Comments on: American Axle Strike To Shutter GM Lordstown (Cobalt) http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/ The Truth About Cars is dedicated to providing candid, unbiased automobile reviews and the latest in auto industry news. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:56:56 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Theodore http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-269302 Theodore Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:31:19 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-269302 I don't say that the Cobalt is a bad car (there are very few truly bad cars out there today), only that there are better ones. The Cobalt is light-years ahead of any other small car GMNA has ever built, but they've still got work to do. I don’t say that the Cobalt is a bad car (there are very few truly bad cars out there today), only that there are better ones. The Cobalt is light-years ahead of any other small car GMNA has ever built, but they’ve still got work to do.

]]> By: Landcrusher http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-268132 Landcrusher Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:03:11 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-268132 FW, Thanks for that info. I suspected that was the case. I find it unfathomable that the government allows an organization of people to pull a stunt like this. It's like the cable company charging you 70% of your cable bill while cutting you off from cable because they decided your neighbor wasn't ordering the right cable package. FW,

Thanks for that info. I suspected that was the case. I find it unfathomable that the government allows an organization of people to pull a stunt like this.

It’s like the cable company charging you 70% of your cable bill while cutting you off from cable because they decided your neighbor wasn’t ordering the right cable package.

]]> By: Johnson http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-268072 Johnson Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:51:51 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-268072 <em>Buick61: at a days supply of 53, is apparently a popular car at retail</em> Apparently not. A significant percentage of Cobalt sales go to fleets. Buick61:
at a days supply of 53, is apparently a popular car at retail

Apparently not. A significant percentage of Cobalt sales go to fleets.

]]> By: Derek http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-267912 Derek Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:57:41 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-267912 Buick 61, I agree. For those of us who value the cash more than a socially acceptable nameplate (I know anathema on an auto enthusiast site), American steel is an important low-cost alternative to pricey foreign vehicles. I worry about the ramifications of a shuttered American manufacturing sector. Buick 61,

I agree. For those of us who value the cash more than a socially acceptable nameplate (I know anathema on an auto enthusiast site), American steel is an important low-cost alternative to pricey foreign vehicles. I worry about the ramifications of a shuttered American manufacturing sector.

]]> By: Buick61 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-267472 Buick61 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:59:20 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-267472 The Cobalt isn't a bad car. The '09 gets 35mpg highway, or you can get a 260hp motor that returns 30mpg; it's built in the USA by an American company, which is important--regardless of what the Death Watch sadists think; it does well in crash tests; and at a days supply of 53, is apparently a popular car at retail AND stays on the ground <em><strong>20 days</strong></em> fewer than the Civic, 40 days (!) fewer than the Sentra and 30 days fewer than the Mazda3. Idling the plant is a sad outcome, and I hope it gets all resolved soon. The Cobalt isn’t a bad car. The ‘09 gets 35mpg highway, or you can get a 260hp motor that returns 30mpg; it’s built in the USA by an American company, which is important–regardless of what the Death Watch sadists think; it does well in crash tests; and at a days supply of 53, is apparently a popular car at retail AND stays on the ground 20 days fewer than the Civic, 40 days (!) fewer than the Sentra and 30 days fewer than the Mazda3.

Idling the plant is a sad outcome, and I hope it gets all resolved soon.

]]> By: Frank Williams http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-266942 Frank Williams Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:51:10 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-266942 <em>Landcrusher Did anyone ever find out if the UAW employees at the closed plants are getting paid not to work?</em> For now, laid off GM employees receive about 70 percent of their weekly salary. I couldn't find out how long that would last, but I'd hope it would be time-limited. What laid-off UAW employees at other companies that have shut down due to the strike receive depends on the terms of their specific contract. Laid off workers (but not those who are on strike) can also be eligible for unemployment benefits in many states. However, in some states (such as Ohio, where the Cobalt plant is located) you can't get unemployment if you're a member of the union that called the strike, even if it's not against your company. The ones this strike are affecting the most are those small businesses like trucking and delivery companies which have had to cut back or shut down. Most of those workers don't have cushy contracts that guarantee pay if they're laid off due to a strike somewhere. They're the ones who are really paying the price for the UAW's and American Axle's stubbornness. Landcrusher
Did anyone ever find out if the UAW employees at the closed plants are getting paid not to work?

For now, laid off GM employees receive about 70 percent of their weekly salary. I couldn’t find out how long that would last, but I’d hope it would be time-limited. What laid-off UAW employees at other companies that have shut down due to the strike receive depends on the terms of their specific contract.

Laid off workers (but not those who are on strike) can also be eligible for unemployment benefits in many states. However, in some states (such as Ohio, where the Cobalt plant is located) you can’t get unemployment if you’re a member of the union that called the strike, even if it’s not against your company.

The ones this strike are affecting the most are those small businesses like trucking and delivery companies which have had to cut back or shut down. Most of those workers don’t have cushy contracts that guarantee pay if they’re laid off due to a strike somewhere. They’re the ones who are really paying the price for the UAW’s and American Axle’s stubbornness.

]]> By: Theodore http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-266772 Theodore Thu, 27 Mar 2008 05:02:45 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-266772 Having spent a recent weekend shopping small cars, I'd rate the Astra third in class - behind the Civic and Mazda3 but comfortably ahead of the GTI, even farther ahead of the Focus, and miles beyond the Cobalt/G5 twins. I didn't bother with the Corolla or Caliber. I might have rated the Astra higher if I'd driven it, but I couldn't get comfortable in it. Every time I moved my right leg it'd hit the steering wheel. I'm not unusually tall (6-0), but I also had a similar problem once in an '89 Crown Vic, so that shouldn't be held against the car. We've probably all tried on cars that just didn't fit. Having spent a recent weekend shopping small cars, I’d rate the Astra third in class – behind the Civic and Mazda3 but comfortably ahead of the GTI, even farther ahead of the Focus, and miles beyond the Cobalt/G5 twins. I didn’t bother with the Corolla or Caliber. I might have rated the Astra higher if I’d driven it, but I couldn’t get comfortable in it. Every time I moved my right leg it’d hit the steering wheel. I’m not unusually tall (6-0), but I also had a similar problem once in an ‘89 Crown Vic, so that shouldn’t be held against the car. We’ve probably all tried on cars that just didn’t fit.

]]> By: Johnson http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-266762 Johnson Thu, 27 Mar 2008 05:01:49 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-266762 I did not expect GM to drag out this strike for so long. Looks like the problems will get bigger until GM decides to settle somehow with AA. I did not expect GM to drag out this strike for so long. Looks like the problems will get bigger until GM decides to settle somehow with AA.

]]> By: jthorner http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-266692 jthorner Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:07:53 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-266692 I suppose that GM could start pushing Saturn Astras into the rental fleets. It might even be a good idea if the Astra is a good car. Get some people to try 'em out. I suppose that GM could start pushing Saturn Astras into the rental fleets. It might even be a good idea if the Astra is a good car. Get some people to try ‘em out.

]]> By: morbo http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-266472 morbo Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:24:11 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-266472 One way to stimulate demand for Malibu's. Besides, if I want 'Merican made metal I'll go get A Fusion, err Impala, err Charger. One way to stimulate demand for Malibu’s.

Besides, if I want ‘Merican made metal I’ll go get A Fusion, err Impala, err Charger.

]]> By: rtz http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-266412 rtz Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:59:55 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-266412 Don't worry; they won't sell out of Cobalts. Don’t worry; they won’t sell out of Cobalts.

]]> By: Landcrusher http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-266372 Landcrusher Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:42:44 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-266372 Did anyone ever find out if the UAW employees at the closed plants are getting paid not to work? Did anyone ever find out if the UAW employees at the closed plants are getting paid not to work?

]]> By: dulcamara http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-266322 dulcamara Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:30:20 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-266322 What? No Cobalts? It's morning in America. What? No Cobalts?

It’s morning in America.

]]> By: Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-266162 Robert Farago Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:42:49 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-266162 <em>86er : That’s not a terribly short supply though, right Robert?</em> A 60-day supply is considered ideal. 86er :

That’s not a terribly short supply though, right Robert?

A 60-day supply is considered ideal.

]]> By: rtz http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-265932 rtz Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:43:19 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-265932 That AA strike is no joke. Read the first two of these paragraphs: http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=34031 Had to pull one off the line for a dealer repair!?! That AA strike is no joke. Read the first two of these paragraphs:

http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=34031

Had to pull one off the line for a dealer repair!?!

]]> By: miked http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-265862 miked Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:20:07 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-265862 I just got home after returning my Cobalt loaner while my '87 Saab was in the shop Not to beat a dead horse, but do the GM decision makers ever drive a non GM car? I was shocked how toy-like the Cobalt felt. I can't say that it was a bad car, but it's no where near the level of a Civic or a Corolla (or my 21-year-old Saab). I can't imagine that anyone who has driven the competition would say that a Cobalt is competitive, but they must because the OKed it for sale. Back on topic though: How many plants does GM have? Is having 28 shut down a big chunk of them or is it scratching the surface? I just got home after returning my Cobalt loaner while my ‘87 Saab was in the shop Not to beat a dead horse, but do the GM decision makers ever drive a non GM car? I was shocked how toy-like the Cobalt felt. I can’t say that it was a bad car, but it’s no where near the level of a Civic or a Corolla (or my 21-year-old Saab). I can’t imagine that anyone who has driven the competition would say that a Cobalt is competitive, but they must because the OKed it for sale.

Back on topic though: How many plants does GM have? Is having 28 shut down a big chunk of them or is it scratching the surface?

]]> By: Theodore http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-265852 Theodore Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:18:06 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-265852 <em>gawdodirt : March 26th, 2008 at 7:04 pm “About all this is going to hurt is the rental agencies.” And Americans who still care to buy American made products from American held companies…</em> Yeah, you guys are already in enough pain. gawdodirt :
March 26th, 2008 at 7:04 pm

“About all this is going to hurt is the rental agencies.”

And Americans who still care to buy American made products from American held companies…

Yeah, you guys are already in enough pain.

]]> By: gawdodirt http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-265822 gawdodirt Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:04:04 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-265822 "About all this is going to hurt is the rental agencies." And Americans who still care to buy American made products from American held companies... Even if it's not popular to MOST americans. “About all this is going to hurt is the rental agencies.”

And Americans who still care to buy American made products from American held companies…

Even if it’s not popular to MOST americans.

]]> By: Lichtronamo http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-265802 Lichtronamo Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:55:50 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-265802 I suppose that this also will effect the hugely popular G5. But don't cry for the rental agencies as the Plastech supplied Caliber is still being produced. I suppose that this also will effect the hugely popular G5.

But don’t cry for the rental agencies as the Plastech supplied Caliber is still being produced.

]]> By: Bancho http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-265772 Bancho Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:44:24 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-265772 You guys are killing me :) You guys are killing me :)

]]> By: lprocter1982 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-265742 lprocter1982 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:39:19 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-265742 About all this is going to hurt is the rental agencies. About all this is going to hurt is the rental agencies.

]]> By: dastanley http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-265722 dastanley Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:34:21 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-265722 Oh no! What will America do? We'll have to resort to Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas while we recover from the lack of Cobalts... Oh wait a minute - that's what most Americans do anyway when they want a good small car. Oh no! What will America do? We’ll have to resort to Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas while we recover from the lack of Cobalts…

Oh wait a minute – that’s what most Americans do anyway when they want a good small car.

]]> By: 86er http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/comment-page-1/#comment-265702 86er Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:28:27 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/american-axle-strike-to-shutter-gm-lordstown-cobalt/#comment-265702 <em>There's a 53-day supply of Cobalts on the ground, but no question: that's gonna leave a mark.</em> That's not a <em>terribly</em> short supply though, right Robert? There’s a 53-day supply of Cobalts on the ground, but no question: that’s gonna leave a mark.

That’s not a terribly short supply though, right Robert?

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