On Again-Off Again Flint Engine Plant Off Again
The last time we heard that GM’s new Flint engine plant was canceled, we listed it as a Volt Birth Watch. After all, Flint was supposed to produce 1.4 liter four-cylinder engines for Volt range-extender duty as well as for the Cruze and siblings (in turbo form). But as we noted then, GM insists that Volt and Cruze will go ahead as planned regardless of whether the Flint plant is built. How? By importing 1.4s from Austria, according to MLive. But are imported engines included in those old “unprofitable at $40k” Volt cost estimates? We’d guess not. In any case, ABC reports that Flint conctracts have been canceled, and GM just ain’t sweating these details. Volts will have engines come 2010, and damn the german accent. And massive unprofitability. And already-approved tax credits. And patriotic subtext. So really, this is just another “GM manages to pee on its own leg” post. The Volt is just fine, thanks for asking.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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Flint has a fairly new engine plant next to the site of where the Volt engine was/is planning to be built. Why can't GM save some money and convert it over?
Complete. Lack of. Leadership. There is no forward-looking vision. No leader to set a target and require the company to hit the target. GM mangement only reacts to outside circumstances, late. And then second- (and third-) guesses every decision.
Wretched little parasites, ain't she?..She reminds me of Baghdad Bob.
Remember all of this blovating is on a car yet to be produced at a price point nearly twice it's competitors. Americans don't trust: GM to actually build the thing in quantity, Stand behind the vehicle in quality and promotion, improve the vehcile with model updates, go the distance by still be building it in 10 years. In other words, make this a good investment that depreciates at a normal rate. Too many have already moved past GM and will not look back to any more of their "game changers".