General Motors (GM) has been the largest manufacturer in the united states since 1923. Due to the anticipated Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing GM will shrink substantially. Currently, GM has the following brands on the auction block....Hummer, Saab, GM Europe, and Saturn. In addition, they will discontinue the Pontiac brand.
Ford will displace GM as the largest North American auto producer this year. Ford’s North American output is actually expected to fall by 17.7 percent to 1.9 million units this year. But that number should keep the Blue Oval ahead of GM. GM is planning to sell or close the brands mentioned above.....also GM will cut production at 13 of its North American plants for up to 9 weeks this summer. GM North America should produce approximately 1.7 million vehicles this year.
Since the recession hit, GM financial problems have magnified. In 2008, Toyota overtook GM as the world's largest auto manufacturer. So it appears that GM will loose the second largest manufacturer in the world to Volkswagon.
Chrysler’s bankruptcy will also clear the way for Honda to move up to the number three spot. In fact, Chrysler will produce just over 900,000 vehicles this year – a decrease of more than 50 percent from last year – sliding the automaker all the way down to number five. Toyota should finish just ahead of Chrysler with approxximately 904,000 units produced.
Peter, how sad it is to see this happening to these companies. Sorry that they did not do things differently that they could still be solvent.
ReplyDeleteDan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"
Hi Dan & Deanna,
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate that these events are happening! Unfortunately, these companies have not been well managed. In 2005, I thought that Rick Wagner should be replaced, since GM started losing profitability and market share...not to mention the lack of quality control and competitiveness of the products.
I do think that GM will come out of the bankrupcy a much better company....although much smaller. They could really use some innovation in their products! They seem to be heading in the right direction.
Thanks for your comments!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
Hi Pete .. GM's state of affairs is providing our car workers with a few headaches over here .. compounded by the European element! A political nightmare ..looms ..
ReplyDeletea few years hence .. we'll all know how it went!
Go well - Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Hi Hilary,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the GM problem will be magnified around the world! The U.S. started the financial problem...hopefully we can solve the problem. The political issues are a problem in England..they are really tied into the auto manufacturing.
The latest is that Magna will purchase Germany based Opel, but I have not found any information on the Vauxhall. When, I do I will post the information!
Thanks for the comments!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online