GM today confirmed it has selected AlixPartners to supervise the orderly wind down of Saab, and has requested approval of the selection by the appropriate authority in Sweden.  The use of a wind down supervisor is a commonly-used process in Sweden and works in the interest of the shareholder.

The wind down process is expected to take several months, and will ensure that employees, dealers and suppliers are adequately protected.  As stated previously, Saab customers can be assured that warranties will continue to be honored and that service and spare parts will continue to be available.

GM also confirmed that it has received several proposals for Saab and is continuing to evaluate these proposals. This evaluation is not affected by the appointment of AlixPartners.

You have to really wonder what the heck is going on in the tubes (GM’s RenCen HQ in Detroit).  GM keeps rejecting deals for Saab, but then decides to just shut it down.  A little common sense might go a long way here.  It costs money - lots of it - to shut down a company or an automotive brand.  GM should seriously consider a deal to take it off their hands for a player to be named later and a cup of coffee.  But aside from the costs of the 2 possibilities here, GM also needs to consider its reputation.  Saab has legions of loyal customers, despite GM’s mismanagement of the iconic brand over the years.  If it shuts it down, not only will many thousands of people worldwide be put out of work, GM’s reputation will take yet another hit that it can ill afford.  Yo, Big Ed, take however much time you need, and take the best offer you can get.  Shutting it down should only be a consideration if you have no credible offers in hand.

That’s what I think - how about you?  Please leave your comments below.

Chevy and OnStar announced today the availability of an app for the upcoming Chevy Volt extended-range electric vehicle (EREV).  Called OnStar Experience, the app will allow consumers to view and control certain aspects of the Volt’s unique functions.

OnStar’s Mobile Application allows drivers to communicate with their Volt from Droid by Motorola, Apple iPhone and Blackberry Storm smartphones. It uses a real-time data connection to perform tasks from setting the charge time to unlocking the doors.  The application:

displays charge status – plugged in or not, and voltage (120V or 240V)

provides flexibility to “Charge Now” or schedule charge timing

displays percentage of battery charge level, electric and total ranges

allows owner to manually set grid-friendly charge mode for off-peak times when electricity rates are lowest

sends text or email notifications for charge reminders, interruptions and full charge

displays miles per gallon, electric only miles, and odometer readings

shows miles per gallon, EV miles and miles driven for last trip and lifetime

remotely start the vehicle to pre-condition the interior temperature, but only when plugged in

enables traditional OnStar features, such as locking/unlocking and remote horn and lights – which have typically been accessible only through a call into the OnStar call center – will now be available via the application

The mobile application will be available for the Apple iPhone, Blackberry Storm and Motorola Droid smartphones.  Volt’s OnStar mobile application will also be available on a mobile browser for other internet-capable phones. Volt drivers will also be able to view and manage vehicle systems and commands from the vehicle, the internet or through a monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics e-mail.

Early Volt buyers will be those known to marketers as “early adopters,” so providing this surprise cool feature will certainly appeal to those buyers.  Volt buyers will want to show off their smart purchase and being able to show friends their charge status, etc. will only make them feel even more special for having forked over the expected 40 large for the Volt.  Announcing this new feature also keeps the Volt in the consumers’ minds, which Chevrolet will have to keep up until late this year, when deliveries are expected to begin.  By then, it will have been almost 4 years since Chevrolet introduced the Volt to the public.

What Chevy/GM/OnStar need to do now is develop an app that will work with all of their other cars & trucks.  Let me start the car (if equipped with remorte start), check my tire pressure, schedule service with my local dealer, and all of the other vehicle diagnostics that OnStar provides on a monthly basis with a subscription.  The cat’s out of the bag, GM!  Now I want all of this when I want it - immediately.  I don’t want to wait a month for OnStar to send me an e-mail!

That’s what I think - how about you?  Please leave your comments below.

In a move that surprises nobody, Cadillac announced today that it will introduce the production version of the new CTS-V coupe at this month’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Obviously, the CTS-V coupe is the combination of the CTS coupe that Cadillac has show previously with the 556HP supercharged V8 motor from the CTS-V sedan.  It also includes Magnetic Ride Control, racing-bred Brembo brakes and an available automatic transmission with paddle-shift control.

The CTS-V Coupe employs the LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine also found on the CTS-VSport Sedan. Rated at 556 horsepower (415 kW) and 551 lb.-ft. of torque (747 Nm), it is the most powerful engine offered in Cadillac’s history and propels the CTS-V Coupe from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds.

A pair of six-speed transmissions is offered in the CTS-V Coupe: a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual with a dual-disc clutch and a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic with paddle-shift control. Performance Algorithm Shifting is part of the auto’s programming and provides a performance-oriented shift pattern during sustained high-performance driving. As with other Cadillac models, the driver needs only to slide the shifter into the manual “gate” to put the transmission into that more aggressive mode.  As I have told you in previous stories, this car should only be ordered with the manual.  Why?  Because it has 3 pedals on the floor - as God intended.  The auto is only offered because some of you can’t/won’t drive a manual - and Cadillac needs the sales.

So what is “Magnetic Ride Control”?  It is an advanced suspension system also found on the Corvette.  GM describes it like this:

Electronic sensors at all four wheels literally “read the road” every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions. This is of particular benefit for a high-performance car because it helps keep the car very composed during hard cornering, acceleration, braking and other dynamic maneuvers.

The Magnetic Ride shocks also enable a broader range of damping control to optimize the ride and handling for all driving conditions. In the CTS-V Coupe, an extra measure of control is offered, with two selectable modes (Tour and Sport), enabling the driver to tailor the suspension for grand touring or more spirited performance driving.

The CTS-V coupe starts production this summer.  Look for it at a Cadillac dealer soon after.  And don’t forget your driving gloves (and a big checkbook).

That’s what I think - how about you?  Please leave your comments below.

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