xcel
08-20-2009, 03:04 AM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg Quick acting but little new regarding future fuel efficient products. (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=228349)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/GM_Logo2.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - Aug. 20, 2009
It was just two weeks ago that we reported GM was planning a small Buick SUV PHEV (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24091) in lieu of the now defunct Saturn VUE PHEV. And so it was expected with a teaser shot and even basic descriptions. That was until yesterday...
According to Tom Stephens, GM’s Vice Chairman, the Buick crossover received consistent negative feedback in that it didn’t fit the premium character that Buick customers would expect.
Tom stated, “We were all struck by the consistency of the criticism of the compact crossover. And what we decided to do in response is a good example of the essence of the new General Motors, acting quickly, and boldly, and listening to feedback from customers, employees, dealers, media and just about anyone else with an opinion.”
Last Friday, initial negative reaction to the Buick PHEV was discussed amongst the Executive Committee and it was decided at that time that the Buick PHEV crossover would be canceled.
The committee did reveal that the PHEV technology would be applied to another make/model but in this case, the Buick lineup will stay conventionally powered for the time being.
In the past, a decision to cancel a car line would have taken months. The new GM pulled it off in just one day.
The question remains however, what will GM offer to the average consumer in the near term so as to stem the market share and overall vehicle production declines experienced the prior four years? The somewhat profitable Crossover is meeting as much consumer resistance as the SUVs of old did and sales declines of this type of vehicle will continue with gasoline nearing $3.00 per gallon nationwide.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/GM_Logo2.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - Aug. 20, 2009
It was just two weeks ago that we reported GM was planning a small Buick SUV PHEV (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24091) in lieu of the now defunct Saturn VUE PHEV. And so it was expected with a teaser shot and even basic descriptions. That was until yesterday...
According to Tom Stephens, GM’s Vice Chairman, the Buick crossover received consistent negative feedback in that it didn’t fit the premium character that Buick customers would expect.
Tom stated, “We were all struck by the consistency of the criticism of the compact crossover. And what we decided to do in response is a good example of the essence of the new General Motors, acting quickly, and boldly, and listening to feedback from customers, employees, dealers, media and just about anyone else with an opinion.”
Last Friday, initial negative reaction to the Buick PHEV was discussed amongst the Executive Committee and it was decided at that time that the Buick PHEV crossover would be canceled.
The committee did reveal that the PHEV technology would be applied to another make/model but in this case, the Buick lineup will stay conventionally powered for the time being.
In the past, a decision to cancel a car line would have taken months. The new GM pulled it off in just one day.
The question remains however, what will GM offer to the average consumer in the near term so as to stem the market share and overall vehicle production declines experienced the prior four years? The somewhat profitable Crossover is meeting as much consumer resistance as the SUVs of old did and sales declines of this type of vehicle will continue with gasoline nearing $3.00 per gallon nationwide.