 Opel vs GM
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OP
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I would like to ask our British and European members their thoughts on GM possible plans to re-brand Opel to Chevrolet. The reason I ask is, that a friend and I are debating this possibility and being Americans,our only reference to Opel is the old GTs that were popular in our youth. Any thoughts? 
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Re: Opel vs GM
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New Tires
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OP
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They were cool, had a few friends that had them, someone once called them a mini Corvette.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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loved the GT as a teen! 
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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I don't see where they would gain enough to justify the costs of such a move. They are already sharing engineering. For example, the Ampera is nearly the same as the Volt except for a better looking front.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Opal has been a GM product since 1931 anyway...they are rebadged currently Vauxhall in the UK used to be Saturn here...the Buick Regal, Buick Verano and the Buick Encore...are all opals rebadged...the old GT's we loved were "Buick Opal Gt's" built by GM's German division
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Dec 2006
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New Tires
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OP
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That's what I thought, but my friend tells me GM just signed a huge deal with a major Ero soccer team to advertise Chevrolet on their jerseys. I'm not a soccer fan so ????
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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My sister had 2 GTs both were electrical nightmares. Had both at once and last one she still had she charged the battery and drove until it died and recharged.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
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Ya know Ian, I had NO idea that those little suckers used Lucas electrics in 'em.  (...say...they weren't positive ground TOO, were THEY???)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
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I never had any problems with the charging systems once I rewired the bike my way. The biggest problem with those bikes was the harness the components worked very well and a long time. As for positive ground, I like it. Even my Studebaker is positive ground.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: May 2011
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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All of this makes me sick seeing how GM will be defaulting on 2/3 of thier bailout loan. On the Opal, The Kadett B was sold in the United States through Buick dealers from 1967 until 1972 simply as the Opel.
Ride like you mean it.
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: May 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I had an 1972 Opel Kadett L 1500 when I was 16. It was a cool car. I loved that car. Then I got center punched(someone ran a red light) and it was totaled but I walk away sad. Next car was a '70 Challenger R/T. The Challenger made me look at cars differently. I got that itch for the need for speed. Back then we had drag strips all over the place. My Opel ran...19 seconds@82mph. But I didn't care. This is what mine looked like without the stripes. 
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
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My friend had a Mantis and put a motorcycle muffler on it, off a 1966 YL100.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Dec 2006
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New Tires
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OP
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+1 on the harness comment Dog
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Dec 2006
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New Tires
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OP
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Forgot about the Kadett, they were cool little cars.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Second Wind
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Second Wind
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In my best Tony the Tiger voice **"There cars!"**
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
I never had any problems with the charging systems once I rewired the bike my way. The biggest problem with those bikes was the harness the components worked very well and a long time. As for positive ground, I like it. Even my Studebaker is positive ground.
My '51 Plymouth is positive ground as were most US and virtually all Brit cars prior to 1956. Positive ground cars seem to have a lot less trouble with battery connector corrosion.
The reason for the mass change to 12V negative ground in '56 has to do with transistor technology at the time. Transistors were easier and cheaper to make with negative ground.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
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I did not know that and often wondered why the move to negative ground.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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My Divco Model-15 milk truck has a positive ground. and a 6-volt system on a Hercules QX5 flathead 6cyl 
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
All of this makes me sick seeing how GM will be defaulting on 2/3 of thier bailout loan. On the Opal, The Kadett B was sold in the United States through Buick dealers from 1967 until 1972 simply as the Opel.
Uh, that isn't true. Although they shuffled some loans from an escrow account to do it, technically they've already repaid the 'bailout' loan, and there is no indication that the secondary loan from the escrow will not be repaid as well as they are making money for a change.
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Dec 2006
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New Tires
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OP
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I think where the taxpayer exposure is the GM stock owned by the US Treasury, to sell at present would be a $25+ billion loss. But, who knows, let's hope for future success.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Quote:
Quote:
All of this makes me sick seeing how GM will be defaulting on 2/3 of thier bailout loan. On the Opal, The Kadett B was sold in the United States through Buick dealers from 1967 until 1972 simply as the Opel.
Uh, that isn't true. Although they shuffled some loans from an escrow account to do it, technically they've already repaid the 'bailout' loan, and there is no indication that the secondary loan from the escrow will not be repaid as well as they are making money for a change.
Absolutely true, American taxpayers will be shafted a minimum of $25 Billion and counting for giving the Autoworkers Union a political payoff. Source "congressional accounting office" as of yesterdays announcement. Kool-Ade Anyone?
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
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Hey Ryk! I hope you know that if it WASN'T for that GM bailout....Tim Allen would probably be doin' voiceover commercials now ONLY for Campbell Soup and NOT CHEVY!!! (...and HE'S not in any union other than SAG, ya know...see NOW how this issue has so many OTHER facets to consider, dude!!!)  
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
I think where the taxpayer exposure is the GM stock owned by the US Treasury, to sell at present would be a $25+ billion loss. But, who knows, let's hope for future success.
That's pretty much it. I'm a pretty savvy investor, if I do say so myself. Like, I got out of the market except to heavily short bank stocks when a certain someone went into office. I lost nothing and made...well...enough during the meltdown.
I'm work optional these days thanks to betting against a certain consonant. Don't get me wrong. I really appreciate it.
GM is a pretty good investment. The US will do fine on their investment, IMHO.
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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...if I do say so myself.
Does seem to be the common denominator here dude. 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Opel vs GM
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New Tires
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OP
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Not sure how a corporation that has lost half it's value in three years is a good investment. They have lost 2% of market share over the last year, 20% to 18%. This with huge gov fleet buys and cash grants to police depts to buy new GM cars. This bailout might have been over sold, GM is betting on the new Malibu, if that isn't a home run, from every analysis I've read GM will have to be bailed out again with in next three years. Let's pray!
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,018
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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One accounting office says yes its paid off , Another says no not really. Is anything a fact or the truth anymore.
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
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One accounting office says yes its paid off , Another says no not really. Is anything a fact or the truth anymore.
If it comes from the gvt, don't believe it.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
Not sure how a corporation that has lost half it's value in three years is a good investment. They have lost 2% of market share over the last year, 20% to 18%. This with huge gov fleet buys and cash grants to police depts to buy new GM cars. This bailout might have been over sold, GM is betting on the new Malibu, if that isn't a home run, from every analysis I've read GM will have to be bailed out again with in next three years. Let's pray!
Well, the same sort of thing was going on with Ford when the other companies took out their loans and most 'experts' said to stay away. I did pretty well with them.
Let's just keep an eye on them over the next five years (that's the window I prefer). I'm going with them.
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Dec 2006
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New Tires
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OP
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I hope you are right, but the bailout, while fixing GM's balance sheet, didn't correct their cost or management structure. Those flawed structures is what got GM into trouble in the first place, time will tell.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
I hope you are right, but the bailout, while fixing GM's balance sheet, didn't correct their cost or management structure. Those flawed structures is what got GM into trouble in the first place, time will tell.
Yep. I worry a lot more about Chrysler. While they have some cool toys, I just don't think they "get it".
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Dec 2006
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New Tires
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OP
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True, back in the day, I and a lot of friends made a killing off the original Chrysler "bailout" loan guarantees. 
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Sep 2009
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Been on vacation, so I'm a little late to the conversation...
I had an Opel and it was a nightmare.
The thing would run about 50km and then the engine would die. Can't start again. Waiting over 4 hours and it would start again... for another 50km.
Went back to the garage about 10 times, they couldn't find the problem... each time I would get stuck right after passing the 50km mark.... last time, it stalled in a tunnel and I said "enough".
Gave the car back.
I live in a very hot place, and someone told me that Opels are now able to handle the very high temps and humidity we get around here. Truth or not, there used to be a lot of Opels here, now, they are pretty much gone.
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Jun 2009
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I've seen GM cars badged as Opel in germany,Vauxhall in England ,Holden in Australia,Isuzu in Thailand all the same car.
GM is owner or part owner or partners with all those companies.
The Holden "Commadore" was the Opel Kommander and a Vauxhall[can't remember the name] too?The Opel "Kadett"in germany was a Holden "Gemini" in Australia
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
True, back in the day, I and a lot of friends made a killing off the original Chrysler "bailout" loan guarantees.
I'm curious about how you did that since Chrysler isn't a publicly traded company. I'm always interested in different ways to play the game.
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Dec 2006
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New Tires
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OP
New Tires
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Quote:
Quote:
True, back in the day, I and a lot of friends made a killing off the original Chrysler "bailout" loan guarantees.
I'm curious about how you did that since Chrysler isn't a publicly traded company. I'm always interested in different ways to play the game.
The "original" Chrysler bailout decades ago, the shares were down to like scratch-er loto ticket prices. 
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Although, it wasn't really a bailout at all, it was a loan and Chrysler paid that one back 100%. The loan was given in 1980 and paid back in full in 1983.
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: Dec 2006
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New Tires
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OP
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Quote:
Although, it wasn't really a bailout at all, it was a loan and Chrysler paid that one back 100%. The loan was given in 1980 and paid back in full in 1983.
Correct, that's why my post said,"original "bailout" guaranteed loans".
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Quote:
All of this makes me sick seeing how GM will be defaulting on 2/3 of thier bailout loan. On the Opal, The Kadett B was sold in the United States through Buick dealers from 1967 until 1972 simply as the Opel.
Uh, that isn't true. Although they shuffled some loans from an escrow account to do it, technically they've already repaid the 'bailout' loan, and there is no indication that the secondary loan from the escrow will not be repaid as well as they are making money for a change.
Not to turn this into a major thread drift but as it stands no GM is most likely facing bankruptcy. This is what happens whe you have a company controlled by government and are told what to produce. Most of the Volts were sold to the government in fleet sales, Any person that paid full MSRP for a GM product was a fool because they are dealing faster than a street clocker. GM is getting subsidies from their bail out partner which allows them to sell below every other car dealership and... they count any GM auto shipped from the factory to a dealer as a sold unit. All of this & they are still hemorrhaging our good faith money. Let them file & re-organize. I will look at Ford for any domestic cars. The bail out loan was not paid, all of the magic financial terminology and smoke and mirrors will not change that fact.
Ride like you mean it.
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Re: Opel vs GM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490 |
Quote:
Although, it wasn't really a bailout at all, it was a loan and Chrysler paid that one back 100%. The loan was given in 1980 and paid back in full in 1983.
And a damn good trick (the full payback) seeing how much the K Car sucked. Lee Iacocca was brilliant.
Ride like you mean it.
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