[Absolut Speed]

Last fall, GM announced a reduction in GTO production and had to offer large rebates on this brand new model to sell off inventory

In December, GM had a 301 day supply of SSR's on hand.

Then the XLR gets a production cut from 23 to 12 a day. There's a 200 day supply of them out there. Cadillac hoped to sell 6,000 annually, but through 18 months, sold just 4,744.

February, GM decides to cut $1500-$2000 off the sticker mid-year on Trailblazers/Envoys/Rainiers and currently has 0% for 60 months to get them selling again. TrailBlazer sales fell 46% compared with January 2004. Envoy sales were off 52% and Rainier 27% according to Autodata reports.

Then for March, the factory that produces the LaCrosse & Grand Prix is shutting down for a week.

Then the earnings forecast for 2005 drops 80%. Stocks drop to 8 year low.

I think this goes back to cutting the Camaro and Firebird out of the lineup.

[JonV]

I  Also GM doesn't have a low budget performance car (~20k) that the base Z28 was.

I don't mind the look and price of the new SS Cobalt. I think it will have a chance to do well with the younger crowd. Too bad it ain't RWD. It could be fun car.

However, I had occassion to follow a new car transport today, and I saw what I was sure was some form of a Hyundai. It wasn't until I passed the truck that I realized the Hyundai was a new Buick. Eeeek That thing is UGLY! In my view, GM is really loosing it when they match Hyundai for ugly. Geez I can remeber the old Impalas and Belaires of the mid 60's. They had a ton of beautiful cars back then.