A Camaro on the line in Oshawa plant
GM Canada press release
Oshawa, Ontario (August 4, 2011) — General Motors will invest $117 million to prepare the Oshawa Assembly Plant to build the all-new Cadillac XTS, creating or retaining 400 jobs on the Flex Line.
More
Oshawa, Ontario (Monday, January 31, 2011) – The Oshawa Assembly Plant today celebrated the start of regular production of the hotly-anticipated 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible in a ceremony with employees and invited guests.
“This is an exciting new chapter in the ongoing revival of the tremendously popular Chevrolet Camaro,” said Kevin Williams, president and managing director of GM of Canada. “The launch of the new convertible opens Camaro design and performance to a new set of enthusiastic customers, while further demonstrating the flexible capabilities of the award-winning Oshawa Assembly Plant.”
The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible is the second of three new vehicles being launched in Oshawa since last September, and two new shifts have been added to support this additional production.
“The entire team here at Oshawa Assembly is dedicated to bringing this stunning vehicle to market with outstanding quality,” stated Dan Hermer, plant manager at the Oshawa Assembly Plant.
“New product mandates like the Camaro Convertible are testaments to the calibre of the workforce in Oshawa,” added Chris Buckley, president of the Canadian Auto Workers Local 222.
Employees were joined by Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, to celebrate the milestone. Hendrick, a Camaro enthusiast who purchased the first 2010 Camaro Coupe that rolled off the line, has now also purchased the first Camaro Convertible available for public sale. In both cases, Rick Hendrick acquired the purchase rights through the Barrett-Jackson auction, with all proceeds benefitting local charities.
“I grew up loving the Chevrolet brand, and I’ve never raced anything else,” Hendrick said. “As a Chevy enthusiast, it’s been exciting to see the Camaro return as such a world-class, high-performance car. The folks in Oshawa make some of the best products on the road, so the opportunity to meet them and thank them for what they do is a real privilege.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., a driver for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, was also present at the celebration and added, “Chevrolet has been a great partner on and off the track, and I’m very happy to be here on this special day. While I still enjoy my 1972 Camaro, I can’t wait to take home one of these awesome new convertibles.”
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, with an MSRP starting at $33,995, will be on sale at local Chevrolet dealerships across Canada starting in February.
More than $1.2 million dollars donated to Canadian coaches through the Making Dreams Possible program
Some 31,000 coaches, and over 284,000 athletes in 194 communities across Canada have benefitted from the program
Oshawa (ON), December 15, 2010 – Today, Chevrolet presented an additional 50 community sport clubs from across Canada with Community Club Coaching Grants of $2,000 each for coach training and development activities. Since its inception in 2006, the Chevrolet Making Dreams Possible program has provided more than $1.2 million to support Canadian coaches at all levels of competition.
“Chevrolet is proud of its long history of supporting the development of Canadian athletes big and small,” said Marc Comeau, vice-president of marketing for Chevrolet Canada. “Making Dreams Possible is designed to help coaches get the right kind of training, resulting in children having positive first experiences that encourage a lifetime love of sports.”
“CAC is committed to educating, supporting and connecting coaches and our partnership with Chevrolet through the Making Dreams Possible program allows us do just that,” stated John Bales, chief executive officer of the Coaching Association of Canada. “We believe in the value of coaches and are excited that once again 50 community sport clubs, their coaches, and their athletes will receive the support they deserve.”
Over the past four years, Chevrolet’s direct support of coach education and development through this program has impacted nearly 31,000 coaches and over 284,000 athletes in 194 communities across the country.
One of the clubs receiving a grant today is the Stittsville Minor Hockey Association (SMHA).
“The Chevrolet Making Dreams Possible grant will provide assistance to the SMHA by allowing all new coaches to attend an ‘Introduction to Coaching’ course. This will provide new coaches with the skills necessary to succeed, and in turn, will allow us to provide a consistent level of instruction – enabling coaches to build on their skills to match the children’s progression through the hockey ranks,” said Peter Valters, coach mentor of the SMHA. “An indicator of success (for us) is to have the children return each year and qualified coaches are critical to reaching that goal.”
A complete list of recipients is attached.
About Chevrolet’s Making Dreams Possible Program
Making Dreams Possible is a program developed by Chevrolet in partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada, the governing body of Canada’s coaching education program and is designed to support coaches of Olympic and Paralympic sports at the high performance and community club levels.
Chevrolet’s Making Dreams Possible program will provide a minimum of 100 grants of $2,000 each annually for coach development in local communities, and ten grants of $10,000 each annually to high performance athletes and their coaches. These grants will be used to fund special projects that develop the skills and abilities of high performance and community level coaches. Visit www.coach.ca/makingdreamspossible for more information.
About CAC
The Coaching Association of Canada unites stakeholders and partners (national, provincial and territorial sport associations) in its commitment to raising the skills and stature of coaches, and ultimately expanding their reach and influence. CAC (via the NCCP, NSOs and provincial and federal governments) empowers coaches with knowledge and skills, promotes ethics, fosters positive attitudes, builds competence, and increases the credibility and recognition of coaches. Visit www.coach.ca for more information about coach education and training.
Oshawa, Ontario (December 1, 2010) — Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac posted retail sales increases in November, up 59.6 percent for the month and 26.6 percent calendar-year-to-date. All four brands continue to outpace Canada’s retail market growth by a substantial margin, with award-winning cars leading the way.
“Strong demand for our cars is clear evidence that our award-winning lineup is connecting with customers,” said Marc Comeau, GM of Canada’s vice-president of sales, service and marketing. “We have had sustained retail growth all year, in line with our targets, and are winning new customers with every new vehicle we launch.”
Chevrolet car and truck retail sales grew 65 percent in November, also the first full month of sales for the all-new Chevrolet Cruze. The Cruze, recently named the Best New Small Car (over $21,000) by Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), has been met with strong customer demand, helping Chevrolet retail car sales grow over 92 percent. The Chevrolet Equinox continued to build momentum, with increased production added at CAMI and Oshawa earlier this fall in response to customer demand.
Buick continues to win new customers through world class execution. Its retail sales increased almost 77 percent in November, with its impressive, award-winning cars leading that growth. The Buick Regal, having recently won the AJAC award for Best New Family Car (over $30,000), posted month over month gains, after launching earlier this summer.
GMC posted a strong month, with retail sales growing 48 percent. GMC saw increases across its professional line-up, including award-winning crossovers like the Terrain, whose steep demand also drove production increases at CAMI earlier this fall.
Cadillac retail sales were up 28 percent in November, with the SRX continuing to lead sales growth. Cadillac launch products have performed extremely well, with the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, launched earlier this summer, recently honoured with the AJAC award for Best New Sports / Performance Car.
November marked the start of the Chevrolet Season’s Best Event and the Buick GMC Holiday Bonus Event, offering holiday bonus cash on most new vehicles in addition to low financing rates and no payments for 90 days. Combined with the innovative Smart Purchase financing option, or attractive lease offers for Buick and Cadillac products, now is a great time to visit a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac showroom to check out GM’s leading range of award-winning, high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles.
November 2010 Retail Sales Highlights
Chevrolet cars turned in a very strong month, up over 92 percent, driven by increases from fuel-efficient small cars like the Aveo and Cobalt, with a strong first month of sales by the Chevrolet Cruze.
Chevrolet crossovers and trucks performed well in November, with Chevrolet Equinox sales up 76 percent, and Chevrolet Silverado sales up 49 percent.
Buick delivered sales increases across its lineup, with car sales up almost 126 percent. This was led by LaCrosse, up 133 percent, as well as the all-new Regal. Enclave sales were up 21 percent.
GMC crossovers and trucks also posted gains, with the Ingersoll-built Terrain up 30 percent. Acadia was up 42 percent, and GMC Sierra was up 47 percent.
Cadillac sales were again led by strong customer demand for the SRX, posting 31 percent growth, its eleventh consecutive month of increases. CTS also performed well, delivering a 9 percent increase.
Total GM fleet and retail sales were up 33.7 percent compared to last November.
Oshawa, Ontario (November 2, 2010) — Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac posted retail sales increases in October, up 5.8 percent for the month and 24 percent calendar-year-to-date, continuing to outpace Canada’s retail market growth by a substantial margin. New launch vehicles have played an important role in this growth and this trend is expected to continue thanks to the impressive showing at the recent “TestFest” competition held by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where each brand claimed segment winners: Chevrolet Cruze, Buick Regal, and Cadillac CTS-V Coupe.
“We continue to bring stylish, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive new cars to market, and consumers and critics alike are recognizing that our new lineup can compete with the best and win,” said Marc Comeau, GM of Canada’s vice-president of sales, service and marketing. “With our award-winning lineup of vehicles connecting with Canadian customers, we are confident that we will continue to grow retail sales of our four core brands in line with our targets.”
October marked the Canadian launch of the all-new, much-anticipated Chevrolet Cruze, already an international success in over 60 countries. Last week, Cruze went head-to-head with the best of the competition and won, claiming the AJAC award for Best New Small Car (over $21,000). Cruze designers set out to establish new benchmarks in the compact segment for fuel economy, refinement and standard safety features, and customers are reacting very positively with a strong first week of orders and sales.
The Buick Regal, launched earlier this summer, also continues to build momentum, winning the AJAC award for Best New Family Car (over $30,000). Based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, the 2009 “European Car of the Year,” Regal is a modern performance sedan to rival the best in its class and brings a whole new dimension to the Buick lineup.
Finally, the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, also launched earlier this summer, was honoured with the AJAC award for Best New Sports / Performance Car. The all-new CTS-V Coupe is a luxury sports coupe aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts, boasting the performance and luxury of exotics at a price range that discerning Canadians can embrace.
November marks the start of the Chevrolet Season’s Best Event and the Buick GMC Holiday Bonus Event, offering holiday bonus cash on most new vehicles in addition to low financing rates and no payments for 90 days. Combined with the innovative Smart Purchase financing option, or attractive lease offers for Buick and Cadillac products, now is a great time to visit a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac showroom to check out GM’s leading range of award-winning, high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles.
October 2010 Retail Sales Highlights
Chevrolet cars continue to grow sales, up almost 37 percent, driven by increases from fuel-efficient small cars: Aveo, Cobalt and Cruze.
Buick sales were up almost 21 percent, led by strong car sales including LaCrosse, up 39 percent, as well as the all-new Buick Regal.
GMC crossovers also posted gains, with the Ingersoll-built Terrain up 34 percent. Acadia was up almost 17 percent.
Cadillac sales were up 3 percent, led again by the SRX, posting 8 percent growth, its tenth consecutive month of increases.
Total GM fleet and retail sales were down 6.1 percent compared to last October when major clearance efforts were underway for discontinued brand inventories such as Pontiac.
GM Canada press release
Oshawa, Ontario (August 4, 2010) — Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac continued to build momentum in July, with retail sales increasing 69 percent, driving sales growth to more than 37 percent calendar year-to-date.
July marks the eighth straight month in which retail sales for GM’s brands increased year-over-year, demonstrating the continued strengthening of each brand in the marketplace.
“The continued strong consumer demand for our products reflects our commitment to design, build, and sell the world’s best vehicles,” said Marc Comeau, GM of Canada’s vice-president of sales, service and marketing. “The success of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac each month further indicates our four brand strategy is working, helping build profitable sales in line with our targets.”
Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac delivered retail sales increases across the entire award-winning line-up, with launch vehicles continuing to hit the mark with consumers: Chevrolet sales increased 50 percent, Buick sales increased 11 percent, GMC sales increased 170 percent, and Cadillac sales increased 86 percent.
Building on this strong momentum, new offerings launching this summer and fall include the Buick Regal sport sedan, the Cadillac CTS Coupe, the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra heavy duty pickups, and the much-anticipated fuel-sipping Chevrolet Cruze compact car. Each of these entries will set new benchmarks in their segments, bolstering the stable of new vehicles that are winning with consumers.
With employee pricing available continuing in August on most 2010 model year offerings and some 2011 models, now is a great time to visit a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac showroom to check out GM’s leading range of award-winning, high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles.
July 2010 Retail Sales Highlights
Chevrolet cars continue to show strong growth, up 37 percent. The fuel-efficient Chevrolet Cobalt posted its sixth consecutive monthly increase, up 132 percent bringing the CYTD increase to 71 percent.
The Oshawa-built Chevrolet Camaro, recently announced as winner of the Edmunds.com Launch Breakthrough Award, and winner of the AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle and Customer Satisfaction Award (sport segment), delivered a 49 percent increase for July.
Strong sales growth for compact, midsize and luxury crossovers continues: Combined Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain sales were up more than 78 percent, with added capacity coming online in CAMI and Oshawa to meet demand; combined Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave sales were up 41 percent – their ninth consecutive monthly increase; Cadillac SRX was up more than 900 percent – its seventh consecutive monthly increase.
GM pick-up truck sales continued to grow in July as the economy strengthens: Combined Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra sales increased 170 percent, their best July since 2005.
The Buick LaCrosse – a Consumers Digest Best Buy for 2010, an IIHS 2010 Top Safety Pick, and the winner of MotorWeek’s Driver’s Choice Award for ‘Best Family Sedan” – continues to post positive results and achieved its highest sales month in July.
Total GM fleet and retail sales were up 21 percent.
GM Canada press release
Customers Will Receive $105 Voluntary Payment
Oshawa, Ontario (June 8, 2010) – General Motors of Canada is recalling 98,794 cars, trucks and crossovers from the 2007-2009 model years to disable a heated washer fluid system module that could pose a fire risk. Since the feature will be disabled, GM will make a voluntary payment of $105 to the owner or lessee of each vehicle for the loss of the feature.
GM Canada is conducting this recall to ensure customers have complete peace of mind and can count on the safety and quality of their GM vehicle. There are no known injuries or crashes related to the condition and there have been no reported incidents in Canada.
Dealership service personnel will remove the heated washer fluid module and reroute washer fluid hoses. Customers will begin receiving recall letters this month, but they can contact their dealer at any time to make an appointment to have the heated washer system removed.
The heated washer module was a unique technology available from only one supplier, and that supplier has stopped manufacturing, which left no opportunity to collaborate on an improved design.
Models included in the recall are the 2006-2009 model year Buick Lucerne; Cadillac DTS; Hummer H2; 2008-2009 model year Buick Enclave; Cadillac CTS; 2007-2009 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL; Saturn Outlook; and 2009 model year Chevrolet Traverse.
Most of the vehicles, 1,365,070, are in the United States; there are 98,794 affected vehicles in Canada; 26,228 in Mexico and 38,093 exports.
The heated washer fluid system was recalled in August 2008 because a short circuit on the printed circuit board could overheat the control-circuit ground wire. Dealers at the time installed an in-line fuse in the heated washer module wiring.
GM continued to monitor the performance of the heated washer fluid module in the field. In June 2009, a new and second failure mode was identified by GM with the first confirmed report consisting of smoke only. Since then, GM has been made aware of five fires in the US.
Oshawa, Ontario (June 3, 2010) – Chevrolet today announced pricing for the 2011 Silverado HD, featuring key structural improvements plus enhanced performance and fuel efficiency for the Duramax diesel engine and Allison transmission. Aimed specifically at leading the segment in meeting the tough demands of HD customers, the new Silverado HD delivers best-in-class horsepower (397 HP), torque (765 lb-ft), towing (up to 9,863 kgs / 21,700 lbs) and payload (up to 3,015 kg / 6,635lbs). Chevrolet then added one more best – value – with the 2500 regular cab 2WD model starting at a base price of just $35,600.
“Heavy duty pickup customers have clear needs; they want rock-solid reliability plus maximum power and capability, at the best value possible,” said Truck Marketing Manager for Canada, Santo Giardina. “So with the new Silverado HD, Chevy delivered huge increases in power and capability while actually improving fuel economy with the Duramax diesel engine.”
An upgrade to the proven Duramax diesel engine (now B20 biodiesel capable), together with the Allison transmission adds $9,670. Not only does it deliver segment-leading capabilities, but also an estimated 11% improvement in fuel economy and a highway cruising range of up to 1,090 kilometres.
The 2011 Silverado HD also offers the latest technology in driver confidence and control features such as trailer sway control, smart exhaust braking, hill start assist and more. An all-new chassis, featuring a fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame combines with the enhanced powertrain to deliver segment-best towing and payload capacity.
The longest lasting, most dependable pickup truck on the road, the Silverado HD will be offered in work truck, LT and LTZ trim levels in Canada. Delivery to dealers is expected in early June. All models come with a segment-best five-year/160,000-km powertrain warranty.
General Motors of Canada press release
Oshawa, Ontario (June 1, 2010) — General Motors of Canada continues to build momentum, today posting strong retail sales increases for its four core brands: Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac. Sales increased 15.4 percent for the month, and are up over 22 percent for the year.
“Our sales momentum in Canada demonstrates that we are connecting with customers, with retail sales showing strong growth for the sixth consecutive month,” said Marc Comeau, GM of Canada’s vice-president of sales, service and marketing. “Our business plan is working as we continue to profitably grow sales of our four core brands.”
Chevrolet retail sales increased almost 10 percent in May, with Chevrolet car sales leading that growth, up 45 percent. The Chevrolet Malibu saw strong May results, increasing sales over 135 percent, along with year-over-year sales increases for the Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet Impala, and Chevrolet Camaro.
Buick retail sales rose 44 percent in May, led by the Buick LaCrosse, which were up 92 percent. Buick sales will be further bolstered when the all-new Buick Regal hits Canadian showrooms later this month.
Cadillac retail sales were up 35 percent, fuelled by strong growth from the award-winning Cadillac SRX. A Consumer’s Digest Best Buy for 2010, the Cadillac SRX has posted consistent sales growth for the past 5 months.
GMC also saw its retail sales rise, almost 23 percent, led by its fuel-efficient lineup of small trucks and cross-over vehicles, including the GMC Canyon, the GMC Acadia, and the Ingersoll-built GMC Terrain.
Beginning in May, GM launched zero percent financing up to 60 months, in addition to aggressive cash rebates (up to $5,000) on several vehicle lines. May also marked the beginning of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra no charge accessory offer (up to $1,500), which also includes outstanding cash and finance deals. With a leading range of award-winning, high quality, fuel-efficient vehicles, together with these competitive bonus offers, now is a great time to visit a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac showroom.
May 2010 Retail Sales Highlights
Chevrolet: Chevrolet Malibu sales increased 135 percent; Chevrolet Cobalt continued with its fourth consecutive monthly sales increase, jumping 33.5 percent; Oshawa-built Chevrolet Camaro posted another strong sales month, up 377 percent, outselling Mustang for eight consecutive months (September 2009 through April 2010); Oshawa-built Chevrolet Impala sales up 64 percent; Chevrolet Traverse sales were up 24 percent for the month.
Buick: Buick LaCrosse sales rose 92 percent; Buick Enclave sales rose 14 percent in May.
Cadillac: Cadillac SRX sales were up 507 percent, posting sales increases for the last 5 consecutive months and achieving its highest volume month since its launch last fall; Cadillac DTS posted a 127 percent gain.
GMC: GMC Canyon sales were up 189 percent for the month; GMC Acadia sales increased 2.6 percent for the month.
Combined Retail sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac have increased year-over-year for six consecutive months.
Total GM fleet and retail sales, including sales of core brand vehicles and wind down brands, were down 18.0 percent for the month of May.
General Motors of Canada press release
St. Catharines, Ontario (June 1, 2010) – With employees, union officials and local, provincial and federal dignitaries on hand, General Motors of Canada president and managing director, Kevin Williams, today announced a new $245 million investment for GM Canada’s St. Catharines powertrain facility, which will be expanded to produce fuel-efficient six-speed transmissions beginning in early 2012. The investment builds on the good news for the St. Catharines facility, which also recently announced a $235 million investment to support next generation engine production beginning in 2013. Together, these production investments will secure some 800 jobs at the plant.
“The assistance we provided last year to GM Canada has enabled its transformation into a company that is poised for growth,” said the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry. “We are encouraged by this further evidence that GM Canada is on the road to recovery, and its commitment to doing business in Canada.”
“Last year, we stood behind GM Canada with unprecedented support to help the company restructure and today’s announcement continues the positive results following that decision,” said Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and MPP for St.Catharines, the Honourable Jim Bradley. “Some 800 families in the St. Catharines area now have a brighter future thanks to GM’s investment plans and, combined with the spin-off jobs created, this will be a tremendous boost for our economy.”
“Thanks to the support we received, we’ve transformed our business and have a strong foundation for success going forward,” said Kevin Williams, president and managing director of GM Canada. “Strong customer demand for our new vehicles is driving improved financial results and the rapid capacity expansion under way. Retail sales of our Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles are outpacing industry growth, up over 22 percent so far this year – strong confirmation that our products and dealers are connecting with customers in a very positive way.”
The six-speed transmission to be built in St. Catharines will offer customers a wide range of benefits including improved fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. The plant will supply transmissions to both the CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll and the Oshawa Assembly Plant for the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Buick Regal. The new transmission is based on the proven design of GM’s current Hydra-matic 6T40/45 transmission, which has established a strong reputation for its refinement, durability and fuel efficiency, for over a million customers around the world.
General Motors of Canada (GMCL) is headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario and employs 9,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures vehicles and powertrains, and markets the full range of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles and related services through the largest automotive dealer network in the country.
Ali al-anssari: Cadlic$$$$.