Jalopnik: TopKick

Obama To Get New, Giant Truck-Based Cadillac Presidential Limo

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST

With a new president set to take the office, GM is working on a new version of "Cadillac One" for President-Elect Barack Obama — and it's a monster. According to our sources, the new President's state car may look like a stretched Cadillac DTS but is actually based on the GMC Topkick medium-duty truck platform underpinning Ironhide from Transformers. But instead of turning into an alien fighting machine, the Cadillac transforms into a portable bunker likely equipped with five-inch thick glass, cellphone-jamming equipment and blast-proof ceramics. Of course, this is all speculation as the Secret Service won't let anyone know the details of the system.

It's about time the Secret Service stepped up their game seeing as the current limo had a little bit of a break-down in Rome. Though Obama may want a million plug-in hybrids on the road by 2015, the likelihood is this über-heavy Caddy probably downs more fuel than a dozen Prius hybrids combined. What? Did you expect him to drive around in a K-Car? Drive slow, homey.

[Photo: EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images, Source: Boston Globe]

GM Considering Sale Of Medium-Duty Truck Division To Isuzu

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:45:00 EDT

According to Automotive News, GM is planning to sell its medium-duty commercial truck division to Isuzu (Ed. Note to Automotive News: "Medium-Duty" is not the same thing as "Mid-Size." Please make a note of this. Thanks!). According to Isuzu representatives, they have not been contacted by General Motors regarding the possible deal, but said they would respond positively to the prospect. The news comes after Navistar backed out of a deal on GM medium-duty trucks which would mirror the sale of the Ford commercial truck division to Sterling in 1997, though GM is in a considerably different financial situation now than the big blue oval was back in the 90's. GM has of course had a long term relationship with Isuzu in the heavy truck business, even sharing ownership with Isuzu on the DMAX diesel plant in Ohio.

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: If this rumor proves to be true, GM is working hard to put together cash and not letting the broken deal with Navistar stop them. The problem we see is that medium-duty trucks offer excellent return on investment as major systems have long life cycles and redesigns and retooling efforts are rare occurrences. Add to that long service lives with a healthy parts business and the building of trucks is a good business to be in.

However, trucking faces hard times ahead as rising fuel prices drive down profitability and fleet operators are making current trucks last longer instead of buying new. On top of that the 2010 EPA regulations on diesel trucks are forcing major engineering expenditures, driving costs and complexity up. GM may be throwing the baby out with the bathwater when considering this deal, but it may be worth it to save the North American business, and who knows, the baby in this case might grow up to be an asshole anyway. We mean, he is a big movie star now. [AutoNews (Sub. req)]

Ironhide Spotted With Can-Am Spyder, Motorcycle

Travis Hudson — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:20:00 EDT

More details regarding everyone's favorite movie sequel trickle in by the day. We know that filming is set to begin next week in the Philadelphia area and Ironhide, better known as the GMC Topkick, was spotted en route to the location for filming. The interesting item to note is what was being hauled along with Ironhide. A motorcycle was spotted in the bed of the truck as well as a Can-Am Spyder being hauled alongside. We could get all excited speculating about whether the motorcycle and Can-Am Spyder are miniature Transformers, but they're probably just props or stunt vehicles for the less robotic stars of Transformers 2. Click through for more details about the first shoot next week.

Rumors suggest that the first shoot next week will take place in Bethlehem, Penn., and the set is outfitted to look like a Chinese city. It will feature a new concept car not seen in the first movie as well as two Blackhawk helicopters. A car hauler was also seen around the set with two Saturns and five unidentified Chinese cop cars.

[TFW2005; Transformers Live]

Ratchet, Ironhide Spotted; Transformers 2 Filming In Arizona?

Travis Hudson — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EDT

Today's daily Transformers 2 update comes with more spotted Autobots and rumors of a filming location. Photographed in the Culver City, Calif. is this truck loaded up with Ironhide and Ratchet. This is the third Transformer spotting we've seen over the past week. Last Friday we saw twin Barricades, yesterday we caught glimpse of Optimus Prime and now we have Ratchet and Ironhide. My keen eye also noticed that all of the spotted Transformers are being hauled around from seemingly the same truck and trailer. That's one hell of a lucky truck driver.

The second tidbit of news comes by way of the Sedona, Ariz. film commission that is reporting multiple production inquiries for Transformers 2. Given the geographic nature of Arizona, it's not that shocking to hear Michael Bay and company looking to the Sedona to film the sequel. At least there is plenty of room for overly epic and amazing Transformers fight scenes. [Superhero Hype; Sedona Film Commission via TFW2005]

Goodbye, Ironhide: GM Reaches Agreement, Sells Medium-Duty Trucks to Navistar

Ray Wert — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 09:15:00 EST

The General's finally come to an agreement on selling their not-so-profitable medium duty truck business to Navistar, the owners of International Truck and Engine. That means the Navistar folks will now be responsible for making the GMC TopKick and the Chevrolet Kodiak, moving production from GM's plant in Flint, Mich., to a Navistar facility to be named at a later date. Well, as long as they're still going to be making replacement parts for Ironhide, what do we care? Because let's be clear here, you wouldn't like this professional grade Autobot when he's angry. Full press release after the jump.

GM and Navistar Reach Tentative Agreement on Medium Duty Truck Business

NEW YORK/WARRENVILLE, Ill. — General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM) and International Truck and Engine Corporation, the principal operating subsidiary of Navistar International Corporation (Other OTC: NAVZ), have entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding under which Navistar would purchase certain assets, intellectual property and distribution rights for GM's medium-duty truck business, the two companies announced today.

As proposed, Navistar would acquire GM's medium-duty truck business, which includes assets and intellectual property rights to manufacture GMC and Chevrolet brand vehicles in the class 4-8 gross vehicle weight range. It also includes purchase of the related service parts business. Navistar would sell a competitive line of Chevrolet and GMC vehicles and service parts through GM's proprietary dealer network in the United States and Canada.

The agreement is another step in GM's plan to focus on designing, manufacturing and selling cars and light trucks globally. The deal would leverage Navistar's strengths in commercial trucks and engines, and advance its strategy to build scale and reduce costs.

Troy Clarke, president of GM North America, said, "Navistar's expertise in building International® brand commercial trucks and its track record in the medium-duty segment makes them an excellent choice to acquire and continue growing the business. We intend to work closely with Navistar to make this transition seamless to our dealers and customers."

"This is another example of how we're strategically growing our business for trucks, engines and parts, building scale and reducing costs," said Daniel C. Ustian, chairman, president and CEO, Navistar International Corporation. "We are proud to incorporate the GM truck brands into our portfolio, and will utilize the scale to build on the success of both the International and GM product lines and their respective distribution networks."

Navistar would add the GMC® TopKick and Chevrolet® Kodiak truck brands to its growing portfolio of brands, which currently includes International® brand trucks and tractors, IC® brand buses, Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans, and MaxxForce® brand engines.

When a deal is definitively concluded, production of the vehicles would move from GM's plant in Flint, Mich., to a Navistar facility to be named. GM would retain ownership of its Flint plant and continue to build other products at the facility.

GM will continue its medium-duty truck relationship with Isuzu to market W-Series trucks through GM's medium-duty dealer network.

The deal is expected to close in 2008 subject to completion of satisfactory due diligence, the negotiation of a definitive purchase agreement, customary regulatory clearance and board approval. Upon closing, transition of the business could take several months to conclude.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 284,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Navistar International Corporation (OTC: NAVZ) is the parent company of International Truck and Engine Corporation. The company produces International® brand commercial trucks, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC brand school and commercial buses and Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans, and is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. Navistar is also a provider of truck and diesel engine parts. A wholly owned subsidiary offers financing services. Additional information is available at: www.navistar.com.

Forward Looking Statements
Information provided and statements contained in this news release that are not purely historical are forward -looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements only speak as of the date of this news release and the company assumes no obligation to update the information included in the presentation. Such forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of our business strategy. These statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "estimate" or similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of performance or results and they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions , including the risk of continued delay in the completion of our financial statements and the consequences thereof, the availability of funds, either through cash on hand or the company's other liquidity sources, to repay any amounts due should any of the company's debt become accelerated, and decisions by suppliers and other vendors to restrict or eliminate customary trade and other credit terms for the company's future orders and other services, which would require the company to pay cash and which could have a material adverse effect on the company's liquidity position and financial condition. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are many factors that could affect our actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. For a further description of these factors, see Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2006. In addition, until the previously announced review by the company of its accounts is concluded, no assurance can be given with respect to the financial statement adjustments or impacts resulting from such review.

# # #

When Transformers Attack!

Ray Wert — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 09:57:54 EDT

Everyone's got to have something different for the Woodward Dream Cruise. Whether it's customizing your classic car or having something entirely unique you've really got to bring your "A" game to really roll in the largest classic car event ~~nobody's ever heard of~~ in the world. Like the guy above who's brought out a GMC TopKick modded out to look like everyone's favorite Autobot weapons specialist, Ironhide. Or at least I thought it was just a modified GMC TopKick — until I happened to catch Mr. Transformer here as he tried to sneak up on me from behind, and snagged some shots of him in my side mirror just as I was trying to get into the left lane. All I've got to say is never cut in front of Ironhide when he's really in a hurry. Just sayin'...those laser burns are really difficult to buff out. Needless to say, I let him by. OK, now back to today's Woodward Dream Cruise coverage.

Transformers Movie Update: We Have An Exclusive Robogasm With Ironhide, Bumblebee, Jazz And Ratchet

Ray Wert — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 16:55:00 EDT

The General took four robots in disguise to the GM Riverwalk this afternoon to show them off in all their vehicular glory and gave us the exclusive look at all of them — before they're sent out west to californicate with the stars at the premiere. Although we weren't allowed to drive or even touch the GMC TopKick (Ironhide), Camaro concept car (Bumblebee), Solstice (Jazz) and Hummer (Ratchet) making up the four Autobot alt-vehicle modes owned by GM, we did find a way to make sure Jalopnik got a chance to sorta touch at least one of them. Check out our galleries of the hot car-robot action in our four galleries below. – Ray Wert

Transformers Movie Update: Fifty Hot Screen Shots Of Movie Action!

Ray Wert — Mon, 07 May 2007 14:32:00 EDT

Despite the whole "Optimus Prime with lips" thing, we've got to say we're still pretty excited about the upcoming live-action movie. Of course, maybe that's only because we were able to snag these fifty some-odd PR shots from Paramount Pictures. Enjoy the ensuing robogasm. [Please note, we cannot be in any way held liable for those of you having a robogasm and any other -gasm simultaneously due to the hot robot action spliced in with the hot Megan Fox action. Just sayin'...] – Ray Wert

[via /Film]

GM An Official Transformers Movie Partner, Rick Wagoner To Play Megatron?

Ray Wert — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 06:55:43 EST

Yes, it's officially the end of the world. The Decepticons are in the gate, and evil now goes by another name — General Motors. The General's officially added their name to a "power partnership" with Paramount Pictures today at the General's pre-Oscar fashion event in Hollywood for joint promotion of the new upcoming live-action Transformers movie. As part of the gala, they helped introduce "four...movie stars." Namely they're who we already know about, the disguise-side alt-modes of everyone's fan fave Bumblebee (Camaro Concept), Jazz (Pontiac Solstice), Ratchet (Hummer H2), Ironhide (GMC TopKick). The press release, which we've got below the jump, treated us to at least one hackneyed and overused phrase: "GM will roll out a fully integrated marketing and promotional effort..." But, the killer for us is the blatant attempt at pandering to those readers of Jalopnik who may love the 'Formers, claiming we were one of those "quick enough to have freeze-framed [images of the Camaro, Solstice, H2 and TopKick]." I mean, seriously, you don't need a freeze-frame to catch the huge-ass Chevy logo, do you? Anyway, the press shots are in the gallery below for you to check out (as well as you can also check out our full Transformers gallery, or check out the trailer here) — we're going to go fervently pray Bob Lutz doesn't get a cameo as a jet pilot or something. – Ray Wert

'Transformers ' and GM Form Power Partnership
Live-Action Movie's 'Heroes' Attend 6th Annual GM Ten Event;
DreamWorks/Paramount Film Slated to Debut July 4

LOS ANGELES - Four new movie stars - "Bumblebee ," "Autobot Jazz ," "Autobot Ratchet " and "Ironhide " - from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures', in association with Hasbro's, forthcoming July 4th action-adventure release, "Transformers ," were introduced this evening by General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) as it hosted its sixth annual "ten" pre-Oscar fashion event at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood.

"Bumblebee" changes from the classic Chevrolet Camaro, and is a central character in the saga of aliens who take mechanical forms when on Earth "Autobot Jazz" converts from a Pontiac Solstice in a hardtop format. A Hummer H2, modified as a rescue vehicle, changes into "Autobot Ratchet" and "Ironhide" changes from a GMC TopKick medium-duty truck. They all star in this summer's live-action blockbuster, "Transformers," from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, in association with Hasbro, which will premiere July 4.

Buzz about the roles that these vehicles play in the movie has been spreading since a quick glimpse of the new Camaro was spotted in Paramount's newest "Transformers" trailer, which began appearing in theaters on Dec. 20, 2006. This clip, which is currently the most-viewed movie trailer on Yahoo!, also contains images of the Solstice, H2 and TopKick for fans who were quick enough to have freeze-framed it.

"'Transformers' is a compelling project and offers us a global platform for marketing GM products and building our brands," said Mike Jackson, GM North America vice president, marketing and advertising. "It represents the perfect intersection of entertainment, marketing and design."

"The first time I saw the new Camaro, while touring the GM Design Center, I knew immediately that it would be the perfect 'Bumblebee,'" said Michael Bay, the film's Director. He continued, "It's got beautiful lines and a classic, timeless look. There were no other cars that came even close. I have had a great working relationship with GM for many years and am psyched to be working with them on 'Transformers.'"

Gerry Rich, President of Worldwide Marketing at Paramount Pictures, added, "We are thrilled to be working with GM on this incredible and action-packed film. Having integrated the cars as characters in the film is truly an innovative concept that will help eventize this exciting 4th of July tentpole film."

GM will roll out a fully integrated marketing and promotional effort around the film in the near future, including a major Chevrolet promotion, according to Jackson.

Images, scenes and clips - all things "Transformers" - may be found at the official Web site: http://www.transfomersmovie.com. Images of the four GM vehicles as they appear in "Transformers" are available online at http://media.gm.com.

About "Transformers "
Our world will be transformed on July 4 when aliens make Earth their final battleground. As the forces of evil seek the key to ultimate power, our last chance for survival rests in the hands of young Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf). DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures present, in association with Hasbro, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom DeSanto and Don Murphy production of a Michael Bay Film, "Transformers," starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Anderson, Rachael Taylor, Megan Fox, with John Turturro and Jon Voight. Directed by Michael Bay from a story by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman and John Rogers and a screenplay by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman, the film is based on Hasbro's Transformers Action Figures. Producers are Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce and Executive Producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. This film is not yet rated.

About Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global company that produces and distributes filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading entertainment content company with prominent and respected brands including Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, DreamWorks, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing, Paramount Studios, and Worldwide Television Distribution.

About GM

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 284,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Transformers Update! So That's What A GMC TopKick Looks Like When You Hit The Red Button On The Dash

Ray Wert — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:58:59 EST

Our fave fan site of all things 'formers dropped a pic today of everyone's favorite Autobot, Ironhide. The boys at TFW2005 found some concept art for the people working at ILM make its way into their hands. I'm not so sure I'm liking this here 'bot if he's going to look like this. I mean don't get me wrong, it's kind of cool, but I think I'd prefer to see something that looks more like a minivan transformed. But, that's probably just the part of me which remembers what it was like to be a kid, watching Ironhide killed by a Megatron-armed Starscream. This one looks like he'd take Starscream, turn him into a crumpled ball of metal, and then kick him out the air lock. So maybe this one could be better. Ah well, check out the full picture at the top of our full Transformers gallery below. – Ray Wert

Related:
All of our Transformers movie coverage [internal]

Exclusive Transformers Update: Close-Ups Of A Hummer Named Ratchet, Ironhide's Still A TopKick

Ray Wert — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 12:52:17 EDT

Yes, that's Ratchet. He's now yellow and he's a transmogrified Hummer. Will the horrors never end? Maybe — because although we brought you the news first Autobot Ironhide's alt-form would be a GMC TopKick, we've now got a non-camera phone pic to prove it — and he looks pretty damn good with those tall pipes and the big ol' Autobot emblem across the tailgate. Oh, and is that Jazz under the tarp over there behind Ratchet? We think maybe so. Check out a second Ratchet pic and Ironhide's iron back-side after the jump.

Exclusive Live-Action Transformers Update: Megatron Must Be Stopped, And Prime's The Robot To Do It

Ray Wert — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 21:54:01 EDT

So there you have it — Megatron in all of his what appears to be frozen glory. We've also got another shot of the Camaro-rockin' Bumblebee fully transformed, as well as another picture of Prime as a long-nosed Semi and finally what looks to be "Team Autobot" — the Black GMC TopKick (Ironhide), the modified H2 (Ratchet) and the Camaro concept (Bumblebee) all surrounding a ready-to-roll-out long-nosed Semi (Optimus Prime). Looks like a fanboy circle-jerk to us! But wait-wait, there's more — click the jump to find out the names of all the Autobots and Decepticons appearing in the movie from an online chat with the producers held this AM. [Hat tip as always to our boy Hue Hughes!]

Autobots
Optimus Prime (semi)
Bumblebee (camaro concept)
Jazz (unknown)
Ratchet (modified h2, medical truck)
Ironhide (black GMC pickup)

Decepticons
Megatron (tank, modified m-1 or something)
Starscream (YF-22 raptor)
Brawl (unknown)
Bonecrusher (probably yellow construction loader)
Barricade (black, mustang police car)
Skorponok (giant robot scorpion)
Frenzy (unknown)
Blackout (probably some large transport military vehicle)