and they already did it for chrysler. GM's done an admirable job trying to avoid bankruptcy in recent years but it may be what the doctor ordered. some companies come out stronger, some become chum or die.

__________________
"You down wit OPM?"
Fumo: "Yeah, you know me!"

I read recently that several Phila. area companies have more stock value
right now than GM. One of those companies is Urban Outfitters.

"The End of Detroit: How the big three lost their grip on the American Car Market"
explains the origins of how they screwed up.

Speaking personally there is absolutely nothing they could do to get me
to buy one of their cars.

I love cars... made by anyone except GM, Ford, and Chrysler.


I only know how to fix cars by owning American made ones.

I've forgotten a good deal since going to just Japanese vehicles (even if they are made in Ohio)

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"

I feel the same way, and my Dad works for GM! We have a Honda and a Mini! I told my Dad that we bought the Honda used at an auction...

I was excited when I saw that there was a Malibu Hybrid, but then saw that it only gets 32mpg! WTF?

The designers come up with some amazing concepts, but then the suits want them dumbed down because they underestimate the culture and intelligence of the American driver. It's always one step forward, two steps back.

I've got high hopes for the Volt. I'm sure that GM will jack it up somehow...

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http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/be30300653

No one can touch the Big Three pickups. People need pickups, fortunately.

Aside from the 300, the Chrysler line is worthless. The worst line offering I have ever seen probably. Dodge has the Viper and Challenger for the enthusiasts..and the rest just suck. Japan crushes all of their cars.

Ford has some decent cars, and Mazda has some great cars. Volvo has some solid players. Mercury can be eliminated and Lincoln is just about dead IMO. I bet someone would buy their Mazda and Volvo shares without hesitation...

GM has some good cars, and the Volt will really change the world if its executed as planned. I would shelf Oldsmobile and Buick then restyle Pontiac. Saab would go too.

GMX: The Honda Accord hybrid gets similar fuel economy.

Supposedly Cerberus is casting about looking for a buyer/partner for Chrysler. Stupid investment suits bought at the worst time and now need bailing out.

Ford is in serious risk of bankruptcy, no matter what the corporation says. Of the three, they are the most likely to require reorganization. GM will probably survive by the skin of their teeth, assuming that (a) they release the Volt on time and (b) the price of oil mitigates somewhat to around $100-$120/gal.

If the downturn lasts beyong 2010, expect that all three will be near bankrupcy, if not there already. At that point, the ability of the US government to bail out all three of these organizations will be minimal because, quite frankly, no one outside the US is going to be willing to keep buying US debt without interest rates going up a LOT (probably to 8-10% range) and so our ability to keep adding to the national debt will be limited.

The next president is going to have a very interesting balancing act between Iraq and the economy. The Bush legacy will have been to bankrupt the country through deregulation, lack of foresight, and a poorly implemented invasion of a country we had no right to invade.

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No matter where you go, there you are. (b.banzai)

The volt better give GM a huge jolt pronto !

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080723/gm_to...ales.html?.v=4

When I grow up I want to be a US exec at Toyota. Seriously.

FWIW:

Toyota = Toyota, Lexus and Scion. 26 vehicle models, 16 being Toyota.

GM = Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer, Cadillac, Saab. 91 vehicle models.

I think this is one of thei rbiggest problems. despite the fact that GM has made enormous gains in car quality and can now be considered up there with toyota and hyundai with many models, consumer sentiment trails...significantly. consumers still hold grudges for cars they may have bought in the past. the malibu is a great car (actually, sales for the malibu are up nearly 70% this year) even if the hybrid isn't all that it's cracked up to be. it's as well made and stylish as a camry or sonata.

Gm shoudl have sold Hummer a couple years ago, that franchise is rpactically worthless now. I'd also dump Saab and consider spinning off saturn. Buick may be on life support in the US but it's proved a popular brand in Asia. All car makers are entering a difficult phase, the market is extremely competitive. Toyota used to be hands down that best car on the market...as a result, everyone is trying (and increasingly successfully) to produce cars on par with toyota. this includes hyundai, GM, and now ford (I think chrysler still lags.) then there's nissan which has improved as well as honda....all bets are off if the Indians and Chinese begin producing quality cars.

__________________
"You down wit OPM?"
Fumo: "Yeah, you know me!"