GM to close 4 truck plants

[dustinal]

Originally Posted by mramseyISU

Can't say this was much of a surprise.

I think it was to some people. I keep hearing people say that they are still seeing Tahoes, Hummers and the like out and driving around, so they think everything is fine.

This news says otherwise to me.

[jbhtexas]

Originally Posted by dmclone

As far as "libelous, unresearched statements". You don't have to do a lot of research to see that the Big 3 are far behind when it comes to small cars (both sub compact and compact).

Ford sells a number of high mileage, smaller, sporty cars in other world markets. Perhaps with gas prices where they are, we will start seeing some of those in the US...

[Cy Heavy]

Originally Posted by dustinal

I think it was to some people. I keep hearing people say that they are still seeing Tahoes, Hummers and the like out and driving around, so they think everything is fine.

This news says otherwise to me.

The depth some people can achieve with their heads in the sand will never cease to amaze me.

I laughed out loud when I biked past a guy's H3 that he has for his advertising company (complete with company name on the tire cover) with a FSBO sign in the window last week.

[dmclone]

Originally Posted by jbhtexas

Ford sells a number of high mileage, smaller, sporty cars in other world markets. Perhaps with gas prices where they are, we will start seeing some of those in the US...

You're right. I never understood why Ford wouldn't bring over the good models to the US. If I remember correctly, the Focus is one of the most popular small cars in Europe but it's different than the Focus you get here in the U.S.

[dustinal]

Originally Posted by dmclone

You're right. I never understood why Ford wouldn't bring over the good models to the US. If I remember correctly, the Focus is one of the most popular small cars in Europe but it's different than the Focus you get here in the U.S.

From my experience, I'd say you're right. We went to England last year and there were Focuses (Foci?) all over the place. We rented one, and it was smaller than the one my wife drives here and got better gas mileage.

[bostinelosd]

I lived in Janesville for 4 years. That city is built around GM. Im glad we got out when we did. It will get scary there really quick.

Its not just GM that will close, but every company in town that supported them from seat makers, electricians, etc.

Yikes.

That plant is so old it would take a fortune for any other car maker to revamp.

[jbhtexas]

Originally Posted by dmclone

You're right. I never understood why Ford wouldn't bring over the good models to the US.

This is one of the things that the new CEO Mulally has targeted for change at Ford. As has been pointed out, the European Focus looks quite different than the US Focus. Apparently the engineering and manufacturing costs for market-specific designs are killing Ford, so Mulally intends to take the approach that Honda/Toyota/Nissan etc. use, where a Camry looks pretty much like a Camy everywhere in the world.

Now, it will be up to Ford to pick the best design. I somehow think with Ford, the North American designs are not usually the best ones...

[RyCy04]

With fuel prices not dropping in the foreseeable future, this will be all of our future vehicles. It should be an easy transition seeings how we are all getting screwed on fuel prices already.

[Phaedrus]

32 mpg from a Corolla??? I've never got less than 35 and routinely hit 40 with mine.

The entire Dodge line of vehicles are dangerous to drive. You just cannot see crap outside of those 2" tall windows they've installed on them, with the 10 feet thick roof pillars they've wedged in there.

I wouldn't take one if you paid me.

[CycloneErik]

Originally Posted by Phaedrus

32 mpg from a Corolla??? I've never got less than 35 and routinely hit 40 with mine.

The entire Dodge line of vehicles are dangerous to drive. You just cannot see crap outside of those 2" tall windows they've installed on them, with the 10 feet thick roof pillars they've wedged in there.

I wouldn't take one if you paid me.

Our insurance company agrees with you on the dangerous Dodge. We've looked at them a couple of times, gone online to get a price quote (with the VIN, so it's pretty specific), and even the older (like 2000ish) ones were skyrocketing our rates.

The Chevrolets we ended up getting reduced our rates, which was nice

[besserheimerphat]

Differences in models around the globe will always come down to emissions. In Europe, the biggest issue is CO2, and regulations are less stringent on particulates (hence the diesels with low CO2 output but higher particulate output - gasoline produces more CO2 and less particulate, which aligns better with US emissions standards). They can't just start selling the EU version here, and they likely couldn't just start selling the US version abroad. They will need to make one version that meets all emissions standards. I don't know if that would make the cars rediculously more expensive, or if the volumes would balance out the costs. There are also different safety standards (crash tests, pedestrian impact, headlights, instrumentation, etc.)

[CyinCo]

Originally Posted by Phaedrus

32 mpg from a Corolla??? I've never got less than 35 and routinely hit 40 with mine.

The entire Dodge line of vehicles are dangerous to drive. You just cannot see crap outside of those 2" tall windows they've installed on them, with the 10 feet thick roof pillars they've wedged in there.

I wouldn't take one if you paid me.

I believe the new EPA rules regarding calculation of mpg has lowered most cars projected mpg. It seems to be more of a "median" mpg for each city and highway and takes a less optimistic approach. Driving style has perhaps the biggest impact on what mpg a car gets.

[C.John]

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

I lived in Janesville for 4 years. That city is built around GM. Im glad we got out when we did. It will get scary there really quick.
.

During the Governor's press conference, he said that 2600 jobs will be gone when it closes.

[Jables22]

Hopefully they don't stop making the Canyonero. I've always wanted one of those!

YouTube - The Simpsons "Canyonero"