GM's come-up with a new use for OnStar: collecting data on test mules. The Detroit News reports that The General racked up 1m miles testing the Lambda CUVS and collected the test data via telemetrics. Since OnStar can't tell them when a body panel's buzzing or note that a radio knob just fell off, they also collect data from dealers. That's how they found out the Malibu's hazard light switch wouldn't pop out like it was supposed to; which resulted in an "engineering analysis" of the problem and an "engineering tool change." Perhaps they should do an engineering analysis of their PR department too. In the same article, the DetN also reports GM "has added a shift at its Lake Orion plant to build more" Malibus to meet demand. And this right after they attributed the shortage of Malibus to problems with their part supply chain. Looks like someone needs to get their story straight.
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No confusion, they will just sell the Malibus without the proper parts as stripper models.
Will they start using real Malibus in TV ads? Or will they stick to CGI cars?
$50 and a steak dinner says no one at GM got fired over this and other f*&& ups.
Firing somebody over their mistakes? Surely doesn’t follow jibe with Toyota Way.
How could they fire anyone for such a simple mistake when the head honch lost $4billion on the Fiat deal. I think everyone gets a free pass after that one, well except for the guys who build the cars. The management needed a scapegoat for the last decade of blunders.
Is it any wonder why GM is losing it’s market share? Blunders like this and countless others are just one of the many reasons why the General and the other two domestics are losing customers faster than Kirstie Alley and Valerie Bertanelli lost their weight !!!!!!!
Blunders like what? Having a hit Malibu?
Engineering tool changes happen ALL THE TIME during new product launch. For every freakin car from every damn car company. I work as a supplier to many of the Japanese. You should see all the last-minute or after production-start changes they throw our way. And we don’t make a lot of high-tech stuff either. I can only imagine what the guys who make the electronics get for change requests.
But hey, lets all bash GM some more. Again and again and again…..
Jerome10:
Blunders like what? Having a hit Malibu?
The new Malibu, you mean the same one that you can’t even buy because dealers don’t have enough stock? Seeing more than one new Malibu on a dealer lot is a rare sight right now.
And the whole argument of “there is more demand than supply, thus the Malibu is a hit” falls apart here. Demand for the new Malibu is not that high. You’re under the illusion the car is a “hit” because currently production for the Malibu is so ridiculously low that demand is not being satisfied.
Sorry, but when GM only sold 12K Malibus in December, that does not make the car a “hit”. Most midsize sedans in the segment actually out-sold the Malibu for the month of December. That includes the Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion, and Sonata.
About two weeks ago I got a quck glance of a tail light from between parked cars where I live. I thought I was looking at some new model Acura. I walked around to where the car was parked to get a look at it.
I was shocked. I was stunned.
I never thought I would see such a car with a Chevy label on it.
Then I applauded. They have done it.
Then I applauded. They have done it.
Exactly WHAT have they done???
Sorry, but when GM only sold 12K Malibus in December, that does not make the car a “hit”. Most midsize sedans in the segment actually out-sold the Malibu for the month of December. That includes the Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion, and Sonata.
Yeah, that was it’s second month on the market…1st full month I believe. Look at the Fusion. It only sold 13.5K cars in December…and how long has it been on the market? People are not giving the Malibu a chance…which is sad because it is a great car. Far better than the awful Camry and the not-awful Accord.
GM should monitor quality control by having the OnStar system record swear words.
Reliable cars tend to get sworn at less. It’s a fact.
You asked me, what have they done?
Well?
This thread is about the PERCEPTION problem GM is trying to overcome.
When I stood in front of the white 2008 Malibu (which was in a parking lot filled with other cars) it stood right out. Its obvious with its excellent fit and finish…. The way they designed its stance… For one moment, it looked like an expensive European import. I thought it was odd. The Chevy emblem looked out of place. I could not believe it. That is why I applauded. They have done it!
And in case you are wondering. I drive a Honda which I got new a few years back. I notice cars all the time, and appreciate quality when I see it. The new Malibu is now on that list with me.
I still can not get over it. But? Maybe, it really was the lighting and makeup? ;)
It shines with quality! The immediate perception
is quality of a very high order. Now, how it drives? It has the same underpinnings as the Aura. So, if I were in the market? Yes… I would not ignore it at all. It would be a ‘must try.’