About the strength of the Canadian dollar...
In a way, it makes our job and our calculations easier. For unions, though, it's another story: Canadian plants are now on the same level as ours, albeit a tad less competitive. On the other hand, they have a reputation for producing high-quality vehicles. I'll listen to my colleagues from Work Relations and Manufacturing Operations and stop right here, because whenever I talk too much about these issues, they end up paying for it...
How do you approach 2008?
Two things will dictate our production capacity. Liquid assets of consumers will be a major issue in the first half of 2008. And then, once again, it will be a matter of oil prices. When prices skyrocket all of a sudden, every truck manufacturer suffers. But if oil prices increase slowly and steadily, people get used to it and they can plan their budget accordingly.
About GM's competitiveness...
It's very good. Our products are more attractive than ever. Our quality is on par with the Japanese. We're winning awards that acknowledge our turnaround. This recognition helps us lure more and more consumers into our showrooms. People who would never have bought a GM vehicle five years ago are now visiting our dealerships.
About the Volt-Corvette ZR1 contradiction...
The automotive market is so diversified that we need to create cars that will appeal to each and everyone. Most consumers want convenient vehicles and that will always be our primary focus. Soon, you'll see electric sports cars (the Tesla, for example); their massive torque allows explosive takeoffs. Likewise, in motorcycle drag races, electric bikes are starting to worry purists.
In a way, it makes our job and our calculations easier. For unions, though, it's another story: Canadian plants are now on the same level as ours, albeit a tad less competitive. On the other hand, they have a reputation for producing high-quality vehicles. I'll listen to my colleagues from Work Relations and Manufacturing Operations and stop right here, because whenever I talk too much about these issues, they end up paying for it...
How do you approach 2008?
Two things will dictate our production capacity. Liquid assets of consumers will be a major issue in the first half of 2008. And then, once again, it will be a matter of oil prices. When prices skyrocket all of a sudden, every truck manufacturer suffers. But if oil prices increase slowly and steadily, people get used to it and they can plan their budget accordingly.
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| The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, winner of the 2008 North American Car of the Year award. |
About GM's competitiveness...
It's very good. Our products are more attractive than ever. Our quality is on par with the Japanese. We're winning awards that acknowledge our turnaround. This recognition helps us lure more and more consumers into our showrooms. People who would never have bought a GM vehicle five years ago are now visiting our dealerships.
About the Volt-Corvette ZR1 contradiction...
The automotive market is so diversified that we need to create cars that will appeal to each and everyone. Most consumers want convenient vehicles and that will always be our primary focus. Soon, you'll see electric sports cars (the Tesla, for example); their massive torque allows explosive takeoffs. Likewise, in motorcycle drag races, electric bikes are starting to worry purists.
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| Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Chevrolet Volt |