Comments on: CAW Kingpin Buzz Hargrove: GM NEEDS Us on That Wall

By: thalter

thalter — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:22:13 +0000

NickR: Is it simply the mass of the driveshaft that makes RWD inherently less fuel efficient that FWD. Other than that, I can’t see why it would make that much difference.

First of all, the weight of the driveshaft is not insignificant (ever try picking one up?). Second of all, any time you transfer power over a distance (be it mechanically or electrically), there are losses that increase with distance owing to inherit inefficiencies.

By: Landcrusher

Landcrusher — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:21:44 +0000

Nice reference Samir.

The real question is if ole Buzz can “handle the truth.” There ain’t a lot more blood in that turnip he gets paid to squeeze, and having heard him do radio interviews I don’t think he ever had much of a handle on the truth to begin with.

By: Johnster

Johnster — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 05:20:46 +0000

NickR: Is it simply the mass of the driveshaft that makes RWD inherently less fuel efficient that FWD. Other than that, I can’t see why it would make that much difference.

Basically, in addition to the weight of the driveshaft, in RWD, the driveshaft itself creates and places additional stress on the chassis, which needs additional reinforcement to withstand it. And that adds weight.

FWD is also easier, quicker and cheaper to build on the assembly line.

By: jaje

jaje — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 05:11:21 +0000

It is so good that the CAW has a crazy ole coot in Hargrove to balance out Lutz. It’s like watching Ole Coot Senators Ted Stevens and Robert Byrd try to discuss differing agendas in a calm manner.

By: George Labrador

George Labrador — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:43:52 +0000

Both Governments put a lot of Tax payers Money into this GM Plant in Oshawa, then the CAW signed a new contract with GM to outsource some Jobs like Floor cleaners etc out of the CAW contract! So Buzz feels that GM owes them, I dont think large Corporations own anything to anyone, especially if Governments give out Money without some sort of Contact from companies like Auto Manufactures!

By: NickR

NickR — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:25:22 +0000

Is it simply the mass of the driveshaft that makes RWD inherently less fuel efficient that FWD. Other than that, I can’t see why it would make that much difference.

By: crackers

crackers — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:41:38 +0000

Local news here in Oshawa is reporting that the recently rebuilt/expanded plant ($2.5B)is tooled for both FWD and RWD vehicles. It is also one of the highest productivity and quality plants in the GM fold. What happens to the Oshawa plant is now completely in Buzz’s hands. We’ll see if he can face reality or if he has been smoking the same stuff as GM management.

By: justjim

justjim — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 02:15:29 +0000

I can hear the echos from the empty walls of industry, even now…