We were a little bit surprised to hear GM was even building trucks in Shreveport anymore, but it sent out a release today declaring the plant's temporary shutdown. Maybe it's just practice for when the plant officially shutsdown for good next year. I mean, how old are the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins now anyway?
GM didn't specify which parts are in short supply in its release, but the two mid-size trucks both offer a 5-speed Aisin manual transmission. Seems unlikely there are enough orders for those to cause a plan shutdown, so we're guessing the trucks use additional foreign sourced parts in there somewhere.
bimmerjay says:
06:29 PM, 03/17/11
With the interruption in supply I bet prices on these are going to skyrocket $10, maybe $20. The tens of buyers are gonna be pissed.
ed124c says:
08:04 AM, 03/18/11
@bimmerjay: My first laugh of the day.
firstwagon says:
08:55 AM, 03/18/11
They still sell lots of them. Nothing brings out the bargin hunters like huge discounts.
As for foreign sourced parts, most people would be amazed to know how many American made cars (and car parts) are only "sort of" American made.
lostboyz says:
10:25 AM, 03/18/11
@firstwagon, from the april issue of C&D they do a breakdown of every car assembled in NA and give a percentage of american sourced parts. The Colorado (built in Shreveport, Louisiana) has 75% american sourced parts, so just because a few components come from japan doesn't in any way say what you are trying to imply.
firstwagon says:
10:50 AM, 03/18/11
lostboyz
I work in manufacturing. Trust me, you'd be amazed at the ways companies get around those rules.
We build a compentent for the auto industry from parts we buy from around the world. It is then partially disassembled, shipped to the states where they re-assemble it and give it a made in America badge.
Companies are global no matter how hard governments try to control things.
lostboyz says:
11:15 AM, 03/18/11
I work in the auto industry trust me, I know its a world market. Just don't imply that it isn't mostly made in this country either. How far do you want to go back to show it comes from other places? Raw materials?