I was afraid this was going to happen.
But what I fear ultimately is that the automakers will be bought by the oil companies.
Not good.

GM delays Volt engine factory (http://www.cnbc.com/id/28279245/for/cnbc/)

Remember, GM is about two weeks away from having to declare bankruptcy. They will have to cut everything and go to the UAW on their knees if Bush doesn't give the go ahead soon.

If they get the money the factory will move forward. If they go into bankruptcy the government will make it part of the deal that they continue with the Volt and the factory will move forward.

What we really need is a decision now! What are they doing over there at the White House? S**t or get off the pot!

That was a pretty informative article really. Interesting how GM is shutting down plants in Michigan and opening plants in other countries. Another really interesting point in the article is that the UAW finally agreed to allow workers to do multiple jobs. Wow, they're just so helpful at times like these. The UAW for GM has been like high gas prices for the US, it's put such a bad taste in our mouth having to spend $500 a month to fill up each vehicle that we won't soon forget it. I think GM is going to pretty much do whatever it can to rid itself of having to deal with UAW workers.

They can still produce these engines in Austria if they really have to. The article said they are putting purchasing the steel for the factory on hold. That's kind of a good call because steel prices keep falling and steel manufacturers are freaking out as the price has fallen on par with oil prices, probably less than 50% of what it was 6 months ago. They are practically giving the stuff away to stay in business.

Cruze's "native" engine is Daewoo1.6, not Ecotec1.4.

Volt will accept Daewoo's engine, then just put Daewoo1.6 in Volt instead of Ecotec1.4.

Problem solved.

I saw this AM that GM announced it was opening a factory in joint venture with a Chinese company to "build the Cruze in China". "For the Chinese market." It would seem logical and expeditious to just build the VOLT engine in China, and presto, many problems solved. No UAW, no $14/hr, no legacy costs, almost no environmental restrictions, no pesky lawsuits from fruitflies to fleshworms eating away. And a government fully behind the success of the operation.

edit: Ecotec 4-cylinders are also built at the Saturn facility, Spring Hill Tennessee, and Bipyup, Korea.

Moving operations to China to avoid environmental and labour laws... It's the American way!

I was afraid this was going to happen.
But what I fear ultimately is that the automakers will be bought by the oil companies.

Take a deep breath. It's not the end yet. This engine is in production over seas. All they need to do is import it until times are better and the factory can be built. Why in the world would the oil companies want to buy US automakers!!?? I can't think of one valid reason. You have to let go of the conspiracies.

Take a deep breath. It's not the end yet. This engine is in production over seas. All they need to do is import it until times are better and the factory can be built. Why in the world would the oil companies want to buy US automakers!!?? I can't think of one valid reason. You have to let go of the conspiracies.




1) The goal of China is to become the biggest manufacturer of autos in the world.

2) Who is the largest manufacture of autos in in the world (close with Toyota)?


There is your reason. Take away the UAW and all of the legacy costs and get all of GM’s assets (brands, technology, etc.) at bargain prices and you can get an idea of why someone might want to take it on.

Don't forget that before the financial crisis GM was doing great outside of America. America was the anchor to the whole global operation. It would be a waste to lose all of that.

Thus, a clean slate in terms of legacy costs and being able to use a low cost and young laborforce is a recipe for success.

If China bought all the assets they would have a much better chance of reaching their goals. Don't expect GM's assets to sit for long. Can you imagine what you could do with GM without the ball and chain? Build the Volt in China and sell it around the world? Wow!

There is a facility in Concord, NC that is for sale with over 2,000 acres. This modern factory is being sold by Philip Morris and is state of the art. The Quality focused employees will welcome the jobs too. This factory is right down the street from Lowes Motor Speedway and the new Z-Max NHRA Dragway. This region loves automobiles so this would be an appropriate setting.

If they want to survive, they better announce other cuts too (like retooling Hamtramck). Or they should do like Chrysler and just idle for a month until the loans come in.

BTW: If the Volt is not domestic, I'm not interested.

GM already clarified they would import Volt engine from Europe or Korea if the US plant is not built.

Heck, the whole finished Volt could be imported from Korea if that's what it comes down to.

1) The goal of China is to become the biggest manufacturer of autos in the world.

2) Who is the largest manufacture of autos in in the world (close with Toyota)?


There is your reason. Take away the UAW and all of the legacy costs and get all of GM’s assets (brands, technology, etc.) at bargain prices and you can get an idea of why someone might want to take it on.

Don't forget that before the financial crisis GM was doing great outside of America. America was the anchor to the whole global operation. It would be a waste to lose all of that.

Thus, a clean slate in terms of legacy costs and being able to use a low cost and young laborforce is a recipe for success.

If China bought all the assets they would have a much better chance of reaching their goals. Don't expect GM's assets to sit for long. Can you imagine what you could do with GM without the ball and chain? Build the Volt in China and sell it around the world? Wow!

Again, I'll ask; why in the world would the oil companies want to buy up the American auto industry? The Chinese yes, I can see that, particularly with Chrysler, perhaps in the next few weeks. The oil companies have enough to worry about with bad gasoline sales and low crude prices. The last thing they want to do right now is buy some sinking cargo ships infested with rats and hope to make them into cruise ships someday.

BTW: If the Volt is not domestic, I'm not interested.

I agree. If the Volt goes to China, I'm off the list. If GM sells itself to China, that's it for me. No more GM cars. Well, not new ones anyway. I might buy a 72 Malibu and re-engine it with a modern engine and just drive that. then I'd have a car with some style that I'd be proud to be see in.

Again, I'll ask; why in the world would the oil companies want to buy up the American auto industry?
Sorry DaV8or, I think that's my fault.
The automakers being bought up by the oil companies is a paranoid nightmare of mine; I put it in the initial post.
I got no proof of it, like I said, just plain old paranoia...