GM to increase production
Senior Member
Joined: 07-29-2008
Posts: 727
From: Mass
cash for clunkers ends aug. 24
The U.S. “cash for clunkers” vehicle trade-in program, credited with reviving auto sales and criticized by dealers for slow reimbursements, will close on Aug. 24, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.
The U.S. “cash for clunkers” vehicle trade-in program, credited with reviving auto sales and criticized by dealers for slow reimbursements, will close on Aug. 24, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-12-2006
Posts: 1,703
From: NE Ohio
Lordstown assembly will start up the 2nd shift again in October, increasing Cobalt production to 1100 units/day, according to our local news. They will also build 700 Cruzes between Oct. & April, for engineering purposes! 
Senior Member
Joined: 08-11-2009
Posts: 162
From: Roseville, CA
My local dealer John L Sullivan (who ran the infamous Ernest commercials for years after Jim Varney died) only has one HHR LS, 2 SS's and 1 LS Panel. I would probably guess that no year of the HHR's production were they ever at this point in August.
I also figure that CFC is not dead, there's nothing like a Gov program that spends money quick to ensure it's continuation...
Fred
Senior Member
Joined: 06-29-2008
Posts: 839
From: Crystal Lake
Only reason Cobalt is selling like hot cakes is due to Cheap+ Decent MPG which if ur doing Cash for clunkers (which ends Tomrrow 25th) Its another 4500 Off.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2008
Posts: 5,464
From: Akron Ohio
We have lots of HHR's and SS here as they did not sell fast. I suspect the 09 models production may not go much past half of the 08 models. All models are down this year.
The HHR and Cobalt are done in 2011 and will only live on till supplies are gone after that. the SS is gone this year to give their engines to other new models like the Lacrosse and maybe a Malibu in a new model due in 12.
The HHR and Cobalt are on a very old Delta platform that can not use the new Six speed trannys and since they will not be making the 4 speed and 5 spd anymore the cars have to die.
The PT got a one year stay as Fiat has no ready replacemnt in their small cars yet and Chrysler has few small cars.
The Cobalt increase is a short term deal untill supplies are built up again. The Goverment deal was a false increase in demand like rebates are and we will see a lull in car sales starting today unless the MFG do rebated to keep it going.
THe Clunker thing looks good now but will have no lasting benifit to long term sales. Also there is worry on how many people bought cars they can not afford and 6 months to a year from now they will get repo'd with too expensive cars or a loss of a job. THere was good and bad here and we will see some of the bad in the long term.
The best thing for GM is to get the Cruze right and the public love it. THey need a winner in this class. The Euro version is not a home run but has been well accepted. THe biggest issue has been power. THe hope is the American version will be tuneed differently and will address the proper performance for out market. A three door coupe may follow later but they have not decided what to do there yet since hatch cars are not strong sellers in the states.
The HHR and Cobalt are done in 2011 and will only live on till supplies are gone after that. the SS is gone this year to give their engines to other new models like the Lacrosse and maybe a Malibu in a new model due in 12.
The HHR and Cobalt are on a very old Delta platform that can not use the new Six speed trannys and since they will not be making the 4 speed and 5 spd anymore the cars have to die.
The PT got a one year stay as Fiat has no ready replacemnt in their small cars yet and Chrysler has few small cars.
The Cobalt increase is a short term deal untill supplies are built up again. The Goverment deal was a false increase in demand like rebates are and we will see a lull in car sales starting today unless the MFG do rebated to keep it going.
THe Clunker thing looks good now but will have no lasting benifit to long term sales. Also there is worry on how many people bought cars they can not afford and 6 months to a year from now they will get repo'd with too expensive cars or a loss of a job. THere was good and bad here and we will see some of the bad in the long term.
The best thing for GM is to get the Cruze right and the public love it. THey need a winner in this class. The Euro version is not a home run but has been well accepted. THe biggest issue has been power. THe hope is the American version will be tuneed differently and will address the proper performance for out market. A three door coupe may follow later but they have not decided what to do there yet since hatch cars are not strong sellers in the states.
