GM Spikes RWD: "You Can't Kill Something That Was Never Approved"

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

The unidentified GM spokesmouth quoted above is supposedly spinning the news that GM has decided to kill its rear wheel-drive (RWD) plans for Canada's Camaro factory. The move spikes the never-really-approved (but endlessly discussed) RWD Impala and Buick LaCrosse models, and the new V8 engine slated to power both models. As The Car Connection rightly points out, the platform change also raises serious questions about the Camaro's pricing and profitability. Those of you who've been following this saga will appreciate the fact that this is the fourth time GM's extra-Camaro RWD plans have been resurrected– and then terminated. That we know of. Once again, GM says the decision reflects the prospect of new, higher federal fuel economy standards. Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) President Buzz Hargrove was quick to point out that it had nothing to do with the fact that the Camaro factory is a high-cost union shop. “We anticipated that would be followed by other rear-wheel-drive vehicles, but the money they spent on the plant makes it a flex plant, so you can build both front-drive and rear-wheel-drive in the facility." Yes, well, there's been no announcement on that front. Nor is any expected– at least until after the CAW's contract negotiations are complete. Is this any way to run a railroad?

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • Redbarchetta Redbarchetta on Feb 04, 2008
    Landcrusher My point with NUMMI was that the UAW may be a pain in the ass sometimes but they are flexible enough to make changes where needed, but you may still be right it could be that they wouldn't allow efficiences during production that might cost jobs. My point was they exist in other markets, with similar regulations, maybe not exactly the same but we aren't talking about India or South America and having weak regs. If other companies are making them and somewhat successful at it why not GM. Still, if they made a better Civic, would they not sell? It would surely sell, but GM's attempts are dismal in competing with the Civic. And since they can't take that market seriously I highly doubt a small RWD would be an exception. Hopefully we will get to see if the imports jump into this with something good in the near future, with Hyundai, Toyota/Subaru, and maybe an efficient VW/Porsche.
  • Ajla Ajla on Feb 04, 2008
    “1. Why DOES Pontiac exist?” A lot of Americans seem to like to drive ugly cars with hideous body cladding and fake hood vents. Hey! C'mon now. I resemble that remark. Also, you forgot faux spoilers.
  • Vetteman Vetteman on Feb 05, 2008

    After owning five new GM front drive cars My wifes present car is a 2006 Lexus GS 300 rear wheel drive ,six speed trans, 3500 pounds slippery body and flawless in design and execution. My first japanese car and it is he first car I have ever purchased that gets better mileage than what was on the monroney sticker. This car gets never less than twenty around town and 32 to 33 mpg on a freeway trip at legal speeds. This is the most fuel efficient car I have ever owned . How can Lexus make a rear drive do this? Oh by the way I now know why Lexus owners are so pleased with their cars. My next car why a lexus of course.

  • Joeaverage Joeaverage on Feb 05, 2008

    And I wonder how much money GM wastes changing their minds constantly... I still maintain they are trying to gracefully reach bankruptcy so they can shed the contracts they carry...

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