truth about domestics

The Chevrolet Cruze will be out later this year/early next year, but that hasn’t stopped the ads from rolling already.  Check out this one where a cricket ball and bat is used to “paint” a Cruze.

Due to Toyota’s recent runaway quality issues, they have had to increase incentives to fairly high levels (in some cases up to $4,000 AND 0% financing.)  In order to keep pace, the domestic automakers have had to raise their incentives as well.  This has actually worked in their favor though, as both GM and Ford have been able to increase sales volumes, while keeping their discounts at lower levels than Toyota.  Sadly Chrysler continues to struggle, even with large incentives.  For more details, head on over to MSNBC.

(Image source: GM)

Check out the Chevrolet Cruze World Touring Car Championship…car being built in the time-lapse video above!

Check out this dyno run of the new Hennessey CTS-V700.  All I can say is wow!

The Chevrolet Cruze is a much more appealing car than the current C-sizer from GM (the Cobalt.)  Chevy has decided to show off two trim packages for the Cruze, one being the Eco model and the other a sportier RS package.  The RS package is pretty self explanatory if you have been following the recent Camaro at all.  Checking the box on the options list for the RS package will get you fog lamps, rocker panel extensions and a rear spoiler.  The Eco model will probably grab more attention as automakers fight to show off their fuel economy supremacy.  The Eco model is said to hit 40 mpg on the EPA highway test circuit, but only time will tell if the car can actually hit those numbers.  For more details on both packages, check out Chevrolet’s official press release at Autoblog Green.

(Image source: GM)

When Cadillac released the CTS-V a year ago, it blew away the competition from Audi, from BMW and from Mercedes-Benz.  This January, GM decided a CTS-V Coupe would really get people excited about a performance Caddy.  This week at the New York International Auto Show General Motors will be showing off the production-intent version of the CTS-V Sport Wagon!  In my opinion, the CTS Sport Wagon is one of the best looking wagons on the market today.  It also provides excellent handling and returns decent fuel economy.  The V-series will just up the performance ante to the tune of 556 horsepower and 551 pound feet of torque.  For all of the details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)

Sure, no one from Truth About Domestics was invited to the press preview of the new 2011 Mustang.  We didn’t get to sample the slick new 5.0L V8 or the steal-of-a-deal 3.7L V6.  We have no idea how they drive, handle, ride, take off, impress the ladies, or anything like that.  However, Popular Hot Rodding magazine did get invited and here’s how the car faired.  Ford had set up an eighth-mile drag strip to show off the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0L vs the 2010 Camaro SS.  Both cars were equipped with automatic transmissions.  The results?  The Mustang consistently came out ahead, putting down a 8.62 at 86 mph, while the Camaro lagged behind at 8.82 at 83 mph.  For the full story, head on over to PHR’s website.

(Image source: two-laneblacktopdragstrip.com)

GM has formed a new division.  The purpose of this group of 50 or so employees is to search the internet for complaints about GM products and do everything they can to rectify the situation.  Say a customer posts on Facebook that they are having transmission issues with their 2010 Cadillac.  This newly formed group at GM will find the complaint, and then try to contact that customer and get them hooked up with a service rep so that they can have the issue fixed.  I think this is another great example of how the culture at GM is changing for the better.  They are thinking ahead, trying to please customers again, and responding in a short and timely manner.  Maybe Toyota and Honda should try something like this…

For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)

Earlier this year we posted a story about General Motors adding a third shift at the Ingersoll, Ontario plant that builds the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain.  However, demand has proved to be so strong that more production capacity was needed.  Therefore, GM will expand the body shop at Ingersoll and then ship the body shells to the Oshawa, Ontario plant that builds the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro and Impala, where a third shift will build the Equinox.  All of the workers laid off at Ingersoll will be brought back, plus an additional 70 workers to help build the bodies.  Over at Oshawa, 600 employees will be reinstated, making this another victory for GM’s comeback.  For the full story, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)

Corvette Racing has had a rough go at it this year.  The video above proves that it hasn’t gotten much better.  At the 12 Hours of Sebring, the two teammates crashed into each other in the pits forcing both cars to go behind the wall for some extensive repairs.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.