Historically, imported vehicles have dominated the market in California, but a recent trend is seeing more and more consumers turn to domestic auto makers when replacing their old vehicles. Companies like Ford, Chrysler and GM have improved their sales in the state last year with the introduction of new models of small cars and compact SUV’s. The improved reliability, fuel economy, advanced electronics and added luxury options are starting to give domestic brands an advantage over once popular rivals like Honda and Toyota. Some of the more popular vehicles being sold in California are GM’s Chevrolet Volt , Cruze and Camaro, and Ford’s Fiesta, Focus and Fusion. The growth in California is important to local car dealers who have experienced sluggish auto sales for almost three years now. Some analysts, however, question whether traditional buyers of Japanese cars are switching to domestic brands, or just waiting for depleted inventories to be replenished.
Category Archives: Chevrolet
GM Sonic Built In America
There is a myth in the auto industry that auto manufacturers can’t build subcompact cars in the United States because the costs of building the vehicle are just too high. The Honda Fit is built in China and Brazil, the Mazda 2 is built in Japan and Mexico, the Toyota Yaris is built in Japan, and even the Ford Fiesta is built in Mexico, to name a few. General Motors hopes to dispel this myth with one of the only subcompact cars built in America, the “Sonic”. In an agreement between Detroit and the United Automobile Workers (UAW), GM has been building the Sonic in a revolutionary designed plant in Detroit.
Modeled after some of their most efficient plants in Germany and Korea, GM has spent millions to renovate their Orion plant that nearly closed two years ago. Newly trained workers and state of the art equipment offers cost saving efficiency, in house suppliers reduce inventory costs and increase productivity, and the factory itself is one of the company’s greenest. It produces less waste and reduces energy costs by using methane gas from neighboring landfills to power some operation. While renovated factory has been a major factor in cutting costs, an agreement between GM and the U.A.W., allowed GM to cut labor costs as well, reducing the overall production costs significantly.
According to GM’s head of labor relation, “We wanted to prove we could do it and had to proceed with an open mind. The entry-level wage structure was an important enabler, because the smaller the car the less the margin.” The U.A.W. said the union considered the significance of a competitive subcompact to G.M.’s overall product lineup. The Sonic is the first subcompact that G.M. has tried to build in its home market since the Chevrolet Chevette almost 40 years ago, so it is important that the union compromise in order to prevent manufacturing jobs to overseas employers.
GM Recall For Colorado And Canyon Trucks
General Motors has issued a recall for certain 2011 Chevrolet Colorado and 2011 GMC Canyon trucks with 2.9 or 3.7 liter engines and four speed automatic transmissions. According to the recall, the trucks may have been built with an automatic transmission adjustment clip that may not keep the shift cable in the correct position. The shift lever may not show the correct position of the transmission gear resulting in drivers thinking the vehicle is in park when it is not. This condition could result in the vehicle unexpectedly rolling away or the driver may not be able to start the engine. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
GM Recalls Vehicles For Steering
GM is recalling certain 2011 trucks and SUV’s to inspect the intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts. During manufacturing, the bolts may have not been tightened to the proper specifications which may allow the joints to separate resulting in loss of steering. The vehicles involved in this recall are:
- 2011 Cadillac Escalade
- 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV 1500
- 2011 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
- 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2011 GMC Sierra
- 2011 GMC Yukon
- 2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500
Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Chevy Volt Tax Incentives Not Guaranteed
With the price of fuel on a steady rise, consumers have turned to environmentally friendly hybrid and electric vehicles. The demand for these vehicles is leading to shortages throughout the United States and have resulted in dealership markups, some over $20,000 above the suggested retail price. Government incentives allow a $7,500 tax credit on these vehicles, but consumers may be surprised to find that some Chevrolet Volts found on dealership lots are being sold as “used” and no longer qualify..
A report in the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), say that some Chevrolet dealers are selling hybrid cars to other dealerships who are claiming the tax credits for themselves. Mark Modica, and investigator for the watchdog group, claimed that one Chicago Chevrolet dealer was selling a used Volt with only 10 miles on it. GM spokesman, Robert Peterson, says that while they do not encourage these transactions between dealerships, there is nothing GM or regulators can do about it. He does not believe that these transactions are done for the sole purpose of claiming the government tax credit, but are dealerships who are ineligible to sell the new Volts, trying to get these cars for their showrooms. He encourages dealers’ to have patience as the Chevy Volt rolls out nationwide. GM expects to produce only about 10,000 Volts this year, but hopes to increase production to 45,000 in 2012.
Electric Cars Get Top Crash Test Ratings
When the first mainstream electric cars, the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, hit the market, they were advertised as being easy on the pocketbook and good for the environment. Because of their size and weight, may consumers had concerns that safety may have been compromised in order to meet the promised fuel efficiency. Recent crash tests done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have shown that this just isn’t true. In fact, both cars have received “Top Safety Ratings” receiving the highest possible ratings for front, side, rear, and rollover crash protection. According to Joe Nolan, the IIHS chief administrative officer, Eco-minded drivers keen on switching to an electric vehicle should not think twice about buying a Leaf or Volt for highway driving. General Motors and Nissan have shown that safety doesn’t have to be sacrificed for fuel economy.
Brake Recall For GMC Savanna And Chevy Express
General Motors is recalling certain 2011 Chevrolet Express and 2011 GMC Savanna minivans due to a problem that could lead to a loss of brake power. During manufacturing, the right rear brake hose may have been installed too close to the tire. If the hose should repeatedly contact the tire or rim, it could lead to a loss of brake fluid and eventually reduced or complete loss of brakes. Owners receiving recall notices can take their vehicles to their local dealers, where technicians will inspect and secure the hose for sufficient clearance. For more information on the recall, contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or www.gmownercenter.com.
Chevrolet Cruze Experiences More Problems
If you have received a recall to check the steering shafts on your new 2011 Chevy Cruze, you may want to get the transmission shift linkages inspected while you are there. The automobile maker announced that within the group of vehicles to be checked for steering, they plan to inspect over 120,000 vehicles with automatic transmissions to make sure the shift linkages are installed properly. Improperly installed linkages may lead the driver to think they are in a certain gear when they are not. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or go to the Chevy owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
