General Motors - Citing Cash Concerns is Delaying Several New Models

General Motors (GM), being hit hard by cashthat will see its life extended a full year until the
problems, is indicating that several new models in theCruze is ready to arrive.
planning pipeline may not make their debut onNext Generation Big Cadillac - The DTS and STS are
schedule. Automotive News and other industrythe two largest Cadillacs with GM planning to replace
authorities have learned that GM will be scaling backboth models with just one car. Initially, the big Caddy
product introduction for 2009 and 2010, pushing backwas to debut in late 2010 or early 2011, but we may
the release of several new models.not see a replacement model until 2012 at the
The Chevrolet Camaro is expected to be released onsoonest.
time next February and Cadillac will see the CTSIn addition, GM is scaling back on its marketing for
coupe, CTS wagon, and a new SRX crossoverthe next few years including:
vehicle in 2009. But, the Chevrolet Cruze will notShifting Auto Show Debuts - Several new models
make its debut as expected in 2010, though thewere to be introduced at this November's Los
electric Chevrolet Volt is expected to still arrive onAngeles Auto Show, but GM will save the Chevrolet
time in November 2010.Cruze and Cadillac CTS coupe for the Detroit show in
GM's financial difficulty is impacting the way theJanuary. By rolling out cars a few months later, GM
company is conducting its business as the automakerwill save on marketing costs while putting the
attempts to find ways to trim costs while stillemphasis on the show nearest its headquarters.
remaining competitive. By not bringing timely, fuelNo Oscars Support - GM paid a big price to sponsor
efficient cars to the market on schedule, thethe most recent Summer Olympics but the Oscars
company risks falling further behind and jeopardizingand other annual events are not going to get GM
its recovery.support this year. Also, expect GM to scale back on
Among the vehicles being delayed are:other forms of marketing, including print, online media,
Buick LaCrosse - The replacement for this model is inand television advertising.
the works, but likely won't appear until 2010, a yearDespite the cutbacks, GM is still interested in
later than planned. The smaller, lighter secondpurchasing Chrysler, but with government help. The
generation LaCrosse would be a boon for the Buickautomaker is looking for federal loans to buy Chrysler
brand which currently does not offer a four cylinderand is expected to swap its remaining shares in
model.GMAC for that purchase. Ultimately, the federal
Chevrolet Cruze - The car slated to replace thegovernment will be on the hook for these loans,
Cobalt will not be introduced until 2011 at the earliest.becoming a part owner of what would once again
With the promise of delivering exceptional gasbecome the world's largest automaker.
mileage, the Cruze will replace the Cobalt, a model