I attended this conference along with Zone B Committeeperson Steve Rop, Quality Network Rep Larry Givens, and our management counterparts.  The Key 6 took part in this Joint Leadership Conference held in Chicago, February 14-16, 2005.  The Metal Fab Division was invited to attend, along with the Manufacturing Assembly Plants.  We were paired up with Moraine Assembly.

Day One

Day one was spent reviewing information on our Quality Performance in comparison to our competition.  We also reviewed detailed instruction for day two’s Product Evaluation Exercise.

Day Two

Day two was spent at the Chicago Auto Show, where we were evaluated and scored 46 different items in:

      Body Exteriors                  Interiors

      Controls                             Seats

      Comfort                             Convenience

Our team compared the following:

·        Chevy Trail Blazer to Ford’s Explorer and Jeep’s Grand Cherokee Laredo

·        GMC Envoy to Toyota’s Highlander, Ford’s Explorer, and Lexus RX300

·        Buick Ranier to Mercury’s Mountaineer

We also spoke with potential customers checking out the vehicles. 

Day Three

The teams reported out their findings to the group, which included feedback from customers, competitive review results, and action plans as a result of our findings.  This was an eye-opening experience.  Over 50% of car buyers wouldn’t even look at our products, because of problems they or someone they know has had in the past.  Our perceived quality is below that of our competition, even though our quality has improved over 25% over the last five years.  We can change this perception by talking with family and friends about our improvements, by working together, and engaging all of our people all of the time to build world class quality into our products. 

Immediate Action Needed

Auto sales are very low and everybody can help! 

Presently in the U.S., there are over 3 million cars and trucks setting on lots waiting to be sold.  About 1 million of these are GM.  We all need to talk with our families, friends, and members to inform them of our quality improvements, and make an offer to help them with their down payment on a new GM car or truck.  GM has two programs to make this happen!

Employee Discounts

Employee discounts are available for employees, retirees, and their qualified family members.  Employees can receive up to six (6) discounts per year.  Discount amounts depend on the type of vehicle and are on top of all rebates and incentives available to the general public at time of purchase.  This is a great benefit and can save a great deal of money.  To get an authorization number, you will need:

1. Buyer’s full name as it appears on their driver’s license.
2. Buyer’s date of birth (i.e. 2-25-50).
3. The last four numbers of their social security number.  You will receive a GMS number authorizing the employee discount.

GM In the Driveway Discounts

This is another way to save everyone else money on their new GM purchase.  Employees and retirees can sponsor two “GM in the Driveway” discount certificates per month.  This discount is about 4½% over the employee’s discount, and can mean additional savings - in addition to the rebates and incentive programs available at the time of purchase.

These programs will also help GM employees and retirees by buying down our inventories and increasing our all important market share, which in turn will generate funds needed to launch more new models and help update our plant with new technology to help us work safer, smarter, and produce higher quality and improve productivity.  Find out more at:  www.GMfamily first.com           or

1(800) 235-4646                     or

Talk with your preferred GM dealership. 

Together we can make the difference!

Don Southwell, President, Local 730, UAW