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GM tries to escape national politics, and... suspends Volt production

GasBuddy Blog -- The latest messages and the timing of the same seem to be something created from the theatre of the absurd. With good intentions General Motors announced this week that it has banned political candidates from its premises.

We're not kidding. The Detroit Free Press reported the following: "GM, saved by federal loans a few years ago, desperately wants to avoid becoming the centerpiece of campaign rhetoric. So it has banned candidates from its plants at least until after Election Day, Nov. 6, despite the fact that the U.S. Treasury remains its largest shareholder."

Now, without getting into political debate, let's consider the logic. If your next door neighbor borrowed a large chunk of money from you (a really large chunk...

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Submitted Aug 28, 2012 By: PD

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honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,643 Points:1,611,470 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 7:53:04 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse rp: agreed... not the smart thing that would bring back GM from the brink.
timothyfhg Rookie Author Virginia Posts:36 Points:189,150 Joined:Jun 2005	Message Posted: Sep 6, 2012 6:47:34 PM Ignore timothyfhg Report Abuse Re-VOLT-ing!
gasmaster242 All-Star Author Orlando Posts:537 Points:780,310 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Sep 6, 2012 7:13:43 AM Ignore gasmaster242 Report Abuse The Volt was a bomb from day 1. Not well thought out and presented waaaay to early just to show how "innovative" GM could be. Too much grandstanding without having anything behind it. Gee - how ironic that they hate politicians....
rp_jetta Rookie Author Ontario Posts:15 Points:13,175 Joined:Sep 2012	Message Posted: Sep 4, 2012 5:25:38 AM Ignore rp_jetta Report Abuse Great looks for a new car. Concept is credible. But when you get to actually building it, the Volt is not the next generation Beetle or K-Car that could save GM. It is not priced for the masses, and the vehicle weight for its class is detrimental. Just as the "Big Three" put their collective effort into new transmission, so should it be for a new generation of internal combustion engines (gas and diesel). Look at the gains being had by the Eco-Boost technology, or VW's new generation diesels. If going electric, go all the way and be an inner city car. Take a look at the technology of BYD Auto and its major investor from Omaha... They are on to something... GM needs to reinvent itself. As much as I like the Big Three, it is still too bureaucratic to adopt change and respond to what the buying public and its own working staff desire it to be. In light of all things, I must agree with their decision to ban politicians on their lot and stay neutral. Should have always been that way. Looks like no one there (put in charge) learned how to turn around a car company from Lee Iacocca's efforts which were stellar... So much potential, yet so short of the goal.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,643 Points:1,611,470 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 3, 2012 8:09:14 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse Carrot: check your range numbers again. It's a good city car if you live in a townhouse with plug or an apartment complex w/ access to charging plugs.
CarrottopNe Champion Author Lincoln Posts:1,027 Points:381,805 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Sep 2, 2012 9:25:10 PM Ignore CarrottopNe Report Abuse At a 38 mile range, who would want a volt?
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,643 Points:1,611,470 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 2, 2012 7:44:16 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse politics at its finest?
Godozo All-Star Author Gary Posts:676 Points:559,665 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Sep 1, 2012 11:10:37 PM Ignore Godozo Report Abuse Methinks that GM supports Democrats but doesn't want to open up a hornet's nest of American Car Hater, so they're laying low in hopes of keeping them quiet. As for the Volt, wonder if we'll see that as a model next year?
bikerchicklette Champion Author Washington Posts:5,889 Points:1,296,970 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Sep 1, 2012 8:45:39 AM Ignore bikerchicklette Report Abuse ok
1COR1533 Champion Author San Jose Posts:1,701 Points:317,235 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2012 11:24:45 PM Ignore 1COR1533 Report Abuse nice
clermont40miles Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:10,583 Points:1,773,845 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2012 7:36:36 PM Ignore clermont40miles Report Abuse Day 4 same GasBuddy Blog article. Enough already.
crmedic Champion Author Arkansas Posts:2,678 Points:225,125 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2012 2:03:49 PM Ignore crmedic Report Abuse politics as usual
1COR1533 Champion Author San Jose Posts:1,701 Points:317,235 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Aug 30, 2012 9:27:43 PM Ignore 1COR1533 Report Abuse sweet
bikerchicklette Champion Author Washington Posts:5,889 Points:1,296,970 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 30, 2012 9:43:27 AM Ignore bikerchicklette Report Abuse ok
Martinman Champion Author Mississippi Posts:14,739 Points:2,093,830 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 30, 2012 9:05:13 AM Ignore Martinman Report Abuse Just so everyone knows, that comes back to this blog post after-the-fact. ----- GM Chevy Volt output break due to Impala retooling General Motors is temporarily shutdowning to retool the assembly plant to add another vehicle line for the Chevrolet Impala, not to stop production of the Chevrolet Volt. During retooling, ALL production must stop to in order to change the automated machines, reprogram computers, change workstations, etc., for the new vehicle. This is one of the reasons why Ford emerged first into profitability during the recession - the ability to manufacture different vehicle models on the same production line, to increase flexibility in matching short-term shifts in consumer buying patterns. For example, Ford now produces the new Ford Explorer, the Ford Taurus, the Ford Taurus SHO, and the Lincoln MKX on the same assembly line - three vehicle types and four model lines. Quoting the article: "General Motors is shutting down, for a month, the plant that makes it well-known Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car. But GM says its is for retooling to produce the coming new Impala, and not, as the report indicated, to cut back this year's Volt production. Automotive News, citing unnamed sources, reported the Detroit-Hamtramck plant will suspend production from Sept. 17 until Oct. 15. Leaders of the UAW told the plant's 1,500 union workers about the scheduled downtime last week, the source said. While it would be the second interruption in this year production for the Volt, but GM late Monday broke from its usual practice of not commenting on production to dispute the report that the move is because of slow Volt sales. It said it was to ready the plant to build the redesigned Impala starting in the first quarter. "We are not idling the plant due to poor Volt sales. We're gearing up for production of the new Impala," Chevy spokesman David Darovitz said in an email. The 2014 Impala, a complete redesign, is a key model for Chevy, and GM wants to take extra time preparing the factory to ensure a high-quality launch, Darovitz said. Volt sales this year are 10,666 through July, way up from the period a year ago in which GM sold 2,870 of the cars, which can go 38 miles on battery power before needing charging from its gasoline engine. Production was suspended last spring when inventories increased well ahead of demand, but the supply on dealer lots has since been cut almost in half to a more acceptable 85 days worth of cars, according to Auto News. The Hamtramck plant also builds some of the new-design, 2013 Chevy Malibu sedans, though the primary production is at GM's Fairfax, Kan., factory." . EVERY auto assembly plant in the United States and Canada, undergoes "retooling", at least once per year. While it is usually tied to the model changeover (usually in June/July/August), the introduction of new product lines can disrupt that "normal" schedule. Too many people believe everything they're told, whatever they are spoon-fed. Gotta do your homework people, that's why this country is in trouble... .
Martinman Champion Author Mississippi Posts:14,739 Points:2,093,830 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 30, 2012 8:56:58 AM Ignore Martinman Report Abuse "Now, without getting into political debate,..." ----- And as if that has ever stopped (most) here before!? Just look at the comments below. And why even include the unrelated topic on Chevrolet Volt production - which now has been proven WRONG? That's like opening the can of worms, and then throwing them all over someone else's floor. Its gonna' create a stink, if not an outright fight. Now, without getting into political debate, there's one problem with your logic. The remaining "costs" for the General Motor's rescue is secured by the 500 million shares of GM stock the Federal government now holds. If you borrowed a large chunk of money from your next door neighbor, (a really large chunk--), and your neighbor offered to accept 500 widgets from you, to sell to recover that chunk of money, would you be offended if your neighbor start asking to put political candidates' signs in your front yard? What if they wanted to use your house, for their political fund raiser events? I think that is the proper context here. Politicians routinely use factories to either tout their record, or to make promises they have litle ability to keep. . [Edited by: Martinman at 8/30/2012 8:59:36 AM EST]
markiesm Rookie Author Fort Worth Posts:79 Points:410,720 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 30, 2012 12:41:43 AM Ignore markiesm Report Abuse this is all just crap
GatorGuy Champion Author Columbia Posts:2,233 Points:1,208,220 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 3:09:49 PM Ignore GatorGuy Report Abuse So we won't see any Obama speeches with him standing in front of a Chevy Volt?
JXQW Champion Author Kansas City Posts:2,787 Points:684,925 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:56:21 AM Ignore JXQW Report Abuse right but old news
tobasco Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:7,351 Points:2,110,060 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:55:59 AM Ignore tobasco Report Abuse Seems like a smart political move. Why have Obama visit to take credit or Romney visit to say the bailout was a bad idea.
chyguy3 Champion Author Wyoming Posts:2,855 Points:859,990 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:55:43 AM Ignore chyguy3 Report Abuse Pete and repeat.
nskmda Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,290 Points:787,530 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:55:16 AM Ignore nskmda Report Abuse still in the top news...
cssco Champion Author Virginia Posts:7,331 Points:1,752,630 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:49:49 AM Ignore cssco Report Abuse This GM spokes person is a real winner. They build a $42K golf cart on public funds and then stop production so consumers won't miss it on the dealer lots come election day. Something is askew with this picture.
Catfish93001 Champion Author Ventura Posts:1,200 Points:247,955 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:48:29 AM Ignore Catfish93001 Report Abuse Zzzzzzz.....
ARCO Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:2,353 Points:2,378,345 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:47:25 AM Ignore ARCO Report Abuse OLD
alex395 Champion Author Louisville Posts:2,051 Points:276,805 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:46:22 AM Ignore alex395 Report Abuse Government Motors the 21st century model of how not to run a company. Hear they have a lot of production space at Tiananmen Square in China. Ron Gettelfinger, UAW head, is going to need to learn how to speak Chinese. Oh yes the UAW carries a lot of the fault Ron regardless of your comments to the contrary.
Fitwit Champion Author Stockton Posts:6,404 Points:1,356,845 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:44:25 AM Ignore Fitwit Report Abuse Personally I think it's a good idea. Odumba already has enough blunders to last through the year 3,000 AD
ciimike Champion Author Nevada Posts:4,638 Points:1,062,060 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:39:11 AM Ignore ciimike Report Abuse Must be a popular article since it has been in the top of the news listing for two days.
pickledude72 Champion Author California Posts:1,120 Points:837,095 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:39:00 AM Ignore pickledude72 Report Abuse yaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnn!
CISA Champion Author Orange County Posts:5,951 Points:1,399,965 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:36:53 AM Ignore CISA Report Abuse another GB repeat article!
darkform Veteran Author Illinois Posts:352 Points:369,635 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:36:28 AM Ignore darkform Report Abuse I thought I read this yesterday lol.
nwhawk Champion Author Kansas Posts:1,972 Points:573,640 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:35:52 AM Ignore nwhawk Report Abuse yesterdays news
balljars Champion Author Michigan Posts:8,113 Points:1,610,595 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:33:15 AM Ignore balljars Report Abuse Old News.
Diesel_Ram Champion Author Dallas Posts:6,507 Points:1,519,435 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:32:31 AM Ignore Diesel_Ram Report Abuse Yesterdays story
goalie1950 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:6,415 Points:1,297,395 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:31:37 AM Ignore goalie1950 Report Abuse Once again, old news from yesterday.
Amanstrom Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:1,857 Points:538,905 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:31:22 AM Ignore Amanstrom Report Abuse Interesting
Star Cruise Champion Author Toronto Posts:1,226 Points:361,335 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:30:51 AM Ignore Star Cruise Report Abuse i have to agree with GM. They are in the business of Automobile manufacturing, not Politcal posturing for either of the political parties
OnEmptyMO Champion Author St. Louis Posts:4,992 Points:1,489,510 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:30:23 AM Ignore OnEmptyMO Report Abuse Im not happy about the GM bailout, but what would of happen if the government didnot step in? Thousands of people out of work, plants would of set idle, no taxes being collected from anyone, just a total mess.
chyguy3 Champion Author Wyoming Posts:2,855 Points:859,990 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:29:53 AM Ignore chyguy3 Report Abuse Old post from yesterday or Monday.
madison8359 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:9,036 Points:1,595,245 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:29:25 AM Ignore madison8359 Report Abuse And this is good for exactly who?
esorsd Champion Author St. Louis Posts:5,743 Points:1,639,715 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:27:51 AM Ignore esorsd Report Abuse Not a surprise to me..................
Candy7244 Sophomore Author Oklahoma City Posts:134 Points:48,065 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:27:32 AM Ignore Candy7244 Report Abuse always something wrong with them.
roland1971 Champion Author Virginia Posts:1,509 Points:331,335 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:27:03 AM Ignore roland1971 Report Abuse ok
packards42 Champion Author Washington Posts:6,447 Points:1,128,590 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:26:02 AM Ignore packards42 Report Abuse GMC, General Chinese Motors. their moving the their R&D to China and transferring their latest technology to the chinese. So ten years from now, All GMC auto product will be made in China. Great bail out
indyjim Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:10,101 Points:2,320,405 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:25:57 AM Ignore indyjim Report Abuse Good for them.
WGW1 Champion Author British Columbia Posts:1,252 Points:391,190 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:25:44 AM Ignore WGW1 Report Abuse As Bob Segar said "STILL THE SAME"
zimowski Champion Author San Jose Posts:6,676 Points:1,585,440 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:25:04 AM Ignore zimowski Report Abuse GM continues to be a failure despite Obama's bailout.
VetteFan Champion Author Indiana Posts:9,749 Points:2,030,430 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:24:06 AM Ignore VetteFan Report Abuse I agree with GM's position regarding candidates. It won't change the fact of the company being a political football, but the plants don't need to be seen in ads.
JCS Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:4,033 Points:1,314,765 Joined:Apr 2002	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:23:57 AM Ignore JCS Report Abuse GOVERNMENT MOTORS
jjw0608 Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:6,879 Points:1,702,005 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 10:21:08 AM Ignore jjw0608 Report Abuse Keep your Volt!