been MUCH better. The new Malibu is on the level of the Accord or Camry. The Denali and 4LT Corvettes are simply more of the same design, but wrapped in higher quality material. The craftsmanship is there, but the core design is trailing far behind the Malibu.

What GM needs to do is downsize, plain and simple. If they can cut the numer of models available to a third of what it is now, each well finished model will affectively triple it's share of GM cars on the showroom floor. Also, the fact that they have 50 different model options for each car demographic renders each model invisible. They need to reduce the model lineup drastically, and increase the build quality of each model. The Malibu is the first thing GM has done 100% right in YEARS. The current CTS is another, but Cadillac is not viewed with the image it should be.... yet.

I think every make should be dropped from GM products other than Chevrolet. There's no reason to have 2 complete truck lineups that are virtually identical. Chevy is the most all-encompassing line.

Concentrate on 3 trucks... the 3500, 2500, and 1500. Trucks are their bread and butter, they need to continue on with the current truck options, but drop the GMC twin.

ONE large car from Chevy. Make it semi luxurious, more powerful than the import options, give it some attitude (300C?), and use the lessons learner from the Malibu to design it's interior.

ONE midsize option... Malibu. That's it. Create a slightly hotter version of it too to increase brand image. Do it tastefully though. Add some power, tighten the suspension a bit, but don't go all "boy racer" with it.

ONE compact. I don't even know what to call it, but they need to completely rebuild their image here. Concentrate on fuel efficiency with it's debut model and add normal versions shortly thereafter. A year later, add a "brand image" model.

ONE subcompact.... think Honda fit in build quality. Concentrate on refinement, something GM has never done with their small cars. Show that they can build a semi refined model at a low price. Don't worry about power, but make the chassis fun.

3 SUVs:
One soldiering on in current Tahoe fashion. Build it on a ladder frame from one of the trucks. There is still a certain demographic in America that needs a big, sturdy SUV.

One large unibody version.. I really like what they have here. A V8 needs to be an option here to separate them from the Japanese and European rivals. Offer a V8 for the same cost as the competition's V6s... but it has to have competitive fuel economy. a V6 option is also a must.

One compact SUV, but with a third row. Make it sporty looking too. Don't sweat offroad capability on this one, this is marketed to the "urban jungle"

And finally... Corvette and Camaro. Performance is there with the vette, concentration needs to be placed on refinement. Other than that, I don't think Corvette needs to change.

Cadillac is getting more and more on track to what they should be. They need to be the SOLE GM option that is not badged as a Chevrolet though. They should lean more and more to a more European model. I think Cadillac needs to really look at the Audi model.

 

fuck GM. I just read in the paper (and of course, there could be some spin on this) but it pretty much sounded like GM and Chrysler were asking for more money....or they were going to cut more jobs. Now it sounds sort of like they are holding the Government hostage.

 

i've been saying fuck GM for years.

 

Well said, now I dont have to write this novel lol.

 

Flite = /thread

The newer caddys look dumb though, I'd buy a genesis or any lexus over the caddy right now.

 

In part I agree.... But I think Cadillac doing the right thing by being distinctive. Cadillac's hay-days were when there cars were over the top. I don't think they need to go back to that stuff, but the current offering is just odd enough to stand out, but still subtle enough to be acceptable. I didn't like the look at first, but it's really starting to grow on me. When you see a Caddy going down the road, you know it's a Cadillac. Hell, I think the CTS and particularly the CTS coupe concept is incredibly good looking.

My favorite GM product right now, is the CTS-V. I think I like them even more than the ZR1.

 

is the cts the one with the front end that looks like it's melting? My favorite offering will be the camaro whenever it comes out.

 

i hope GM drop saab and becomes it own company again. Pre GM days, the SAAB vehicle was very reliable until GM start messing with it. From the SAAB respected b202 turbo and b234 engines where ungodly bullet proof because of there iron block. Now currently the aluminum 2.0 eco tec motor and the v-6 gm motor run the 9-3s that has not be satifisying for years. I would like to see SAAB bring there original "uniqueness" back. I still drive a 87 SAAB 9000 that puts about 30mpg on the original motor with 350,000 miles. I have also have witness numerous amount of saabs with 200,000 miles or more when i use to work for them. I would be pleasured to see these cars manufactured back in sweden rather than germany. Hopefully SAAB will go back to its orgin.