Auto news and reviews from Car Buyer's Notebook.com: Buick Archives

August 6, 2008

GM Certified Used Vehicles to List Entire Inventory Onine

DETROIT - GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand*, announced it has reached an agreement to list the entire national inventory of GM Certified Used Vehicles and Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles on EveryCarListed.com, a new consumer automotive listings site.

The EveryCarListed.com relationship provides shoppers a new online resource that makes it easy for them to research and find GM Certified Used Vehicles.

Continue reading "GM Certified Used Vehicles to List Entire Inventory Onine"

August 2, 2008

GM Reports July Sales Down 26.7%

DETROIT - GM today announced July sales results, highlighted by continued strong performance in small and midsize cars and crossovers. GM dealers in the United States delivered 235,184 vehicles in July, down 26.7 percent.

Weak industry conditions caused by a challenging U.S. economic environment, higher fuel prices and inventory shortages in critical segments such as compact cars contributed to the overall sales decline for the month.

Continue reading "GM Reports July Sales Down 26.7%"

August 1, 2008

General Motors to Showcase Historic Motorama Vehicles

More than fifty years ago, General Motors' traveling Motorama showcased dramatic concept "Dream Cars" as interpretations of future automobile design.

From 1949 through 1960, expressive vehicles including the Cadillac Lemans and Firebird I traveled the United States as a statement of General Motors design leadership.

Continue reading "General Motors to Showcase Historic Motorama Vehicles"

July 26, 2008

GM Prepares to Export Buick Enclaves to China

LANSING, Mich. - Discerning vehicle buyers in China are another step closer to experiencing what their U.S. counterparts have been raving about for the past year: the hot-selling Buick Enclave luxury crossover.

Chinese officials visited the Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant Thursday and Friday to observe operations in preparation for the manufacture of U.S.-built Enclaves crossovers for export to China. Pending approval, China-bound Enclaves could begin rolling off the assembly line as early as next month.

Continue reading "GM Prepares to Export Buick Enclaves to China"

July 25, 2008

GM to Broaden Employee Discounts

DETROIT -- General Motors Corp., hoping to boost demand amid a drastic downturn in the U.S. auto industry, will offer employee discounts to nonemployees on a limited basis.

GM Sales Chief Mark LaNeve rolled out the plan in an email to employees late Thursday. Employees can give one employee discount away between now and the end of July, a GM spokeswoman said.

"All active GM employees in the U.S. have the opportunity to provide one employee discount to anyone you know who is considering the purchase of a new vehicle," Mr. LaNeve said in the email.

GM's New Interactive Site Goes "Undercover" to Educate Consumers

DETROIT - What would happen if you turned more than 20 undercover film and surveillance professionals with eight cameras loose to show the potential drawbacks of buying a used vehicle that is not manufacturer certified?

That's what GM's Certified Used Vehicles team did and the results were not at all surprising.

Continue reading "GM's New Interactive Site Goes "Undercover" to Educate Consumers"

OnStar Opens "Crisis Assist" Emergency Services to Those Affected by Dolly

DETROIT - OnStar reminds its subscribers in Southeast Texas that a simple push of the OnStar button in GM vehicles will put them in contact with specially-trained Crisis Advisors.

OnStar's Crisis Assist capabilities include specially trained Crisis Advisors, who will help with:

Continue reading "OnStar Opens "Crisis Assist" Emergency Services to Those Affected by Dolly"

July 23, 2008

GM Announces Second Quarter Global Sales of More Than 2.28 Million Vehicles

DETROIT - Record-setting sales performance in GM's Latin America, Africa and Middle East, Asia Pacific and Europe regions during the second quarter of 2008 helped General Motors sell more than 2.28 million vehicles globally during the second quarter 2008.

GM sales outside of its North America region grew 10 percent (up 116,000 vehicles). Compared to second quarter 2007, GM's total sales were down 5 percent, reflecting continuing economic pressures and labor disruptions in the U.S. market, which pushed North America sales down 20 percent (236,000 vehicles).

Continue reading "GM Announces Second Quarter Global Sales of More Than 2.28 Million Vehicles"

July 22, 2008

Buick, Pontiac, GMC Channel Working

General Motors Corp. says its strategy of grouping its Buick, Pontiac and GMC brands into one distribution channel, which began in 2002, is working. The 1,600 dealers currently aligned with the B-P-G channel account for approximately 80 percent of the sales from the trio of GM nameplates.

"This is a great channel, with three strong differentiating brands and a strong dealer body," says Susan Docherty, named GM's North America vice president-BPG channel, three months ago. "The B-P-G channel has some good momentum, and we plan to build on that." Getting the dealers aligned into one channel has been one of GM's top priorities for the last three or four years. "And we are continuing to work to align dealers along the B-P-G channel, because this makes good business sense," she says.

July 18, 2008

General Motors Forging Ahead

By Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman

As you've no doubt heard me say before, we've made a lot of progress in the past few years at General Motors. And we've delivered on what we said we would do. We've tackled the legacy costs. We've improved our quality. We went from having, at least in North America, some mediocre products to having acclaimed products that are selling extremely well, especially on the passenger car side. In June, for example, in a slow market, our retail car sales were up 8 percent.

We continue to reinvigorate our product portfolio. We're pursuing advanced propulsion technologies that will greatly reduce dependence on petroleum. And, we're reacting to the swiftly changing market conditions here in the U.S.

Continue reading "General Motors Forging Ahead"

July 12, 2008

GM now selling fuel economy

General Motors Corp. will shift its 2008 advertising for Buick, GMC and Pontiac to promote their fuel-economy edge over competitors after the three brands' U.S. sales fell 25 percent last month.

New commercials single out Toyota Motor Corp.'s Tundra pickup and 4Runner sport utility vehicle and other models as having lower efficiency than GM models.

"The market is flooded with fuel-economy messages, and we needed to tell our story," Frakes said. The "pump less and drive more" commercials emphasize the range and fuel economy of the models, she said.

July 7, 2008

GM Weighs More Layoffs, Sale of Brands

DETROIT -- Bruised by a deep sales slump and a half-century-low in its stock price, General Motors Corp. is preparing to cut thousands more white-collar jobs and is considering whether it should sell or shutter more of its brands, people familiar with the matter said.

Both moves are part of a broader re-evaluation of GM's strategy and of its ability to meet an internal projection of returning to profitability in 2010, these people said. The job cuts are likely to be approved when GM's board of directors meets in early August, these people said.

The company has already decided to put its Hummer division up for sale. Discussions among top executives about the number of brands have intensified in recent weeks, and signal a potential major shift in thinking by the company -- especially by Chief Executive Rick Wagoner. As top executives review future cars and trucks earmarked for various brands, "nothing is off the table," several people said. All but Cadillac and Chevrolet, which GM considers core to its business, are undergoing close scrutiny, other people said.

July 2, 2008

GM Extends Zero Percent Financing Deals

DETROIT -- General Motors notified its dealers this morning that it will be extending its 0 percent financing sale through Monday, July 7.

The sale conditions remain the same -- 0 percent financing for 72 months on most GM vehicles. The so-called 72-hour sale ran from June 24 through June 30.

July 1, 2008

GM Reports June Sales Down 18.5%

DETROIT - GM today announced June sales results, highlighted by an 8 percent rise in retail car sales and continued strong performance in crossovers.

Despite the significant decline of industry market volume and the limited availability of some of GM's most popular models, GM dealers in the United States delivered 265,937 vehicles in June, down 8 percent (18.5 percent unadjusted). Truck sales declined 6 percent.

Continue reading "GM Reports June Sales Down 18.5%"

GM Offers Low APR on Certified Used Vehicles

DETROIT - GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand*, today announced a nationwide GMAC rate incentive program on select GM Certified Used Vehicles, including Chevrolet Impala and Malibu models.

The new rate incentive offer, effective July 1, 2008, through September 30, 2008, provides well-qualified GM Certified Used Vehicles buyers with 2.9% APR financing for terms up to 48 months, or 3.9% APR financing for terms up to 60 months from GMAC Financial Services on 2003-2008 models of Chevrolet Impala and Malibu** vehicles purchased from participating GM Certified Used Vehicles dealers.

Continue reading "GM Offers Low APR on Certified Used Vehicles"

June 30, 2008

GMnext Takes Music Fans Backstage At Rothbury Festival

DETROIT - The adventure continues as GMnext Plug In marks the halfway point of its global tour of music festivals, with Tenacious D's Kyle Gass interviewing bands backstage at the Rothbury Festival, July 3 - 6.

Following his recent appearances at the Rock on the Range Festival in Columbus , Ohio, Southside Festival in Germany and Pinkpop in the Netherlands, Kyle will once again be the face of GMnext Plug In at Rothbury.

Continue reading "GMnext Takes Music Fans Backstage At Rothbury Festival"

June 15, 2008

New Appointments Build GM Brand Channel Alignment

DETROIT - General Motors announced personnel moves today in support of its four retail channels: Chevrolet; Premium (Cadillac, Hummer, Saab); Buick-Pontiac-GMC; and Saturn. The moves streamline the organization by combining or eliminating job functions. This will help the brands better deliver world-class products to customers, and build value for GM and its dealers.

The following appointments are effective July 1st; however these individuals will begin to transition into their new roles immediately.

Continue reading "New Appointments Build GM Brand Channel Alignment"

June 14, 2008

GM Rolls Out Military Discount

DETROIT - General Motors today announced an online vehicle discount program for active and reserve military members that can save military families thousands of dollars when purchasing a new car or truck from Chevrolet, Saturn, Pontiac, Buick, Saab, Cadillac, GMC or HUMMER.

"The GM Military Discount Program" is an online web site that enables active and reserve members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard to get a new vehicle discount. Under the program, military members can receive as much as a $1,500 discount off the MSRP of a new Buick Enclave crossover; $2,200 off a new Chevrolet Impala sedan; or as much as $4,200 off a new GMC Sierra pickup truck.

Continue reading "GM Rolls Out Military Discount"

June 12, 2008

GM Certified Used Vehicles Live on eBay Motors

DETROIT - GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand, announced today that its 60,000-plus-vehicle inventory from 3,900-plus U.S. dealers is now listed on eBay Motors (www.ebaymotors.com), the Internet's largest marketplace for buying and selling all things automotive.

Continue reading "GM Certified Used Vehicles Live on eBay Motors"

June 6, 2008

GM looks beyond improved quality scores

By Jamie Hresko, GM Vice President, Quality

There are many gate-checks, so to speak, here at GM when it comes to quality. However, the ones that matter most to you, the customer, the driver, are the external measures that tell you if we’re all wet or if we’re running hard and clean. J.D. Power & Associates has announced its Initial Quality Survey results. I won’t re-iterate the content of the press release.

Continue reading "GM looks beyond improved quality scores"

June 3, 2008

GM Reports May Sales Down 28%

DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 272,363 vehicles in May.

The sales increase in fuel efficient cars and crossover vehicles could not make up for soft truck demand and a decline in fleet deliveries impacted by the American Axle strike.

Approximately 15-18,000 sales were lost in May, or will be retimed, due to various work stoppages including the American Axle strike. Compared with a strong May 2007, total sales were down 30 percent (28 percent unadjusted). Truck sales declined 39 percent.

Continue reading "GM Reports May Sales Down 28%"

May 30, 2008

GM to give locksmiths access to key info

GM is implementing a nationwide process for registered locksmiths to obtain information to make replacement keys and obtain immobilizer PIN information for GM vehicles.

Effective May 30, 2008, using a process established in December 2007 to comply with California law, any licensed (where licensing is required) and bonded locksmiths in the U.S. who have complied with the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) Secure Data Release Model verification process will be able to access key code and immobilizer (when applicable) information when the verified registered owner / lessee of a vehicle requests the locksmith to produce a key to enter, start, and operate the vehicle.

Continue reading "GM to give locksmiths access to key info"

May 29, 2008

Cadillac Tops 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

TUSTIN, Calif. -- A study released today by noted automotive consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc. summarizes the results of its 2008 model year vehicle satisfaction research. AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new passenger car or light truck.

In a year that promises to be the toughest in a decade, owner-based awards like AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award will help customers make their purchase decisions.

Continue reading "Cadillac Tops 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards"

May 23, 2008

OnStar Receives Honors at Telematics Update Awards

Detroit – OnStar by GM captured the “Best Embedded Telematics Navigation Product Award” at the 2008 Detroit Telematics Awards event.

Awards are judged by independent industry experts and are open to all companies in the automotive and mobile telematics eco-system that develop and provide compelling products, services, and content.

Continue reading "OnStar Receives Honors at Telematics Update Awards"

May 20, 2008

GM's Jamie Hresko touts quality gains

by Jamie Hresko, GM Vice President, Quality

So, I’m watching the NFL draft a few weeks ago and it hits me. It occurred to me that there is a complete incongruity (thank you word-a-day calendar) between hope and reality.

Don’t get me wrong, hope is very important. Hope, however, is not active. It doesn’t drive results. Do you think any of the draftees just sat on the bench hoping to play … hoping to be spotted … hoping to be picked? Of course not. They worked hard. They had a plan. They actively pursued their goal of playing football well.

Continue reading "GM's Jamie Hresko touts quality gains"

May 19, 2008

Buick Open Celebrates 50th Anniversary

GRAND BLANC, Mich. – Buick, the automaker that served as the foundation when General Motors was created in 1908, is celebrating more than GM’s centennial this year. Buick Motor Division is also commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first Buick Open golf tournament.

When Buick executives, then headquartered in nearby Flint, decided to sponsor a professional golf tournament here in 1958, one reason was to help GM, Buick’s corporate parent, celebrate its 50th birthday.

Continue reading "Buick Open Celebrates 50th Anniversary"

Buick Open Tiger Woods Golf Clinic To Take Place At Comerica Park

DETROIT- The Buick Open, Michigan's only PGA Tour event, will host a unique golf clinic featuring Tiger Woods at Comerica Park on Tuesday, June 24.

The clinic, scheduled from 3-4 p.m., marks the first time that Woods will conduct a golf clinic in a ballpark. The event is part of the week long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the inaugural Buick Open.

Continue reading "Buick Open Tiger Woods Golf Clinic To Take Place At Comerica Park"

May 12, 2008

2008 Fuel Economy Guide Available for Download

The EPA has issued a comprehensive PDF guide to fuel economy of all 2008 vehicles, which you can download by right-clicking here.

In today's gas market, buyers are more sensitive than ever about buying cars that get good mileage, and more important, they want the government ratings to be as accurate as possible -- nobody wants to buy a vehicle that gets 10% worse mileage in the real world than the sticker rating.

To address this situation, the EPA has started using an updated test to assign more accurate MPG ratings to new vehicles, and you can learn about that by watching the video in this post.

May 9, 2008

Tenacious D Goes Backstage for GM at Music Fests

DETROIT -- GMnext is going backstage at some of the world's biggest rock festivals this summer - providing music fans exclusive access through a series of video, photo and blog updates.

GMnext Plug In is a celebration of the 100+ year relationship between cars and music. From AM to FM, 8-track to cassette, compact disc to mp3, music is almost always a part of the driving experience.

Continue reading "Tenacious D Goes Backstage for GM at Music Fests"

May 5, 2008

GM Rebates for May 2008

General Motors is offering a wide variety of rebate programs that cover Chevy, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac Saab and Saturn brands. Amounts range from $2,000 on the Chevy Silverado pickup to $3,000 on the Hummer H3 and $1,000 on the Pontiac Solstice. Low interest rate financing is available across all brand and model lines.

If you would like to research current auto rebates for all make and models for sale in the United States, check out CurrentAutoRebates.com, a fabulous service that allows you to check up on all rebate programs through a handy PDF report. The service is free and available now!

Buick Rebates for May 2008

Buick is offering up to a $2,500 rebate on the Lucerne sedan, $2,000 on the LaCrosse and 5.9% APR financing on the Enclave SUV. Low-interest rate financing is also available. Programs end 5/21/08.

f you would like to research current auto rebates for all make and models for sale in the United States, check out CurrentAutoRebates.com, a fabulous service that allows you to check up on all rebate programs through a handy PDF report. The service is free and available now!

May 2, 2008

Buick Invicta Progress Report

By Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman

Recently we unveiled the Buick Invicta concept car at the Beijing motor show. It was a natural choice to have the sleek concept sedan’s debut in China, where Buick is an established, respected premium luxury brand.

The Invicta is a vehicle that GM Global Product Development can be proud of on many levels, not the least of which is, I think, that it’s a beautifully designed car.

Continue reading "Buick Invicta Progress Report"

GM Reports April Sales Down 16%

DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 260,922 vehicles in April. Retail car and crossover sales were up more than 9 percent.

A sharp sales increase in fuel efficient cars and crossovers could not make up for soft truck demand and a sharp decline in fleet deliveries impacted by the American Axle strike. On a non-adjusted basis, retail sales were down 11.5 percent and total sales for the month were down 16 percent.

Continue reading "GM Reports April Sales Down 16%"

April 24, 2008

GM Invites Atlanta Auto Show Attendees to Test Drive Vehicles

Consumers attending the AJC International Auto Show Thursday -Sunday, April 24 - 27 will have a unique opportunity to truly 'experience' the GM display by getting behind the wheel and test driving many of General Motors' hottest new vehicles, including the newly redesigned 2008 Chevy Malibu, fuel efficient GMC Yukon Hybrid and all-new Pontiac G8.

Other vehicles available for test drives that illustrate the breadth of General Motors' 2008 product portfolio include: Buick Enclave, Buick Lucerne CXS, Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac DTS.

Continue reading "GM Invites Atlanta Auto Show Attendees to Test Drive Vehicles"

April 23, 2008

GM Announces First Quarter Global Sales of More Than 2.25 Million

DETROIT - General Motors sold 2.25 million cars and trucks around the world in the first quarter of 2008, according to preliminary sales figures released today, with a record 64 percent of all sales occurring outside the United States.

GM global first quarter sales were down less than one percent. Robust first quarter sales in GM's Latin America, Africa and Middle East (GMLAAM) and Asia Pacific (GMAP) regions, and improved sales in the GM Europe (GME) region helped offset a 10 percent decline in GM North America (GMNA). Sales outside GMNA were up 8 percent compared with last year.

Continue reading "GM Announces First Quarter Global Sales of More Than 2.25 Million"

GM statement on proposed 2011-2015 Fuel Economy Targets

"GM intends to meet the tough, new national CAFE standards of 35 mpg for cars and trucks combined by 2020, a dramatic increase of 40 percent."

NHTSA’s proposed rule lays out the first set of standards toward this target. GM will work with NHTSA throughout its rulemaking process on the yearly targets and the sensible mechanisms needed to meet this challenge.”

Continue reading "GM statement on proposed 2011-2015 Fuel Economy Targets"

April 22, 2008

1948 Buick Roadmaster Sells for $300,000

BOISE, Idaho -- Hot Web, Inc. today announced the completed record sale of a 1948 Buick Roadmaster convertible "custom," named "Lowla" to an undisclosed buyer based in the United Arab Emirates capital city of Abu Dhabi.

The $300,000 paid for the one-of-a-kind automobile built by Startup, Washington-based Divers Street Rods, is believed to be the highest amount ever paid for the particular make and model.

Continue reading "1948 Buick Roadmaster Sells for $300,000"

April 19, 2008

Buick Evolves Design Sketch Into Invicta Show Car

BEIJING – The sleek Buick Invicta show car revealed here in conjunction with Auto China 2008 is Buick’s strongest statement yet of its deliberately international plans.

The four-door midsize sedan with a coupe-like roofline presents bold direction for Buick’s new generation of vehicles in the world’s two biggest automotive markets – the United States and China.

Continue reading "Buick Evolves Design Sketch Into Invicta Show Car"

Buick Brand at Auto China 2008

Buick remains focused on being GM’s premium, international brand and is growing internationally by leveraging partnerships across the globe. Buick is reshaping its international portfolio with new, premium vehicles including the Enclave in North America and Park Avenue in China.

-- The Riviera concept introduced at last year’s Shanghai auto show introduces Buick’s new global design direction and was developed with input from GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in Shanghai.

Continue reading "Buick Brand at Auto China 2008"

April 17, 2008

Buick Lucerne Joins GM FlexFuel Lineup for 2009

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The 2009 Buick Lucerne sedan will join General Motors' industry-leading lineup of flex-fuel vehicles that can run on either ordinary gasoline or E85, or any combination of the two, GM Vice President of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy Beth Lowery said Thursday.

The Lucerne, the first flex-fuel capable Buick passenger car, will be among more than 15 GM models with flex-fuel capability in 2009, up from 11 offerings this year.

Continue reading "Buick Lucerne Joins GM FlexFuel Lineup for 2009"

April 16, 2008

GM nabs Nissan's McNabb, reorganizes retail roster

DETROIT – General Motors announced today that its U.S. marketing and field operations will be more strongly aligned into four retail channels: Chevrolet; Premium (Cadillac, Hummer, Saab); Buick-Pontiac-GMC; and Saturn. Each channel will be focused on continuing to deliver world-class products for their customer and build value for GM and their respective dealers.

GM announced the appointment of four new leadership positions to direct activities within this organization, effective June 1:

Continue reading "GM nabs Nissan's McNabb, reorganizes retail roster"

April 15, 2008

GM Reward Programs Expanded to Saturn Vehicles

DETROIT - Consumers who want to use their GM Card or GM Flexible Earnings Card toward the purchase of an eligible, new GM vehicle now have the option to purchase or lease a new Saturn under expanded program guidelines.

The GM Card and the GM Flexible Earnings Card allows Cardmembers to earn toward an eligible new GM vehicle with every credit card purchase. Effective April 15, 2008 Saturn vehicles will be added to the expanded program.

Continue reading "GM Reward Programs Expanded to Saturn Vehicles"

April 8, 2008

Buick Expands 2008 Lucerne Lineup

DETROIT – Buick will increase its 2008 Lucerne lineup with two new models available at dealerships beginning in April. The Lucerne Super and Lucerne CXL Special Edition reflect Buick’s commitment to bringing a greater variety of premium products into its portfolio.

“Lucerne Super and Lucerne CXL Special Edition epitomize Buick’s new level of refinement and our effort to deliver the vehicles that today’s customers demand,” said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager.

Continue reading "Buick Expands 2008 Lucerne Lineup"

April 2, 2008

April Buick Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Buick is offering up to a $1,500 rebate on the Lucerne sedan, $1,000 on the LaCrosse and 5.9% APR financing on the Enclave SUV. Programs end 4/30/08.

April GM Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

General Motors is offering a wide variety of rebate programs that cover Chevy, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn brands.

Amounts range from $2,000 on the Chevy Silverado pickup to $3,000 on the Hummer H3 and 5.9% financing on the Buick Enclave SUV. Low interest rate financing is available across all brand and model lines. Programs end April 30, 2008.

GM launches new navigation service through OnStar

Dallas -- OnStar today announced the introduction of two new navigational services to complement and enhance its existing Turn-by-Turn service, the most widely available navigation system on the market. These features solidify GM's leadership in navigation with more vehicles on the road with embedded navigation systems and more options than any other automaker.

The first new service is OnStar Destination Download, which enables OnStar subscribers with screen-based navigation systems to quickly input their destination while on the go via the simple press of a button.

Continue reading "GM launches new navigation service through OnStar"

XM NavTraffic Expands to 2009 GM Vehicles

DALLAS -- XM, the nation's leading provider of satellite radio, today announced at the 2008 Dallas Auto Show the continued expansion of its award-winning real-time XM NavTraffic service into 22 GM vehicles in the 2009 model year.

XM NavTraffic is already the traffic information standard on the highly- praised Cadillac CTS model. XM NavTraffic will expand across the GM vehicle lineup to provide real-time traffic intelligence to 22 navigation-equipped GM vehicles in the 2009 model year.

Continue reading "XM NavTraffic Expands to 2009 GM Vehicles"

April 1, 2008

GM Reports March Sales Down 13%

DETROIT – GM dealers in the United States delivered 282,732 vehicles in March, a decrease of 13 percent when compared with the same month a year ago.

For the first three months of 2008, GM total sales of 805,720 vehicles were down 11 percent compared with a year ago. Retail share appears to have remained stable throughout the month and the quarter.

Continue reading "GM Reports March Sales Down 13%"

March 31, 2008

Video: AT GM, Quality Comes First

Quality Comes First: Getting The Message Across

General Motors is working to aggressively market the increased quality of the latest line of vehicles.

March 19, 2008

Video: Buick Designer Justin Thompson on the Invicta Concept

Buick Designer Justin Thompson demonstrates the high tech tools used to bring a new vehicle concept to life. Related story.

Buick "Invicta" Evolves Brand Design

NEW YORK – Buick took another step to bolster its global design presence with a sneak peek at a luxurious show car it plans to reveal in China at the Beijing Motor Show on April 19.

Named Invicta, Buick’s show car reflects the way General Motors utilizes design and engineering talent around the world to execute a premium vehicle with international appeal.

Continue reading "Buick "Invicta" Evolves Brand Design"

March 17, 2008

GM recalls 207,000 Buicks, Pontiacs

DETROIT - General Motors Corp. says it is recalling more than 207,000 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix sedans because they can develop oil leaks that can cause fires.

GM says the cars are safe to drive, but drivers should not park them in garages or carports.

The automaker said Friday the recall affects 1997 to 2003 Buick Regal GS and Grand Prix GDP models with 3.8-liter supercharged V-6 engines.

March 12, 2008

Video: White is the New Paint Color of Choice

Silver has been named the most popular car color in North America for the last seven years.

But following recent global trends in home furnishing, fashion and consumer products, white/white pearl is the new number one.

The color of the moment narrowly took the top stop with silver a close second and black coming in third.

Continue reading "Video: White is the New Paint Color of Choice"

March 10, 2008

Tiger Woods Could Be Your Caddy

DETROIT – Buick is giving one lucky person an exclusive opportunity to play golf alongside Tiger Woods, the world’s top golfer.

Only this time, Woods will serve as the winner’s personal caddy in Buick’s new “Tee-Off with Tiger” online contest that begins today and runs through Sept. 28, 2008.

Contestants who register at www.teeoffwithtiger.com will have an opportunity to vie for the grand prize to partner with Woods or to win a high-end collectible only Buick can provide: Woods’ personal Buick vehicle – driven by the golf phenom himself – at several tournaments in which he competes during the promotion window.

Continue reading "Tiger Woods Could Be Your Caddy"

General Motors Honors Top Dealers with Jack Smith Award

New York, NY - General Motors held its annual GM Dealer Of The Year award ceremony in New York City today to present the Jack Smith Leadership Award to its top 115 dealers.

Honorees were chosen from more than 6,700 GM dealers across the U.S., and exemplify the company's dedication to exceptional sales performance and superior customer service.

Continue reading "General Motors Honors Top Dealers with Jack Smith Award"

March 9, 2008

March Buick Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Buick is offering up to a $2,500 rebate on the Lucerne sedan, $2,000 on the LaCrosse and 5.9% financing on the Enclave SUV.

Programs end 3/31/08.

March GM Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

General Motors is offering a wide variety of rebate programs that cover Chevy, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac Saab and Saturn brands. Amounts range from $2,000 on the Chevy Silverado pickup to $2,000 on the Hummer H3 and $3,500 on the Saab 9-3. Low interest rate financing is available across all brand and model lines. Programs end 3/31/08.

March 3, 2008

GM Sales Down 13% in February

DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 270,423 vehicles in February, a decrease of 13 percent compared with an unusually strong February last year.

"Our new launch vehicles, including the award-winning Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS, had a sensational month, as did the Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Aura, and the Pontiac G6," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing.

Continue reading "GM Sales Down 13% in February"

March 1, 2008

GM brings performance, style to NY Auto Show

NEW YORK -- General Motors’ global design talents come together as GM showcases several award-winning concept vehicles at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.

Headlining the event will be Pontiac with three world premiere vehicle introductions. Saab will also unveil an environmentally friendly compact sports luxury concept vehicle to North America.

Continue reading "GM brings performance, style to NY Auto Show"

February 13, 2008

GM's Lutz: January Results Demonstrate We Are on the Rise

By Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman

You’ve already heard about our financial results for 2007. Yes, we posted a sizable loss, but it was not a surprise. As Rick Wagoner noted this morning, almost all of that loss was attributed to a special charge in the third quarter.

Right now, though, I want to share some little-noticed facts about our January sales.

Continue reading "GM's Lutz: January Results Demonstrate We Are on the Rise"

February 8, 2008

GM to Sell Used Vehicles on eBay Motors

DETROIT – GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry’s top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand, announced it has reached an agreement to collaborate in a variety of areas with eBay Motors, the Internet's largest marketplace for buying and selling all things automotive, to support the 3,900-plus GM Certified Used Vehicles dealers in the U.S.

As a first step, GM Certified Used Vehicles commits to list their entire national inventory on eBay Motors at no cost to dealers.

Continue reading "GM to Sell Used Vehicles on eBay Motors"

General Motors Launches Wiki-Style History Project

DETROIT - While many companies publish histories to commemorate special milestones, GM is putting a 21st Century, open-source twist on the way its history is told in cyberspace.

Beginning today, GM is inviting people worldwide to contribute to the Generations of GM Wiki on GMnext.com and share their personal, first-person experiences from the company's first 100 years - everything from a story about a summer job in an assembly plant to pictures of a first car to favorite experiences with GM products.

Continue reading "General Motors Launches Wiki-Style History Project"

February 4, 2008

Buick Announces Pricing For The 2008 Buick Lucerne Super

DETROIT -- Buick, the premium international brand of General Motors, today announced the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for its all-new 2008 Lucerne Super entry-luxury sedan.

Buick's most premium and powerful full-size sedan carries an MSRP of $39,395 including a $765 destination freight charge. It will be available for sale in dealer showrooms beginning in April.

The Lucerne Super features a long list of standard content exclusive to the Super badge, compelling safety features, and performance and powertrain enhancements. Pricing targets comparably equipped luxury import competitors.

Continue reading "Buick Announces Pricing For The 2008 Buick Lucerne Super"

February 2, 2008

Current Auto Rebates Has All the Updated Rebates!

With auto sales down 4.3% in January 2008, many automakers are increasing the rebate and incentive offers they have on the hoods of their vehicles.

Yet keeping track of all the rebate programs can be difficult work, which is why we began publishing Current Auto Rebates, the Internet's first document that lists every rebate program for every vehicle for same in the United States.

This 13-page PDF makes it easy for you to look up rebates on any model you're interested in, and even allows you to contact your local dealer who will give you a free price quote on the ride of your choice.

Since rebate programs can change several times per month, you may want to sign up for free updates to the publication -- when we update the document you'll get an email from us letting you know a refreshed version is available for you to download.

And if someone you know is currently shopping for a new vehicle, you may want to download a copy and email it to them -- they'll thank you for doing so!

February 1, 2008

General Motors Reports January Sales Up 2.1%

DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 252,565 vehicles in January, an increase of 2.1 percent compared with the same month last year. The company continued its efforts to focus on improved retail sales, showing an increase of more than 11 percent.

Very strong retail sales of 186,187 vehicles were driven by a more than 31-percent surge in retail car sales. GM retail share in the U.S. has remained essentially stable for the past two and one-half years. Total truck sales of 148,191 were up more than 3 percent compared with a year ago.

Continue reading "General Motors Reports January Sales Up 2.1%"

January 30, 2008

GM to Showcase Vintage Vehicles at Syracuse Auto Show

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Visitors to the 100th Syracuse Auto Expo, which opens to the public Feb. 6, will get a special treat: a rare glimpse of five vintage General Motors vehicles - the earliest a 1908 Buick - in a display that celebrates the 100th anniversary of GM as well as the Expo.

The vehicle display comes to Syracuse's OnCenter and War Memorial from GM's Heritage Center in Sterling Heights, Mich., and was organized by Syracuse-area GM dealers. In addition to Buick, vintage vehicles representing GMC, Pontiac, Chevrolet and Cadillac will be together in the facility's ballroom, and each have a unique story behind them.

Continue reading "GM to Showcase Vintage Vehicles at Syracuse Auto Show"

GM Expands Multicultural Marketing Agency Roster

DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. is further broadening its multicultural marketing efforts and today announced that it will add Sanders\Wingo Advertising, Inc., to its list of advertising agencies to provide African American, urban and youth marketing support for Chevrolet, and Carol H. Williams Advertising to provide African American, urban and youth marketing support for Cadillac, HUMMER, Saab, Saturn and the GM Corporate brand, effective at the end of the first quarter of 2008.

Continue reading "GM Expands Multicultural Marketing Agency Roster"

With Home Prices Dropping, Car Prices Are Sure to Follow

It's accepted wisdom now that overall auto sales will drop in 2008. This is seen as a function of the housing bust, during which as much as 20% of new car purchases were funded by residential real estate profit, home equity cashouts and the general euphoria in real estate related industries.

Now that home prices are dropping -- and will continue to do so until they fall in line with median income -- we believe the average new vehicle transaction price will drop as well. If houses can fall 10%-30% in value, why not cars?

In November we ran a story from Comerica Bank stating the average transaction price of a new vehicle was $29,024. Our projection is this number will fall below $25,000, perhaps in 2009 if not this year, for several reasons:

1. Less money to spend. The option of taking cash out of a home to finance a new purchase is gone. The psychology of spending "free money" to buy a luxe ride will give way to folks actually having to make the payment out of their own pocket. And with many people paying even more for housing due to adjustable rates, they will choose cheaper rides.

2. Gas prices. While $3 a gallon gas isn't as draconian as five bucks, it will have an effect over time. People are already choosing more efficient crossovers and smaller SUVs over the big buses, and V8s are going out of favor. Look for more people to choose V6s in cars and for four-cylinders to pick up in popularity.

3. Negative equity. A greater percentage of folks are upside down in their cars, and have been rolling their balances into new loan agreements. To catch up, their new purchases will have to be cheaper and it's going to take years to eat away at the balance.

4. New frugality. In a tough economy, the value of money becomes more dear. People will start thinking twice about how much money they spend. They will choose cheaper cars, perhaps with more options, but the luxe-marques are in for a rough ride.

5. New wage structures. The Detroit car companies have made big headlines with their new labor deals, that allow them to replace higher paid union workers with new hires at a lower wage scale. The higher wages translated into higher sticker prices; the lower wages will allow for slimmer price hikes and even reductions.

6. Battle for fewer consumers. Don't let the tough talk fool you. As fewer cars are sold throughout 2008, the rebate war will kick into full swing -- and spiffs will help bring down the average transaction price.

This last reason is why we launched Current Auto Rebates, a site that publishes all the rebates for every model in a single PDF file, to make bargain hunting that much easier.

Phoenix Home to Modernized Buick Pontiac GMC Dealership

GILBERT, Ariz. – GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner and award-winning dealer Henry Brown today celebrated the grand opening of Henry Brown Buick-Pontiac-GMC -- the first BPG dealership in the Southwest to feature GM’s all-new exterior and interior design.

Wagoner and Brown spoke to a crowd of approximately 200 guests in the dealership at 1550 E. Drivers Way. Wagoner congratulated Brown on his new dealership and for being the largest BPG dealer in the Western Region.

Continue reading "Phoenix Home to Modernized Buick Pontiac GMC Dealership"

January 29, 2008

GM Forms Engineering Group for Hybrids, Electric Vehicles and Batteries

WARREN, Mich. - In another step aimed at bringing the electrification of vehicles into the mainstream development process more quickly, General Motors has formed a new engineering organization especially dedicated to implementing hybrid and extended- range electric vehicles (E-REV) and advanced battery technology.

Continue reading "GM Forms Engineering Group for Hybrids, Electric Vehicles and Batteries"

January 25, 2008

2008 Buick LaCrosse Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Buick LaCrosse has a $1,500 rebate or 3.9% financing available; program ends 3/3/08. The 2008 Buick LaCrosse base price -- $23,310.

Click here to get your free 2008 Buick LaCrosse price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Buick rebates, check out Current Auto Rebates, the web's #1 source for car, truck and SUV rebates and incentives.

Current Auto Rebates is the only publication of its kind: a 13-page PDF file that lists all the current rebates, from every vehicle manufacturer. What you don't know about current auto rebates could cost you thousands of dollars -- get your free report today!

2008 Buick Enclave Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Buick Enclave has a $500 rebate; program ends 3/3/08. The 2008 Buick Enclave base price -- $32,055.

Click here to get your free 2008 Buick Enclave price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Buick rebates, check out Current Auto Rebates, the web's #1 source for car, truck and SUV rebates and incentives.

January 23, 2008

GM Sells More Than 9 Million Vehicles Third Year Running

DETROIT - General Motors sold 9,369,524 cars and trucks around the world in 2007, an increase of 3 percent, according to preliminary sales figures released today. In the fourth quarter, GM sold 2,305,752 vehicles, an increase of 4.8 percent compared with a year ago.

Continue reading "GM Sells More Than 9 Million Vehicles Third Year Running"

Harness the power of free price quotes!

Many of you have seen the link to get a free dealer price quote on our pages, as well as in our Current Auto Rebates report.

The free price quote is one of the best tools for savvy vehicle shoppers -- it's convenient, and there is absolutely no obligation to buy anything. Here are some of the other advantages:

-- You are essentially putting a bid out to local new vehicle dealers to compete for your business. In many cases, several dealers will respond to your price quote request. Armed with your knowledge of MSRP and rebates, you can then have dealers compete on price for your car buying dollars!

-- You can fill out a free price quote for each vehicle you are cross-shopping.

-- Schedule your test drive appointments. Just think, you know longer have to suffer the indignity of walking into a dealership and either being ignored or descended upon like a piece of fresh meat.

-- The dealership will have the vehicle you are interested in ready and waiting [if they are pros, which many are nowadays, given the competition of the Internet.]

-- You will be doing 90% of the work that goes into buying a new vehicle from the convenience of your own computer -- how civilized is that!

Get your free dealer price quote today!

Current Auto Rebates -- What You Don't Know Could Cost You Thousands of Dollars

Want to see all the rebates on every make and model vehicle for sale in the United States?

Current Auto Rebates has just launched a valuable 13-page PDF report that is the first of its kind -- listing all rebates for all vehicles. What you don't know about current auto rebates could cost you thousands of dollars!

Aren't you tired of clicking through page after page on web sites to find the information you need? This report has everything you need in one convenient, easy-to-use package.

Check out CurrentAutoRebates.com and get your free PDF report today!

January 21, 2008

Buick Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Buick is offering up to a $2,000 rebate on the Lucerne sedan, $1,500 on the LaCrosse and $500 on the Enclave SUV. Low-interest rate financing is also available. Programs end 3/3/08.

GM Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

General Motors is offering a wide variety of rebate programs that cover Chevy, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac Saab and Saturn brands. Amounts range from $2,000 on the Chevy Silverado pickup to $1,000 on the Hummer H3 and $500 on the Pontiac Solstice. Low interest rate financing is available across all brand and model lines.

January 11, 2008

Buick's Velite Concept Led to Current Product Design

DETROIT – “Restrained extravagance” were the words that described the landmark Buick Velite concept nearly four years ago and they still apply today.

With a sweeping, stylized exterior and a globally influenced passenger compartment, the Velite – a four-seat convertible – continues to characterize Buick vehicles of today.

The Velite’s design influence can be seen in current production vehicles in North America, including the new Enclave, Lucerne and LaCrosse.

Continue reading "Buick's Velite Concept Led to Current Product Design"

Buick Riviera Concept Showcased in Detroit

DETROIT – The Buick Riviera, a stunning concept car designed to showcase Buick's new global design direction, makes its North American debut at the Buick stand during the North American International Auto Show.

Unveiled at China’s Auto Shanghai 2007, the gull-wing, front-wheel-drive Riviera concept coupe was developed with global design input by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a design and engineering joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). PATAC is headquartered in Shanghai.

Continue reading "Buick Riviera Concept Showcased in Detroit"

January 9, 2008

Survey: Drivers See Toyota, Honda as Best Overall

NEW YORK -- Consumers perceived Toyota and Honda brands to be best by a wide margin, followed by Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC, according to Consumer Reports' 2008 Car Brand Perception Survey.

The survey also revealed that car buyers consider safety and quality as the most important considerations, followed by value, performance, environmental friendliness, design, and technical innovation.

Continue reading "Survey: Drivers See Toyota, Honda as Best Overall"

January 6, 2008

Kid Rock Flexes Detroit Muscle at GM Style

DETROIT – “Detroit Cowboy” Kid Rock, all-around brash boy and considered by many to be the contemporary embodiment of rock and roll, brings Detroit style to GM Style, a celebration of cars, music and fashion. The Jan. 12 event leads up to the North American International Auto Show.

Kid Rock joins previously announced performers Mary J. Blige, DJ Samantha Ronson and Maroon 5.

GM also announced that the E85 Hot Rod and Chevrolet Camaro convertible concepts will hit the GM Style runway.

Continue reading "Kid Rock Flexes Detroit Muscle at GM Style"

January 4, 2008

General Motors: And Now for Something Completely Different

By Christopher Barger, Director, GM Global Communications Technology

If you haven’t been able to tell over the last few years, GM is really, really trying to do things differently, and not just in the way we’re designing and engineering our products.

This means telling our story, and spurring conversations both with and among the driving public, in a more honest and open kind of way. Our blogs have always tried to stay faithful to that premise (even if we don’t always have the chance to engage as often as we’d like), and we plan to build on it going forward.

Continue reading "General Motors: And Now for Something Completely Different"

January 3, 2008

GM Pre-Owned Offers Low Finance Rate on Select Vehicles

DETROIT - GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand*, today announced a new nationwide GMAC rate incentive program on select GM Certified Used Vehicles, including GMC Envoy, Chevrolet Malibu, Impala and Trailblazer models.

The new rate incentive offer, effective January 3, 2008, through March 31, 2008, provides well-qualified GM Certified Used Vehicles buyers with 2.9% APR financing for terms up to 48 months or 3.9% APR financing for terms up to 60 months from GMAC Financial Services on 2003-2008 models of Chevrolet Malibu, Impala and Trailblazer and GMC Envoy purchased from participating GM Certified Used Vehicles dealers.

Continue reading "GM Pre-Owned Offers Low Finance Rate on Select Vehicles"

GM Reports 323,453 December Deliveries

DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 323,453 vehicles in December, down 5 percent compared with a year ago. With 257,469 retail vehicle deliveries, retail sales for the month were up 1.5 percent.

GM delivered 3.87 million vehicles in 2007, down 6 percent compared with 2006. GM's retail market share is anticipated to be flat for the year, with daily rental share down significantly, as planned.

Continue reading "GM Reports 323,453 December Deliveries"

GM launches website dedicated to future of transportation

DETROIT - What should power the world's vehicles in 20 years? How can personal transportation become more sustainable in an age of increasing global competition for resources? What role will the automotive industry play in developing markets?

Decisions on issues like these will largely shape transportation in the 21st century. To speed the process, GM will mark its 100th anniversary by launching a global dialogue through an initiative called GMnext.

Continue reading "GM launches website dedicated to future of transportation"

Bob Lutz: Leading the General Motors Style Revival

Because it takes years for a vehicle to go from a drawing to reality, General Motors has only recently seen the full impact of Bob Lutz's touch. Lutz--a former Marine captain and aviator who has been in the auto business since 1963--joined General Motors Corp. as vice chairman of product development in 2001.

At the time, the rational left-brained engineers and planners would develop the chassis, engine and transmission, and marketing would have its say. Only then would the more creative right-brained designers be called in to fit a skin on the outside--so late in the process that the result was usually a mediocre compromise. "It was an overly rational approach to the business," Lutz says.

Recently, the right brain has been in from the start, and the results are beginning to show in the marketplace. GM cars, trucks and crossovers like the Saturn Aura and redesigned Chevy Malibu are getting great reviews and are catching on with consumers.

December 29, 2007

GM Certified Used Vehicles Provide Peace of Mind

Since 1997, GM Certified Used Vehicles, the automotive industry’s top-selling certified pre-owned brand, has given consumers a third alternative to new vehicle and traditional used vehicle purchases.

The GM Certified Used Vehicles program’s popularity is a direct result of its ability to simplify and take the guesswork out of buying a used car, giving consumers added confidence and peace of mind.

Continue reading "GM Certified Used Vehicles Provide Peace of Mind"

December 28, 2007

GM Mobility Program Provides Transit for People with Disabilities

In 1991, General Motors launched its Mobility Program to help provide transportation options to people with disabilities.

Today, that program has grown, with more vehicles and more services dedicated to making automotive transportation easier and more accessible for the millions of people with disabilities.

Continue reading "GM Mobility Program Provides Transit for People with Disabilities"

December 26, 2007

Buick Offers Accessory Line for 2008 Enclave SUV

The 2008 Enclave, Buick’s first luxury crossover SUV, is built on an all-new crossover architecture and motivated by one of GM’s most powerful V-6 engines ever.

Enclave owners can put their personal signature on their vehicles, thanks to interior and exterior accessories that are available from Buick Accessories.

“The Enclave is equipped with many luxurious features for discerning vehicle owners,” said Nancy Philippart, executive director, GM Accessories. “Buick Accessories allow owners to add additional functions and features that meet their needs.”

Continue reading "Buick Offers Accessory Line for 2008 Enclave SUV"

Maroon 5 Fronts the Stage at GM Style

DETROIT - Pop/rock/soul sensation and two-time Grammy Award winner Maroon 5 will perform in GM Style, an invitation-only celebration of cars, music and fashion that takes place on Jan. 12, leading up to the North American International Auto Show.

GM announced that two additional vehicles, the Opel Corsa OPC and HUMMER H3R concept, as well as rock-inspired fashions by Royal Underground, created by Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx and former St. John model and CEO Kelly Gray; and hip-hop mogul/entrepreneur Russell Simmons' new Argyle Culture line.

All the GM Style showcase vehicles and fashions will be introduced - runway style - in a high-energy show set to music.

Continue reading "Maroon 5 Fronts the Stage at GM Style"

Buick's Enclave -- A Hit of Their Own in 2008

Enclave is the vehicle that is going to change perceptions about Buick. It blends a graceful, romantic exterior with an elegant, well-crafted interior. Enclave is smaller on the outside, but lives bigger on the inside, combining segment-leading fuel efficiency with room for up to eight passengers and space for cargo.

Starting at less than $33,000 MSRP, the Enclave is priced to challenge its luxury competitors, offers better fuel economy and is quieter and roomier inside. It is also loaded with standard equipment and offers the industry’s best warranty coverage.

“Enclave sets the tone for the revival of Buick in North America ,” said Buick-Pontiac-GMC General Manager Jim Bunnell.

Continue reading "Buick's Enclave -- A Hit of Their Own in 2008"

Buick Moves 2008 Lucerne Further Upscale

Since 2004, Buick has steadily brought more premium and near-luxury products into its portfolio. The addition of the 2008 Lucerne Super – due in showrooms in early 2008 – underscores that commitment.

Buick rekindled the Super name after 50 years to designate its most premium model in the brand’s line-up, offering design, luxury content, and enhanced performance characteristics exclusive to the Super badge.

Buick also is introducing two new safety-enhancing technologies – Side Blind Zone Alert and Lane Departure Warning – available on all Lucerne models for 2008. Side Blind Zone Alert uses radar to provide drivers with more information about vehicles in hard-to-see areas around the Lucerne. Lane Departure Warning uses a camera-based lane detection system to warn drivers of inadvertent lane changes.

Continue reading "Buick Moves 2008 Lucerne Further Upscale"

2008 Buick LaCrosse Gets "Super" Sized

Buick has rekindled a powerful name from its past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement for the 2008 Buick LaCrosse line-up: Super. The badge is designated exclusively for the most premium LaCrosse available. The Super moniker returns to Buick vehicles for the first time in 50 years.

Along with the V-8-powered LaCrosse Super, the entire LaCrosse lineup features a new look inspired by the Buick Velite convertible concept and an elevated list of standard content.

The new front-end appearance signifies the new face of Buick, and is shared across the 2008 Buick vehicle lineup.

Continue reading "2008 Buick LaCrosse Gets "Super" Sized"

GM's OnStar Expands Features for 2008

From a dealer-installed option on just 1,000 vehicles in 1997 to more than five million subscribers today, OnStar has evolved from a “nice-to-have” safety feature to a comprehensive suite of communication, safety and security services that customers increasingly rely on for peace of mind.

In just a decade, OnStar has become not only a key differentiator for GM cars and trucks, but a highly innovative company with far-reaching influence within the technology sector.

With seven generations of hardware in 10 years, OnStar’s services have evolved to include increasingly sophisticated features, including OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Hands-Free Calling, Advanced Automatic Crash Notification and, introduced last year, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics.

Continue reading "GM's OnStar Expands Features for 2008"

December 25, 2007

Buick's Outlook for 2008

Buick has redefined itself with premium products that deliver luxurious driving experiences wrapped in elegant, sophisticated design. The all-new Enclave luxury crossover SUV and the return of the Buick Super designation lead Buick’s 2008 product lineup.

Enclave combines elegant interior and exterior design and a confident ride in a quiet, well-crafted roomy cabin capable of carrying up to eight passengers with space for gear. It is built on GM’s all-new large crossover architecture and motivated by a sophisticated and powerful V-6 engine.

Continue reading "Buick's Outlook for 2008"

Finalists Announced for the 12th Annual Urban Wheel Awards

DETROIT -- An independent panel of automotive journalists have cast their votes for the finalists of the 2008 Urban Wheel Awards, which will be held on January 15, 2008 at the Fox Theater in Detroit, in conjunction with Press Preview Week of the North American International Auto Show.

Co-hosts Actress Rosie Perez, and Kevin Frazier, of Entertainment Tonight will lead a cast of celebrity presenters, who will present awards to the automotive manufacturers, executives, suppliers, dealers, advertising agencies and motorsports organizations who have contributed to diversity in the industry.

Continue reading "Finalists Announced for the 12th Annual Urban Wheel Awards"

December 21, 2007

GM First to Sell 1 Million Vehicles in China in One Year

Shanghai – General Motors became the first global automaker to sell 1 million vehicles in China in a single year today when GM China Group President and Managing Director Kevin Wale handed the keys to a Buick Park Avenue to Mr. Zhang Jianping at Shanghai GM’s corporate showroom in Shanghai.

“Becoming the first global manufacturer to sell 1 million vehicles in China is a demonstration of the strength of our product, our people and our partnerships,” said GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner. “China is a very important market, and we’re extremely proud of the contribution we have been able to make to the growth and development of its automotive industry. It’s been an extremely beneficial relationship for both sides.”

Continue reading "GM First to Sell 1 Million Vehicles in China in One Year"

December 20, 2007

GM Statement Regarding EPA Decision to Deny Waiver to California

GM is dedicated to providing a wide array of vehicle solutions to improve our nation’s energy security and address climate change.

The EPA’s decision to deny California’s request for a waiver under the Clean Air Act hopefully will allow us to focus on meeting the tough, new national fuel economy standards set within the Energy Bill recently passed by Congress and signed by the President.

Continue reading "GM Statement Regarding EPA Decision to Deny Waiver to California"

General Motors Gets Its Style Mojo Back

The new, award-winning Chevrolet Malibu and Buick Enclave are the consummation of an agonizingly slow process in which the world's largest automaker completely reworked the way it designs and develops new cars and trucks.

There's never been a shortage of talented engineers and designers at GM, but for decades, the company's processes, politics and management blocked creativity and innovation. "GM now has a hyper-efficient, product-focused vehicle development program," says Jim Hall, managing director of 2953 Analytics of Birmingham. Its vehicle-development system today stands alongside Toyota and BMW as the best in the industry, Hall believes.

The changes that led to GM's improved vehicles are now ingrained in the company as official policy. A single executive is responsible for each family of vehicles; each of GM's global engineering centers now concentrates on the kind of vehicles it does best; and the goal for each new vehicle is to be the best in its class, rather than simply hoping to be competitive.

December 18, 2007

GM Announces Average Price Increases of 1.5%

DETROIT – GM today announced a price adjustment on most of its 2008 model year vehicles to partially recover increasing steel and commodity costs. The price increases, averaging about 1.5 percent, are effective with vehicles invoiced to dealers on and after December 19, 2007.

“This targeted price increase is designed to partially recover ever-increasing commodity costs. While most cars and trucks in our portfolio will go up between 100 to 500 dollars, in hotly contested segments, many vehicles such as the Saturn Aura four-cylinder and the all-new Malibu LS will have no increase,” said Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing.

Continue reading "GM Announces Average Price Increases of 1.5%"

Statement From Rick Wagoner, General Motors Chairman Regarding House Energy Bill

GM commends the Congress and President for passage of an energy bill. The new fuel economy standards within the bill set a tough, national target that GM will strive to meet.

We will focus our engineering and technical resources to attain these standards and we remain hard at work applying the innovation and developing the advanced technologies that will power tomorrow's cars and trucks.

Continue reading "Statement From Rick Wagoner, General Motors Chairman Regarding House Energy Bill"

GM to List National Certified Used Inventory on AutoMercado

DETROIT – GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry’s top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand, announced it has reached an agreement to list all GM Certified Used Vehicles on AutoMercado.com, the industry’s first 100% all-Spanish language automotive listings website.

GM Certified is the first manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand to provide all-Spanish language listings for its entire national inventory on AutoMercado.com.

Continue reading "GM to List National Certified Used Inventory on AutoMercado"

December 13, 2007

Early Holiday Treats for General Motors

By Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman

Well, you know I hate to brag about our products, but… if I don’t, who will?

We have received some outstanding news about the prestigious North American Car of the Year and Truck of the Year awards… you may remember we swept those awards last January with the Saturn Aura and the Chevy Silverado.

The jury of esteemed automotive journalists is finished voting, the finalists have been announced, and GM has secured four spots in the finals. In the Car of the Year category, the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS are among the finalists, while on the truck side, finalists include the Buick Enclave and Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.

Continue reading "Early Holiday Treats for General Motors"

Honda Tops USN & World Report 2008 Car Rankings

WASHINGTON -- U.S. News & World Report today announced its 2008 Car Rankings. The 2008 rankings cover the best and worst cars, trucks and SUVs based on an analysis of consensus opinions from America's top automotive experts.

GM shows the greatest improvement from the 2007 to 2008 car rankings with several new or redesigned vehicles ranking near the top of their classes. The redesigned Chevy Malibu, all-new Buick Enclave, and redesigned Cadillac CTS (winner of Motor Trend Car of the Year) fare well in the rankings.

Continue reading "Honda Tops USN & World Report 2008 Car Rankings"

December 12, 2007

2008 North American Car and Truck of The Year Finalists Announced

DETROIT -- General Motors has four of the six finalists for the North American Car of the Year and the North American Truck of the Year, it was announced today.

An international group of automotive journalists voted the Cadillac CTS, the Chevrolet Malibu and the Honda Accord finalists for the 2008 North American Car of the Year.

The Buick Enclave, the Mazda CX-9 and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid are finalists for the 2008 North American Truck of the Year.

Continue reading "2008 North American Car and Truck of The Year Finalists Announced"

The gas engine's demise has been greatly exaggerated

By Dan Hancock
Vice President, GM Global Powertrain Engineering

With the energy bill now pending in Congress, many have questioned the viability of the gasoline fueled-internal combustion engine in cars, citing incremental mileage gains of the past few years as proof the technology has reached its zenith.

But GM doesn’t believe the gas engine is dead. It will absolutely remain a significant part of our Advanced Propulsion Technology Strategy for the foreseeable future. As Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said on Dec. 3, “The new CAFE standards pose a significant technical and economic challenge to the industry. It’s a challenge that GM is prepared to put forth its best effort to meet with an array of engineering, research and development resources.”

Continue reading "The gas engine's demise has been greatly exaggerated"

December 10, 2007

Mary J. Blige to Open GM Style at Detroit Auto Show

DETROIT - Six-time Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige, known as the "Queen of R&B," will perform in GM Style, a car-and-star-studded affair on the Detroit riverfront, on Saturday, Jan. 12, leading up to the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

Similar to last year's inaugural GM Style event, the invitation-only affair will feature the world debut of GM global concept and production cars, as well as favorites revealed during 2007, including the Chevrolet Beat and Saturn Astra Tuner. All the GM Style showcase vehicles will be introduced - fashion runway style - to live music. More cars and talent will be announced in the coming weeks.

Continue reading "Mary J. Blige to Open GM Style at Detroit Auto Show"

December 7, 2007

Regional GM Dealers Pick Their Ad Shops

Regional General Motors dealer ad groups will once again pick their own creative or media agencies in a "back-to-the-future scenario," as Brent Dewar, vp-field sales, service and parts for GM in North America, describes it. GM's goal is more effective advertising at the local level.

GM eliminated dealer ad groups in 1999 only to re-form them in 2000. While participation was voluntary, the local marketing groups, or LMGs, had to use GM's national agencies and the automaker controlled the accounts. Under the new system, the agencies will report to the dealer groups--a move that should give the retailers more flexibility in their markets, Dewar says.

The dealers will have two options: Stay with the incumbents or select a new shop. Dewar said the dealer groups, however, will have to fund customized work from any new agencies themselves. But the national shops will still provide creative in a "tool box" at no extra cost to dealer groups that decide to hire another agency.

Playboy Crowns the Audi R8 Hottest Car of 2008

CHICAGO -- Which cars will be turning heads on the street this year? According to Playboy's "2008 Cars of the Year," a high-performance hybrid surges past competitors, a European import squeezes to the top, and a luxury carmaker provides one of the most fuel efficient and affordable vehicles on the road.

The selected cars were chosen by an expert team of automotive writers who traveled the world and test drove every new model hitting the showroom floor this year. The vehicles were taken on the sharpest turns, most challenging curves, and the steepest hills to properly separate the superlative from the mediocre. The vehicles featured in Playboy's January issue include:

Continue reading "Playboy Crowns the Audi R8 Hottest Car of 2008"

December 4, 2007

Toyota Highlander Rated Tops Among Three-Row SUVs

Buick Enclave also impresses, Ford Taurus X improves; New Chrysler minivans disappoint

YONKERS, N.Y. -- The redesigned Toyota Highlander received top scores in a new Consumer Reports test of four midsized three-row SUVs, though it did not earn the organization's Recommended designation. Still, the Highlander now tops a field of 14 similar vehicles. The Buick Enclave and Ford Taurus X didn't score as well in this test, but both bested the Subaru Tribeca.

In a test extra, the new Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans proved disappointing.

Continue reading "Toyota Highlander Rated Tops Among Three-Row SUVs"

Japanese Cars Continue to Dominate Car-Owner Satisfaction Survey

South Korean Cars Make First Appearance on CR's Most Satisfying List; Domestic Models Gain Ground in Family and Luxury/Upscale Categories for the First Time in Five Years

YONKERS, N.Y. -- Japanese vehicles continue their domination over domestic and European brands in Consumer Reports' Annual Car Owner Satisfaction Survey. Of the 39 car models that made Consumer Reports' latest Most Satisfying car list, 18 toted Japanese nameplates with 10 of those built by Toyota.

For the fourth straight year, the Toyota Prius hybrid was identified by respondents as the most satisfying of any vehicle, with 92 percent of Prius owners indicating they would definitely buy one again. Following closely, were the BMW 335i coupe/convertible and Porsche Boxster, which drew scores of 91 and 90 respectively.

Continue reading "Japanese Cars Continue to Dominate Car-Owner Satisfaction Survey"

December 3, 2007

GM Reports November Sales Down 11%

DETROIT - After three consecutive monthly increases, GM dealers in the United States delivered 263,654 vehicles in November, down 11 percent compared with a year ago, reflecting continuing reductions in daily rental sales and softening industry demand.

GM's retail car deliveries increased, based on the strength of the all-new Chevrolet Malibu, 2008 Cadillac CTS and fuel-efficient Chevrolet Aveo, Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and G6.

Continue reading "GM Reports November Sales Down 11%"

November 28, 2007

GM Vice President Mark R. LaNeve to Open Washington Auto Show

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a joint statement, The Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA) and the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) today announced that Mark R. LaNeve, General Motors North America vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing, will deliver the keynote address to the Washington Auto Show: "Engineered for the Future" during International Media Day on Jan. 22, 2008, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Continue reading "GM Vice President Mark R. LaNeve to Open Washington Auto Show"

November 24, 2007

Video: Technology to avoid crashes

An emerging automobile technology

Active Safety from General Motors is a class of products that prevent crashes or minimize damage to the vehicle and increase passenger safety in unavoidable crashes.

Video: Spot the Tot

Safe Kids Worldwide and General Motors work to expand awareness of child safety in and around cars.

November 23, 2007

Video: GM Demonstrates how to get better gas mileage

Driving Greener -- Saving money and helping the environment.

General Motors shows how to get better fuel economy from your vehicle.

Video: Real World Crashes

GM pioneers new methods of crash research

Improved technology in General Motor's newer vehicles have paved the way to study actual crashes.

Video: OnStar Improves Road Safety

Used During High Speed Police Chases

Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, by GM's OnStar, works with law enforcement to send a signal to a stolen vehicle to reduce engine power, slowing the vehicle down gradually.

Video: Tiger Woods Shows Buick's New SUV

Enclave at the Los Angeles Auto Show

The Enclave is Buick's first luxury crossover SUV. It is purposely built on an all-new crossover architecture and motivated by one of GM's most powerful V-6 engines ever. In this video, Tiger Woods is all about Buick.

November 10, 2007

Consumers Invited To Test Drive New Chevy Malibu at Alabama Auto Show

Consumers attending the Alabama International Auto Show Friday-Sunday, November 9-11 will have a unique opportunity to truly ‘experience’ the GM display by getting behind the wheel and test driving many of General Motors’ hottest new vehicles, including the newly redesigned 2008 Chevy Malibu and the luxurious Cadillac CTS.

Continue reading "Consumers Invited To Test Drive New Chevy Malibu at Alabama Auto Show"

November 8, 2007

Check out the latest car videos

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

Check out the latest car videos with our nifty new YouTube player.

November 6, 2007

Streetsboro Buick-Pontiac-GMC to Be Featured in National Advertising Campaign

STREETSBORO, Ohio -- Classic Buick-Pontiac-GMC, which held its grand opening in May of this year, will now be featured in an upcoming national, retail advertising campaign for the three divisions. Jim Brown, president, Classic Auto Group, is thrilled to welcome the film crew into his all-new showroom.

Classic, one of the first GM dealerships to offer all three GM brands under one roof in this new state-of-the-art facility will now be the first dealership of its kind to be featured in national advertising. The modern facility design and its expansive showroom will provide the perfect setting for Buick, Pontiac and GMC to showcase some of its newest models in advertising.

Continue reading "Streetsboro Buick-Pontiac-GMC to Be Featured in National Advertising Campaign"

November 1, 2007

GM Beats Industry Trend, Reports 310,008 October Sales

DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 310,008 vehicles in October, 8,700 more vehicles when compared with year-ago performance, outpacing an industry expected to show a volume decline of about 4 percent.

For the third consecutive month, on an unadjusted basis, total sales increased, with October up 3 percent. When adjusted for selling days, sales declined 1 percent. It is anticipated that GM will see its fourth consecutive month with market share above 24 percent. Since August, market share is up more than 1 point, to 25.1 percent, compared with the same three month period last year.

Continue reading "GM Beats Industry Trend, Reports 310,008 October Sales"

October 31, 2007

Buick Enclave Is A Hit, So GM Cuts Production

The tight supply of Buick Enclaves--a so-called crossover utility vehicle that has become a breakout hit for General Motors this year--is no accident. GM is keeping a tight rein on production in an effort to avoid past mistakes that forced it to offer discounts and cheapened the image of the company's brands.

In the past, when GM had hot models, it usually built as many as it could, and almost always ended up with lots filled with unsold vehicles. "Nothing destroys the value of a new product faster than over producing," says GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz.

For example, the Chevy HHR, a retro-styled wagon launched in 2005, sold briskly at first, often at full sticker price. But 15 months after the HHR was introduced, Chevy dealers had enough in stock to last almost five months. Since then, GM has had to continue discounting and dump thousands of HHRs into rental fleets, which eroded the margin on the car, and badly watered down its cachet.

October 26, 2007

Volvo and Volkswagen Top Certified Pre-Owned List

LAS VEGAS -- IntelliChoice has announced the winners of its ninth annual ranking of certified pre-owned (CPO) manufacturer-sponsored programs.

Overall, Volvo beat out Cadillac for the best Luxury program—one year after Cadillac ended Jaguar’s long reign in the category—while Volkswagen was recognized for the fourth straight year for best Non-Luxury program. The rankings were unveiled at the 2008 National Remarketing Conference & Used Car Expo, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Continue reading "Volvo and Volkswagen Top Certified Pre-Owned List"

General Motors Relief Efforts in Response to Fires in Southern California

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - General Motors and the GM Foundation are putting in place several efforts to help those persons impacted by the devastating fires that have raged across Southern California.

The GM Foundation has contributed $100,000 to the American Red Cross (ARC), which also has a fleet of GM-donated HUMMER vehicles available to provide relief in natural disasters. In addition, 12 Southern California HUMMER dealerships are standing by to assist with relief efforts.

Continue reading "General Motors Relief Efforts in Response to Fires in Southern California"

October 23, 2007

Consumer Guide Announces 2008 Best Buys

LINCOLNWOOD, Ill. -- Consumer Guide Automotive, the leading publisher of authoritative, objective new and used car reviews for 40 years, today announced the recipients of its 2008 Best Buy and Recommended Awards.

The annual list, designed to make car buying easier for consumers, represents the best overall values in 18 categories and includes a total of 87 vehicles.

The editors then use objective criteria, such as price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records and resale value, to assess each vehicle. The winners are divided into two categories: The Consumer Guide Automotive "Best Buy" and "Recommended" winners.

Continue reading "Consumer Guide Announces 2008 Best Buys"

October 18, 2007

GM Announces Record Global Third Quarter Sales, Up 4%

DETROIT - General Motors sold a record 2.38 million cars and trucks around the world in the third quarter of 2007, a 4 percent increase compared with last year, according to preliminary sales figures released today.

GM also reported record sales outside the United States, marking the 21st consecutive quarter of year-over-year sales increases outside the U.S.

Continue reading "GM Announces Record Global Third Quarter Sales, Up 4%"

GM Expands XM As Standard on All 2008 Buick, HUMMER and Saab Models

XM Also Standard on Many of GM's Most Popular Saturn, Chevrolet, Pontiac and GMC Vehicles

WASHINGTON -- XM Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: XMSR) , the nation's leading provider of satellite radio, today announced that XM Radio is a standard feature for the first time on all General Motors 2008 model year Buick, HUMMER and Saab vehicles.

XM is also now widely standard across many of the most popular vehicles in the Saturn, Chevrolet, GMC and Pontiac lineups, including: the all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Silverado, Tahoe, Cobalt, Corvette and Impala; Saturn VUE, OUTLOOK, AURA and SKY; GMC Acadia, Yukon, and Sierra; and Pontiac G5 and Solstice models among others.

Continue reading "GM Expands XM As Standard on All 2008 Buick, HUMMER and Saab Models"

October 14, 2007

GM’s OnStar could halt stolen cars

DETROIT - Say some clown steals your car from the parking deck at work.

If it’s equipped with General Motors’ OnStar service, he could be in for a big surprise and you could get a little revenge — and even see your car again.

Starting with about 20 models for 2009, the service will be able to slowly halt a car that is reported stolen, and the radio may even speak up and tell the thief to pull over because police are watching.

Continue reading "GM’s OnStar could halt stolen cars"

October 9, 2007

GM's Launch of Six-Speed Transmissions Shifts into High Gear

PONTIAC, Mich. - Transmission engineers at General Motors Corp. have given new meaning to the term "overdrive." By using high-tech computerized tools, they launched nine new fuel-saving six-speed transmission models - the industry's largest lineup - in just four short years. Furthermore, their use of this technology has shaved as much as six months and $15 million from the typical transmission development process.

GM transmission engineers use sophisticated math modeling, among other advanced tools, to not only design the transmission components, but also to predict and test their reliability, analyzing functions such as oil pressure and flow, lubrication distribution and shift quality.

Continue reading "GM's Launch of Six-Speed Transmissions Shifts into High Gear"

October 3, 2007

GM Certified Used Vehicles Offers 4.9% APR

DETROIT - GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand*, announced today a new nationwide rate incentive program for consumers on select GM Certified Used Vehicles, including the Chevrolet Impala and Malibu, Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick LaCrosse.

The new rate incentive offer is effective Oct. 2, 2007 through Jan. 2, 2008. Well-qualified buyers are eligible for GMAC 4.9 percent APR financing for terms up to 48 months, or GMAC 5.9 percent APR financing for terms up to 60 months on select GM Certified Used Vehicles purchased from participating GM Certified Used Vehicles dealers.

Continue reading "GM Certified Used Vehicles Offers 4.9% APR"

GM Reports September Sales Up 4%

DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 337,640 vehicles in September, up 4 percent compared with a year ago. The company's 255,274 retail deliveries were up more than 7 percent.

For the second consecutive month GM bucked industry trends, led by brisk retail sales of full-size trucks, mid-utility crossovers, the Cadillac CTS and Chevrolet Cobalt.

"Our market share performance of more than 25 percent over the last quarter demonstrates strong consumer acceptance of our new products and the continued progress we've made in our North America turnaround strategy," said Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing.

Continue reading "GM Reports September Sales Up 4%"

Saab vehicles added to GM Mobility program

DETROIT – General Motors today announced that it has added the entire line of Saab vehicles to its GM Mobility program. Customers who now purchase or lease any new 2007 or 2008MY Saab vehicle and install or reinstall eligible adaptive mobility equipment can receive a combination of financial assistance and the protection and convenience of OnStar.

All GM brands are now part of the program, and include Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, HUMMER, Pontiac and Saturn.

Continue reading "Saab vehicles added to GM Mobility program"

Buick "Super" Designation Gives LaCrosse a Boost

DETROIT – The 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super lives up to the legacy of the Super designation with increased power, refined performance and a full portfolio of elegant amenities.

“The LaCrosse Super looks like a Buick should and drives like the high-end luxury performance car our engineers intended,” said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. “The Supers are not boy-racers, but very refined, powerful, controllable, smooth and exceptionally quiet vehicles.”

Continue reading "Buick "Super" Designation Gives LaCrosse a Boost"

September 27, 2007

General Motors Sells 12-Millionth Used Vehicle at Auction

DETROIT - General Motors reached a landmark today with the sale of the 12-millionth GM remarketed vehicle at auction. The vehicle, a 2007 Buick LaCrosse, was sold today at a special sales event at the Flint Auto Auction in Flint, Mich., to Patsy Lou Buick GMC of Flint, Michigan. Today's GM Sponsored Auctions closed sale included 425 GM used vehicles.

"Flint Auto Auction has been a great General Motors sale over the past six years and we're pleased we can share this honor with our auction partners here," said Mark Mathews, director, GM Used Vehicle Activities.

Continue reading "General Motors Sells 12-Millionth Used Vehicle at Auction"

September 26, 2007

'Buy American' Desire Drives Many New Shoppers to Purchase Domestic Rather Than Import Nameplates

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Despite the fact that import vehicles make up nearly 49 percent of the U.S. auto market, the country of origin still plays a crucial role in consumer choice of which make and model to purchase, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Escaped Shopper Study released today. The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of why consumers may consider one model, but ultimately purchase another.

Nearly 80 percent of new-vehicle buyers limit their consideration set to include only domestic models or only import models. Among those who cross-shop for both import and domestic models, consumers who ultimately buy a domestic frequently do so because they simply decide they do not want an import. Buyers of domestic new-vehicles also frequently decide against import brands for financial reasons, most often citing that the import didn't offer aggressive rebates or other incentives.

Continue reading "'Buy American' Desire Drives Many New Shoppers to Purchase Domestic Rather Than Import Nameplates"

September 25, 2007

Buick Expands International Reach with GM Agreement to Export Enclave Crossover to China

DETROIT – Buick will expand its international reach following a four-year agreement signed today by General Motors and Shanghai GM to export up to 25,000 of the brand’s hot-selling Enclave luxury crossover to China beginning in the second half of 2008.

The Enclave is Buick’s first luxury crossover. Known for its elegant design, well-crafted and library-quiet interior, the Enclave has segment-leading fuel economy and space to transport up to eight passengers plus their gear.

It is one of GM’s hottest vehicles in North America having sold more than 14,000 since early May. Nearly half of Enclave buyers are new to Buick. It is built at GM’s award-winning Lansing Delta Township assembly plant in Lansing, Mich.

Continue reading "Buick Expands International Reach with GM Agreement to Export Enclave Crossover to China"

GM Signs Agreement for More than $800 Million to Export U.S.-Built Vehicles and Components to China

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- General Motors Corp. and its Shanghai General Motors joint venture today signed a multi-year agreement worth more than $800 million to export U.S.-built Buick Enclave premium crossover sport utility vehicles along with other vehicles and components to China beginning in 2008.

The agreement was signed in the presence of China’s Assistant Vice Minister of Commerce Chen Jian, Chinese Embassy officials, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Israel Hernandez, GM Vice President of Global Sales, Service and Marketing Operations John Middlebrook, and Shanghai GM Executive Vice President Robert Socia.

Continue reading "GM Signs Agreement for More than $800 Million to Export U.S.-Built Vehicles and Components to China"

September 24, 2007

GM offers new incentives

DETROIT -- General Motors is putting an extra $1,000 bonus on selected 2007 and 2008 models for Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Saturn and Hummer. The program starts Saturday, Sept. 22, and runs through Oct. 1.

There also is 0 percent financing for 60 months available for 2007 Chevrolet Silverado crew cab and GMC Sierra crew cab full-sized pickups. GM’s new crossovers -- the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook -- are not included.

For the first time, GM has put $1,000 cash on the 2007 Pontiac Solstice roadster. “I don’t know how many are out there, though,” a GM spokeswoman said.

GM told dealers the bonus cash is “stackable” with existing incentives. In some cases, a 2007 Lucerne sedan would have $3,500 cash on it, says one suburban Detroit Buick dealer. The 2008 Lucerne and LaCrosse cars will have $2,000 cash on them. Lease cash can be as much as $2,650 for a Lucerne and as much as $2,800 for a LaCrosse, the dealer adds.

September 10, 2007

Buick injects Super energy into 2008 Lacrosse

DETROIT – The 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super lives up to the legacy of the Super designation with increased power, refined performance and a full portfolio of elegant amenities.

Continue reading "Buick injects Super energy into 2008 Lacrosse"

September 4, 2007

General Motors Reports August Sales Up 6.2%

DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 388,168 vehicles in August, up more than 6 percent compared with year-ago monthly sales, a strong performance that resulted in an anticipated highest-of-the-year market share of nearly 26 percent. Brisk sales of full-size pickups and crossover SUVs led the increase.

"Bucking the trend in the industry, we were able to post healthy sales results in August. When combining retail sales with our growing commercial business, our sales were up when compared with last August. Importantly, last month was our third-best retail month of the year," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "With the double-digit decline in daily rental sales so far this year, and an overall market that remains challenging and competitive, we continue to stabilize our retail share and pricing in the market."

Customers are also recognizing the quality of GM products. A recent study ranked Buick number one (tied with Lexus) in vehicle dependability. Another customer service survey has every GM brand above the industry average score -better than Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Ford and Land Rover. "The myth of import superiority is being destroyed. In countless independent consumer surveys, blogs and expert reviews, it is becoming increasingly evident that we build the highest quality vehicles and deliver them with world-class service," LaNeve noted.

Continue reading "General Motors Reports August Sales Up 6.2%"

August 30, 2007

Rare GM Vehicles on Display at Salisbury Automobile Classic

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Several multi-million dollar automobiles will be making rare appearances at the eighth annual Salisbury Automobile Classic on Sunday, September 9.

The Salisbury House Foundation, in cooperation with General Motors and a local dealership, Betts Cadillac, has secured the arrival of the 1938 Buick Y Job, the 1951 Le Sabre and a 1953 - 59 Cadillac Le Mans, all part of the private GM Heritage Collection of rare and concept vehicles. Also joining this year’s event is the unique Futurliner.

Continue reading "Rare GM Vehicles on Display at Salisbury Automobile Classic"

August 29, 2007

GM Ranked As One of the 50 Best Companies for Latinas To Work

DETROIT - General Motors (GM) has been recognized by LATINA Style Magazine as one of the 50 best corporations in America to work for because of its ongoing commitment to helping Latina’s develop their careers.

The annual LATINA Style 50 Report, now celebrating its 10 year anniversary in 2007, is one of the most respected national evaluations of companies in terms of corporate policies and practices as they relate to the needs and goals of Latinas in the workplace. With more than 1,000 prominent corporations surveyed for the report, it is the most extensive review of its kind and thus, the honor is a significant distinction for GM.

Continue reading "GM Ranked As One of the 50 Best Companies for Latinas To Work"

August 27, 2007

Buick may be ripe for expansion

DETROIT - Buick's high customer satisfaction rankings and its recent jump to tie Lexus at the top of J.D. Power and Associates' 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study has General Motors executives considering more vehicles for Buick.

"We think we've got room for expansion in the Buick lineup, and we see Buick over time hitting that space in the market where today Acura is, Volvo is - that's its historic position, where it's a cut above Dodge, Chrysler and Ford," said Mark La-Neve, GM's vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing in an interview with Automotive News. "It was always a near-luxury premium car."

LaNeve said GM is considering molding the future Buick lineup to resemble Buick China's offering: "By leveraging some of the products that we're going to be introducing in China over a period of years, we can augment the Buick lineup to really slot it in a very sophisticated place in the market above the mainstream."

August 25, 2007

GM'S 2008 Global Powertrain Lineup Provides More Miles with Less Fuel

General Motors Corp. will introduce 14 new or significantly revised powertrains in the 2008 model year – including five 1.0L to 2.0L small-displacement engine variants – with a focus on saving fuel and improving performance in GM’s cars and trucks.

For 2008, GM’s powertrain lineup includes hybrids, clean diesels and fuel-saving technologies such as Active Fuel Management, direct injection, variable valve timing, six-speed transmissions and flexfuel options for consumers.

Continue reading "GM'S 2008 Global Powertrain Lineup Provides More Miles with Less Fuel"

GM Takes New Combustion Technology Out of the Lab and Onto the Road

PONTIAC, Mich – Engine experts have dreamt about it, talked about it and lectured about it, and today – for the first time – General Motors is letting outside parties drive the “most awaited advanced combustion technology” of the past 30 years.

GM demonstrated the combustion process, known formally as homogeneous charge compression ignition, or HCCI, for the first time in two driveable concept vehicles, a 2007 Saturn Aura and Opel Vectra. When combined with the enabling advanced technologies such as direct injection, electric cam phasing, variable valve lift and cylinder pressure sensing, HCCI provides up to a 15-percent fuel savings, while meeting current emissions standards.

Continue reading "GM Takes New Combustion Technology Out of the Lab and Onto the Road"

Report: Auto Finance Providers Exploring Direct Lending Initiatives

WESTLAKE VILLAGE -- As competition in the auto finance market intensifies, many lenders are deploying full-spectrum strategies, which consists of lenders servicing both prime and sub-prime customers, to increase volume and market share and to improve service to their dealers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Dealer Financing Satisfaction Study released today.

The study finds that many prime finance providers are making the transition to the sub-prime market, with 57 percent of dealers utilizing traditionally prime lenders for sub-prime customers. Conversely, only 33 percent of dealers report using traditional sub-prime lender services for their prime customers.

Continue reading "Report: Auto Finance Providers Exploring Direct Lending Initiatives"

August 23, 2007

OnStar Extends Partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Detroit and Washington D.C. - Today OnStar announced that its partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) will be expanded to provide geographically targeted AMBER Alert messages to OnStar subscribers.

In addition to this technological advancement, OnStar will contribute $300,000 to NCMEC to support Team Adam, a dedicated group of retired law enforcement officials with expertise in missing children cases.

Continue reading "OnStar Extends Partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children"

August 21, 2007

OnStar Delivers One-Millionth Turn-by-Turn Navigation Route

DETROIT – General Motors OnStar announced today the delivery of their one-millionth OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation route since its launch in the spring of 2006. The company attributes the milestone to subscribers’ increased engagement with the easy-to-use, intuitive system and enhanced availability of Turn-by-Turn capable vehicles in the GM line-up.

Continue reading "OnStar Delivers One-Millionth Turn-by-Turn Navigation Route"

August 12, 2007

Buick Gets Some Well-Deserved Recognition

By Jim Bunnell, General Manager, Buick-Pontiac-GMC

It’s nice to know that you do good work and have quality products. It’s even nicer when someone else recognizes just how good you really are.

J.D. Power & Associates came out today with their 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study. In it, J.D. Power recognized Buick as building the most dependable vehicles in the automotive industry.

They say that we jumped eight points from third last year (153 ppH) to first (145 ppH), tying Lexus for the best score in the industry. (By the way, “ppH” stands for “problems reported per hundred vehicles; this year’s industry average was 216.)

Continue reading "Buick Gets Some Well-Deserved Recognition"

Movie Stars and Cool Cars from GM Featured at 2007 Woodward Dream Cruise

DETROIT - Cars and trucks with storied pasts and bright futures, starring roles in blockbuster movies and personal connections to NASCAR racing champions are just a few of the reasons to visit all three GM exhibits at the Aug. 18 Woodward Dream Cruise.

For those who can't attend, GM will for the first time offer multimedia coverage of the Woodward Dream Cruise from links at www.gm.com beginning Aug. 16.

Chevrolet will take over the Birmingham Triangle with a presentation of more than 60 classic and tuner vehicles, including vintage cruisers from the personal collections of some of NASCAR's biggest names. There will also be a full-line display of the newest Chevy cars, trucks and SUVs, highlighted by the new Chevy Volt and Camaro Convertible concepts.

Continue reading "Movie Stars and Cool Cars from GM Featured at 2007 Woodward Dream Cruise"

Speech: A Good Hand, delivered by Bob A. Lutz

Robert A. Lutz, GM Vice Chairman, Global Product Development

Thank you, Dave [Cole], and hello, everyone.

It’s great to be back in Traverse City — it’s been about five years so I was due for a return engagement at this event.

You know, when Dave’s organization asked me to come up and speak, they said I could talk about pretty much whatever I wanted, so long as it wasn’t a big GM commercial.

Frankly, I was appalled.

Continue reading "Speech: A Good Hand, delivered by Bob A. Lutz"

August 10, 2007

Report: Buick and Lexus Brands Tie for Highest Vehicle Dependability

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Buick ties with Lexus to rank highest among nameplates in vehicle dependability -- marking the first time in 12 years that another brand ties with Lexus for the highest-rank position, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM) (VDS) released today.

The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of 3-year-old (2004 model year) vehicles, finds that Buick and Lexus tie for the top rank position with a score of 145 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Following in the top five rankings are Cadillac, Mercury and Honda, respectively.

Continue reading "Report: Buick and Lexus Brands Tie for Highest Vehicle Dependability"

August 9, 2007

Buick Ranks Highest in Vehicle Dependability

DETROIT - Buick has been recognized for building the most dependable vehicles in the automotive industry, according to an annual J.D. Power and Associates study released today.

According to the 2007 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), Buick improved eight points from third last year (153 PP100) to first (145 PP100), earning a share of the lead with Lexus.

Continue reading "Buick Ranks Highest in Vehicle Dependability"

August 1, 2007

GM Reports 320,935 July Deliveries

DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 320,935 vehicles in July, down 18.5 percent compared with exceptionally strong year-ago monthly sales.

Of note, retail sales of 239,192 vehicles were up 14.5 percent compared with June 2007 with a substantial improvement in vehicle mix. Inventories were essentially flat compared with July 2006.

"We expected the month would provide a tough year-over-year comparison since in July 2006 industry sales were exceptionally strong and we were aggressively liquidating past model year inventories," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North American Sales, Service and Marketing.

Continue reading "GM Reports 320,935 July Deliveries"

July 30, 2007

Car Buyer's Notebook Now Available in Nine Languages!

Thanks to the Babel Fish translation software from AltaVista, Car Buyer's Notebook is now available in translation for nine languages. If you include English.

The alternate languages include: Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian and Portugese.

All you have to do is click on the appropriate flag in the box that is on the right hand side of the site.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Spanish.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in French.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Japanese.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Chinese.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in German.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Korean.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Italian.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Portugese.

July 22, 2007

GM Announces Global Quarterly Sales In Excess of 2.4 Million Vehicles

DETROIT - General Motors sold 2.405 million cars and trucks around the world in the second quarter of 2007, reporting record sales outside the United States, according to preliminary sales figures released today. GM sold 2.395 million vehicles in the second quarter last year.

Continue reading "GM Announces Global Quarterly Sales In Excess of 2.4 Million Vehicles"

July 17, 2007

OnStar, GMAC Insurance offer a break on premiums

DETROIT -- GMAC Insurance is teaming up with OnStar to offer discounts on premiums to drivers who don't put a lot of miles on their vehicles.

The General Motors subsidiaries are giving low-mileage motorists an opportunity to save money if they permit GMAC Insurance to track their odometer readings through the OnStar telematics service.

The insurer plans to offer the discounts in 34 states. Drivers who rack up no more than 15,000 miles a year are eligible.

"Mileage is one of the primary drivers of (insurance) exposure," said Gary Kusumi, CEO of GMAC Insurance Personal Lines.

Kusumi said OnStar is the first mainstream product that enables an insurer to track miles driven. Insurance customers, he said, often understate the miles they drive to get lower premiums.

July 11, 2007

BorgWarner Supplies International Engine of the Year Winners

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The BorgWarner Engine Group supplies systems and components for four of the eight winners of Engine Technology International magazine's 2007 International Engine of the Year Awards, including the:

-- Volkswagen 1.4-litre FSI
-- Porsche 3.6-litre Turbo
-- Volkswagen/Audi 2-litre Turbo FSI
-- BMW-PSA 1.6-litre Turbo

Continue reading "BorgWarner Supplies International Engine of the Year Winners"

July 10, 2007

Video: GM's Bob Lutz Addresses the Internet, Part 1

In this video, GM's Bob Lutz addresses questions about the Buick brand, including its rise to prominence in China and it's overall role in GM's lineup, particularly vis a vis Cadillac and Chevrolet.

Money quote: "The role of Buick, as I've always said, think of an American produced Lexus but at a lower price point."

July 4, 2007

Get the Car Buyer's Notebook Widget!

Aren't you tired of constantly navigating to sites, several times a day to keep up with the latest news?

I know I am -- and that's why I love widgets.

Widgets are these cool pieces of desktop "furniture" [like ours at right] that you can add to your computer -- and thus have a continuous live feed of updated news -- without going to a website to scan for cool stuff. [The widget can either be "parked" on top of all windows, or left underneath -- they're customizable, too!]

In the case of Car Buyer's Notebook, we have created just such a widget for you to download to your desktop -- and when you see a story you're really interested in, click on the title and it will take you to a new browser window to see the whole thing.

Getting our widget is simple -- there's only two steps:

1. Go to Springwidgets and download the widget software.

2. Go to this page, and get the Car Buyer's Notebook widget by clicking on the little green cog underneath the widget itself. This will add our widget to your widget menu.

And you will be in automotive widget heaven!

July 3, 2007

GM Reports June Sales Down 24%

DETROIT – GM dealers in the United States delivered 326,300 vehicles in June, down 24 percent, compared with year-ago monthly sales. The decline was partly attributed to a planned reduction of an additional 13,487 daily rental sale vehicles in the month. GM now has taken more than 92,000 daily rental vehicles out of the sales totals in 2007.

“Given the planned reduction in daily rental sales, we expected June would be a tough comparison to a year ago. Our retail performance for the month was also below the solid running rate we’ve experienced for the first half of the year which we attribute to a soft industry and lower incentive spending than our competitors. However, we continue to believe that maintaining a disciplined approach to both incentives and daily rental car sales is key to making our marketing strategy work in the long run,” said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North American Sales, Service and Marketing.

Continue reading "GM Reports June Sales Down 24%"

June 30, 2007

Classic Buick-Pontiac-GMC Dealership Opens in Ohio

Newly Designed Buick-Pontiac-GMC Store Unveiled in Streetsboro

STREETSBORO, Ohio - General Motors executives, Gov. Ted Strickland and dozens of state and local officials and community leaders today celebrate with Classic Buick-Pontiac-GMC the grand opening of its all-new showroom.

"We're pleased to be one of the first GM dealers to offer all three GM brands under one roof in this new state-of-the-art facility," said Jim Brown, president, Classic Auto Group.

Continue reading "Classic Buick-Pontiac-GMC Dealership Opens in Ohio"

June 28, 2007

Report: Honda Captures Most Awards in 2007 APEAL Study

Higher Vehicle Appeal May Allow for Lower Dealer Incentives

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Honda captures four model segment awards -- more than any other vehicle nameplate this year -- according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study(SM) released today.

Honda's four segment-leading models are the Fit (in a tie), CR-V, Ridgeline and Odyssey. BMW and Mercedes-Benz receive three segment awards, while Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen each garner two awards. BMW models receiving awards include the 3 Series, 6 Series and X5, while Mercedes-Benz earns awards for the E-Class, S-Class and GL-Class. Ford models earning awards are the Mustang and Edge. Volkswagen receives awards for the Jetta and GTI, while Nissan earns awards for the Altima Sedan and Armada.

Continue reading "Report: Honda Captures Most Awards in 2007 APEAL Study"

June 26, 2007

GM Announces Buick-Pontiac-GMC Ad Agency Consolidation

Changes support ongoing strategy to align brands along retail channels

DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. will realign the national advertising creative work related to its Buick, Pontiac and GMC brands

Car Buyer's Notebook

Recent Stories

Topics

August 6, 2008

GM Certified Used Vehicles to List Entire Inventory Onine

August 2, 2008

GM Reports July Sales Down 26.7%

August 1, 2008

General Motors to Showcase Historic Motorama Vehicles

July 26, 2008

GM Prepares to Export Buick Enclaves to China

July 25, 2008

GM to Broaden Employee Discounts

GM's New Interactive Site Goes "Undercover" to Educate Consumers

OnStar Opens "Crisis Assist" Emergency Services to Those Affected by Dolly

July 23, 2008

GM Announces Second Quarter Global Sales of More Than 2.28 Million Vehicles

July 22, 2008

Buick, Pontiac, GMC Channel Working

July 18, 2008

General Motors Forging Ahead

July 12, 2008

GM now selling fuel economy

July 7, 2008

GM Weighs More Layoffs, Sale of Brands

July 2, 2008

GM Extends Zero Percent Financing Deals

July 1, 2008

GM Reports June Sales Down 18.5%

GM Offers Low APR on Certified Used Vehicles

June 30, 2008

GMnext Takes Music Fans Backstage At Rothbury Festival

June 15, 2008

New Appointments Build GM Brand Channel Alignment

June 14, 2008

GM Rolls Out Military Discount

June 12, 2008

GM Certified Used Vehicles Live on eBay Motors

June 6, 2008

GM looks beyond improved quality scores

June 3, 2008

GM Reports May Sales Down 28%

May 30, 2008

GM to give locksmiths access to key info

May 29, 2008

Cadillac Tops 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

May 23, 2008

OnStar Receives Honors at Telematics Update Awards

May 20, 2008

GM's Jamie Hresko touts quality gains

May 19, 2008

Buick Open Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Buick Open Tiger Woods Golf Clinic To Take Place At Comerica Park

May 12, 2008

2008 Fuel Economy Guide Available for Download

May 9, 2008

Tenacious D Goes Backstage for GM at Music Fests

May 5, 2008

GM Rebates for May 2008

Buick Rebates for May 2008

May 2, 2008

Buick Invicta Progress Report

GM Reports April Sales Down 16%

April 24, 2008

GM Invites Atlanta Auto Show Attendees to Test Drive Vehicles

April 23, 2008

GM Announces First Quarter Global Sales of More Than 2.25 Million

GM statement on proposed 2011-2015 Fuel Economy Targets

April 22, 2008

1948 Buick Roadmaster Sells for $300,000

April 19, 2008

Buick Evolves Design Sketch Into Invicta Show Car

Buick Brand at Auto China 2008

April 17, 2008

Buick Lucerne Joins GM FlexFuel Lineup for 2009

April 16, 2008

GM nabs Nissan's McNabb, reorganizes retail roster

April 15, 2008

GM Reward Programs Expanded to Saturn Vehicles

April 8, 2008