Last Vibe currently being built

[IMakeVibes]

Just built the last Vibe body ever in this place and most likely the last GM vehicle as well. That body just entered paint and is scheduled to come off the assembly line either late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Just thought I'd share...wonder who will get it.

[bodhi_tree777]

Quote, originally posted by IMakeVibes »Just built the last Vibe body ever in this place and most likely the last GM vehicle as well. That body just entered paint and is scheduled to come off the assembly line either late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Just thought I'd share...wonder who will get it. Any way that you can get the VIN?

[IMakeVibes]

Yep, gotta wait a couple of days though.

[scherry2]

thats sad. I feel for you workers out there. what plans are you hearing concerning NUMMI as a whole?

[Vibe17]

That's really too bad. I always thought that the vibe was one of the best products GM has sold. I'm new here and am picking up my 2010 next week. Looking forward to post some pics and join in on some discussions.This is a very informative site.

[kostby]

That's so frustrating! One of the best vehicles ever built in North America falls victim to multi-national politics and corporate ego.Thanks for all the great insight and pictures you've provided from 'inside' over the years!God Bless You!

[ou.grizzly]

Have any information on what colour and options it will have?

[vibenvy]

Maybe they will raffle it off to the workers at NUMMI like they did with the last Pontiac Sunfire that rolled off the line in Lordstown, Ohio back in 2004. That would certainly be pretty sweet.

[BlueCrush]

Today is a SAD day....

[lovemyraffe]

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »Today is a SAD day.... Sad to see the end...

[joatmon]

thanks for the infoI guess in a few days you'll have to change the k to a d in your username

[Old Tele man]

...definitely would like to know the "last" VIN, that way people would know *where* their car is in the line-to-the-end....how could one find out what the last 2009 VIN was?

[Herb]

Is it possible to take a team photo with the last Vibe to share with us?

[IMakeVibes]

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 »thats sad. I feel for you workers out there. what plans are you hearing concerning NUMMI as a whole?We don't know. Its all rumors at the moment. Until someone, Toyota, NUMMI, MLC, another buyer, someone official says something official, its just rumors going around. Every couple of weeks a story will be picked up by the media, usually originating out of Japan, referring to 'unnamed sources' saying that Toyota is going to do this or that. All of it currently has been unsubstantiated. There was one late last night out of Japan saying that Toyota has decided to pull out by the end of March '10 and will announce that at the end of August. Another a couple of days ago that Toyota and Subaru were in talks to start another US joint venture there. Every time new news is released, its what everyone in the plant is talking about and a lot of people are worrying about...unfortunately.Quote, originally posted by Vibe17 »That's really too bad. I always thought that the vibe was one of the best products GM has sold.I'm new here and am picking up my 2010 next week. Looking forward to post some pics and join in on some discussions.This is a very informative site.Quote, originally posted by kostby »That's so frustrating! One of the best vehicles ever built in North America falls victim to multi-national politics and corporate ego.Thanks for all the great insight and pictures you've provided from 'inside' over the years!God Bless You!I agree about the Vibe being a great vehicle. Of course I'm biased a bit. I don't own one but have driven many. I do own another Pontiac, and the Vibe is definitely a much better quality built vehicle.Quote, originally posted by J_TO_ENVY »Maybe they will raffle it off to the workers at NUMMI like they did with the last Pontiac Sunfire that rolled off the line in Lordstown, Ohio back in 2004. That would certainly be pretty sweet. Doubt it.Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »Today is a SAD day.... Quote, originally posted by lovemyraffe »Sad to see the end...I agree. I was there for the birth and now I'm seeing the death of the Vibe.Quote, originally posted by joatmon »thanks for the infoI guess in a few days you'll have to change the k to a d in your username I've actually thought about that. Idk, maybe I'll bug a mod about changing it.Quote, originally posted by Old Tele man »...definitely would like to know the "last" VIN, that way people would know *where* their car is in the line-to-the-end....how could one find out what the last 2009 VIN was?I'll post what I can when I can. Too late for '09 without shuffling through a lot of info. Would have to have been at that time. I'm enjoying my weekend off now, give me a couple of days.Quote, originally posted by Herb »Is it possible to take a team photo with the last Vibe to share with us?That would be great, wish I could. However, the 'team' consists of over 2,000 people comprising three shifts and many departments. So, unfortunately that won't be possible. Considering it is the last Vibe being built, most likely the last GM vehicle to roll out of the plant, and maybe the last Pontiac being built (I've heard production of all other Pontiacs has stopped, but am not sure if this is correct or not), there may be a little photo op ceremony at the end of the assembly line once its built, but nothing has been announced yet. And if there is, it will be relatively small and quick.Thanks for the support and kind words. I'll post more when its known.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by IMakeVibes »We don't know. Its all rumors at the moment. Until someone, Toyota, NUMMI, MLC, another buyer, someone official says something official, its just rumors going around. Every couple of weeks a story will be picked up by the media, usually originating out of Japan, referring to 'unnamed sources' saying that Toyota is going to do this or that. All of it currently has been unsubstantiated. There was one late last night out of Japan saying that Toyota has decided to pull out by the end of March '10 and will announce that at the end of August. Another a couple of days ago that Toyota and Subaru were in talks to start another US joint venture there. Every time new news is released, its what everyone in the plant is talking about and a lot of people are worrying about...unfortunately. Subaru is about the only auto brand holding its own. I would be favorably inclined toward a Forrester if it were made in 2 wheel drive.But my best guess is that soon Toyota will be announcing the closure of Nummi at the end of the 2010 Corolla model year. With excess capacity almost certain for the foreseeable future keeping an auto plant in that valuable California location open is probably not a good financial decision.

[Zig]

Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad.................are they still making the Matrix in Canada,.., for how long?

[Sputnik]

Quote, originally posted by Zig »Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad.................are they still making the Matrix in Canada,.., for how long?Well Toyota hasn't canceled the matrix that I know of, so indefinitely?

[MSAGRO]

A truly sad day in the annuls of automotive history.I have had NUMMI cars since 1985 when the Fremont plant first opened.1985 Chevy Nova CL 2-tone silver and grey1994 Geo Prizm White LSI1998 Geo Prizm Dk Green LSI2001 Chevy Prizm Bronze LSICurrently2004 Base Vibe.These in my opinion were the best built small cars and unbelievably reasonable purchace prices.Build quality was straightforward and yes, predictable. You know when you got a NUMMI built vehicle everything would work.

[IMakeVibes]

Quote, originally posted by MSAGRO »A truly sad day in the annuls of automotive history.I have had NUMMI cars since 1985 when the Fremont plant first opened.1985 Chevy Nova CL 2-tone silver and grey1994 Geo Prizm White LSI1998 Geo Prizm Dk Green LSI2001 Chevy Prizm Bronze LSICurrently2004 Base Vibe.These in my opinion were the best built small cars and unbelievably reasonable purchace prices. Build quality was straightforward and yes, predictable. You know when you got a NUMMI built vehicle everything would work.Thanks for the support. Did you purposely purchase NUMMI built vehicles, or did it just kind of work out that way? BTW hows life in Oregon? If something goes down at NUMMI and I can no longer afford my overpriced California home, that is one place I'm seriously considering moving to.

[MSAGRO]

Vibemaker,I first read about the NUMMI plant in Trade magazines in the mid 80's referring to how GM needed to comply with the CAFE rules on fleet MPG, then a few years later on Consumer Reports on the quality of the NUMMI build.I bought a used 1987 Nova CL for about half of what an 87' Corolla would cost. From then on I was hooked. Had friends and family looking for a low cost reliable auto purchase also.Portland? It's great up here! Been here most of my life, lived in Walnut Creek CA for a few years, but had to come back.What would you do up here tho? Our unemployment percentage is dismal, something like 13%, and the other 87% ain't hiring.If that doesn't deter you, there is a great life to be had up here.MSAGRO

[MSAGRO]

Found a old shot of my 1987 Nova CL in my photo albums. I scanned them for posting here.What a great little car.

[vibolista]

Hope NUMMI continues to operate. Don't move yet. until you know what they have planned. Hopefully it will work out for all the plant workers.

[vintagegz]

9Z478598 i believe this is last 8 digits for last 09 vibe built in feb/09 if it helps

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by MSAGRO »Found a old shot of my 1987 Nova CL in my photo albums. I scanned them for posting here.What a great little car.Look of the size of those side windows in the hatchback area. You can actually see out of them.

[Old Tele man]

Thanks! That makes our 2009 pretty close to being one of the last 2009 models.

[stans39]

IMakeVibes,I was wondering how long the vibes stay at MUMMI before they are shipped out. I am thinking of buying a 2010 2.4 base vibe and am wondering when the last shipment will be arriving in Kentucky as I would like to see the rebates for September before I buy, but don't want to wait too long and not have much choice.Thanks,John

[vibolista]

I you're serious, you better start calling dealers now, or you won't have much of a choice. One thing I've noticed around here the last week - how few new Vibes are left on dealer lots. Last year I wanted a 2008 and by the time I went to order one, the 2009 tooling was under way... so it was too late to order. It took quite a bit of looking around before I was able to find something close to what I would have ordered in the first place. I didn't get the side curtain air bags, XM or the color that was at the top of my list. I think the Cash for Clunkers program has significantly speeded up the thinning of the Vibe heard, so to speak. Good luck finding the Vibe you want!

[IMakeVibes]

Quote, originally posted by stans39 »IMakeVibes,I was wondering how long the vibes stay at MUMMI before they are shipped out. I am thinking of buying a 2010 2.4 base vibe and am wondering when the last shipment will be arriving in Kentucky as I would like to see the rebates for September before I buy, but don't want to wait too long and not have much choice.Thanks,John Not long at all. We have no reason to keep them sitting around, GM doesn't make any money that way. How long they sit around is how long it takes to get them loaded on trains and trucks and get them shipped to where they need to go. I don't work in that area, but would expect all Vibes to be gone from the plant within a week, possibly sooner. If you really want a new Vibe, I'd consider looking very soon.Good luck!

[scherry2]

I don't know about NUMMI, but GM signs off on a vehicle the minute it is O.K. to ship and out the back door. the transport company takes it from there. The vehicles sit as long as it takes to fill a truck or rail car going to the approximate destination of said vehicles. vehicles sit usually only a few days in the transport lot.

[panchess]

Once the 2010's went on rebate, they began flying off the lots.The dealer in Albany (NY) had 10, and sold them in two days. We went 30 miles north to get one on the 8th, and that dealership is sold out too, except for a GT.My guess is that the Vibes -- and all the Pontiacs -- will basically be gone from the showrooms by the end of September.

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by vintagegz »9Z478598 i believe this is last 8 digits for last 09 vibe built in feb/09 if it helpsIf that is the case, the 09 I just purchased is fairly close to that number...

[j42.snyder]

Are those numbers assigned sequentially? Mine had a date on the front seat of 2/19/09, and I'm pretty sure that the carpet said 2/23 - but I can't find the sticker now if I kept it. My VIN ends in 7584. I figured it must have been near the end, but maybe another 1000 or so were produced in that time? I'm really not familiar with how many roll out of there on a typical day. I'd be curious to know what mine's official "birthday" was though if possible...I bought mine the day it rolled off the truck - the sales people weren't even aware that it was there - hadn't been put into inventory yet. That was Mar. 9th. Only had 2km showing on the odometer. Almost bought a Mystic Blue one - but it had been sitting around all winter since September '08, and it was starting to show (corrosion on engine, exhaust, etc.) Perhaps I'm just a little too picky - but I'm happy with what I've got.

[jake75]

Don't know if the websaites are up to date, but the 5 dealers I am familiar with in the Columbus, OH area have a total of 33 Vibes - a couple of these are advertising some pretty good prices.Immke [8]Daniels [6]Tobin [6]Haydocy [5]Chesrown - [8] adv good prices

[kostby]

Quote, originally posted by insidebayarea.com (San Mateo County Times) »Last Vibe rolls out of NUMMIJapanese report says Toyota will close NUMMI in MarchBy George Avalos, Fremont ArgusPosted: 08/17/2009 09:10:47 PM PDTUpdated: 08/17/2009 09:11:45 PM PDTA report that Toyota will exit its NUMMI venture in March, coupled with production of the final Pontiac Vibe at the Fremont auto plant Monday night, underscored the urgency of the quest to rescue the embattled factory.Toyota Motor Corp. is considering a plan to cease production at the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. factory in March 2010, according to a Japan-based newspaper's published report that appeared in this paper's Saturday editions. The original report came from daily newspaper Asahi Shimbun, which didn't cite any sources, named or anonymous."There has been no final decision," said Mike Michels, a spokesman for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. "That March 2010 timetable is not attributed to anyone. All the stories that are coming out now are strictly speculative."Despite the ominous new developments, union officials and state lawmakers remained determined to extricate the factory from the array of challenges that jeopardize its future."Toyotas sold here should be made here," said Sergio Santos, president of UAW Local 2244, which represents union members who work at the NUMMI plant.The final vehicle that NUMMI produced for GM, a Pontiac Vibe, was scheduled to roll off the assembly line at the Fremont plant at about 8 p.m. on Monday, according to UAW official Santos. That Vibe was expected to be immediately followed on that part of the assembly line by a Toyota Corolla, Santos said."Right now we are being flooded with orders for Corollas because of the cash for clunkers program," Santos said.NUMMI employs about 4,700 people. NUMMI officials didn't respond to requests for a comment about the current situation or the production of the last Vibe.California legislators hope that a package of bills that would dangle several financial incentives before Toyota will be passed by the state Assembly and state Senate and be ready for the governor's signature within two weeks."We are moving full steam ahead," said state Sen. Ellen Corbett, D-San Leandro. "All lawmakers are aware of how important it is to move swiftly with this legislation. We are doing everything we can to get the bills moved swiftly."Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, D-Fremont, said he also expects that his bill of financial incentives will get through the Legislature by the end of the month.Toyota hopes to reach a final decision by Aug. 31 about NUMMI. For 25 years, the Fremont factory was a 50-50 joint venture between Toyota and General Motors Corp. That venture began to unravel when GM emerged from bankruptcy and send it would exit the NUMMI operation.GM's exit, in turn, pressured Toyota to ponder its future involvement with NUMMI. Besides the Pontiac Vibe, the factory has been making the Toyota Tacoma truck and the Toyota Corolla compact."The situation we now face is a direct result of GM's decision to abandon NUMMI and discontinue production," Yoshimi Inaba, president of Toyota Motor North America Inc., wrote in a letter to Fremont's mayor that was obtained by this newspaper.Toyota is in discussions with Motors Liquidation Corp., which is handling GM's discarded assets, including NUMMI, about the future of the plant."GM's decision, when combined with the current distressed market conditions and an excess production capacity in North America, makes the decision about the future of NUMMI a question of viability," Inaba wrote.Union officials hope the legislative efforts — combined with a big union rally as UAW headquarters in Fremont on Thursday — will prod Toyota to keep the NUMMI plant operating for decades to come."You know that you're not alone," said Javier Contreras, bargaining chairman for UAW Local 2244. "It's great to see support from the community and from our state officials."UAW RALLYWhat: United Auto Workers members are scheduled to rally at UAW Local 2244 headquartersDay: Thursday, Aug. 20Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.Where: 45201 Fremont Blvd., Fremont (across the street from the NUMMI factory.)

[IMakeVibes]

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 »I don't know about NUMMI, but GM signs off on a vehicle the minute it is O.K. to ship and out the back door. the transport company takes it from there. The vehicles sit as long as it takes to fill a truck or rail car going to the approximate destination of said vehicles. vehicles sit usually only a few days in the transport lot. Yea we're about the same way. Toyota has their own shipping gate and they go one way, GM has/had theirs and they go another way.Quote, originally posted by j42.snyder »Are those numbers assigned sequentially? Mine had a date on the front seat of 2/19/09, and I'm pretty sure that the carpet said 2/23 - but I can't find the sticker now if I kept it. My VIN ends in 7584. I figured it must have been near the end, but maybe another 1000 or so were produced in that time? I'm really not familiar with how many roll out of there on a typical day. I'd be curious to know what mine's official "birthday" was though if possible...I bought mine the day it rolled off the truck - the sales people weren't even aware that it was there - hadn't been put into inventory yet. That was Mar. 9th. Only had 2km showing on the odometer. Almost bought a Mystic Blue one - but it had been sitting around all winter since September '08, and it was starting to show (corrosion on engine, exhaust, etc.) Perhaps I'm just a little too picky - but I'm happy with what I've got.If you really want to know, give me the body number (the five digit number stamped onto the radiator support). I'll see what I can do.

[stans39]

Thanks to everyone for the information and comments. I checked the internet and there aren't that many 2010 available. I saw a few quotes which were the so called supplier price which is about 3 or 4 hundred over invoice. However, there is the $750 extra the dealers are receiving which they seem to want to keep. Haven't done any serious negotiating, but I don't think I'm going to get a great price as the supply is somewhat limited unless I include the 2009 models.

[panchess]

Unlike a lot of "leftover" models, the Vibe seems to have plenty of demand at the end of its prematurely-ended lifecycle. After deducting the extra features on the new one (the 2003 I had didn't have the comfort package of power windows/locks, cruise control and keyless remote), I paid the same for my 2010 Vibe as I did for the 2003. That's a good deal to me.

[vintagegz]

last vibe AZ420504 ? built aug 14

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by panchess »Unlike a lot of "leftover" models, the Vibe seems to have plenty of demand at the end of its prematurely-ended lifecycle. After deducting the extra features on the new one (the 2003 I had didn't have the comfort package of power windows/locks, cruise control and keyless remote), I paid the same for my 2010 Vibe as I did for the 2003. That's a good deal to me.I actually paid about $1,000 less for my '09 vs '03 as my GM Card earnings applied was $2,003 in 2003 but $3,000 in 2009. Plus don't forget the '09 includes 4 wheel antilock disk brakes, stability control and 6 airbags standard - would have cost somewhere near $2,000 extra on the '03.

[panchess]

I didn't include GM Card earnings because they depend on the individual and not the car. To the extent possible, I was trying to compare car against car as equally as possible.The all-wheel disk brakes are a nice addition, as is the traction control (though it hasn't rained hard enough to need it yet). Definite significant additions to the value meter.

[silvrhawk7]

This is a sad day... I love how GM Just cut-the-cord on this, why would GM continue to make something that could have benifitted them, and kept their customers happy. Hey kostby, i still liked your signature from before....Let us not forget the 5,000+ victims of the great NUMMI massacre of 2009....

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by panchess »I didn't include GM Card earnings because they depend on the individual and not the car. To the extent possible, I was trying to compare car against car as equally as possible.The all-wheel disk brakes are a nice addition, as is the traction control (though it hasn't rained hard enough to need it yet). Definite significant additions to the value meter.Agree - GM earnings aside, we both bought a 2009 for 2003 prices and got some significant safety improvements (abs, stability control, more airbags) as well. We lost a few things that IMO were of marginal use - fold flat front seat and fog lights (1.8L), glass that opened in hatch, roof rack, 12V outlet in center console.I also think the '09 is significantly quieter. Reality check - while there has been a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth in regard to the demise of the Vibe, I have doubts it was a viable entity at the MSRP pricing. And the spread between msrp and invoice is rather narrow so absent rebates and GM card earnings the discounts would be pretty sparse. For that money there are a lot of alternatives out there. I paid $14,718 out the door for my 2003 (msrp 18,690) and $13,314 for my 2009 (msrp 19,480) - no trade in on either. Both purchases were "no brainers" at those prices. The Matrix may survive as people tend to be willing to pay for the Toyota emblem.

[NascarXprt]

now there have been some reports of Toyota moving the Tacoma production to San Antonio along side our Tundra plant. do you now if this is going to happen or if toyota will keep NUMMI up and running?

[IMakeVibes]

Quote, originally posted by vintagegz »last vibe AZ420504 ? built aug 14Close but no. AZ420771 lined off approximately 6:51pm 8/17/09.Quote, originally posted by NascarXprt »now there have been some reports of Toyota moving the Tacoma production to San Antonio along side our Tundra plant. do you now if this is going to happen or if toyota will keep NUMMI up and running?No idea. We all have to just wait and see. There are plenty of rumors flying around, but nothing official has been announced. At this point, I think anything is possible, maybe some things more than others. Its a business decision and Toyota will decide what is best for Toyota. So whats life like in San Antonio? I gotta be ready for whatever comes our way.

[panchess]

I think the Vibe was a "good deal," but if it doesn't work for GM, why does it work for Toyota? I'd be surprised if they are losing money on the Matrix production.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by panchess »I think the Vibe was a "good deal," but if it doesn't work for GM, why does it work for Toyota? I'd be surprised if they are losing money on the Matrix production.1. We really don't know if it has worked for Toyota. It is made in Canada so that might alter the economics.2. It is difficult to calculate a "cost" for a given car. A lot depends on how fixed costs are allocated. It does appear that Toyota has not thrown nearly as much promo money at the Matrix as GM has at the Vibe (rebates, dealer incentives, etc.) I assume that the part of the GM Card earnings that GM sometimes adds if you buy a GM car by such and such a date is funded by GM. In Jan. 2003 GM upped my GM Card earnings balance of about $850 to $2003, and in Jan. '09 upped my GM earnings balance from $1,850 to $3,000 if I bought an eligible GM car by a certain date.

[vintagegz]

how about az420785

[panchess]

The "special" GM Card money is basically a rebate targeted to a specific group. The college grad, military and other similar rebates are effectively the same thing.I don't know the economics of the GM Card and how much of the 5% rebate is funded directly by GM. I do know it's a bigger "affinity bonus" than most cards, so I have to assume some GM involvement in the cost.Like it or not, the "new GM" has to learn to sell cars more like Toyota, focusing on the value of the car and not the "special deal" of the moment.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by panchess »The "special" GM Card money is basically a rebate targeted to a specific group. The college grad, military and other similar rebates are effectively the same thing.While I have enjoyed taking advantage of the GM Card earnings, especially the bonuses, I never understood the logic of these targeted discount promotions. If you are wiling to sell car to A for $1,000 less because (1) A currently owns a car of that make, (b) because A currently owns a car of another make, or (C) has a lease coming due between x and y, why wouldn't you be willing to sell a car for $1,000 less to anyone?Also, I think those promotions can have a negative effect on those excluded - example, when I see a car offered for $1,500 less to a segment that does not include me, I tend to think "why should I buy that car and pay $1,500 more than someone else."The only benefit I can see to the car co. is maybe these limited audience discounts do not have the same adverse impact on used car values as a general rebate might.However, having worked with marketing people most of my life I have the jaded view that these limited eligibility promotions are just not very well thought out.

[NascarXprt]

Quote, originally posted by IMakeVibes »...So whats life like in San Antonio? I gotta be ready for whatever comes our way. right now..... dry and humid.... and no rain. a total of 56 record days above 100ºF. but other than that.. not to bad.