atlaw4u
06-19-2008, 02:08 PM
GM's changes plans as it diverts resources from revamping its pickups and large SUVs to focus on smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121384062220087331.html)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2007-Cadillac-Escalade.jpgJohn D. Stole - WSJ - June 19, 2008
General Motors Corp. is delaying the redesign of SUVs and full-size trucks as part of a wholesale review of its product and brand portfolio geared toward building lighter, fuel-efficient vehicles.
Smarting from the dramatic downshift in demand for its sport-utility vehicles and pickup trucks, General Motors is "looking at the whole product portfolio," spokesman Tom Wilkinson said late Wednesday. The shift in focus promises to puncture GM's North American profits and slow its revenue generation at least for the balance of 2008.
The entire U.S. auto industry is suffering as consumers, paying $4 per gallon for gasoline, shy away from heavier vehicles that burn more fuel than lighter, more-compact models.
Mr. Wilkinson said the company is considering how it can most effectively supply the U.S. market with fuel-efficient cars from its vast cupboard of global vehicle designs.
In the meantime, he said, the auto maker will extend the life cycle of its current lineup of pickups and SUVs. Those vehicles -- known as the GMT900 lineup -- include the Cadillac Escalade SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado pickup. The new generation of trucks and SUVs weren't slated to hit the market until at least 2012, but development of these products drains precious resources at a time when GM is battling to satisfy customer tastes… http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121384062220087331.html
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2007-Cadillac-Escalade.jpgJohn D. Stole - WSJ - June 19, 2008
General Motors Corp. is delaying the redesign of SUVs and full-size trucks as part of a wholesale review of its product and brand portfolio geared toward building lighter, fuel-efficient vehicles.
Smarting from the dramatic downshift in demand for its sport-utility vehicles and pickup trucks, General Motors is "looking at the whole product portfolio," spokesman Tom Wilkinson said late Wednesday. The shift in focus promises to puncture GM's North American profits and slow its revenue generation at least for the balance of 2008.
The entire U.S. auto industry is suffering as consumers, paying $4 per gallon for gasoline, shy away from heavier vehicles that burn more fuel than lighter, more-compact models.
Mr. Wilkinson said the company is considering how it can most effectively supply the U.S. market with fuel-efficient cars from its vast cupboard of global vehicle designs.
In the meantime, he said, the auto maker will extend the life cycle of its current lineup of pickups and SUVs. Those vehicles -- known as the GMT900 lineup -- include the Cadillac Escalade SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado pickup. The new generation of trucks and SUVs weren't slated to hit the market until at least 2012, but development of these products drains precious resources at a time when GM is battling to satisfy customer tastes… http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121384062220087331.html