Column: Double Stuffed GM

I was walking to my car in the local Wal-Mart parking lot when I had a flash of déjà-vu. Sitting next to one another was a 2010 Chevy Traverse and a 2010 Buick Enclave. These two cars have the same sleek body panels, a wide, I-want-to-eat-you grille, and trademark haunch over the rear tires.


Now, if anyone remembers what caused General Motor Corp’s much-needed bailout, it was their practice of selling the same car, to the same consumer, with different brands’ badges plastered on them, especially with their truck lines.

Back in the 1990s, GM was notorious for selling the same car under different brands. They had the GMC Sierra and the Chevy Silverado. It was the exact same truck, though sold under different brands and different prices (with varying options, of course). There were points when they would be the exact same vehicle. In all actuality, it is still the same truck

One would hope a company that technically went out of business, would understand, and learn from, its mistakes; it appears not.

GM’s flagship Buick is a rebadged Opel Insignia, which for the moment is not slated for release in the U.S., yet it is so similar, that the only difference is the grille insert.

The new Buick is, of course, treading on Cadillac’s feet, with a complete revamp of their product lineup coming soon. Both are considered luxury cars that appeal to the same market; and both are offered from GM.

One could accuse Ford Motor Corp. of practicing the same corporate suicidal moves, but unlike GM, each brand they rebadged, has its own market.

No Ford is as nice as Mercury, and no Mercury is as nice as Lincoln. Ford is the working man’s car, while Mercury is almost exclusively marketed to women. Lincoln fills in Ford’s product lineup by offering an exclusive luxury car, with numerous amenities, something Ford and Mercury do not offer.

What does the General need to do to pull itself into profitability? Some saw GM’s restructuring as obscure and reckless, dropping popular brand like Pontiac and Saturn in favor of GMC and Buick.

GM needs to drop Buick, as much as I have a soft spot for them from owning one, and push their sleek new Cadillac offering. GMC should be put out to pasture like Hummer was, while reviving Saturn as their fuel efficient line.

Chevrolet should be an equivalent to Ford: a working man’s car. Pontiac should be revived as a sports car brand, working off Australian’s Holden brand supply of fast, powerful car lineup.

GM was restructured by the government, which demanded a profitable, sustainable company. I trust them; they are professionals in the automotive business. Wait? You didn’t know that? Don’t worry, neither did I.

-Anthony Alaniz

GM Facilities Go Green

GM announced in 2008 it would convert half of its major manufacturing facilities worldwide to landfill free operation by the end of this year.

Currently, 62 GM plants operate at a "zero landfill" status, with 97 percent of materials recycled or reused, and about three percent converted into energy at waste-to-energy facilities.

The company recycles many materials like steel, alloy, paper, and cardboard, that are used again, or are manufactured into a secondary product.

GM is the only automotive company to be inducted into the U.S. EPA WasteWise Hall of Fame

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: GM]

Toyota Expands Tundra Rust Recall

In October of 2009, Toyota recalled 110,000 2000 to 2003 Toyota Tundras due to extensively rusty frames. Now, Toyota has expanded that recall through April 2012, as it has also expanded the covered parts.

Toyota has expanded the original, minimal, coverage that focused on three main cross members in the rear of the truck that would rust to the point of failure. Now the recall encompasses most of the frame.

In order to be covered by the recall, the rust must create holes at least ten-millimeters in diameter. Also, the truck must be in good quality and if it meets the remaining requirements (basically if the truck isn't complete junk), Toyota will replace the frame replacement on the Tundra.

Expected completion time is four to five days, as the entire cab and bed, brake lines, wiring, and suspension will have to be removed. This is after the one to two week waiting period for the frame to arrive after the dealer places the order.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Left Lane News]

Video of the Day - Drag Race: 2012 Lexus LFA vs 2010 Nissan GT-R

Car Fact of the Day

Aston Martin derives its name from one of the company's founder, Lionel Martin, and the Aston Hill speed hillclimb nearby in Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire.

-Anthony Alaniz

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Coming State Side

What is more enticing that a 6.0L V12 producing 512 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of twist, while displaying the pinnacle of European luxury performance, and styling?

How about parking it in your driveway?

Aston Martin has officially announced the sale of the V12 Vantage in the U.S. later this year with the launch of the Carbon Black special edition.

Why the change in Aston Martin's offering? Money, of course. After some market research Aston Martin had solid grounds, and a demand, to bring the V12 here.

Of course there will be some minor changes to the car before it can, "satisfy the specific requirements of the American Market" (fifteen cup-holders?). There could be some engine tuning, the addition of catalytic converter units, and some structural modifications to meet U.S. crash and safety standards. Yet, there has been no official release on all the changes that may occur.

So if you have the cash, Aston Martin is taking orders; hurry up.

-Anthony Alaniz
(Photo: 2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage)
[Source: Aston Martin]