So Ive noticed models have been getting refreshed and or getting the axe pretty quick while GM reorganizes. Some that come to mind are:

STS, may be refreshed when new CTS debuts.
SRX getting interior refresh.
Lacrosse may be killed for Zeta replacement.
Rendezvous and Rainer getting axe.
GTOs life was short even if replaced.
Trailblazer is going away.
Impala got refreshed only to replaced.
Malibu hasn't been in its skin that long either.

Im thinking this should be really good for resale if nothing else. The current Impala has a following so I should think that, GTO and perhaps the current STS may hold a little more value since the replacements will be new ground up cars.

Also it seems like it should help perception since GMs lineup should be newer than a lot of the competitions?

Thoughts?

 

No one wants to buy a dated car. updating is a very good thing. Plus it give people a reason to trade in for a newer model. The Camaro was almost the same from 98-02. Why by a newer one if you are happy with the current car that is exactly the same. When people buy a new car they just arn't looking for less milage. They want a improved and more modern car too.


TrialBlazer needs an interior update bad.

 

I think its more like the perception the imports are still leading in raising the bar in quality, tech, innovation, etc.

 

Well, let's be honest: the imports still do lead in quality. The domestics are gaining, but the imports are improving too and still holding the lead. So that perception is still true.

Bob Lutz recently admitted that he places GM 2nd or 3rd in terms of advanced technology (presumably behind the imports) so that perception is still true too.

And I think if you compare the model cycles over each automaker's entire lineup, you'd find the Japanese with the shortest cycles.

I definitely see GM working to shorten their model cycles like Good Ph.D noted, and they are catching up to the Japanese. But like the areas of quality and technology, GM is not on top yet.

 

Did you know the 5 worst quality brands sold in American are all imports?

 

It doesnt matter, untill perception changes, it will be Imports #1, Domestics #2.
This quick refreshes and reengineering show that GM is very alive and is working hard to get better production out there, quickly reloading and ready to fire again. Hell, the new Malibu came out in the same year as the current Accord, and there will be a new one before or along side the NG Accord! I think thats great that Chevy could keep up pace with what is the flagship of Honda's sedans.

GTO was going to die in 3 years anyway. It wasnt like there was much of a choice, it was 3 years and out.
LaCrosse is said to go to Epsilon II, not Zeta.

 

"Updating is a very good thing." There's no way to say that better. Sales is sales, baby. $$ talks, BS walks. Gotta have sales. Gotta update. End of story, or the competition will CONTINUE to eat you alive, GM. P.S. Keep working on quality, it's starting to show up in your cars.

 

It just seems that things are having a short lifespan. Consider:

1. STS came out in 2004. If replaced for 2008MY, it had a 4 year run.
2. SRX came out the same year. Even Ford updates interiors after 3 or 4 years.
3. By the time Lacrosse goes, it will have 4 model years under it's belt.
4. Rendevous isn't exactly a recent model.... or a very good one.
5. Rainer was essentially a replacement for Oldsmobile's SUV.
6. GTO was planned as a 3 year run, but Monaro has been around 5.
7. Trailblazer came out in 2002, and will be around at least till 2008, 6 years.
8. Impala was simply reskinned for 2006. Impala will likely be replaced for 2010MY, again 4 years unless production is stopped early. A fairly long run for just a reskinning
9. Meanwhile, Malibu came out in 2004 and is being replaced in 2008.

After the overly long in runs of alot of previous cars and the lack of investment in new structures (Camaro ran 10 years, Impala & C5 ran 8, and most all GM's car structures a few years ago could trace their beginings back to the 1980s), now that GM is limiting sheetmetal to 4 years, it only seems like short runs.

Just think, the current Mustang design is going to be the longest running version (at 5 model years) since the old Fox Mustang, Chrysler's been changing most all of their car model skins no more than about every 4 years since the early 90's, and the Japaneese typically have a 3 year turnover, so GM running 4 years really isn't anything spectacular..... outside of GM.

 

Darn.

Buzzkill. I was really wondering if 15 years from now anyone would be collecting Lacrosses like they collect something else moderatly obscure. Like T-types.

Guess not.