CARPE DIEM
Professor Mark J. Perry's Blog for Economics and Finance
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
About Me
- Name: Mark J. Perry
- Location: Washington, D.C., United States
Dr. Mark J. Perry is a professor of economics and finance in the School of Management at the Flint campus of the University of Michigan. Perry holds two graduate degrees in economics (M.A. and Ph.D.) from George Mason University near Washington, D.C. In addition, he holds an MBA degree in finance from the Curtis L. Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. In addition to a faculty appointment at the University of Michigan-Flint, Perry is also a visiting scholar at The American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C.
Previous Posts
- Cars vs. Pianos: What if FDR Had Bailed Out The Pi...
- Why The Big 3 Bailout Won't Work: $1.67 Gas
- Gasoline in Free Fall
- Math Scores vs. Self-Esteem
- It's A "Man-Cession" in the Lipstick Economy
- Real Gas Prices @ 6-Yr Low = $346 Billion Savings
- Cartoon of the Day
- GRE Exams, Grad School Applications Down
- Harbour Report:$606 Per Vehicle Cost Difference
- 3-Month T-Bills: From 15% in 1981 to 0% in 2008
46 Comments:
So you want to buy a car from Congress.
Let me know how that works out for you.
The voters get the Government they deserve.
Living in California. I would like to be the first to welcome all of you to socialism.
Hotrod.
Love it. I think they should make it into a reality TV show, and say they will bailout ONE of the major autos. Last one to declare Bankruptcy wins. Survival of the least unfit... Doesn't quite have the right ring, but it'll have to do.
Obviously Washington will do a better job making cars people want. I mean, look at PBS, the Post Office, the VA, Amtrak, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, everything they touch is golden! They have been doing such a good job regulating the car companies up till now, owning them can only be better!
The government is already planning an AMC Pacer in every driveway by 2010.
If you've been paying attention, you know that number of qualified, knowledgeable and objective product analysts, including the Consumers' Union, report than in recent years many domestic models are every bit as good as any foreign models and offer very good value. The Buick is on a par with Lexus. Yet, the quality gap perception persists and is now a myth.
Manufacturers produced SUV's and trucks primarily because those were the models demanded and purchased by our own public. The foreign brands followed suit. If gas prices were to remain low, those would remain the biggest sellers.
. . . In my four visits to Europe, I always noted that no matter what country I was in, I was always struck by the fact the most prevalent vehicle on the road was, by far, the one(s) manufactured in that country, regardless of international reputation. On the other hand, when I travel our own country, I observe that most of our populace continues to be infatuated with foreign nameplates. This is especially true on the West cost. If half of foreign-brand cars purchased here had domestic nameplates, I suggest the domestic industry would be quite healthy.
Perhaps, to some extent, it is justice that the American consumer is about to pay a price for its thirst for monster vehicles, its anti-domestic bias, and its unique disloyalty to domestic manufacturing?
Well said Mika.
Two months ago I purchased a 2008 Buick Lacross and I love it. I would put that car up against any foreign car. It has a quiet and smooth ride and tons of great features. Of the people who complain about the low quality of the big 3, how many have test driven any of their cars?
I don't understand why people say so matter of factly that foreign cars are better. If the big three produce only crap, why then do their cars keep winning so many awards? When I went car shopping in September, I test drove the STS, CTS, Chevy Impala & Malibu, Pontiac G6 and the Buick Lucerne and LaCross. I loved them all.
Darth Accountant
Flint, MI
Mika, when you traveled to other countries, did you also notice how much bigger our apartments and houses are, how many more cars TVs and microwaves per family we have, and in general how much wealthier we are? That is because we have a more free market than most companies. In a more free market, people buy the things they like. I like my Acura better than any of the cars made by GM, so I bought it. I tried them, and maybe their quality was just as good, but they were crappy inside compared to my car.
Oh yes, and there was another country that was going strongly socialist that created a government car for cheap for everyone to drive. It was a "Peoples Car" and was supposed to help the people get around and stimulate the economy. The genius behind that was Hitler, and the care was the Volks Wagon. Worked out great.
Beware government employees bearing gifts.
Here's what I'd put in.
Picture the most spartan econobox from one of the imports next to their exotics.
Caption: Choose carefully, as these will be your only choices if you kill the Big Three.
Footer: Brought to you by the ones who provide the middle option - Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors.
Beware government employees bearing gifts.
Beware transplant manufacturers for they have no problem with dispensing with affordable performance. Watch and see how many Southern states(such as Sellout Carolina and West "Toyota" Virgina) they buy up to force the end of Detroit metal.
No thank you, I don't want a Honda Trabant Si, a Toyota Yugo GT-R, or a Hyundai Town & Country. Start making pony cars like the Mustang in size, power and cost. Then you have a leg to stand on.
Mika, Anon 5:07:
It is perception and a stereotype stuck in the 1970's. It is also the persistence of fanatic environmental activists, unionbusters, and disgruntled former owners of Detroit metal. Their job isn't done until Detroit is finished off.
I guess driving a 15-year+ Buick with the reliable 3800 series V6 engine doesn't inspire reliability. Nor would they believe a 1980's Chevy minivan lasting for 220,000 miles and withstanding more damage than an import. Or even a more modern version of that being less than 100k behind.
I've driven both transplants and domestics - I'll take a bit more spartan interior if there's a bit more engine up front for an affordable-to-the-masses price. Especially when Detroit's land yachts can match imports of lesser power per tank.
The only upside: the harder transplants work to kill GM/Ford/Chrysler, the more likely I'll be driving their V6/V8 offerings as new. Remember to write Honda and Toyota a letter explaining how they helped you buy a car they won't build.
Ha. That ad is hilarious. I liked your comment, Mika, about your visits to Europe and how you always see their own cars there. Unfortunately, my foreign travel has been limited to third world countries where they drive little tin imports and buy adulterated drugs and other cheap items from China. . .hey, wait--that's just like US!
Mika, your argument about European cars being made in the countries where they drive them would hold a lot more water if the foreign nameplates that are being driven here were actually made predominantly overseas. Many foreign automakers, both Japanese and German, have plants here...so many of those cars with "foreign nameplates" are made right here in the good ol' U.S. of A.
Case in point...when NASCAR allowed Toyota to enter into the series, many purists were up in arms that a foreign made car would be in stock car racing. Interestingly, Dodge is owned a German company but was welcomed back into NASCAR, in spite of the fact that the Dodge Charger is built in Canada. Also, the other two nameplates in NASCAR, Ford and GM (represented by the Chevy plate) are made in Mexico (Fusion) and Canada (Monte Carlo, at the time Toyota entered the series) respectively.
@sethstorm
You make some decent points, and on other points you're a complete moron.
Many American cars match up pretty well with the foreign cars. For about the same amount of money, you get about the same car, with about the same reliability. But, with my foreign car, I get leather and wood trim. I get a car that doesn't have 10 different parts rattling after 10,000 miles (as my Cadillac did). The engine is often a little bigger, but guess what? It weighs a whole lot more too. So who wins in a race? The foreign car that's lighter, drives better, and is better made, all at about the same price.
Now, to your truly moronic statement: foreign manufactures have no problem dispensing with affordable performance?! That's what the japanese built their brands on in the 90's! There are a slew of cars that will smoke the crappy Mustang.
And to our coup de grace: you use the GT-R as an example of a foreign car that doesn't provide value? A $75k car that smokes anything under $400k? Sheer brilliance.
Mika,
The Big 3 have improved substantially in quality in recent years. The head mechanic at my garage tells me that the GMs, Fords, & Chryslers are the ones that are in the shop more often than the Toyotas or Hondas.
In Canada, we have a great test for cars: winter. On the coldest days of the year, my old 1991 Honda Accord always started while my neighbour's 1998 Ford Explorer complete with block heater played dead. He must have called CAA half a dozen times before solved the problem by trading the Ford in for a Toyota Camray.
Toyota does not have the highest customer satisfaction rating for nothing.
Marko said:
" Mika, when you traveled to other countries, did you also notice how much bigger our apartments and houses are, how many more cars TVs and microwaves per family we have, and in general how much wealthier we are? That is because we have a more free market than most companies. In a more free market, people buy the things they like."
The flip side is that in a more free market, producers make stuff for the mass market and not so much for poor niche markets.
I've almost always lived in crowded houses (e.g. I currently live in a house with nine people) or small (200-400 sq ft) studio apartments, because NOBODY was building what I wanted to buy
Builders also face the problem that local zoning and housing regs typically prohibit the sort of housing I want - they're not going to build it if it's illegal, no matter how much people want it.
Question: when you traveled to other countries, did you notice how much wealth is owned by people working at the bottom of the economy? For example, how do adult hamburger flippers in Europe compare in wealth to adult hamburger flippers in the U.S"? How long would these respective hamburger flippers remain housed if they lost their jobs and did not find re-employment?
@sethstorm said:
"Picture the most spartan econobox from one of the imports next to their exotics."
I have owned a number of spartan econoboxes, including a 1989 (first year in U.S.) Hyundai Excel base model, which I regarded as one step up from a Yugo.
This one I bought secondhand, unlike most of my econoboxes which came to me fourth or fifth hand.
> I mean, look at PBS,...
You forgot the S&Ls and Social Security.
> Yet, the quality gap perception persists and is now a myth.
1) Buick, like Saturn, has been making inroads into the quality arena. Not necessarily a proper comparison, since the same can not be said across the board by any measure I've heard. People with Saturns love 'em. One guy I know who religiously bought new Mustangs (four in a row) for a decade swore off Ford cars after the last one, and hasn't bought a Ford in a decade now.
2) I have a Nissan with 150k miles on it. I've spent less than a grand a year on mechanical issues in the five+ years I've owned it. Not buying that you can say the same thing about a comparably sticker-priced Chrysler or Lincoln.
3) That's one of the problems with screwing up a brand name by treating your customers like dirt. They have long memories, and don't come back easily. The Big3 did exactly that, so they have nothing to complain about -- if they want customers to come back, then they need to not just EQUAL the others, they need to do it BETTER than the others.
4) Your argument that they aren't responsible because they were producing SUVs and trucks is clearly flawed. The foreign makers didn't get screwed the same way, so why? Because it was clear that sooner or later there was going to be an oil shock, so they did not ignore the lower-margin economy end. Betcha the Big3 wished they had a chunk of that right now!
In short, this is a bed of their own making. If they want to fix it, they need to see a proctologist about that Cranio-Rectal Insertion Syndrome problem so prevalent in their companies.
> Perhaps, to some extent, it is justice that the American consumer is about to pay a price for its thirst for monster vehicles, its anti-domestic bias, and its unique disloyalty to domestic manufacturing?
America is the only nation so far which is well on the way to transitting to an IP & Services Economy.
"Loyalty to domestic manufacturing" is a recipe for losing money, and has been for several decades now.
>Caption: Choose carefully, as these will be your only choices if you kill the Big Three.
Footer: Brought to you by the ones who provide the middle option - Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors.
Fine Print: "If you believe this, then you don't have A-1 clue how market forces work in a free market. If that part of the market wasn't getting filled by Nissan, Toyota, and Mazda, then Subaru and Isuzu and Kia would... Oh, wait. That's already one of Subaru's, Isuzu's, and Kia's main markets! Never Mind."
> The flip side is that in a more free market, producers make stuff for the mass market and not so much for poor niche markets.
... which [mass production] makes them a lot cheaper.
Idiot.
From the early 1990s:
It's as big as two rooms, needs a fuel station every kilometer, costs a lot of money, and you had better watch your rearview mirror because you may see the fender falling off.
- The Japanese impression of American cars, according to J.E. Steinhagan, a GM Japan executive. -
Now that's the American opinion, too...
Here are a few facts to go along with your fiction of shitty American cars. This is from a dealer from Elkin's Fordland to an editor of a newspaper.
Editor: As I watch the coverage of the fate of the U.S. auto industry, one alarming and frustrating fact hits me right between the eyes. The fate of our nation's economic survival is in the hands of some congressmen who are completely out of touch and act without knowledge of an industry that affects almost every person in our nation. The same lack of knowledge is shared with many journalists whom are irresponsible when influencing the opinion of millions of viewers.
Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama has doomed the industry, calling it a dinosaur. No Mr. Shelby, you are the dinosaur, with ideas stuck in the '70s, '80s and '90s. You and the uninformed journalist and senators that hold onto myths that are not relevant in today's world. When you say that the Big Three build vehicles nobody wants to buy, you must have overlooked that GM outsold Toyota by about 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. and Ford outsold Honda by 850,000 and Nissan by 1.2 million in the U.S. last year. GM was the world's No. 1 automaker beating Toyota by 3,000 units in 2007.
When you claim inferior quality comes from the Big Three, did you realize that Chevy makes the Malibu and Ford makes the Fusion that were both rated over the Camry and Accord by J.D. Power independent survey on initial quality? Did you bother to read the Consumer Report that rated Ford on par with good Japanese automakers? Did you realize Big Three's gas guzzlers include the 33 mpg Malibu that beats the Accord? And for '09, Ford introduces the Hybrid Fusion whose 39 mpg is the best midsize, beating the Camry Hybrid. Ford’s Focus beats the Corolla and Chevy's Cobalt beats the Civic.
Everyone should make sure to separate fact from fiction about car quality before they buy. Buy what you want. Remember, though, perceptions are not always realities.
You do know how hollow it sounds when you, and every other Small 3 defender, holds up the inroads that they've made in initial quality as some sign that they are on par with Toyota and Honda quality? I mean, sure, they're on par for the first six months, but after that? Not even close. At 100k miles American cars are piles of crap while my Toyota's are just hitting their stride.
My neighbor owns a Chrysler minivan and a Dodge pickup. The van is 2 years newer and his truck is 4 years newer than my Toyota pickup yet both of his vehicles are plagued with niggling electrical, mechanical and appearance problems and my Toyota, at 99k miles, hasn't a single one. Hell, I traded in my last Toyota pickup with 189k miles on it and it, over it's entire life, had less than half the problems that my neighbor's vehicles are having.
Woohoo for initial quality gains! Now lets see some gains in post 50k miles quality.
The sweet irony is that my Toyota was made in the USA, lol, by Americans. Just not UAW Americans.
Eben Flood, I don't agree or disagree with your statements. Can you cite any reliable and relevant sources for your observations? Everyone has anecdotal stories to tell.
Took 10 seconds to find this, from a Toyota blog:
In fact, in one of the most respected of owner-loyalty studies, the J.D. Power annual customer retention study, Toyota and Lexus rank first and second.
The study showed that in 2007, 64.6% of Toyota's buyers traded their current Toyota for a new one. The Lexus customer-retention rate was 63%. The two brands have topped the J.D. Power customer-retention survey every year since 2004, though in 2005 the order was swapped, with Lexus on top, followed by Toyota.
The industry’s customer-retention average is listed as just 49%.
Also this:
As we said then in that post, "Surveys such as the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study consistently rate our products at the top of their categories in terms of long-term quality and reliability. That’s important, because for us, the bottom line is not just 90 days of trouble-free ownership, which is what some surveys track. Rather, it’s how the owners feel when it becomes trade-in time, after several years with their vehicle. These two measurements – long-term quality and owner loyalty - are the truest tests of quality. And our customers continue to give us high marks."
I suppose if you really wanted to you could find the JD Power study that he's pulling info from.
Here's the link: http://blog.toyota.com/2008/03/on-fleet-age-an.html
foreign manufactures have no problem dispensing with affordable performance?! That's what the japanese built their brands on in the 90's! There are a slew of cars that will smoke the crappy Mustang.
Yes, and most of them orders of magnitude more expensive. Some of them only available in Japan. It's like having to get a root canal to get anything other than a poky I-4 or less from them.
The only cars that I've looked at seriously are ones that look like they were from Europe. For example the Subaru SVX. Not a compact, but still would be over $30k in inflation adjusted price.
@mika @darth @QT @Poor Boomer
Your comments miss the central criticism of the bailout:
-"I don't understand why people say so matter of factly that foreign cars are better."
-"the quality gap perception persists and is now a myth."
The quality of foreign vs domestic cars is tangential to the issue of whether the big 3 need a loan from the government.
GM asking congress for a loan that means that they're incurring debt faster than they're able to produce revenue. That means either 1) they're in a cash flow situation which is short term, or 2) their business model is fundamentally flawed due to burdensome union contracts and heavy-handed regulation by the federal government.
In the case of #1 a loan would help them until they can get back on their feet, but my question is why can't the free market provide that loan with interest so that the tax payers don't have to absorb that risk? I understand arguments that there simply isn't enough credit available these days, but isn't that why so many other companies are having to lay off workers (because of their own cash-flow situations)? Why is it that the auto industry gets a free ride through the recession only because they've backed themselves into a corner with restrictive labor contracts, and are thus unable to lay off their workers?
And in the case of #2 by granting a loan we're just delaying the inevitable (see Social Security).
The alternative is to simply allow the free market to work (instead of allowing a government bureaucrat hand-pick the winners and losers). The Big 3 will probably go under but it will provide another opportunity in the auto market for a new company that can pioneer an alternative to unionized factories. If no such new company emerges then it is clear that there is no viable business model in this economy for a domestic auto manufacturer. Such has been the case with many things in the past: clothing (Thailand), computers (China), etc.
It is clear that the business models of the big 3 are unsustainable in this market. The auto industry will be better off long-term if the big 3 are allowed to fail.
Eben Flood: It took me about ten seconds, too. And I did not use a manufacturer’s Website.
You would expect Lexus to be No. 1 in vehicle dependability, just like it has been in J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study for the past 11 years. It is No. 1 again for 2007, but for the first time, Lexus has tied with another automaker for the top spot, and you'll never guess who it is – Buick.
Three-year old (2004) Lexus and Buick vehicles each scored 145 problems per 100 vehicles, the lowest scores of all automakers in the study. The results kind of make you wonder when we're going to cut our own domestic automakers some slack and begin admitting they're turning things around, building better, longer-lasting vehicles. Also consider that Cadillac (162) took the third spot, and Mercury (168) the fourth. Honda (169), meanwhile, earned the fifth spot. (Source: Autoblog, by John Neff on Aug 9th 2007 at 2:29PM)
OBloodyHell said:
> The flip side is that in a more free market, producers make stuff for the mass market and not so much for poor niche markets.
... which [mass production] makes them a lot cheaper.
Idiot.
I was referring to housing, specifically the rental housing for which my scarce dollars compete.
Because the option I prefer is not built, I must obtain my housing under inferior terms through a middleman who jacks up the price, negating any cost saving I might obtain from direct purchase.
Jason Ardell said: "It is clear that the business models of the big 3 are unsustainable in this market."
Isn't Toyota also unsustainable in this market? We are all just assuming that this market will improve eventually and that Toyota has enough cash to ride out the recessionary downturn.
@Walt G
"Isn't Toyota also unsustainable in this market?"
Yes, but the difference between Toyota and the big 3 is that Toyota is not unionized and therefore has flexibility to lower their costs to help them through a recession--they can adjust the size of their workforce.
So even if Toyota doesn't have enough cash at current operations to weather the recession, they have the ability to cut back.
The big 3 are constrained by their union contracts. That makes them less flexible and means that their business model is less able to tolerate a soft economy. If the market can only support a limited number of manufacturers during a recession, then the weaker business models may die (and that would be ok).
The results kind of make you wonder when we're going to cut our own domestic automakers some slack and begin admitting they're turning things around, building better, longer-lasting vehicles.
Well, I'll start cutting them some slack when they've done that for some time, like maybe 11 years in a row.
By the way, the study from this year says this:For a 14th consecutive year, Lexus ranks highest in vehicle dependability, improving by 25 problems per 100 vehicles since 2007 to achieve a score of 120 PP100. Following in the top five rankings are Mercury, Cadillac, Toyota and Acura, respectively.
You'll also notice that Ford ranks lower than freaking Hyundai and Chevy even lower still. So there's your evidence of the Small 3's inferiority that you asked for. Their flagship brands have a long-term durability lower than Hyundai.
Link for this year's study:
http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2008115
Jason Ardel,
You have a valid point. Toyota operates with a 24% temporary workforce that they lay off when times are slow and core employees that they do not lay off even when production is not running (they train or find other work for them, which they do not call a jobs bank :). It will be interesting to see if Toyota changes their business model and lays off their core employees when, and if, their cash hoard evaporates. Fixed costs are a problem in any business model.
Excellent post. The UAW thuggish bosses have to go. Their onerous contracts are turning GM into a health-pension-benefit trust, instead of concentrating on its core business of making and selling cars at profit.
This is what liberalism brings to you - misery, unemployment, loss of competitiveness. :)
@ Walt
You often make some pretty good points, but you seem to be missing a huge one here. You keep arguing that the quality of the big 3's products rank right up there with europe and asia. (I don't agree, but I'll assume this point for now.) You seem to be championing that it is this misconception among US buyers that has led to the big 3's problems.
First, the most obvious rebuttal to this: GM is the biggest car maker in the world (or is an incredibly close second to Toyota). Who's not buying the cars? The US seems to be buying a whole shit-ton of them. Why can't the 1st/2nd biggest car maker in the world make money? It's not that people don't buy their cars...
Also, if you DO want to claim that nobody is buying their cars, what other reason could you provide, other than their quality/price does not match the competition? Is it all media driven snobbery or hatred of America? I don't get it. The simple/obvious answer is, maybe you don't see the quality difference, but clearly consumers as a whole do. Are you then claiming that consumers, as a whole, are stupid? If so, you seemed to have just turned an economic fundamental on its head.
I've always considered Buicks good cars, and something the Millionaire Next Door would be favorably disposed to drive.
This post is very interesting and the comments have provided more than enough facts for anyone to realize that this bailout is not a good idea. The part that really hits hard for me is that the UAW has not come out and said that they need to change. They have only said that they will make changes once the plan is passed. This is completely illogical and totally shows that the union is only interested in paying their employees. I was reading a report, I believe on www.emptypig.com that the average hourly wage at GM is 55/hour and if you include the legacy payments, 75/hour. That is incredible. Concessions need to come from all sides. Regardless, I still don't favor a bailout.
James,
You make great points; however, how can you explain a Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Prizm built on the same production line, with the same parts from the same bins, by the same workers, with only a different nameplate, getting a substantially higher quality rating for the Toyota twin? That has to be a perception over facts issue; there’s just no other explanation.
I will concede that competition from the transplants is the only reason all cars are built extremely well today. But, by the same token, the huge gaps in quality that used to exist are just not there today. All cars using any well-established measurement are a great value today as compared to just a few years ago.
Probably the easiest way to understand why the domestics can't make money is by studying Deming, Taylor, and the Toyota system. It is not just one thing; it is everything. I've been around a long time, and I’ve sharpened my skill-set, often on my own time and dime, and I've been told what to do by many people who have far less knowledge than I have. I am not unique; we have a lot of unused talent in our workforce. It’s only been the last couple years that our people on the floor have been consulted BEFORE decisions are made. We are getting better, but time may be running out, and manufacturing, like all business, is a cut-throat game.
All cars using any well-established measurement are a great value today as compared to just a few years ago.
I'd beg to differ. I went and looked up the J.D. Powers Dependability results for 2003. In it GM owners reported 264 problems per 100 vehicles compared to this year's report of 226 problems per 100 vehicles. So in a few years they've made a %15 improvement. That's not really my definition of a 'great value'.
That is a plus 15%, correct? I wish my 401(k) had done that well :)
@ Walt
You're right about cars today being exponentially better than they were just 5 years ago. Every 'crappy' domestic rental car I've had in the last ~2 years has been pretty phenomenal.
The Chevy Impala I had last week was powerful enough that it was fun to drive and pretty roomy (and that car was probably ~$20k). What it didn't have was any leather, any wood, any real comfort or luxury. It's still the same spartan econobox made from stamped plastic, with sharp corners that GM has been making for 20 years now. The controls were kind of a pain in the ass as well. I've driven literally hundreds of different models of cars. I should never have a problem figuring out how to turn the A/C on. Somehow GM figured out how to make me spend 30 seconds doing so.
I can't explain why the exact same car would get higher quality ratings, unless it's not really the exact same car. If small things like user interface, or nice rounded edges instead of sharp ones are different, then I completely understand. This seems to be GM's problem. They don't seem to spend enough time on the little things that make driving a car a better experience, and I guarantee you these things come straight from top. (The volt is a hilarious example of this ineptitude; lets take a sweet looking car that could be a symbol of our rebirth and progress, and smush it up until it looks like a big turd.)
Clearly the only way to save GM is to wipe out the entire upper management and board of directors, and slash some money off the UAW contracts. The most efficient way to do this seems to be under chapter 11.
Here's what GM has been doing lately.
GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS
2006, 2007, 2008 MODEL YEARS (Some 2004-05)
BUICK AWARDS Century
o J.D. Power – Vehicle Dependability Study, Midsize Car Category, 2006 MY
o J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) – Mid-size car, 2007 MY
Enclave
o Kelley Blue Book & Edmunds.com – ―Cars Worth Waiting For,‖ 2007 MY
o ―Consumers Digest‖ Magazine "Best Buy" list - Mid-size SUV – Best Buy Tag, 2008 MY
o Detroit Free Press Truck of the Year, 2008 MY
o Finalist for North American Truck of the Year, 2008 MY
o Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) named Enclave as Best SUV/CUV (over $60,000), 2008 MY
o Best Buy award from Consumer Guide -- Premium Midsize SUV, 2008 MY
o Playboy Magazine's Cars of The Year 2008 - Best Crossover, 2008 MY
o U.S. News & World Report's Best Cars & Trucks - Enclave ranked #3 in the "Most Affordable Midsize SUV" category, 2008 MY
o CNNMoney.com rated Enclave as one of the "10 Cars Worth Waiting For'‖, 2008 MY
o AutoBytel rated Enclave as one of the Top Ten Smart Deals, 2008 MY
o Edmunds.com put crossovers, specifically Enclave, on the "what's hot" list for summer, 2008 MY
o "Urban Truck of the Year" at the 12th annual Urban Wheel Awards ceremony, 2008 MY
o "MotorWeek" 2008 Drivers' Choice Awards at the Chicago Auto Show - Best Crossover Utility, 2008 MY
o Yankee Value Award (New England Motor Press Association Winter Vehicle Awards) - All-weather SUV ($25,000-$35,000), 2008 MY
o ecityofstyle.com Auto Style Award winner, 2008 MY
Lucerne
o Consumers Digest – Best Buy, Luxury Cars Category, 2007 MY
o Money – Top 5 Fullsize Sedans, 2007 MY
o National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Five-Star Rating (Frontal & Rollover Tests), 2006 MY
Rainier
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, Midsize Multi-Activity Vehicle Category, 2006 MY
Rendezvous
o U.S. News & World Report – Best Overall ―Alternavans‖ (alternatives to minivans), 2007 MY
Terraza
o The Car Book & Center for Automotive Safety – Best Bet, Minivan Category, 2007 MY
GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
CADILLAC AWARDS CTS
o AutoPacific – Vehicle Satisfaction Award, Entry Luxury Car Category, 2006 MY
o Consumer Guide – Best Buy for 2006, Premium Midsize Car Category, 2006 MY
o Consumer Guide – Recommended for 2007, Premium Midsize Car Category, 2007 MY
o Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology – 2007 EyesOn Design Concept Implementation Award, 2008 MY
o Detroit News – 2007 Best in Show (NAIAS), 2008 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, Sedan under $35,000 Category, 2007 MY (CTS & CTS-V)
o Forbes.com – America's Fastest Cars, 2007 MY (CTS-V)
o Forbes.com – Most Fuel Efficient Luxury Cars, 2006 MY
o Forbesautos.com – Top 10 Best Designed Vehicles, 2006 MY
o Kelley Blue Book & Edmunds.com – ―Cars Worth Waiting For,‖ 2007 MY
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, 2nd place winner of respective segment, 2007 MY
o ―Consumers Digest‖ magazine 2008 model year "Best Buy" list - Luxury Car — the all-new Cadillac CTS now has yet another reason to interest customers
o IIHS Top Safety Pick Award, CTS Sports Sedan, 2008 MY
o "EyesOn Design" award, Best Design of a Production Car: CTS-V, 2009 MY
o "EyesOn Design" award, Best Concept Car Design: CTS Coupe, 2009 MY
o ―AutoWeek‖ Editors‘ Choice Award - CTS Coupe - announced during the annual ―AutoWeek‖ Design Forum, held in conjunction NAIAS, 2008 MY
o CNET - ―2007 Tech Car of the Year‖ award from the Web site, 2008 MY
o "MotorWeek" 2008 Drivers' Choice Awards at the Chicago Auto Show - Best Sport Sedan, 2008 MY
o Kiplinger's Best New Cars of 2008 – 2008 MY
o Motor Trend's Car of the Year, 2008 MY
o World Car Top 10 Finalist, 2008 MY
o ―Consumer Reports‖ annual American Top Picks list - Top-scoring American car – Upscale Sedan, 2008 MY
o Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine's best new cars of 2008 - $30-45K, 2008 MY
o ecityofstyle.com Auto Style Award winner, 2008 MY
o Saudi Auto's Car of The Year, 2008 MY
DTS
o Consumer Guide – Recommended for 2007, Premium Large Car Category, 2007 MY
o Money – Top 5 Fullsize Sedans, 2007 MY
o AutoPacific - Annual Vehicle Satisfaction Award, Large Luxury Car and Top Ranked Car, 2007 MY
o AutoPacific & IntelliChoice second-annual Motorist's Choice Award, Large Lux Car, My 2007
Escalade
o AutoSpies.com – Luxury SUV of the Year, 2007 MY (ESV)
o Consumer Guide – Best Buy for 2007, Premium Large SUV Category, 2007 MY
o Consumer Guide -- Recommended for 2006, Premium Large SUV Category, 2006 MY (ESV)
GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
o Detroit News – 2007 Truck of the Year, 2007 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, SUV over $45,000 Category, 2006 and 2007 MYs (Escalade & ESV)
o Forbes.com – Best Cars of 2006, Best New American Car (tied with XLR), 2007 MY
o Forbes.com – Best Cars of 2006, Ultimate Pickup Category, 2007 MY (EXT)
o Forbes.com – Best Pickups, Most Upscale Pickup Category, 2006 MY (EXT)
o Playboy – Favorite Models for 2007, Best SUV, 2007 MY
o Robb Report – Best of the Best, SUV Category, 2006 MY
o Texas Auto Writers Association – Texas Truck Rodeo Awards, Luxury Fullsize Pickup Category, 2007 MY (EXT)
o Ward‘s AutoWorld – Interior of the Year Awards, Premium-Priced Truck Category, 2006 MY
o J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, 2007 MY
o The Texas Auto Writers' Truck Rodeo podium finishes, Full Size Luxury SUV — Cadillac Escalade, 2007 MY
o The Texas Auto Writers' Truck Rodeo podium finishes, Luxury Pickup — Cadillac Escalade EXT (2nd), 2007 MY
SRX
o China Auto Pictorial & Auto.sohu.com – 2006 SUV of the Year
o Motor Trend SUV of the Year, 2006 MY
o Consumer Guide – Best Buy for 2007, Premium Midsize SUV Category, 2007 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, 2006 MY
o Motor Trend – China SUV of the Year, 2006 MY
o Wards Interior of the Year, Premium-Priced CUV category, 2007 MY
o Yankee Value Award (New England Motor Press Association Winter Vehicle Awards) - All-weather SUV (over $35,000), 2008 MY
STS
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, Sedan under $45,000 Category, 2007 MY (STS & STS-V)
o Forbes.com – America's Fastest Cars, 2007 MY (STS-V)
o Forbes.com – Most Fuel Efficient Luxury Cars, 2006 MY
o ―Consumer Reports‖ annual American Top Picks list - Top-scoring American car – Luxury Sedan, 2008 MY
o ―Consumer Reports‖ annual American Top Picks list - American Top Pick Luxury Sedan, 2008 MY
XLR
o Car Interior of the Year and Navigation System of the Year, Auto Interiors Show, 2004 MY
o Forbes.com – Best Cars of 2006, Best New American Car Category (tied with Escalade), 2006 MY
o Forbes.com & MSNBC – Best Convertibles for 2006, 2006 MY
o Forbesautos.com – Best Convertibles for 2006, 2006 MY (XLR-V)
o Forbesautos.com – Hottest Sports Cars for 2006, 2006 MY (XLR-V)
o Robb Report – Best of the Best, GTs, Coupes & Convertibles Category, 2006 MY (XLR-V)
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, Convertible over $60,000 Category, 2007 MY (XLR & XLR-V)
GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
o Forbes.com – America's Fastest Cars, 2007 MY (XLR-V)
o Motor Trend – ―Fuel for Your Soul‖ Rating, 2007 New Car Guide, 2007 MY
o Motor Trend – 4-Star "Fuel for Your Soul" Rating, 2007 MY
o One of the ―Top 10 Hardtop Convertibles for 2007‖ - TopSpeed.com, 2007 MY
o A ―Top 10 All-American Sports Car‖ for 2007 (XLR-V) - Forbes.com, 2007 MY
CHEVROLET AWARDS Avalanche
o Automotive Journalists Association of Canada – 2007 Truck of the Year, 2007 MY
o Consumer Guide – Recommended for 2007, Large Pickup Category, 2007 MY
o Consumers Digest – Best Buy, Pickup Category, 2007 MY
o Four Wheeler magazine – 2007 Pickup Truck of the Year, 2007 MY
o Truckin‘ magazine – 2007 Truck of the Year, Best Utility, 2007 MY
o ―Consumer Reports‖ annual American Top Picks list - Top-scoring American car – Pickup Truck, 2008 MY
Aveo
o Auto A Fondo – Best Cars of 2007, 2007 MY
o Kelley Blue Book – Top 10 Best Redesigned Vehicles, 2007 MY
o Business Standard Motoring - Car-of-the-Year award in India, 2007 MY
o Best Quality Hatch South Africa – Car Synovate Quality Awards, 2007 MY
o Best Selling Car in Country, Colombia - Motor Magazine, 2007 MY
o Environmentally-Friendly - Earns Chevrolet Second Consecutive ―Green Label‖ Award - Becomes first automaker to be recognized twice by Thailand Environmental Institute - Bangkok, Thailand, 2007 MY
o Thailand Environmental Institute (TEI) ―Green Label‖ Award, 2008 MY
Camaro Concept
o Autorox Award Show (Spike TV) – 2006 Best Concept Car
o AutoWeek – 2006 Editors‘ Choice Best in Show Award
o Chicago Auto Show – 2007 ―The Vehicle I‘d Most Like to Have in My Driveway‖ Award
o Chicago Auto Show – 2007 Best Concept Vehicle
o Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology – 2006 EyesOn Design Concept Implementation Award
o Detroit News – Readers‘ Choice Award, 2007 Best of Show
o Ward‘s AutoWorld – 2006 Interior of the Year Awards, Concept Car of the Year
Caprice
o Autocar – 2006 Middle East Awards, Best Luxury Car, 2007 MY
o WM Caprice – Autocar Middle East – Best Luxury Car Award, 2006
o Middle East Car Magazine, Car of the Year Award, Best "LWB Executive Sedan", 2007 MY
Captiva
o Best Buy SUV 2007 from Autocar Indonesia edition, 2007 MY
o CIMB–GET@Car – Car of the Year 2008 – SUV Category (Malaysia), 2008 MY
GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
Cobalt
o Consumer Guide – Recommended for 2007, Compact Car Category, 2007 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, Sedan under $15,000 Category, 2007 MY
o Forbes.com – Best-Selling Cars of 2006, 2006 MY
Corvette
o AAA – 2006 Cool Car of the Year, 2006 MY (Z06)
o Automobile – All Star Award, Sports Car Category, 2006 & 2007 MYs (Z06)
o Automobile Journalists of Canada – Canadian Car of the Year ―Most Coveted Vehicle‖, 2006 MY (Z06)
o AutoPacific – Vehicle Satisfaction Award, Sports Car Category, 2006 MY
o Autorox Award Show (Spike TV) – 2006 Best Sports Car , 2006 MY(Z06)
o Autorox Award Show (Spike TV) – 2006 Car of the Year, 2006 MY (Z06)
o Autorox Award Show (Spike TV) – 2006 Deal of the Year, 2006 MY (Z06)
o AutoWeek – Reader‘s Choice Award, Best Sports Car, 2007 MY
o Car and Driver – 10 Best Cars, Performance Car Category, 2006 & 2007 MYs
o CBS MarketWatch – Car of the Year, 2006 MY (Z06)
o Chicago Auto Show – Best Chicago Auto Show World Introduction Award (Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Z06)
o Chicago Tribune – Best Buy, Vehicles to Enjoy Category, 2006 MY
o Consumer Guide – Best Buy for 2007, Premium Sporty/Performance Car Category, 2007 MY
o Consumers Digest – Best Buy, Sports Cars Category, 2007 MY
o duPont Registry's Exotic Car Buyer's Guide – Best Bang for the Buck, 2006 MY (Z06)
o Edmunds.com – Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles, Coupe under $45,000 Category, 2006 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, Convertible under $60,000 Category, 2007 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, Coupe under $60,000 Category, 2007 MY (Corvette & Z06)
o Esquire – Ten Most Awesome Autos, Under $50,000 Category, 2006 MY
o Fifth Gear (TV) – Best Fast Car Award, 2007 MY
o Forbes.com – America‘s Fastest Cars, 2007 MY (Z06)
o Forbes.com – Best Cars for Singles, 2006 MY (Convertible)
o Forbes.com – Top Test Drives, 2006 MY (Convertible)
o Forbesautos.com – Best Cars for the Bucks, 2006 MY (Z06)
o Forbesautos.com – Hottest Sports Cars for 2006, 2006 MY (Z06)
o Forbesautos.com – Sports Cars We Recommend, Best Mid-Range Category, 2006 MY
o Forbesautos.com – Sports Cars We Recommend, Best Value Category, 2006 MY
o InFOCUS magazine – AutoFOCUS Award, Sports/Performance Category, 2007 MY
o IntelliChoice – Best Value of the Year, Sports Car Category, 2006 & 2007 MY
o J.D. Power – 2006 Initial Quality Study, Premium Sporty Car Category, 2006 MY
o Kelley Blue Book – Best Resale Value, 2006 MY (Convertible)
o Kelley Blue Book – Best Road Trip Cars, 2006 MY (Z06)
o Kelley Blue Book – Top 10 Models, Best Resale Value, 2006 MY
o Kiplinger‘s Personal Finance – Best in Class, Sports Cars Category, 2007 MY
o Money – Best Cars 2006, Best Sports Car Value Category, 2006 MY
o Money – The Street-Smart 15, Best Sports Car Category, 2006 MY
o Motor Trend – Five-Star "Drive Before You Die" Rating, 2007 MY
o MotorWeek TV – Drivers' Choice Award, Best Dream Machines, 2006 MY (Z06)
o R.L. Polk & Co. – Polk Automotive Loyalty Award, Prestige Sports Car Category, 2007 MY
GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
o Reader‘s Digest – America's 100 Best, ―Ride of Your Life‖ Category, 2006 MY
o Road & Track – Readers' Choice Award, Best Car Category, 2006 MY (Z06)
o Robb Report – Best of the Best, Sports Car Category, 2006 MY
o Rocky Mountain Automotive Press – Best Sports Car of the Rockies, 2006 MY (Z06)
o Strategic Vision – Total Quality Index, Convertibles over $30,000 Category, 2006 MY (Convertible)
o Strategic Vision – Total Value Index, Convertibles over $30,000 Category, 2007 MY (Convertible)
o Strategic Vision – Total Value Index, Small Specialty over $25,000 Category, 2007 MY
o Strategic Vision – Total Quality Index, Small Specialty over $25,000 Category, 2006 MY
o Texas Auto Writers Association – Spring Challenge Writers‘ Choice Award, 2006 MY (Z06)
o Vincentric – Best Value in America, Convertibles over $39,000 Category, 2006 MY (Convertible)
o Vincentric – Best Value in America, Sports Cars over $37,500 Category, 2006 MY
o Strategic Vision‘s Total Quality Index, 2007 MY
o Forbesautos.com - ―Top 10 Luxury Vehicle Value Holders‖
o Middle East Car Magazine, Car of the Year Award, "Best Muscle Car", 2007 MY
o Strategic Vision‘s Total Value Index (TVI), achieved Total Value leadership position (Corvette/Corvette Convertible), 2007 MY
o ―Consumers Digest‖ magazine 2008 model year "Best Buy" list - Sporty Car — the Chevrolet Corvette was the most expensive car to make the list. It was joined by the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn SKY. The magazine said the two convertibles are "the most fun you can have going topless on four wheels."
o ―AutoWeek‖ Editors‘ Choice Award – ZR1 - announced during the annual ―AutoWeek‖ Design Forum, held in conjunction with NAIAS, 2008 MY
o Vincentric‘s "Best Value in America" Convertible, Premium and sport, 2008 MY
o ―Consumer Reports‖ annual American Top Picks list - Top-scoring American car – Fun to Drive (Z06), 2008 MY
Epica
o Autocar – 2006 Middle East Awards, Best Midsize Car, 2007 MY
Equinox
o AAA & Parent magazine – Best Cars for Families, 2006 MY
o National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) – Five-Star Frontal & Side Impact Crash Test Safety Rating, 2006 MY
o ―Green Car Journal‖ first-ever Green Car Vision Award - Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell, 2008 MY
o 2008 World Green Car title (Fuel Cell)
Estate
o The Best of Station Wagon from TARGET CAR magazine (among Peugeot 307 SWT6 & Audi A4 Avant 1.4T), 2008 MY(Indonesia)
o The Gas Saver from Otomotif tabloid (The biggest Otomotif media di Indonesia), 2008 MY
Express
o IntelliChoice – Best Value, Fullsize Van Class, 2006 & 2007 MYs
o Vincentric – 2007 Best Fleet Value in America, Fullsize Passenger Van Category, 2007 MY
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, Fullsize Van Class Category, 2007 MY
HHR GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
o SEMA Vehicle Design Award - most accessory friendly SUV, 2005 MY
o Consumers Digest – Best Buy, Small Cars Category, 2007 MY
o Detroit Free Press – Car of the Year, 2006 MY
o Kelley Blue Book – Coolest New Cars under $18,000, 2006 MY
o National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) – Five-Star Frontal & Side Impact Crash Test Safety Rating, 2006 MY
o Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) – Best Design for SUV, 2006 MY
o Strategic Vision – Total Quality Index, Small Multi-Function Category, 2006 MY
o Ward‘s AutoWorld – Interior of the Year Awards, Popular Priced CUVs Category, 2006 MY
o AutoPacific & IntelliChoice second-annual Motorist's Choice Award, Compact Crossover SUV, MY 2007
Impala
o Consumers Digest – Best Buy, Family Cars Category, 2007 MY
o FAMA magazine – 2006 Car of the Year, 2006 MY
o Forbes.com – Best-Selling Cars of 2006, 2006 MY
o Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Top Rating, Side Impact Crash Test, 2006 MY
o R.L. Polk & Co. – Polk Automotive Loyalty Award, Large Car Category, 2007 MY
o Vincentric – 2007 Best Fleet Value in America, Large Sedan Category, 2007 MY
Lumina
o Lumina SS - Best Sports Saloon, Middle East Car, 2007 MY
Malibu
o Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Top Safety Picks, Silver Award, 2006 MY
o Kelley Blue Book & Edmunds.com – ―Cars Worth Waiting For,‖ 2007 MY
o Strategic Vision -- Most Delightful Vehicles, Medium Multi-Function Category, 2006 MY (Maxx)
o The Car Book & Center for Auto Safety – Best Bet, Intermediate Category, 2007 MY (Malibu & Maxx)
o Auto A Fondo Magazine - (Spanish-English) - ―Top Ten Sedans of 2008.‖
o North American Car of the Year, 2008 MY
o "Urban Car of the Year" award at12th annual Urban Wheel Awards ceremony, 2008 MY
o Vincentric‘s "Best Value in America" Mid-Size, Entry Level, 2008 MY
o Kiplinger's Best New Cars of 2008 (LT), 2008
o 2008 World Green Car title (Hybrid)
o Mother Proof - 2008 awards for Best Family Vehicles and Best Sedan, 2008 MY
o Parents Magazine / Edmunds.com - Best Family Cars 2008 guide
o Woman's Day "Top pick for Families" in 2008, 2008 MY
o ―Consumer Reports‖ annual American Top Picks list - Top-scoring American car-Family Sedan (LTZ V6), 2008 MY
o Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine's best new cars of 2008 - $20-$25k, 2008 MY
Monte Carlo
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, Midsize Sporty Category, 2006 MY
o J.D. Power – Vehicle Dependability Study, Midsize Sporty Category, 2006 MY
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, 3rd place winner of respective segment, 2007 MY
Silverado GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
o AutoMundo – 2006 Truck of the Year (Silverado Z71), 2006 MY
o AutoPacific – Vehicle Satisfaction Award, Heavy Duty Pickup Category, 2006 MY (HD)
o Car and Driver – Best Pickup of 2007, 2007 MY
o Car and Driver – Five Best Trucks, Pickup Category, 2007 MY
o Consumer Guide – Recommended for 2007, Large Pickup Category, 2007 MY
o Detroit Free Press – 2007 Truck of the Year, 2007 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, Large Truck Category, 2007 MY
o Forbes.com – Best-Selling Cars of 2006, 2006 MY
o IntelliChoice – Best Truck Value over $27,000, 2007 MY (Classic 3500 Extended Cab 2WD)
o IntelliChoice – Best Truck Value, Fullsize Pickup Class ½ Ton 2WD, 2007 MY (1500 Extended Cab 2WD)
o IntelliChoice – Best Truck Value, Fullsize Pickup Class ½ Ton 4WD, 2007 MY (1500 Regular Cab 4WD)
o IntelliChoice – Best Truck Value, Fullsize Pickup Class ¾ Ton 2WD, 2007 MY (Classic 2500 HD Crew Cab 2WD)
o IntelliChoice – Best Truck Value, Fullsize Pickup Class ¾ Ton 4WD, 2007 MY (Classic 2500 HD Extended Cab 4WD)
o IntelliChoice – Best Truck Value, Fullsize Pickup Class One Ton 2WD, 2007 MY (Classic 3500 Crew Cab 2WD)
o IntelliChoice – Best Truck Value, Fullsize Pickup Class One Ton 4WD, 2007 MY (Classic 3500 Crew Cab 4WD)
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, Highest Ranked Large Pickup, 2006 MY (1500 LD)
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, Large Pickup Category, 2006 MY (Regular & HD)
o Kelley Blue Book – Best Redesigned Vehicle for 2007, 2007 MY
o Motor Trend – 2007 Truck of the Year, 2007 MY
o MotorWeek – Drivers‘ Choice Award, Best Pickup Truck, 2007 MY
o Popular Mechanics – Automotive Excellence Award, Workhorse Category, 2007 MY
o Road & Travel magazine – 2007 International Truck of the Year, 2007 MY
o Road & Travel magazine – 2007 International Truck of the Year, Most Athletic Category (Crew Cab), 2007 MY
o Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) – 2007 Vehicle Design Awards, Most Accessory-Friendly Hybrid (Silverado Hybrid), 2007 MY
o Strategic Vision – Total Quality Index, Heavy Duty Pickup Category, 2006 MY (HD)
o Strategic Vision – Total Value Index, Heavy Duty Pickup Category, 2007 MY (HD)
o Truckin‘ magazine – 2007 Truck of the Year, 2007 MY
o Vincentric – 2007 Best Fleet Value in America, Chassis Cab Category, 2007 MY (Classic 3500 LT 2WD), 2007 MY
o North American Truck of the Year, MY 2007
o Motor Trend Truck of the Year , MY 2007
o Detroit Free Press Truck of the Year, MY 2007
o ICOTY (International Car of the Year) – Truck of the Year, MY 2007
o ICOTY Pickup Truck of the Year – Most Athletic (Crew Cab), MY 2007
o Car and Driver 5 Best Trucks - Best Pickup of 2007, MY 2007
o MotorWeek Driver‘s Choice Award – Best Pickup, MY 2007
o Truckin‘ Magazine Truck of the Year, MY 2007
o Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards – Workhorse, MY 2007
o Kelley Blue Book Best 2007 Redesigned Vehicle, MY 2007
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, Large Pickup Category, 2007 MY (HD)
o Wards Interior of the Year, Popular-Priced Trucks, 2007 MY
GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
o AutoPacific - Annual Vehicle Satisfaction Award, Large Light-Duty and Heavy-Duty Pickup, 2007 MY
o AutoPacific & IntelliChoice second-annual Motorist's Choice Award, Large HD Pickup & Large LD Pickup, MY 2007
o The Texas Auto Writers' Truck Rodeo podium finishes, Truck of Texas (pickup) — Chevy Silverado 1500, 2007 MY
o The Texas Auto Writers' Truck Rodeo podium finishes, Heavy Duty Pickup — Silverado 2500 (2nd), 2007 MY
o ―Consumers Digest‖ magazine 2008 model year "Best Buy" list - Pickup Truck — The Chevy Silverado and ranked Best Buy. The editors particularly liked the interior choices.
o Vincentric‘s "Best Value in America" 2500 Heavy Duty 3/4 Ton Pickup, 2WD and Heavy Duty 3/4 Ton Pickup, 4WD, 2008 MY
o Consumer Reports‖ (http://www.consumerreports.org) Top Picks of 2008, 1500 Crew Cab earned Pickup truck recognition, 2008 MY
o Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) - 2008 Truck of the Year
o ―Consumer Reports‖ annual American Top Picks list - American Top Pick – Pick up Truck, 2008 MY
o Yankee Value Award (New England Motor Press Association Winter Vehicle Awards) - All-weather pickup truck, 2008 MY
Suburban
o Consumer Guide – Best Buy for 2007, Large SUV Category, 2007 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, SUV under $45,000 Category, 2007 MY
o Kelley Blue Book – Best Road Trip Cars, 2007 MY
o U.S. News & World Report – Best Overall ―Alternavans‖ (alternatives to minivans), 2007 MY
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, 2nd place winner of respective segment, 2007 MY
o Middle East Car (based in Dubai) - GMC Suburban large SUV won the "Lifetime Achievement" August 2007
o AutoPacific - 2007 Ideal Vehicle Award to Chevrolet Suburban - Ties for a win in Large Sport Utility, 2007 MY
o Lifetime Achievement Award - Middle East CAR, 2007 MY
o Luxury SUV Award and the Most Preferred Security Vehicle Award (Special Award) Philippines, 2007 MY
Tahoe
o AAA & Parents magazine – 2007 Best Cars for Families, 2007 MY
o Autobytel – Editors' Choice Award, Best New Large SUV, 2007 MY
o Autos Mujeres al Volante magazine – Best Fullsize Sport Utility for Women, 2007 MY
o Consumer Guide – Best Buy for 2007, Large SUV Category, 2007 MY
o Consumers Digest – Best Buy, Luxury/Fullsize SUV Category, 2007 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, SUV under $45,000 Category, 2006 & 2007 MYs
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, Large Multi-Activity Vehicle Category, 2006 MY
o Kelley Blue Book – Top 10 Best Redesigned Vehicles for 2007, 2007 MY
o Money – Best Cars 2006, Most Improved Player, 2006 MY
o MotorWeek – Drivers‘ Choice Award, Best Large Utility, 2007 MY
o R.L. Polk & Co. – Polk Automotive Loyalty Award, Fullsize SUV Category, 2007 MY
GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
o Rocky Mountain Automotive Press – Best Fullsize SUV of the Rockies, 2006 MY
o Truckin‘ magazine – 2007 Truck of the Year, Best Baller, 2007 MY
o Ward‘s AutoWorld – Interior of the Year Awards, Popular Priced Truck Category, 2007 MY
o The Texas Auto Writers' Truck Rodeo - First in both the SUV of Texas (Tahoe Hybrid) and Truck Line of Texas (GM), 2007 MY
o The Texas Auto Writers' Truck Rodeo podium finishes, Full Size SUV — Tahoe Hybrid
o ―Consumers Digest‖ magazine 2008 model year "Best Buy" list - scored Best Buy ratings for their hauling and towing power
o SUV of the Year – Middle East - Saudi Auto, 2007 MY
o SUV of the Year - Fundauto (Auto Journalists Assoc.) Venezuela, 2007 MY
o "MotorWeek" 2008 Drivers' Choice Awards at the Chicago Auto Show - Best Large Utility and Best Eco-Friendly Hybrid, 2008 MY
o 2008 World Green Car title (Hybrid)
o Woman's Day "Top pick for Families" in 2008, 2008 MY
o MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award (Hybrid), Best Eco Friendly, 2008 MY
o MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award (Hybrid), Best Large Utility, 2008 MY
Uplander
o The Car Book & Center for Auto Safety – Best Bet, Minivan Category, 2007 MY
o Vincentric – 2007 Best Fleet Value in America, Minivan over $27,000 Category, 2007 MY
Volt
o Detroit News – 2007 Most Intriguing Concept (NAIAS)
o Southeast Automotive Media Organization‘s Award for top concept cars, 2006-07 MY auto show season
o World's Most Important Concept - Middle East CAR, 2007 MY
o AutoWeek Editor‘s Choice Most Significant Vehicle award, 2007 MY
o Spark Design Award - received the highest honor in the Mobility Category, 2007 MY
o North American Specialty Concept Vehicle of the Year 2007 and the Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year at the Automotive Hall of Fame, 2007 MY
o The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design – Good Design Award for Volt Concept, 2007 MY
GMC AWARDS Acadia
o Consumer Guide – Best Buy, Midsize SUV Category, 2007 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, Most Significant Vehicle of the Year, 2007 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, SUV under $35,000 Category, 2007 MY
o Kelley Blue Book – Best Road Trip Cars, 2007 MY
o MotorWeek – Drivers‘ Choice Award, Best Crossover Utility, 2007 MY
o U.S. News & World Report – Best Overall ―Alternavans‖ (alternatives to minivans), 2007 MY
o Middle East Car Magazine, Car of the Year Award, "Best Crossover SUV award", 2007 MY
o Best Car of the Year 2007 by "Autos El Economista", 2007 MY
GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
o The Texas Auto Writers' Truck Rodeo podium finishes, Mid Size Crossover SUV — GMC Acadia, 2007 MY
o Consumer Guide – Best Buy, Midsize SUV Category, 2008 MY
o ―Consumers Digest‖ Magazine 2008 model year "Best Buy" Midsize SUV Category, 2008 MY
o Texas Auto Writers Association – Texas Truck Rodeo Awards, Best Mid Size Crossover, 2008 MY
o Consumer Reports – Recommended Buy, 2008 MY
o Motor Week – Drivers Choice Award, Best Crossover Utility, 2008 MY
o Best Crossover SUV - Middle East CAR, 2007 MY
o "MotorWeek" 2008 Drivers' Choice Awards at the Chicago Auto Show - Best Crossover Utility, 2008 MY
o ―Consumer Reports‖ annual American Top Picks list - Top-scoring American car – Mid-size SUV (SLT2), 2008 MY
o ―Consumer Reports‖ annual American Top Picks list - American Top Pick-Mid –size SUV, 2008 MY
Canyon
o Texas Auto Writers Association – Texas Truck Rodeo Awards, Midsize Pickup Category, 2007 MY
o AutoPacific - 2007 Ideal Vehicle Award for GMC Canyon Compact Pickup, 2007 MY
Savana
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, Van Category, 2006 MY
o Vincentric – 2007 Best Fleet Value in America, Fullsize Cargo Van Category, 2007 MY
Sierra
o Consumer Guide – Best Buy for 2006, Large Pickup Truck Category, 2006 MY
o Consumer Guide – Recommended for 2007, Large Pickup Category, 2007 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, Large Truck Category, 2007 MY
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, Large Pickup Category, 2006 MY (HD)
o Kelley Blue Book – Top 10 Best Redesigned Vehicles for 2007, 2007 MY
o MotorWeek – Drivers‘ Choice Award, Best Pickup Truck, 2007 MY
o New England Motor Press Association – Best in Class, Pickup Category, 2007 MY
o Popular Mechanics – Automotive Excellence Award, Workhorse Category, 2007 MY
o Texas Auto Writers Association – Texas Truck Rodeo Awards, Fullsize Pickup Category, 2007 MY
o Truckin‘ magazine – Truck of the Year, Best Exhaust, 2007 MY
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, 3rd place winner of respective segment, 2007 MY
o J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, 2007 MY
o AutoPacific - 2007 Ideal Vehicle Award for GMC Sierra 2500 Large Heavy-Duty Pickup, 2007 MY
o Strategic Vision‘s Total Value Index (TVI), achieved Total Value leadership position (1500 and 2500/3500 models), 2007 MY
o The Texas Auto Writers' Truck Rodeo podium finishes, Full Size Pickup and Truck of Texas — GMC Sierra Denali, 2007 MY
o The Texas Auto Writers' Truck Rodeo podium finishes, Heavy Duty Pickup - Sierra 3500 (3rd), 2007 MY
o ―Consumers Digest‖ Magazine "Best Buy" list - Pickup Truck — The GMC Sierra and ranked Best Buy. The editors particularly liked the interior choices, 2008 MY
o Consumer Guide – Recommended Buy, Large Pickup Truck Category, light duty, 2008 MY
o Strategic Vision – Total Value Leader, light duty, 2008 MY
GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
o Texas Auto Writers Association – Texas Truck Rodeo Awards, Best Full Size Pickup, light duty, 2008 MY
o Road & Travel Magazine – Pick Up Truck of the Year, Most Athletic (Denali), light duty, 2008 MY
o Popular Mechanics – Automotive Excellence Award, Workhorse Category, Heavy Duty, 2008 MY
o Strategic Vision – Total Value Leader, Heavy Duty, 2008 MY
o Texas Auto Media Agency – Reader‘s Choice Award, 2500 HD and 3500 HD, 2008
o Edmunds.com‘s Editors‘ Most Wanted Awards - GMC Sierra Denali, 2008 MY
o Vincentric‘s "Best Value in America" 1500 Full Size Pickup, 2WD and Full Size Pickup, 4WD, 3500 Heavy Duty 1 Ton Pickup, 2WD and Heavy Duty 1 Ton Pickup, 4WD, 2008 MY
Yukon
o Auto Mujeres al Volante magazine – Best Fullsize SUV for Women, 2007 MY
o Automotive Design & Production magazine – 2007 Excellence in Automotive Design Award, Interior Design Category, 2007 MY
o AutoPacific – Ideal Vehicle Award, Ideal Large Sport Utility Category, 2006 MY
o Consumer Guide – Recommended for 2007, Large SUV Category, 2007 MY
o Consumer Guide – Recommended for 2007, Large SUV Category, 2007 MY (Denali)
o Consumers Digest – Best Buy, Luxury/Fullsize SUV Category, 2007 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, SUV under $45,000 Category, 2007 MY (Yukon & XL)
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, Large Multi-Activity Vehicle Category, 2006 MY
o J.D. Power – Vehicle Dependability Study, Large Multi-Activity Vehicle Category, 2006 MY (Yukon & XL)
o Kelley Blue Book – Top 10 Best Redesigned Vehicles for 2007, 2007 MY
o Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine – 2007 Best in Class, SUV Category, 2007 MY (Denali)
o Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine – 2007 Best New SUV, SUV Category, 2007 MY (Denali)
o MotorWeek – Drivers‘ Choice Award, Best Large Utility, 2007 MY
o Road & Travel magazine – International SUV of the Year, 2007 MY
o Rocky Mountain Automotive Press – Best Fullsize SUV of the Rockies, 2006 MY
o U.S. News & World Report – Best Overall ―Alternavans‖ (alternatives to minivans), 2007 MY
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, 3rd place winner of respective segment, 2007 MY
o AutoPacific - Annual Vehicle Satisfaction Award, Large Sport Utility Vehicle, 2007 MY
o AutoPacific & IntelliChoice second-annual Motorist's Choice Award, Large Sport Utility, 2007 MY
o ―Consumers Digest‖ magazine 2008 model year "Best Buy" list - scored Best Buy ratings for their hauling and towing power
o AutoPacific - Annual Vehicle Satisfaction Award, Large Sport Utility Vehicle, 2008 MY
o Consumer Digest – Best Buy, Full-Size SUV Category, 2008 MY (Yukon)
o Motor Week – Drivers Choice Award, Best Large Utility, 2008 MY (Yukon)
o Popular Mechanics – Automotive Excellence Award, Fuel Economy Category, Hybrid, 2008 MY
o Motor Week – Drivers Choice Award, Best Eco-Friendly, Hybrid, 2008 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumer‘s Most Wanted, SUV under $45,000, Yukon XL, 2008 MY
o AutoPacific and IntelliChoice Motorists Choice – Large Sport Utility, Yukon XL, 2008 MY
o "MotorWeek" 2008 Drivers' Choice Awards at the Chicago Auto Show - Best Large Utility and Best Eco-Friendly Hybrid, 2008 MY
o 2008 World Green Car title (Hybrid)
HOLDEN AWARDS GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
o Employer of Choice for Women citation 2005, 2006, 2007
Efijy
o Southeast Automotive Media Organization‘s Award for top concept cars, 2006-07 MY auto show season
o 2007 North American Concept Car of the Year Award, MY 2007
o Hot Rod magazine's Hot Rod of the Year 2007 (North America), MY 2007
VE Commodore/WM Statesman and Caprice
o Wheels magazine – 2006 Car of the Year (VE Commodore), 2006 MY
o Motor – Bang for Your Buck, 2006 (VE Commodore SS) 2006 MY
o News Limited – Car of the Year, 2006 (VE Calais V), 2006 MY
o DRIVE.com.au – People‘s Choice Award, 2006 (VE Commodore SS V), 2006 MY
o Society of Automotive Engineers – Australasia – Gold Award, 2006 MY
o Australian Design Award (VE) – Automotive & Transport, 2007 MY
o Australian Design Award (WM) – Automotive & Transport, 2007 MY
o The only Australian-made car to be nominated in the 2007 World Car of the Year Awards, 2007 MY
o National Business Review Car of the Year, 2007 MY
o Company Vehicle Car of the Year
o Drive.com.au COTY - People‘s Choice Awards 2007 (VE Commodore), 2007 MY
o MOTOR Bang For Your Buck, 2007 (VE Commodore SS)
o Carsales Network People‘s Choice Awards 2007, 2007 MY
o New Zealand National Business Review – Car of the Year, 2006 MY
o New Zealand Autocar Magazine Executive Car of the Year - VE Calais V, 2007 MY
o New Zealand Driver Magazine Car of the Year, 2007 MY
o New Zealand Driver Magazine Large Car of the Year, 2007 MY
o New Zealand Driver Magazine Most Beautiful Design, 2007 MY
VE Ute
o Drive COTY Best Ute 2007 (VE Ute SS), 2007 MY
o Carsguide Reader‘s Choice Award 2007 (VE Ute SV6), 2007 MY
HUMMER AWARDS
H1 Alpha
o Forbesautos.com – Best Brute SUV, 2006 MY
o Texas Auto Writers Association ―Truck of the Year‖, Ultimate SUV, 2006 MY
H2
o Four Wheeler magazine – 10 Best Buys in Four Wheel Drive, Fullsize SUV Category, 2006 MY
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, Large Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle Category, 2006 MY
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, 3rd place winner of respective segment, 2007 MY
o Cars.com Lifestyle Awards - Editors‘ choice for Towing Crowd, 2007 MY
o Edmunds Top 10 Off-Road Vehicles - Top 10 2008 4WD Vehicles for Off-Highway Use, 2008 MY
H3 GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
o Auto Interior Show‘s 6th annual ―Interior of the Year‖ (Ward‘s Auto World), 2005 MY
o ICOTY INTERNATIONAL CAR/TRUCK OF THE YEAR Award, 2006 MY
o Finalist – 2006 NACOTY (decision 1/8/06),
o Texas Auto Writers Association ―Truck of the Year‖, Mid Size SUV, 2006 MY
o FAMA magazine – Best Midsize SUV, 2006 MY
o Four Wheeler magazine – 10 Best Buys in Four Wheel Drive, Editor's Pick, 2006 MY (H3 Adventure Package)
o Four Wheeler magazine – 10 Best Buys in Four Wheel Drive, Best Overall, 2006 MY (H3 Adventure Package)
o Road & Travel magazine – 2006 International Truck of the Year, 2006 MY
o IntelliChoice – Best Value, Intermediate Utility Class, 2007 MY
o Cars.com Lifestyle Awards - Editors‘ choice for Off Roaders, 2007 MY
o The Texas Auto Writers' Truck Rodeo podium finishes, Mid Size SUV — HUMMER H3 Alpha, 2007 MY
o Texas Auto Writers Association ―Truck of the Year‖, H3 Alpha, Mid Size SUV, 2008 MY
o H3 Alpha – 2008 Four Wheeler of the Year, 2008 MY
o Edmunds Top 10 Off-Road Vehicles - Top 10 2008 4WD Vehicles for Off-Highway Use, 2008 MY
OPEL AWARDS
Antara
o One Motoring – Top Car, Concept Category, 2006 MY
Astra OPC
o Wheels24.com – Top Cars for 2006, 2006 MY
Corsa
o AUTOBEST Jury – AUTOBEST 2007, 2007 MY
o What Car? Magazine – Car of the Year, 2007 MY
GT
o Geneva Motor Show – 2007 Cabrio of the Year, 2007 MY
Zafira
o Motor Information Service – Top Cars 2006, Best Midsize SUV, 2006 MY
o One Motoring – Top Car, MPV Category, 2006 MY
o What Car? Magazine – Greenest MPV, 2006 MY
PONTIAC AWARDS G5
o AutoPacific - Annual Vehicle Satisfaction Award, Compact Car, 2007 MY
G6
o Automundo – Car of the Year, Design Category, 2006 MY
GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
G8
o Consumer Guide – Most Significant New Car Introduction, 2008 MY
Grand Prix
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, Large Car Category, 2006 MY
o Kelley Blue Book – ―Muscle Per Gallon Index‖, 2007 MY
o J.D. Power – Initial Quality Study, Large Car Category, 2007 MY
Solstice
o Automobile Journalists Association of Canada – Best New Design, 2006 MY
o Automobile magazine – 2006 Design of the Year
o Automobile magazine – Automobile All Stars, Design of the Year, 2006 MY
o Automobile magazine – Beautiful Cars You Can Buy Today, 2007 MY
o Autorox Award Show (Spike TV) – Autorox Auto Award, Best Drop Top, 2006 MY
o Business Week – Best Products, 2006 MY
o Business Week Online – Heart Throb Cars, 2006 MY
o Chicago Tribune – 2006 Best Buys, ―Vehicles to Enjoy‖ Category, 2006 MY
o CNN Money.com – Ten Hottest Cars in America, 2006 MY
o Consumers Digest – Best Buy, Sports Cars Category, 2007 MY
o Detroit News – Ten Best Rides of 2006, 2006 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted, Convertible under $25,000 Category, 2006 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted, Most Significant Vehicle of the Year, 2006 MY
o Edmunds.com – Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles, Most Significant Vehicle of the Year, 2006 MY
o FAMA magazine & Auto Mujeres al Volante magazine – Best New Small Car for Women, 2006 MY
o Forbes.com – Hottest Cars for 2006, 2006 MY
o Forbes.com – Top Test Drives in 2005, 2006 MY
o Forbesautos.com – Hottest Cars for 2006, 2006 MY
o InFOCUS magazine – AutoFOCUS Award, Design Category, 2007 MY
o Kelley Blue Book – Best Predicted Resale Value, 2007 MY
o Kelley Blue Book – Ten Great New Road Trip Cars, 2006 MY
o Life magazine – Sexiest Cars for 2006, 2006 MY
o MarketWatch – Top 10 Autos of 2005, Biggest Surprise Category, 2006 MY
o Motor Trend – 4-Star ―Fuel for Your Soul‖ Rating, 2007 MY
o MotorWeek TV – Drivers' Choice Award, Best Convertible, 2006 MY
o MPH magazine – Things Worth Living for in 2006, 2006 MY
o NADAguides.com – Favorite "Fun in the Sun" New Car, 2006 MY
o ―Collectible Car of the Future‖ - National Automotive History Collection, 2006 MY
o New York Times – Best of 2005, 2006 MY
o Playboy – Most Affordable Roadster, 2006 MY
o Popular Mechanics – Automotive Excellence Award, ―Fun to Drive‖ Category, 2006 MY
o Popular Science – Best of What's New, Car Category, 2006 MY
o ―AutoRox Award – Best Drop Top‖ - Spike TV, 2006 MY
o Road & Track – 12 Best Cars under $30,000, 2007 MY (GXP)
o Road & Travel – 2006 International Sports Car of the Year, ―Most Sex Appeal‖ Category, 2006 MY
o U.S. News & World Report – Top Cars for 2006, ―Pick of the Litter‖ Category, 2006 MY
GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
o Wards‘ AutoWorld – Interior of the Year, Popular-Priced Car Category, 2006 MY
o Kelley Blue Book – ―Muscle Per Gallon Index‖, 2007 MY
o Inaugural ―Great Designs in Steel – Automotive Excellence Award‖ - American Iron & Steel Institute, 2007 MY
o One of ―10 Instant Icons‖ for 2007 - CarAndDriver.com, 2007 MY
o ―Top 10 All-American Sports Car‖ for (GXP) - Forbes.com , 2007 MY
o One of six ―2008 Sport Cars Best Buys‖ - Consumers Digest , 2007 MY
o ―Polk Automotive Loyalty Award – Sports Car‖ - RL Polk, 2007 MY
Torrent
o National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) – Five-Star Frontal & Side Impact Crash Test Safety Rating, 2006 MY
Vibe
o Edmunds.com – Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars for 2006, 2006 MY
o Vincentric‘s "Best Value in America" Wagon, Entry Level, 2008 MY
SAAB AWARDS Aero X
o AutoWeek Magazine ‗Best in Show‘ for the Aero X concept at its 2006 world premiere in Geneva
o AutoCar Magazine (UK) ‗Best Concept‘ for the Aero X
o International "Red Dot Design Award" - "design concept" category, 2007 MY
9-2X
o Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Top Safety Pick, 2006 MY
9-3
o Ward‘s Automotive ‗Ten Best Engines‘ for Saab 9-3 Aero 2.8 V6 Turbo, 2006 MY
o What Car? Magazine – Cleanest Compact Executive Car, 2006 MY
o Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ‗2008 Top Safety Pick, 2008 MY
o Best Premium Midsize Car - Auto Car Middle East, 2007 MY
9-3 Sedan
o Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – 2007 Top Safety Pick, Midsize Car Category, 2007 MY
o Consumer Reports ‗Recommended Buy, 2008 MY
o Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ‗2008 Top Safety Pick, 2008 MY
9-3 Sport Sedan
o Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – 2007 Top Safety Pick, 2007 MY
o Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ‗2008 Top Safety Pick, 2008 MY
9-3 SportCombi
o Active.com – Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year (non-AWD), 2006 MY
o SmartMoney.com – Best Sport Wagon, 2006 MY
o Suite101.com – Top Sport Wagon, 2006 MY
GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
o Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ‗2008 Top Safety Pick, 2008 MY
9-5 BioPower
o Popular Science ‗Best of What‘s New, 2005 MY
o What Car? Magazine – Greenest Executive/Luxury Car, 2006 MY
o Consumer Reports ‗Recommended Buy, 2008 MY
o Safest Car on The Road Folksam Insurance Institute, Sweden, 2008 MY
9-X BioHybrid Concept
o 2008 Best Concept Award at the Geneva Motor Show by Autoweek Magazine
SATURN AWARDS Aura
o Auto Mujeres al Volante magazine – 2007 Car of the Year (NAIAS), 2007 MY
o Autobytel – Consumer Choice Award (NADA), 2007 MY
o Automobile magazine – 12 Most Significant Concepts (Concept)
o AAA Arizona: Top picks of 2007; Sedan/Coupe under $25,000, 2007 MY
o AutomobileDiscussion.com: New Car of the Year – Modern and Classic Automobile Discussion
o Business Week – Best Production Car
o Consumer Guide – Recommended Buy, Midsize Car Category, 2007 MY
o Detroit Free Press – 2007 Car of the Year, 2007 MY
o Detroit News – 2007 Readers' Choice Award, Most Practical Category, 2007 MY (NAIAS)
o Detroit News – Ten Best Rides of 2007, 2007 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, Sedan under $25,000 Category, 2007 MY
o Kiplinger's Personal Finance – Best New Car, $20,000-$25,000 Category, 2007 MY
o Military Times – Best of Breed, Family Sedans Category, 2007 MY
o Motoring Television – 2007 Car of the Year, 2007 MY
o MotorWeek – Drivers‘ Choice Award, Best Family Sedan, 2007 MY
o Most Washable Car – International Carwash Association, 2007 MY
o North American International Auto Show – 2007 Car of the Year, 2007 MY
o San Antonio Express-News – Top Picks of 2007, 2007 MY
o Texas Auto Writers Association – Best Value, 2007 MY
o Vehicle Voice / AutoPacific – Winner, Beauty Contest #2 (Concept)
o World of Wheels magazine – Editor‘s Choice for Family Sedan, 2007 MY
o Strategic Vision‘s Total Quality Index, 2007 MY
o Wards Interior of the Year, Popular-Priced Cars, 2007 MY
o ―Zoomie Car of the Year; Runner Up‖ – Mark Savage, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2007 MY
o AutoPacific - Annual Vehicle Satisfaction Award Mid-size Car, 2007 MY
o AutoPacific - Ideal Vehicle Award for Mid-Size Car, 2007 MY
o Auto A Fondo Magazine - (Spanish-English) - ―Top Ten Sedans of 2008.‖
o ―Consumers Digest‖ magazine 2008 model year "Best Buy" list - Family Car — the Saturn AURA was given the nod for its European-style handling and affordability.
o Consumer Reports ―Recommended Buy‖ (Aura XE), 2008 MY
o Consumer Guide ―Recommended Buy‖, 2008 MY
o 2008 World Green Car title – Green line
GLOBAL PRODUCT AWARDS 2006-2007 MODEL YEARS
Astra
o ―Car and Driver‖ Top 10 Safe Vehicles for Under $25,000 (ruling on testing already done), 2008 MY
o Sobre Ruedas Magazines ―Best Economy Car‖, 2008 MY
o AskMen. com ―Top 10 City Cars‖ (#7), 2008 MY
o Automotive Journalists Association of Canada ―Best Small Car‖, 2008 MY
o Michigan Business Review ―Top 5 vehicles for Young People‖, 2008 MY
Ion
o R.L. Polk & Co. – Polk Automotive Loyalty Award, Small Car Category (3 consecutive wins), 2006 MY
o Vincentric – 2007 Best Fleet Value in America, Compact Sedan under $18,000 Category, 2007 MY
Outlook
o AAA Arizona: Top picks of 2007; SUV between $25-35,000, 2007 MY
o Consumer Guide – Best Buy, Midsize SUV Category, 2007 MY
o Edmunds.com – Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles, SUV under $35,000 Category, 2007 MY
o MotorWeek – Drivers‘ Choice Award, Best Crossover Utility, 2007 MY
o U.S. News & World Report – Best Overall ―Alternavans‖ (alternatives to minivans), 2007 MY
o Wards Interior of the Year, Popular-Priced CUV, 2007 MY
o ―Consumers Digest‖ magazine 2008 model year "Best Buy" list
o "MotorWeek" 2008 Drivers' Choice Awards at the Chicago Auto Show - Best Crossover Utility, 2008 MY
o Consumer Reports ―Recommended Buy‖, 2008 MY
o Consumer Guide ―Best Buy‖, 2008 MY
o Kelley Blue Book lone of ―2008 Top Family Vehicles‖, 2008 MY
o ―Consumer Reports‖ annual American Top Picks list - Top-scoring American car – Mid-size SUV (XR), 2008 MY
o ―Consumer Reports‖ annual American Top Picks list - American Top Pick, Mid-size SUV, 2008 MY
o MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award (Hybrid), Best Crossover, 2008 MY
Blue Sky Concept
@ Walt
:D
Alright, so GM builds great cars, wins tons of awards, sells the most (or extremely close 2nd) cars in the world AND STILL LOSES 2 BILLION A MONTH??!!
Winning all these awards and selling all these cars must mean that management is doing great... the only thing left to blame is the unions, right?
:D
Well, they do have a lot of mouths to feed. I do well, but I would probably be financially strapped if I had 20 or 30 kids to feed and a twenty or thirty bedroom house.
Put simply, GM's expenses did not go down as their market share normalized. No manufacturer in a competitive and mature market can command 50% of the sale of a product line. Just like a lot of people who do not save for retirement when income goes down (or like the funding for Social Security, Medicare, and the national debt), GM's Ponzi scheme came to an end. Sure, the UAW will have to take part of the blame for wanting to see their workers have a comfortable retirement.
There’s no reason that we can’t dig out of this; no doubt GM is hurting for a lot of reasons, but we do have a world recession in progress. Don’t count us out yet, and make sure you are buying cars by looking at ALL of your options. It is your money, if you have any, spend it wisely.
@Walt
Of course GM isn't done. People are running around like they've had their heads cut off. Whether they get bailout money or not (which I suspect only delays their inevitable trip to BK court if they do get it), most GM workers will still have jobs in 2011. Whether it's under the aegis of GM or some new moniker doesn't really matter.
Thanks for the tip about spending my money wisely ::eyeroll:: I'm not buying $20k cars anyways, so the point is sort of moot.
In the over $50k bracket, none of the domestics have anything that can compete with any foreign car. The vette is an unbelievable bargain for what it does, but 1) you have to be the skeezeball in a vette and 2) you need to forgo all the comforts that come with the foreign cars (albeit at a much higher price). This goes straight back to my earlier point that GM just doesn't get it.
The one exception seems to be the Cadillacs. They're producing some seriously cool cars now that truly do rival the germans. However, I still won't buy one because of what a pain in the ass the last one I had was. Something new broke every 5k miles. For the extra $4k for my BMW, I haven't had a single problem, and have free maintenance for 50k miles from a dealership that realizes I actually paid money for the vehicle and that they're not doing me a favor whenever I walk in the door.
Japan's protected their markets and their automakers since they began rebuilding the country after WWII. It would be stupid if we didn't do the same, especially when our guys have finally seen the light and started making some pretty darn good cars. Let Citibank and Bank of America die - other banks will buy their good paper, but save GM, Ford, and Chrysler.
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