GM may focus more on cars than SUVs and pickups

GM is currently conducting a huge study on full-sized SUVs and pickups that could result in the automaker becoming more of a car company and less of brand known for its trucks and gas-guzzling SUVs. The internal study being conducting by GM looks at market conditions four years ahead, and how much the number one American automaker should change its lineup.

GM has asked its researchers to “give us a view as to what the long-term truck and full-size SUV demand might be and why you think it is that way,” Troy Clarke, GM’s president of North America, told Automotive News.

Clarke said GM needs to understand whether...
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lexusrox123 - 5/20/2008 1:41:08 PM

+5 Boost

hmmmm...how long did it take them to figure that toughie out? lol

07G35J - 5/20/2008 5:36:26 PM

+2 Boost

It took them about 2 decades, give or take a few years, and letting the company get to the brink of bankruptcy to figure that one out. It's not rocket science, GM. A 5 year-old could've figure that one out!

Porschinator - 5/20/2008 7:02:53 PM

+1 Boost

Hmmm...maybe because their trucks are the best selling vehicles in their line and typically in the Top 5 in US sales.

Now GM has made strides and if they make their cars as well as their trucks then GM will continue to improve.

Porschinator - 5/20/2008 7:05:10 PM

0 Boost

As for bankruptcy...GM was never on the brink. Profits issues...YES. Issues with management, UAW, and medical/retirement costs were a huge anchor on profits. Something Toyota and Japanese Auto companies do not have the burden of.

Get your facts straight peeps.

07G35J - 5/23/2008 2:24:24 PM

+1 Boost

I may have exagerated a little bit by using the word "bankruptcy", but what I meant to say is that they've had some financial problems for a while, and if they had decided to focus on cars a little earlier, they might have been better off now, is all.

carguy68 - 5/20/2008 1:57:29 PM

-2 Boost

they should just stick to cars and let other companys
build real trucks! Real trucks toyota not included.

ChicaneShooter - 5/21/2008 1:10:26 AM

-2 Boost

HAH! nobody builds better compact trucks than toyota!

the tacoma and its variants OUTCLASS all competitors. and it won't be long before the TUNDRA does the same.

Htay7500 - 5/21/2008 5:16:51 PM

+1 Boost

HAH! nobody builds better compact trucks than nissan!

the frontier and its variants OUTCLASS all competitors. and it won't be long before the silverado/sierra does the same.

Htay7500 - 5/21/2008 5:20:38 PM

+1 Boost

can you explain why the tundra is better than its competitors?

ChicaneShooter - 5/21/2008 1:23:18 AM

+1 Boost

GM stuck to pouring their resources into big p/us and suvs for two reasons: 1) profit margins were huge, and 2) they had no QUALITY competition.

since toyota started encroaching in these segments, their profits declined.

in part because with the new, QUALITY competitor, they had to put more money in the product to stay competitive. and they also had to put MORE MONEY ON THE HOOD to not lose sales to the fresher, better built toyota trucks.

they are actually at a greater disadvantage competing in CARS. but they have NO CHOICE.

(they also were further behind, having neglected car development in favor of the more profitable trucks. so they HAVE to play catch up. AND chase every single sale and dollar they can eke out. in a tougher market for EVERYBODY. including toyota too.)