pkoko

I am wondering how the new 2013 MKZ light interior looks like? Any color impressions? Is the wood trim a lighter maple color?

About time GM did something logical.

Chrysler & GM also have couple military contracts that any manufacturer will be interested in buying. IIRC, ChryCo makes the Abrams tank. GM makes the Bradley Infantry vehicle and most armored personnel transports. Obviously AM general still make H1s for the military. I am sure any of those programs are highly profitable for their respective companies.

At least that looks somewhat original and different.

Is there not copyrights and patents that forbids other companies from copying others designs?

Real Question: What is its actual gas millage (from your own usage)?

I am really beginning to believe that Obama's administration are in a really difficult predicament. It is clear that GM & CryCo done nothing to improve but the administration can't stand the thought of two American icons filling for ch. 11. They are hoping the extra money will give the whole auto market time while sales return to normal levels. If GM & ChryCo get this money; they will continue to get more money regardless of their success or failure of their restructure plans. Obama is scared of the impending reality and doesn't want to be responsible for the aftermath. So they are delaying the inevitable.

Ford said they want nothing from ChryCo. I am sure Ford will want some bits and pieces from GM like: 1) Technology on the new Chevy Volt and Plug in Hybrid 2) The entire corvette design team with their LS engine R&D department. 3) The new GMT900 platform (the Tahoes, Suberbans, Escalades), Is there still a market for it?? 4) GM dealer networks in China and East Asia. 5) Allison Transmissions ?? 6) Heavy Duty trucks?? 7) Cadillac CTS and its platform for future RWD & Lincoln models (true LS replacement). Did I miss anything?

Fine.. Let's see the prices for top 4 vechiles from you own test Ford Escape Honda CR-V Subaru But notice the RAV4 It is by far the most expensive vehicle on the test. It costs more than $1000 than its nearest competitor. $1000 is a big difference in $20k vehicles. That extra difference you could have gotten an Escape with leather & sync. I am not saying the Escape is better; I am saying the RAV4 is overpriced for what you get.

The Rav4 is at least 2K+ more than any of its competitors. Wasn't this comparison test based on best 4WD compact SUV under $20k? The Toyota RAV4 fails to pass that key requirement. It should be disqualified.

We have a winner!!

So Hyundai / Kia asked for bailouts ?? news to me.

Talk about a bad marriage that the after shocks just won't go away.

But Ford doesn't have to waste millions of R&D to design from the ground up small cars just for NA. Ford already needs those small cars for europe and the rest of the world. Nissan only sells the titan in NA.

good call.

I don't think so for couple of reasons: 1- A lot of people (150K) will lose their Jobs. That is not good sign in a recession. The state gov't in MI will ask for a bailout that is greater than the loan GM seeks. 2- the lost tax income for Fed government from those newly unemployed workers. If 150K people pay average federal tax of $7500/yr. Then that is $1.5 billion in reduced tax revenue per year. If some suppliers bankrupt as well; then that is more laid off workers and even more lost revenue to the US govt. 3- A company as big as GM going out of business will destroy consumer confidence and let this current recession drag on even longer. People will not buy anything other than food, gas, and basic necessities. This will destroy the service sector, which more than half of the US GDP. This will set back the US economy for at least 5 years. I think the Gov't wants a smaller. more efficient, profitable GM. If the Govt can't do that. Then the Gov't will split GM into smaller brands and let it die out slowly. The last thing the US gov't wants right now is scenario # 3.

Soo true, But it is more productive than playing golf, don't you think? The real purpose of this thread is to see if normal average auto enthusiasts have more common sense about saving GM than the so called "experts"

Forgive me, How is that a paradox?

This thread is trying to give good hints and ideas for GM executives to help GM survive and become "viable" so it can continue to get aid from government and eventually pay those loans back. Please keep this thread on topic and no flaming between Ford & GM. I also ask for thoughtful criticism and analysis of other posters' ideas. I have the feeling that the hints others will post would actually make more sence and help GM more than what will happen. So let's Start: 1) I would immediately seize production of any vehicle that I have stock of more than 90+ days. I would pay the workers who work at those plants reduced salary(if the UAW allows it) to not show up to work. GM doesn't need any more inventory. 2) I would subsidize leasing on new cars and crossovers. A lot of people leases are up and switching to brands that offer leasing like Nissan, VW, Toyota, etc. This is extremely important for the luxury brand of Cadillac, which 75+% of its retail sales are leases. This is especially needed for returning lessees. FYI, Ford offers $1500 rebate if a lessee buys a new ford. GM only offers $1000. Most of those lessees are looking for the newer car for the same previous monthly payments. GMAC has to step up to the plate and provide near 0% money factor rates. I think this will help GM more than sub-prime lending. 3) Don't play the incentives game. Don't flood the market with fleet sales. You have to think long term and build up the resale of your products. Provide your costumers with subsidized interest rates but don't do rebates more than $2000 for cars and $3000 on trucks. Nothing provides a better impression of financially struggling company than a $7500+ rebate. 4) Price your product realistically. For example, why is the 1LT Malibu I4 with 6 speed auto at $25K when a comparable Fusion is under $22K, Accord at $24k. At that starting price, you have to place a huge rebate for it sell anyway. So why not fix the problem? It also helps your resale value also as that is calculated of MSRP not actual sale price. Now it is your turn

Why not make one of them a station wagon version of the Fusion/Milan? Honda is doing it.

Anyone knows when will ford offer dual clutch manumatics??

I expect the numbers to be better than February in terms of total # of vehicles sold.

Sorry your logic is greatly Flawed. Ford only sells 30-40K superduties a year. So if half of them have the power stroke Diesel then that is only 20K engines a year.

Good improvement by Toyota. The new instrument Panel is too small and too busy. However, the new interior is nice. Anyone got the official MPG numbers?

I still think Ford should wait until next year to dump Volvo. The economy will be better and sale price will be higher. Smart Investors don't sell when the market is low.