GM has sold a tried and true brand

Shaners · March 11, 2005

GM has sold their EMD (electromotive division) to Greenbrier.

This means that GM is no longer in the business of making Locomotives. The name will still be EMD but it will stand for Electro Motive Diesel. General Motors has been the owner of this division since 1930.

Truckman031 · March 11, 2005

It's all about the $$$ these days.

MrQuadrasteer · March 11, 2005

You know, I'm convinced that GM is run by a bunch of monkeys ..... Not even smart monkeys....

F'ing pathetic decision after pathetic decision...... I'm just about t-h-i-s close [holds fingers apart about 1mm] to turning my back on GM.

But then what the hell do I drive ....

Halen5150 · March 12, 2005

^^Word. It's going to be hard to convince me to buy another gm truck when this one goes if they keep going downhill.

Dave686 · March 16, 2005

I don't understand why you guys would be mad about GM getting rid of a locomotive company? What does it have to do with the quality of the cars and trucks that they manufacture?

Cool Zr2 · March 16, 2005

No kidding, big deal.

MrQuadrasteer · March 16, 2005

Yeah, yeah, I know !!!

No, it's just there seems to be no loyalty or heritage any more, even for a company like GM. Those things used to mean something...

But, I can see where the locomotive market may not be what it used to.

I've just been hatin' on GM lately.... I'll get over it . Like I said, and I would go to what ?!!!!?

And, danmit..... I like trains !!!! It was cool having GM in it like they were.

Shaners · March 16, 2005

I don't understand why you guys would be mad about GM getting rid of a locomotive company? What does it have to do with the quality of the cars and trucks that they manufacture?

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Actually I find this interesting because I work for the only other Locomotive manufacturer (which is GE).

Now you can say what does choo choo trains have to do with lightbulbs? It's called corperate diversification, which hopefully leads to double digit profits across the board due mainly to cyclical natures of different divisions.

Our R&D department/enineering is actually combined with GE Aircraft engines, which gives us an extremely talented pool of brain power for both divisions. I'm sure GM will lose some of their better diesel tech guys...

As for Greenbrier, they are a "lean" financial investment group. Meaning many people that have worked for GM for years will probably lose thier jobs and be forced to take wage cuts. Hopefully they will still be able to collect pensions from GM.

MrQuadrasteer · March 17, 2005

Yeah, and what he said !!!!!!!

Elwood 2000 · March 17, 2005

I don't have much to say about the train issue, but I think I am going to see just how long my trucks will last. They had better step up in a big way for the next generation as far as quality goes, in my opinion. Not major issues, but the thousands of little things that add up on my "this bugs the s**t out of me" list.

Halen5150 · March 17, 2005

^^Yep. All I ask for is no CSK, no lifter tick, no painted interior pieces, no driveline clunk, and a couple more inches of ride height. Is that too much to ask?

Shaners · March 17, 2005

But, I can see where the locomotive market may not be what it used to.

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Actually the locomotive market is stronger than ever!!!

Railraods are screaming for more engines and are busier then they have ever been.

When I started for GE in 1988 we built less than 400 engines that year (new/rebuilds). In 2005 we will build upwords of 2000 engines (new/rebuilt).

EMD isn't as strong as GE right now, but in the past they were the #1 Locomotive manufacturer, and I'm sure their market has grown from the late '80's.

MrQuadrasteer · March 17, 2005

Interesting. Still with GE ?? That is some cool stuff.

Hey, since this is off-topic..... how ya like your GTS ?? How's it ride ?? Ride it much ??

Shaners · March 17, 2005

Hey, since this is off-topic..... how ya like your GTS ?? How's it ride ?? Ride it much ??

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I love the bike!!! It is a rare occaision to see them on the road. Yamaha imported 500 of them in '93 and about the same in '94. Those were the only 2 years they were offered in the states.

I have about 40K on it, but haven't ridden much in the last couple of years. The odd swingarm front suspension works great. It is almost impossible to upset the handling characteristics of the machine.

MrQuadrasteer · March 17, 2005

Hey, since this is off-topic..... how ya like your GTS ?? How's it ride ?? Ride it much ??

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I love the bike!!! It is a rare occaision to see them on the road. Yamaha imported 500 of them in '93 and about the same in '94. Those were the only 2 years they were offered in the states.

I have about 40K on it, but haven't ridden much in the last couple of years. The odd swingarm front suspension works great. It is almost impossible to upset the handling characteristics of the machine.

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Sweet bikes. Rare as fuzz on a toad's azz !!!