General Motors Co. to payback the US and Canadian Governments Loans.
US auto giant General Motors has officially announced the repayment of its $5.8 Billion loan by the end of June ‘10. The loan is from the U.S Treasury and Export Development Canada, both of which currently hold Equity Shares in the company.
The company that emerged from bankruptcy in July 2009 also stated that once the repayments are complete “the focus will be to upgrade the plants in Detroit and Kansas to build their Next Generation- Chevrolet Malibu.”
The news of the repayment was made on the Wall Street Journal website on Tuesday April 20th by the CEO of GM, Ed Whitacre, as he announced “Our ability to pay back these loans less than a year after emerging from bankruptcy is a sign that our plan for building a new GM is working.”
The Detroit- Hamtramck and Kansan City factories will be updated with an investment of $ 275 million. The update will enable the plants to manufacture the Next Generation Malibu slated for release next year. On Wednesday, Mr.Whitacre addressing the Kansas City plant said that it will receive $136 million of the investment as the plant will be the prime manufacturing site for the Malibu.
As per the Automotive News Data Center, the new Chevy Malibu has a 53 day supply and Buick LaCrosse a 43 day supply, and the Kansas plant is working 3 shifts and on Saturdays to build both the cars which began production in April to maintain a 60 Day supply level as recommended by analysts.
The Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS sedans currently being produced at the Detroit Hamtramck plant will be downsized this year to accommodate the production of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in sedan, to be released in the fourth quarter of ’10. The Hamtramck plant investment of $121 will assist in the production of the Malibu in period of spike in demand.
2011 Chevy Cruze Eco
General Motors unveiled the Chevrolet Cruze ECO at New York Auto Show. The Chevrolet Cruze ECO is a high-efficiency model which is powered by a 1.4-liter Ecotec turbocharged engine equipped with variable valve timing that’s coupled with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic will also be offered as an option. The company estimates the Chevrolet Cruze ECO will give a 40 mpg fuel consumption on the highway.
The Chevrolet Cruze ECO comes with a lower front grille air shutter that closes at high speeds to improve aerodynamics and a lower front air dam extension. The Chevrolet Cruze ECO also features a lowered ride height, 17-inch lightweight aluminum wheels and ultra-low rolling resistance 17-inch Goodyear tires.
The Eco achieves greater fuel economy using a number of features that enhance its aerodynamics, minimize weight and reduce rolling resistance. The Chevrolet says the Cruze ECO will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 10 seconds with the manual gearbox and in 0 to 60mph in just 9 seconds with the automatic gearbox.
Also debuting in New York will be a sporty variant of the Cruze, the RS model, which is essentially a styling package. It will be available on the upscale Cruze LT and LTZ trim levels. It features special bumpers, side skirt, a rear spoiler and an instrument cluster with chrome accent rings.
The Chevrolet Cruze ECO price and availability will be announced at a later date and the Cruze Eco will be available in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Why Chevy Malibu?
2010 Chevrolet Malibu or Chevy Malibu is one of the best looking and most popular ranked midsize cars. It has a two-tone cabin that is a style in itself and coddles a driver. It is more popular as a family car with balanced ride and economic fuel efficiency. The exterior of the Chevy Malibu has always scored good points. Some even compare its sheet metal with a European sports sedan.
Chevy Malibu was flooded with awards after it got redesigned in 2008. One of the most popular awards it got in 2008 was “North American Car of the Year”. This was given at North American International Auto Show.
These days it is a consideration for people opting to buy a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry as it is a good option as a family car.
Since 2008 there has been few changes in present day 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, in fact a major change has been instead of use of 2.4L four-cylinder engine one can use E85 as well as regular gasoline. The latest version is available at four trim levels.
Fuel efficiency is one of its strongest assets. Buyers need not worry about fuel economy as Chevy is building well-managed LTZ trim level with a fuel-efficient 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine along with a six speed transmission.
The next issue that makes it among the top cars are the safety. It has got a five star rating from federal government where safety is concerned. Before giving this rating its frontal as well as side-impact crash tests were conducted by the federal government.
A Chevy Malibu is covered by best coverage in America that includes a 3-year or 36,000-mile basic limited warranty also it has 5-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
It is considered as most striking car in its own class. It is considered as best buy in its competitive segment. It has all in one a smart looking interior, a sleek sheetmetal, a smooth four-cylinder engine, its redefined powertrains and the best thing is that all this at really affordable price. It is well equipped with impressive set of standard features for which you do not pay anything extra.
2012 Chevy Malibu Review
Chevrolet is already redesigning its award-winning midsize car for what looks like a tough decade ahead. A Fresh styling, more room and new fuel-efficient powertrains could mean more accolades and more sales.
Chevrolet’s midsize Malibu sedan won the 2008 North American Car of the year award title, and it out polled out a key rival. That’s an impressive turn around from the dishwater dull Malibu’s of recent years, considering that the NA COTY is chosen by the selecting group of hard headed automotive journalists.
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will also have an arched roofline and a boxy tail which is good for truck space and higher rise bodysides with more sheetmetal creases for a leaner, less puffy look. The New version of the New Chevy Malibu’s face is with a thick horizontal bar bearing the bow-tie logo laid atop a large trapezoidal grille.
The awards and buzz quickly fade from memory, and there’s no time to rest in today’s fast paced automotive world. That’s why
Chevrolet is already working on the next generation Malibu , which is expected for model year 2010, possibly 2011. Chevrolet still takes four to five years for most vehicle makers to take a new model from first thoughts to final assembly, about three years once the basic design is locked-in.
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
will share GM’s new “Epilon2” midsize-car platform with the 2010 Buick Lacrosse, slated to bow in early 2009, and a redesigned 2010 Saturn Aura expected later that same calendar year. Exterior sheetmetal will again disguise the common “bones” but with a key difference. The flexible manufacturing allows GM to more quickly alter the production mix to suit changes in sales demand, which not only saves money but also boosts potential profits.
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will be somewhat larger than today’s car. That implies an extra inch or two in wheelbase and overall height, but maybe not overall length which should mean more passenger and cargo space. E2 engineers at GM’s German Opel branch, which have global responsibility for GM midsize cars, will be watching weight with an eye towards boosting fuel economy and reducing emissions. We thus expect the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu and other E2 models to make greater use of lightweight materials, including stronger hydroformed steel for major structural members, which should pay off in cars that are tighter, quieter, and more durable.
2011 Chevrolet Cruze Review
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze compact car promises to redefine fuel efficiency for the small car segment, and its 1.4-liter four cylinder range of engines could herald a new era of fun to drive cars for all Americans.
Leveraging Chevrolet design and engineering talent in Asia , Europe and North America , the Cruze brings to market a globally engineered and designed car with strong levels of quietness, quality and attention to detail.
The Cruze will also be one of the most fuel efficient models in its class, with a new Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine expected to return up to 40 mpg on the highway in some guises and a range of more than 500 miles. The different time levels, LS, LT and LTZ trims. The engine lineup will feature both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, including a 1.4-liter turbo and a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated mill. Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions will be available.
The turbo will be standard on LT and LTZ models, with power ratings estimated at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The 1.8-liter naturally aspirated mill, meanwhile, will be rated at 136 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque.
Complementing the Cruze’s new powertrains is a strong body structure and chassis system designed to deliver a responsive and fun driving experience. A MacPherson strut suspension is used up front, while a Watts Z-link design is used with the rear suspension. StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, as well as traction control, anti-lock brakes and 10 airbags will all come fitted as standard. Electric power steering will also be standard on all models, helping to save fuel. The North American versions of the Cruze will be built at GM’s plant in Lordstown , Ohio .
Owner Loyalty is back at Bob Maguire Chevrolet
2010 Malibu $89 per month 39 months 12,000 mile per year. $6200 Rebates ($3000 GM Card $1000 Loyalty $2200 Cap Cost Reduction). $2000 Down Tax / Aqc Fee /Doc Fee/ Security Dep/=$2275. Residual $9970 / TOP $4275.Stk#84900 MSRP $22,660. 2010 Traverse $199 per month 39 months 12,000 miles per year. $6200 Rebates ($3000 G
M Card $1000 Loyalty $2200 Cap Cost Reduction). $2000 Down Tax/Tags/ Aqc Fee/ Doc Fee/Security Dep/=$2750 Residual $12942 / TOP $4750. Stk#84847 MSRP $30,099. 2010 Impala $199 per month 39 months 12,000 miles per year $5650 Rebates ($3000 GM Card $1000 Loyalty $1650 Cap Cost Reduction). $3900 Down Tax/Tags/Aqc Fee/Doc Fee/Security Dep/=$2843 Residual $8532 / TOP $6750 Stk#84945 MSRP $26665. 2010 Cobalt LT $99 per month 39 months 12,000 miles per year $4250 Rebates (3000 GM Card $1000 Loyalty $250 Cap Cost Reduction). $2000 Down Tax/Tags/Aqc Fee/Doc Fee/Security Dep/=$2150. Residual $7519 /TOP$4150 Stk#84920. MSRP $18340. 2010 HHR $139 per month 39 months 12,000 miles per year $5250 Rebates ($3000 GM Card $1000 Loyalty $1250 Cap Cost Reduction) $2000 Down Tax/Tags/Aqc Fee/ Doc Fee/Security Dep/=$2375 Residual $7394 / TOP $4375 Stk#84932 MSRP $20540.
GM Makes First Electric Car Battery
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GM ‘Fire Sale’ Generates Buzz
The fire sale initiated for Saturn and Pontiac cars for the December sales, has aroused the curiosity of many, this has been stated by two Pontiac dealers on Wednesday. General Motors has announced $7000 rebate on every Pontiac or Saturn Manufactured car that moves for rental or service fleet. Some dealers are not entirely sure that this is a good deal. The idea is to increase the sales by inducing buyers with lower rates. This decision to suddenly hike up the sales of Pontiac and Saturn cars has been made since General Motors has decided to bring an end to their nameplate, despite a major amount of restructuring done this year. General Motors deal with Penske Automobile Group regarding the sale of Saturn nameplate has also fallen through.
The factory rebate for Pontiac’s new models has already reached $6500, according to Fred Ferrara, General sales manager of Fairborn Buick Pontiac, GMC. He has also stated that the rebate will only apply if the cars are moved into the rental or service fleets for thirty days or thirty thousand miles. There are chances of making higher savings regarding taxes with brand new cars as compared to used cars. This has led to consumers invest in a new car instead for tax savings. Ferrara currently has only one Pontiac G6 coupe left on his lot. The remaining model will also sell in a short period of time. Buicks and GMC cars have also now picked up on the sales. Owner of Reichard Buick Pontiac GMC in Dayton, Gene Reichard claims that this fire sale has generated a lot of interest since it is a good offer. In two months, Reichard has sold 130 cars of Pontiac make. Buyers are not availing $6500 factory rebate, but also an additional $7000 rebate as well.
GM offer higher incentives to dealers to boost sales !
In order to hike up the sales, General Motors Company is offering higher incentives to its dealers. According to Wall Street Journal, General Motors is trying to dump the leftover stock from Pontiac and Saturn manufacturers in the market in order to increase the December sales of the particular car manufacturing brands. Wall Street Journal has also states that, General Motors has sent letter to its dealers stating that they are ready to pay $7000, every time a car manufactured by Saturn or Pontiac’s possession is transferred from their stock to that of rental-vehicle or service vehicle. These cars would be sold on second hand basis since these dealers are considered as owners of the car, hence the discounts availed on these cars will be high. This offer is going to last until the 4th of January since it is the last day for the General Motor Company to hike up their December car sales. General Motors will be booking the sales as fleet deliveries General Motors is planning to quit on Pontiac and Saturn and focus its attention on Hummers instead. General Motors’s contract to sell Saturn’s cars had collapsed in September, since then it has also pulled out of the contract to sell Opel by its European Unit. Currently its consignment of Hummers to a Chinese firm has been deferred and their deal with Saab cars is on a closure. This information has been provided by Reuters, but they were unable to get a comment from General Motors since it was past the US business hours.
Here is why the Chevrolet Impala is better than the Ford Taurus and the Dodge Charger
Chevy Impala Levels— 2010 LS, LT and LTZ
Operated Engines: 3.5L and 3.9L V6 engines, both with E85 FlexFuel capability and Variable Valve Timing.
Automatic Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission
Wheel Drive system: all wheel-drive system.
Other Key features: Impala 2010 comes with standard StabiliTrak Stability and upgraded content on the volume selling 1LT; segment-exclusive flip-and-fold rear seats with their convenient storage tub and grocery bag hooks.
FORD TAURUS
Ford Taurus is a large vehicle with spacious interior and roomy trunk with totally new look in 2010.
Ford Taurus Levels: SE, SEL and Limited trim levels.
Engines operated: 263 hp 3.5L V6; 365 hp 3.5L Ecoboost V6 motivates the new Taurus SHO
Automatic Transmission: 6-speed Select Shift automatic transmission.
Wheel Drive system : All-wheel drive is available in the Taurus SHO, SEL and Limited trim levels
Other Key features: Most Expensive trim level offers new electronic safety measures such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Alert and Collision Warning with Brake Alert ; SEL mid-level trim offers SYNC system to connect cell phones and media players; keyless ignition, massaging front seats and Sony 5.1 Surround Sound audio
DODGE CHARGER
Dodge Charger was introduced in year 2006 has muscle-car styling to make it different from its sibling Chrysler 300. This style may remain same in models of year 2010 but will upgrade in terms of better performance.
Dodge Charger Levels: R/T; SE; SRT8
Engines operated: SE model will have 2.7L V6; R/T model will have standard 370 hp 5.7L HEMI V8 with fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System (MDS); SRT8 will have top-line 425 hp 6.1L HEMI.
Automatic Transmission: SE model with 4-speed automatic transmission; R/T and SRT8 model with 5-speed automatic transmission.
Wheel Drive system: all wheel-drive system is available in R/T and SRT8 models.
Other Key features: Stability control, traction control and ABS continue will be extra-cost on the SE and expected basics as satellite radio and hands-free calling are not available.
HYUNDAI AZERA
Hyundai Azera was introduced in year 2006 upgraded with styling tweaks in year 2009 which is unchanged in year 2010
Hyundai Azera Levels: GLS and Limited powered models
Engines operated: 3.3L V6 available in GLS powered; 3.8L V6 with Limited powered.
Automatic Transmission: 5-speed automatic transmission
Wheel Drive system: all wheel-drive system.
Other Key features: luxury, space and refinement with more space.
CHRYSLER 300
In 2005, Chrysler 300 was introduced which remained unchanged since that time.
Dodge RAM Levels: Regular, Touring, Limited and C
Engines operated: 2.7L V6 available in Touring and Limited model; 5.7L HEMI V8 on the 300C model
Automatic Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission
Wheel Drive system: all wheel-drive system
Other Key features: upgraded in 2010 with its polarizing long-hood, short-deck fashioning enhanced with chrome doorway manages reflectors and—on the Touring model— chrome narrow pieces on front and back fascias. Except for the catch-up addition of benchmark head-curtain edge air sacks, central alterations are negligible as well and booked for the top-end 300C, which adds benchmark back reserve aid and keyless application and ignition.
The Maguire Auto Blog 