Adventures with GM Hybrids

You Can't Do This in a Prius!

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:22:00 +0000

The Real First Zero Landfill and Challenge for GM Marketing

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:17:00 +0000

Checking into the claims of Suburu concerning zero landfill.

Turns out GM had 14 certified zero landfill facilities before Suburu was certified as a zero landfill facility. Who's first? Why was the claim left unchallenged?

Here's the guy we met with and a little on GM Flint Engine South:

Use for Municipalities and First Responders?

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:57:00 +0000

In this video I discuss some benefits of the Hybrid Tahoe that could be used to the benefit of municipalities and first responders.

Note that in the video I state that I was trapped for 5 hours. It was actually 3.5, the total time for traffic related to the incident was 5 hours. I blame the error on the fact that I was driving and paying more attention to that than actually speaking in the blog:

Promised Link

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Comparison of Hybrid Tahoe to E85 Silverado

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/video/?playerId=1488687257&categoryId=1579885969&lineupId=1586429675&titleId=1587991846

Enjoy. Hybrid Tahoe Kicked Butt!

Oil Change Part 2: Mileage and Handling

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:16:00 +0000

Answering a question after the Oil Change on mileage and handling. 2008 4wd.

Updates and Oil Change

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:01:00 +0000

first attempt at video blog while driving. Updates on each topic to follow.

The mentioned LA Times article questioned why we are even looking at hybrids, stating that sales are dropping. Used data from foreign hybrid manufacturers, who are seeing a drop in sales. However, as GM hybrids are becoming more visible, sales are increasing. I guess you can see the direction of the story when the writer refers to the Tahoe as a monstrosity, only mentions a few US manufacturers in the article, and focus' on foreign numbers, then attributes them to US manufacturers.

Is it possible that USA citizens have actually decided to buy American?

In fact, many times after giving a tour of the Hybrid Tahoe, the person I would give the tour to would buy. While it used to be that I would never see another GM hybrid on the road, in the Midwest, I am now seeing them everywhere.

An Hybrid Tahoe Owner's Comment - OK, mine

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Last year I was concerned how many foreign hybrids I have seen on the road. The Midwest had quite a few with New England kind of being stuck on foreign hybrids.

Well, it finally happened. I usually take I294 when I go to Michigan and I keep a count of how many hybrids and types I see at 6am. This last time I only saw three foreign and six GM hybrids! Yep, several Tahoes and four Escalades! That didn't count the one hybrid Vue and one hybrid Malibu.

I think people are paying attention.

Another thing - I am an enthusiatic Tahoe owner. I do support all North American manufactured hybrids, electric and alternative fuel vehicles, however. So, in starting AllAmericanHybrid.com, as part of our advertising, I put logos on my hybrids rear windows. Yep, it has made a difference, plus people come up to me and talk about their hybrids ALL THE TIME! Once in a while at one of those RARE stops at a gas station.

While I keep reading and hearing complaints from foreign hybrid owners that their vehicle is too small and 'girly,' to a surprising number of reliability complaints (listen closely, there are a LOT of them), all I hear from North American manufactured hybrid owners is ENTHUSIASM! People are excited and want to let others know how excited they are! (if you are a hybrid owner, let us know!)

The only time I have heard anything negative, I look into things. For instance, I have found several sites where this person or that claims to have bad experiences and many problems. When I have dug into them, I find out that the websites and claims are false. Hmmm.... wonder which types of dealerships would start such fake websites.

So, if you own a Prius and you read the claim that you have 135 hp, you find that it is actually the combined tiny motor and tiny engine. However, for whatever reason, the North American manufacturers are WAY too modest. The engine in my Tahoe is rated 361 horsepower. The two electric motors total an additional 180 hp for a total of 541 hp!

Let's see... yep, more. While I was at the Detroit Auto show, Toyota was touting its new plug-in Prius. Yep, the idea was to take care of the USA tax dollar incentives for plug in vehicles. When I asked one of the people on site, and this is even in their press release, all they did was add a plug and converter to their Prius. It does nothing, with a range of virtually nothing.

In the meantime, GM, Chrysler, and Ford are releasing extended range plug ins that are unique in their own right, and the North American manufacturers Tesla, Fisker and Myers Motors are producing real fully electric vehicles. Yet, our own government, in particular from those states that have invested $100's of Millions into directly funding transplant foreign manufacturers who shut down USA facilities at the drop of a hat (ie: after investing $295 Million into the only planned Prius plant, Mississippi was left holding the bag when Toyota pulled construction plans indefinitely.... and the total of nearly a half $Billion that Mississippi was planning to put into Toyota had a 20 year payback, if everything went perfectly.), keep giving our North American companies a hard time, making it more difficult for us to compete against the transplants.

Gee, wouldn't it be great if our own elected officials would stop supporting our global competitors and punishing North American ingenuity?

Phew, I'm Back!

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:43:00 +0000

Yes, it has been a while since I have been on here. There has been a lot of stuff going on. No, not a single problem with the Tahoe... Yes, GM people have asked.

There are a LOT of people reading this blog. One of my favorites is the Prius owners' blog, fully sponsored by Toyota, I might add. Hmmm... interesting that a blog sponsored by an auto manufacturer suggested that both this blog and the AllAmericanHybrid.com website must 'obviously' be sponsored by GM and what a sneaky way for GM to support their large vehicles that nobody wants.

Nope, unlike the Prius blog site, we are completely self supporting with only a few individuals providing donations through AllAmericanHybrid.com and no advertisors at this point (but we are actively looking!).

My next comment relates to something that disturbs me about many blogs that have specific objectives in mind. While we are actively inviting anyone into this discussion, whether you agree with us or not (and you are not advertising), I signed up and posted a thank you on their blog: "Thank you for bringing attention to AllAmericanHybrid.com, we are a fully self-supporting blog that is not provided funding from any manufacturer, at this point in time." (but we are fully willing to accept advertising or donations... hint hint - no, this wasn't posted on the site).

The post lasted all of 1 minute before being pulled off.

Thank goodness we support North American manufactured hybrids, electric and alternative fuel vehicles in a country that does not like censorship!!

Anyways, back to my original point. In addition to a number of other consulting responsibilities, I am the Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Society (IEEE-DEIS) website. That has been an adventure with developers and committee members being, literally, all over the world and our Associate Editors being placed at every point in the globe, as well.

In addition, we have launched the Motor Diagnostics and Motor Health News eMag (http://www.motordoc.com/subscribe.htm) and the AllAmericanHybrid.com eMag (http://www.allamericanhybrid.com/addnews.htm).

In support of the industry, we are now the sole-sponsor of a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program electric race vehicle and have launched our first of many scholarships. We are testing this out on one high school before expanding the program.

PLTW is an high school program that is used to encourage students into joining the engineering community and provides college credit towards their college career through sponsoring universities (and there are a lot of them!).

We, of course, are accepting donations to support such things. At this point in time, SUCCESS by DESIGN has committed our time and resources, but we wish to help be a conduit for others that wish to support such programs via http://www.allamericanhybrid.com/donations.htm.

We also have been pleading and begging people to comment on these blogs. We know how many are reading them, I view the stats every day (over 10,000 hits and a minimum of 1500 views per week on this blog alone). I cannot believe that many of you are this shy! We even opened it up so that you can post anonymously and I would love to hear some feedback or questions related to our experiences!

Hybrid Tahoe Now Allows Anonymous Posting

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 14:23:00 +0000

This blog is moderated so I have opened it up to anonymous posting. You may now post without having to go through the extra steps of signing up for a service and you can keep your identity hidden.

Comments that are commercial (ie: a sales pitch) or are just plain hate speech will be removed at the discretion of SUCCESS by DESIGN. We have over 2500 views (over 8000 hits) of this blog per week and I assume that those people are looking for real information.

I have always noticed that far fewer than 1% of people who look at blogs and wish to respond actually do. At the same time, posting encourages both the blog authors and other comments to keep things going and a true learning experience can result.

If you wish to be an author in this blog, whether being publicly anonymous or known, drop me an email: howard@motordoc.com. Authoring (starting a string) and getting set up is quick and painless and readers will want to hear about your experiences or ideas.

If you are leaving comments and you post one that you later wish removed, for any reason, all you have to do is email me as well. No questions asked.

There, I hope that encourages some of you to participate.

The same rules apply for our other blogs:

AllAmericanHybrid.com: http://www.allamericanhybrid.com/blog/hybridblog.htm

Reliability, Maintenance, Energy & Environment: The Motor Diagnostics and Motor Health News eZine Blog: http://www.motordoc.com/mdmhblog/

We look forward to your participation.

Jumping in Sub-Zero with the Hybrid Tahoe

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:59:00 +0000

I suppose an excellent question would be: how did the Tahoe handle the -20+ F weather in Chicago over the last week? What would happen if you needed to give someone a jump?

The answer is quite simple: it didn't even notice it.

The truck started just fine as I had some running around to do. I was concerned as the truck draws upon the 300 volt battery and one of the two electric motors to start it. There was no difference between warmer and the colder weather. In fact, I basically had a 67 kW starter so the engine began without so much as a cough (I now have about 15,000 miles on the truck combined city and highway).

Can a hybrid Tahoe jump another vehicle? The answer came quite clear when I was called on the coldest day to help out a friend. There is a 12 volt system and battery in the Tahoe and the instructions are a bit different, but yes you can. The manuals provide a number of warnings, however, that relate to the electronic systems in the truck. You must have them all turned off as a spark caused by the jump could damage the systems (ie: the radio) and those are not covered by warranty if damaged by this process. So, there are tabs that make it obvious if the truck is used this way.

I wondered - is this unique to hybrids? Nope. I looked up jump instructions for a number of modern vehicles. Other than a few confirmation steps for the Tahoe, the instructions were virtually identical with all of the electronics in modern vehicles.

As it turns out, the distressed vehicle was pretty much frozen and even a new battery did not start it immediately. Afterwords I realized that I could have plugged a portable heater into the 120V outlet in the back of the truck to warm up the engine and battery of the other vehicle which may have helped in all ways.

My plan is now to purchase one of those portable jump kits for about $20 and keep it in the truck as one of the things I noticed in this little episode really bothered me. Even though the car was in a heavily trafficed area, and the owner is a woman who asked for help (no jumper cables), not one person provided assistance in the dangerously cold weather (and a lot of people were asked before I was called). Virtually none of the towing services provided support and the few that did were a minimum of $75. Now I appreciate my AAA insurance!

Have we slid that far as a society that we cannot provide assistance for those in genuine need?

AAH and SBD Invited to Detroit Auto Show as Journalists

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 19:33:00 +0000

Cool! The Detroit Auto Show contacted our new AllAmericanHybrid.com site to take part in the Media Event and Preview part of the Detroit Auto Show. We will be covering North American manufactured hybrid, electric and alternate fuel vehicles at their request.

I will, of course, be driving the hybrid Tahoe to the event!

Not bad for a news site that hasn't been officially launched yet!

Also set up a blog to cover the various topics associated with AllAmericanHybrid.com at http://www.allamericanhybrid.com/blog/hybridblog.htm which is being overseen by the AllAmericanHybrid.com editor in chief. Open comments and volunteer bloggers are being recruited!

In the meantime, if you are a hybrid Tahoe owner and wish to blog on this site, please contact me at howard@motordoc.com and I can assign you permission to blog. We presently have an average of over 1,000 hits per week on this blog.

We are also opening up the comments section a little bit more.

Happy New Year!

Prius Ornament

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:13:00 +0000

Over the days leading up to Christmas we were awakened to a crunch. As it was before December 24/25, we assumed it wasn't Santa. It was the neighbor attempting to drive their Prius out of their driveway through a couple of inches of loose snow, in which it became firmly embedded.

During my drives, which have included trips through snowstorms and foul weather - the low center of gravity of the hybrid causes it to handle better than even a standard Tahoe and the 4-wheel drive selection does not seem to have as big an impact on mileage as I expected - I have noticed a very large number of Prius' stuck in the snow and broken down on the side of the road.

The hybrid Tahoe, in addition to being able to handle bad weather, blows through the snow even while towing loads in excess of 6,000 lbs. The Prius, Civic and similar just don't seem to have the power.

AllAmericanHybrid.com Launch on January 1 2009

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 04:38:00 +0000

AllAmericanHybrid.com is being officially launched as of January 1, 2009.

The site focuses on hybrid, electric, and alternate fuel vehicles manufactured in North America.

AllAmericanHybrid.com is presently looking for writers, journalists, volunteer associate editors, and advertisers to support the site and accompanying eZine.

Hybrid Mileage Weather Dependent

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:47:00 +0000

Is the mileage of the Hybrid, and most hybrid and electric vehicles, temperature dependent?

As part of my 'experiment' to see how the hybrid would handle, I have returned to my 'old ways' of driving since the weather was warm. It is almost uncomfortable to watch the 'economy' meter swing all the way in either direction as I start faster and brake harder than it would like me to.

So, I was watching the average fuel consumption of the vehicle while the weather was warm, through to now in both local and long distance driving conditions. The mileage, driving the way I am driving, started out at a combined city and highway average of 21.8mpg with the weather above 50F. As the weather fell below 30F, I have noticed the mileage has dropped below 20mpg to about 19.8mpg average.

Once I noticed this, I have altered my driving to more fit the weather conditions in Chicago - a lot of snow and ice recently - and I looked for other causes for the dropping fuel mileage.

1. Being a creature of comfort, I would use the remote start option on the keychain. In cold weather, this starts the engine, turns on the seat heaters, and turns on the heat at high. It bypasses the hybrid portion of the vehicle and uses the engine only until you get in and insert the key into the ignition. Each start will operate the engine for up to 15 minutes and all eight cylinders are on. This eliminates the idling fuel advantage that we found in traffic.

2. I adjusted my driving habits to more match the conditions. Slower starts and slower stops and have watched the mileage improve. Greater distances in driving have also had an impact as the engine appears to operate much much longer after the vehicle is started. This is partly because the engine needs to hit a certain temperature before it starts shutting off when idle.

3. We are looking into the fact that battery capacity drops with temperature. This would explain the location of the battery pack under the rear passenger seat within the cab. Most all battery technology has a temperature limitation. In fact, while researching hybrid and electric vehicles, including the Tesla and the foreign imports, the disclaimers on mileage discuss the operating conditions for the mileage claims. This could explain a lot, especially how some foreign hybrid vehicle owners have questioned the mileage on the sticker at the dealership and their actual mileage. What are the differences between the 'EPA approved testing sites?' Do some manufacturers take advantage of temperature and/or other driving conditions?

I would like to hear your thoughts on this topic. BTW, I am back to over 20mpg by listening to what the truck is telling me.

White House Interim Assistance to US Automakers and UAW Response

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:19:00 +0000

White House Interim Assistance to US Automakers and UAW Response

December 19, 2008
By William Bulbrook
AllAmericanHybrid.com Writer

At 9:01 am EST, Friday, December 19, 2008, President Bush made the general announcement that funds would be made available “from the financial rescue package Congress approved earlier this fall.”

President Bush stated that the financial crisis and recession caused problems within the industry at a much faster pace than anyone had anticipated. “The convergence of these factors means there’s too great a risk that bankruptcy now would lead to a disorderly liquidation of American auto companies. My economic advisors believe that such a collapse would deal an unacceptably painful blow to hardworking Americans far beyond the auto industry.” Said the President, “It would worsen a weak job market and exacerbate the financial crisis. It would send our suffering economy into a deeper and longer recession. And it would leave the next President to confront the demise of a major American industry in his first days in office.”

The White House has resisted the use of the financial rescue package throughout the past several months of this issue, but finally relented. “Unfortunately, despite extensive debate and agreement that we should prevent disorderly bankruptcies in the American auto industry, Congress was unable to get a bill to my desk before adjourning this year.” The President stated, “This means the only way to avoid a collapse of the US auto industry is for the executive branch to step in. The American people want the auto companies to succeed, and so do I.” He said sternly, “So today, I’m announcing that the federal government will grant loans to auto companies under conditions similar to those Congress considered last week.”

The statement also made clear that the loans would provide, if the companies were unable to restructure in a timely manner, the ability for the industry to put together an orderly Chapter 11 bankruptcy. President Bush stated that he felt that this would help consumer confidence in purchasing American cars.

He outlined that specific conditions must be met and outlined: “Because Congress failed to make funds available for these loans, the plan I am announcing today will be drawn from the financial rescue package Congress approved earlier this fall. The terms of the loans will require auto companies to demonstrate how they can become viable. They must pay back all their loans to the government, and show that their firms can earn a profit and achieve a positive net worth. This restructuring will require meaningful concessions from all involved in the auto industry – management, labor unions, creditors, bondholders, dealers, and suppliers.”

In a statement from General Motors, “We appreciate the President extending a financial bridge at this most critical time for the US auto industry and our nation’s economy. This action helps to preserve many jobs, and supports the continued operation of GM and the many suppliers, dealers and small businesses across the country that depend on us…. We know we have much work in front of us to accomplish our plan. It is our intention to continue to be transparent as we execute our plan, and we will provide regular updates on our progress. We again thank the Administration for this important support of our industry at this challenging time, and we look forward to proving what American ingenuity can achieve.”

Chrysler issued the following: “We have received news that US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson will provide $4 billion of initial funding to Chrysler LLC from the TARP (Troubled Assets Relief Program) as a loan to help bridge the current financial crisis. We appreciate the Administration’s confidence in Chrysler.” According to Robert Nardelli, “As outlined in our submission to Congress, we intend to be accountable for this loan, including meeting the specific requirements set forth by government, and will continue to implement our plan for long-term viability. The receipt of this loan means Chrysler can continue to pursue its vision to build the fuel-efficient, high-quality cars and trucks people want to buy, will enjoy driving and will want to buy again.”

“As we told Congress, Ford is in a different position. We do not face a near-term liquidity issue, and we are not seeking short-term financial assistance from the government,” Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally said. “But all of us at Ford appreciate the prudent step the Administration has taken to address the near-term liquidity issues of GM and Chrysler. The US auto industry is highly interdependent, and a failure of one of our competitors would have a ripple effect that could jeopardize millions of jobs and further damage the already weakened US economy.”

In a release by the United Auto Workers: “We’re pleased that the Bush administration has acted today to provide urgently needed emergency bridge loans to America’s auto companies and to pursue a process for restructuring outside of bankruptcy,” said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger. “This will keep the doors of America’s factories open, keep Americans working and prevent the devastating economic consequences for millions of Americans and thousands of businesses that would have resulted from a liquidation of operations by one or more auto companies…. While we appreciate that President Bush has taken the emergency action needed to help America’s auto companies weather the current financial crisis, we are disappointed that he has added unfair conditions singling out workers. These conditions were not included in the bipartisan legislation endorsed by the White House, which passed the House of Representatives and which won support from a majority of senators.”

According to Press Secretary Dana Perino: “... in addition to the House conditions that are included in the loan terms, we’ve added some additional conditions as targets that basically says, you [have] got to come forward with a plan for long-term viability. And we would expect to see in this plan for long-term viability a plan to reduce the debts of your bondholders by converting them from debt to equity in the amount of two-thirds to make one-half of the VEBA payments, the payments to the labor retiree health benefits; to make one-half of those VEBA payments in the form of stock instead of cash; to eliminate the jobs bank that pays – continues to pay workers even though they have been laid off; work rules that are competitive with foreign manufacturers that are operating in the United States by the end of 2009; and, finally wages and benefits that are competitive with those foreign manufacturers operating in the United States also by the end of 2009.” In a further statement she included that it might result in surrendering health and retirement benefits, amongst others.

The test for the loan and long term liquidity is the net present value of the company, which must be positive within a time period decided by March 31, 2009. There will not be a ‘car czar’ for the bridge loan; instead the White House designee will be the Secretary of the Treasury with the option for the Obama Administration to put a representative under a specific title.

In Ms. Perino’s press statement it was made quite clear that there was not to be a taxpayer stake in the companies, other than warrants from Chrysler, a private company.

In a response from the UAW, Mr. Gettelfinger stated: “We will work with the Obama Administration and the new Congress to ensure that these unfair conditions are removed, as we join in the coming months with all stakeholders to create a viable future for the US auto industry.”

AllAmericanHybrid.com will continue to report on this topic as details are provided.

Auto Bailout? How Bad Are Things... Really?

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:17:00 +0000

How bleak are things… really?

In general, it has been a little more difficult for a few people to obtain credit. Primarily, it has returned to when you had to provide proof of employment and have a good credit record in order to obtain major loans. We have watched a few mergers of large banks and creditors and a $700 Billion bailout of those same banks, with suggestions of another $1.2 Trillion, which included $170+ Billion to AIG, who felt it necessary to spend $100’s of thousands on parties. In the meantime, we find it necessary to drag our domestic automotive industry across the coals, demand changes in management, plans, change in transportation for executives, etc. for a COMBINED request for LOANs, not giveaways. This has already proven successful in the past with the automotive industry, but NEVER with the financial industry.

As I remember it, the original purpose of the financial bailout was to purchase high risk loans from the financial community in order to improve the liquidity of the financial firms that had purchased them. How these floated through Wall Street was a lesson in bad ethics and convoluted business practices that were a wonder to behold. Yet, once the Bailout Bill (doesn’t matter that they tried to PC it by using the term ‘rescue’) was passed, the stock market tumbled to almost half where it was at the time. Yet the keeper of the keys who allowed the problem, and actually contributed to the problem, have been congratulating themselves on a great job. The original idea of having the Secretary of the Treasury, with no oversight and no repercussions, with full access to the $700B to do with what he wishes, to make these purchases was immediately and publicly… ignored. Instead, the funds are being handed to financial firms that are politically connected, with a number of other types of companies madly trying to be qualified as lending institutions so that they can qualify for their piece – and they don’t even have any of the bad loans in their portfolio. There is no requirement to eliminate upper management, no change to how they travel, no requirements for reduced income (only suggestions or they get some type of extra ‘tax’ on the additional income that is insignificant), no requirements to reduce employee pay, etc. etc. Instead, the US Government is buying non-voting stock in these companies. The result has been business as usual that has executive bonuses, employee bonuses, etc. continuing as usual with no rules in place and the suggestion that the program is expanded even more for an industry that DOESN’T PRODUCE ANYTHING!

In the 1970s and 1980s, a number of corporate executives were killed, including in a mid-1990s flight in Africa that had government officials and business executives on board, hijackings occurred, and other issues that made commercial flying of company executives and key personnel a risk. Some companies changed the rules such that groups of key personnel and executives could not fly on the same aircraft and others added executive aircraft to their transportation fleet. The purpose was simply to reduce the risk that the key minds of the associated companies would be lost due to the quality of maintenance of aircraft of the commercial airlines. During the hearings, and thereafter, the suggestion that the executives should fly commercial, in the same aircraft or via ground transportation has been shouted, screamed, blogged, reported, etc. in such a way that it suggests that the executives are doing this out of arrogance instead of by company rules. Mind you, there should have been some thought – and one of those could have been a convoy of GM vehicles by supporters (the Million Car Drive?) traveling to Washington, DC. to ask for loans as the car manufacturers are unable to obtain short term loans because creditors are unwilling to free up the funds that the financial bailout was supposed to provide.

Now, during the last hearings, and the ones coming up over the next few weeks, Congress and the Senate are demanding that the executives provide detailed plans, changes to the operations of the companies, how travel occurs, demands in reduced executive pay (don’t say anything yet, I don’t exactly disagree with this), make competitive information public, and that the government would have a direct role in their operations. The combined request of GM, Ford, Chrysler and the UAW International, was less than $25 Billion to be paid back once the ‘financial crisis’ improves and the companies continue their rapid adjustment. Shouldn’t these same requirements be placed on the financial industry which is withholding credit still but with a handful of companies who are demanding what appears to be upwards of $2 Trillion, so far, in free money from our taxes?

One of the key items that also came up was the employee cost associated with vehicles and how the UAW and GM, Ford and Chrysler should re-open negotiations to reduce labor costs. To put things into perspective: In 1970 there were 395,000 GM UAW workers in 165 facilities within the United States; by 1998 there were 210,000 workers building 5 million vehicles world-wide; in 2007, there were ~75,000 UAW workers at less than 64 facilities building over 8.5 million vehicles in the United States and a total of 9.4 million vehicles world-wide. The labor cost per vehicle is approximately 8%, including benefits, with an average of well over 50% of the cost of building a vehicle coming from energy costs. This does represent, by the way, more than 1.2 million GM vehicles over Toyota in the USA and over 3,000 vehicles than Toyota world-wide. In 2008, there are less than 70,000 hourly workers that have built 650,000 more cars than Toyota, so far. In the infinite wisdom of the US government, they continue to follow the precepts of the Theory of Constraints, a 1980s concept which suggests that if you are reducing operating costs you are reducing labor, going after pennies versus dollars, the same problem as their economist, Peter Morici, Economic Professor from the University of Maryland, who seemed to be lacking in a large number of facts from population to the income average per labor worker.

One of the key issues brought up during the hearings was the supposed average income of the UAW workers being over $100 thousand. In reality, the combined annual wage and benefits was actually $83,000 per employee with a phased program reducing that number by about half and replacing them with workers making an average of $15 per hour. They also brought up the $105,000 buyout package offered to workers as part of their severance. I am unsure why Mr. Wagoner nor Mr. Gettelfinger did not bring up that the purpose of the buyout was to eliminate their pension and retirement healthcare benefits from the contract. This value varied per worker based upon a number of components including time with the company and wage. The purpose was to reduce legacy costs. Nor did anyone bring up that the reason why the US factory workers at the foreign plants are paid reasonably well with good benefits is a direct result of the potential of unionization of those plants.

The number of vehicle sales, alone, and the leadership over all of the other manufacturers in the USA and abroad attests to the fact that people do want the vehicles that GM builds. This flies in the face of the constant suggestions that GM and the other members of the big three should ‘build vehicles that people want.’

Suggestions of reliability are also unfounded and leftovers from the 1980s up through the mid-1990s. J.D. Power Initial Quality Study scored Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Mercury, Pontiac and Lincoln brands’ overall quality as high or higher than that of Acura, Audi, BMW, Honda, Nissan, Scion, Volkswagon and Volvo. Personally, I have had very few problems with any of the GM or Chrysler vehicles that I have owned over the years (although I have seen an awful lot of Toyota Prius’ on the sides of the road recently).

Another point that was brought up during and after the hearings was that the big three had to build fuel efficient vehicles. In fact, GM, alone, has more vehicles available that get over 30 MPG than any other manufacturer and six existing with two more hybrid vehicle models available in February, 2009, and more to follow, as well as the GM Volt electric vehicle in January, 2010. These models include the Yukon, Tahoe, and Escalade, for large vehicles, the Malibu, Vue, and Aura, for mid-sized vehicles. The trucks provide all the power and size that many need with benefits of more power, faster acceleration/deceleration, and almost double the gas mileage of their standard partners (see http://www.motordoc.com/tahoe.htm for the Tahoe Blog, my experiences with my 2008 hybrid Tahoe and related adventures). In 2009, the Sierra and Silverado will have the two-mode hybrid system, bringing work trucks into the hybrid realm. The benefits are fantastic and Green(!) with the evidence that you do not have to give up comfort, size and ability to be environmentally friendly versus torture fitting into very small vehicles, for about the same cost as the standard vehicles with similar features (less all the extras that go along with the hybrid capability).

GM and the other big three are actively taking part in the US Department of Energy’s assistance in the development of fuel efficient vehicles. GM and Chrysler partnered in the development of the 2-Mode Hybrid system, a system that provides a much higher power density than the foreign competition. At present, the standard is 300 Volts with Toyota discussing a 500 Volt system in order to increase their power. 300 Volts has been a concern with rescue workers, repair facilities and repair hobbyists with 500 Volts bringing this into a whole new safety realm. The work that GM is doing in the areas of fuel cells, hydrogen fuel, flex fuel systems and advanced work in future vehicles is quite interesting – and a subject for another time. However, it is important to note that not only has GM entered the arena, they have jumped in with both feet, even with reduced fuel costs (<$2/gallon versus almost $5 per gallon six months ago). I can personally attest to the fact that the auto manufacturers, in particular GM, are NOT hiding any technologies for better efficiency, especially in this environment, contrary to many conspiracy theories of the past (and a few new ones).

So, what is happening to require the big three US auto manufacturers to have to ask for ‘bridge loans?’ This, in itself, is an important topic. First, I would agree to the idea that any executive for any company that is not profitable should be penalized in some way. The companies that have turned things around usually have had leadership that has income tied directly to profitability of their companies. Next, I would suggest some type of even playing field as the big three have been having to work against advantages provided to foreign car companies, including use of state tax funds.

Globally, US auto manufacturers operate at a disadvantage, even though GM remains in the lead. Many of them get to take advantage of socialized health care and direct incentives from their own governments that our companies do not get to take advantage of. This reduces their cost per vehicle. In addition, there are no constraints on the treatment of their employees and the drive to reduce the manufacturing time of producing those vehicles overseas, as well as environmental/emission issues. Additionally, there are issues concerning US manufacturers running into significant tariffs and restrictions to US made vehicles entering into other countries. For instance, Japanese companies aggressively fought flex fuel vehicles from entering Malaysia, and, luckily, lost recently.

General Motors also has to bear the full legacy cost of building plants in most places, especially here in the United States while taxpayer money goes to building foreign plants and training the employees of those facilities. A few examples: Alabama extended over $873 million to Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Hyundai to build plants; Mississippi extended $363 million to Nissan including assistance in hiring and training workers, paid for water and sewer improvements to the plant site, and built a highway extension from the site to I-55; Mississippi also pledged $296 million to Toyota in 2007; and, Texas pledged $133 million to Toyota in 2006.

It is extremely important to note that the primary opposition to the bridge loans are the representatives from the states that have provided funding to foreign manufacturers and those politicians that feel snubbed by the UAW’s support of Democrats in this past election.

What is the impact of the loss of just General Motors? A loss of approximately 3 million jobs and related tax revenue, launching us into double-digit unemployment and a direct impact on our domestic defense as auto manufacturers are meant to double as military manufacturing during times of war. How does this impact our economy? The US domestic auto industry represents 4% of the US GDP – the US military represents 3% of the US GDP. The loss and impact would be staggering. (reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQh2yzNfasw).

Where can we go from here? First, the auto manufacturers need to begin to relearn marketing, especially of their advanced hybrid vehicles. They also need to broadcast the general energy and environment improvements that they are accomplishing – some of the best kept secrets include the number of energy star facilities, the joint UAW and GM partnership with the US Department of Energy’s Save Energy Now program, and a great many more. The foreign manufacturers talk about their handful of improvements meant for marketing purposes, GM, Ford and Chrysler have not discussed their huge improvements in these areas. I guess that just shows that GM’s commitment to the environment is sincere.

The big three, especially GM, need to really broadcast their work in the area of hybrids and advanced vehicle manufacture. I am constantly amazed how many in the media, government and even within GM itself, are not aware that they have hybrids. My first experience was an interview with Fox News Brian and the Judge (excerpt: http://www.motordoc.com/temp/brianandthejudge.mp3). The reference from YouTube above shows the same thing. At the same time, Mr. Hannity of Hannity and Colmes (Fox News) brags about the great things he has been experiencing with his 2009 hybrid Escalade!

So, should the auto manufacturers get their bridge loan? Yes, absolutely. We have to remember that this is not a bailout, that such loans to companies such as Chrysler have been profitable to both the company and the government, and that, compared to the financial bailout, in which it is a real giveaway that has no historical benefits, it will save jobs in an industry that actually PRODUCES SOMETHING! The auto companies are not going to Washington with tin cups in hand, they are going to request assistance due to a situation generated by the government, itself.

Howard W Penrose, Ph.D., CMRP
President, SUCCESS by DESIGN®
Member, National Writers Union (UAW Local 1981) and International Federation of Journalists
Editor in Chief, IEEE DEIS Web

Black Friday and the Media

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:40:00 +0000

As I have previously mentioned, I am still trying to understand the general media's reasons for wanting to cause more trouble with the economy, other than human suffering generates news. So far, I keep hearing about how things are going to get worse because people aren't out shopping and are holding back on purchases. Yet, all across the USA I have watched and tried to get anywhere near malls and stores for the past month.

This morning at 12:01am, stores opened following Thanksgiving. We were stuck at several exits returning to Old Saybrook due to lines on I-95 that stretched for miles as people exited into the Outlet malls that opened their sales at midnight. Local news reports discussed extremely long lines for people waiting to get into stores and, more importantly, very long lines at checkout counters.

We sat in traffic to get past the lines in the twin non-hybrid Tahoe and discovered that it cost us well over a gallon versus the less than gallon for sitting in traffic for 3.5 hours in the hybrid.

Send a message to the media about the spread of fear that is generating problems for our economy. Go to http://www.motordoc.com/boycott.htm and send others to the link. It is time for the general public to finally be heard concerning the negative messages coming from the general media.

The Connecticut Auto Show

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 01:17:00 +0000

We attended the Connecticut Auto show held at the Hartford Convention Center. While there we met Ken and George at the General Motor pavilion. Both are previous GM employees who now travel to the auto shows representing GM vehicles with both being very knowledgeable about the hybrid GM vehicles.

The show was held on two levels of the convention center, having grown from just one level, from November 21 to 23, 2008. While GM featured it's hybrid vehicles, most of the other manufacturers, other than a few of the foreign car manufacturers, did not feature their hybrids.

We did find some, such as the Mercury Milan. However, Chrysler and Ford tended to focus on other vehicles - Chrysler the Charger and other similar muscle cars and Ford focused on their 10 cylinder pickup truck.

I suspect that the focus was away from energy economy as the price of oil is dropping. Could it be that many people still focus on the muscle cars and power? The greatest lines to view the vehicles were in front of such cars as the Chargers, Corvettes, and GM trucks.

I will be posting a powerpoint of the remainder of the show in a later posting.

Connecticut Auto Show - Size Matters

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:28:00 +0000

The idea of improving fuel economy has also included the idea of 'size.' While some vehicles are very small and light to improve economy, is that really the only consideration?

We attended the Connecticut Auto Show with a focus on taking a look at a variety of hybrid vehicles. On of the things we tried to do was fit the boys (Nick and Matt) into a 'Smart Car' - who on earth is supposed to fit into one of these things anyway?

And then I tried fitting into a Prius - getting in and out was a bit of a challenge.

The Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade (available since January, 2008 in 2 and 4 wheel drive) and the 2009 Silverado (due out in February, 2009) have plenty of room.

I will cover more of the auto show in the next posting.

Fox News Host Buys Escalade Hybrid

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:36:00 +0000

Hannity of Hannity and Colmes on Fox News announced on his show at 9:35 EST in defense of GM during an interview with Senator Romney that he visited GM to see the Volt and purchased an Hybrid Escalade. He stated that he has already doubled his gas mileage.

They were listening!

December 8 2008 Media Boycott!

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:07:00 +0000

Media at its best?

OK, I have been trying to figure out how this whole economic collapse started and carried through in a manner of a couple of weeks and how it happened to occur right at a critical time of an election. Regardless of who you were cheering for, you have to admit that the crisis came at exactly the right time to change the direction of politics in the USA. So, I started to go back and reflect a little bit and I noticed a pattern. This year there was a definite increase in interest related to news on the election both through standard print and television media as well as internet media. I also noted that there was a sudden increase in opinion and ‘talking head’ editorials related to the condition of the economy spreading fear amongst many people who had not paid attention to the subject in the past and a rash of acidic blogging most of which was not based in reality on any side.

While several Wall Street firms became troubled a few months ago, based upon poor asset decisions, overall the economy was in good shape. People were buying items and generally doing the things that are required in a good economy while a relatively small handful were running into trouble with their mortgages. Let’s just say that there was a strong media push for months concerning how the housing bubble was going to collapse and a definite push that gasoline costs were going to continue to skyrocket. The general feel that I had been observing was that most of the costs and other issues were accelerated by media coverage. The pen mightier than the sword? Now add in television and the internet…

Now I watch the news and the very people on Wall Street that gave advice that led us into our present economic and unemployment condition are recommending that the big three automotive companies should declare bankruptcy in order to eliminate unions, EXISTING and future pensions, benefits, re-organize and/or be taken over by foreign companies that are somehow more innovative than US-based companies?!? When you start taking a close look at the reasons for all of this, one thing comes to mind – there is a 24 hour news cycle nowadays, and if you cannot find news that sells advertising – generate it.

In the world of the media FEAR sells. Right now I keep hearing about how terrible the Christmas (yes, I dare spell out the whole holiday name – I am not a ‘PC’ kinda guy) season is going to be for retailers, yet I can’t get anywhere near a mall right now anywhere that I travel. So, what is being reported does not appear to match what is going on the ground, as in the past, until people react and it goes the direction that the media sends us.

It did not help that Congress and the Senate acted on fear and against the wishes of their constituencies by voting for the $700B bailout package that triggered the spiraling stock market. It is quite interesting that the main purpose it was set up for has become quite muddy and it is now being used as a method to do so many other things that don’t appear to be in the interest of the very people it was supposed to help. I mean, give me $170B to have a few parties, I will be glad to send a thank you note.

So, here we are, the general media has managed to succeed in developing news and scare the hell out of the entire world at this point. So, what can we do? How do we respond?

I am calling for a boycott of the news media – all news media, including blogs – on December 8, 2008, for 24 hours EST (12:01am to 11:59pm). I wonder how many of us are so addicted to the media now that we cannot get away from it for 24 hours? I also am going to call for people to go out and spend at least $1 dollar on themselves or someone else (at least a cup of coffee!). I also ask that this message is forwarded to whoever you wish. (You can forward this message by selecting the mail icon below).

Now, before some of you jump on me for this call for boycott, I have not done a call like this in the 25 years that I have been in the public eye. I am just tired of watching my fellow humans being toyed with, to the benefit of one industry, so I am acting on it. I am tired of watching retirement incomes go away, pure negativism being spewed, companies collapsing, people losing their homes, etc. It is time for us to act whether you are in the USA or elsewhere.

Can we, a small group of maintenance and related professionals have an impact? Show me.

Sincerely,
Howard W Penrose, Ph.D., CMRP
President, SUCCESS by DESIGN
www.motordoc.com
howard@motordoc.com

Picking Prius' Out of My Truck's Grill

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:11:00 +0000

Sat down to watch a little TV last night and caught Jeff Dunham on the comedy channel talking about his powder blue Prius and how he would pick them out of the grill of his H1 Hummer.

Here is his skit on YouTube.com: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQcSOP2AzXU

Now, I just finished my drive up from Chicago to Detroit, hit a lake effect snow storm, kicked the Tahoe into 4-wheel drive and continued on my merry way. Noticed two Prius' in the ditch! Continued on by at about 65 (slowed down from 70 due to traffic, not the snowy road conditions - well, yeah, I know... should drive slower). Picked the rest out of my grill when I got here... haha.

What is the impact of hybrid vehicles on greenhouse gas emissions if they were to be used as emergency vehicles?

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:10:00 +0000

Several weeks ago I was trapped during a snow storm and accident just south of Ottawa, Ontario returning from Quebec City, Quebec, for 3.5 hours. I was driving a 4 wheel drive hybrid Tahoe. If the average vehicle in the long, long line was getting 20 miles/gallon, at an equivalent fuel consumption of 2 min per equivalent mile, it would use 5.25 gallons of gasoline to remain on and keep the occupants warm. That would be 102 lbs CO2 per vehicle. I was able to keep the heat on, plug into a 120V outlet with my laptop and broadband card, and watch a DVD with a total usage of less than 1 gallon of gas or <19.4 lbs CO2.

The national average for county vehicles is 7 hours idling per week, or 364 hours per year. If we assume the same average as above (generous as most emergency vehicles use larger powerplants with an average of 14 - 16 mpg) the idle time would be an equivalent of 546 gallons per vehicle, or 10,600 lbs CO2. The primary reasons for leaving most emergency vehicles operating idle is that on-board computerized equipment and hydraulics (police, ambulance and fire) require power.

The heavy hybrid vehicles produced by GM and Ford provide the ability to power such equipment while cycling the engine only to recharge the batteries. Using the experience cited above (3.5 hours/gallon), the reduction would be to 104 gallons, or 2,000 lbs CO2, a savings of 442 gallons ($972 in idling fuel costs at $2.20/gal) and 8,600 lbs of CO2 per vehicle per year in idling alone. The numbers I am using are rudementary, but you get the idea.

Thoughts?

Visit to the Hybrid Transmission Plant

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:55:00 +0000

I had the opportunity to visit the GM Powertrain Allison Transmission plant yesterday where they manufacture the 2-Mode hybrid transmission that is used in the Tahoe, Yukon, and Escalade, and will be available in the GM hybrid pickup and work trucks early in 2009.

I was there as part of a group from GM Corporate related to servicing the transmissions and the GM transmission rebuild supplier, Dynamic. We had a chance to meet with Ron Vasold, the Manufacturing Engineer (and product launch manager) who gave us our tour along with Douglas Kadolph, the Quality Systems Manager, and Ed Tilley, the Quality Lead for Baltimore Transmission. The tour included watching the entire transmission being built from the components through to final testing before shipping out to the assembly plant.

Unlike standard mass production, the highly skilled professionals that we watched on the assembly lines have greater responsibility and control over quality than in a standard assembly line. Don't get me wrong, the professionals that I deal with throughout GM are impressive, this was just different. The care and quality in the building of the transmissions was outstanding and the end of line testing was very stringent. The quality control processes and 'error-proofing' concepts used in the manufacturing process, developed internally, were exceptional.

When we left, I was truly impressed and even more comfortable in my vehicle purchase decision. It also just so happened that one of the VP's of Dynamic was contacted that his 2009 hybrid Tahoe was delivered and he would be able to pick it up once we returned to Chicago. I have found it very interesting the number of people who are exposed to the truck that either purchase right away or make definite plans to buy one in the near future.

Wake up GM marketing - you have a winner here.

GM Marketing? How many GM hybrids do you know?

noreply@blogger.com (MotorDoc) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:45:00 +0000

OK, I have a complaint. As noted in my November 1 blog where I was interviewed on Fox Radio (see posting), the news media was unaware of GM's hybrid fleet! While many companies have one or two hybrids available, GM has over 8! And a number within a reasonable price range and several under the Toyota Prius - with more room, I might add!

So, here we go (2009's):

Model; Base Price; Mileage City/Highway

GMC Yukon; $50,945; 20/21

Chevy Tahoe (2008 Green Car of the Year); $51,405; 21/22

Cadillac Escalade; $72,865; 20/21

Saturn Vue; $26,270!; 25/32

Saturn Aura; $26,685!; 24/32

Chevy Malibu; $26,225!; 24/32

With the Siverado and Sierra coming in early 2009. This does not include the Volt - the first US Production Electric Vehicle, which will be out early 2010 or other hybrids under development and the pricing does not reflect any energy rebates, tax incentives, nor special deals.

Information: http://www.gm.com/experience/fuel_economy/hybrids.jsp

Personally, I want to see more USA vehicles on the road - supporting our big three and their hard work in developing leading edge hybrid, electric and alternative fuel vehicles.

Let me know what you think about GM marketing by clicking on the 'comments' word below (next to the number) and giving a response.