"Unsubstantiated bankruptcy concerns?''
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Re: "Unsubstantiated bankruptcy concerns?''
Originally Posted by redzed
I'd argue that Saab enjoys a far healthier image than the Opel and Vauxhall brands. Of course, half-hearted cars like the "Saabaru" 9-2X and the "Saablazer" 9-7X will soon destroy any credibility Saab once had in North America.
Still, while GM needs to "do something" about Europe, I doubt the answer is to launch both the Cadillac and Chevrolet brands simultaneous in the EU. European consumers are too bright to be fooled by rebadged Daewoos and I can't believe that the Cadillac BLS will convince very many people to take a huge risk with an unknown brand, with uncertain resale value.
Maybe GM Europe lacks the clout to perform a turnaround. Maybe it's too late for Opel/Vauxhall and soon there won't be enough left of Saab to sell to anyone.
Does anyone hear the ghost of MG-Rover barking? Woof! Woof!
Still, while GM needs to "do something" about Europe, I doubt the answer is to launch both the Cadillac and Chevrolet brands simultaneous in the EU. European consumers are too bright to be fooled by rebadged Daewoos and I can't believe that the Cadillac BLS will convince very many people to take a huge risk with an unknown brand, with uncertain resale value.
Maybe GM Europe lacks the clout to perform a turnaround. Maybe it's too late for Opel/Vauxhall and soon there won't be enough left of Saab to sell to anyone.
Does anyone hear the ghost of MG-Rover barking? Woof! Woof!
While Saab might have a better image I doubt their yearly sales volume is all that great and would have a major influence on GM's bottom line either way. I dont think GM has to complete give up on OPEL/Vauxhall or Saab (even though I think they should), but at least they could move the manufactruing out of Europe ASAP and either move it to the US and build new their euro-destined midsize cars along side the new Saturn Aura (its a refreshed Opel Vectra anyway) in the US and build their new-from-the-ground-up small cars in the Daewoo Korean plant and phase out the old rebadged Daewoo junk.
If GM can't make a new Cobalt a success (meaning it actually makes a profit for GM) in the next 4 years I would bet that it will be the last new small car GM makes in the US and every new GM small car will be assembled in Korea with parts made in china by 2010.
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