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Motor Authority - blog Tag: Henderson

  • Bob Lutz kills rumors of Pontiac G8 becoming Chevy Caprice

    Bob Lutz kills rumors of Pontiac G8 becoming Chevy Caprice July 16th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 16th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 41 Comments

    Bob Lutz kills rumors of Pontiac G8 becoming Chevy Caprice Pontiac may be dead in the water but some enthusiasts - and until today, Bob Lutz among them - have been clamoring for at least one of the brand’s cars to be rebadged and sold under another GM brand - the Australian-built Pontiac G8. Designed and constructed by GM's Holden subsidiary Down Under, the G8 had been pegged for re-branding as a Chevrolet Caprice. Today, however, Bob Lutz made it clear that no such plans are in the works.

    GM CEO Fritz Henderson has previously answered with a resounding "no" when talking about a future for the Pontiac G8 GXP, but today's news sounds the death knell for the more rational G8 and G8 GT as well.... Pontiac may be dead in the water but some enthusiasts - and until today, Bob Lutz among them - have been clamoring for at least one of the brand’s cars to be rebadged and sold under another GM brand - the Australian-built Pontiac G8. Designed and constructed by GM's Holden subsidiary Down Under, the G8 had been pegged for re-branding as a Chevrolet Caprice. Today, however, Bob Lutz made it clear that no such plans are in the works. GM CEO Fritz Henderson has previously answered with a resounding "no" when talking about a future for the Pontiac G8 GXP, but today's news sounds the death knell for the more rational G8 and G8 GT as well. On the GM Fastlane Blog, Lutz wrote, "The G8 will not be a Caprice after all. I’d mentioned it, and said we were studying it, giving it a serious look, because a car like the G8 was just too good to waste. That’s all still true. I have to say that, with my new 'marketing' hat on, upon further review and careful study, we simply cannot make a business case for such a program. Not in today’s market, in this economy, and with fuel regulations what they are and will be." Henderson ostensibly remains committed to retain other aspects of GM's sporting heritage, including previous assurances that the Corvette will remain in the portfolio along with other performance models. The G8-to-Caprice rumor started with Lutz himself. Within hours of announcing his plans to take on a marketing role at GM, Lutz revealed to Automobile Magazine that the Pontiac G8 would find its way into Chevrolet showrooms under the Caprice name. "The last time we looked at [the G8], we decided that we would continue to import it as a Chevrolet," Lutz said. "It is kind of too good to waste." Lutz also explained that GM’s U.S. operations still has export agreements with Australia and its Holden subsidiary, and also mentioned that the Pontiac G8 is sold in other markets, such as South Africa and the Middle East, wearing Chevrolet badges. The rumor gained further credence when an 'insider' revealed a supposed plan from within GM. Speaking with Automotive News, the insider claimed that one possible option was to make the G8 a Chevrolet flagship sedan and price it relatively high. The insider also reaffirmed Lutz’s comments that the car would likely be renamed the Caprice, as well as revealing that the 415hp (310kW) G8 GXP might be retained as a sort of a “five-passenger Corvette” type of vehicle as well as a law enforcement vehicle. Instead, the new national fuel economy standards have carried the day, and the G8 will no longer see American shores under any badge. Unfortunately, the model loss may not stop there, as GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson explained that there are “real issues with CAFE and rear-wheel drive.”2009 Pontiac G8 GXPPontiac G8 Read More

  • GM CEO Fritz Henderson to personally run North American operations

    GM CEO Fritz Henderson to personally run North American operations July 13th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, July 13th, 2009 James Martinez 2 Comments

    GM CEO Fritz Henderson to personally run North American operations General Motors may be losing market share in North America but winning here remains crucial for the viability of the automaker, so much so that its CEO Fritz Henderson will personally run operations in the all-important market. Henderson has long said GM must make money in North America to survive, but with the company running on billions of dollars loaned by the U.S. government, the automaker now has another key reason to see its local operations become viable.

    Speaking at a press conference late last week, Henderson said GM is in a do-or-die situation. "This is it. You get two chances. You don't get three," he said. "This is a precious... General Motors may be losing market share in North America but winning here remains crucial for the viability of the automaker, so much so that its CEO Fritz Henderson will personally run operations in the all-important market. Henderson has long said GM must make money in North America to survive, but with the company running on billions of dollars loaned by the U.S. government, the automaker now has another key reason to see its local operations become viable. Speaking at a press conference late last week, Henderson said GM is in a do-or-die situation. "This is it. You get two chances. You don't get three," he said. "This is a precious opportunity." However, Henderson's decision to run the automaker’s North American operations leaves the jobs of other high-ranking GM executives up in the air, reports Automotive News. Among them are Troy Clarke, president of GM North America, and Mark LaNeve, North American vice president for vehicle sales, service and marketing. Henderson has stated that the rest of the executive reshuffled should be finalized within the next two to three weeks. Read More

  • There's a new carmaker in town, and its name is...General Motors

    There's a new carmaker in town, and its name is...General Motors July 10th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, July 10th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 1 Comment

    There's a new carmaker in town, and its name is...General Motors Lighter, smaller, quicker and more responsive to customer needs - that's how the new General Motors Company is comparing itself to the now-defunct General Motors Corporation it replaces. Today's emergence from bankruptcy - just 40 days after it went in - marks the start of what the new GM hopes will be a very different way of doing business.

    The core points of the new GM plan were released in an announcement this morning, with more details to follow shortly in a media call with CEO Fritz Henderson. Central to the new GM manifesto is an openness to customer input, a new buying structure that allows eBay-like purchasing, including 'but it... Lighter, smaller, quicker and more responsive to customer needs - that's how the new General Motors Company is comparing itself to the now-defunct General Motors Corporation it replaces. Today's emergence from bankruptcy - just 40 days after it went in - marks the start of what the new GM hopes will be a very different way of doing business. The core points of the new GM plan were released in an announcement this morning, with more details to follow shortly in a media call with CEO Fritz Henderson. Central to the new GM manifesto is an openness to customer input, a new buying structure that allows eBay-like purchasing, including 'but it now' pricing, and a focus on continuing to turn out new products that are their own best argument for buying GM. "Customers will be able to bid on actual vehicles just like they do in an eBay auction, including the option of choosing a predetermined 'buy it now' price," Henderson said of the as-yet-unannounced plan to partner with eBay for sales. GM's transformation into its newer, lighter self isn't yet complete, however. Downsizing will continue through 2011 at least, with a reduction of 13 plants to just 34 in operation by the end of 2010, and a cut in U.S. jobs from the 91,000 GM had at the end of 2008 to around 64,000 by the end of 2009. Opening more communications channels, including direct employee interaction with customers, is also a core element of GM's plan to help bridge the 'perception gap' between its products and what people think when they hear the GM name. Fritz Henderson will lead the charge, launching his own blog and ramping up use of social media tools like Twitter. "In August, we'll begin regular visits with customers, dealers, suppliers, employees and others - in the U.S. and abroad - who impact our relationships with customers. We'll be listening to their ideas, and acting on the ones that will improve our ability to serve our customers better," said Henderson. "And of course, other executives and I will continue to reach out to customers through our ongoing web and Twitter chats." Stay tuned for more details and information as the re-launch of GM unfolds. Read More

  • GM sees possibility for early exit from Chapter 11

    GM sees possibility for early exit from Chapter 11 June 19th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 19th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    GM sees possibility for early exit from Chapter 11 Much talk over the messiness of so-called 'surgical' bankruptcies has spun about the web, and before Chrysler and General Motors went into the process, there was a lot of doubt that they'd be out within the planned 60 days. But Chrysler is already working with Fiat and now GM sees itself possibly setting up the New GM shop by July 15.

    There are still several technical hurdles to clear in the mean time, however. And much of the process is out of GM's hands, reports the Wall Street Journal. Much of the remaining work rests on the shoulders of the bankruptcy judge, which will have to clear the remaining issues by July 1 in order to meet a July... Much talk over the messiness of so-called 'surgical' bankruptcies has spun about the web, and before Chrysler and General Motors went into the process, there was a lot of doubt that they'd be out within the planned 60 days. But Chrysler is already working with Fiat and now GM sees itself possibly setting up the New GM shop by July 15. There are still several technical hurdles to clear in the mean time, however. And much of the process is out of GM's hands, reports the Wall Street Journal. Much of the remaining work rests on the shoulders of the bankruptcy judge, which will have to clear the remaining issues by July 1 in order to meet a July 15 date for the Section 363 sale. Once GM is out of bankruptcy - whether that's in mid-July or early August or later - is when the real work will begin. Shedding the least profitable/most costly portions of its business is just the first step toward rebuilding a corporate model that can succeed both in the U.S. and around the world. Read our previous coverage for more on GM's restructuring plans and what will happen post-bankruptcy. Read More

  • Henderson confident he’ll stay on as GM CEO following bankruptcy

    Henderson confident he’ll stay on as GM CEO following bankruptcy June 12th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, June 12th, 2009 James Martinez 0 Comments

    Henderson confident he’ll stay on as GM CEO following bankruptcy General Motors' current CEO Fritz Henderson has only had the top job for a short time since former CEO Rick Wagoner was asked to step down after heading the automaker through some of its most troubled financial years. Following GM's bankruptcy proceedings, Henderson expects that he will remain as GM's chief but he recognizes that nothing is guaranteed, especially considering the government's stake in the company.

    Henderson met with members of President Obama's automotive task force, who have been given the job of overseeing the restructuring at GM. Among other subjects, the issue of who would be filling the offices at GM's corporate... General Motors' current CEO Fritz Henderson has only had the top job for a short time since former CEO Rick Wagoner was asked to step down after heading the automaker through some of its most troubled financial years. Following GM's bankruptcy proceedings, Henderson expects that he will remain as GM's chief but he recognizes that nothing is guaranteed, especially considering the government's stake in the company. Henderson met with members of President Obama's automotive task force, who have been given the job of overseeing the restructuring at GM. Among other subjects, the issue of who would be filling the offices at GM's corporate headquarters came up, and according to Henderson he believes he will be running things at GM when it emerges from bankruptcy. Henderson did mention to the Associated Press, however, that nothing could be guaranteed as certain in regards to this issue. Under Henderson's direction, GM will be hoping to build its core brands into bigger players in the market. Henderson has also promised to preserve some of GM's more exciting vehicles, such as the Corvette range, while he is heading up the company. On top of sports cars, Henderson will also be making a decision on where to build GM's new small car, with a number of U.S. states lobbying the company in order to keep their plants open. Currently, Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin are all in the running for being given the small car contract but Henderson and GM are not expected to give a decision on the matter until the end of this month. Read More

  • GM opens advanced battery lab in Michigan

    GM opens advanced battery lab in Michigan June 8th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 8th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    GM opens advanced battery lab in Michigan Despite a bankruptcy filing that's barely a week old, General Motors is fighting to preserve its image as a relevant and potent member of the automotive industry. To that end, GM today announced the opening of its Global Battery Systems Lab in Warren, Michigan.

    The new lab is where GM will do the foundation work on its next-gen electric, hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles, as well as further development work on the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Both individual cells and assembled packs will be tested and developed on-site.

    "The new global GM battery lab will benefit consumers across America by helping us advance the development of battery... Despite a bankruptcy filing that's barely a week old, General Motors is fighting to preserve its image as a relevant and potent member of the automotive industry. To that end, GM today announced the opening of its Global Battery Systems Lab in Warren, Michigan. The new lab is where GM will do the foundation work on its next-gen electric, hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles, as well as further development work on the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Both individual cells and assembled packs will be tested and developed on-site. "The new global GM battery lab will benefit consumers across America by helping us advance the development of battery technology in the United States and put cleaner, more efficient vehicles on the road more quickly and affordably," said Fritz Henderson, GM president and CEO. "Our new lab improves GM's competitiveness by speeding the development of our hybrid, plug-in and extended-range electric vehicles, including the Chevrolet Volt." Corporate-speak aside, the fact that GM is building the plant in the U.S. is a important step to keeping both workers and the public happy. There had been some fear that bankruptcy would offer a convenient excuse to export even more manufacturing and R&D outside the U.S. The Global Battery Systems Lab is a 33,000 square foot facility, and will house the efforts of GM's advanced technology team that is currently at 1,000 engineers and still growing. Forty-two thermal chambers and 160 test channels give the chance to evaluate batteries under nearly any condition imaginable. Power output at the plant is a massive 6 megawatts, enough to power a small town. Construction on the plant started last August, just before the economy tucked into its nosedive. It has been complete and under testing since May, with the official opening today marking the lab's start of full-scale business. GM says the lab is now the largest of its kind in the U.S.General Motors Global Battery Systems Lab Read More

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