GM is transferring production from Europe to the USA

[heimue]

Just read the following in a GM press release:

GM is transferring the Saturn Astra (= current Opel Astra) production from Antwerp (Netherlands) to their factory in Lordstown, OH. They plan on building 40,000 Astras a year, starting in 2010.
Furthermore, they will be transferring the Saturn Aura (Epsilon platform) from Rüsselsheim (Germany) to Fairfax, MO (right between Kansas City, MO and Omaha, NE). The volume is supposed to be 30,000 in 2011 and 70,000 in 2012.

I didn't even know the Aura was made outside of the States!

Dieter

[Ooooner]

Seems to me if Opels are good enough to be built here, then they should be good enough to sell here!

[Lindsay]

Saturn (Opel) Astra (Vega). Interesting information!

[First opel 1981]

That is sort of funny how they are acting like business as usual when they are being threatened with bankruptcy.
Personally, I would like to see GM take the lead in the US and make some decent cars for a change. I don't expect they will though. My big concern would be that they move the manufacturing here and then start cutting corners, turning the line into a substandard one.

Can't hurt the economy to do a little more manufacturing here though.

[West Coast GT]

Originally Posted by First opel 1981 ... Personally, I would like to see GM take the lead in the US and make some decent cars for a change. ...

GM does/has make/made some "decent" cars:
Pontiac Grand Prix
Pontiac Bonneville
Pontiac Solstice (and the new coupe looks great)

Cadillac STS
Cadillac XLR
Cadillac Escalade (I'm not a big fan of SUVs, but even I have to enjoy tooling around in one of these)

Buick Riviera (super charged)
Buick Lucerne

Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet Impala (now here's a bad boy!)
Still waiting for a chance to drive the new Camero

GMC Canyon
GMC Sierra

Don't take my word for it though. Check out the recent episode of Top Gear where the three hosts travel from San Francisco to the Bonneville Salt Flats in new American cars (Corvette, Cadillac, Dodge Charger (Challenger?). For those who have seen it, how about James' (aka Captain Slow) kicking ass on the mountain road in that Cadillac? And I believe Clarkston made a comment about preferring Corvette over a Ferrari based on cost, performance, and street-ability.

I've even road-tested an Aveo; and while it's not my cup of tea it's still a lot of little car for the money.

And let's not forget some of the other American companies making equally good cars.

[newman27]

I only buy GM and have never regretted it. Looking forward to my G8 next year! Did anyone catch where GM just did a safety recall of 1.5 million vehicles even though no incidents or injuries had been reported? A company hurting as much as they are could have taken their chances on the cost of litigation being less than the cost of the recall but they did the right thing. Here's a link to the article.

Matt

[First opel 1981]

Speaking only on 10 year resale values (although 5 year aren't much better IMHO) I wouldn't want a GM. For a new car, they are probably just as good as any other.
I usually don't buy new cars. I like used, broken in cars. When I look at used cars, the GMs always seem to be very lacking.

Of course I'm a Ford guy so what do I know.

[pecje]

Originally Posted by heimue Just read the following in a GM press release: GM is transferring the Saturn Astra (= current Opel Astra) production from Antwerp (Netherlands) to their factory in Lordstown, OH.

Antwerp is situated in Belgium, not Holland.

Originally Posted by West Coast GT Don't take my word for it though. Check out the recent episode of Top Gear where the three hosts travel from San Francisco to the Bonneville Salt Flats in new American cars (Corvette, Cadillac, Dodge Charger (Challenger?). For those who have seen it, how about James' (aka Captain Slow) kicking ass on the mountain road in that Cadillac? And I believe Clarkston made a comment about preferring Corvette over a Farrari based on cost, performance, and street-ability.

And for those who are interested, here are their reviews:

"Clarkson on all three: "We came wondering if America had finally made a car that might actually work in the civilized world. The answer is no, they haven't. As you can see from our smiles, they've made three."

Car: 2009 Corvette ZR1
Driver: Jeremy Clarkson
Review:"This is made by two fat blokes in Kentucky." "I'm starting to like this Corvette...it isn't the power, it's the surprise of the power. When you're driving a Ferrari Enzo, you're expecting it. This though, it's quiet, it's comfortable, it's beautifullyair-conditioned...so you're simply not ready for the savagery when you put your foot down. I've got a heads-up display with your lateral G...and the best stereo in the world...!" "Man, this is great. " "How can a car as docile as this one be as exciting when the road gets this twisty." "A proper manual gearbox." "Are you listening Ferrari? Well done fat man from Kentucky...this...is...a.masterpiece!"
Bonneville Salt Flat Speed - One Mile Marker: 176.549 MPH

Car: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Driver: Richard Hammond
Review:"Is that real carbon fiber?" "Challengers aren't very good at this type of thing... (curves)"
Bonneville Salt Flat Speed - One Mile Marker: 150.2 MPH

Car: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
Driver: James May
Review:"Stupid..." "This isn't a proper luxury car..." "robble, robble, robble..." (Then on the curves) "This is the best American car I've ever driven by a distance as great as this road."
Bonneville Salt Flat Speed - One Mile Marker: 163 MPH

[tekenaar]

Originally Posted by West Coast GT GM does/has make/made some "decent" cars: Pontiac Grand Prix Pontiac Bonneville Pontiac Solstice (and the new coupe looks great) Cadillac STS Cadillac XLR Cadillac Escalade (I'm not a big fan of SUVs, but even I have to enjoy tooling around in one of these) Buick Riviera (super charged) Buick Lucerne Chevrolet Corvette Chevrolet Impala (now here's a bad boy!) Still waiting for a chance to drive the new Camero GMC Canyon GMC Sierra Don't take my word for it though. Check out the recent episode of Top Gear where the three hosts travel from San Francisco to the Bonneville Salt Flats in new American cars (Corvette, Cadillac, Dodge Charger (Challenger?). For those who have seen it, how about James' (aka Captain Slow) kicking ass on the mountain road in that Cadillac? And I believe Clarkston made a comment about preferring Corvette over a Ferrari based on cost, performance, and street-ability. I've even road-tested an Aveo; and while it's not my cup of tea it's still a lot of little car for the money. And let's not forget some of the other American companies making equally good cars.

. . . but will they actually make it under their new "restrictions" . . . I mean, first it was November '08, then December '08, then 1st Quarter '09 and now Summer '09 . . .

I've been waiting a long time for a GXP Coupe with all the "race" trimmings, never really interested in the Roadster version. I, most certainly, have my doubts!

[CDN OpelNut]

Originally Posted by tekenaar Last edited by tekenaar; 6 Hours Ago at 07:25 AM. Reason: Farrari - how far? ;-)

How could you miss that the offending "a" was simply swapped with an extra "e" only 5 lines previous?

[Gary Sullivan]

I was hoping to see a Sky coupe emerge. Has there been any more news on whether Sky and Solstice are going to stay in production?

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by CDN OpelNut How could you miss that the offending "a" was simply swapped with an extra "e" only 5 lines previous?

Were you referring to, Camero?

Harold

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by Ooooner Seems to me if Opels are good enough to be built here, then they should be good enough to sell here!

Or can GM build them more cheaply in the US now because of our economic woes?

Harold

[tekenaar]

Originally Posted by Gary Sullivan I was hoping to see a Sky coupe emerge. Has there been any more news on whether Sky and Solstice are going to stay in production?

. . . no such thing - Sky Coupe - planned or advertised, on the contrary, Pontiac gets the ONLY coupe . . . at least for the first few years, although I'm becoming somewhat doubtful with all that's going on with GM that even Pontiac will do it now. CRAP!!!

[newman27]

Originally Posted by Gary Sullivan I was hoping to see a Sky coupe emerge. Has there been any more news on whether Sky and Solstice are going to stay in production?

FWIW, I spoke with a few GM folks at the Atlanta Auto Show last month about the future of Pontiac in general. They assured me that Pontiac would survive as a smaller, performance focused division and that the Solstice in Roadster and Coupe versions plus the G8 Sedan would continue. Again, anything can happen but this was the official company line.

Matt

[tekenaar]

Originally Posted by newman27 FWIW, I spoke with a few GM folks at the Atlanta Auto Show last month about the future of Pontiac in general. They assured me that Pontiac would survive as a smaller, performance focused division and that the Solstice in Roadster and Coupe versions plus the G8 Sedan would continue. Again, anything can happen but this was the official company line. Matt

. . . must be "Party Line", official GM poop, then . . . heard the same thing at an Auto Show here locally, before the release/production date delay from 1st Quarter to Summer '09. Like most of GM's announcements during the last six months, "I'll believe it when I see it!"

That said, personally I hope the Solstice GXP Coupe comes to fruition, whenever it actually happens!

[tekenaar]

This morning's Business section mentioned GM's dual options, bankrupt or no, and no mention of either Pontiac or Saturn units, but mentioned outside offers for Hummer - one, Saab - two, and Opel - six (next 2-3 weeks) . . . finishing with a statement from CEO Henderson that "GM's performance in Europe has been better than expected."

Kind of makes you wonder, doesn't it! GM has a horrible track record in making "Global" decisions . . . just consider the '73 oil crisis and their decision to stop importing Opels, their best options for this crisis, in '75! A sterling example of their adherance to the NIH syndrome regardless of consequences! Nuff said . . .

[West Coast GT]

Originally Posted by newman27 FWIW, I spoke with a few GM folks at the Atlanta Auto Show last month about the future of Pontiac in general. They assured me that Pontiac would survive as a smaller, performance focused division and that the Solstice in Roadster and Coupe versions plus the G8 Sedan would continue. Again, anything can happen but this was the official company line. Matt

Life Lessons:
A: Promotion folks repeat what they were told,
B: Corporate folks lie to Promotion folks.

[baz]

so is it the two main bread makers for opel are off to the states or just the saturn derivatives ?

if its the two best opel models being stripped from the opel plants and all production moved it does not bode well for opel staying within GM to my mind

[2 Fast 4 U]

I think it's time that Opel should separate from GM, Opel always had a good reputation and sales in Europe, and if Opel cuts some of the top off, to save costs it would survive on its own

[Bill Hoffmann]

Originally Posted by heimue Just read the following in a GM press release: GM is transferring the Saturn Astra (= current Opel Astra) production from Antwerp (Netherlands) to their factory in Lordstown, OH. They plan on building 40,000 Astras a year, starting in 2010. Furthermore, they will be transferring the Saturn Aura (Epsilon platform) from Rüsselsheim (Germany) to Fairfax, MO (right between Kansas City, MO and Omaha, NE). The volume is supposed to be 30,000 in 2011 and 70,000 in 2012. I didn't even know the Aura was made outside of the States! Dieter

I think there is some confusion here. This is how I understand it:

The Saturn Aura is currently assembled at the Kansas City plant. Possibly they are going to shift assembly of Opel Vectra to that plant also, since they are both Epsilon cars.

The new Chevy Cruze will be assembled at the Lordstown plant, and this chassis will be shared with the replacement for the Saturn Astra. I assume, but am not sure, that this car will be both the Saturn Astra and Opel Astra. It is not, however, the same chassis as the current Opel or Saturn Astra.

-Bill

[anastosmotors]

I just received this e mail
Business finance news - currency market news - online UK currency markets - financial news - Interactive Investor

Pete

[Bill Hoffmann]

This is sad.

My father is retired from what used to be called Electro-Motive Division, General Motors, but is now Electro-Motive Diesel since they sold it a few years back. I wonder what they did with the cash they got for their once-thriving diesel-electric locomotive business.

The three brands of cars in my driveway are Opel, Saturn, and Saab, all GM brands that are apparently being sold or discontinued.

I have tried to be a loyal customer of GM, but what do you do when they are not loyal to you? I guess I don't fit into what GM wants as a customer.

At this point, I think Opel and Saab will be better off without GM.

[jlthunder]

I have an Opel and a Saab. I have always bought GM including 2 S-10 pick ups but I am now frustrated with GM.

My parents always bought GM until the late '80's when he switched over to Toyota(too bland for my liking). The Chevy Citation was the last straw for him and GM(4 transmissions). We had a '71 Ford Country Squire Wagon, but we only kept that for a few years, too many problems.

I'll probably stay with Saab(used only, can't afford a new one) or if needed, switch over to Honda. It is a sad day when GM can't even figure out what America wants.

[tekenaar]

. . . for Solstice GXP Coupe ever being released now?!