IT'S ABOUT TIME: FINALLY, Someone Calls Out GM And Its Perpetual Incompetence

This is a democracy. We don't orders from a king on how to run our businesses.

Actually this is EXACTLY what we need. The President should be telling laggard companies to get off their asses and work because tens of thousands of Americans depend on them for a living. Have you seen the horrible new CT5? It's a prime example of GM building sh!t-looking cars and then watching their market erase. Mary Barra is completely incompetent. Maybe they should hire Alan Mulally to do for GM what he did for Ford.

well if you come begging for a government bailout you do. maybe if they would just copy the better cars. why does the interior of an 80K cadillac look cheaper than a $29k accord? that's why i go Jeep and soon to be Lincoln. the aviator will hand cadillac it's ass.

Fact is....nobody's one plan will work for every corporation in every financial situation. No 1 automaker has strong sales over the entire global market.

Nobody's complaining about GM's big SUVs & trucks sales these days...bcuz you know....they sale other types of vehicles too. But it's nice GM will openly recognize that they still want to build sedans for the consumers that still buy them.

But adding new SUV's means that sedan production has to be reduced or cut somewhere. Not easy decisions, but necessary to maintain stockholder values.

But it was okay for the Obama Administration to force out Rick Wagoner...

Like it or not, Obama saved GM - and Chrysler. GM was days from liquidation. Days. Republicans were ready to dance on its grave. Right decision? I'll leave that up to you but it's a fact GM would be long gone if it wasn't for O.

From my viewpoint Obama didn't save GM, he delayed the pain and perpetuated a company culture and union that needs shaking up. GM without government sweeping in would have gone into receivership, been restructured and come out a smaller but less burdened company (fewer factories, fewer employees, less debt, court changed union contracts, etc). The court would have appointed a non GM CEO to lead the company, an action it sorely needs now but will not take. And by the way how did Obama's billions invested in solar energy work out...not so good.

Gotta love the revisionist history from liberal snowflakes. Obutt did nothing except insert the gubment into a bankrupcy that should have gone according to the law... something they either inforced or ignored (Russian Collusion). W set aside $$ to help but left it to his successor to utilize. In typical liberal/fascist manor Obutt used Govt power over private enterprise to implement their will... Recall all the political appointees selected to run GM.... GM is a wreck now because it never was allowed to actually reorganize the way bankrupcy law allows...

Correct @pugproud. @Runningdimbass1 knows nothing but is just a shrill political shill.

Arrogant, ignorant, closed minded, shills... free speech as long as you agree with them or your a hater, the truth is right in front of their faces but they ignore it for their ideology... just like pathetic libs who ignore the Constitution and the fact we're a Representative Republic not a "democracy".

Amen, brother, amen!

Pugproud, this is why Rick Wagner was forced out. He needed to have GM declare banlruptcy and refuced to do it. He insisted GM's plan would restore them to greater market share despite 30 years of decline. And it was a committee of industry experts andfinancial analysts came up with the plan. The difference is Obama listened to experts while tRump keeps saying he is the expert on everything despite all the evidence to the contrary.

So Truthy if I hear you "the experts are always right." How is that working out for the world. I would rather forge a future based on my instincts, family values and self initiative and take the road less traveled.

The "Truthy" is you're incorrect. You also say crap that is exactly what Barry did vs Trump. Commie-Lib playbook: "Accuse your rivals of exactly what you yourself are doing." How did Barry get into school? Why are his grades and achievements "sealed"? Who paid for his college? We know he smoked pot there are pictures of him doing so... where are the pics of Trump doing the same? The guy doesn't even drink let alone smoke pot...

Your ignorant hatred of President Trump clouds your judgement and frankly, you have a depraved mind. NO ONE who is a clear thinker can honestly say what you said. Its clear Trump is working for the people and not the system, he's a billionaire, he doesn't need this crap and the viceral attacks. Who would put up with what he's endured if they were not a person of extreme principle? Oh and unlike Barry and Bubba and his schrew of a wife, he does it for free vs line his pockets... the contrast is crystal clear except in the most deranged minds...

It was once said, "Some come to DC to do something, and some come to BE something". Bill ClintStone the degenerate grifter, his wife whats her name, Barry Soetoro the manchurian candidate, the pathetic list is endless... NEED to be something... Trump is DOING something and the people love him for it. God bless you Mr. Trump! Don't let the bastards get you down...

tRump is a man of principle?!? What are you smoking? I could list all of the things that make him unpricipled, but it would take too much time.

Why are Obama's school records sealed? All of them are. Your school transcripts are not public record. Not one US presidential candidate has ever released his transcripts. Taxes yes, but not for the stupid crook now in the WH. He even had his lawyer threated schools to prevent his likely lousy grades from being public. I know this Obama's father did not make a $2.5 million to Harvrd to get him in as Jared's father did.

Hey PUGPROUD, next time you need surgery or someone to provide investment advice, go with your gut, who needs an expert. Going to discuss diplomacy, who needs an expert. I would always seek out advice of those with knowledge on a particular subject. trump is not running the corner grocery (although it feels like he is), but the world's largest economy, military whose every move affects the rest of the world. We have atttained this position not by fiat, but having the best and the brightest in important positions.
Is Jared even bright? Reagan, Bush Ford all had the best and brightest.
Obama had the head of Northwestern University Economics dept be his cheif economic advisor and pulled us out of the great recession.
Who does tRump have? Amorosa?

Truthy I always bought stock in young companies whose new products I used and really liked believing others would like them too. Its all about value creation. The experts cannot tell you what the Dow will be one month from now and when they are wrong they just spin an excuse. Take in all the info from the experts but in the end its your gut that is more right than wrong.

I wonder whatever happened to the Republican party of not interfering in business decision affairs? You know- the part where “government should keep its filthy hands out of our business” or something like that...Maybe it was bullshIt the whole time. Maybe.

But you're OK with Obama Bin Barack doing it?

Who better to give business advice than a fake businessman who never made an honest dollar on his own and instead made his fortune through bankruptcies, tax breaks, and ripping off lenders, contractors and workers?

— senft

Butthurt snowflake alert! Retreat to your safe space and have some comfort food like avocado toast. Trump HAS built over 500 successful companies, JV's or partnerships and yes had a few corporate BK's which regardless of your political freak flag is one hell of an accomplishment by anybodies standards that obviously makes you jealous with rage. But like most typical Libtards you don't like facts getting in the way of a good story...

@senft Stop believing what the Fake News Network says. Trump know how to make money even to the point of using bankruptcy laws creatively to come out ahead. I did that very thing to gain control of a handful of mom-and-pops body shops and house them under one very profitable company.

What a human joke you are as if a "community organizer" with zero experience at anything is qualified or some grifter from Arkansas and his insane, corrupt, lying wife, with zero qualifications of her own is qualified... While Barry Soetoro was smoking pot President Trump was in Military School... you guys are idiots and pathetic clowns...

Although it excites the Fox news [sic] base to keep referring to community organizer as opposed to Sarah Palin - amyor of a town of 6,000. Obama was also a partner in a very large and successful law firm, professor of Constitutional law (tRump should audit this class) and a US senator. If you cannot handle the facts don't comment on the topic.
tRump got into Penn as a result of a sizeable donation by daddy. He was a mediocre student and there is no evidence he graduated. he took over daddy firm without having to work his way up. He has settled a number of fraud suits most recently tRump U and his fake tRump charity,

qwertyfla1 ,

500 companies??? Trump Air, Trump Beverages, Trump University, Trump Casino's, Trump Steaks, Trump the Game.....Trump Mortgage, Trump Magazine?

He's a snake oil salesman that has made money off of ripping off the small guys, filing bankruptcy. He's a con-artist!!

Wheres your proof ding dong? CNN? You clowns are pathetic degenerates... Everyones 401k is soaring... BTW: how is yours doing? Id say you're all liars as you will take the fruits of President Trump all the while bashing him... cowards.

FAQMD, you are right, Obama never had to sign a check to a porn star.

What? The Hussien Affirmative action plan/hiring isn't working? Shocking really or is this a case of Toxic Stupidity?

The Democrat-Socialists here like toxic stupidity and they think it's a virtue.

The GM Lordstown Plant was the home of the Chevrolet Cruze
Reopening to build them does not make sense. They were not particularly good sellers.
ANd it might be cheaper to build a new factory out of the UNION area of the country for a replacement.

And actually GM DID go through a reorganization _ I held a position in the Old GM which became worthless - and they not only CLOSED plants - but also closed Brands - and were a much smaller company coming out of the Proceedings. The one thing the proceedings did not reorganize is the Unions and while I am not anti-union completely - they are what keeps GM from progressing faster than they have.

I love how President Trump is castigating Hitlary loving Mary Barra for her incompetence and showing her and others that OUR system works best for all parties. Other companies know it why doesn't GM...

That said this could be a way, (then I'd give MB significant credit) for GM to shake lose from the UAW once and for all. They should perhaps just announce they will keep the plant open and reopen others, but the UAW has to go.. BRAVO!

lmao, donnie dotard trying to give anyone advice is hilarious. The idiot with multiple bankruptcy and living on borrowed money from other dictators.

Keeping open a plant for the sake of keeping people employeed with no sales for thsi product will sink GM. Donnie-Daddy gave me my Company and I drove it to Bankruptcy 4 times -tRump should use some of his "ecutive time" to try running the country and quit whining about everything. C'mon Mueller.

americans cannot build and sell cars profitably over time. its been proved again and again in the last 20 years. we need to accept this and allow them to fail. if there is a market for building and selling them then the void will be filled. if not then we will become exactly like england. subcontractors.

American car companies like soo many other American companies(alot due to wall street) think of short term profits, a Quarter at a time vs. years. On top of that the insane paychecks the top employees get, 500, 600, 700 times the average employee salaries/wages. Recipe for perpetual disaster.

Great headline.... Trump really knows about perpetual incompetence.
Autopsies really needs to stick to car news rather than stoking the fires of politics.

Hey, every other outlet has covered the introduction of the Cadillac CT5. Perhaps Autospies should cover cars and quit being a cheerleader for Putin, I mean tRump.

Yeah you're right... didn't Trump give a speech and make $250K, then sell 20% of our Uranium to Putin... Oh and then get a huge "donation" to Trumps Family Foundation... whew... Oh... that was The ClintStones... you guys are simply closed minded idiots..

That Fox news troupe has been disproved so many times I have lost count.
You can regurgitate all the fake news from Fox news [sic] or read up on some facts.
Fact: Trump has declared bankruptcy numerous times. US banks will not loan him money

Fact: Trump settled out of court fraud charges against Trump U., a scam.
Fact: Trump settles fraud charges against he charity which never had meetings and used money donated to pay legal fees against his golf course.
Everything this guy touches is fraudulent.

lmao, can donnie dotard shut up and go back to his 60% "executive time" and finish his coloring books.

Perhaps he can borrow yours? Hey isnt that your mom telling you to get off your computer and get down to the 7/11? Your shift is coming up....

Well, this whole comments section went about the direction I thought it would. Very disappointing.

As far as the article is concerned, no one is calling out GM's incompetence, just their plant closings and layoffs in the US, as compared to other manufacturers' plans to expand.

In fairness, the reason they're closing their plants is because they produce sub-par products that people aren't buying, choosing instead to purchase competitor (often foreign) options.

The president has also complained about auto tariffs in the past, as though people around the world (especially Europe) would choose to buy GM products in a perfect economy. He seems to think GM cars are competitive, when they are clearly not. So which is it? Are they world-class and just not getting a fair shake? Or are they crap and GM needs to step it up?

The level of douchebaggery on this site is insane. You got guys furthering ill proven birthed conspiracy theories. Guys on here literally supporting a proven con man because they envy his image no matter how tarnished it is or because for whatever reason he fits what they think a president is or should be. Guys who work at autozone with thoughts on how the government should help out the auto industry or let it die. People even repeating proven lies about past presidents giving money to foreign entities. Oh and of course the guy who said that it’s okay to bankrupt small businesses and businessmen Because they weren’t doing it right and unable to take advantage of economies of scale and tax laws... yeah that’s bright!
This is a car site or at least it used to be, not Fox news or CNN.
Truth is none of us really know what we are talking about. The GM saga, Iran, Birtherism, International politics are above our pay grade. If it was for us to be involved in we’d be in the room.

This post was not posted as a political statement. It was posted because since I was in high school this has been a company that has been COMPLETELY incompetent and has built mediocrity at BEST. YET, they've been coddled, saves, lied for, propped up, carried, protected, supported, paid, etc., etc. etc. Yet even after ALL this, they prove over and over and over that their executives and products are embarrassing.

Want examples? Look no further than the media coverage of the Volt and the bailout. AutoSpies.com was the ONLY site on EARTH to predict the failure of the Volt, calling it the 'Modern Day Edsel' and it would go down in flames. Never once, did anyone else in the media, ESPECIALLY the Detroit news/mags outlets EVER call it out. Every time failing sales numbers came out, they covered for it even up to the day GM declared its death! And they had the NERVE to position it as a REAL legitimate Tesla competitor. WHAT A FRICKIN' JOKE! We're not huge Tesla fans but NOTHING GM has made is even in the same stratosphere. Yet the media will tell you a Bolt is a direct, legit alternative to a Model 3. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.

HOW REFRESHING to see SOMEONE finally call the REAL problem out and put REAL pressure on them. Like the headline states, IT'S ABOUT TIME!

001

Agent001 - sorry but you're wrong. If GM was incompetent it was not breaking the UAW back in the 80's-90's. GM had such high legacy costs they could not build competitive products and make money. So they built crap cars and the market turned on them. THey lost mkt share, competitiors thrived, etc... they were driven to bankruptcy as a result. They simply couldn't make money and build competitive cars, so again, they built crap and was able to make something.

What is incompetent is Mary Barra was given her job and given a company with a clean balance sheet. She was set up for major success (break the ceiling) by Barry Soetoro the unaccomplished, pot smoking, manchurian candidate. What has been going on since is incompetence... mixed messages by mgt, pathetic universally negatively critiqued interiors, cheap styling, badge engineering, zero quality marketing... MB has focused min resources on products people are buying for "future markets"... she cuts production and lays off employees to boost short term stock prices... Rick Wagonner was a genius.. he established GM China in its infancy and a bozo who somehow got elected president fired a CEO of a public company... how does that happen.. GM was killed by the UAW and now its being killed by "political correctness and the cult of diversity". FACT.

ANd as a Mechanic who has worked on Plenty of cars over the years - I disagree with your assessment of Gm.

THere are MANY items in cars around the world that are sourced from GM or Divisions of GM (At one time or another) that are still the best in the world. Certainly GM has a number of good Automatic Transmission that were used/Still used in a number of high end Cars from BMW to Rolls Royce. Their A/C compressors are top of the line and used in Mercedes and Rolls, and their (Delco) Starters were also the top of the line too.

My Company car is still Technically a Malibu Hybrid - which after testing the competition - proved to be the best when the current Malibu first came out. I never agreed with the idea of a plug-in Hybrid - the cost for the return did not make it for me (What - about 35 miles). ANd the Bolt is bigger inside than the model S - and the 3 - and while it was designed for entry level - it turned out surprising well.

The big problem coming up is the US union negotiations - and that will be a headache for everyone here.

I also agree that Tesla has been a total game changer. No one could have predicted the success Musk has created. Its simply impossible to create a new car company in this global economy. Something literally from nothing is what he did... alot of folks poo poo Tesla's and I'm not a consumer of them but what EM has done is remarkable... and to keep other OEM's in the rear view mirror is proof. GM should buy Tesla but they'd kill it... I will likely never buy an EV but regardless of the cash burn... its remarkable... I say bravo for entreprenurialism... MAGA!!

@001 there is nothing wrong with the Volt, other than GM. If you can't see the nuances and the tragedy of how an organization can both do brilliant things and royally fuck them up, you ain't worth your salt.

vdiv, if you can't see that a company has to do three generations of a Malibu and even after the third try STILL not get it right, then respectfully, you aren't worth your salt. OR, knowing full well that your pickups are the most important thing you make and after having five years being able to see what Ford did with the F-150 and you release the UNINSPIRED latest trucks they did, then there is NO hope for this group of numbskulls in power now.

001

Oh, and that Caddy CT5 that just dropped is an embarrassment of design in the highest level. Looks like the Honda Clarity from the profile.

001

^^^

Somebody desperately needs a hug and a participation ribbon!

Glad to see this site is still focused on intelligent discourse about cars by auto enthusiasts.

xjug, you need some education on the meaning of "fact." Rick Wagoner was an arrogant SOB who insisted that GM would return to its former glory. Read Steve Rattner's book about it if you doubt. (Rattner degree in economics from Brown). Ratner and others said GM needed an organized bankruptcy, which Wagoner refused. it was Rattner who pushed to have him removed. Mary Barra did not replace Wangoner. She was appointed much later , by the GM board. Despite what you may think [sic], Barra has unloaded GM Europe which lost money for 20 straight years because no one else would do it. GM has been profitable under her watch despite coming in during the middle of the ignition crisis.
The "Bozo you refer to, was a two term president who got us out of the worst recession in 70 years. The growth in your 401K was due to his policies, not tRumps. The economy was on a 7 year upswing when Private Bone Spurs almost got elected. The trends, of economic growth, equities, and employment have continued under tRump, not improved. he came in on third base and is taking credit for hitting a triple.
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2019-01-28/trump-economy-lags-clinton-s-obama-s-reagan-s-and-even-carter-s

And you're the clueless zombie to educate me... Puuuulllllease... Steve Rattner you mean the guy Obama stuck into GM? Yeah, like thats a good source. Obama never did a thing in his life or The Rat. He's an investor who thrives on "consulting" so kick this guy and profit from the replacement... Much of the Board was Gubment appointed so you're wrong again. Ed Whitacre then that worm Dan Akerson were all "appointees" but the "select" board. Mary was installed. I know her so I already have a leg up on you...

The ignition was passed to Old GM not New GM. Truthy you're clueless.. and Bloomberg... seriously? Pretty sure that worthless link says: bloomberg.com/opinion <<<<-key word there...

GM sold Opel and PSA makes a profit the first year? Who's incompetent? Selling something you cannot fix is one thing but somebody else seems to have fixed it. Just sayin... How about competing in markets vs giving up... America hates a quitter...

Name the one policy or program that lifted the economy that was passed by the pot smoker, there isnt one? I recall "this 1% growth is the new norm". The US economy is consumer and performance driven its the govt and regulations that slow it down. I recall that incompetent saying "those jobs are gone" and "you didn't build that"... guys a toad and now he tries to take credit for what Trump has unleashed. I can assure you he built absolutely nothing, he tried to ruin what others built. Barry Soetoro the pot smoking, appeaser, cross this line and i'll look the other way, coddler of our enemies (hey Iran, heres $150B in cash loaded on an airplane in the middle of the night)...

What else you got... ?

Name one policy or program that has proven to grow the economy? There isn't one...

WTF did tRump unleash? Specifically, what policy and were the specific results? You are a morn of the first order. Obama gad 4 quarters of greater than 4 percent growth. tRump has had one and he inherited a growing economy. Goint on ten years this is the longest expansion ever. tRump has only bee President for 26 months, so hard to give him credit for the past 7 years.
Bloomberg, you mean the guy who built a REAL $48 billion fortuen without inheriting it from daddy and without declaring bankruptcy to cover his failures.
And if you knew how to read, the articel was in the opinion section, it was citing real metric about the economy. God you are dumb.
The Iran number you quted from Fox, was 50 billion, not 150. It was their money as a result of the settlement class action suits against them. It was flown in cash because the US has no mechanism for trasfer of funds to IRan. This is how the fascits at Fux twixt the facts for their angry narative.
Coddle Iran? you idiot,all of our intelligence and Israel's supported the Iran agreement as a way to prevent a nuclear Iran. But DumbDonnie tears it up without any understanding and pissing off the 7 other signatories to the agreement that spent years negotiating it.
Don't lile regulations? Are your ready to fly on a 737? Like safe food? Seatbelts? I seriouly cannot believe you can even type if you believe the alt.right diatrive you are putting out there.

Tough crowd :). Not worth it though.

FAQMD, you are right, Obama never had to sign a check to a porn star.

It wasBushCheney that created ISIS by invading a country under false pretenses without any understanding of the politics or culture and then dismissing the army, the only order holding it from chaos. But the Bush was using his gut instnct and family values. 4 trillion dollars and 5,000 American lives later I wish he would have listened to experts.

The actual automotive journalist say trump is full of it.

https://www.autonews.com/blogs/trumps-twitter-attack-gm-uaw-strays-facts

FYI, MOST seasoned auto journalists are progressive leftists. As well as auto PR people and depts.

001

Also ONLY get the seasoned auto journalists... the others are just so bland... oh and a nice Cab is a good accompaniment.

And 22 people associated with tRump have been indicted, convicted or plead guilty.
And he has increased the annual deficit by 77 percent DURING AN EXPANSION. Shameful.

Anothe lie, ho80. No FBI agents resigned over "colluding with Hillary."
tRump will impeached, it is just the current republicans do not have the principle to remove him from office. You should read John kelly's resignature letter as COS. Your mind should automatically go to the 25th Amendment.

This is a fun board when it gets into politics. Never seen so many logical fallacies in the arguments made, more what abouts, generalizations, red herrings, slippery slopes etc... than in most elementary school debate classes. Also just to set the record straight, a Democratic Republic is a form of democracy. If someone says we, in the USA, live in a democracy they are correct.

Maybe Donald J Trump should buy it himself. We know how great he is, he could create ,"Trump Motors" and make the finest gas burning cars that give 6MPG. Maybe the first model could be called "Bigly". And with his history of being the most successful businessman in the universe , we know the company would run forever.

@skinny. He would say you can have any color you want as long as it's orange.

The two of you are hatefully intolerant of anyone with a different mindset and bigoted.

@countguy,

One shade of orange can be Cheeto Orange?

@mddarreimger,.

Do you even know what bigoted means???

My comment had nothing bigoted in it. It must be nice to use words incorrectly.

@skinny Yes I do and it fits you.

@mddarringer,

Things they make you go...huh!

Again, no facts from you, numbnuts.

@skinny I think as long as they get rights from the frito-lay company, they can.

Does GM have any PR? Right after the tiff with president they make the announcement about the investment in Brazil? Might want to sit on that a few news cycles.