Government Never Forgets: GM to Pay Back Cash That Funded Celebrity, Cutlass Ciera Production

A bill for the assembly of two decades-old models — one from a defunct marque — will come due on April 1. And unlike much of the debts written off during General Motors’ bankruptcy, a major subsidiary now has to pay this chunk back.

The money, $220 million in all, was handed to GM Canada back in 1987 to save the Montreal-area Sainte-Thérèse Assembly plant. GM Canada used that bankroll to build the stunningly sexy Chevrolet Celebrity and Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. It later cranked out the last Pontiac Firebirds and fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaros.

The thing about 30-year interest-free loans is that someone eventually comes to collect.

Read more
  • InCogKneeToe Wow, memories. My Parents have a Cabin on a Lake, I have a Plow Truck and Friends, access to Lumps (old tired autos). What happens? Ice Racing!. The only rules were 4 cylinder, RWD only. Many Chevettes were destroyed, My Minty 1975 Acadian Hatch Auto with 62,000kms, did also. Rad, Rad Housing etc. My answer, a 1974 Corolla Hatch 4 speed, the rest of the Vettes took offence and Trashed the Yota. It was so much quicker. So rebuttal, a 1975 Celica GT Notch, 2.2L 20R, 5 Speed. Needed a New Pressure ate but once that was in, I could Lap the Vettes, and they couldn't catch me to Tag me.
  • 28-Cars-Later I'm not sure when it was shot, but I noticed most shots featuring a Ford are pushing the BEV models which haven't sold well and financially kicked the wind out of them. Is it possible they still don't get it in Dearborn, despite statements made about hybrids etc.?
  • ToolGuy I watched the video. Not sure those are real people.
  • ToolGuy "This car does mean a lot to me, so I care more about it going to a good home than I do about the final sale price."• This is exactly what my new vehicle dealership says.
  • Redapple2 4 Keys to a Safe, Modern, Prosperous Society1 Cheap Energy2 Meritocracy. The best person gets the job. Regardless.3 Free Speech. Fair and strong press.4 Law and Order. Do a crime. Get punished.One large group is damaging the above 4. The other party holds them as key. You are Iran or Zimbabwe without them.