Chevrolet Cruze's "Flawless Launch" Delayed by Transmission Problems

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

When GM CEO Fritz Henderson promised Congress he would run the nationalized automaker with complete transparency, we knew he was full of shit. How could anyone expect New GM to do anything but lie, misdirect, prevaricate and obfuscate when the same Bozos that ran it into the ground were still large and in charge? Which GM dealers are canned? Which GM dealers have been resurrected? Why? Who is the GM executive (other than Fritz) who earns more than $500,000 per year—that the company refuses to name? What are the internal targets that GM says it’s meeting? Why did the company overestimate sales of some of its key models in its November press release? Why did Fritz and CFO Ray Young promise a 2010 GM IPO without the Chairman’s approval? And so on. To that list, add this from the AP: “But GM postponed the Cruze’s April build date about three months, said Mark Reuss, GM’s vice president of global vehicle engineering. The company, he said, wasn’t happy with the Cruze’s performance, especially with the six-automatic transmission. ‘No one was thrilled with where it shifted, how it shifted.'” Well that’s the first I’ve heard of that. And while it’s nice that GM is putting our money where it’s mouth is in its desire to ensure the Cruze’s “ flawless launch,” what the hell happened? And why wasn’t anyone fired for it? Oh right, GM.

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

More by Robert Farago

Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 35 comments
  • Geozinger Geozinger on Nov 12, 2009

    I haven't been on this site for a while, nice to see the redesign and the changes at the helm. But after reading many of these comments, it seems that some things never change... As far as the Cruze goes, I'd rather see them de-bug the car now, before the US domestic launch. As much as folks demean GM for acknowledging flaws, at least I see a new attitude to fixing issues before the cars are being offered for sale. Not that I plan on buying one anytime soon (I shot my wad with one of the last new Pontiacs this summer), but it's good to see this change. I hope this bodes well for the longevity of the cars as time goes by, also.

  • Walter A. Foreman Walter A. Foreman on Nov 12, 2009

    The Korean domestic Cruze (known as Lacetti Premier in Korea) had issues with the 6-speed autobox when it was first launched in Korea last year. People in Korea were pushing for a recall, but that didn't happen. What happened is that owners could take their cars to their dealer to have the tranny reprogrammed, and new models came from the factory with the new programming. Also of interest is that a 5-speed manual was available in Korea on every trim level of the 2009 model, and now for 2010 is only available on the base model and not available at all on the new 1.8 liter engine model. Strange

  • PeteMoran PeteMoran on Nov 12, 2009

    No (obvious) reports of problems with the Australian Cruze. Perhaps the 1.8L/6auto is different to the US launch version? I see plenty of the diesel models running around already.

  • Tricky Dicky Tricky Dicky on Nov 20, 2009

    It seems to me to be a curiously American approach to quality. "If anyone makes a mistake, make sure there is a high-profile blood-letting. Fear of sacking is the best way to ensure good quality". Some of the very best workers you can have are those that are allowed to learn from their mistakes, who don't hide a problem in case it puts their ass on the line. "Doesn't matter if the customer is the one who gets to find the problem, as long as I don't lose my job and benefits". Duh...

Next