Drew Dowdell

General Motors and Tengzhong Sign Definitive Agreement For Sale of HUMMER DETROIT and SICHUAN, Oct. 9, 2009 - General Motors (GM) and Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co., Ltd (Tengzhong), today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement that will allow Tengzhong to acquire GM's premium all-terrain HUMMER brand. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, the buyer will acquire the ownership of the HUMMER brand, trademark and tradenames, as well as specific IP license rights necessary for the manufacture of HUMMER vehicles. The buyer will also assume the existing dealer agreements relating to HUMMER's dealership network. Tengzhong intends to purchase HUMMER through an investment entity, in which it will hold an 80 percent stake. Mr. Suolang Duoji, a private entrepreneur with holdings that include the Hong Kong-listed thenardite producer Lumena, will hold the remaining 20 percent stake. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and/or review by government agencies in the U.S. and China. The completion of the definitive agreement enables the companies to continue and further the overall regulatory review process. "HUMMER is a strong global niche brand and this agreement signifies another important milestone in writing the next chapter for both GM and HUMMER," said Fritz Henderson, GM President and CEO. "For HUMMER, the combination of its knowledgeable leadership team, vehicle design expertise and the capital financing of Tengzhong portend a successful future." Under the agreement, HUMMER would contract vehicle manufacturing, key components and business services from GM during a defined transitional time period. For example, GM's Shreveport assembly plant would continue to contract assemble the H3 and H3T and AM General's Mishawaka assembly plant will continue to assemble the H2. Both facilities will produce the specified vehicles until June 2011, with an optional one year extension until June 2012. The deal is expected to secure more than 3,000 jobs in the U.S. related to the sale and manufacturing of HUMMER vehicles. HUMMER will continue to be managed by members of its existing leadership team including James Taylor, who will remain in his current role as HUMMER's chief executive officer. Prior to joining HUMMER, Taylor was General Manager of Cadillac where he oversaw a reinvigoration of the brand, leading key innovations in design and technology as well as the development of new models. "We are fortunate to have a partner who understands and recognizes the importance of continuing investment in HUMMER's heritage as a U.S.-based and branded company with a view toward capitalizing on global opportunities," said Taylor. "Backed by a privately owned and well-capitalized company, we are going to be able to focus on providing customers with more efficient models that deliver HUMMER's promise of authentic, purpose-built design and engineering." Once the transaction is complete, HUMMER will become the first automaker to offer an alternative fuel powertrain in every model, with the addition of E85 FlexFuel capability in the 2010 H3 and H3T. HUMMER is also in the process of obtaining emissions certification for a diesel H3 that will be introduced in markets outside of North America. The brand's future product development will focus on improving efficiency and performance in current HUMMER models with alternative fuel powertrains, more efficient gas engines, 6-speed transmissions and diesel engines. "This transaction marks an exciting step for both Tengzhong and HUMMER, as we invest in a business that has significant opportunity in the U.S. and around the globe," said Yang Yi, chief executive officer of Tengzhong. "We are excited about some of the initiatives already underway at HUMMER that we believe our investment will be able to accelerate, particularly related to the creation of the next generation of more fuel-efficient vehicles to meet not only future regulations but also customer expectations."

OCN, I was just at Lowes and any EnergyStar Whirlpool, Maytag, or KitchenAid dishwasher over $397 is 20% off! The model Albert and I have been looking at is $598 and goes to $478 with this deal.... plus free shipping!

In the case of the of MyTouch, it's currently 32gb. As far as movies on the MyTouch.... yep, there's an app for that. And you're not locked into iTunes. You can also watch via Hulu apparently.

Does the pitch of the squealing change as you turn the wheel or at different speeds?

Is there any change in the performance of the power steering?

The max memory is whatever the largest Micro SD card you can currently buy is... right now, that's 32gb... Android seemed to be pretty snappy for me when I was using it and I haven't read of any speed complaints. With android you can control your home automation and music....yes... there's an app for that. Android can be ported to run on x86 machines if you really wanted to. There are a few Android based netbooks on the way. The Android browser is a cut down version of Chrome. Google is based in the U.S. also. The 16gb iPhone 3Gs is $199 with 2 year contract. The 4 gig MyTouch 3G is $149 with 2 year contract + $35 for a 16gb microSD card. Seems pretty much like a wash to me. Oh.. and no need to buy the MobileMe plan from Apple if you want to sync your contacts and calendar wirelessly.

I'm thinking of it as an iPhone alternative. If you're already familiar with touch screen typing, the MyTouch will be a natural fit for you. That said, there are a bunch of reasons to go with a MyTouch over a G1.

The MyTouch has user upgradeable memory and user replaceable battery on an open source platform supported by a company with a lot more money than Apple.

For verizon ppl. If you're having signal trouble do a *228 snd and select "update roaming capability" Frequently works for me on my work Blackberry, doesn't cost anything except the 40 seconds it takes to update.

GM seems to be much lighter on its feet these days when it comes to decision making. They're not Apple, but they're a lot closer to it then they were 10 months ago.

If you get an energy star appliance with a certain rating, the government will kick in a nice rebate. Whirlpool, who also owns Maytag and KitchenAid, still manufactures most of their dishwashers in the U.S., but check the manufacturing point for your specific model.

I just checked out the myTouch... the successor to the G1. Reg, it's clearly not for you cost wise.... but if Google keeps at it, Apple is going to get their ass handed to them.

What kind of phone are you looking for? The GSM motorolas I bought are decent little phones. No camera, but I never use that feature myself anyway.

GM Outlines 90 Day Progress Report DETROIT - General Motors today outlined progress it has made toward achieving commitments in its business plan, including implementing a leaner structure, building stronger brands, and driving a company culture that puts the customer at the center of everything it does. Since launching the new company on July 10, GM has made demonstrable progress in positioning the company for success; putting in place a new global operating structure, a leaner and more streamlined executive leadership team, and a reconstituted Board of Directors. Emerging is a new GM with a cleaner balance sheet, fewer employees, an improved cost structure, a stronger dealer network, and streamlined global operations. Most importantly, the company has successfully launched new vehicles around the world that are performing especially well in their respective markets. Discussion - 90 Day GM Progress Report

General Motors Outlines 90 Days of Progress Accelerates its Focus on Customers, Cars and Culture · More competitive operating model and streamlined leadership structure in place · Especially strong performance of newly launched cars and trucks · Strengthens its four core brands - Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac · New marketing campaign positively impacts consumer consideration DETROIT - General Motors today outlined progress it has made toward achieving commitments in its business plan, including implementing a leaner structure, building stronger brands, and driving a company culture that puts the customer at the center of everything it does. Since launching the new company on July 10, GM has made demonstrable progress in positioning the company for success; putting in place a new global operating structure, a leaner and more streamlined executive leadership team, and a reconstituted Board of Directors. Emerging is a new GM with a cleaner balance sheet, fewer employees, an improved cost structure, a stronger dealer network, and streamlined global operations. Most importantly, the company has successfully launched new vehicles around the world that are performing especially well in their respective markets. "Over the past ninety days since we created the new GM, we've already launched a number of new, fuel-efficient, highly successful cars and crossovers; introduced a new marketing campaign that highlights our best-in-class fuel economy, quality, warranty and safety performance; sworn in a new Board of Directors; and overhauled our management," said GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson. "We are taking aggressive actions and moving quickly to transform our culture into one that is truly customer focused," Henderson said. New vehicle launches perform especially well Consumer reaction to GM's newest vehicles is very positive. In the U.S., newly launched vehicles, including the Chevrolet Equinox, Cadillac SRX, Buick LaCrosse, GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Camaro all exceeded sales expectations in September. September year-over-year sales of the all-new Chevrolet Equinox are up 94 percent, and the all-new Cadillac SRX sales are up 105 percent compared with August. Additional marketplace recognition came from the recent naming of three GM brand cars (Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon and Chevrolet Camaro) and two GM brand trucks (Cadillac SRX and Chevrolet Equinox) to the short list of nominees in the North American Car/Truck of the Year competition. The winners in each category will be announced at the North American International Auto Show in January. To help spur demand, in early September, GM launched a new advertising campaign titled "May the Best Car Win," which reinforces the company's confidence in design excellence and award-winning vehicle quality. Edmunds.com reports brand interest in GM vehicles is up approximately 11 percent (from 18.1 to 20 percent) since the campaign launched. In other world markets, the Daewoo Matiz Creative was launched in South Korea last month and has helped to double GM's market share in the mini segment in that country within the first three weeks of sale. Demonstrating the strength of GM's new global small car, since its introduction to the Australia market in late June, the all new Holden Cruze has become one of the country's top 10 selling nameplates. The Chevrolet Agile is now launching in Brazil and Argentina, and initial receptivity by consumers and media is positive. In Europe, the new Opel Astra, introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show, is ramping up production. The Astra is expected to perform well as a complement to the award-winning Insignia. Chevrolet Volt remains on track The Chevrolet Volt extended-range vehicle remains on track to begin production in late 2010. To date, more than 80 pre-production Volts have been built and are being road-tested. GM also recently announced a $43 million investment in Brownstown Township, Mich. to manufacture the required lithium-ion battery packs. Improved sales performance GM's preliminary global market share in the third quarter was 11.9 percent, up 0.3 percentage points from 11.6 percent share in the first half of the year, compared to 12.4 percent in 2008. The company's U.S. market share was 19.5 percent in the third quarter, consistent with the first half of the year. U.S. market share in 2008 was 22.1 percent. Most recently, GM's September share was 20.6 percent, one of the highest months in 2009, showing that the company's strong new launch products are capturing consumer interest. The four core brands accounted for more than 90 percent of GM's September U.S. sales. As of September 30, dealer inventory was 424,000 units with 81 days supply, down from 582,000 and 99 days supply at the end of the second quarter. Going forward, production will continue to be aligned tightly with demand. GM is increasing fourth quarter North America production to help rebuild the supply of vehicles in high customer demand. Rationalizing manufacturing GM has continued consolidating manufacturing operations while maintaining the flexibility to meet market demand. Third quarter 2009 production was 533,000 vehicles, compared to a fourth quarter production forecast of approximately 655,000, or a 23 percent increase. The company added approximately 60,000 units into the third and fourth quarter North America production schedules to meet growing consumer demand. Shifts have been added at CAMI, which produces the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, and the Lordstown Complex, which produces the Chevrolet Cobalt. Additionally, third shifts will be added early next year at three plants to increase production of in-demand vehicles. In the last 90 days, Pontiac Assembly and Wilmington Assembly both have ceased operation, as part of the previously announced plan to reduce operating plants in the U.S. By year-end 2009, GM will have reduced the number of operating plants in the U.S. to 41, down from 47 in 2008, excluding the component plants recently acquired from Delphi. Dealer consolidations continue As previously announced, GM is consolidating U.S. dealers through wind-down agreements, including Pontiac and Saturn dealerships. The company continues to work toward a more competitive dealer distribution structure, with approximately 5,800 dealers at the end of the third quarter, down from approximately 6,375 dealers at the end of 2008. Even after the dealership consolidation is completed in 2010, GM will have more dealerships serving customers than any competitor in the U.S. Workforce reductions In the U.S., GM reduced its workforce from approximately 29,700 salaried at the end of 2008 to approximately 24,300 salaried as of October 7, 2009, or 18.2 percent. GM's hourly employment has been reduced from approximately 62,000 people to 49,200 people in the same time period, or 21 percent. Expanding international operations In the Asia Pacific region, General Motors India and Reva Electric Car Company entered into a collaboration agreement and have begun feasibility studies to jointly develop electric vehicles for the Indian market. The agreement will accelerate GM's progress toward meeting future electric vehicle needs in markets around the world. GM also recently announced the establishment of its China Science Lab in Shanghai. This facility will conduct important research projects and is expected to contribute to worldwide technological innovation. The Lab's initial focus will be on research related to advanced propulsion technology. The China Science Lab is GM's eighth research facility. Also in China, GM China and China FAW Group recently created FAW-GM Light Duty Commercial Vehicle Co. Ltd. to produce and sell light-duty trucks and vans. The 50-50 joint venture will also engage in research and development, exports and aftersales support. In Brazil, GM do Brasil opened a new, expanded technical center in Sao Paulo. The Center employs more than 2,000 engineers and designers to develop new vehicles. It is the largest automotive technical center in Latin America. Asset sales near completion GM continues to work toward closing the sale of the Hummer and Saab brands. The company has made further progress on agreements and necessary regulatory approvals for the sale of Hummer to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. Ltd., and has reached agreement with Koenigsegg Group AB to purchase Saab. GM also is working to close the sales transaction of a majority stake in Opel/Vauxhall. Opel/Vauxhall operations will be 55 percent owned by Magna International and Sberbank; 10 percent by employees; and the balance retained by GM. Delphi As part of the resolution to the Delphi bankruptcy, GM recently acquired Delphi's global steering business and four key U.S. sites. In addition, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation is assuming Delphi's pensions covering 70,000 Delphi workers and retirees, while GM will provide benefits to a limited group of Delphi hourly employees and retirees. These agreements were finalized on October 6. Looking ahead - key GM priorities Leading into 2010, GM will continue to focus on its customers, cars and culture. The company will continue to promote its full range of vehicles with special attention paid to new launches, while emphasizing its brands in-market, and allocating resources to improve consumer consideration of GM vehicles. GM will maintain an intense focus on business performance, improving cash flow and EBIT. Additionally, the company will work to grow the revenue line through stabilization of market share in the U.S. and growth in important markets like China and India. As a newly created entity, GM is continuing to implement "fresh-start" reporting, which encompasses the determination of the fair value of its assets and liabilities, by March 31, 2010. The company is also continuing to prepare for an IPO as soon as practical. While significant progress has been made since the new company emerged, challenges still remain. These include uncertainty in the rate of recovery of the U.S. economy and the auto industry, the company's ability to continue rebuilding consumer purchase consideration and completing the remaining structuring actions. "We've made a lot of progress in 90 days, but we don't think for a second that we can begin to ease off the accelerator," Henderson said. "We have been granted an extraordinary second chance to reinvent this company. We are driving hard to change the way we interact with our customers, to ensure our new cars and trucks are the best in their segment, and to change the way we operate and how think about the business. We need to prove ourselves every day, and we will."

On the month to month plans, T-mobile seems to be the best. (does it have to be pre-paid or just no contract?) Back in July, I bought two unlocked GSM phones from this seller on E-bay. They were listed as refurbished, but to look at them they looked completely new.

Yay for my own admins not even being able to follow instructions!

Taken right, even pics of cars in less than prime condition can be quite nice!

I'm only 4 hours away.... so with enough notice, count me in.

I don't eat cooked seafood much less the uncooked stuff.

Obviously prefer GM, but we'll take everything we can get. If we get more than required for the Calendar, we'll have a contest as to which pics get included. You still have plenty of time to get the pics in, I was just surprised by the initial lack of response. Feel free to submit as many pics as you want.

Zero submissions so far?

Of that Fleetwood? There's room for you, your wife, and your 3 kids!

It's coming up on that time again. Please submit photos of your rides that you might like to have included in the Cheers and Gears member's rides 2010 calendar. Please submit your high resolution photos to [email protected] Include: Member name Real life name Year/Make/Model/Trim - I'm not Balthazar, so I'd probably guess wrong. Purchase date Any other pertinent information Entries must be submitted by November 15th, 2009. Those of you who've had issues with obtaining a C&G calendar in the past..... I'm running this now, so it will be much more efficient. I look forward to seeing your submissions! Regards, Oldsmoboi

I'm sure you would have ridiculed White Star for taking out insurance on the "unsinkable" Titanic.