GM's looming bankruptcy

May 29, 2009
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So, three decades of decline has come to this for General Motors: a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition expected to be filed Monday.

Lots of problems contributed to its downfall, but now the carmaker faces an extremely steep climb.

The bankruptcy will winnow its model line to vehicles consumers like best, but that doesnâ??t mean consumers will buy the cars. The brands might be suffering from fatal damage, particularly in such influential markets as California and much of the East Coast.

Do you believe GM will make it? Or is bankruptcy the next-to-last nail in its coffin?
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  • ToddMay 29, 2009 10:10 AM
    I think they will make it. They make a very good car, just to many makes and models. It should be Cadillac, Chevy, and Saturn and that should be all of the makes. Each line should feature about 5-7 models. Cadillac should lose the SUVS and focus on cars. Saturn could be the economy line with Chevy having a economy model as well. Trucks and SUVS should be under the Chevy brand. This is my non-expert opinon however. By the way, if GM is looking to move from Detroit, Indy should try to lure them downtown. The unions here are very weak. Probably a plus for them.
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  • KrisMay 29, 2009 10:43 AM
    I don't believe GM or Chrysler will make it over the long term. I think the way the bankruptcies are being handled by the Federal Government will alienate a large percentage of future car buyers and their future sales will decline even more.
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  • JoeMay 29, 2009 12:06 PM
    Know how many car companies were around when the Big 3 formed? 90 years ago there were close to 1000 car companies.
    Take the money we're using to bail and set up a fund for emerging companies with technologies that help with performance, mileage etc.

    GM and Chrysler won't and shouldn't keep going, they pooped in their own nest a long time ago with bloated managment and arrogance.
    It's going to be painful and tough but after the internet bubble burst we've seen wonders and breakthroughs we couldn't imagine.
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  • rickMay 29, 2009 12:09 PM
    I'm with Kris. For one thing, many of the smaller suppliers who worked with GM and Chrysler are currently and will continue to be closing due to the lack of business. Needless to say, the lack of material can only serve to drive up prices.

    This in turn, will have a negative effect on Ford, who like Chrysler and GM is saddled with union issues, pension issues, etc..

    I think what we will see is a long-term flight to similarly priced, but higher quality, foreign autos.
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