GM Delays Cruze for "Flawless" Launch, Sees Sales Spurt

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

The Detroit News reports that GM is delaying the launch of the Chevrolet Cruze. The nationalized automaker’s next big—I mean small thing will now hit U.S. showrooms in the third quarter of 2010. In theory. GM’s explanation for the delayed denouement: it wants to ensure “a flawless launch.” Given GM’s on-again, of-again product planning chaos, and their failure to get enough Buick LaCrosses on the ground, you’ve got to wonder why they would set themselves up for failure with talk of perfection. Oh right; the automotive media has the memory of a goldfish. Meanwhile, the company’s camp followers can take heart in New GM’s new determination to get things right—while those of us who’ve heard it all before sigh, shake our heads and say “Flawless. Yeah right.” No matter how you slice it, the Cruze’s failure to set sail by the advertising for-sale date isn’t news to gladden investors’ hearts. After all, the ur-Cruze (the Korean Lacetti) debuted on October 30, 2008. The EU-Cruze has been plying European roadways since February. The delay means the Cruze will not arrive before GM’s kinda maybe sorta I know we said we would but tempus fugit mid-2010 IPO. Between now and then, stand back! GM’s predicting a sales spurt!

GM said it anticipates its October vehicle sales will rise compared to a year earlier, the first such increase for the automaker in 21 months.

Mike DiGiovanni, GM’s director of global market analysis, pointed to improving economic conditions, including a return to more normal credit markets, increased manufacturing and demand for new GM vehicles such as the Chevrolet Camaro and Equinox, as reasons for being cautiously optimistic.

October sales will be released Tuesday. GM sales dropped 45 percent last month and have fallen 36.4 percent this year.

“We know we are not out of the woods yet,” he told reporters during a conference call.

And there’s your new media meme: things are bad, but they’re getting better and they’ll be more better later. Eventually. Hang on; isn’t that the old meme?

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • Argentla Argentla on Oct 30, 2009

    The thing that makes me nervous about the high content levels is wondering how much GM has cut corners elsewhere to pay for it (GM cut corners? Say it ain't so, Joe!). I'm thinking of stuff like, oh, the 1990s H-body cars (Bonneville/Le Sabre/Eighty-Eight), which had every electronic toy known to man at that time, but brakes apparently borrowed from a Cavalier. Add to this GM's usual affection for small cars, and this doesn't exactly seem like a confidence-inspiring choice in a market filled with competent rivals.

  • ZekeToronto ZekeToronto on Oct 30, 2009

    rnc: Thanks--glad to hear I'm not the only one put off by the ugly treatment of the logo!

  • FreedMike This is before Cadillac styling went full scale nutty...and not particularly attractive, in my opinion.
  • JTiberius1701 Middle of April here in NE Ohio. And that can still be shaky. Also on my Fiesta ST, I use Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires for the winter and Bridgestone Potenza for my summer tires. No issues at all.
  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
  • Mikey My late wife loved Mustangs ..We alway rented one while travelling . GM blood vetoed me purchasing one . 3 years after retirement bought an 08 rag top, followed by a 15 EB Hard top, In 18 i bought a low low mileage 05 GT rag with a stick.. The car had not been properly stored. That led to rodent issues !! Electrical nightmare. Lots of bucks !! The stick wasn't kind to my aging knees.. The 05 went to a long term dedicated Mustang guy. He loves it .. Today my garage tenant is a sweet 19 Camaro RS rag 6yl Auto. I just might take it out of hibernation this weekend. The Mustang will always hold a place in my heart.. Kudos to Ford for keeping it alive . I refuse to refer to the fake one by that storied name .
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