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GM has officially been reborn as a new company after it exited its 39-day stay in bankruptcy protection.

GM chief Fritz Henderson described the announcement as a “new beginning” for the troubled car maker. Under the terms of the sale, GM will now be 60.8 per cent owned by the US treasury.

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The new GM will be focused around its four key brands – GMC, Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet – wh...Read the full article

"Our goal is to build more of the cars, trucks, and crossovers that customers want, and to get them to market faster than ever before."

You know its funny that of all the friends I've got who are car buffs, I haven't once heard any of them say they wanted a car that was a cross breed of two or more vehicle types. 'Crossovers!' What a load of crap.

I can see this one really has people talking... could it be we're all BORED of this?

I have a 'recommended read' for all of the Chrysler, Ford and GM's bosses, its a book called:

"Iacocca"

GM are goingto have a great future....a fantastic future.  Secondly don't have a go at Ford or Chrysler, Ford have done amazing things and will keep doing them.....Ford are very impressive and they growing, Chrysler will grow also with Fiat (no question)......Chrysler have a really brilliant future.

Now you say "crossover" and your mates.....going on, how many of your mates run global car firms......none (I would guess)....if you and your mates go and sit by a main road and count how many MPVs come past.....MPVs are "crossovers", then count how many soft roaders come past......etc.....your mates the car buffs....your mates are not "car buffs", I think they are more "car bluffs" if they think crossovers, cars and trucks are the future; I think you missed an L out of the word.

You will be interested to know that the best selling car in the USA (I think for the last 30 years) has been the Ford F series.....A TRUCK......they are making them lower weight and increasing efficiency.....look at the New York Cabs......guess what loads are changing too......that's right the Ford Hybrid....the most efficienct (from memory) mini-SUV in the world (I think that is right.....more efficient than any Toyota...sorry Lexus)....and that's a crossover...kind of like a car, truck and 4x4 and minivan all rolled into one......

So GM have it bang on right.....your "mates" thankfully do not run global car business and I suggest to you they are "car bluffs" not "car buffs"...in simple terms in the UK, I cannot think of one mass producer (I could be wrong) that does not have at least one crossover; feel free to corrent me. 

Good GM make great cars and I wasn't ready to see them go.

I just reread part of my comment and it should say "if they think crossovers, cars and trucks are NOT the future".......i.e. crossovers, cars and trucks are veyr much the future and chumy boys mates have very much got it wrong i.e. they are car bluffs.

Also agree with the aceman comment.....GM have so much more to give the world and they will....go GM!!.....they will go from strength to strength....

Good GRIEF! Have I struck a GM / USA raw nerve! Do you have a problem with what I said? The fact that my opinion on the matter does not match yours? Or the fact that I actually have 'mates'? On current evidence, it appears you've developed something of a fixation with them. As an industrial designer, I have many friends in the car industry, so I'm pretty sure they do know what they are talking about.

I have no problem with the products of GM or Ford. I happen to like them (the European ones) and I am hopeful for their futures. Chrysler / FIAT too, as an Alfa fan I'm especially interested in developments there. God forbid Chrysler be given any hand in the development of Alfas. Lets hope its rebadged Alfas being sold to the Americans and not the other way around. Despite this... my point was I am bored to death of reading about the trials and tribulations of these particular companies at this point. Its happened to some of them before and will no doubt happen again.

I also mention that I think 'crossovers' are stupid, and i.m.o. are the stuff of marketing mens dreams rather than the ideal vehicle for the consumer. I am entitled to that opinion thank you. Mercedes R-Class is an example of how pointless crossovers are. No one knows what the hell they are supposed to be. BMW X6 is another. Just look at the most viewed Autocar threads to see that I'm not the only one who thinks so.

Also, Chrysler may have a bright future now, but they also had a bright future back in the days when Iacocca turned things around for them with the K-Series cars, and after becoming a force to be reckoned with through the late 80's and into the 90's, they went and screwed it up again. I note you have nothing to say about that. Did you not know what I meant? Haven't you read the book?

I did know that the Ford F-Series is the best selling 'car' in America thanks. In fact, it is the F-150 which holds that title. But then again that says more about the people, their total lack of regard for the environment, their vulgar and conspicuous consumption as well as their ignorance of the vehicle's total lack of efficiency than (your supposition that it vindicates) the brilliance of the vehicle. I remain largely unimpressed by it. Sorry. As I remain equally unimpressed by their hybrid Ford SUV thing you mention. Is it the Escape? Whatever, I have a 7 year old normally aspirated Alfa Romeo that gets better economy figures than that.

So, had you actually absorbed what my comment was saying (I'm bored of reading about history repeating), rather than what you thought it was saying, you may have had a point. So, sorry, but you don't. Your post was just an attack on my comment for the sake of an attack.

Here we have yet another 'Philistine' of the Autocar forums, who cannot take it when everyone else doesn't conform to their ideals, even when he is not as informed as the person he is leveling criticism at. Why don't you go and find a fresh article to post a 'first comment' about, rather than wait for someone else to say something so that you can have a go at them, and perform an autopsy on their comment, rather than the actual article which is what this facility is for.

pdmc:

Good GRIEF! Have I struck a GM / USA raw nerve! Do you have a problem with what I said? The fact that my opinion on the matter does not match yours? Or the fact that I actually have 'mates'? On current evidence, it appears you've developed something of a fixation with them. As an industrial designer, I have many friends in the car industry, so I'm pretty sure they do know what they are talking about.

I have no problem with the products of GM or Ford. I happen to like them (the European ones) and I am hopeful for their futures. Chrysler / FIAT too, as an Alfa fan I'm especially interested in developments there. God forbid Chrysler be given any hand in the development of Alfas. Lets hope its rebadged Alfas being sold to the Americans and not the other way around. Despite this... my point was I am bored to death of reading about the trials and tribulations of these particular companies at this point. Its happened to some of them before and will no doubt happen again.

I also mention that I think 'crossovers' are stupid, and i.m.o. are the stuff of marketing mens dreams rather than the ideal vehicle for the consumer. I am entitled to that opinion thank you. Mercedes R-Class is an example of how pointless crossovers are. No one knows what the hell they are supposed to be. BMW X6 is another. Just look at the most viewed Autocar threads to see that I'm not the only one who thinks so.

Also, Chrysler may have a bright future now, but they also had a bright future back in the days when Iacocca turned things around for them with the K-Series cars, and after becoming a force to be reckoned with through the late 80's and into the 90's, they went and screwed it up again. I note you have nothing to say about that. Did you not know what I meant? Haven't you read the book?

I did know that the Ford F-Series is the best selling 'car' in America thanks. In fact, it is the F-150 which holds that title. But then again that says more about the people, their total lack of regard for the environment, their vulgar and conspicuous consumption as well as their ignorance of the vehicle's total lack of efficiency than (your supposition that it vindicates) the brilliance of the vehicle. I remain largely unimpressed by it. Sorry. As I remain equally unimpressed by their hybrid Ford SUV thing you mention. Is it the Escape? Whatever, I have a 7 year old normally aspirated Alfa Romeo that gets better economy figures than that.

So, had you actually absorbed what my comment was saying (I'm bored of reading about history repeating), rather than what you thought it was saying, you may have had a point. So, sorry, but you don't. Your post was just an attack on my comment for the sake of an attack.

Here we have yet another 'Philistine' of the Autocar forums, who cannot take it when everyone else doesn't conform to their ideals, even when he is not as informed as the person he is leveling criticism at. Why don't you go and find a fresh article to post a 'first comment' about, rather than wait for someone else to say something so that you can have a go at them, and perform an autopsy on their comment, rather than the actual article which is what this facility is for.

Brilliantly put pdmc.  North is well know on here for being a complete idiot, stating his own biased and ludicrous opinions as fact and berating everyone who doesn't agree with him - he hates BMW & Toyota but the US big 3 and Mercedes can do no wrong.  As you stated everyone is entitled to their opinion without being subjected to this type of attack or drivvle.

PDMC; hold on a second, firstly I have listened to your opinion and stated a counter opinion....that is a forum....that goes to you also Bulgarski.  You talk about different view and yet you then claim an attack and "free speach" in the same post.....it clearly not me that has the issue; you have not struck a nerve, I am simply putting you straight and if you do not want to read others opinions why are you on a forum.....do you think you can make incorrect statements and think no one will pick up on it....??

I am a designer, an engineer, a product strategist, businessman etc and unless its escaped your attention, the amount of "crossovers" has increased and will continue to increase, everything from the Mini roadster to Nissan Note to the people carrier; as a "claimed" designer it makes it even worse that you fail to see this? And this is a good aspect for Bulgarski i.e. if someone has it wrong they have it wrong, I cannot help they have it wrong.

The Escape....I take you did convert from the US mpg to UK mpg? the is the first thing, the second thing is that it is a large vehicle and as such it will consumer more than a smaller vehile; as a designer you should understand "everything is relative" and before shouting your mouth off you should be aware of your environment; thus typically Crown Victoria was used or the Lincoln/Mercury version etc which has a much higher consumption....thus everything being relative.....the Escape is a great improvement; also have you thought about comparing the Escape Hybrid to a London Taxi?.....I would glad to hear what you find....so lesson for you is not to be so pompus and anal and stop thinking you are better then others; you are not any better than anyone else...no one is.

The next point, if you have issues with Chrysler then that is your look out....they have a great future working with Fiat; Fiat have an excellent brand portfolio and they will work through what they are going to do in terms of the portfolio which includes Chrysler; other than industrial design I do not know what else you know, but I will tell you straight, an ID does not have a "given" understanding the market and or what prodcuts are relevant; I am fortunate in that all the IDs I work with do....but I have seen some in the past that do not.....running a business and developing a business is a bolt set of skills to your base ID; judging by your written word and understanding I guess you are mid twenties.....and I do not think you are very senior.....or have much responsibility......

I am not bothered you are bored by these items.....it may come as a shock to you but you know Fiat will not give a monkeys what you think nor will Merc.....so I do not think you should worry about being bored...no one else cares; fact is they will go from strength to strength and really move on a lot.

Again you say you are an ID (industrial designer) adn thus and you also claim you understand history of vehiles......or you hint to the fact you do....thus you should understand the US market, you should understand where it came from, you should understand many US folks have a need for a large truck.....I know many that do.....you must also understand the drivers in the US market.....if you kow that (as you an ID) then the comments you made seem to be just you having a pop at American....which is stupid....American's are brilliant wonderful people and they rule the world in terms of renewable energy.....they have led the way for years.....the Chevy Volt is the best Eco car going and it will be out soon....which is all good.....then the Fisker....and Tesla....they gave the world full on internet access and video conferencing on the desk top (cutting polluiton) etc etc etc etc.......the Americas are brilliant and again the UK is not shinning eco example.......again think about what you say and take your head out of your arse.

Again I was putting you right.....you are a ID person (industrial design) you are supposed to know your audience and communicate effectively with it.....clearly you have not....your post did not say that.....you just qoute an load of rubbish and I put you straight; simple as...no attack....you wrote a stupid post....accept it and deal with it.

...you then rant on again about being upset you wrote a rubbish post....I am often the first poster.....I do not have an issue with that.....it seem you do.....again I did not attack....I just set you striaght.....you wrote a stupid post......that is your fault not my fault; I am no philistine......that appears to be you; not me......fact is GM will be more than fine, as wil Chrysler and Ford......that is fact.

I have no axe to grind against BMW....I am not fan but that does not cloud my judgement....fact is BMW are in a whole......that is fact.....they are skint, they need new models, they have the wrong structure etc etc etc.....they are going to struggle.....simple as......wait and see......I will very much stand by my comments.

So PDMC and Bulgarski....I hope that clears it up.....PDMC....please let me know if you did account for US-UK gallons and also if you looked at the London Taxi to see both its MPG and the g/km and then compared both to the Escape Hybrid.....then post on here with the results.....you know.....I cannot wait for you to do it.....hope that helps you start and begin a reasoned and informed debate.....no crossovers in the future.....you are a nib.....and the only firm I can think with the exception of the really small players that does not have crossovers is JLR.....I tell I lie...they have the LRX.....a crossover...silly me....Nissan have crossovers so they cannot work for them.....Toyota have crossover....so they cannot work for them....same with Vauxhall etc.....etc etc.....do not forget to post the US/UK mpg, the size of engine for your Alfa, London Taxi mpg and g/km etc......as said let's see figures....and have a proper discussion.

 

 

Hmmmm ... How about no I won't do any of the requested. I've met 'you' or variations of 'you' a hundred times before in my career sir. Pot - Kettle.

I'm not on your payroll, Mr. 'I.D.' (Industrial Designer), Engineer, Product Strategist and Businessman, Sir, so you won't find me doing your bidding any time soon. Sorry, I'm pretty certain from the delivery of them, that you're unused to this form of reply to your demands. I also don't need you to give a bracketed definition of the abbreviation 'I.D.' I have been involved in this business since I began my degree course in 1997 and I am very well aware of what it stands for. For your information, I am not in my mid twenties, I am 31. Not a lifetime in the difference, but everything is relative as you say.

Writing a post on a website and designing a product for a discerning audience are hardly the same thing. I like to think that as a Red Dot Award winner, I do have quite a well honed appreciation and understanding of where my audience is at. I regret that on this ocassion my 'audience' has taken such exception to the product of my opinion and then again to my clarification of that. I do not claim to know 'everything' about anything. "Could mortal lip divine..." and all that. I, like your good self, merely wished to clarify the intent of my initial post, which was left in a lighthearted spirit rather than with any great malice. How you chose to interpret it is 'your lookout.' Similarly, I do not have any specific issue with America, Americans or their wares.

If it was not for America, Americans and American Companies creating jobs abroad, I would likely be unable to pay my mortgage. However, I do not have to like their products, no more than you have to like my comments. I also do not have to like the Ford F-Series or the new Escape New York taxi range. That does not imply that I have a hatred of all things American. Those are just two products which you brought up. I cannot, as Car and Driver cannot, condone Detroits building such behemoths and then launching them to a fanfare because they are 'relatively' more economical than their predecessors. I never took a pop at FIAT either - I don't know where you got that from - but I do think Chrysler's business model was poor following the Mercedes-Benz divorce. I don't need to use my Six Sigma training to come to that conclusion. With the exception of the 500C, I haven't admired anything 'Chrysler' for many years now. But, I've no doubt that FIAT will make them competitive and interesting again. Lets hope this liason is more fruitful.

Your response to my initial post set me straight you say. I gave my response. You then respond telling me that you are entitled to your opinion and in the process tell me I am not entitled to mine as you say I did. Don't you think that is just a little bit hypocritical. I stand by my position that I left a post about the article, however 'stupid' you may think it was. I admit it was not very refined. You however left your post about my post. You also say you are not bothered by my boredom with the GM, Chrysler, Ford financial troubles stories. Clearly, you were bothered sufficiently to feel the urge to 'put me right.' You can't see the woods for the trees. So lets just agree to disagree.

I do apologise for calling you a philistine. I was obviously and completely mistaken. You, unlike a churlish, impertinent 'youth' such as myself, do actually know everything and your post was simply an attempt to educate the ignorant and misinformed.

Finally, I think you read a little too much into what people say here. It is impossible from reading my post to reach any conclusions as to my ability as an Industrial Designer, how well I know my 'audience', how senior I might be at my place of work, or indeed, what responsibilities I may hold there. I note from your list of qualifications that neither Psychiatry nor Profiling is among them. Yet. So forgive me if I don't take too much of the character assessment, post critique or overall appraisal of myself either seriously, or to heart.

Have a nice day.