The Briefing Room

General Category => Economy/Business => Topic started by: kevindavis007 on November 26, 2018, 05:29:33 pm

Title: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: kevindavis007 on November 26, 2018, 05:29:33 pm

DETROIT/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - General Motors Co said on Monday it will cut production of slow-selling models and slash its North American workforce in the face of a stagnant market for traditional gas-powered sedans, shifting more investment to electric and autonomous vehicles.

The announcement is the biggest restructuring in North America for the U.S. No. 1 carmaker since its bankruptcy a decade ago. Its shares rallied 7.6 percent to $38.66.

GM plans to halt production next year at three assembly plants - Lordstown, Ohio, Hamtramck, Michigan, and Oshawa, Ontario. The company also plans to stop building several models now assembled at those plants, including the Chevrolet Cruze, the Cadillac CT6 and the Buick LaCrosse. The Cruze compact car will be discontinued in the U.S. market in 2019.

Plants in Baltimore, Maryland, and Warren, Michigan that assemble powertrain components will have no products assigned to them after 2019 and thus are at risk of closure, the company said. It will also close two factories outside North America, but did not identify them.

Read More: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gm-restructuring/gm-to-cut-car-production-in-north-america-halt-some-models-source-idUSKCN1NV1NB (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gm-restructuring/gm-to-cut-car-production-in-north-america-halt-some-models-source-idUSKCN1NV1NB)
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: dfwgator on November 26, 2018, 05:34:19 pm
Looks like Michael Moore has his next documentary...."Mary and Me."
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: mystery-ak on November 26, 2018, 05:38:12 pm
GM workers at Canadian plant walk off in protest after company announces cuts
https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/418251-canadian-workers-walk-off-in-protest-after-gm-announces-cuts
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: IsailedawayfromFR on November 26, 2018, 11:11:30 pm
GM workers at Canadian plant walk off in protest after company announces cuts
https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/418251-canadian-workers-walk-off-in-protest-after-gm-announces-cuts
Kinda dumb it seems to leave earlier than needed.

Oh well, these are Canadians.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Applewood on November 27, 2018, 07:45:59 am
GM is just doing this to make Trump look bad.  What was that about all those manufacturing jobs coming back to the US?
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: RetBobbyMI on November 27, 2018, 08:44:45 am
GM part II, another failure. They kept trying to sell cars (Cruse) no one wanted under the Obama bailout, now want to sell the buyers on technology (hybrid) no one wants. They’ll never learn.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Applewood on November 27, 2018, 08:59:27 am
GM part II, another failure. They kept trying to sell cars (Cruse) no one wanted under the Obama bailout, now want to sell the buyers on technology (hybrid) no one wants. They’ll never learn.

Well, at least according to another report I read, the Volt will also be gone.

GM insists buyers aren't interested in the traditional gas guzzlers.  Perhaps that's because the prices on those cars have become prohibitive.  But most car owners I know would rather have the traditional tried and true models like the Impala (which I hear will also be discontinued) than these allegedly eco-friendly vehicles. 
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: IsailedawayfromFR on November 27, 2018, 01:13:17 pm
GM part II, another failure. They kept trying to sell cars (Cruse) no one wanted under the Obama bailout, now want to sell the buyers on technology (hybrid) no one wants. They’ll never learn.
Like this?  Obama's 'car of the future' goes kaput

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/obamas-car-of-the-future-goes-kaput (https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/obamas-car-of-the-future-goes-kaput)

It should be trumpeted everywhere how many billions of dollars in tax credits and incentives were thrown away due to the failure of government selecting losers.

Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 27, 2018, 01:23:48 pm
But most car owners I know would rather have the traditional tried and true models like the Impala

That's total bullshit. No one wants an Impala unless they are in the over 80 set. Just look at the numbers on SUV sales. They are through the roof. No one buys Civics. They buy the CRV. No one buys the Impala. They buy the Traverse. Sedans are a waste of time. Even Ford is getting rid of their cars because no one wants them. The only reason Chrysler/Fiat is sticking with cars is because they cut out a boutique market with the Challenger and related hot cars.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: jmyrlefuller on November 27, 2018, 05:42:53 pm
"We've made all our cars to look exactly the same: rounded rectangles with angry headlights."

"Gee, why does nobody want to buy our ugly cars??? Must be everyone wants SUV's."
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Applewood on November 27, 2018, 05:57:13 pm
That's total bullshit. No one wants an Impala unless they are in the over 80 set. Just look at the numbers on SUV sales. They are through the roof. No one buys Civics. They buy the CRV. No one buys the Impala. They buy the Traverse. Sedans are a waste of time. Even Ford is getting rid of their cars because no one wants them. The only reason Chrysler/Fiat is sticking with cars is because they cut out a boutique market with the Challenger and related hot cars.

I think people buy SUVs because they are a bit roomier than those little boxes the automakers pass off as cars today.  Ever since the car companies got into the save the planet con game, cars got smaller and smaller. I don't know about you, but I like a vehicle I don't feel squashed in. These days SVUs are the only alternative to those "sedans."
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Bigun on November 27, 2018, 05:57:20 pm
After the crap GM pulled in collusion with the Obama administration, I don't care if they go bankrupt tomorrow.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: truth_seeker on November 27, 2018, 06:20:09 pm
Common sense argues that the various GM models, fail to compete well with other brands.

For instance, the Volt and Bolt, have competition from Toyota, Nissan, Ford, VW, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Mercedes and others.

GM you will remember, is the company that dropped the Camaro/Firebird with an immidiate replacement.

Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: kevindavis007 on November 27, 2018, 07:23:06 pm
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtCDNHtX4AA78Qu.jpg)
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: RoosGirl on November 27, 2018, 11:20:27 pm
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtCDNHtX4AA78Qu.jpg)

Not sure I understand how this works; two years into this administration, GM is still receiving subsidies from the gov't?
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 27, 2018, 11:23:26 pm
Not sure I understand how this works; two years into this administration, GM is still receiving subsidies from the gov't?

It's the stupid electric car welfare program.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: RoosGirl on November 27, 2018, 11:25:39 pm
It's the stupid electric car welfare program.

The part I don't understand is 2 years into a republican everything and this nonsense is still going on.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Bigun on November 28, 2018, 12:39:36 am
The part I don't understand is 2 years into a republican everything and this nonsense is still going on.

A lot of people who ran as republicans in order to get elected aren't one bit republican in their political philosophy.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: InHeavenThereIsNoBeer on November 28, 2018, 12:45:55 am
A lot of people who ran as republicans in order to get elected aren't one bit republican in their political philosophy.

And a lot of people who ran as republicans in order to get elected are one bit republican in their political philosophy.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 28, 2018, 01:04:09 am
And a lot of people who ran as republicans in order to get elected are one bit republican in their political philosophy.

And a lot of people who ran as republicans in order to get elected aint one bit republican in their political philosophy.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: ConstitutionRose on November 28, 2018, 01:32:06 am
I think people buy SUVs because they are a bit roomier than those little boxes the automakers pass off as cars today.  Ever since the car companies got into the save the planet con game, cars got smaller and smaller. I don't know about you, but I like a vehicle I don't feel squashed in. These days SVUs are the only alternative to those "sedans."

I need room to carry 150 pound dog.  Water bowl and at least a gallon of water.  Also his "dog bag".  I also need room to carry a router, a couple of small switches, a toolbox, patch cables, spare network interface cards (ethernet and wireless), spare video cards, several sizes of HD enclosures, a sampling of USB cables,  several spare keyboards, spare mice, a couple POE wireless extenders, my laptop and tablet, an emergency monitor.  You get the idea.   A little box car doesn't do it.   
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 28, 2018, 01:39:36 am
I need room to carry 150 pound dog.  Water bowl and at least a gallon of water.  Also his "dog bag".  I also need room to carry a router, a couple of small switches, a toolbox, patch cables, spare network interface cards (ethernet and wireless), spare video cards, several sizes of HD enclosures, a sampling of USB cables,  several spare keyboards, spare mice, a couple POE wireless extenders, my laptop and tablet, an emergency monitor.  You get the idea.   A little box car doesn't do it.   

With all that stuff your vehicle must me this.....

(https://www.speednik.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2016/09/2016-09-20_03-13-20.jpg)
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: ConstitutionRose on November 28, 2018, 02:36:07 am
With all that stuff your vehicle must me this.....

(https://www.speednik.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2016/09/2016-09-20_03-13-20.jpg)

Neatly stored in zip top bags by category....but I wouldn't mind having that truck!
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: berdie on November 28, 2018, 02:37:20 am
GM (and Ford) are pricing themselves out of the market. I drive a truck and have for many years,  I can see out of them better and the resale is better.  Plus sometimes I need to haul stuff.

I needed a new truck about 4 years ago. I was appalled at the prices from Ford and GM. I have NEVER bought foreign...but I bought a Honda Ridgeline. Great truck. Comfortable. Much cheaper that Ford and GM.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: RetBobbyMI on November 28, 2018, 03:04:28 am
GM (and Ford) are pricing themselves out of the market. I drive a truck and have for many years,  I can see out of them better and the resale is better.  Plus sometimes I need to haul stuff.

I needed a new truck about 4 years ago. I was appalled at the prices from Ford and GM. I have NEVER bought foreign...but I bought a Honda Ridgeline. Great truck. Comfortable. Much cheaper that Ford and GM.
And Honda vehicles hold their resale value a whole lot longer than America’s big three. My only complaint with Honda is they discontinued any decent vehicle that could be towed flat behind an RV.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: thackney on November 28, 2018, 01:06:03 pm
I think people buy SUVs because they are a bit roomier than those little boxes the automakers pass off as cars today.  Ever since the car companies got into the save the planet con game, cars got smaller and smaller. I don't know about you, but I like a vehicle I don't feel squashed in. These days SVUs are the only alternative to those "sedans."

I believe that setting up higher with a better ability to see down the road is a major factor.  Anytime we drive a rental sedan that is our biggest complaint.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: RetBobbyMI on November 28, 2018, 02:29:51 pm
I believe that setting up higher with a better ability to see down the road is a major factor.  Anytime we drive a rental sedan that is our biggest complaint.
People driving the larger vehicles are disrespectful of the smaller cars. They pull in front of them seemingly deliberately.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: thackney on November 28, 2018, 02:36:54 pm
People driving the larger vehicles are disrespectful of the smaller cars. They pull in front of them seemingly deliberately.

Maybe if the smaller car driver sat up higher, he would see them angling in sooner...

 wink777
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: RetBobbyMI on November 28, 2018, 02:40:29 pm
Maybe if the smaller car driver sat up higher, he would see them angling in sooner...

 wink777
Ha ha. I’d love to upgrade to a decent SUV, but $40 to 50k for a big 3 piece of crap is a bit much on a retirement income.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: catfish1957 on November 28, 2018, 03:12:55 pm
Might get flamed here, but my last GM purchase was in 1981.  Based on  that one purchased and ones before then being mechanical shit, and fell apart like the garbage it was.

So I hold a grudge.  Let 'em crash and burn.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 28, 2018, 03:23:57 pm
Might get flamed here, but my last GM purchase was in 1981. 

I always had you pegged as a Citation owner.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 28, 2018, 03:26:22 pm
People driving the larger vehicles are disrespectful of the smaller cars. They pull in front of them seemingly deliberately.

LOL. You gotta kill time on the highway somehow.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Bigun on November 28, 2018, 03:30:57 pm
IIRC GM is still into American Taxpayers something like $12 Billion from the Obama bailout and that doesn't mention the hosing their shareholders took to prop up the unions.  I personally hope GM goes totally in the tank and they will if they wait for me to buy anything they make going forward.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 28, 2018, 03:34:36 pm
IIRC GM is still into American Taxpayers something like $12 Billion from the Obama bailout and that doesn't mention the hosing their shareholders took to prop up the unions.  I personally hope GM goes totally in the tank and they will if they wait for me to buy anything they make going forward.

You don't like the Socialism of GM? Didn't you say you drive some sort of Italian car?
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Bigun on November 28, 2018, 03:49:58 pm
You don't like the Socialism of GM? Didn't you say you drive some sort of Italian car?

Are you kidding me???  The Italians can't make a sewing machine that works!  I drive a 10 year old 1 ton Dodge pickup with a 5.9 liter diesel engine.
 
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 28, 2018, 04:03:32 pm
Are you kidding me???  The Italians can't make a sewing machine that works!  I drive a 10 year old 1 ton Dodge pickup with a 5.9 liter diesel engine.

See. I was right. You drive a Fiat.

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7b/82/67/7b8267b38ee8100c28b9b4a76cf2f026.jpg)
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Bigun on November 28, 2018, 04:07:36 pm
See. I was right. You drive a Fiat.

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7b/82/67/7b8267b38ee8100c28b9b4a76cf2f026.jpg)

LOL! 

(http://www.2040-cars.com/_content/cars/images/35/869535/001.jpg)
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: thackney on November 28, 2018, 04:30:13 pm
Ha ha. I’d love to upgrade to a decent SUV, but $40 to 50k for a big 3 piece of crap is a bit much on a retirement income.

While I love our Ford 4x4 Expedition EL (extra long), it isn't the only type of SUV available.  All of the following allow the driver's viewpoint to be higher than a typical sedan.  And all about half or less the price range you mentioned.

14 Cheapest SUVs of 2018
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/cheapest-suv-on-the-market

14) 2018 Hyundai Tucson: $22,550
13) 2018 Hyundai Tucson: $22,550
12) 2018 Toyota C-HR: $22,500
11) 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport: $22,110
10) 2018 Subaru Crosstrek: $21,795
9) 2018 Chevrolet Trax: $21,000
8) 2018 Jeep Compass: $20,995
7) 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: $20,395
6) 2018 Mazda CX-3: $20,110
4) 2018 Fiat 500X (tie): $19,995
4) 2018 Ford EcoSport (tie): $19,995
3) 2018 Honda HR-V: $19,670
2) 2018 Hyundai Kona: $19,500
1) 2018 Jeep Renegade: $18,445
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 28, 2018, 04:35:56 pm
While I love our Ford 4x4 Expedition EL (extra long), it isn't the only type of SUV available.  All of the following allow the driver's viewpoint to be higher than a typical sedan.  And all about half or less the price range you mentioned.

14 Cheapest SUVs of 2018
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/cheapest-suv-on-the-market

14) 2018 Hyundai Tucson: $22,550
13) 2018 Hyundai Tucson: $22,550
12) 2018 Toyota C-HR: $22,500
11) 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport: $22,110
10) 2018 Subaru Crosstrek: $21,795
9) 2018 Chevrolet Trax: $21,000
8) 2018 Jeep Compass: $20,995
7) 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: $20,395
6) 2018 Mazda CX-3: $20,110
4) 2018 Fiat 500X (tie): $19,995
4) 2018 Ford EcoSport (tie): $19,995
3) 2018 Honda HR-V: $19,670
2) 2018 Hyundai Kona: $19,500
1) 2018 Jeep Renegade: $18,445

Those are cheap because they are all garbage. I wouldn't let someone use one of those for landfill if I needed to fill an hole.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: sneakypete on November 28, 2018, 04:42:56 pm
Like this?  Obama's 'car of the future' goes kaput

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/obamas-car-of-the-future-goes-kaput (https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/obamas-car-of-the-future-goes-kaput)

It should be trumpeted everywhere how many billions of dollars in tax credits and incentives were thrown away due to the failure of government selecting losers.

@IsailedawayfromFR

Last time I checked,the Obombers and every other member of DC's anointed class ride around in armored Suburbans with big V-8 engines and armed guards.

Big V-8 engines and armed guards are EVIL!

Unless you are one of the ruling class,of course.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: sneakypete on November 28, 2018, 04:47:32 pm
That's total bullshit. No one wants an Impala unless they are in the over 80 set. Just look at the numbers on SUV sales. They are through the roof. No one buys Civics. They buy the CRV. No one buys the Impala. They buy the Traverse. Sedans are a waste of time. Even Ford is getting rid of their cars because no one wants them. The only reason Chrysler/Fiat is sticking with cars is because they cut out a boutique market with the Challenger and related hot cars.

@Frank Cannon

Frank,you are confusing the Impala of today with the Impala of the 80's and earlier models. Think "Chevy Nova" in size,but old Impala in ride comfort and luxuries.

People buy SUV's most for the same reason I buy crew cab pu's,they are practical and fill a need I have for room to haul things inside as well as out in the open. IF I could get by with it,my choice of PU would be one with a standard cab and short bed. Assuming of course that such a thing can still be bought.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: sneakypete on November 28, 2018, 04:50:57 pm
The part I don't understand is 2 years into a republican everything and this nonsense is still going on.

@RoosGirl

Probably a combination of subsidizing them is a open-ended congressional dictate (no specified end date) that would require a bill be passed in Congress to end it,and some contracts being for longer periods than 1 year. Not much Trump can do to end a 10 year contract with 5 years remaining.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: sneakypete on November 28, 2018, 04:56:02 pm
With all that stuff your vehicle must me this.....

(https://www.speednik.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2016/09/2016-09-20_03-13-20.jpg)

@Frank Cannon

I used to drive one exactly like that except for the door lettering. Mine didn't have any lettering,but was the same exact faded red. Bought it for 50 bucks from a junkyard,and drove it back and forth to work for 3 or 4 months,until I could save enough money to buy something better. Compression was so low I had to park it on a hill and roll down the hill to start it in gear,or have someone pull me to start it. Still,once it got started it ran like a champ with no knocking. Kept it as a spare in case something went wrong with my newer "old truck",but one day while I was at work someone stopped and wanted to buy it,so my bleep father sold it to them and kept the money.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: sneakypete on November 28, 2018, 04:58:13 pm
And Honda vehicles hold their resale value a whole lot longer than America’s big three. My only complaint with Honda is they discontinued any decent vehicle that could be towed flat behind an RV.

@RetBobbyMI

No disrespect intended,but if you think a Honda Ridgeline is a truck,you don't know much about trucks.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 28, 2018, 05:05:30 pm
@Frank Cannon

Frank,you are confusing the Impala of today with the Impala of the 80's and earlier models. Think "Chevy Nova" in size,but old Impala in ride comfort and luxuries.


I'm not mistaking anything. I have driven a few and my neighbor has one that we head out in. It's a really nice car but no one under 80 would want one after being in the Traverse. It sits higher, it's bigger, has all wheel drive and can tow a boat. Sedans are for old people who can't hop up into an SUV anymore.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: mirraflake on November 28, 2018, 05:13:15 pm
I bought a new car last year. Looking at Chyslers and was looking over a 4 wd dualie diesel crew cab  in the showroom.. $75,0000


Car companies have priced themselves out of the market.

EX GM head Peter Lutz said in 10 years everyone will be renting cars or using uber/lyft type services and self driving cars will pick you up and drop you off and will be waiting for you when you get off of work.

I know plenty of young folk who never got their license until early 20's and many don't have a license.

The love of cars in this country is dying with the older generation
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: sneakypete on November 28, 2018, 05:14:46 pm
Ha ha. I’d love to upgrade to a decent SUV, but $40 to 50k for a big 3 piece of crap is a bit much on a retirement income.

@RetBobbyMI

I bought my 3/4 ton GMC 4x4 turbo diesel for right at 20 grand maybe 6 years ago. Used with 98k miles on it,but that's just broken in for a diesel. In fact,I have yet to add a quart of oil between changes. I use Mobile 1 synthetic diesel oil,and change oil and filter at 20k miles.

 Last road trip I made in it I pulled out of Minot,ND headed for the east coast with a total weight right at 20,000 lbs,set the cruise control on 75 MPH,and just let it eat. At times I forgot I was even pulling anything. Never came out of overdrive until I hit the steeper grades in the Smokies. I love that truck so much I didn't have the heart to trade it in when I bought the new 4x4 2016 crewcab Chevy 1500 with the 5.3 gas (spit!) engine and 6 speed auto od trans. 

I use the new one for local hauls to save wear and tear on my good truck. Average retail for my 06 GMC with the low mileage it has on it was right at 21 grand last time I checked,and I have several local people telling me to let them know when I decide to sell it because they want it. Never bought a used truck or car in my life that had a higher retail several years after I bought it than when I bought it. Last year of the LBZ engine,which has 365hp and 665 ft lbs on torque,and no smog devices at all other than a PCV valve.

I bought the 2016 a few months after the 2017's were out,and even though it had a sticker price of 43 grand,I got it for 32 grand and it was still a new truck. Nothing special. I can't drive anywhere without seeing several just like it rolling down the road,but it's just a necessary tool. Have 22 K miles on it now with no trouble at all other than the cheap Firestone tires on it shredding and the local Chevy dealer refusing to replace them under warranty "because you have a trailer hitch and car tires on your truck,so you violated the tire warranty." When I asked the service bitch "Who put the car tires on the truck,me or GM,and WHY would they put "car tires" (there is no such thing) on a truck to start with?",she had nothing to say.

So the dealership she works for lost a future sale when I get ready to get rid of this one,and I bought 4 new Cooper tires for 140 bucks each from Amazon and put them on there. Truck gets right at 20 MPG (truck has 3:73 gears) doing local driving with me taking no care whatsoever to get good gas mileage,and has been problem free mechanically.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 28, 2018, 05:17:37 pm
EX GM head Peter Lutz

It's Bob Lutz.

(https://insideclimatenews.org/sites/default/files/styles/opengraph_large/public/bob-lutz.jpg?itok=IQK4jkPZ)
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: mirraflake on November 28, 2018, 05:19:03 pm
It's Bob Lutz.

(https://insideclimatenews.org/sites/default/files/styles/opengraph_large/public/bob-lutz.jpg?itok=IQK4jkPZ)

Whatever
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 28, 2018, 05:19:16 pm
@RetBobbyMI

I bought my 3/4 ton GMC 4x4 turbo diesel for right at 20 grand maybe 6 years ago. Used with 98k miles on it,but that's just broken in for a diesel.

Unless you bought a Ford Power Stroke where it would be just broken at 20K miles.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: sneakypete on November 28, 2018, 05:32:29 pm
Unless you bought a Ford Power Stroke where it would be just broken at 20K miles.

@Frank Cannon

Frank,the original Power Strokes were IHC engines,and damn near indestructible. My first diesel pu was a 90 F-350 4X4 with the 7.3 Power Stroke.

Ford really screwed up when they stopped using that engine,and even though the version they are using now is supposed to be reliable,everything between the end of the IHC engine and now was junk waiting to happen.

In fact,that was why I decided to buy a 2006-2007 Chevy or GMC diesel when looking for my current diesel. The Dodge Cummings can't be beat,but they had a hell of a lot of transmission problem. The GM 6.6 was a piece of crap before they got the bugs worked out,but by 2006 they were bulletproof,and combined with a 6 speed Allison automatic trans,were ideal. The trick was finding one with the LBZ engine instead of the typical LMM engine.  The LBZ had 365 hp and 665 ft.lbs of torque,and the LMM only had 300 hp and a little better than 500 ft lbs of torque. Finally found one in Texas with less than 100k that had never been modified with a lift kit,stupid tires,or any of the other crap that indicates it has been dogged,AND it has the 3:73 limited slip gears I wanted (most seem to have 4:11 gearing) so I went to Texas and drove it  home. Owned trucks all my life,and have never loved one the way I love that thing. Never owned one that rode or drove better,either.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: RetBobbyMI on November 28, 2018, 05:45:28 pm
While I love our Ford 4x4 Expedition EL (extra long), it isn't the only type of SUV available.  All of the following allow the driver's viewpoint to be higher than a typical sedan.  And all about half or less the price range you mentioned.

14 Cheapest SUVs of 2018
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/cheapest-suv-on-the-market

14) 2018 Hyundai Tucson: $22,550
13) 2018 Hyundai Tucson: $22,550
12) 2018 Toyota C-HR: $22,500
11) 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport: $22,110
10) 2018 Subaru Crosstrek: $21,795
9) 2018 Chevrolet Trax: $21,000
8) 2018 Jeep Compass: $20,995
7) 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: $20,395
6) 2018 Mazda CX-3: $20,110
4) 2018 Fiat 500X (tie): $19,995
4) 2018 Ford EcoSport (tie): $19,995
3) 2018 Honda HR-V: $19,670
2) 2018 Hyundai Kona: $19,500
1) 2018 Jeep Renegade: $18,445
Nothing more than compact junk on steroids. Barely room for the drivers arse.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Bigun on November 28, 2018, 06:43:22 pm
@Frank Cannon

Frank,the original Power Strokes were IHC engines,and damn near indestructible. My first diesel pu was a 90 F-350 4X4 with the 7.3 Power Stroke.

Ford really screwed up when they stopped using that engine,and even though the version they are using now is supposed to be reliable,everything between the end of the IHC engine and now was junk waiting to happen.

In fact,that was why I decided to buy a 2006-2007 Chevy or GMC diesel when looking for my current diesel. The Dodge Cummings can't be beat,but they had a hell of a lot of transmission problem. The GM 6.6 was a piece of crap before they got the bugs worked out,but by 2006 they were bulletproof,and combined with a 6 speed Allison automatic trans,were ideal. The trick was finding one with the LBZ engine instead of the typical LMM engine.  The LBZ had 365 hp and 665 ft.lbs of torque,and the LMM only had 300 hp and a little better than 500 ft lbs of torque. Finally found one in Texas with less than 100k that had never been modified with a lift kit,stupid tires,or any of the other crap that indicates it has been dogged,AND it has the 3:73 limited slip gears I wanted (most seem to have 4:11 gearing) so I went to Texas and drove it  home. Owned trucks all my life,and have never loved one the way I love that thing. Never owned one that rode or drove better,either.

I traded off a 2001 Ford Excursion with 7.3 @253K miles at the insistence of my dear wife.  BIG mistake!
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: GrouchoTex on November 28, 2018, 07:27:16 pm
Say what you want to, but I been driving a Toyota Tacoma now purchased new, since 2006.
My wife drives a Hyundai Santa Fe purchased new, in 2008.
Because of the reliability of both, we've actually saved money.
Both still in good shape.
Both of us drove American Cars or Trucks since the 70's.
Our last US vehicles were a Ford Ranger (I know, it's a Mazda, but...) and a Saturn station wagon.
Both purchased new, and neither got to 100K in miles.
My Ranger was in the shop quite a bit.
36k warantee, and lo and behold, 2nd gear goes out at 37k.
It didn't get better from there.
Traded it in at 78k, after numerous issues.
My wife fared a bit better with the Saturn.
No issues until the motor seized, at 98k.
I've heard that the US is making better cars and trucks now, but I've heard that for quite a while.
Company I work for has 2 GM vehicles, a Chevy Silverado and an Impala, both purchased new.
Both have been back for one issue or another since 2015.
It may just be me, but it is the experiences I've had over the years.
I've have a few more issues than this.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: catfish1957 on November 28, 2018, 08:25:47 pm
I always had you pegged as a Citation owner.

Actually  in my young immature skirt chasing days my last GM product in '81 was this.....

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/iwsAAOSwI-BWFu3D/$_1.JPG?set_id=880000500F)

As good as it looked, it was a rolling piece of shit.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: thackney on November 28, 2018, 09:27:41 pm
Actually  in my young immature skirt chasing days my last GM product in '81 was this.....

That needs some punctuation in there.  I read that thinking you were chasing days wearing a immature skirt....
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Applewood on November 28, 2018, 10:14:35 pm
There's more to this story.  Looks like GM management offered buyouts to more than 17,000 employees before the layoffs and closings were announced, but not enough employees accepted.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/28/heres-the-buyout-gm-offered-before-announcing-14000-job-cuts.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/28/heres-the-buyout-gm-offered-before-announcing-14000-job-cuts.html)



Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: RetBobbyMI on November 28, 2018, 10:40:03 pm
There's more to this story.  Looks like GM management offered buyouts to more than 17,000 employees before the layoffs and closings were announced, but not enough employees accepted.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/28/heres-the-buyout-gm-offered-before-announcing-14000-job-cuts.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/28/heres-the-buyout-gm-offered-before-announcing-14000-job-cuts.html)
Buyout only for salaried employees. Six months of salary, unless an executive, and only for those with 12 years or more. Not a lot of incentive unless you are close to retirement anyway.

Also, “The cuts are designed to free up some cash and position its workforce of 180,000 for the future of autonomous vehicles and electric cars.”  Who wants that stuff?  More of GM knows better what consumers want.. BS!
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: sneakypete on November 28, 2018, 10:44:39 pm

Also, “The cuts are designed to free up some cash and position its workforce of 180,000 for the future of autonomous vehicles and electric cars.”  Who wants that stuff?  More of GM knows better what consumers want.. BS!

@RetBobbyMI

Well,one of the problems we have today is that auto manufacturers,and pretty much ever other manufacturer,builds cars to appeal to government regulators,not consumers.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: RoosGirl on November 28, 2018, 11:10:09 pm
Actually  in my young immature skirt chasing days my last GM product in '81 was this.....

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/iwsAAOSwI-BWFu3D/$_1.JPG?set_id=880000500F)

As good as it looked, it was a rolling piece of shit.

You got the turbo, didn't you?
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 28, 2018, 11:18:08 pm
You got the turbo, didn't you?

No. It was probably a yellow column shift Esprit with a 301 that he had Earl Scheib pant it black and bought the chicken stickers over the counter.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: RoosGirl on November 28, 2018, 11:22:22 pm
No. It was probably a yellow column shift Esprit with a 301 that he had Earl Scheib pant it black and bought the chicken stickers over the counter.

An Esprit with a shaker hood?  You crazy?
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 28, 2018, 11:27:56 pm
An Esprit with a shaker hood?  You crazy?

A trip to the junkyard got you ten of those for a dollar back in the day.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: RoosGirl on November 28, 2018, 11:30:21 pm
A trip to the junkyard got you ten of those for a dollar back in the day.

Was the regular 301 as shitty as the 301 turbo?
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 28, 2018, 11:39:24 pm
Was the regular 301 as shitty as the 301 turbo?

The 301 was the embodiment of sadness and despair. I flipped out a 78 Bonneville a couple years ago that had one and it made the Olds 307 feel spirited, which is one of the most under-powered wastes of metal ever designed.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: berdie on November 28, 2018, 11:52:09 pm
@RetBobbyMI

No disrespect intended,but if you think a Honda Ridgeline is a truck,you don't know much about trucks.


Hey, now...@sneakypete...That's my Ridgeline he was talking about. I have always said it is a girl truck. happy77 But it serves my purpose. I can haul when I need to, can see out of it and it's easy to get in and out of for folks with a bad back.  As opposed to a VW or Beemer...it's a useful truck. Could I run plumbing calls from it? I guess...but why screw things up? There is a market for vehicles like these that is being overlooked.

I had driven a Chevy all my life before they got so proud of them...they got out of reach financially. Besides that...I'm still miffed about the bailout. Look how that has turned out.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: corbe on November 28, 2018, 11:58:40 pm
   I liked your Truck @sneakypete

(http://blacksmokemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/10522491_1463560883898235_4768694393979685269_n.jpg)
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 29, 2018, 12:01:08 am
I had driven a Chevy all my life before they got so proud of them...they got out of reach financially. Besides that...I'm still miffed about the bailout. Look how that has turned out.

Are you kidding? I was helping my sister buy a CRV at the dealer last year. Honda prices are insane for the bland wallpaper paste they are selling. Then there are the add ons. Want a color, add a grand. Want a real radio, add a grand.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: sneakypete on November 29, 2018, 12:07:32 am
   I liked your Truck @sneakypete

(http://blacksmokemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/10522491_1463560883898235_4768694393979685269_n.jpg)

@corbe

I don't like mine as much as I like that one.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: sneakypete on November 29, 2018, 12:11:40 am
Are you kidding? I was helping my sister buy a CRV at the dealer last year. Honda prices are insane for the bland wallpaper paste they are selling. Then there are the add ons. Want a color, add a grand. Want a real radio, add a grand.

@Frank Cannon

I  don't get it,either. Hondas are among the most expensive in their class. I did buy a Pilot several years ago,but it was a pile of bland,plus I got tired of smelling the trash as I was hauling it to the dump,so I got rid of it. What made me the saddest was  I traded in my 3 year old VW Passat with heated leather seats and all the other options on it to get the Honda. That V-6 VW would FLY,and the V-6 Honda was a pig.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: ConstitutionRose on November 29, 2018, 12:23:45 am
@Frank Cannon

Frank,the original Power Strokes were IHC engines,and damn near indestructible. My first diesel pu was a 90 F-350 4X4 with the 7.3 Power Stroke.

Ford really screwed up when they stopped using that engine,and even though the version they are using now is supposed to be reliable,everything between the end of the IHC engine and now was junk waiting to happen.

In fact,that was why I decided to buy a 2006-2007 Chevy or GMC diesel when looking for my current diesel. The Dodge Cummings can't be beat,but they had a hell of a lot of transmission problem. The GM 6.6 was a piece of crap before they got the bugs worked out,but by 2006 they were bulletproof,and combined with a 6 speed Allison automatic trans,were ideal. The trick was finding one with the LBZ engine instead of the typical LMM engine.  The LBZ had 365 hp and 665 ft.lbs of torque,and the LMM only had 300 hp and a little better than 500 ft lbs of torque. Finally found one in Texas with less than 100k that had never been modified with a lift kit,stupid tires,or any of the other crap that indicates it has been dogged,AND it has the 3:73 limited slip gears I wanted (most seem to have 4:11 gearing) so I went to Texas and drove it  home. Owned trucks all my life,and have never loved one the way I love that thing. Never owned one that rode or drove better,either.
We have a client who rebuilds Ford diesels.  He has a parking lot as large as Walmart.  Everytime I go there to work on their computers that lot is full.  Some of trucks probably qualify as antiques, but there are a lot of newer ones there too.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: berdie on November 29, 2018, 12:31:50 am
Are you kidding? I was helping my sister buy a CRV at the dealer last year. Honda prices are insane for the bland wallpaper paste they are selling. Then there are the add ons. Want a color, add a grand. Want a real radio, add a grand.


I am surely not challenging your automotive knowledge.  It is sure to outpace mine. And maybe prices vary in different parts of the country. I don't know. :shrug:  All I do know is that when I started looking for a truck Ford and Chevy were so out of my range it was crazy. Honda was half the price...with no add ons. I will say the radio sucks...but I can always replace that if I choose to do so.If I wanted a work truck I might change my mind. But American car makers are losing a big audience by not having the smaller trucks. jmho.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: sneakypete on November 29, 2018, 12:50:21 am

I am surely not challenging your automotive knowledge.  It is sure to outpace mine. And maybe prices vary in different parts of the country. I don't know. :shrug:  All I do know is that when I started looking for a truck Ford and Chevy were so out of my range it was crazy. Honda was half the price...with no add ons. I will say the radio sucks...but I can always replace that if I choose to do so.If I wanted a work truck I might change my mind. But American car makers are losing a big audience by not having the smaller trucks. jmho.

@berdie

GM makes one they call a Canyon for Chevy,and a Colorado for GMC. I made the mistake of buying a V-6 Canyon. It sucked all the air off the planet,and I was willing to lose money to get rid it it. Rode like a covered wagon,had no torque at all and would come out of overdrive going up the tiniest hill,and the seats were even too narrow to make room for the console.

Traded it off on a 2016 Chev Silverado crew cab with the 5.3 V-8 and short bed,and it is a MUCH better vehicle in every respect,and only gets 1 mpg less on gas mileage than the piece of crap I traded in on it.

Which is odd,because the old S-10 PU's were great values with the OHC 4 in them,and seemed to have more power than the V-6 in the new ones. Plus they rode and drove a hell of a lot better,too. The S-10's with the 2.8 V-6 were slightly better than walking,but that only depends on how far you would have to walk.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 29, 2018, 12:54:01 am
@Frank Cannon

I  don't get it,either. Hondas are among the most expensive in their class. I did buy a Pilot several years ago,but it was a pile of bland,plus I got tired of smelling the trash as I was hauling it to the dump,so I got rid of it. What made me the saddest was  I traded in my 3 year old VW Passat with heated leather seats and all the other options on it to get the Honda. That V-6 VW would FLY,and the V-6 Honda was a pig.

Hondas are the saddest cars I ever have dealt with. Their interiors look like something the Soviets designed in the 70's.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Fishrrman on November 29, 2018, 01:28:27 am
mirraflake observed:
"The love of cars in this country is dying with the older generation"

What cars produced today are "lovable"?
Most small crossover SUVs look basically the same, particularly the rooflines.

I've got a 2013 Toyota RAV4 I picked up used through their "certified used" lineup.
Runs fine, didn't cost all that much, was literally "like new" (7,400 miles), and they extend the powertrain warranty to 7 years/100,000 on the certifieds.

Not "lovable", but it'll do.
I barely put 5,000 a year on it now that I'm retired.

I gave my previous RAV4 (2005 with 160,000) to my sister. It's up over 212,000 now.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: roamer_1 on November 29, 2018, 01:33:21 am
I had driven a Chevy all my life before they got so proud of them...they got out of reach financially. Besides that...I'm still miffed about the bailout. Look how that has turned out.

I'm a Chevy guy, and have been all my life - Chevys and Pontiacs, and a rare Olds here and there is all that has ever been in my driveway. That changed.

In pickups, I won't buy anything newer than 85, because all of them suck. Not just the chevys- All of them.

Somewhere around the early 90's the car emission standards got stupid, and the cars got smaller and smaller, and more underpowered... So anyone who has a family naturally had to go to Tahoes and Suburbans - You should see our big house at a family gathering - not a car one... Other than the odd Subaru.

But that REALLY wrecked trucks. They're all about butt-warmers and cup-holders, and independent suspension for a nice ride. Trucks are an 'experience' now. Not trucks.

Try finding a straight axle front end that will take a snow plow. Heck its hard to even find a long bed anymore. Everything is short-box 4 doors. Ever tried to get a load of hay onto a short-box?
It's just effing ridiculous.
The motors are under powered (5.3? That's a 327, for Pete's sake)
The trannys can't take a load, and will be junk when they leave, and cost $1500 to replace...
Computerization means they go dead and there's nothing for it - Try having that happen 50 miles up in the sticks...

Cars have become golf carts
Trucks have become cars.
And there ain't a dang thing left that will actually do work, and is designed to be rebuilt indefinitely.
I'll just stick to the square-bodies.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Oceander on November 29, 2018, 03:05:34 am
I always had you pegged as a Citation owner.

Now that strikes to close to home!  My mom had a Citation at one point when I was a kid when we first returned back to the States.  She was lucky to get rid of it just before the tranny fell out. 
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: catfish1957 on November 29, 2018, 03:40:52 am
No. It was probably a yellow column shift Esprit with a 301 that he had Earl Scheib pant it black and bought the chicken stickers over the counter.

lol....  If I'd been poor, and it drew chicks I'd done it as an alternative.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: RoosGirl on November 29, 2018, 03:54:29 am
lol....  If I'd been poor, and it drew chicks I'd done it as an alternative.

@Frank Cannon Told you he had the 301 Turbo.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: catfish1957 on November 29, 2018, 03:58:09 am
@Frank Cannon Told you he had the 301 Turbo.

@Frank Cannon
@RoosGirl

Frank was probably a Pinto guy who held his breath at every stop light in fear of a rear end. 
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: RoosGirl on November 29, 2018, 04:00:19 am
@Frank Cannon
@RoosGirl

Frank was probably a Pinto guy who held his breath at every stop light in fear of a rear end.

Frank is freakishly right about car stuff, so on the rare occasion I get one right I like to rub his nose in it. 

PS  If I'm wrong about your Bird kindly PM, don't say it on open forum.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 29, 2018, 04:00:44 am
@Frank Cannon Told you he had the 301 Turbo.

Wow. He had a whopping 200 HP pumping out. A 76 Grand Safari Wagon had the same horsepower.

(https://bestcarmag.com/sites/default/files/1976-pontiac-grand-safari-1308990-4502957.jpg)

Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 29, 2018, 04:02:01 am
@Frank Cannon
@RoosGirl

Frank was probably a Pinto guy who held his breath at every stop light in fear of a rear end.

Up until the LT1 and Northstar were introduced, I never drove anything less than a Big Block.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: RoosGirl on November 29, 2018, 04:02:06 am
Wow. He had a whopping 200 HP pumping out. A 76 Grand Safari Wagon had the same horsepower.

(https://bestcarmag.com/sites/default/files/1976-pontiac-grand-safari-1308990-4502957.jpg)

Yeah, but weighs at least a ton more than the Bird.  And of course there's no cool factor to it.
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: Frank Cannon on November 29, 2018, 04:06:27 am
Yeah, but weighs at least a ton more than the Bird.  And of course there's no cool factor to it.

Yup. Sadly there is no cool factor for an F Body of any variety, but B Body wagons are timeless.

Sorry... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGwCtr-ggzk#)
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: sneakypete on November 29, 2018, 03:40:23 pm

Quote
The motors are under powered (5.3? That's a 327, for Pete's sake)

My 2016 4x4 has the 5.3,and it will FLY. 300 + HP and a fat torque curve. They have the electronics worked out now,and the engines are in a perfect state of tune at every RPM range. They also have a 6 speed auto-overdrive that looks suspisciously like the 6 speed Allision in my GMC turbo diesel,and transmissions don't get any tougher than that.

I get 19.5 MPG in stop and go daily driving short trips,with speeds from 25 to 65 MPH. Have gotten right at 22 MPH on interstate trips at 70-75 MPH,and this is with 3:73 gears.

Quote
The trannys can't take a load, and will be junk when they leave, and cost $1500 to replace...

Well,you have to admit,that is a GM tradition,along with trim pieces falling off at random,doors sagging,and rusting out.

My 2016 has an aluminum frame,so rust isn't that much of a problem,and like I wrote above,the trans appears to be an Allison design,although to keep things traditional there is always a chance GM junked it down for traditional GM buyers.

Quote
Computerization means they go dead and there's nothing for it - Try having that happen 50 miles up in the sticks...

That's true,but it happens far less often now than it used to,and if your truck is under warranty a dealer will drop off a loaner for you to drive when he comes to pick up your dead one for repairs.


Quote
And there ain't a dang thing left that will actually do work, and is designed to be rebuilt indefinitely.

You obviously have no experience with a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel pu.
 
Title: Re: GM to slash jobs and production, cancel some car models
Post by: roamer_1 on November 29, 2018, 04:44:34 pm
My 2016 4x4 has the 5.3,and it will FLY. 300 + HP and a fat torque curve. They have the electronics worked out now,and the engines are in a perfect state of tune at every RPM range. They also have a 6 speed auto-overdrive that looks suspisciously like the 6 speed Allision in my GMC turbo diesel,and transmissions don't get any tougher than that.

@sneakypete
It likely is an Allison - but by far and away, Chevys come with an 4L60, which is a piece of crap, or an 4L80, which is not quite as much a piece of crap.

Quote
I get 19.5 MPG in stop and go daily driving short trips,with speeds from 25 to 65 MPH. Have gotten right at 22 MPH on interstate trips at 70-75 MPH,and this is with 3:73 gears.

My last truck was a 78 Chevy 3/4T  4x4, upgraded to a 383 stroker, with a 5spd for OD, and I took out the stock 4:55 gears for - I don't remember whether 3:90 or 3:73... Still carbureted, but an Edelbrock... And I got similar mileage... Though somewhat dependent upon the weight of my right foot... Mostly, if you upgrade to overdrive, put in road gears,  and put on a decent carb and tuned headers with fat dual exhaust,  you are in the ballpark... with an advantage of stick and hubs, which are rare anymore... To be fair, that was when it was still on the ground... when it was up on '44s and had a 427, it was not nearly as kind with fuel, but it served a different purpose.

Quote
Well,you have to admit,that is a GM tradition,along with trim pieces falling off at random,doors sagging,and rusting out.

Nope. The Muncie 465 and NP 205 are a hard combo to beat for sheer durability. That 465 has a bit of a problem bending shifting forks, but is a cheap and easy fix, when it happens.

Less enamored of the Turbo 350 and 400, but they could be kitted to make them far more durable than stock - An aftermarket cooler and inline 1qt filter adds a TON of extended life. Likewise the earlier 700R4. My favorite transmission is probably still a Turbo 350, rigged to motorhome specs, overlaid with a decent B&M kit (to include shift kit). It ain't as good as a stick, but it goes a long, long time.

As to the tin - meh. It takes about a weekend to roll one body off and put on another, and a tight body on a 2wd with no engine or trans, is under 500 bucks. And repair panels are dirt cheap anyway... Where you get caught is in the painting... And being a painter, that ain't a problem.

Quote
That's true,but it happens far less often now than it used to,and if your truck is under warranty a dealer will drop off a loaner for you to drive when he comes to pick up your dead one for repairs.

Who cares after a 50 mile walk out? But, as a matter of full disclosure, I have never in my life owned a new truck, and I never will. It is the principle of the thing. As a rule for everything, I find it busted, buy it cheap, and fix it. Redneck 101.

Quote
You obviously have no experience with a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel pu.

I have owned exactly TWO half tons in my life. I have been in a 3/4T heavy 4x4 most of my life. Hell, I lived out of em for all intensive porpoises. 1Ts are more rare, but I have had them too.

Diesels rarer still, but I did wedge a Cummins 12 valve into a 83 1T 4x4 cowboy cadillac, for hauling a big horse trailer overland. Diesels are great if you have the money - I tend to avoid them because when they go wrong, they cost a mint... And I can build 3 porkers for the cost of 1 diesel, and fix em way cheaper. yeah, they may suck more gas, but that evens out on repairs. But by and large, a slightly overbuilt flat-top tree-fitty and trailer brakes seems to be the sweet spot.