We Discredit GM's final decision to shut SAAB down; and that is "to the LAST DROP!!!"

GM's SAAB decision definitely sets a new PEAK on Twitter today. 1000's tweeting about the unhappy ending for SAAB...

The final decision taken by GM, to shut SAAB down, sounds like the last resort for GM to place the great brand at. Our first impression,and still, is that GM publicly announced this decision to force the interested parties to act faster toward a final phase; a "take it or leave it" situation ... Holiday season is pretty close by and GM had given itself the month of December to finalise the SAAB issue. I am truly hoping that this is the scheme but doesn't much look like it...

We had suggested(click to read) more than a month earlier, when Koenigsegg pulled out, that Roger Penske should wake up out of his frustration with the failed Saturn deal and go for SAAB; which is a great deal more feasible than buying and operating Saturn. This is indeed a RATIONAL suggestion. Lets take a closer look at Roger Penske and his auto businesses and then you decide:

Penske Corp. Website Home Page: Unique in its heritage and formidable in its national and international scope, Penske Corporation is a closely held transportation services company that encompasses retail automotive sales and services, truck leasing, supply chain logistics management, transportation components manufacturing, and high-performance acing.

Penske Automotive Group Website:

Penske Automotive Group is the second largest publicly traded automotive retailer in the United States as measured by total revenue. As of July 31, 2009, we owned and operated 160 franchises in the United States and 150 internationally.

Penske Automotive Reports Third Quarter Results

Adjusted Income From Continuing Operations Increases to $30.9 Million

Adjusted EPS Increases 21% to $0.34

Adjusted SG&A Decreases 90 Basis Points to 81.3% of Gross Profit

Penske Truck Leasing website:
Whether you're renting a truck for household or business use, you get professional assistance, flexible and convenient reservation options and customer protection programs.

You can count on finding your Penske moving truck ready to roll at pickup.

That’s because more than 3,500 Penske-trained technicians at

close to 700 Penske service facilities nationwide put their expertise behind preparing every truck.

Penske Logistics website:

What if You Could Turn Cost Centers into Profit Centers?

Solutions for supply chain management.
The Science of Logistics
Optimize the efficiency of your entire supply chain. From sourcing and manufacturing through delivery and return, we apply precision technologies and extensive experience to formulate logistics solutions specifically targeted to meet your challenges. Advisor, Collaborator, Partner...

In addition to listed above, Penske Corp. owns and operates 5 more automotive companies:

Penske Automotive Group

MOST ADMIRED

Top 50 rank: N.A.

Rank in Automotive, Retailing: 1 (Previous rank: 3*) 

Overall score: 6.59

Address: 2555 Telegraph Rd.

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

Phone: 248-648-2500

Website: www.penskeautomotive.com

Industries

Most Admired

Company Industry Overall score

1 Penske Automotive Group 6.59

2 AutoNation 6.37

3 CarMax 6.32

4 Hertz Global Holdings 5.65

5 Avis Budget Group 5.36

Contenders

Company Industry Overall score

6 Group 1 Automotive 4.94

7 Rush Enterprises 4.69

8 Asbury Automotive Group 4.64

9 Lithia Motors 4.46

10 Sonic Automotive 4.40

From the March 16, 2009 issue

So Mr. Penske we can tell quite easily that you know what you are doing and how to drive sustainable  growth for your businesses. Better act fast and decisively; go get SAAB. It will be one hell of a  PITY if that well entrenched automotive brand is wiped off the industry. You can buy it, own it and indeed make it re-prosper. You are in the auto business BUT earning the identity of a vehicle manufacturer is definitely a different story and we believe is well deserved by an entrepreneur as yourself. Pick up the phone and call Ed Whitacre; you are alraedy of his important customers, retailing Chevies and Saabs and Saturns. If I were you, I would even call the President Obama and ask him how he can align The Auto Task Force to help GM and you settling a SAAB deal. I am darn sure that they will look in to it right away. Why not keep the great brand within the borders of the US Auto Industry instead of further helping the Chinese maintain their accelerated growth to beat you at your own turf???

Please Think About It. /MT

AND here's what this great brand will be introducing to the market IFF NOT DEAD:

GM keeps announcing NEW PRODUCTS flavored with new Managerial Appointments!

Bob Lutz leaning on to the NEW GMC Acadia Denali CUV

The 2011 Acadia Denali - The First Denali Crossover Ever

2009-12-17

GMC is extending its exclusive Denali line to include the highly successful Acadia brand that defined the crossover segment. The all-inclusive Acadia Denali is the ultimate combination of space and efficiency with top-of-the-line amenities. Signature Denali cues include the honeycomb grille, chrome accents, body-color fascias and fender flares, mahogany wood steering wheel and wood accents, and lighted sill plates

Today GMC unveiled the 2011 Acadia Denali in Detroit. The first Denali was launched in 1999 on the Yukon brand and helped define the luxury SUV segment. With nearly half of all Yukon sales being Denali models, expanding the Denali line to include the Acadia was a logical extension. Acadia Denali will provide GMC customers with all the amenities the Denali is known for in a fuel-efficient crossover.

“The GMC Denali models have come to stand for luxury and exclusivity, and that’s just what customers will get in the new Acadia Denali,” said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. “The decision to develop an Acadia Denali was made quickly within the new GM in response to customer and dealer demand for a Denali version ever since the launch and success of the Acadia.”

The Acadia Denali will stand out with its signature Denali design cues highlighted by the mono-color exterior and chrome honeycomb grille, a feature on all GMC Denali models. It also wears a number of specific exterior design cues, including:

-Unique lower front and rear fascias

-High-intensity discharge headlamps

-Body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings

-Body-color rear fascia and fender flares

-Unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges

-Dual chrome exhaust tips

Further distinction comes with 20-inch, two-tone chrome-clad wheels. The six-spoke wheels feature black chrome spoke inserts set against bright chrome.

The Acadia Denali is offered in five exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.

Luxury amenities

Acadia Denali delivers all the luxury and refinement that are hallmarks of the Denali line. It includes a number of exclusive design, comfort and convenience features including:

Premium acoustics - laminated glass, triple door seals, and liquid applied sound deadeners

Perforated leather seats with matching leather door panel trim

Heated and cooled driver and passenger seats

Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood inserts

Complementary wood grain finish on the instrument panel and center stack

Enhanced accent lighting in the footwells

Chrome, lighted sill plates with the Denali logo

Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section

Head-up display (HUD)

Additional content includes:

*Tri-zone automatic climate control

*Navigation system including XM NavTraffic (available)

*Bluetooth connectivity

*OnStar

*Rear-seat DVD entertainment system, with roof-mounted flip-down screen (available)

*Premium audio system with USB port and Bose 10-speaker sound system

*XM Satellite Radio

*Rearview camera system

*Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory

*Remote vehicle start

SOURCE:

LaCrosse Four-Cylinder Engine Offered In 2010 Q1

Vehicle Priced at $26,995

2009-12-17

Buick will offer its LaCrosse CX model with a new fuel-efficient, direct injected Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine priced at $26,995.  The 4-cylinder is the third engine choice in the all new 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan. Backed by a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission, the new powertrain combination is expected to deliver fuel economy of 30 mpg highway and 20 mpg city*– making LaCrosse one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.

 The Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder joins the lineup in the first quarter of 2010 as the standard engine in the LaCrosse CX. Direct injection technology helps it deliver 182 horsepower (136 kW) and 172 lb-ft. of torque (233 Nm). Buick expects about 25 percent of customers will opt for 2.4L-equipped models.

The 2.4L’s injection of fuel directly into the combustion chamber enables a higher compression ratio to increase efficiency and horsepower. 

That means more power is made with less fuel and lower emissions.

SOURCE:

2009-12-17

Sweeney Appointed Buick GMC General Manager; Costabile Named General Sales Manager

DETROIT – Susan E. Docherty, GM vice president of Sales, Service and Marketing, today named Brian K. Sweeney general manager of Buick GMC, effective immediately. Sweeney had been general sales manager of Buick GMC since June 2008.

Cadillac, Buick and Chevrolet Ranked “Among the Best” in Study

According to the latest J.D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study, Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac all were rated “Among the Best” for the overall new vehicle purchase experience.

All GM brands ranked above the industry average and were rated “Better than Most” by the study.

"Our dealers place customers as a top priority and these results clearly prove that we're making progress,” said Susan Docherty, vice president, Sales, Service and Marketing. “As we continue to reinvent the dealership experience, I'm pleased that our Chevy, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands all finished above average, while some of our largest competitors did not.”

SOURCE: 

Will Bob Lutz be GM's Next Chief Executive Officer?

Bob Lutz at 2009 LA Auto Show

Will Bob Lutz be GM's Next Chief Executive Officer?

Posted Today 08:00 PM by Todd Lassa -Motor Trend Blog

DETROIT - It's not as outrageous as it sounds. Lutz, who has worked for General Motors, Ford, BMW, Chrysler and GM again will be 78 years old in February. As Chairman Ed Whitacre's right-hand-man, Lutz will help make sure Whitacre will pick the right man or woman to be GM's next CEO. If Whitacre is smart -- and he is -- there will be no more chairman/CEO, like Rick Wagoner, or CEO/president, like Fritz Henderson.

Mark Reuss' quick ascendancy at age 46 is a great, inspired choice. While Reuss is a second-generation GM lifer, he's a dyed-in-the-driving gloves car guy, and one who already is shaking up the traditional notions of how America's biggest automaker should be run.

Reuss easily could be CEO some day. Meanwhile, Whitacre has made it clear he wants quick changes, the type Alan Mulally has made at Ford Motor Company. While Mulally came from another type of manufacturing background with Boeing, he didn't understand how long product development takes in the auto industry. More importantly, Mulally changed the corporate culture at Ford, inspiring mid- and lower-level management to speak up at meetings, and to keep meetings short and to the point.

While he has been entrenched in the auto industry for most of the past 46 years, Lutz, too, is known for open, free-wheeling meetings in which car guys and other management get a chance to exchange ideas, rather than kiss up to the boss. Certainly, Whitacre has encountered that in his five months at GM.

At GM, Henderson, yet another in a long line of powerpoint addicts, is gone.

You'll remember that Wagoner asked Lutz, who was then heading up Exide batteries, to help find him a "car guy" to be his right-hand man. Lutz had just turned 70 when he recruited himself to the job, and the rest is history.

He has made many mistakes at GM, but they're the good kind. Yes, the Kappa platform probably cost GM far more money than it made, but it was GM's first attempt at a low-cost two-seat, four-cylinder sports car since before the Mazda Miata launch. Zeta and the Pontiac GTO predecessor fell short, as well, but I suspect both Lutz and Reuss see a North American-produced RWD Chevy Caprice and Buick Electra as viable, relatively low-volume products for the future, so long as GM can extract some mass out of the Zeta platform.

The good news is that GM has good, high-volume product that should offset the costs of Kappa and Zeta, and Lutz also deserves credit for seeing to it that cars like the Chevy Malibu, Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac CTS are world class.

So will Lutz become GM's next CEO? He's helping Whitacre on an "international search," but they're bound by salary restrictions so long as they've been propped up by U.S. Treasury funds. Lutz doesn't want to work for "peanuts" either. However, he's living quite comfortably already, and he's always been just a step below the top job, having been shut out by lesser minds at Chrysler in the '90s. He might have to sell another jet.

One advantage for GM is that at Lutz's age, being CEO should automatically be an "interim" position, one that would presumably bridge the company to an IPO and put it in a better position for an international search. And it would give Whitacre time to see whether guys like Reuss are truly capable of the kind of change he wants.

On the other hand, Lutz has displayed no signs of slowing down since he re-joined GM. As CEO, he could be in charge for another seven years.

Crazy idea maybe, but given how he recruited himself in 2002, I wouldn't bet against it.

Source: Motor Trend Blog 

riskyinstinct  : (Today 08:33 PM) 

It doesn't sound outrageous one single bit. BUT I think Lutz' s been, on purpose(of some sort I believe) staying away from such an assignment.

One Hell of a guy in PR & Product. He has been doing very good with BOLD messages as a new advertising theme and pointing his index finger towards more and more products to build up the core brands' product line. GM owes him and is corporate followers a gr8 deal for the 'inflection points' he has created for GM's post-bankruptcy sales and brands' public awareness. He wouldn't be willing to deal with the 'dull' finance issues and would never be a 'D.C.'s good boy' at GM. Lutz needs to breathe thru his own nose, if u will, and keep launching new products, organise challenges(the CTS-V challenge) that raises gr8 publicity over the net, get the media across- but never too far away- frequently to hear him out. He has to be in the kitchen with Ed Welburn and his team instead of board meetings... 

Conclusively, I think WE would lose him if he ever got to become the CEO. He tastes as good as ever at where he is.../MT

GM Announces Leadership Changes

2009-12-04 DETROIT – To improve accountability and responsibility for market performance in North America and around the world, several key leadership changes were announced today by GM Chairman and CEO, Ed Whitacre.

“I want to give people more responsibility and authority deeper in the organization and then hold them accountable,” Whitacre said.  “We’ve realigned our leadership duties and responsibilities to help us meet our mission to design, build and sell the world’s best vehicles.”

Senior Leadership Group:

Susan E. Docherty-Vice President, U.S. Sales

Timothy E. Lee-Group Vice President, Global Manufacturing and Labor

Robert A. Lutz-Vice Chairman, Marketing and Communications

J. Christopher Preuss-Vice President, Communications

David N. Reilly-Executive Vice President and President, International Operations

Mark Reuss-Vice President, Global Vehicle Engineering

John F. Smith-Group Vice President, Corporate Planning and Alliances

Robert E. Socia-Vice President, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain

Thomas G. Stephens-Vice Chairman, Global Product Development

Diana D. Tremblay-Vice President, North America Labor Relations

Edward E. Whitacre, Jr.-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

SOURCE: 

GM CEO Fritz Henderson Leaves; Chairman Ed Whitacre Accepted His Resignation and Took Over for an interim period...

Fritz Henderson

Was given the chance & had tried hard... Good Luck Fritz...

UPDATED: December 02, 2009
*Henderson's GM departure is no surprise/FORTUNE

*Who Pushed Henderson Out At GM?

*Whitacre fires or more likely "resigns" the CEO and takes job.

GM Statement Attributed to To Chairman Ed Whitacre

2009-12-01

At its monthly meeting in Detroit today, the General Motors Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Fritz Henderson as Director, President and CEO of the company.

Fritz has done a remarkable job in leading the company through an unprecedented period of challenge and change.  While momentum has been building over the past several months, all involved agree that changes needed to be made.  To this end, I have taken over the role of Chairman and CEO while an international search for a new president and CEO begins immediately.  With these new duties, I will begin working in the Renaissance Center headquarters on a daily basis.  The leadership team – many who are with me today – are united and committed to the task at hand.

I want to assure all of our employees, dealers, suppliers, union partners and most of all, our customers, that GM’s daily business operations will continue as normal. I remain more convinced than ever that our company is on the right path and that we will continue to be a leader in offering the worldwide buying public the highest quality, highest value cars and trucks.  We now need to accelerate our progress toward that goal, which will also mean a return to profitability and repaying the American and Canadian tax payers as soon as possible.

In closing, I want to once again thank Fritz Henderson for his years of leadership and service to General Motors; we’re grateful for his many contributions.

I look forward to working with the entire GM team as we now begin the next chapter of this great company.

I am suggesting b4hand, dont get another "finance guy"(or gal) to lead the NEW GM. Make sure you select a new talent with marketing & sales background. I honestly propose Susan Docherty... Let the "women ruling the world" keep rolling; BUT Bob Lutz must stay!

Seriously, my candidate for the new CEO, Ms. Docherty makes a lot of sense. Come to think of it, she's got good relations with the dealer network, she is good in leading/managing  sales, just got promoted, and she is and has been working darn hard to put things back in track. The Auto Task Force, Ed Whitacre and Ray Young are all looking well after the financial issues with no doubt... There is simply a need for a sales person at the top. Finance guys used up their rights to serve now; GM has been appointing CEO's direct from its finance dept. since decades... If talking about change this pattern HAS TO CHANGE. Susan get ready please!   /MT
From Our Dark Archives:

Thursday, November 5, 2009
After Opel reversal, GM CEO in spotlight

What we had to say re this:
Now, hold your horses... This company, not long ago! filed for bankruptcy... Then Obama's Auto Task Force, headed by Steven Rattner took charge and changed the management prior to freeing the bail-out cash... OK!... What did we hear from Rattner on Oct. 20 speaking to Fortune Magazine???...QUOTE- GM & Chrysler were on brink of death and we found 'stunningly poor management' >>>>>>....Fritz Henderson, later told him: "You can fire me anytime you want, but at least give me a better chance to succeed."-In earlier meetings, Rattner found Henderson "conveyed more energy and openness to change."--UNQUOTE. Why did you guys select the then the CFO of a 'stunning poor management' team as the new CEO? Rick Wagoner wasn't just by himself when burning $44 Billion cash in 18 months time! Henderson must have been close by up at one of the 'Towers'(of RenCenter). The guy(Fritz H.) did what he was told to do; for the negotiations with Magna Int. AND the sales are up; give the guy a chance and leave him alone! / MT  

Henderson's team is under pressure to reverse a long slide in U.S. market share

Keep it up Fritz!

GM must reverse sales and market share losses. Key to that will be changing buyer perceptions so they can look beyond the bankruptcy and consider GM models.

The job security of GM CEO Fritz Henderson may depend on the automaker's performance. Henderson's team is under pressure to reverse a long slide in U.S. market share.

GM needs hot products. While sales increased 4 percent in October, the automaker is bracing for a drop in global industry volume this quarter -- from 67.8 million to 65.4 million vehicles -- and executives forecast U.S. sales could fall from 11.7 million to 10.7 million. Next year, however, executives expect a modest recovery in the U.S.

GM's global market share is climbing despite the bankruptcy, rising 0.3 percentage points to 11.9 percent in the 80 days following bankruptcy compared to the first half of 2009. U.S. market share in the period stayed flat at 19.5 percent, but GM gained share in the U.S. in October for a third straight month and early indications suggest November could continue the trend.

Chevrolet Cruze in Paris; coming soon to U.S.

source: 

GM To Uncork New Tech At LA Show

GLITR- 22 November 2009

The North American auto show season will kick off in early December with the start of the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.

According to the show’s website, “As the first major North American auto show of the season, the LA Auto Show will deliver a preview of how the recent changes in the industry, the environment and the economy will ultimately affect what consumers drive.”

General Motors will make several announcements and debuts during press days in LA.

With fuel economy on the minds of many, Chevrolet will reveal to North America the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, a compact sedan, on Dec. 2.

With its 1.4 liter, four-cylinder engine, the Cruze will get upwards of 40 MPG on the highway making it a fuel economy leader in the small car segment.

Also appearing is the Chevrolet Volt FlexFuel extended-range electric vehicle, set for production in 2010 and willbe available to the consumer late next year. The Volt will drive up to 40 miles completely gas-free on a fully charged battery and several hundred miles more beyond that with the car’s on-board engine generator. In LA, Chevrolet will also announce the winner of a nationwide consumer competition to name a Volt unique paint color.

On Dec. 3, GM will reveal to North America the 2011 Buick Regal, a new mid-size sport sedan with an available turbo-charged four-cylinder engine and great fuel economy with an estimated 29 mpg. The new Buick Regal will gohead to head with competitors like the Volvo S60 and Acura TSX.  GM’s Cadillac brand will also debut to the worldthe production model of the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe a head-turning sports car from Cadillac.

SOURCE:

CLICK icon below For More Cadillac CTS Coupe Images

GM Design Awards-2009 SEMA Show

“General Motors is pleased to recognize the fine accomplishments of the top vehicle builders in the 2009 SEMA Show,” said Bob Kern, GM’s SEMA relations director, in a statement released by Lingenfelter Performance Engineering. “We are proud to support their efforts and applaud the large number of new accessories produced for GM products through the SEMA activity. This has a major positive impression with our vehicle buyers.”

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Wins GM Design Award at SEMA Show for 2010 Camaro Project Car

DECATUR, Ind. — Lingenfelter Performance Engineering’s (LPE) 750-horsepower supercharged 2010 LS7 Camaro SS was awarded the General Motors Design Award for Best Sports Car during the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the company has announced.

20 Nov, 2009

GM Design Awards Winners List From SEMA 2009

Here is a LIST of the GM Design Award Winners from the SEMA 2009 show which recently concluded. Congratulations to the winners...

GM Design Awards Winners

•Best GM Vehicle: 2010 Light Green Camaro, Neil Tjin, Tjin Edition

•Best GM Midsize Car: ‘65 Black Pontiac GTO, Josiah Coy, Coybilt

•Best GM Sports Car: 2010 Silver Camaro, Ken Lingenfelter, Lingenfelter Performance

•Best GM Restored Vehicle: ‘67 Burgundy Buick GS, Gus Stewart, Original Parts Group Inc.

•Best GM Hot Rod: ‘58 Black Corvette, Phil and Jeremy Gerber, Roadster Shop

•Best GM Truck: ‘59 Black Chevy Pickup, Rodger Lee, Ironworks Speed & Custom

•Best New GM Interior: 2010 Black Camaro, Chris Magnum, D.S.O. Eyewear

•Best New GM Exterior: 2010 Red Rum Camaro, Rich Stokes, Status Customs 

•Best New Product: 2010 Orange Camaro, Rick Bottom, Rick Bottom Designs

•Best High-Performance Product: 2010, White, Orange and Black Drift Camaro, Conrad Grunewald and Luke Lonberger, Grunewald Racing 

•Most Innovative Product: 2010 Black Camaro, Nic Ashby Leadership Design

•Best New Accessory, Carbon Fiber Hood, Decklid, Fenders, Doors, GFX Kit and Spoiler, Michael Macare, Seibon Carbon

Tjin Edition

Red Rum/Status

Status Team w/Red Rum

Rick Bottom

Grunewald

CLICK BELOW ICON 4 MORE IMAGES