November 2007 Sales: General Motors

[Derek77]

GM Reports 263,654 November Deliveries; Retail Car Deliveries Up

• Chevrolet Malibu Retail Sales Up 40 Percent; Chevy Cars Up 15 Percent
• All-New CTS Drives 15 Percent Cadillac Car Sales Increase
• All-New CTS Drives 15 Percent Cadillac Car Sales Increase
• Dealer Inventories Down 97,000 Vehicles Year-Over-Year
• Planned Daily Rental Sales Reduction of 28.5 Percent

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.

"Integral to our strategy is to grow our share in the key car segments. The retail performance, especially from the new Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS, demonstrates the enthusiasm customers have for these outstanding new vehicles," said Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "The recognition of the 2008 CTS as Motor Trend's Car of the Year reinforces what we are hearing from customers about this phenomenal car. And, not to be outdone, the new Malibu is flying off dealer lots."

There were several bright spots in retail deliveries, led by brisk sales in the economy, small, mid and luxury car segments and mid-utility crossovers. Chevrolet retail car sales were up more than 15 percent, Cadillac retail car sales, driven by a 48-percent increase in CTS sales, were up more than 13 percent and Pontiac retail car sales were up more than 8 percent. Total retail deliveries were down 9.7 percent, largely due to reduced availability of 2007 models after a strong sell-down in September and October.

"The Malibu, CTS and Enclave have some of the fastest turn rates in the industry," LaNeve added. "We've added production capacity at our Orion Assembly plant for Malibu to keep up with growing demand and dealer orders."

Together, GM's mid-utility crossovers (Buick Enclave, Saturn OUTLOOK and GMC Acadia) sold nearly 13,000 vehicles at retail. Saturn retail truck sales, driven by the OUTLOOK, were up more than 35 percent. Chevrolet HHR retail sales were up 60 percent.

The Pontiac and GMC divisions showed retail sales increases.

GM continued to reduce sales to daily rental fleets, down more than 14,000 vehicles, or almost 29 percent compared with a year ago. Total fleet sales were down 16 percent.

Retail sales for the month, as a percentage of total sales, showed an increase of more than one percentage point (to 74 percent of total sales) compared with a year ago.

Vehicle inventories were down 97,000 vehicles compared with year-ago levels and stood at about 993,000 vehicles at the end of the month.

Quality, reliability and durability (QRD) remain key factors for customers when purchasing a new vehicle. "GM provides the best coverage in the industry. We take care of the vehicle and the owner like no other manufacturer," LaNeve added. An increasing number of consumers cite GM's willingness to stand behind its quality as a reason to buy a new GM vehicle. GM's new 5 Year/100,000 Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty continues to make GM a better choice for customers. GM's coverage focuses on the complete ownership experience and includes other provisions that competitors do not offer, including transferability to the next owner, more complete coverage of parts, and coverage for new and certified used vehicles. In addition, GM offers superior complementary programs, such as courtesy transportation and roadside assistance.

Certified Used Vehicle Sales

November 2007 sales for all certified GM brands, including GM Certified Used Vehicles, Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, were 37,946 vehicles, down nearly 11 percent from last November. Total year-to-date certified GM sales are 479,946 vehicles, up 0.3 percent from the same period last year.

GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used brand, posted 32,748 sales, down 10 percent from last November. Year-to-date sales for GM Certified Used Vehicles are 421,190 vehicles, up 2 percent from the same period in 2006.

Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles posted November sales of 3,227 vehicles, down 9 percent from last November. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 1,372 vehicles in November, up nearly 2 percent. Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 468 vehicles, down 54 percent, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 131 vehicles, up 17 percent.

"While November was a challenging sales month for certified GM brands, year-to-date GM Certified Used Vehicle sales are up 2 percent through November and we're in a position to set a new industry annual sales record for the manufacturer-certified category," said LaNeve.

GM North America Reports November 2007 Production, 2007 Fourth-Quarter Production Forecast Revised at 1.025 Million Vehicles, 2008 First-Quarter Production Forecast Set at 950,000 Vehicles

In November, GM North America produced 366,000 vehicles (134,000 cars and 232,000 trucks). This is up 5,000 units or 1 percent compared to November 2006 when the region produced 361,000 vehicles (148,000 cars and 213,000 trucks). (Production totals include joint venture production of 22,000 vehicles in November 2007 and 20,000 vehicles in November 2006.)

The region's 2007 fourth-quarter production forecast is revised at 1.025 million vehicles (350,000 cars and 675,000 trucks), up 25,000 units or 3 percent from last month's guidance. Additionally, the region's initial 2008 first-quarter production forecast is set at 950,000 vehicles (344,000 cars and 606,000 trucks), down 113,000 vehicles or 11 percent from first-quarter 2007 actuals.

GM Reports 263,654 November Deliveries; Retail Car Deliveries Up

Edited December 4, 2007 by VenSeattle

[A Horse With No Name]

Ouch!

Chris

[Chicagoland]

The HRR, which know it alls claimed would flop and was a PT rip-off, is flying off lots too. Shows that the know it alls, do not!

[enzl]

The HRR, which know it alls claimed would flop and was a PT rip-off, is flying off lots too. Shows that the know it alls, do not!

Fleeting...Extensively.

Just like the PT it rips off.

As I've said before, the illusion of GM's sales turnaround was exclusively a Fleet issue. Note the numbers have been poor in each month that GM mentions Fleet sale reductions and magically improves when the Fleeting issue is absent from the press release.

Coincidence that the 'good months' coincided with the release of horrible GM write-offs of $37B?

It's time for Rick and Fritz to jump out the windows with their Golden Parachutes! Fresh ideas are needed at the top to stop the bleeding while they still have a company to save.

Edited December 3, 2007 by enzl

[Drew Dowdell]

wtf, the CTS and malibu aren't a good enough start?

yes, this was a very ouch month because fleet sales are down. I much rather have unprofitable fleet sales down while Enclave, Acadia, CTS, and Malibu sell close to sticker. Don't care about market share as long as the company is profitable and keeps putting out product as good or better than the recent releases. Keep doing that and market share will be back on it's own as Toyota keeps shooting itself in the foot and Chrysler meets a timely demise.

[gm4life]

The HHR might be fleeting but I know 3 people who have got one it the last couple months. The Prius, Camry and Corolla must have been fleeted like crazy!

[CaddyXLR-V]

Link didn't work, try this

November Sales

Interesting that Pontiac sells near 50% the car volume Chevy does, but appears to be the next in line to be killed(tick-tock?)

[Drew Dowdell]

HHR owners seem to love their cars and tell everyone they know about them. Someone I know just had her 100k mile Silleoett totaled and is now HHR shopping because two of her co-workers have been raving about theirs.

[Northstar]

Fleeting...Extensively.

Just like the PT it rips off.

As I've said before, the illusion of GM's sales turnaround was exclusively a Fleet issue. Note the numbers have been poor in each month that GM mentions Fleet sale reductions and magically improves when the Fleeting issue is absent from the press release.

Coincidence that the 'good months' coincided with the release of horrible GM write-offs of $37B?

It's time for Rick and Fritz to jump out the windows with their Golden Parachutes! Fresh ideas are needed at the top to stop the bleeding while they still have a company to save.

Did you even read the press release before your came to your conclusions? "Chevrolet HHR retail sales were up 60 percent."

Come on now...

[Camino LS6]

Beat me to it,Northie.

Enzl you are simply wrong about the HHR.

[regfootball]

I like the HHR. wouldn't buy one, but its really a cobalt wagon, and in that vein is just fine.

[Chicagoland]

There are still alot of "I hate Retro" people and they spin the sales # to thier agendas. They seem to think all cars have to be their taste, and I bet these people never buy new cars to begin with.

[ocnblu]

The HHR is economical, stylish and utilitarian. I would put one in my garage.

[enzl]

Beat me to it,Northie.

Enzl you are simply wrong about the HHR.

First, my fleet reference is to all of their product, although the 60% increase in retail for the HHR may have something to do with fuzzy math:

Have you checked Nov. 06's retail deliveries for the HHR or Oct. 07, because they don't say what figures the 60% increase is based on, do they? (Oct 06 appr.4500 total (down 30% from 0ct 05) compared to Oct 07 8000 total, Nov 06 5500 to Nov. 07 7200)

Second, and more to my point, numbers can say anything you want them to. Every retailer I know of hasn't had a 'run' on their HHR inventory...---I'll see if I can find a fleet breakout, but the point is that Oct/Nov 06 was in the toilet, so any comparison of numbers would look good.

I stand by my statement. Not only that, we're all avoiding the elephant in the room...GM cannot make money selling the mix and volume of vehicles they sell at retail.

Great new product, flushed right down the toilet with the rest of the company. It's Rick's time to go, sorry.

Edited December 4, 2007 by enzl

[Camino LS6]

Enzl, I think you should go back and read it one more time. Fleet is down, not up. Retail is up ,not down.

And your massive fleeting comment followed your quoting of the HHR sales. C'mon now, own up.

[enzl]

Enzl, I think you should go back and read it one more time. Fleet is down, not up. Retail is up ,not down.

And your massive fleeting comment followed your quoting of the HHR sales. C'mon now, own up.

See reply above...and I stand by my statement. And, although I may have been unclear, GM's statement about fleet sales being down has ONLY appeared in down month PR statements recently....check 'em yourself. When everyone was raving around here regarding the GM turnaround, citing recent good numbers, those Press releases inevitably ignored mention of fleet sales--every time.

*For the first half of 2007, the HHR fleeting was at 30%+, when GM was crowing about a reduction in fleet sales...

http://www.fleet-central.com/af/t_pop_pdf..../trucks_web.pdf

Edited December 4, 2007 by enzl

[Camino LS6]

[haypops]

*For the first half of 2007, the HHR fleeting was at 30%+, when GM was crowing about a reduction in fleet sales...

http://www.fleet-central.com/af/t_pop_pdf..../trucks_web.pdf

Daily rental sales were 20%+ not 30, or doesn't that distinction matter to this discussion?

[haypops]

but its really a cobalt wagon.

A cobalt wagon! Really I thought it was a Buick.

[enzl]

Daily rental sales were 20%+ not 30, or doesn't that distinction matter to this discussion?

Make & Model Commercial Government Rental Total Fleet Retail Total % Fleet vs. Total

Compact SUVs

Chevrolet HHR 2,114 52 9,255 11,421 26,493 37,914 30.1%

Chrysler PT Cruiser 1,303 14 34,960 36,277 22,453 58,730 61.8%

Dodge Nitro 1,050 13 4,990 6,053 27,350 33,403 18.1%

Ford Escape 7,065 2,085 10,455 19,605 49,951 69,556 28.2%

Honda CR-V 470 23 68 561 99,959 100,520 0.6%

Honda Element 330 9 130 469 19,693 20,162 2.3%

Hyundai Santa Fe 198 4 3,874 4,076 32,759 36,835 11.1%

Hyundai Tucson 92 2 1,525 1,619 19,486 21,105 7.7%

Jeep Compass 820 9 2,489 3,318 19,485 22,803 14.6%

Jeep Liberty 2,639 915 14,931 18,485 37,935 56,420 32.8%

Jeep Patroit 39 - 429 468 1,508 1,976 23.7%

Jeep Wrangler 406 151 2,511 3,068 51,646 54,714 5.6%

Kia Sportage 67 1 5,043 5,111 17,195 22,306 22.9%

Mazda Tribute 48 4 3 55 5,674 5,729 1.0%

Mercury Mariner 1,377 9 1,125 2,511 12,421 14,932 16.8%

Mitsubishi Outlander 39 2 666 707 9,061 9,768 7.2%

Pontiac Torrent 219 14 3,465 3,698 12,942 16,640 22.2%

Saturn Vue 902 84 3,033 4,019 35,094 39,113 10.3%

Subaru Forester 325 12 3,291 3,628 20,360 23,988 15.1%

Suzuki Grand Vitara 45 - 714 759 10,317 11,076 6.9%

Toyota FJ Cruiser 341 7 17 365 30,469 30,834 1.2%

Toyota RAV4 668 20 8,351 9,039 67,013 76,052 11.9%

Compact SUVs Total 20,557 3,430 111,325 135,312 629,264 764,576 17.7%

Directly from quoted pdf.

I wish I was lying. GM is playing very fast and loose with their public pronouncements. As enthusiasts, I'd be concerned about their very survival, at this point. Fritz was just quoted in the lead, front page AN 12/3 article already adjusting industry sales estimates in 2008 to 15.7 million units from GM's current forecast of 'low-16's'.

Wanna guess who's going to lose the largest portion of that 500,000 in 2008?

That should be your concern. Not my opinion on the state of GM's fleeting addiction.

(& Camino....don't let the facts get in the way of a good argument.)

Edited December 5, 2007 by enzl

[Camino LS6]

I'm not arguing what the percetages are, just the fact that you were obviously quoting the HHR sales increase and crediting it to fleet when retail figures were being posted in the article.

You could have simply said " Oops I read that wrong, my mistake" and gone on to make your point about fleet sales. But no, you can't even own up to a simple error.

Please.

[Camino LS6]

Clearly the HHR is a good product which sells well.

And just how bad can a figure of 30% fleet really be when the vehicle is such that it offers a "Panel Van" option anyway?

[Drew Dowdell]

only 9k went to the rental market. The rest were commercial purchases.

but why aren't we counting this with Cobalt/G5 sales like Toyota does with the Matrix/Corolla?

[enzl]

I'm not arguing what the percetages are, just the fact that you were obviously quoting the HHR sales increase and crediting it to fleet when retail figures were being posted in the article.

You could have simply said " Oops I read that wrong, my mistake" and gone on to make your point about fleet sales. But no, you can't even own up to a simple error.

Please.

60% of sh!t is still crap.

If sales for 06 were poor, 60% more doesn't mean 'strong' retail sales, it merely means better than the period we're comparing it with...

I can read, brother. I'm disagreeing with the implication that the 'increase' means positive news....obviously you've missed my point, which I didn't make clear at first and then tried to....sorry, some people gotta work.

Ultimately, the % increase is on sh!t 06 #'s...and 3/10 (or more now) of this 'hot' product are not being sold at retail. Period.

I didn't realize I needed to clear up my misstatements with you first. I'll work on that.

Don't you have some deck-chairs to rearrange somewhere?

Edited December 5, 2007 by enzl

[Camino LS6]

I haven't missed your point, in fact I haven't addressed it at all. I have merely pointed out an error and the fact that you refuse to aknowledge it.

You should be a lawyer or a politician, obfuscation seems to be a strong suit for you.

Have a nice day.

[Drew Dowdell]

I'll go out on a limb and say 100% of the HHRs weren't sold at retail. Who pays sticker anyway?

25% were daily rentals - probably big discounts there

70% were retail - some discounts, but again, who pays sticker?

5% were commercial - flower shops, pharmacy deliveries, etc. - More discount than retail, but not as much as rentals.

Apparently companies that do deliveries love them. Less expensive than a minivan while still having a good loading capacity.

All of the Eckards <when they were in business> around here had HHRs for their prescription deliveries.

[enzl]

I haven't missed your point, in fact I haven't addressed it at all. I have merely pointed out an error and the fact that you refuse to aknowledge it.

You should be a lawyer or a politician, obfuscation seems to be a strong suit for you.

Have a nice day.

You win.

As usual, you must pull a tangental point out of context to be "right". I hope that small victory consoles you when GM is making widgets for Chinese consumers.

As usual, you've expressed your complete lack of vision or ideas...where's the spirited defense of the mighty GM PR machine? Or some real, valid point that would prove that my issues are unfounded?

If GM is selling 1600 instead of 1000 or even 3200 instead of 2000 at retail, does that qualify as good in your book? In case you've missed it the small crossover/CUV segment is hot...and the HHR has been unable to gain traction, unlike the crv, rav4 and others which will sell in Record #s this year. GM is again caught with their pants down and you're arguing a lone semantic point.

Good luck with that.

[Camino LS6]

I've won, have I?

I didn't realize we were competing.

I could have countered your arguments about fleeting and sales, and the fortunes of GM these days. But the fact is that I never addressed these issues in this thread at all. Had I done so, the net result of such a discussion is easy to predict: I would have seen the positives and you would have seen the negatives, so why bother?

You know what the point was, I know what the point was, as does everyone else who has read this thread.

I'll just leave it at that.

[Drew Dowdell]

the HHR has been unable to gain traction, unlike the crv, rav4 and others which will sell in Record #s this year.

Question 1: How are the CRV and RAV4 direct competition for the HHR? CR-V starts $4,000 higher than the HHR. RAV4 starts $5,000 higher.

I think the Element, PT Cruiser, Matrix, and xB are the HHR's true competition as they are all roughly the same size, the same price range, and .... well, the same kind of vehicle.

Question 2: How is selling a steady 100k per year, in it's 3rd model year, in a market previously not occupied by GM, a bad thing?

Toyota wishes they sold 100k xBs. They sold 56k xBs to Chevy's 96k HHRs. Toyota lumps Matrix in with Corolla so I can't get a number on them, but I highly doubt that one in four Corollas is a Matrix and that is what would be needed to exceed HHR sales.

Honda wishes they sold as many Elements as Scion sold xBs. Element sells at less than half the rate the HHR does and it's already been through an MCE.

PT Cruiser sales are substantially down despite heavy fleeting. Down below HHR in fact.

So... wait. Doesn't that make HHR the best selling in it's market? In fact, even if you remove every single HHR fleet sale, it still outsells everything from the Japanese INCLUDING their fleet numbers and handily outsells PT Cruiser when you remove it's 50% fleet rate.

[Camino LS6]

I have to confess, I scoffed at the HHR when it was introduced - but it has since grown on me (a feat rarely accomplished by any FWD). It just seems so 'right-sized" and well thought out.

Additonally, I find the interior to be especially nice. The late additon of the panel version (and SS) gave it a new level of interest as well. All in all, I'd call the management of the HHR excellent and a fine example of GM doing it the right way.

It's a cool little vehicle that I have a hard time finding fault with despite my strong preference for RWD performance cars and full-size trucks.

The local Chevy dealer sells a ton of them, while the polar-opposite (wrong-sized and ill-conceived) Trailblazer languishes on the lot.

[A Horse With No Name]

The HHR is economical, stylish and utilitarian. I would put one in my garage.

...hell yes...

Chris

[A Horse With No Name]

...agree with Camino also on the HHR interior comment.

Chris

[enzl]

I have to confess, I scoffed at the HHR when it was introduced - but it has since grown on me (a feat rarely accomplished by any FWD). It just seems so 'right-sized" and well thought out.

Additonally, I find the interior to be especially nice. The late additon of the panel version (and SS) gave it a new level of interest as well. All in all, I'd call the management of the HHR excellent and a fine example of GM doing it the right way.

It's a cool little vehicle that I have a hard time finding fault with despite my strong preference for RWD performance cars and full-size trucks.

The local Chevy dealer sells a ton of them, while the polar-opposite (wrong-sized and ill-conceived) Trailblazer languishes on the lot.

I'm honestly not trying to bust balls, but I can't disagree more about what you've written.

First, as background, I'm currently driving an HHR, '08 LT with 700 miles as a co. car. I've also spent a month in an 06 HHR with every option that had 20k on the clock.

They are not space efficient, they are not fun nor particularly well made and are really just a half-baked product.

The gas mileage is so-so, the acceleration mediocre and, while appearing nice, the interior shows alot of signs of cost cutting and just plain bad decision making.

On top of all that, it's a blatant rip-off of Chrysler's original idea--and not even done demonstrably better--with arguably better 'bones' to work with.

The Trailblazer is at least state-of-the art for a '02 old school SUV. The HHR is an unoriginal idea done poorly.

I can't begin to tell you how disappointing the HHR is to live with. Not deliver pizzas or copies, but actually try to live with, with a small family, lots of crap to carry & the HHR as the only vehicle.

Perhaps its my own hands on experience, but our Chevy stores and our region at large does not deliver a whole lot of them, at least not to retail showroom customers. The New Mailbu is impressive and GM doing it the right way.

[Drew Dowdell]

So all this arguing from you about sales numbers is just because you don't like the one you're driving even though it's basically the same package as all the others in it's class and sells nearly double any Japanese competitor? If you don't like an HHR, I doubt you'd like an xB, Matrix, Element, or PT Cruiser either. Just pick something else man....

[Camino LS6]

I'm honestly not trying to bust balls, but I can't disagree more about what you've written.

First, as background, I'm currently driving an HHR, '08 LT with 700 miles as a co. car. I've also spent a month in an 06 HHR with every option that had 20k on the clock.

They are not space efficient, they are not fun nor particularly well made and are really just a half-baked product.

The gas mileage is so-so, the acceleration mediocre and, while appearing nice, the interior shows alot of signs of cost cutting and just plain bad decision making.

On top of all that, it's a blatant rip-off of Chrysler's original idea--and not even done demonstrably better--with arguably better 'bones' to work with.

The Trailblazer is at least state-of-the art for a '02 old school SUV. The HHR is an unoriginal idea done poorly.

I can't begin to tell you how disappointing the HHR is to live with. Not deliver pizzas or copies, but actually try to live with, with a small family, lots of crap to carry & the HHR as the only vehicle.

Perhaps its my own hands on experience, but our Chevy stores and our region at large does not deliver a whole lot of them, at least not to retail showroom customers. The New Mailbu is impressive and GM doing it the right way.

I'll take you at your word on this, as I've never attempted to live with the HHR. I do find it curious that my impression and your own are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Being the sort of vehicle I would normally not give a second glance, it has managed to impress me nonetheless. As to the sales issue, perhaps local tastes are behind the disparity as the HHR is nearly ubiquitous here. Not a day goes by that I don't see at least a dozen on the road, and they don't stay on the local lot very long.

The Trailblazer, on the other hand, is too large outside, too small inside, and too expensive. Thus it sits while the Equinox and Tahoe take the sales at opposing ends of the market. It just doesn't do much very well as compared to the other options.

Agreed on the Malibu.

[enzl]

Question 1: How are the CRV and RAV4 direct competition for the HHR? CR-V starts $4,000 higher than the HHR. RAV4 starts $5,000 higher.

I think the Element, PT Cruiser, Matrix, and xB are the HHR's true competition as they are all roughly the same size, the same price range, and .... well, the same kind of vehicle.

Question 2: How is selling a steady 100k per year, in it's 3rd model year, in a market previously not occupied by GM, a bad thing?

Toyota wishes they sold 100k xBs. They sold 56k xBs to Chevy's 96k HHRs. Toyota lumps Matrix in with Corolla so I can't get a number on them, but I highly doubt that one in four Corollas is a Matrix and that is what would be needed to exceed HHR sales.

Honda wishes they sold as many Elements as Scion sold xBs. Element sells at less than half the rate the HHR does and it's already been through an MCE.

PT Cruiser sales are substantially down despite heavy fleeting. Down below HHR in fact.

So... wait. Doesn't that make HHR the best selling in it's market? In fact, even if you remove every single HHR fleet sale, it still outsells everything from the Japanese INCLUDING their fleet numbers and handily outsells PT Cruiser when you remove it's 50% fleet rate.

Hang on...the small(ish) 2 box market is growing. What form the vehicle takes on...SUV-lite vs. Something else---has generally led to success for the SUVish vehicle and a mixed bag elsewhere. You telling me no one at GM saw the market and where it was going---if you're going through the time and effort of heavy differentiation of a Delta anyway? Plus, the Tracker died years ago, so there was certainly room in the line-up with the Equinox being a V6 only in a class that prefers 4 cylinders.

In other words, by making a bad choice (both Rav & CRV are 3rd gen products, so the blueprint was out there!) and outselling other market 'slight misses', I'm now supposed to congratulate GM that they don't suck too badly?

Please.

100k of HHR's means 70k retail...I'm certain a better Cobalt would have sold another 100k with minimal investment in tangible improvements without the bother of developing the HHR

[enzl]

I'll take you at your word on this, as I've never attempted to live with the HHR. I do find it curious that my impression and your own are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Being the sort of vehicle I would normally not give a second glance, it has managed to impress me nonetheless. As to the sales issue, perhaps local tastes are behind the disparity as the HHR is nearly ubiquitous here. Not a day goes by that I don't see at least a dozen on the road, and they don't stay on the local lot very long.

The Trailblazer, on the other hand, is too large outside, too small inside, and too expensive. Thus it sits while the Equinox and Tahoe take the sales at opposing ends of the market. It just doesn't do much very well as compared to the other options.

Agreed on the Malibu.

The t-blazer is a dinosaur....for some further perspective, I recently had an xB (1st gen) for a month--it was an 05 with 60k....I would venture to say it had only slightly less space overall (More for humans, less for cargo) than the HHR. It got 27-35MPG and, while dog-ass slow and ugly, it just seemed like a more integrated piece than the HHR.

The Traverse will more than cover the T-blazer space adequately...I foresee a Colorado/H3 based SUV made elsewhere plugged back into the Chevy lineup at some point in the future.

My Chevy store has trouble moving more than a couple of HHR's monthly--and the wide variation in MSRP from top to bottom makes it difficult to inventory adequately, regardless. Is the HHR attractive? Yes. Is it 'good' in the same way a Mazda 3 or a CRV is? Not really.

I've had similar bad vibes about the Compatriot triplets, the Matrix (1st gen) & the Element. each has at least one fatal flaw that would drive me crazy as an owner.

Edited December 6, 2007 by enzl

[Drew Dowdell]

The t-blazer is a dinosaur....for some further perspective, I recently had an xB (1st gen) for a month--it was an 05 with 60k....I would venture to say it had only slightly less space overall (More for humans, less for cargo) than the HHR. It got 27-35MPG and, while dog-ass slow and ugly, it just seemed like a more integrated piece than the HHR.

I've driven the new version.... it's a piece all right.

that would drive me crazy as an owner.

yeah, but look at the start you've got.

[haypops]

Enzyl: I understand that you are more worldly-wise than I, but still your comments on the HHR seem off key. I have had mine for almost 6 months now and enjoy it more each day. The utility is great and the interior cheapness you describe fits me just fine (I suspect you are one of those who can't get used to the window switches not being on the door). The fuel mileage is great (30 easily on the freeway, 25 in town). The air conditioner is amazing. The acceleration is sparkling for a vehicle in this class. I've been driving for 50 years and this car pleases me more than any other has.

GM has changed its daily rental strategy with the HHR. They are loading them up rather than renting out the stripos. I think it has had some positive effect on sales.

As I mentioned above you have many more auto experiences than I to lord over me. However, my son in-law is a professional driver and he too shares my pleasure with this car.

My Chevy store has trouble moving more than a couple of HHR's monthly--.

When I bought mine, three sold simultaneously and I bought from a smallish dealer.

and the wide variation in MSRP from top to bottom makes it difficult to inventory adequately, regardless

That would seem to be your concern, not the customers! I do question that the range in price is any greater than other Chevies or even Honda. Could you give me further instruction in this area?

On top of all that, it's a blatant rip-off of Chrysler's original idea--and not even done demonstrably better--with arguably better 'bones' to work with.

The HHR is a smallish car with a bit of utility, it's not a painting or a sculpture. Its originality or lack of same has absolutely nothing to do with its intrinsic value. Perhaps you have gotten one too many Robo calls from Rudy or Mitt and it has soured your normally sweet disposition.

[enzl]

Enzyl: I understand that you are more worldly-wise than I, but still your comments on the HHR seem off key. I have had mine for almost 6 months now and enjoy it more each day. The utility is great and the interior cheapness you describe fits me just fine (I suspect you are one of those who can't get used to the window switches not being on the door). The fuel mileage is great (30 easily on the freeway, 25 in town). The air conditioner is amazing. The acceleration is sparkling for a vehicle in this class. I've been driving for 50 years and this car pleases me more than any other has.

GM has changed its daily rental strategy with the HHR. They are loading them up rather than renting out the stripos. I think it has had some positive effect on sales.

As I mentioned above you have many more auto experiences than I to lord over me. However, my son in-law is a professional driver and he too shares my pleasure with this car.

When I bought mine, three sold simultaneously and I bought from a smallish dealer.

That would seem to be your concern, not the customers! I do question that the range in price is any greater than other Chevies or even Honda. Could you give me further instruction in this area?

The HHR is a smallish car with a bit of utility, it's not a painting or a sculpture. Its originality or lack of same has absolutely nothing to do with its intrinsic value. Perhaps you have gotten one too many Robo calls from Rudy or Mitt and it has soured your normally sweet disposition.

I think that the HHR suffers in 2 ways:

1st, I take issue with what it represents for GM--it's simply a PT rip-off without much improvement. Styling is subjective, but by any other standard, it simply doesn't move the game forward. Mazda fits up to 7 people with the Mazda5, as does Kia with the Rondo--in the same space, for examples.

2nd, It just doesn't drive that well for a small car. See any Mazda, Honda or Volkswagen for a smalish car that drives well. I have never gotten the MPG you claim, although I don't pay for fillups, I do monitor consumption and both HHR's I've driven have trip computers---I've never seen above 23mpg for an average tank. It's built poorly---the one I have now has multiple trim and fitment issues, including a glaring misalignment of rear passenger doors and a poorly designed & fitted gas fill area (neck, inner gas door trim both awful). You can't see traffic lights without ducking down, the interior trim is fisher price in some areas and my 700 mi. example's air-pressure monitoring system is going haywire right now (different PSI for each tire each time you start the car!)

As far as stocking these, it appears that we had alot of mid-trim levels and then had to swap for base or loaded models...it seems that some HHR customers want 'em cheap, others at the opposite end---this issue came from my inventory mgr.--he's been in the biz 50+yrs.--not me. If he can keep the variations of pickups moving, I can't see why the HHR is an issue, but apparently it is. Perhaps some dealers (like the one you cite above) have much better luck and don't want to swap without exacting holdback? I'm not sure.

I can only speak for myself---I'm happy we sell as many as we can--I just look at the HHR as part of the 'old way' at GM. A small, CUVish Tracker replacement would have sold 100k/yr. easy. The HHR is just the wrong answer IMO.

Haypops-I'm truly glad to hear that you are happy with your purchase---that's really what matters--not what some anonymous blow-hard on the internet thinks...

Edited December 6, 2007 by enzl

[Drew Dowdell]

I wouldn't look towards the 5 or the Rondo for styling guidance.

A small, CUVish Tracker replacement would have sold 100k/yr. easy. The HHR is just the wrong answer IMO.

uhm... the HHR does sell 100k a year... even in it's 3rd year.... and there is no reason a small Tracker replacement couldn't be sold along side of the HHR and ALSO sell 100k a year. They are different vehicles markets.

[enzl]

I wouldn't look towards the 5 or the Rondo for styling guidance.

uhm... the HHR does sell 100k a year... even in it's 3rd year.... and there is no reason a small Tracker replacement couldn't be sold along side of the HHR and ALSO sell 100k a year. They are different vehicles markets.

First-the 100k is with 30%+ fleeting. Check the chart for successful vehicles and their %.

Second, the Rondo and 5 are good ideas or at least creative...the HHR is devoid of all creative thought, in concept and execution.

The HHR is bad GM, IMO. There are wonderful examples of good GM running around. I strongly believe that the development dollars for cars like the HHR delay cars like the Camaro. If the Cobalt was Civic or 3 good, GM would be benefiting from the shift to smaller vehicles. Instead, its forced to shift Cobalts at cost (or worse) to sell an additional 70k units of a vehicle like the HHR.

Misplaced priorities & poor product planning is killing GM in the marketplace. The Zeta's should be out this year. GM should have a viable RWD sedan that's under $25k. Alpha is '11 at best. Subcompacts sell across 90% of the globe. Why doesn't GM have the Corsa here, now? I just don't get it--and the HHR epitomizes it for me. The HHR isn't bad, it just stands as a symbol of the frustration I feel as a GM fan....

[thegriffon]

I'll take you at your word on this, as I've never attempted to live with the HHR. I do find it curious that my impression and your own are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Being the sort of vehicle I would normally not give a second glance, it has managed to impress me nonetheless. As to the sales issue, perhaps local tastes are behind the disparity as the HHR is nearly ubiquitous here. Not a day goes by that I don't see at least a dozen on the road, and they don't stay on the local lot very long.

The Trailblazer, on the other hand, is too large outside, too small inside, and too expensive. Thus it sits while the Equinox and Tahoe take the sales at opposing ends of the market. It just doesn't do much very well as compared to the other options.

Agreed on the Malibu.

That explains why the TB still tops the sales charts for midsize SUVs and crossovers in many months, and could still unseat the Explorer this year if it has a good December.

As for the HHR, I think it is cool, but needed more money spent on it. It has neither the cargo-hauling utility of longer-wheelbase European LCVs such as the Combo, New Kangoo and Doblo, nor the awd option and minimal off-road ability of traditional compact utilities—which would I think push sales much higher. I believe the latter will be addressed in the HHR replacement, which doesn't look like being an HHR. If they hae any sense they should turn the HHR into a proper high-roof European-style LCV to better serve the market for HHR Panels.

[regfootball]

older xb is a tin can. i would never consent to driving one unless i was ok with getting maimed in a crash. i'd make sure i had life insurance before i got in one.

mazda5 and rondo are not selling. pick worthwhile examples. besides, you won't fit in the back row of that mazda 5. and the rondo is a dork machine.

HHR is a cobalt wagon that offers a unique design theme and outcargos the focus wagon.

the turbo hhr should be a hoot to drive.

Edited December 7, 2007 by regfootball

[Drew Dowdell]

First-the 100k is with 30%+ fleeting. Check the chart for successful vehicles and their %.

Ok... subtract all the HHR fleet. It still outsells the next best seller!

Second, the Rondo and 5 are good ideas or at least creative...

Wait... what?!?

The Rondo and Mazda 5 are nothing more than 2007 versions of a Dodge Colt Vista

And then they had the Turbo version.

[enzl]

Ok... subtract all the HHR fleet. It still outsells the next best seller!

Wait... what?!?

The Rondo and Mazda 5 are nothing more than 2007 versions of a Dodge Colt Vista

And then they had the Turbo version.

If I'm wrong, why is the next gen small 7 seater coming here?

What kind of distribution does Kia or mazda have compared to Chevy?

If you like the HHR that's fine, just don't expect me to agree. It's tired and absent any creative thought as a product, IMO.

And Reg, I was trying to recite unique packaging, not cool cars...almost any hatch at the price point of the HHR is a better drive and about 95% as practical. You like waiting until 09 for Camaro's, you keep defending mediocrities like the HHR.

[Chicagoland]

I have seen Rondos with rental tags on them, so don't assume these are 'creative'. HHR is way better than RWD fantaics think. The Camaro is not going to save GM alone, the Malibu will be more significant in changing minds.

The RWD Zetas will end up low volume, or sold with diesels to meet 35 mpg CAFE, so don't go thinking 1970 is coming back, with 455 ci iron.

[enzl]

I have seen Rondos with rental tags on them, so don't assume these are 'creative'. HHR is way better than RWD fantaics think. The Camaro is not going to save GM alone, the Malibu will be more significant in changing minds.

The RWD Zetas will end up low volume, or sold with diesels to meet 35 mpg CAFE, so don't go thinking 1970 is coming back, with 455 ci iron.

I'll break it down quite simply:

It's not what the HHR is as much as its what that development $ could have done. A better Cobalt OR A 7 pass MPV or a small CUV just would have made more sense...even if they didn't sell here, the weak US $ could have meant overseas export and factories running full steam in yrs 3-5OR earlier development of the Zetas---a NA-made, RWD sedan Zeta will be available in '10 (?) exactly 5 years after DCX did RWD with the LX--that's a timely response to competition?

Like them or not, the Rondo & 5 are sold worldwide---are we exporting HHRs to Europe or Asia or S.America? Not really. Pure Genius.

[Drew Dowdell]

a 7 passenger MPV wouldn't have sold like the HHR. A small CUV is definately needed in the Chevy lineup, but I don't see that as mutually exclusive to the HHR. The HHR is just a Cobalt wagon and the expectations of it should be as such. An Epsilon based 7-passenger MPV would supplement the HHR quite nicely. B0ut lets not pretend that this is Europe, MPVs are not popular here and even a segment best MPV would only sell in limited numbers.

HHR was a way for GM to get more profit out of the Delta platform. As long as the car is profitable, selling well, and helping GM's reputation, I'm all for GM selling them even if I'm not personally interested in one.

[Camino LS6]

Ok... subtract all the HHR fleet. It still outsells the next best seller!

Wait... what?!?

The Rondo and Mazda 5 are nothing more than 2007 versions of a Dodge Colt Vista

And then they had the Turbo version.

These are godawful hideous piles of nothing with zero style. The HHR is infinitely more creative stylistically than these.

God, they are bad.