What happened to Chevrolet? Extinct?

[Toeknee_33]

No more Warranty.

 

Itâs Cruze. Itâs a known problem in the US ( you can refer to US forums) but in Asia they donât recall.

Well hope you managed to fix your GB at a reasonable cost.

[Kklee]

I used to own an optra . Here leak there leak.

Belt snap.

If only car is cheap in sg wgere everone can own 3 or more cars.

I still stick to something more reliable like toyota or honda

 

IIRC, my Optra about 280k km in 9+ years.

IMHO,  top engine cover leak likely due to choice of engine oil.

Radiator leak usually after timing belt change - likely due to not using distilled water.

BTW,  Optra uses gearbox from AISIN.   Last I read,  Toyota owns part of them. 

[Shorty]

Reading all these problems, i guess im blessed to get a problem free aveo5. Seems like the reliability is a hit n miss.

[Kklee]

I serviced regularly with Alpine and just 2 weeks after a recent service the GB suddenly boom in the middle of th road.

 

Even though QC marked all servicing as good. I wonder what QC was doing

 

They say wear and tear mileage only 50k

 

Sounds like pulling a fast one. The more I service with Alpine the more problems appear. It appears normally 2 weeks after servicing.

 

What is your driving pattern like?

Lots of expressway and nights? 

[Toeknee_33]

Back to Chevrolet discussion.

 

IMO GM treats brands as a marketing expediency. Bad examples include re-badging a Subaru Impreza to masquerade as a Saab. Or selling the same Aveo as 7 different brands in different markets.

 

GM launched Chevy into Europe in 2005 with a mix of Korean and American models. 9 years later they U-turned and exited the market. Not the best way to build a brand.

 

The Sonic is Korean-designed, the Cruze engineering is led by Opel, while the Malibu is mainly American. Can't remember where the Orlando originated. Platforms, engines, gearboxes, components are taken from everywhere in the GM empire. I don't see any brand heritage, any product identity or coherence, or engineering philosophy that we would be proud to see in our cars.

 

It's just a collection of disparate car models sourced from all of GM's repertoire of models, and conveniently re-hashed, re-badged. That's Chevrolet to me.

 

More messed up news from GM:

 

http://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/gm-warns-of-bankruptcy-for-south-korean-unit

 

 

Things aren’t rosy for General Motors in South Korea – the American automaker said its loss-making operations in the country is set to file for bankruptcy if its union did not agree to cut labour costs by April 20, Reuters reports.

Having announced last month it was shutting down one of its four South Korean factories (which are located in Gunsan, Boryeong, Changwon and Bupyeong-gu), GM said union concessions as well as government support were needed for it to remain operating in the country.

President of GM International Barry Engle reportedly told the GM Korea’s union leader that these concessions were needed for it to present a turnaround plan to the government by April 20.

If GM Korea – formerly known as GM Daewoo prior to 2011 – failed to present the plan by that date, it would have no choice but to file for bankruptcy. The company added that it also needs to secure US$600 million in operating funds by the end of April.

 

The automaker has already achieved cost cuts of over 500 billion won (US$470 million) through union concessions on wages and bonuses and voluntary redundancies, but still wants the union to agree to cut benefits worth US$74-$84 million, a union official said. The union said earlier this month that it will not demand any pay rise and bonuses this year, but is looking at the company to provide a future production plan and job security.

The South Korean operation – which employs nearly 16,000 people – plans to slash 5,000 jobs or about 30% of its workforce. It will however keep production steady if the government provides support and agrees to the automaker’s proposal for the loss-making operation, according to a document seen by the news agency recently.

Almost 2,500 workers, equivalent to 15% of the staff count, have applied for a redundancy package that the automaker is offering as part of a drastic restructuring. The company said it may also consider more voluntary redundancies for the remaining 680 workers at its Gunsan factory, but added that layoffs were the last option.

The South Korean operations produces models such as the Chevrolet Aveo, Spark and Orlando. It also assembles other Chevrolet models like the Cruze, Malibu, Trax and Impala. GM owns 77% of GM Korea, with Korea Development Bank owns a 17% stake. The remaining 6% is held by GM’s primary Chinese partner SAIC Motor.

[DACH]

So our next Chevy cars could be from Thailand?

[SGCMHello]

So when is chevrolet coming back to Singapore? It's the most budget conti brand, yet safe. Furthermore, they're using Opel's ecotec engine and copied their interior before selling off Opel to Peugeot. All the new Chevy are like Opel.

[Toeknee_33]

So our next Chevy cars could be from Thailand?

The bigger question is, if GM Korea shuts, then where will future small and medium sized GM cars originate?

 

Opel and GM Korea (ex-Daewoo) used to be the 2 main centres outside of USA, designing and engineering cars for sale throughout the world. What will happen when this last bastion is gone? Back to USA cars?

[Battledome64]

Reading all these problems, i guess im blessed to get a problem free aveo5. Seems like the reliability is a hit n miss.

Mine is no problem but when they knew that no more sales

 

They damage me car to create sales

 

Glad I moved away from them as far as possible. Even when collecting the car the service advisor threaten me to damage my engine.

[Cheefarn]

So our next Chevy cars could be from Thailand?

GM builds the Colorado and the Trailblazer SUV (a Colorado with a SUV body) in Thailand for now. The 2 models are also rebadged as Isuzu pickups and SUVs... since Isuzu is owned by GM... 

 

They will require some retooling to build the current lineup of US Chevrolets but I suppsose its not an issue given the size and power of GM in general. 

The bigger question is, if GM Korea shuts, then where will future small and medium sized GM cars originate?

 

Opel and GM Korea (ex-Daewoo) used to be the 2 main centres outside of USA, designing and engineering cars for sale throughout the world. What will happen when this last bastion is gone? Back to USA cars?

It is possible GM is following Donald Trump orders to bring all biz back to USA. No more overseas plants and let 3rd world countries benefit at the expense of HQ...

 

Actually with today's logistics network, cars can come from the North Pole if required. haha...

 

FYI, the current Ford Mustang u see at Regent Motors came all the way from Dearborn, Michigan. 

So when is chevrolet coming back to Singapore? It's the most budget conti brand, yet safe. Furthermore, they're using Opel's ecotec engine and copied their interior before selling off Opel to Peugeot. All the new Chevy are like Opel.

Well I have to correct u there bro. Actually the reverse is true. Modern Opels are just very expensive Chevrolets, model for model. 

 

All Ecotec engines were designed in the USA and meant for GM brands first, usually Buick, Chevrolet, and the now dead Pontiac and Olds.  Some Ecotec models were then transferred to the Opel arm to power Opel's lineup.  

 

Ecotec series was never a European design. 

[Cheefarn]

IIRC, my Optra about 280k km in 9+ years.

IMHO,  top engine cover leak likely due to choice of engine oil.

Radiator leak usually after timing belt change - likely due to not using distilled water.

BTW,  Optra uses gearbox from AISIN.   Last I read,  Toyota owns part of them. 

Modern Ecotec series engines REQUIRE GM Dexos certified engine oil. Its stated clearly in the owners manual and the requirement is also engraved on the oil filler cap as well.

 

The qns is....how many local workshops is aware of this? Or perhaps the bigger qns is, do they even know whats DEXOS 1 and 2 certification?

 

Dexos certified engine oil is comparatively rare in sg although they are as common as hamburgers in North America. For owners who values max performance AND longevity of your modern Ecotec and other GM engines, please search ard and buy the correct spec engine oil from 3rd party oil re sellers who import US market engine oil into sg for sale. 

 

It is unlikely locally made retail oil are DEXOS certified. As a rule, DEXOS certified engine oil are 5w-30 and thinner. However, not all 5w-30 or thinner engine oil are DEXOS certified.  

 

The same applies to all modern GM autoboxes from 2005 onwards. GM autoboxes required DEXRON VI (6) certified ATF. No other types or generic ATF are accepted. Usage of other ATF in your gb will result in premature wear and tear and possibly damage the gb in quick order. 

 

Again DEXRON VI ATF are generally rare in SG. Do self import some from Amazon or buy from 3rd party oil resellers in sg and replace ATF at periodical intervals. 

 

https://www.gmdexos.com/

http://www.gmdexron.com/

[Watwheels]

More messed up news from GM:

 

http://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/gm-warns-of-bankruptcy-for-south-korean-unit

 

 

Things aren’t rosy for General Motors in South Korea – the American automaker said its loss-making operations in the country is set to file for bankruptcy if its union did not agree to cut labour costs by April 20, Reuters reports.

Having announced last month it was shutting down one of its four South Korean factories (which are located in Gunsan, Boryeong, Changwon and Bupyeong-gu), GM said union concessions as well as government support were needed for it to remain operating in the country.

President of GM International Barry Engle reportedly told the GM Korea’s union leader that these concessions were needed for it to present a turnaround plan to the government by April 20.

If GM Korea – formerly known as GM Daewoo prior to 2011 – failed to present the plan by that date, it would have no choice but to file for bankruptcy. The company added that it also needs to secure US$600 million in operating funds by the end of April.

 

The automaker has already achieved cost cuts of over 500 billion won (US$470 million) through union concessions on wages and bonuses and voluntary redundancies, but still wants the union to agree to cut benefits worth US$74-$84 million, a union official said. The union said earlier this month that it will not demand any pay rise and bonuses this year, but is looking at the company to provide a future production plan and job security.

The South Korean operation – which employs nearly 16,000 people – plans to slash 5,000 jobs or about 30% of its workforce. It will however keep production steady if the government provides support and agrees to the automaker’s proposal for the loss-making operation, according to a document seen by the news agency recently.

Almost 2,500 workers, equivalent to 15% of the staff count, have applied for a redundancy package that the automaker is offering as part of a drastic restructuring. The company said it may also consider more voluntary redundancies for the remaining 680 workers at its Gunsan factory, but added that layoffs were the last option.

The South Korean operations produces models such as the Chevrolet Aveo, Spark and Orlando. It also assembles other Chevrolet models like the Cruze, Malibu, Trax and Impala. GM owns 77% of GM Korea, with Korea Development Bank owns a 17% stake. The remaining 6% is held by GM’s primary Chinese partner SAIC Motor.

 

Could Donald Trump's trade wars affecting their own car brands?

 

The above article seems more like a threat to the S.Korean govt. Similar strategy trump is using.

[Kklee]

Modern Ecotec series engines REQUIRE GM Dexos certified engine oil. Its stated clearly in the owners manual and the requirement is also engraved on the oil filler cap as well.

 

The qns is....how many local workshops is aware of this? Or perhaps the bigger qns is, do they even know whats DEXOS 1 and 2 certification?

 

Dexos certified engine oil is comparatively rare in sg although they are as common as hamburgers in North America. For owners who values max performance AND longevity of your modern Ecotec and other GM engines, please search ard and buy the correct spec engine oil from 3rd party oil re sellers who import US market engine oil into sg for sale. 

 

It is unlikely locally made retail oil are DEXOS certified. As a rule, DEXOS certified engine oil are 5w-30 and thinner. However, not all 5w-30 or thinner engine oil are DEXOS certified.  

 

The same applies to all modern GM autoboxes from 2005 onwards. GM autoboxes required DEXRON VI (6) certified ATF. No other types or generic ATF are accepted. Usage of other ATF in your gb will result in premature wear and tear and possibly damage the gb in quick order. 

 

Again DEXRON VI ATF are generally rare in SG. Do self import some from Amazon or buy from 3rd party oil resellers in sg and replace ATF at periodical intervals. 

 

https://www.gmdexos.com/

http://www.gmdexron.com/

 

EO or ATF,  can find locally if one knows where to look for it.

Owners are on their own if they go to outside workshop.  

 

It is knowing what is the periodic interval to change EO and ATF - that will depend on driving style and pattern, etc.

[Toeknee_33]

GM builds the Colorado and the Trailblazer SUV (a Colorado with a SUV body) in Thailand for now. The 2 models are also rebadged as Isuzu pickups and SUVs... since Isuzu is owned by GM... 

 

They will require some retooling to build the current lineup of US Chevrolets but I suppsose its not an issue given the size and power of GM in general. 

It is possible GM is following Donald Trump orders to bring all biz back to USA. No more overseas plants and let 3rd world countries benefit at the expense of HQ...

 

Actually with today's logistics network, cars can come from the North Pole if required. haha...

 

FYI, the current Ford Mustang u see at Regent Motors came all the way from Dearborn, Michigan. 

Well I have to correct u there bro. Actually the reverse is true. Modern Opels are just very expensive Chevrolets, model for model. 

 

All Ecotec engines were designed in the USA and meant for GM brands first, usually Buick, Chevrolet, and the now dead Pontiac and Olds.  Some Ecotec models were then transferred to the Opel arm to power Opel's lineup.  

 

Ecotec series was never a European design. 

 

You seem to be implying that all GM products have their origin in USA. You may be correct about the Ecotec but I cannot agree with you entirely.

 

Much of the design and engineering work for GM's small and medium sized cars are done by Adam Opel AG and GM South Korea, and then sold internationally under the myriad of GM brands, including USA, China, Australia. I do agree that the larger cars originate from USA, though.

 

Do some research on GM Epsilon II, GM Small Gasoline Engine, GM Medium Gasoline Engine, GM Gamma II platform, GM Delta platform, Cruze, Orlando, Sonic.....etc etc...

 

All these didn't come from USA.

 

USA don't know and don't understand small/medium cars, and if they lose GM South Korea, then their future in the world market is going to be not so rosy.

 

 

[Toeknee_33]

Modern Ecotec series engines REQUIRE GM Dexos certified engine oil. Its stated clearly in the owners manual and the requirement is also engraved on the oil filler cap as well.

 

The qns is....how many local workshops is aware of this? Or perhaps the bigger qns is, do they even know whats DEXOS 1 and 2 certification?

 

Dexos certified engine oil is comparatively rare in sg although they are as common as hamburgers in North America. For owners who values max performance AND longevity of your modern Ecotec and other GM engines, please search ard and buy the correct spec engine oil from 3rd party oil re sellers who import US market engine oil into sg for sale. 

 

It is unlikely locally made retail oil are DEXOS certified. As a rule, DEXOS certified engine oil are 5w-30 and thinner. However, not all 5w-30 or thinner engine oil are DEXOS certified.  

 

The same applies to all modern GM autoboxes from 2005 onwards. GM autoboxes required DEXRON VI (6) certified ATF. No other types or generic ATF are accepted. Usage of other ATF in your gb will result in premature wear and tear and possibly damage the gb in quick order. 

 

Again DEXRON VI ATF are generally rare in SG. Do self import some from Amazon or buy from 3rd party oil resellers in sg and replace ATF at periodical intervals. 

 

https://www.gmdexos.com/

http://www.gmdexron.com/

 

Burning question: Does the distributor of GM cars in Singapore use this DEXOS oils?

 

When I read your post, my initial thoughts was of cynicism. GM certainly don't make their own EO. Its probably a formulation that is unique to GM and they are trying to keep their cars within their own servicing network and disclaim responsibility in warranty claims. 

 

I found this on the internet: https://www.edmunds.com/car-care/do-i-have-to-use-the-manufacturers-oil.html

 

 

Tom Read, a spokesperson for GM's powertrain technology group, warns that using an alternative oil might diminish performance.

"If a customer uses a non-licensed engine oil that is simply ILSAC GF-5 quality, they will not enjoy the benefits of using a Dexos-licensed product," Read says. Those benefits could include better low-temperature performance, cleaner pistons and better aeration performance, he says. "This could be especially important as the engine oil ages."

Read's case for Dexos sounds compelling, but Valvoline's Smith isn't buying it.

"Our SynPower 5W-20, 5W-30 and DuraBlend 5W-30 went through all the Dexos testing and passed all the requirements," Smith says. "But we felt that carrying the Dexos name was not providing the consumer with any value."

Rather than raise the price of its oil to offset the cost of licensing the Dexos name, Valvoline chose to forgo the license and keep the prices lower, he says.

Smith says that GM's engine-performance warnings are part of its goal to drive consumers to dealerships for their maintenance. "We feel that they are taking choice away from the consumer," he says.

 

Make your own conclusions.

Edited April 2, 2018 by Toeknee_33

[MQX87511]

Anyone knows what happened to Chevrolet?   It's cheap and safe.   Not many budget cars are as safe as Chevrolet.   Will they come back?

obviously Chevrolet wants to drop out Singapore market, FC and new VES is Chevrolet killer,

and Singapore market Chevrolet actually is from previous Korean Daewoo Motor

Edited April 2, 2018 by MQX87511

[Cheefarn]

EO or ATF,  can find locally if one knows where to look for it.

Owners are on their own if they go to outside workshop.  

 

It is knowing what is the periodic interval to change EO and ATF - that will depend on driving style and pattern, etc.

If u go back to AM, they will claim the GB is sealed for life and ATF doesn't require replacement!

 

There is no such things as a sealed GB. and all ATF requires changing. Nothing last forever, esp in our hot and humid climate, and freq start stop driving. You should adopt a severe, heavy duty driving environment svcs schedule in sg. 

[Cheefarn]

You seem to be implying that all GM products have their origin in USA. You may be correct about the Ecotec but I cannot agree with you entirely.

 

Much of the design and engineering work for GM's small and medium sized cars are done by Adam Opel AG and GM South Korea, and then sold internationally under the myriad of GM brands, including USA, China, Australia. I do agree that the larger cars originate from USA, though.

 

Do some research on GM Epsilon II, GM Small Gasoline Engine, GM Medium Gasoline Engine, GM Gamma II platform, GM Delta platform, Cruze, Orlando, Sonic.....etc etc...

 

All these didn't come from USA.

 

USA don't know and don't understand small/medium cars, and if they lose GM South Korea, then their future in the world market is going to be not so rosy.

I am talking about the current lineup of GM products. 

 

Those old rebadged Daewoos are not real Chevy despite they wearing a bowtie upfront. The engines, gb, drivetrain has little to do with GM and they certainly doesnt require DEXOS and Dexron VI to work properly. 

 

The new Cruze is 100% GM, no Daewoo bits inside. The Trax is a US designed small crossover too 

 

Yes Opel do have some engine models that were designed in Europe for its brand, esp the diesel engines. But from the 1,4L Ecotec onwards, its still GM North America all the way. 

 

Only the Sonic hatch and sedans still have their roots traced back to the old Aveo days, but Sonic is hardly a showcase of what GM can offer for a small car. Cruze/Buick Varano certainly are.