Bimmer325

CAW Approves Camaro Changes Plant rules will enable Canadian factories to build Zetas, including Camaro. Members of Canadian Auto Workers Local 222 in Oshawa, Ont., have approved a series of work rule changes that could lead to General Motors announcing soon that it plans to move ahead with plans to build a new Chevrolet Camaro. The Camaro was one of the big favorites of journalists and car buffs at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. GM's executives have promised they will decide quickly if they will turn the concept Camaro into a production car before end of the decade. With the feasibility study still in the works, GM negotiators recently settled in for eleven days of intense negotiations with CAW representatives from the Oshawa assembly complex where GM now has three assembly plants. CAW officials have said that the negotiations are a prelude to a decision on actually building the Camaro. Late last week, the workers at Oshawa voted in favor of what CAW officials described as a cost-saving agreement demanded by GM. The production members of CAW Local 222 voted 74 percent to support the proposal, while skilled trades voted 70 percent. With the union's acceptance of GM's demands, GM Canada management should now be in a position to make its pitch for future product allocation from Detroit, said Chris Buckley, president of CAW Local 222. "Some very difficult decisions have been made, not only by the union leadership, but by our members as well. Without a doubt, this has been a very emotional event." The changes will not affect the wages, benefits, pensions, or time off the job for CAW members. However, union officials said that the agreement does make room for as many as 2500 CAW members, nearing retirement age, to leave the GM payroll early. The changes in the agreement are designed to make the Oshawa facility more competitive in the global market. The complex currently has about 11,000 employees who staff three different assembly plants and other units. GM said last November that one of the assembly plants in Oshawa will close in 2008 as part of cost-cutting initiatives. Targeted for shutdown is the Oshawa No. 2 plant, which currently builds the Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick LaCrosse/Allure. The No. 1 plant is set to lose assembly of its Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Impala models in 2009 and would pick up the rear-wheel-drive Camaro along with other models under the proposal approved by the CAW. The Monte Carlo and Impala would likely become all-wheel drive. The CAW says turning Oshawa's two car factories into one flexible assembly plant that can produce different vehicles would better position GM Canada to secure as much as $701 million in new investment from General Motors. "We were fortunate in Oshawa to have had the opportunity to work on securing our futures," Buckley said. "There are a number of GM facilities in North America which will not, and will unfortunately close, putting thousands of working people on the unemployment line. Our members in the vehicle assembly plants and in the parts suppliers deserve a secure future. CAW members at GM have done their part; it's now time for General Motors to step up to the plate," said Buckley, who said the Oshawa complex now had a good shot a winning the Camaro work. In the complicated internal politics of GM product allocation decisions, the CAW maintains it has first claim on the Camaro because the last Camaro had been built at an old GM assembly plant in Ste. Therese, Quebec, that had been staffed by CAW members. Despite the likelihood of a smaller work force at Oshawa, the union said it did not want to flirt with the chance of GM opting to close both car plants and losing about 5600 jobs. There is also a truck assembly plant at Oshawa. "Nobody wants to be having this vote, so in that regard there is not a lot of good feeling," said CAW spokesman Peter Kennedy. Other potential changes that were rejected by the union during contract negotiations last September include outsourcing janitorial staff and getting rid of an in-house construction crew, opening the door for outside contractors to come into the complex, the CAW said. Link: http://www.thecarconnection.com/Auto_News/...175.A10137.html

Another huge debate is the collapse of #7 WTC. It was a forty sum-odd story building that collapsed into its footprint later in the day on 9/11. The building had small fires burning on one side, but nothing serious enough to cause another collapse. Video of the building coming down truly makes it look like a demolition. I'll dig up the video at some point.

Saturn Poised to Steal the Show By Bimmer325 Saturn's transition from second-thought to center-stage will soon be more apparent than ever. GM's planetary marque is a brand in transition, and the General isn't banking on any-one model to spark its turnaround. Rather, an entire fleet of compelling product is set to steal the show. The stage, it seems, will be the New York International Auto Show next month. Saturn's New Outlook Saturn's revolution commenced with the debut of the Sky, and if any vehicle could shatter perceptions of a brand, this is it. Its crisp origami design aesthetic is a mere sample of what’s to come, and those not familiar with it may be in for a shock the next time they pass their Saturn dealer. The Solstice is a proven hit, and with edgier exterior styling and a gorgeous interior, the Sky is sure to follow suit. The next chapter (and arguably the more crucial one) will be producing practical Saturns that still steal the show. If the Aura is any indication, Saturn has the right idea. In just a few short weeks, we'll see if the rest of the new lineup can keep up. [001. AURA] Aura replaces the defunct L-Series and will likely be the volume-leader of the new Saturns. With the Aura, Saturn's bringing some much-needed spice to the bread and butter sedan market, and just might take a serious bite out of the midsize menu in the process. It’s the latest in GM's fleet of Epsilon midsizers, and looks to be the most polished. It'll be the only Epsilon model to offer GM's high-feature 3.6-liter V-6 (good for 250 horsepower), and will be among the first to offer GM's all-new six-speed automatic transmission. Even though it'll be aimed at the higher-end of the market, the Aura will likely steal considerable sales from more mainstream competitors like Camry and Accord in four-cylinder form. From a styling standpoint, the Aura offers more visual pizzazz than either, and if the production interior is anything like the stunning concept, it'll be a serious contender. If the Sky’s illustrious cockpit came to fruition, the Aura’s cabin seems like a feasible reality. In V-6 form, even more-upmarket competitors like the TL won't be out of Aura's reach. The production model will debut alongside Nissan's redesigned Altima and revamped midsizers from both Chrylser and Dodge, but thanks to the concept, the Aura's already garnered more attention than the Nissan and DCX pair combined. If the production version holds true to the concept's winning formula, it'll be a recipe for success. [002. OUTLOOK] The Lambda-based Outlook will slot above the current VUE in Saturn's lineup and is set to debut in near-production form (à la Enclave) next month. Outlook production will begin in November along with the GMC Acadia. "The Outlook will be a key vehicle in our strategy to grow the Saturn brand," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager, "It will get us into the expanding midsize crossover segment with a vehicle that features dynamic design and a refined, sophisticated interior." The Outlook will debut with the same 250-horsepower V-6 as the Buick Enclave, with an optional V-8 (Saturn's first) possibly becoming available later on. Like the Aura, the Outlook will have Japan's most formidable contenders in its crosshairs. If the Enclave is any indication, the Outlook has immense promise. [003. VUE] The next-generation VUE will also be among the trio of never-before-seen Saturns debuting in New York. Saturn will tout a concept version of what’s essentially an Opel Antara in Saturn guise. Saturn's all-new VUE will begin production next spring as an '08 model. The production version will resemble the European-market Chevrolet Captiva, with revised front and rear fascias. Based on an updated version of GM's Theta architecture, the VUE will retain its trim dimensions and likely include a Green Line hybrid variant shortly after its debut. Like all new Saturns, the VUE will lose its dent-resistant polymer panels in favor of conventional steel sheetmetal. Saturn's transition to steel will lower production costs by up to 40%, while allowing the Saturn line to mirror Opel more effectively. Sure, Saturn will be losing a piece of its identity, but its gaining competitive and appealing product in the process. All joking aside, I'll just be more careful about where I park my Aura. [004. SKY RED LINE] If you think the Sky is a complete departure from the Saturn of old, just wait for NY. In addition to the models we've yet to see, Saturn will reveal the Sky Red Line, a high-performance version of the Kappa-based roadster we've fallen in love with. Expect upwards of 260 horsepower along with revised exterior styling and a slightly tweaked interior. The Sky will be the first of the new Saturns to receive Red Line treatment. Saturn’s Kappa will likely sell at or slightly above list price thanks to the carmaker’s consumer-friendly pricing policy, whereas the Solstice is currently commanding a sizeable premium over its $20,490 MSRP. Depending on the dealer, the feature-laden Sky just might turn out to be the better deal. Why Saturn Has What it Takes Saturn's lineup will double in just over a year. The "new" Saturn will emerge a completely revitalized brand with all-new models and an all-new lease on life. But Saturn's journey upmarket won't take place overnight. As of this year, its dwindling lineup was down to just three models, two of which are held among GM’s weakest product. Throw in Saturn's history of producing cars with lackluster performance and lifeless design and the task grows even further. But there is good news. Even in the absence of compelling product, Saturn's sterling customer-service kept buyers loyal. Establishing a brand renowned for dealer-satisfaction is no easy task, but it’ll aid the upcoming product assault in gaining momentum. According to GM’s internal data, more than 70 percent of Saturn buyers wouldn't have considered another GM brand, and about half that number would’ve bought an import instead. Numbers like these give Saturn a valued spot in the General’s stable, and just might explain why Oldsmobile got the axe instead. Moreover, Saturn was among the first to adopt the haggle-free buying process it's renowned for (the same strategy brands like Scion seek to emulate). In the eyes of consumers, putting "people first" made competitive product almost beside the point. Age is also a factor. Saturn is just 16-years old, and we've all witnessed the awkward younger sister mature into an enticing young woman before. Just look at how far Cadillac has come. Five years ago, the brand’s claim to fame was building cushy land-yachts aimed at the blue-haired crowd. Like Cadillac, Saturn’s image is still very much salvageable. For years, the only thing lacking has been product with genuine widespread appeal. With a revamped lineup waxed and ready to be unveiled, the equation may soon be complete. After a decade on life support, the planets have finally aligned in Saturn’s favor. With fresh designs, spirited performance, and production costs rivaling GMC, the brand on the brink of extinction may soon become the center of GM’s universe. ---------- Louis Buccheri [email protected]

Last night I was involved in a pretty bad accident. I lost control of my car after being cut off by another driver and ended up swerving off the road before hitting a telephone pole. I was with a friend of mine and luckily, she was fine. I was banged up a bit by the impact, but I'll be fine. The car (my IS), was totaled. I know how lucky I am to have walked away, but I can't seem to shake this depression it's put me in. It's the second accident in under 4 months that the car's been involved in, so insurance is a mess and I likely won't be able to replace the car anytime soon. I've had a rough year, so this latest incident just adds to everything.

O.C., I shared your opinion of the S-Class until I started seeing them on the road. I can honestly say it's gorgeous in person.

The Malibu is not 10x the car a Camry is. Hate to burst that bubble. In fact, it's just as much of a soulless appliance as anything Toyota currently produces.

That looks great, can't wait to see more.

Those pictures look like a car half it's price. I expect it to look much better in authentic, non-enhanced images.

Buick's decision to drop the Rendezvous name after it's successful run (based on the Aztek, no less) seemed questionable. It would make sense for the rumored Theta Buick to carry the Rendezvous bage while the Enclave simply takes over the Rainier's spot. Interesting.

Delco

The last-generation Roadmaster represents everything Buick should be moving away from in future years. For most of the car-buying public, the name conjures up images of a homely land-yacht with a floaty ride. Invicta, on the other hand, sounds fresh, elegant, and classy. It has history, but isn't associated with the Buick of the last 15 years.

I've never seen one on the road. Ever.

For reference, BMW claims 129 mph as the 318's top speed.

I guess it's was the original press shots featured on the MB site that turned me against the GL. While the image Variance posted looks much better, the following make it look like a cheap Chinese knockoff. Either way, I think the Escalade offers far more striking exterior. The one I saw last week simply had presence, unlike this: Anyone see some heavy Grand Cherokee influence in Variance's shot?

The GL lost any trace of individuality it had with this latest redesign. Appearance-wise, it's now little more than a swolen M-Class. I'd say the Escalade is safe.

Yep, just like Enclave.

Invicta > Statesman > Roadmaster

Jalapeno

Switzerland

Switzerland

Is this a joke?

612 Scaglietti. I saw a pretty sizeable amount of these in Europe.

I don't understand why Saturn's debuting the Opel Antara in concept form when we already know what the production version will look like. If anything, the media will just complain about how it was "watered down" for production when the production-spec version debuts at next year's show circuit.

No, the Sunfire was actually differentiated from the Cavalier.

Out of those, the J30 is the one to go with.