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

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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 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 10, 2008

GM posts record sales of 1.16 million vehicles in Europe

Zurich -- In the first half of 2008, General Motors (GM) sales in Europe reached a record of 1,160,935 vehicles, an increase of 31,613 units (or 2.8 percent) compared to the same period of 2007. The company market share was 9.5 percent.

"GM is successfully managing to keep its sales momentum in Europe, thanks to an aggressive strategy for growth in Eastern and Central Europe. Despite the headwinds in some of the major western markets, I'm proud to say that our multi-brand strategy is paying off and thanks to a great teamwork we are quickly managing to leverage growth in the key new markets of Europe," said Carl-Peter Forster, GM Europe President.

Continue reading "GM posts record sales of 1.16 million vehicles in Europe"

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%"

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 25, 2008

Saab in the race at the Tour de France

Boulder, CO -- Team Slipstream-Chipotle Presented by H30, a professional American cycling team dedicated to promoting ethical sporting and developing the next generation of cycling champions, announced that Saab will now be the official U.S. team vehicle.

The Team will now be supporting its world class riders with the 2008 9-3 SportCombi vehicle which they will debut at Philly Week in early June.

Continue reading "Saab in the race at the Tour de France"

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.

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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.

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June 5, 2008

Saab Turbo X Lands In The United States

Detroit – The all-black Saab Turbo X, which made its world debut at the Frankfurt auto show last year, is now arriving at Saab dealership around the United States.

Celebrating thee decades of Saab turbocharging leadership and the first to feature Saab’s state-of-the art Cross-Wheel Drive system, the limited-edition Turbo X is a driver-focused performance car that is already being hailed as an instant classic.

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June 3, 2008

GM Increases Small Car Production, Closes Four Truck Plants

General Motors has announced they are increasing small car production in Michigan and Ohio, at plants that make the Chevy Malibu and Pontiac G6 and the Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5, to keep up with increased consumer demand of small and mid-size cars.

GM also said they will shut down four truck plants, in Canada, Ohio, Wisconsin and Mexico.

One plant will stop making the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra in 2009, while another that makes the Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Saab 9-7x, will end production at the end of the 2010 model run, or sooner, if demand dictates. A Wisconsin plant will cease production of medium-duty trucks by the end of 2009, and of the Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon in 2010, or sooner, if market demand dictates. Chevrolet Kodiak medium-duty truck production will also end in Toluca, Mexico, by the end of this year.

GM expects these actions will save more than $1 billion by 2010 and plans to have to work with unions to handle even more layoffs, due to "long-term changes in consumer demand for trucks and SUVs."

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.

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Saab Yellow Making Only 140 People Yell Hello

Forget about mellow. This yellow's designed to agitate. Invigorate. And accelerate. The Limited Edition 2008 Saab 9-3 Lynx Yellow Convertible takes the pursuit of freedom in a stylish new direction — from its unique, eye-catching color to its spoiler, 17'' alloy wheels and 6-disc CD changer.

And under the hood, you'll be happy to discover, it's still pure Saab. A 4-cylinder, 210-hp turbo engine delivers more excitement than some people can handle. But something tells us you're probably up for it.

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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.

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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 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!

May 2, 2008

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.

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April 24, 2008

The 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible Yellow Edition Returns

DETROIT — While all Saab Convertibles are popular among car aficionados, owning one in yellow is an extra sunny experience.

The first-ever yellow version of the Saab Convertible, issued in 1991, now enjoys collector car status, just as well-kept copies of the 1997 version are starting to get equally sought after. Yet for those preferring the attractions of an all-new open Saab, the third time may be the charm.

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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.

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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.

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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 9, 2008

GM Europe sales reach all-time record

Zurich -- In the first quarter of 2008, General Motors (GM) Europe sales reached an all-time record of 572,137 vehicles*, an increase of 18,111 units compared to Q1 2007. The company market share was 9.6 percent.

“The Chevrolet brand’s strong growth – especially in Eastern and Central Europe – continued in the first quarter of 2008. As the new Aveo, Chevrolet’s European best-seller, is just being launched in many markets, we are confident to see this trend continue throughout the year,” said Jonathan Browning, GM Europe Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

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April 8, 2008

Volkswagen Eos Tops Convertibles List

YONKERS, N.Y. -- The Volkswagen Eos achieved the best overall score in Consumer Reports' tests of seven convertibles for the May issue, narrowly outpointing the BMW 328i. Both vehicles earned "Very Good" overall scores.

Two vehicles in the group, the Saab 9-3 and Volvo C70, earned somewhat lower overall road-test scores, but were still within the "Very Good" range.

Continue reading "Volkswagen Eos Tops Convertibles List"

April 2, 2008

April Saab Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Saab is offering 5.9% interest rate financing on the 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X model lines.

Programs end 4/30/08.

The service is free and available now!

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"

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.

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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

Saab Concept Makes American Debut In New York

NEW YORK – Following its world premiere at the Geneva auto show earlier this month, the award-winning Saab 9-X BioHybrid premium compact concept is scheduled to make its American debut at the New York International Auto Show media days, beginning March 19.

The 9-X BioHybrid is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.

Continue reading "Saab Concept Makes American Debut In New York"

Saab Introduces "Bio" Clothing Line

New York — The Swedish premium car brand, Saab, has made a business out of producing fun-to-drive vehicles combining its Scandinavian design principles of form and function with responsible performance.

Today, Saab is translating those values to clothing, launching the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection in partnership with the Swedish clothing design firm Reflective Circle.

The fashions were revealed at an exclusive pre-New York Auto Show party where the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept made its North American debut.

Continue reading "Saab Introduces "Bio" Clothing Line"

March 18, 2008

Get $3,500 Off the 2008 Saab 9-3

Saab is offering a $3,500 rebate on the 9-3 model line, or you can take a $1,000 cash back and 2.9% financing. Program ends March 31, 2008.

You can find out about all of Saab and General Motor's current rebates by going to Current Auto Rebates, the only publication of its kind that lists all current rebates for all vehicles for sale in the U.S.

March 14, 2008

Volvo, Saab cooperate on plug-in car development

Together with electricity provider Vattenfall, Saab Automobile, ETC and the Swedish state, Volvo Car Corporation is launching a joint broad-based research venture to develop spearhead technology in the area of plug-in hybrid cars. Sweden will be the arena for the field tests.

"I see this project as a positive further development of sustainable personal transport. We have a unique opportunity to take the lead when it comes to innovations for advanced green-car technology", says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

Continue reading "Volvo, Saab cooperate on plug-in car development"

March 10, 2008

Saab 9-X BioHybrid Makes American Debut In New York

The editors of AutoWeek, one of North America’s most respected and longest-standing automotive enthusiast magazines, voted the Saab 9-X BioHybrid “Best Concept” of the Geneva show.

Continue reading "Saab 9-X BioHybrid Makes American Debut In New York"

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.

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March 9, 2008

March Saab Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Saab is offering a $3,500 rebate on the 9-3, and 5.9% financing on the 9-5 and 9-7X model lines.

Programs end 3/31/08.

The service is free and available now!

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 6, 2008

Saab 9-X BioHybrid Voted "Best Concept"

Detroit - The editors of AutoWeek, one of North America's most respected and longest standing automotive enthusiast magazines, have voted the Saab 9-X BioHybrid "Best Concept" upon its world debut at the auto show in Geneva this week.

With this award, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid premium compact joins the very successful Saab Aero X coupe concept which received AutoWeek's "Best in Show" honors upon its debut in Geneva, two years ago.

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March 4, 2008

Saab 9-X BioHybrid: Boosting Efficiency, Striking Design

The Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.

Exploring design themes from Saab’s award-winning Aero X and earlier 9X concepts, the 9-X BioHybrid also demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 200 hp (147 kW), 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine backed by GM’s next-generation Hybrid system.

Continue reading "Saab 9-X BioHybrid: Boosting Efficiency, Striking Design"

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.

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February 14, 2008

Saab’s Board Proposes Long-Term Share Savings Plans for 2008

STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- Saab’s board has decided that proposals for continuation of the share matching plan that was decided at the 2007 AGM and a performance share plan, for approximately 280 key employees, including the CEO and general management, should be presented at the Annual General Meeting on the 15th April 2008.

The board considers it in the interest of the shareholders that the employees have a long-term interest in a high value of shares in the company and therefore proposes the share plans. The purpose is to stimulate continued good performance.

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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"

Curtiss-Wright Awarded $16 Million Contract From Saab

ROSELAND, N.J. -- Curtiss-Wright Corporation announced today that it has entered into a multi-year agreement valued at over $16 million from Saab Aerostructures to provide the large cargo door mechanical actuation system for the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

"This award is indicative of the innovation and high performance technologies that we supply to the commercial aerospace market," said Martin R. Benante, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Curtiss-Wright. "Working closely with our partner Saab Aerostructures, we were able to provide the most state-of-the-art actuation system for this exciting new Boeing platform."

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February 11, 2008

Saab Shows Its Cool the At ICEHOTEL

Jukkasjärvi, SWEDEN — The Swedish premium car brand, Saab, has created a truly all-encompassing brand experience that opens its doors to the public today.

Housed within the one and only hotel made of ice, the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, the ‘Saab Move Your Mind Room’ allows the public to experience Saab – the brand, its spirit, tonality and core values through innovative design installations made wholly from ice.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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January 30, 2008

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.

January 27, 2008

2008 Saab 9-7X Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Saab 9-7X has 5.9% financing available; program ends 3/3/08. The 2008 Saab 9-7X base price -- $39,190.

Click here to get your free 2008 Saab 9-7X price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Saab 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 Saab 9-5 Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Saab 9-5 has 5.9% financing available; program ends 3/3/08. The 2008 Saab 9-5 base price -- $36,460.

Click here to get your free 2008 Saab 9-5 price quote!

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

2008 Saab 9-3 Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Saab 9-3 has 5.9% financing available; program ends 3/3/08. The 2008 Saab 9-3 base price -- $27,640.

Click here to get your free 2008 Saab 9-3 price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Saab 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

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 20, 2008

Saab Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Saab is offering 5.9% interest rate financing on the 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X model lines.

Programs end 3/3/08.

The service is free and available now!

January 18, 2008

Saab Supplies Ringhals Nuclear Power Station with Surveillance

STOCKHOLM, Sweden Saab has signed a contract with Ringhals AB to supply Ringhals nuclear power station with surveillance and protection that meets the Swedish Nuclear Power Inspectorate’s requirements. The parties have agreed not to publicly announce the order value.

”The contract is an important step in Saab’s positioning within the area of civil security”, says Michael Höglund, Vice President at Saab Communication. “Critical infrastructure for energy production and distribution, airports and harbours are some of the areas Saab will concentrate on.

Continue reading "Saab Supplies Ringhals Nuclear Power Station with Surveillance"

January 13, 2008

Saab is on the move with BioPower Concept

By Jan Åke Jonsson Managing Director, Saab Automobile

Saab is on the move.

I hope with what you have seen today that you agree.

Sixteen Swedish aircraft engineers showed the world their remarkable innovative spirit when they introduced its first automobile concept more than 60 years ago, now know as the Ur Saab.

Continue reading "Saab is on the move with BioPower Concept"

Saab Crossover Concept Runs on Biofuel

DETROIT – The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept, revealed today at the North American International Auto Show, confirms Saab’s plans to enter the growing crossover segment with a dynamic, driver-focused vehicle inspired by Scandinavian design values and respect for the environment.

The concept’s progressive design features are combined with a responsible, fun-to-drive appeal based on BioPower engine technology and a cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system.

Continue reading "Saab Crossover Concept Runs on Biofuel"

GM's Detroit Auto Show Vehicles Driven By Design

DETROIT – General Motors will introduce several vehicles among its Cadillac, Saab and Saturn brands at the 2008 North American International Show.

GM’s NAIAS portfolio emphasizes design and technology that deliver capability and performance while reducing environmental impact. The show opens to the public on Jan. 19.

Continue reading "GM's Detroit Auto Show Vehicles Driven By Design"

January 9, 2008

GM Posts Record 2007 European Sales

ZURICH, Switzerland -- General Motors (GM) sets all-time sales record in Europe in 2007, with 2,182,000 vehicles, up 179,000 units or 8.9 percent from 2006.

The resultant market share of 9.5 percent constitutes a growth of 0.3 point. It is the highest market share for the group since 1999. In the forth quarter of 2007, GM sold a record 528,723 cars and LCVs in Europe, 53,900 vehicles or 11.3 percent above the same period in 2006.

Continue reading "GM Posts Record 2007 European Sales"

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 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 30, 2007

Saab 9-7X SUV Gets Aero Package

Saab takes SUV performance to a new altitude with the Aero performance version of the Saab 9-7X.

The limited-edition 9-7X Aero makes its way to showrooms in the fall of 2007, joining two existing Saab 9-7X models that bring unique Saab brand characteristics to the midsize SUV segment, including sophisticated styling inside and out, premium design features, and the sporty and spirited performance inherent to Saab vehicles.

Continue reading "Saab 9-7X SUV Gets Aero Package"

2008 Saab 9-5, Midsize Luxury and Performance

The 2008 Saab 9-5 portfolio brings stylish European performance, luxury and value to the midsize sport sedan category.

Both the 9-5 Sedan and SportCombi models feature sophisticated, aircraft-inspired design inside and out, befitting Saab’s storied aviation heritage.

For the 2008 model year, the OnStar safety and security system; tire pressure monitoring system and rain-sensing windshield wipers are standard on all 9-5 models, bringing even greater levels of safety and security to the 9-5 series.

Continue reading "2008 Saab 9-5, Midsize Luxury and Performance"

2008 Saab 9-3, Refreshed, With More Power

The 2008 Saab 9-3 range makes its debut in Saab showrooms sporting major exterior enhancements inspired by the acclaimed Aero X Concept.

Additionally, in keeping with Saab’s driver focused heritage, the 2008 9-3 range gets a more powerful engine to match the more powerful-looking exterior:

The 2.8L V-6 turbo has been modified to produce 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 258 lb.-ft. of torque (350 Nm), a five-horsepower improvement over the 2007 model.

Continue reading "2008 Saab 9-3, Refreshed, With More Power"

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 26, 2007

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"

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

Saab Builds on 60 Years of Innovation in 2008

The fanfare of Saab’s 60th anniversary in the car business this year followed an unprecedented, aggressive new-product offensive that leveraged Saab’s aviation roots. Saab begins the 2008 model year with a restyled 9-3 range that adopts cues from the Aero X Concept Car; and continued enhancements to the 9-5 range and the 9-7X SUV.

The 2008 9-3 range evokes the design direction set by the Aero X Concept, with a powerful new front end including a larger grille, smaller side grilles and semi-overwrap V-shaped hood.

Continue reading "Saab Builds on 60 Years of Innovation in 2008"

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"

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"

December 12, 2007

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.

December 6, 2007

2008 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible

DETROIT — The Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible have earned the 2008 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick Award in the midsize category.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the 9-3 Sport Sedan has brought home IIHS top honors, an unique achievement in the luxury segment. For 2007 the 9-3 earned the Top Safety Pick Award, in 2006 the 9-3 earned the Top Safety Pick – Gold Award and received a Double Best Pick crash-test rating for 2005.

Continue reading "2008 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible"

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 27, 2007

2008 SAAB Turbo X: Black To The Future

BOSTON – Saab celebrates three decades of leadership in turbocharging by launching the 2008 Saab Turbo X, a driver-focused performance car that sets new standards of performance and capability for the brand.

Flanked by a classic, black 1985 Saab 900 SPG, the new Saab Turbo X made its North American debut at the 2007 New England International Auto Show in Boston – paying tribute to the Northeast region where Saab originally started its U.S. business more than half a century ago, and where many longtime Saab aficionados reside.

Continue reading "2008 SAAB Turbo X: Black To The Future"

Saab, Evolving

By Steve Shannon, Saab Automobile USA General Manager

Few things remain in their original state. Nature, design, technology and fashion evolve. Not always for the better, mind you.

Two words: bell bottoms. But that’s fashion and not my forté, so I will stop with that casual observation. However, some things do evolve to become the best representation, yet.

Today, the Boston Auto Show hosts the North American unveiling of the Saab Turbo X. Aside from being very chicly designed, a virtual rocket in terms of performance, and a riot to drive, it’s the debut vehicle of Saab’s state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive system – which we’re calling cross-wheel-drive, which in automotive acronym land will be represented as XWD.

Continue reading "Saab, Evolving"

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.

November 20, 2007

GM Europe Designer named Asian Designer of the Year for Saab Aero X concept

Hong Kong -- GME Designer Anthony Lo has been named Asian Designer of the Year at the ELLE Magazine Style Awards 2007 in Hong Kong.

He was honored for his work on the Saab Aero X concept, which was presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006.

Anthony Lo was named Director of Advanced Design, GM Europe, in August 2004.

He heads the GM Europe Advanced Design organization, which is responsible for all Opel, Saab and Vauxhall advanced design activities. He was born in Hong Kong, China on December 26, 1964.

Continue reading "GM Europe Designer named Asian Designer of the Year for Saab Aero X concept"

November 16, 2007

Preview: Turbo X Enthusiasm

By Steve Shannon
Saab Automobile USA General Manager

I want to infect you with the same enthusiasm I’m feeling for the upcoming Boston Auto Show, which opens to the press just after Thanksgiving on Nov. 27.

You see, at the Boston show the ultra-hot Saab Turbo X will make its North American debut. Bringing the ultimate expression of Saab performance to U.S. soil is pretty cool in itself.

But now, imagine if you will, adding a recently acquired classic 1985 Saab 900 Turbo SPG, to the debut. Now that’s REALLY exciting.

Continue reading "Preview: Turbo X Enthusiasm"

November 15, 2007

Intelligent Saab XWD “Cross Wheel Drive” offers new levels of vehicle handling and stability

DETROIT – Developed in Sweden with Haldex of Stockholm, the Saab XWD “Cross Wheel Drive” system is designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability in all driving conditions.

It is offered in the 2008 Saab Turbo X and Aero versions of the 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi, in combination with an uprated 280 hp (206 kW), 2.8 V6 turbo engine which now delivers almost 15% more maximum torque (400 Nm/295 lbs/ft) to exploit the greater traction available. It comes with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Continue reading "Intelligent Saab XWD “Cross Wheel Drive” offers new levels of vehicle handling and stability"

General Motors Touts Alt Energy Solutions at Bibendum 2007

SHANGHAI – General Motors is demonstrating its global portfolio of advanced vehicle technologies this week at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2007 in Shanghai, China. GM’s participation underscores its leadership in using a variety of technology strategies to reduce dependency on petroleum, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and boost fuel efficiency.

Continue reading "General Motors Touts Alt Energy Solutions at Bibendum 2007"

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 3, 2007

Saab Helps Drivers Keep an Eye on Safety

Saab’s Driver Attention Warning System is a development project designed to counter two of the most common causes of road accidents: driver drowsiness and inattention at the wheel.

It alerts the driver by using a combination of text and voice messages, or vibrations in the seat cushion, as soon as the risk of drowsiness or inattention is detected.

Unlike similar systems, the Driver Attention Warning System does not rely on measuring an erratic change in the steered direction of the vehicle. It is designed to detect the onset of drowsiness or inattention, rather than the immediate consequences.

Continue reading "Saab Helps Drivers Keep an Eye on Safety"

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 26, 2007

General Motors exhibits 4 models at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show

The all new Cadillac CTS makes Japan debut

General Motors Corp. (GM) will exhibit the Cadillac CTS, slated to hit the showrooms in January 2008, the recently facelifted Saab New 9-3, the Corvette Convertible, and the right-hand-drive Hummer H3 at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show, scheduled to open from October 24 through November 11, 2007.

Continue reading "General Motors exhibits 4 models at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show"

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"

Saab Aero Academy Now Open for All

DETROIT -- The exclusive Saab Aero Academy two-day performance driving school held at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga., once reserved for Saab Aero model customers only, is now available to U.S. drivers everywhere. The cost is only $495 in combination with the purchase of a new Saab and $1,000 more without.

The intensive two-day course combines driver education with the thrill of piloting Saab Aero performance vehicles. It consists of 80 percent advanced handling exercises on specially constructed training tracks and 20 percent classroom time. Aero Academy instructors are professional race car drivers.

Continue reading "Saab Aero Academy Now Open for All"

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.

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October 14, 2007

Bumpers on luxury cars aren't luxurious: worst is Infiniti G35

4 of 11 cars sustain more than $10,000 damage in 4 minor bumps

ARLINGTON, VA — Bumpers, even those on expensive cars, don't resist damage in low-speed impacts. The Infiniti G35, the worst performer, sustained almost $14,000 damage in a series of 4 tests conducted at 3 and 6 mph by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Saab 9-3 was the best, sustaining $5,243 damage. Only 3 cars sustained less than $6,000 damage, while 4 would cost more than $10,000 to fix.

"The Infiniti was a disaster, and even the Saab sustained way too much damage in these low-speed impacts," says Institute senior vice president Joe Nolan. "There shouldn't be much or any damage in collisions at these speeds, especially to expensive and presumably well-made cars."

Continue reading "Bumpers on luxury cars aren't luxurious: worst is Infiniti G35"

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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October 2, 2007

2008 Saab 9-3 gets new skin, all-wheel drive

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The new Saab 9-3 range, expected at North American dealerships in early September, features bold, more assertive looks, reflecting enhancements that include the introduction of all-wheel-drive and more powerful gasoline engines.

The distinctive frontal styling, inspired by Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept car, is designed to reinforce the range’s sporty appeal. For the U.S. market, it heralds the introduction of an uprated 2.8L V-6 turbo gasoline engines that produces 280 horsepower (206 kW) when combined with Saab’s new all-wheel-drive (XWD – “cross-wheel-drive”) system available in spring 2008.

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General Motors On Overdrive at the 9th Middle East International Motor Show

Dubai, UAE -- The countdown has begun for the 9th edition of the five-day Middle East International Motor Show (MEIMS) in Dubai, which will take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from 13 to 18 November 2007.

At the previous edition of MEIMS in 2005, the talk of the town was the Cadillac Sixteen concept car. This year's theme for General Motors (GM) will continue to highlight leadership in innovation, technology, design and emotion. GM will feature four exciting award winning concept cars representing the cutting edge of design and technology, a world premieres and 10 regional premieres.

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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.

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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.

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September 11, 2007

Saab Unleashes 21 st Century Black Turbo X at Frankfurt Auto Show

Saab celebrates three decades of leadership in turbocharging at this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show by launching the Saab Turbo X, a driver-focused performance car that sets new standards for the brand.

This black limited edition model takes Saab ‘back to the future’ by evoking the iconic appeal of its first black 900 Turbo and introducing innovative Saab XWD technology.

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Saab Turbo X Celebrates 30 Years of Turbocharging at Frankfurt

The new Saab Turbo X high-technology model, making its world debut tomorrow at the first press day of the Frankfurt auto show, celebrates that it was Saab who put turbocharging on the automotive map. It all began exactly 30 years ago, at exactly the same place, when the first Saab 99 Turbo model was presented to the world media at the 1977 Frankfurt auto show.

At that time Saab was alone in pursuing turbocharging as a reliable and realistic means of extracting more power and efficiency from a production engine. Saab’s success over the next three decades shows that imitation is, indeed the sincerest form of flattery -- there are now few manufacturers who do not offer turbocharged models.

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September 10, 2007

Saab increases advertising budget to promote new 9-3

WASHINGTON -- Saab's advertising budget this year is slightly higher than last year's $55.4 million as it prepares to promote its reskinned 9-3 sedan in the fourth quarter.

National advertising for the 9-3 launch will began in mid-October with a heavy TV presence.

"We've got a little bit of extra money in the fourth quarter," says Steve Shannon, Saab's general manager. "Saab is going to feel bigger than we usually do."

The campaign will begin around Oct. 15, Shannon says. The advertising message will emphasize the car's new look.

"I joke there are 2,000 changes in the car. There's a lot more content and features, but at the end of the day, the car looks all-new," Shannon says. "Without giving away the whole story, we're going to really - especially in TV - dramatize in a pretty clever way that the car is all new. No one will walk away from the TV spot or the Internet and not think this is a new car."

Shannon would not say how much Saab will spend on marketing the 9-3. Saab's 2006 advertising budget of $55.4 million was down from $76.4 million in 2005, according to TNS Media Intelligence.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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August 23, 2007

Saab at Frankfurt: 30 years of turbo technology

In September 1977, Saab took the automobile world by surprise when it presented its first model with turbocharging at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Exactly 30 years on, the Swedish premium brand is celebrating this anniversary with the Turbo X, the most powerful Saab to date and top-of-the-line car in the completely newly designed 9-3 model line.

The spotlight is also on Saab’s leading position with its BioPower range in the fast-growing European “Flexfuel” vehicle segment.

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Bringing the Saab Convention Home

By Steve Shannon
General Manager, Saab Automobile USA

August is shaping up to be an exciting month for Saab.

This weekend, Saab owners and enthusiasts from all over North America — and beyond — will gather in Michigan for the 25th annual Saab Owners Convention.

Why is this so exciting? This convention commemorates the 60th anniversary of Saab as a car manufacturer, and it’s happening right here in GM’s back yard. I like to think that the choice of the Great Lakes Saab Club as host of the event is an acknowledgment of the important role that Saab, GM’s only European luxury brand, is playing in GM’s future.

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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.

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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.

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August 20, 2007

North American Saab Owners Convention Celebrates Silver Jubilee

DETROIT – For the first time in history, Saab owners and enthusiasts from all over North America and beyond will gather in Michigan this weekend, celebrating the passion for their cars and the Saab brand.

The Saab Club of North America expects more than three hundred owners and their Saabs to attend the event, opening Thursday, August 23 and running through Sunday, August 26.

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August 12, 2007

Saab Turbo X debuts at Frankfurt Auto Show

Black Turbo Reborn -- Saab will go ‘back to the future’ at next month’s (Sept) Frankfurt International Motor Show by evoking the iconic appeal of its classic ‘Black Turbo’ models.

The Swedish premium car maker will celebrate 30 years of leadership in turbocharging by unveiling the Saab Turbo X.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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August 9, 2007

Bob Lutz Jets Around in a Saab

By Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman

Thursday night out at the Oakland County Airport I had the pleasure of helping Saab USA General Manager Steve Shannon introduce the Saab 9-7X Aero and 9-3 at the welcome reception of the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance.

As you know, Saab was “born from jets,” so I flew my Aero L-39 ZO “Albatros,” a demilitarized Czech-built fighter jet once used by the Libyan Air Force, from Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti to Oakland County for the occasion.

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August 3, 2007

Saab 9-7X Aero: Limited Edition SUV Offers Jet-Like Performance

DETROIT -- Saab takes SUV-performance to a new altitude as it announces the Aero performance version of the Saab 9-7X today. The limited edition 9-7X Aero will make its way to dealer showrooms early this autumn.

The Saab 9-7X brings unique Saab brand characteristics to the midsize SUV segment, including sophisticated styling inside and out, premium design features, and the sporty and spirited performance inherent to Saab vehicles.

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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.

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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 27, 2007

Video: Convertible Crash Tests

First-Ever Convertible Crash Tests -- It's summertime, and not surprisingly, convertible sales are up.

While nothing beats driving around with the top down, exactly how safe are convertibles when compared to a regular car?

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2008 Saab 9-3 to Arrive at Dealer Showrooms Soon

DETROIT – The distinctively re-designed Saab 9-3 range, expected at North American dealerships in early September 2007, features frontal styling inspired by Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept car and a higher level of standard content.

Designed to reinforce the range’s sporty appeal, the styling strategy brings together contemporary and classic Saab design themes in a progressive, modern expression of the brand’s distinctive character.

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July 26, 2007

Saab summer lease deals

Saab has summer lease deals on several vehicles. Terms may vary according to region and individual credit history.

Check with your local dealers, and be sure to get a free price quote before you go anywhere!

* 9-3 Sportcombi: $500 Owner Loyalty Cash on lease.
* 9-5 Sedan: $1,000 Owner Loyalty Cash on lease of models with automatic transmission and metallic paint, starting at $419/mo for 27-month lease, $2,999 due at signing.
* 9-5 Sportcombi: $1,000 Owner Loyalty Cash on lease.
* 9-7: $1,000 Owner Loyalty Cash on lease of models with automatic transmission, starting at $429/mo for 27-month lease, $2,999 due at lease inception.

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.

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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

Mini Coopers to Heavy-Duty Pickups Feature Electronic Stability Control from TRW Automotive

LIVONIA, Mich. -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. -- the global leader in active and passive safety systems - has announced that it is supplying its Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system to several new vehicles, including the MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtops, the Saab 9-3, and various General Motors heavy-duty pickup trucks.

TRW's ESC can help to add value, protection and safety to the full spectrum of passenger vehicle types. In fact, with the new vehicles being added this year, TRW will be supplying ESC technology to more than 40 different models produced by more than a dozen automakers around the world - ranging from small compact cars to large pickup trucks and 15-passenger vans.

Continue reading "Mini Coopers to Heavy-Duty Pickups Feature Electronic Stability Control from TRW Automotive"

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 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 12, 2007

New Saab 9-3: Dynamic Looks, Uprated V6 and "XWD" All-Wheel Drive

Detroit - The new Saab 9-3 range features bold, more assertive looks, reflecting powertrain improvements that include the introduction of all-wheel-drive and more powerful gasoline engines.

The distinctive frontal styling, inspired by Saab's award-winning Aero X concept car, is designed to reinforce the range's sporty appeal. For the U.S. market, it heralds the introduction of an uprated 280 hp (206 kW) 2.8 V6 turbo gasoline engine.

Continue reading "New Saab 9-3: Dynamic Looks, Uprated V6 and "XWD" All-Wheel Drive"

June 7, 2007

Saab Launches 60th Anniversary Celebrations

Saab fans and enthusiastic owners from all over the world are gathering in the Swedish town of Trollhättan this weekend, to celebrate Saab’s 60th anniversary as a car manufacturer.

Four days of events and festivities will culminate in a huge gathering of historic Saabs outside the Saab Car Museum on Sunday, June 10 – exactly 60 years to the day after the first Saab car was revealed. To learn more about activities at the Saab 60th Anniversary Festival, visit www.saabfestival.se.

Continue reading "Saab Launches 60th Anniversary Celebrations"

Report: Ford Motor Company Captures Most Awards in 2007 Initial Quality Study

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Ford Motor Company garners five top model segment awards -- more than any other automobile corporation this year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS) released today.

In the study, Ford Motor Company earns model segment awards for the Ford Mustang, Lincoln Mark LT, Lincoln MKZ, Mazda MX-5 Miata and Mercury Milan.

Continue reading "Report: Ford Motor Company Captures Most Awards in 2007 Initial Quality Study"

June 1, 2007

GM Roars Back With Big Big Month of May

* GM Reports 375,682 May Deliveries

* Total Sales Up 4.7 Percent; Retail Sales Up 8.5 Percent

* Retail Sales of Full-Size Pickups Up 14 Percent, Led by the New Silverado and Sierra

* GMC Acadia, Saturn OUTLOOK and Buick Enclave Achieve Industry Mid-Crossover Segment Leadership with a 415 Percent Retail Sales Increase

* Chevrolet Impala, Pontiac G6 and Saturn AURA Drive 31 Percent Retail Sales Increase For Mid-Car Segment

* Saturn Leads Divisions with a 69 Percent Sales Increase

DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 375,682 vehicles in May, up 4.7 percent compared with year-ago monthly sales. On an unadjusted basis, sales were up 8.8 percent. GM's May retail sales of 279,731 were up 8.5 percent. On an unadjusted basis, retail sales were up 12.8 percent compared with a year ago.

May sales reflected the continuing strength of GM's new product portfolio. Increased sales of Chevrolet Impala and Saturn AURA as well as the new industry leading mid-size crossovers GMC Acadia, Saturn OUTLOOK and Buick Enclave demonstrate GM's strong positioning in the marketplace for fuel-efficient and alternative fuel (E-85) vehicles. The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickup trucks - fuel efficiency leaders in their class - pushed GM's large pickup segment sales up 10 percent in total and 14 percent retail compared with May 2006.

Continue reading "GM Roars Back With Big Big Month of May"

Saab 9-3 Convertible Receives Top Crash Test Honors from IIHS

DETROIT — The Saab 9-3 Convertible has earned the 2007 Top Safety Pick award for open-top models in crash tests conducted by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 9-3 Convertible joins the 9-3 Sport Sedan, which has received top honors three-years running, in receiving this top IIHS accolade.

Continue reading "Saab 9-3 Convertible Receives Top Crash Test Honors from IIHS"

May 29, 2007

GM Certified Used Vehicles Enhances Online Shopping with New Web Site

Visit www.gmcertified.com

DETROIT - GM Certified Used Vehicles today launched its redesigned www.gmcertified.com Web site featuring better content on the "No worries" benefits of GM Certified Used Vehicles. The new site features a variety of digital enhancements that improve the online shopping experience for consumers while helping generate more leads for dealers.

Continue reading "GM Certified Used Vehicles Enhances Online Shopping with New Web Site"

May 23, 2007

OnStar Wins Four Honors at Telematics Update Awards

The telematics leader captures more awards than any other company including the first People's Choice Award

DETROIT – OnStar by GM, the industry’s leading telematics provider, now with nearly 5 million subscribers, captured four of this year’s Telematics Update Awards, making it the only multi-award winner at the 2007 event.

Running alongside the biggest and most influential telematics-focused conference and exhibition of the year – Telematics Update Detroit 2007 – the Telematics Update Awards is the only event of its type to recognize the industry’s best and brightest for their outstanding performance and achievements. OnStar’s initiatives were recognized with the below honors:

Continue reading "OnStar Wins Four Honors at Telematics Update Awards"

XM and General Motors Launch Program for GM, Cadillac and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

More Than 115,000 XM-Equipped Certified GM Vehicles Projected To Be Sold in 2007, Increasing to 168,000 for 2008

WASHINGTON-- XM, the nation's leading satellite radio service, and General Motors Corp. today launched a satellite radio trial program for GM Certified Used Vehicles, Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, now making the XM trial program available to buyers of both new and certified used models.

XM will be available in more than 115,000 of these certified GM vehicles in 2007, and grow to more than 168,000 vehicles in 2008.

Continue reading "XM and General Motors Launch Program for GM, Cadillac and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles"

May 21, 2007

GM's Bob Lutz: Dealers, consumers are "shocked" at high quality of new products

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

Let me start by apologizing for not checking in lately. And I do that not because I feel I owe anyone an apology but because I’m truly sorry I don’t get a chance to do as much of this as I’d like to. And while I wish I could blog more frequently, I must admit I find it a little disconcerting that some of you seem to need me to reassure you that I still care.

The tone of some of the comments posted lately — that Bob is bored with blogging, that the GM blog is a failure, that management feels the blog has backfired, that GM is pulling out of the blog business — has been, frankly, bordering on ridiculous.

I’ve met many of the automotive bloggers at events in Detroit, Chicago and New York and I must say I’ve greatly enjoyed our meetings, interactions and discussions. And I’ve come to realize that those bloggers don’t represent the people posting comments like the above to this blog. And that people posting comments like the above, in turn, don’t represent most of the readers and posters on this blog.

In short, I am not bored with blogging, far from it. And I’m not going to let the comments of an extreme subset turn me off to it, either. I will continue to do it, whenever I can, and as long as it seems people want to read it. And by the way, GM thinks its blogs are a success, too, and will forge ahead with all of them and more.

Continue reading "GM's Bob Lutz: Dealers, consumers are "shocked" at high quality of new products"

General Motors Launches Star-Studded Campaign For OnStar

AS AUTOMAKERS AND CONSUMER ELECTRONICS companies move toward convergent technologies (see last Friday's story on Motorola's efforts to make mobile phones and cars make nice with each other), General Motors' 11-year-old telematics division, OnStar, is taking the spotlight in a GM corporate campaign, via Deutsch, Los Angeles, that seeks to remind consumers that OnStar does all that and more.

Per Andrew Young, OnStar's marketing director, there are five million OnStar subscribers in North America. General Motors, which already offers OnStar as standard equipment in 50 current-year vehicles, will this year start putting OnStar in just about every vehicle made by GM's eight divisions, Pontiac, Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Saturn, Saab, Hummer, and GMC. OnStar service, activated by a simple button perched on the rear-view mirror, is free for the first year and $199 per year thereafter.

The star-studded GM campaign highlights OnStar's ability to remotely unlock a car door, do vehicle diagnostics, give directions, locate a stolen vehicle and function as a hand-free phone, all with the implied message that OnStar gives GM vehicle owners the star treatment.

May 18, 2007

You Don't Need to be a Star to Get the 'OnStar Treatment'

New GM Corporate Advertising Campaign Showcases OnStar

DETROIT – The star treatment is a perk of fame. Celebrities are accustomed to special treatment and so are OnStar customers. Someone is there to assist with directions, to unlock the car door or summon help in a collision. The “OnStar treatment” is available to drivers of most GM vehicles, whether or not they happen to be famous.

A new General Motors advertising campaign created with Deutsch LA featuring OnStar launches May 20 on shows such as the NBC and CBS Sunday night movies. The online component will appear on the MSN homepage and other major websites.

Continue reading "You Don't Need to be a Star to Get the 'OnStar Treatment'"

May 17, 2007

GM Shows Crash-Avoiding Auto Technology in Miami May 17-18

Inverness Couple To Share Story Of Losing Child To Hypertherma As Part Of Never Leave Your Child Alone News Conference On Thursday

MIAMI – Automotive technology that can help avoid crashes; the crash-test dummies that take hits to help make cars safer; and satellite communications that can get help to a crash scene faster is coming to Miami on Thursday and Friday, May 17 and 18.

Miami is the third stop on the 10-city GM Continuous Safety Tour, which also is aimed at helping educate parents and caregivers about some of the non-traffic risks young children face in and around cars – especially the danger of heat stroke when left unattended in a vehicle.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day in the parking lot of Marine Stadium in Key Biscayne, GM and Robert Bosch Corp. safety experts will demonstrate StabiliTrak electronic stability control in a GMC Acadia, among GM’s newest and safest vehicles.

Continue reading "GM Shows Crash-Avoiding Auto Technology in Miami May 17-18"

May 15, 2007

Saab Invites Challenges to Audi, BMW, Volvo Buyers

With the tagline, "test fly the difference," Saab is running a marketing program with a dedicated website inviting customers to cross-shop their vehicles against Audi, BMW and Volvo.

Their main targets are Audi A4 and BMW 3-series buyers against the Saab 9-3, and Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series clients against the Saab 9-5 series.

May 14, 2007

New Saab 9-3 range debuts for 2008 Model Year

Sharper Looks Showcase Enhanced Performance

Inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car [pictured], the new Saab 9-3 range will feature bold styling and cutting edge technology for greater driving appeal.

With all-new front bodywork, ‘signature’ lighting, new door panels and rear styling features, the latest generation 9-3 acquires a more focused, assertive stance, reflecting the introduction of technical advances aimed at delivering an even more rewarding experience behind the wheel.

Continue reading "New Saab 9-3 range debuts for 2008 Model Year"

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%

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 18, 2008

General Motors Forging Ahead

July 10, 2008

GM posts record sales of 1.16 million vehicles in Europe

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%

June 30, 2008

GMnext Takes Music Fans Backstage At Rothbury Festival

June 25, 2008

Saab in the race at the Tour de France

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 5, 2008

Saab Turbo X Lands In The United States

June 3, 2008

GM Increases Small Car Production, Closes Four Truck Plants

GM Reports May Sales Down 28%

May 30, 2008

GM to give locksmiths access to key info

Saab Yellow Making Only 140 People Yell Hello

May 23, 2008

OnStar Receives Honors at Telematics Update Awards

May 20, 2008

GM's Jamie Hresko touts quality gains

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

May 2, 2008

GM Reports April Sales Down 16%

April 24, 2008

The 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible Yellow Edition Returns

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 9, 2008

GM Europe sales reach all-time record

April 8, 2008

Volkswagen Eos Tops Convertibles List

April 2, 2008

April Saab Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

April GM Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

GM launches new navigation service through OnStar

April 1, 2008

GM Reports March Sales Down 13%

March 31, 2008

Video: AT GM, Quality Comes First

March 19, 2008

Saab Concept Makes American Debut In New York

Saab Introduces "Bio" Clothing Line

March 18, 2008

Get $3,500 Off the 2008 Saab 9-3

March 14, 2008

Volvo, Saab cooperate on plug-in car development

March 10, 2008

Saab 9-X BioHybrid Makes American Debut In New York

General Motors Honors Top Dealers with Jack Smith Award

March 9, 2008