Comments on: The Spin Continues Here: “GM: Possible pitfalls could derail rebound”

By: Frank Williams

Frank Williams — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:17:36 +0000

Robert Schwartz
Zenith: Its not just Malibus, we were shopping for cars last fall, and all we saw was gray, everywhere. We took to saying that you can have any color you want as long as it is gray.

Silver/gray was the most popular color for several years. White just passed it last year. Even more depressing are the color choices for interiors – black, tan, gray. At least Malibu and a few other new models are addressing that problem, but just try finding one with a different color in dealer stock!

I bemoaned the pitiful color palette most manufacturers offer back in July 2006.

By: meocuchad

meocuchad — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:16:08 +0000

Speaking of grey, I’ve seen nothing but grey Chevys everywhere. Just this morning, I saw 2 HHRs, in boring-grey, right behind one another.
I don’t mean to sound elitist, but I just don’t understand the appeal.
“Honey, that’s a beautiful grey! Ohhh, let’s get that one!”

Anyway, “successful” is most likely again regarding fleet sales alone *L*. What I’m wondering is what makes the said models “high profile”. From the plastics I’ve seen in various GM rental cars I’ve been in lately.. I don’t see anything “high profile” about them.

By: Robert Schwartz

Robert Schwartz — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:01:11 +0000

Zenith: Its not just Malibus, we were shopping for cars last fall, and all we saw was gray, everywhere. We took to saying that you can have any color you want as long as it is gray.

By: mel23

mel23 — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:47:49 +0000

The article says that 2004 was the full year of GM profitability. IIRC, the last few years of GM profits were due to GMAC; the manufacturing piece was losing money. Given that GMAC’s profits are history, and even a drain, it’s not looking good. At least Wagoner can’t say he hasn’t been lucky. The GMAC partial sale was due to desperate need of case, not to foresight regarding the subprime housing crash.

By: zenith

zenith — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:16:44 +0000

I’ve seen a dozen new Malibus-give or take a couple-all grey.

What’s up with Detroit’s advertising new models in attractive colors, but shipping almost-exclusively grey vehicles to the dealers?

For the first two years the PT Cruiser was out, I saw very few of them painted anything but dark grey, light grey, or medium grey.

Great way to build excitement for your new model! Bore ‘em to death with grey!

By: 210delray

210delray — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:01:22 +0000

So how is that new Malibu doing now?

I think I’ve still seen only one on the road.

By: shaker

shaker — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:38:34 +0000

I could (in blissful ignorance) buy a Saturn Astra this year, but regret it deeply later if GM goes belly-up.
Any Chrysler product went off my radar two years ago (before I started reading TTAC).
Ford is sitting on its haunches waiting for… what? I almost bought a Focus, until I heard that a “new” version was coming out — bleh.

These guys are so far behind the curve, it’s a risk to invest in their (collectively bankrupt) vision and business model.

I’ll be giving up my nearly 11-year-old Camaro soon; I was hoping that the next Camaro would be a fuel-efficient, turbocharged sports coupe, with good aero design and a modern look.

Oops, I just described the upcoming Hyundai Genesis Coupe.