(Note: This article has been transposed from Microsoft Word into Lotus Notes....hopefully the punctuation will not appear as "question marks." If it does, my apologies. Feel free to share this article with your fellow club members..........



An American Revolution.

I just returned from what may be one of the most exciting days in my career at Chevrolet. I spent several hours with my co-workers at Chevrolet Motor Divison, GM Powertrain, GM Design, and Campbell-Ewald, our Advertising Agency. I’ve seen the future, and what a future it is! While I cannot share everything with you, (boy, do I wish I could!) I thought I’d share some bits – because I know how many of you enjoy a look into the future.

I truly believe that most, if not all those that visit the various Camaro websites really want to see Chevrolet re-establish itself as “American Excellence.” To some, Chevrolet already represents this. Unfortunately, one look at buying habits will tell you that many do not.

Looking back at model years 1968-1970, it would be hard to imagine a greater product lineup. The cars from that era are revered for their style and initial affordability – and for the statement they made.
It appears to many that we lost our way…and for many reasons. I won’t go into those reasons as that’s another story.

Chevrolet is embarking on a series of product launches of historic proportion. Malibu, Colorado, SSR, and Malibu MAXX are currently at your local Chevy Dealership….and very shortly, the Equinox and Aveo will join them. We’ll be unveiling the 2005 Corvette as well as a premium small car family called Cobalt at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Right behind these exciting products comes a “redefining” HHR – a “cross-over” vehicle that combines a modern definition of the 1949 Suburban – with today’s technology; and another vehicle that combines “cross-over” “sport utility” and “mini-van” into a family vehicle with the best Digital Entertainment system in the industry. Beyond that? Much, much more. In fact, 90% of our passenger car portfolio will be new in the next 4 years…and that doesn’t include some ‘new’ products on the horizon.

Chevrolet will have the broadest vehicle lineup in the entire industry – bar none – with American Ingenuity of Bold Style, exceptional value, leading edge technology, and great American performance – that together spell “Leadership.”

In reality, we’re making great in-roads in terms of sales leadership. Three years ago, we found ourselves 800,000 units behind our friends in Dearborn. This year, it’s less than 200,000 units….and as recent as this past month, we’re only 40,000 units behind in retail leadership. Impala deliveries, alone, are up 40% this year over last. While no manufacturer is standing still, I strongly believe that the products you see coming to market right now coupled with those that will be announced in the coming months, will change the way many Americans look at today’s Chevy.

GM and Chevrolet will continue to announce technology that was unheard of just a few years ago, and while I can’t tell you about some proprietary technology just yet, let me tell you about just a few. GM is the industry leader in hydroform technology with over 20 patents. We’re the leader in vehicle stability systems. By the end of this year, we’ll have over 10 million vehicles on the road with our engine-oil algorhythm program --- that monitors engine-oil life and tells you when it’s time to change your oil. This system has the potential to save over 50 million gallons of oil next year. Malibu is the first Chevy to receive our Automatic Collision Notification system – a system that will automatically notify OnStar when a vehicle crash occurs that meets specific parameters – even though the airbag may NOT have been deployed due to the nature of the collision – so that emergency teams may be dispatched. You’ll see this great safety innovation make its way across our product portfolio. OnStar in and of itself is a technology matched by no one else. The benefits of this system are truly outstanding, and very shortly, you’ll be invited to experience OnStar – with a VERY compelling offer for doing so. (more about that after January 1) Equinox and Malibu MAXX have ingenious rear seat design that allows the rear seat to be moved forward or backward over 6 inches. In fact, Malibu MAXX offers similar rear seat legroom to that of the Lincoln Continental. Malibu is the first vehicle in the industry to offer remote start as a regular production option. And while it may be a simple item, the new Malibu – and many more of our future products, will have a simple “Easy Pass – Electronic Toll” holder on the windshield….a great convenience to those of you who live in areas where tolls are required to travel on certain roads. Our powertrains which are sourced from over 40 global GM plants will have 20 new variants in the next three years. Variable Valve Timing is only the beginning……you’ll see systems such as “Displacement on Demand” among other things that will truly show that GM Powertrains are the best overall powertrains in the world. The LS2 engine that will debut in the 2005 Corvette is the next generation of the legendary small-block Chevy – and the performance of this powertrain is simply incredible – with NO loss in fuel economy from the LS1.

Chevy design will once again establish an emotional connection – and interiors will be more compelling.

I started this note off with the words “An American Revolution” for a reason. Chevrolet has had, perhaps, some of the most memorable ad campaigns in the history of the auto industry. “See the USA in your Chevrolet” and “The Heartbeat of America” still capture the hearts and minds of millions – decades after those ads were shown on Television. Thinking about where Chevrolet is headed – with Bold new Styling, “gotta have” products, historic performance (the 2005 Corvette Coupe is capable of 180+ mph – and that’s just the beginning, my friends…..) Segment leading entries, and an attitude of “acceptable rebellion” you might say we really are in the beginnings of “An American Revolution.” To get a better idea of what we mean by this, please be watching on New Year’s Eve to see the first of many new Chevrolet Commercials. ( “Car Carrier” is perhaps one of the most memorable Chevy Commericals ever….and YES, the picture of that red 2005 Corvette was captured in San Francisco while filming the commerical.......) I’ll be posting programming and times so that you can be watching – or to allow you to set up your VCRs – for a most memorable commercial.

Now…you may say “Scott! big deal! – an Easy Pass Holder! It’s gonna take a lot more than an Easy Pass Holder to change my mind!!!” -- please refer to the beginning of this note -- that I’ve already said there is much I’d like to tell you – however, I’m prohibited from doing so. So I’ll say this: Fasten your safety belt…….you’ve only seen the very beginnings of “An American Revolution.”

As we approach the yearend and the Holidays, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention: On behalf of all the men and women at General Motors, please, I beg you: Don’t drink and drive. Furthermore, buckle up…and that goes for everyone in the vehicle with you…each time, every time, no excuses.

May the Holiday season bring you much joy and happiness and may the new year bring you all that is good.

 

thanx RP! You mentioned in your article about the new Camaro but i have one question....will it come in yellow?

 

Thanks, RP.

Can't wait to hear more , and Happy Holidays!

 

yeah over at vette forums, those old farts went to the patent web site and checked them out, they said there was an aluminum hydroformed frame getting put on the z06. is it possible to hydroform steel?

 

Sounds great!! I hope all that good stuff happens.

 

I am glad GM is finally stepping up to the plate enough I don't have to hear BS for liking them

 

Thanks for the great letter red. You guys at GM are doing some great work lately. I love what you've done to Cadillac. I really like the new grand prix, and the malibu. You've put out some of the best concepts at the last few auto shows, the solstice and the SS were beautiful. I can't wait to see the vette and the cobalt at detroit this year.
Happy holidays.

 

... 'nuff said!

 

"Scott! big deal! an Easy Pass Holder! "


jk



I can’t wait. This sounds like an exciting year ahead.

 

I think it's important for Chevrolet and GM to advertise that Chevy quality is at or above that of the *** cars. In the last JD Power servay Chevrolet and Buick beat out Toyota and Honda in short term reliability and long term durability. Impala has better initial quality than the Camery.

Here is an interesting article about Chevrolet from USAToday: http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...19-chevy_x.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...autostox_x.htm

 

In New Jersey EZ-Pass is a godsend. No more fiddling with money and long lines at a toll booth. You just slow to 10-15 mph at the booth and drive on through. The toll is billed to your credit card. Some roads offer toll discounts for using it...the best part is it's FREE! It's used all through out the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. I think CA has a compatible system.

I have my unit stuck to my windshield. A holder would be nice....

Now, how's about that LS2 in my new Camaro?!? LOL!!

Merry X-mas Scott!!!!

 

I just had an Eyegasm!

 

Thanks for officially reinforcing what I've been posting lately. I'm sure a few people were looking at my post about GM's future products as just fantasy.

We really are in for an absolutely AMAZING run over the next few years!! Cobalt (spelled correct this time Art ), Corvette, and HHR are just the begining.

Some really good announcements are coming over the next couple of months, and some really unbelievable stuff will be on the roads by the 2007 model year.