Quick Missive from the Show Floor
Saturn Aura interior
By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman
I’m seeing a lot of “chatter” here regarding the new Saturns unveiled at Detroit, which says essentially, “What we see ain’t what we’ll get.” Given the industry’s somewhat spotty record of taking concept cars to production intact, your concerns are understandable.
So let me put your fears to rest right here, right now.
The Aura, as far as the sheet-metal is concerned, is 100 percent production-ready, right down to the size of the tires. And that also goes for much of the interior. The thing is ready to go. And the Sky, of course, isn’t a concept car at all. That is the full, no-excuses, what-you-see-is-what-you-get production vehicle. We’re playing for keeps.
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Very impressive Product Strategy !! I think your competetion is not going to like the way you (GM) have changed the playing feild and reaching out to customers thru this media.
Kudo’s to you and your team !!
Wow, I’m really impressed with many of the new GM releases. C6, Z06, CTS-V, STS-V… a group of world-beaters!
The nagging problems with Corvette’s interior need to be fixed though. I’ve viewed many of them now, including a good sample of production cars at the RenCen (as opposed to pilots I had seen first in pictures and caught some problems with).
PLEASE assign a team of folks to dissect your cars, empower them, and fix these things – preferably before they happen. I’m willing to bet GM can assemble a group of experts that no other corporation on the planet can to tackle these issues – which is why the frustration on my part is so great. It is no harder or more expensive to dimensionally manage an interior right in the first place than it is to take the black eye of having the press and customers comment about fit problems – and end up having to fix them anyway.
As you know, while you were there Chrysler had a powerful push into handling fit and finish proactively both in the interior and exterior. General Motors has the capability to not only make such a push, but also to assign the vastly greater resources available in the GM system to make it a reality at a level far greater than Chrysler ever could.
Semper Fi and keep up the great work!
Formerly Sgt. Mercer, USMC, now just another engineer in the automobile industry.
The new offerings from Saturns are the best looking — inside and out — cars I’ve seen yet from GM. (Corvette notwithstanding.) It’s about time we see some ‘gotta have it’ cars that I can afford.
Here’s what I like about the Saturn cars: they don’t blend in with the automotive landscape. They both look very distinctive, yet not over the top. And that interior on the Aura — wow, best interior I’ve seen EVER. Colorful, yet not too flashy. (I like flashy, but just not on a Saturn.)
I look forward to seeing what you do with Camaro.
Ok Bob, if what you say is true, I’ll wait until the Aura comes out before I purchase my next car.
In my opinion, these two Saturns were the best of the auto show. I particularly like the approach that taken on the Sky. Rather than simply switch badges from the Solstice, the re-badging (if you will) took the Sky in a much different styling direction. For those attracted to rounded styling (Miata, TT, etc.) the Solstice is the car for them. For those looking for a more creased, sharper look (S2000, C6, etc.) the Sky is the affordable answer.
From both an interior and exterior perspective, GM is quickly learning what it takes to make “Gotta-have” automobiles.
p.s. If the all-new ‘07/’08 GTO interior styling is only ¬Ω as good as the Torrent interior, I might think I’ve died and gone to heaven.
Mr. Lutz, what will kill you every time is building cars that look sportier and sexier than they drive. Pontiac G6 and Malibu are great
examples: sharp looks, mushy drive. Buzzy pushrods.
Well, I personally can not say I am surprised by this latest blog entry regarding the Aura and it’s production”ness” I guess one could say, however I do hope that other divisions (such as Pontiac) are next in line for serious upgrades to exterior and interior refinement.
For the first time….ever the Saturn brand is going to mean something. But, my hunch is it will still look like the cheap replacement for Chevrolet, at least until public perception catches up with reality.
The Aura is beautiful
The Sky is hot.
So – when will the Saturn version of the wonderful Opel Astra replace the Ion?
Referring back to the “Big Mo”’s comments on GM being strong in styling and weak in performance. Mo clearly hasn’t seen the new GTO. Completely the opposite. Fairly strong on performance, but weak on styling.
I think all the Saturn cars are nice.
Being a single mother I cannot afford many GM
products so the CTS is out of reach! But I’m
driving a Malibu (2003) and I love it. It is
the best of it’s line. I like the fact your
using the web to reach US! Working in the
manufacturing business people think because GM
is one of our customers that we have some direct
phone line to Lutz, the things people spew out
are amazing. Maybe now they can reach you!
However I would like to see GM make something
affordable but LOOK expensive for people like me
that could care less how fast it goes but care
that it is safe and looks like it cost 10k more
then I paid for it, for some its all in the
appearance.
Ciao..
Mr. Lutz,
Will GM ever look at offering free scheduled maintenance throughout the warranty, similar to what some other manufacturers offer these days?
In my opinion, people would visit the dealerships more frequently to get the free services done. If they are treated well and if new cars are being rolled out to the dealerships on a continual basis, I would imagine they would be more inclined to stay within the fold than switch to a different manufacturer the next time around.
-Fred
Mr. Lutz, I salute you. THese 2 fine vehicles are an example at what GM/Saturn can do. It has officially put to rest any fears I had of the “absorbsion” of Satun back into the fold. I look to see these cars on my showroom floor in the near future.
I’m a long-time GM owner and used to sell new GM vehicles. The appearance of the interior is one thing; quality is another. The Japanese blow GM out of the water in the tactile feel of their interior switchgear. There are very valid reasons that GM has fallen from a dominant market position (what was it at its peak, 60-70%) to under 30%. It pains me to think that the slide will continue.
As an aside I recall many times, while standing on the line talking to other salesman, us wondering why nobody from GM ever came and talked to us about what the customers thought about the product, why we were losing sales and what we would recommend to enhance sales. Management is too insular and the info they get is too “filtered”.
Lutz Goes Right To Customer
How cool is this? Bob Lutz hears people questioning the authenticity of what his company is showing at an industry trade show. Instead of issuing denials through the press (via the corporate PR folks), he just blogs his assurance that
“And that also goes for much of the interior.”
Mr. Lutz, please define the word “much”.
On one of your other posts, you commented on how interiors are going to be a priority. If the interior of the Aura looks good now, why take the risk of changing it?
I used to have a Saturn SC2 but sold it in favor of a Camaro Z28. Definitely make a supercharged “Redline” version of the Sky. Build the Redline tag into a respectable image of performance (much like the Chevrolet Z and SS).
I think Saturn has been doing loops too much lately. I love the way the new Sky and Aura look and are by far the best looking. Use them though as design models for all Saturn products. Saturn has no “look” associated with it. Every new Saturn model that comes out looks completely different than all other Saturns. They need to have a common face, or at least signatures design features. Saturn used to have this with the S series (although it was kind of boring). But lost it entirely with the L series and ION. The Vue is the only current survivor of S-series styling.
Look at every Pontiac, for example. Every single one for the last gazillion years has the double winged grille. Every BMW has a common face as well. You know a BMW and a Pontiac instantly. Ditto with Dodge, Mercedes-Benz, Jeep, Hummer, SAAB, Volvo, etc…
Will GM fimish its work and release the Cadillac Cien? I feel GM as a brand has no true halo car to compete with the likes of Mercedes with its SLR Mclaren, or Volkswagen with Lamborghini.
Bob,
It is great to hear that the Aura is basically 100% production ready. The production version of the Aura should use the back-lighting that the interior of the Aura concept uses. It is very unique, and it looks great!
Hey, Bob Lutz, this is a brilliant idea.
Two points: one, on interiors: I recently went to a Pontiac-Chevrolet-Cadillac showroom for fun and sat inside all the new cars. Except for Cadillac, every other car had a wobbly turn signal stalk. Very, very bad sign. Where else is there cost-cutting? This is killing sales.
two, on performance: you need to field cars with communicative – not “easy” steering. From my readings it’s a continuing failure at GM; Ford is a bit better, but the Europeans are better.
Interiors are just the most visible face on a bigger issue: product with minimal/no compromises. I do believe GM is learning: each car we see from GM is progressively better. As a GM fan, it seems to be a maddeningly slow process! Still, we see missteps: a Buick LaCrosse with no Nav system, the 3500 V6 in the Malibu was underpowered for its segment from the start, 6 speed transmissions are still a year away while others have been offering 5 speed autos for the last couple of years, and the tri-valve heads are still no-where to be seen.
As being in the accounting/consultant business for the last decade, I understand that you simply can’t afford to do everything you want to do in the timeframe that you’d like to do it in. Just like any other company (or individual for that matter), GM has limited resources. That being said, I feel GM must deal with short-term losses in order to gain customers and sales in the long-term. Take a look at Toyota’s hybrid: no question, Toyota lost (and most likely still is losing) money on each hybrid sold. In turn, it’s helped push hybrids into the mainstream. It’s helped Toyota gain goodwill and an identity. Lastly, it’s brought them some additional sales/customers.
That’s the type of effort & spending that I’d like to see to advance GM’s hybrid efforts, its hydrogen efforts, its 6 speed transmissions, and its 3valve pushrods.
As an owner of a ‘03 Suburban and an ‘04 Malibu, and a lifelong GM fan, I’d like to say thanks for this forum!!!
Just Awesome. I know it is hard for GM to maneuver with its retirement costs, etc., but this car is what is needed to kick some import A$$. The Chevy Malibu looked like a solid car, the Pontiac G6 looked great and is a solid car but the Aura looks like the complete package. I will be test driving it as soon as it comes out. Mr. Lutz, thank you for not believing in the thought that the Americans can’t build a good car.
Keep your trucks and Cadillac along with Chevrolet for an entry brand. Scrap everything else and merge with Honda.
GM has bled the good names of its brands white. For the most part, you are makers of program cars that sell for peanuts on the used car market. What a pathetic state for a company that used to command awe, respect and 50% of the market.
I think it’s great that GM has started a blog. Blogging is such an effective way of reaching masses of people and getting input from a variety of people on anything you wish to blog about.
A comment on the Sky:
The interior does look good, and it actually is highly attractive (our 95 SC1 will probably desire replacing in a few years, and we have an uber-practical car with the Mazda 6 hatch), and it doesn’t have the “girl or old man” looks of a Miata or the bizarre looks of the solstice…
However, the pricing is going to need to be very carefully chosen. If $20-25k is for the “as-shown” price, this is very good, as this would “out miata the miata” (a 700,000+ total seller). And if it is the price, and if it drives like a miata (or better yet, the mazdaspeed miata), I’d bet on us purchasing one two years from now.
But if it’s the base price, with the leather interior etc adding to the cost, its going to be a much harder sell…
If the “as shown” price reaches near $30k, now there is a problem. A mazdaspeed miata is $26k, with only a leather interior as a significant option. And the S2000 is only $33k, with a heck of a lot more zoom.
MR. Lutz, As a GM employee I have often wondered (like Mr. Burns above) why designs are not brought before us to critique. We all buy cars and know what we like and dislike and what works well and what does not. Just ask us we’ll tell ya, a couple hundred thousand of us should be a pretty good representation of the population at large. Don’t ya think?
pato
Hey there “Maximum Bob”! I have been fascinated with your career for years. Anyways, I do love these two new Saturns. They look great. You are smart to use the Opel line of cars in North America. I can only ask why it has taken so long? They have had fantastic designs for years. I guess this is the initial results of the “One Company” thinking that is going on. Exciting times! Keep the good product coming and thanks for being so approachable.
PS – Anytime you want to give a free ride in your fighter jet… I am available!
The two new Saturn products look very promising. Everyone loves a performance bargain, this is why the Solstice and Sky are going to be hot at around $20,000. After these vehicles are released, I see only one gaping hole in the performance product line. We need our Mustang-fighting Camaro. I only hope that it is as well done, and value packed, as the Saturns appear to be. If I can get a 400 HP LS2 Camaro with a killer shape and comfortable interior for less than $30,000 count me in!
How much does the hydrogen fuel cell
car shown cost?
Hydrogen seems to only be a panacea, it does not create an energy source, only acting as a storage mechanism.
Energy depletion issues are huge.
If the interior is 95% there the entire car should be a hit. Great work. Please make sure the plastic doesn’t end up that hard tupperware feel of the Equinox (pretty just odd materials).
Hope you guys noticed the Honda Ridgeline. The styling may not be dead on but the execution is.
Since Honda can see a market and go for it, why not GM?
Mr. Lutz:
Cadillac is almost fixed…now don’t ease up on the pedal yet…you still need to do address two issues/cars:
1. Deville (DTS) – I’m sure you are sick of hearing it, but look at all the accolades that the Chrysler 300 is getting. I know the Deville will get a CTS-like front and back end, which will help, but when the car is redesigned, look to bring out a “real American Cadillac sedan”…big, rear drive, minor retro cues…give it some “flash”. OK, you got your BMW/Mercedes Benz-like cars (CTS, CTS-V, STS, STS-V, missing a 7 series…I know, but see below), but don’t give up on the DeVille…the market is still huge, IF you don’t price it too high (make the base of this car and the base STS the same). Make the issue of seeing too many on the road the biggest problem.
2. Ultra-luxury sedan – Make this your S-series, 7-series, A8, dare I say Bentley, fighter, but is has to be more noticeable than just a larger STS. Sure, everyone points to the Sixteen, which would be great, but I don’t think that is practical. Probably a meld of the Sixteen and the STS, but make it very BOLD.
Keep up the good work on Cadillac…Hummer is going well also…I’ll comment on Chevrolet/Buick/Saturn/GMC later.
Stuart Popp
spopp@att.com
Finally! I like how you said it to. I have seen so many awesome looking concept/prototype/pre-production cars that are dulled down for the dealer showrooms.
thanks for stepping it up!
Dear Mr. Lutz:
How you can get me into a GM domestic …
First some background: I’m a lawyer but also a car guy – worked for dealers from 1971-1996, with upwards of 20 franchises from Ferrari to Suzuki and most in-between. I’ve been driving since ‘72 – and have always been a European car kind of guy (started with FIATS – weren’t that well made but sure were fun). I’ve never owned a domestic, but have had a couple of GM SAAB’s – a 2000 9-5 and a 2003 9-3.
The 9-5 was great (loved the ventilated seats), the 9-3 turned out to be junk, which I’ve attributed to the completion of GM’s takeover and it working its beancounter magic on SAAB (the stereo is horrible – whoever approved that for production should be transferred to Iraq).
The lease comes up on the 9-3 in a year (can’t wait), and for the next vehicle I want AWD (the 9-2 and 9-7 are jokes and will not appear on the consideration list. Anyway, SAAB refused to fix the 9-3 stereo, so I’m done with SAAB just because of that!).
Five years ago there were no circumstances under which I could have conceived of purchasing a domestic. But I must admit, the products are starting to pique my interest, especially since Euro quality is slipping and let’s not even get into Bangle / BMW “styling.”
My reservations about Detroit quality – particularly long term – remain. After 30+ years of making crap, you folks just have little credibility in that regard. But since the Europeans are blowing it, that has become somewhat a wash.
In particular, the SRX and STS are intriguing, but no sale yet, and here is how you could get me:
As has been widely observed, the SRX interior looks cheap – and when GM cuts corners on the obvious stuff I shudder to think about what the beancounters have done to the rest of the vehicle.
More importantly, I’ll bet dollars to donuts that the SRX is not designed / built to European safety standards (would be interesting to see how it would fare in a Euro-NCAP test). With the SRX I would be particularly concerned about the roof structure – I know that with a Volvo XC90 I have a chance of walking away from a rollover (ditto with an BMW X5 or VW Toureg). Can I have equal confidence with an SRX, or was it designed only to U.S. standards?
The same safety concerns apply to the STS (a six with AWD does seem appealing).
I will buy GM if you make my “perfect” world-class vehicle:
1) Italian styling;
2) German performance & fit / finish;
3) Swedish safety;
4) Japanese reliability.
Even better, particularly with an SUV / crossover type vehicles, a modern diesel such as the Europeans now enjoy (no hybrids for me – the diesel is proven, gets good mileage. I remember the 8-6-4, and have no interest in being a guinea pig for GM).
Right now I’m leaning toward the Volvo XC90 as the best of a number of imperfect choices. If I could be assured that the SRX’s safety, including its body structure, was commensurate with that of the Europeans I would consider it (while holding my nose as I survey the interior materials).
If what you say about the Aura’s appearance is true – and I’m assuming that the Aura will be produced as the L-series replacement – does that mean that the powertrain, with the High-Feature 3.6 L V6 will be kept as well? I certainly hope so. It is unfortunate that GM has recently debuted a bevy of new product with lackluster powertrains, promising hi-po versions to come in the forthcoming months or years.
The G6 is a perfect example.
The media has lambasted the mediocre GT model (Car and Driver, Jan. ‘05) they were provided, whose only positive criticism was that the G6 is only slightly better than the Grand Am it replaced. And because of this, I’m sure those negative stigmatisms about the G6 will affect the GXP 240-horsepower 3.9 L version with the 6-speed manual transmission promised to come later this year. I hope that this will not be the case with the upcoming Saturn L-series replacement. Actually, I hope that this will not be the case with any more GM vehicles. The General deserves better than this.
First–Thanks for bringing LIFE back to GM cars.
I’m a long time Cadillac owner who’s still driving an older model (and a newer Miata) because I haven’t seen a good dash on a GM car–until recently (the original Olds Aurora dash was an exception, it was excellent).
Now I want a Solstice. I went to the dealer to reserve one after seeing the first pictures. You translated it from concept to production without losing something in the translation. Kudos on the entire car, exterior and interior! Same with the Sky.
DESIGN sells cars.
I never understood why GM (and other car companies) didn’t design beautiful dashes, when that’s the thing you look at the entire time you’re in the car! It doesn’t have to cost more to have good design, and I’m glad GM has seen the light on this.
GM’s newest dashes are a huge improvement–I think the G6’s dash is better than the Toyota’s in the same class. And the La Crosse looks great, faux wood and all.
But, like other posters have said, please, NO MORE GRAY. It looks tacky and dirty right from the start. The Buick site features La Crosse photos with gray dashboards that make the whole thing look cheap. The small picture in black (and the car I saw in person with a black dash) look quite elegant.
Black dashes are simple and elegant. Browns and tans are also excellent, as is the striking red on the Sky.
Thanks. Daniel http://www.will-harris.com
Love the Sky ! I even think I prefer it over the Solstice. I just read Rick Wagoner’s comments on not “overproducing ” either of these roadsters. Wilmington is a large plant- capable of 250k vehicles per year. Is this space going to be utilized or left to waste?
I´m very glad to see your comunication style. Is clear, fast, with energy and commitment.
We would to see it in others corporate leaders around the world.
Congratulations
F Ravelli
Brazil
Good work Lutz,
You’ve been getting alot of flak lately – some of which deserving, much of it less so.
It’s refreshing to see that there’s someone like you who communicates clearly what needs to be done.
History will prove, that your vision and persistance affected the mindset of GM in a positive way. You’ve awakened the “sleeping giant” within the organization, and that’s a powerful thing.
Giants aren’t Politically Correct – they “push and shove” – and now more than ever, it’s time to push and shove.
There’s much push and shove needed to reverse perceptions. It’s time to infuse each division with it’s own unique DNA.
Decide and don’t waver.
Take another peak at how it’s done at BMW – “The Ultimate Driving Machine” DNA infuses every brand from Entry to SUV to Sport to Luxury.
I have no doubt that GM is nearing the cusp of doing the same for each of it’s Divisions.
Keep up the discipline – for it’s time for General Motors to be the General once more.
I understand Saturn is getting a minivan. I hope that the pictures that I’ve seen so far are just the first pass at a minivan and it will be completely re-designed soon. I have a 2001 Venture, which is a great car, don’t get me wrong, but the plastic in the car is cheap and breaks easily, the interior is too narrow, and the back seat doesn’t fold flat into the floor. It looks to me like the Saturn is basically a warmed over Venture, complete with the storage box behind the back seat (actually the source of my cheap plastic comment, the hinges that keep the lid up are made of cheap plastic. They break easily and cannot be replaced according to every dealer in the Louisville metro area). In my opinion, as a serial minivan buyer, GM needs to go out and out-do all of it’s competetors in the minivan market. Keep the 8 passenger option, get fold-down seats, expand the interior, lower the step-in height, power all the doors and put roll-down windows on the sliders, airbags standard all around and market the sucker to women who can’t lift their kids or infant carseat up into the suburban. Play up the mpg angle, get a five-star safety rating, Saturn buyers would dig that. Add some accessories, a custom roof carrier (like the Thule thing Volvo has), integrated car seats that go up to 80 lbs and make it look like the Honda.
I’d buy it. But do something, the new GM minivans are dogs.
I don’t think GM needs cars like the Sky, or another vehicle that will eventually be a great candidate for a $5000 rebate. What EVERY GM division MUST HAVE is a world class high quality, HIGH VOLUME halo vehicle that can really compete with the best of the Japanese (AND sell as well!).
Where is the iPod adaptor? Steve Jobs just mentioned in his MacWorld keynote that (insert every foreign car maker here) is adding iPod adaptors to their factory stereos.
Looks in the interior are great selling points, but long term satisfaction is much more the audio and overall comfort. I have a 2001 Mustang GT — beautiful leather interior, factory Mach stereo, etc. I also have an 02 Blazer which I just put an Alpine unit in so I could hook up my iPod. Guess which one I like driving now? The Blazer. Shocking, huh?
Strader. Actually, I think the Sky/Solstice are necessary and useful: Look at what the Miata has done for mazda. A stylish, LOW PRICE, good handling roadster IS a strong, low cost halo for a brand.
For Pontiac, it’s moderately important. But for saturn, its a critical vehicle, and IF its followed up by the Aura and a rebadged/reskinned Cobalt ASAP, it might save the brand.
If INDEED Saturn is going to become “Rebadged Opal/Vauxhall”, the Sky is key: It defines the “rebadged opal” design language inside and out, and quality, and the price/performance. Add to it the “We arent Scum” Saturn dealer network and if its well built, it should sell well and help redefine the brand after the awful Ion.
It’s a cheap halo, too: It has a nice grace and design language, it actually goes into a very succesful niche (two-seat roadsters, there are a LOT of em on the market) while undercutting them all (except perhaps the miata) in price. I seriously doubt the Sky will end up like the $50k SSR (something with THAT weight can’t have “Super Sport” in the name) with its $5k rebates.
I’m not kidding in saying that in 2.5 years, I’ll probably buy one: A roadster, with great looks, a great interior,low price, and the “We aren’t the scum of the earth” Saturn dealer network.
In fact, if they have em at the dealer when I’ve got the Hamstermobile (SC1) in for servicing, I’ll testdrive it in a hot second.
Dear Mr. Lutz:
Thanks for finally bringing GM back into the modern day. The Aura is the perfect example of learning from your past, observing your competitors and blowing them all away with flawless execution and superior styling and mechanicals.
I also want to thank you for posting on this blog. It’s refreshing to think that GM actually listens to us, but don’t stop here. Observe those who are your fans and your crtics all over the net. There are several forums that are dedicated to GM and it’s products, one that comes to mind is GMInsideNews (www.GMInsidenews.com). I know that there are extremely passionate people all over the net that want GM to succeed, however they feel that GM doesn’t listen to them. Don’t abuse your fans, embrace them, (they are the ones that have stuck with GM through these tough 30 years) and then you will have a winning 1, 2 punch. Thanks for listening Mr. Lutz.
Also, How does one get a job at GM? Ask anyone that knows me and they can tell you I am a GM addict, my dream is to work for GM, just curious as how to approach it-educationally speaking-(I am a Freshman in college and a GM fan, and on top of that drive a GMC Safari from ‘97…now if that doesn’t tell you that I am a passionate GM fan, then I don’t know what will).
Sincerely,
Jordan Marmara
I notice that the Corvette is the backdrop at the top of your page, you really ought to change it with the most innovative car that GM has produced in years the CTS-V. I have owned one now for several months and each day it delivers.
It is a dream come true, a corvette with four doors with the posture of a Cadillac, the handling of …(no previous GM car can be place in this space), the brakes of (another no GM car to name) and the performace that rockets you into the big leagues on the street.
I cannot imagine what the STS-V is about to be, but the CTS-V is all that an all-American, hot rodder ‘wanna-be’ but I have a family, 50’s something guy could ever ask for. There is not another car made on the planet I would rather have.
If you have not driven one, do so. If you are not afraid to drive every day, every moment, then buy one. You won’t find the power, the handling the braking the comfort, the four doors the Cadillac service and support in any other car at this price.
LivingTheDream
Mr. Lutz,
I apologize, but I really doubt that the Aura is 100% production-ready as it stands right now.
Center-mounted exhaust?
19-inch wheels?
Hardly sounds like something that can be pulled off in anything other than a limited-run vehicle. Heck, the midlevel Buick LaCrosse CXL doesn’t even have standard ANTILOCK BRAKES, and it costs how much again? That’s not just ridiculous but downright silly.
Chrome wheels 3″ short of dubs aside, Mr. Lutz, the main question remains: If the Aura can be produced now as you say, then why isn’t it?
The fact that GM released the Aura as a ‘concept’ leads me to doubt that you could actually build a significant number of 90-95% concept-accurate Auras in a reasonable timeframe at a price that’s in line with the outgoing L-Series (~$22-28k).
And as a sidenote, it frankly bothers me that GM seems to be paying this much attention to a historically ancillary brand that hasn’t been bringing in the volume or customers that established one like Pontiac or Buick have. Please know that I’m not dumping on Saturn like many do, but I believe that Buick and Pontiac also deserved ‘100% production-ready’ concepts rather than the capable but wrongly-named LaCrosse and decent G6 they ended up with.
Also, my belief is that GM still has too many fingers in too many pies and that its time to cut bait for the rest to survive. I think we all know who hasn’t been bringing home the bacon around the divisions lately; it starts with an ‘S’ and is neither Saturn nor Subaru…
The C6 Corvette looks most aggressive in yellow, compared to red or any other dark color. Is this an optical illusion or am I missing something?
The C5 Corvette looked least aggressive in white, and great in red… just the opposite.
In any event, make the next Corvette ad to feature a yellow one front corner/side and and see if my theory holds.
Mr. Lutz, Per the Wall Street Journal, it would probably be a better policy for GM not to send security people to consumers homes and threaten them for posting pictures of the new Z06 on the web. Such as happened in Texas in Nov. Not a good way to garner good feelings. This happened when a consumer found the pictures on the net and posted them to a corvette enthusiasts site.
The big companies are still having trouble relating to how fast and how far the net will work. Either for or against them.
Will GM's Bob Lutz respond to a critical Instalanche?
Despite Bob Lutz's blog (discussed previously here), Instapundit doesn't think General Motors actually gets blogs, saying: [A] company as big as GM doesn't get anything that fast.Based on how Michael Wiley, the guy in charge of GM's…
I have the tractor. I want the car like strongness of tractor but with speed like swallow.
Is the rumour that GM is going to do an Oprah on the blog any time soon really true? (smile)
Give yourselves a pad on the back GM: You are the leaders of the pack. What an impressive preemptive blogging strike …
PS: Why Corporate Boards Should Blog:
Many shareowners have been frustrated over the years by what they see as a wall between them and their elected representatives, the board of directors. They feel that they have no input into selecting director nominees, no meaningful choice in their election, and, generally, no hope of ever hearing from or exchanging views with them
Why Corporate Boards Should Blog [ http://www.webpronews.com/news/ebusinessnews/wpn-45-20050111WhyCorporateBoardsShouldBlog.html ] [
10 Excuses for Boards NOT to Blog
[ http://www.irwebreport.com/perspectives/2005/boardblogs2.htm ]
To the poster that believes that Japanese blow Americans out of the water with tactile feel of interiors, etc, I would respectfully disagree.
I’ve driven Camrys, Corollas, Mitsubishis, etc. In years past, yes, I would have agreed with you. Not anymore. The Camry and Corolla actually don’t have interiors that are any nicer than what GM is starting to put out now. In fact, I would go so far as to say that generally, Toyotas in particular seem to enjoy a better repuation than they deserve. The Camry, in particualar has a very poorly laid out interior – you have to reach and stretch just to do something as simple as change a radio station. Ugh! It’s little details like that that just annoy me to no end.
Mr. Lutz – you’re doing a great job. With designs like these, I think GM can make a huge comeback.
Kevin
Man I wish we at F**d did that. Actually produced a vehicle that looked somewhat like the prototype. Try not to be too dissapointed when you see our products. The initial clays look awesome, and then….the good stuff gets costed, and feased out. Uhg. Great Job Mr. Lutz. You were great at Chrysler, and now your bringing great things to GM. Huzah!
Thanks for coming to the internet Mr. Lutz, always thought of you as a trend setter and an example for execs everywhere. I remember your idea about hiring musicians and thought that was a ballsy statement.
That said, the Mustang is the most significant car to come out of Detroit in a long time, IMO, even with the wierd color thing with the dash. The Aura does look cool though.
Keep up the good work and keep up the performance and winning in racing!
Best Regards,
Mike Lang
Thank you, Mr. Lutz, for making yourself available to the unwashed masses via this blog. Too often, it seems, the people with the power to make a difference within a company are too far removed from that company’s customers to understand the market. While you obviously have a firm finger on the pulse of the car enthusiasts, to have the guts to actually write about it in a public forum and solicit feedback is awe inspirings. Kudos.
To comment on the showing GM is making this season at LA and the NAIAS, allow me to say that so far I’m feeling very optimistic. The Aura is excellent in terms of styling (inside and out) and given the quality feel of the Epsilon platform in its other iterations, it should be a welcome entry to Saturn’s lineup.
The Sky (and its Kappa bretheren, the Solstice) are on my short list for my next vehicle. The only other car I am considering is the next-generation Mazda Miata.
And that brings me to the final point. What attracts me to a car initally my be the styling, the feel of the interior, and pricing (all of which is clearly understood by you), but what gets me to buy is the drive. It’s one thing to produce good numbers, but the balance and feel of the drive is the single most important aspect of the car that matters. I need to feel one with the car, with great pedal feel, communicative clutch, and precise steering and handling.
Can you please address concerns that GM’s engineers understand these values? I worry that even though the numbers are on the spec sheet, that precision in the drive itself is still being preserved. I know it’s not an easy thing to quantify, but it’s just that quality that turns an everyday family sedan into a must-have car.
Thank you for your time, and keep up the excellent job. We life-long GM fans appreciate all your efforts.
Dear Mr. Lutz,
I, too, am very excited about the apparent renaissance at GM. My household, at present, is a three- Japanese car household. As an American, I very much want to change that.
Thank you!
I just have one little request: please, please, build a coupe version of either the Solstice or Sky, and I promise I’ll beat a path to your door!
Keep up the good work. Let’s beat those imports at their own game.
Kevin Risdon
I love the new STS-V. I am currently in the market for Cadillac vehicle. I noticed a Personal Assistance program for some of your Cadillac vehicles. I am kind of wondering why you don’t offer this service on all Cadillac vehicles. As a luxury brand, it would be nice to know that if I was assigned a Personal Assistant, they could update me on all the vehicles in the Cadillac brand.
Thank you Mr. Lutz for your attention
The Aura finally delivers the interior goods! For several years I have heard the claims and been disappointed with the actual execution. For example, I was ready to be impressed by the Corvette interior, but was not. Finally, the new Z06 gets a decent steering wheel–the first one ever for a GM product, IMHO.
The Aura has a beautiful wheel as well. Get rid of the chrome hubcap in the middle and go with something more subtle and it will be perfect. Now, will someone explain to me why you guys waited 10 years to copy Nardi?
You should employ a team of Italian designers for future interiors. Those guys exude style, elegance, and class. Get Cadillac out of the ghetto and leave that market to gold-chain crowd at Chrysler.
Mr LUTZ
Great job on both of the new Saturn cars they really look great. but either of those cars are going to do well against the mustang. Sooo
WERE IS THE NEW CAMARO??
0 and i heard there is a rumor that you guys are bringing the holden UTE here as a EL Camino. Is that true? If it is, that’s the best idea you guys have had in a while.
Great job Mr. Lutz. The Sky is incredible looking and provides a nice shot of adrenaline that the Saturn line badly needed. And the Aura just makes the other Saturn sedans look miserable. Fine job indeed and hopefully the other car lines see this same kind of improvement.
Speaking of improvement, there’s a hole in Chevy’s lineup that needs to be improved, or actually, filled. That hole is where the Camaro used to reside to compete with the ever popular and crazy selling Mustang. I hope under you, this new GM will ressurect our old friend into a world class automobile and take many sales away from the running horse.
Mr. Lutz, With all of the “rumors” about the resurface of the Camaro, how much can we assume is true? Will there be another car badged as Camaro in the near future? My only regret is the same rumors of a total demise for its sister car, the Firebird. I have been a diehard GM owner for years and owned several of the older cars, as well as some of the newer models. I am glad to finally hear that GM will finally reintroduce some RWD platforms back to the line up. RWD cars are fun to drive.
Being a diehard GM owner, I have been extremely loyal to the F-Body having owned five total in my life. I have always been more partial to the Poncho than to the Bowtie because I have always perceived the Pontiac brand to be more performance oriented. I have owned two GenII Firebirds, two GenIII Firebirds, and one GenIV Firebird which I bought brand new in 2000. That car was my first new car ever. That is because I wanted to buy my dream car. That is exactly what I got…a brand new Firebird. Bringing back some of the old nameplates from GM’s past isn’t a bad idea, but at the same time, I would hope that these cars have to gumption to live up to their heritage. Being FWD, I don’t believe that they fulfill that heritage. They drive and handle wonderfully, but lack in the backing it up department. Nostalgia is a great thing. Many of these nameplates will bring back memories for older GM enthusiast that drove many cars by those names in their youth. I guess I was born a little too late to fit in with them, but not late enough to not know when GM meant power and business! There are many, many people who love the F-Bodies out there who would love nothing more than to see its return. I would say that it is pretty equal though in wanting both the Camaro and Firebird to return together. There will going to be many disappointed enthusiasts if only the Camaro should come back out. What are your plans for its return? Other than that question, the only question that burns stronger in our heads, is can it be brought back without it being a huge disappointment for the loyal enthusiast? Thank you for your time, sir.
Considering that this blog’s opening topics have been directed at Saturn-centric discussions, it’s amazing that so many posts have addressed Camaro. 29 months after Camaro production has ceased, and without one iota of corporate promotional support for this much loved brand, the passion for this car – for this symbol of Chevy brand equity, has not diminished in the least bit. It’s compelling.
As GM endeavors – at great expense and effort – to completely remake Saturn into something
new, (in order to create new consumer enthusiasm), we should not ignore the fervor which already exists for our little ponycar.
Get it done for us Mr. Lutz…..but do it right!
Mr. Lutz -
What is your stance on the New Cobalt’s roll-out in the Grand American Road Racing Series’ Grand Am Cup? I have taken note that the supercharged version has been prepared by a Canadian concern and up to three teams will be running this car in 2005. Is GM supporting the teams? Or, are they on their own?
PS – Nice idea, this weblog…
Best,
Kevin F. York
Seattle, Washington USA
Bravo! Open the Opel/Vauxhall floodgates. The sooner that the Signum is a Saturn, and that type of innovative thinking arrives on this side
of the herring pond, the better for all of us.
GM…please consider the following -
Since you are utilizing Opel for design and platform sharing, please also consider bringing over some of the euro engine choices to the US. Especially the diesel options (2.0 and 3.0 turbo diesels).
I believe that Saturn can once again become America’s version of the “peoples car” if they can bring over a diesel option (like VW).
In fact, Saturn could capture a lot of VW’s lost market due to VW’s increasing prices and decreasing quality. Since Saturn will be offering euro designed quality vehicles, they can replace VW as the domestic alternative to german engineering that VW once thrived in (but is moving away from to brand themselves against Mercedes).
GM…PLEASE consider the diesel options that are already in place in europe. This would go a long way in bringing in those who were displaced by VW and those who are looking for non-hybrid options to high MPG. Imagine an Aura which gets 40 MPG. And since the euro diesel standard are higher than US, once the rules are changed in 2006-7, these diesel engines can be sold wide-spread.
I think it is great that the die-hard camaro fans out there will use any fourm possible to scream for its return. Forget all this Saturn stuff. Bring back the Camaro in a completely new way with the M3 as the starting point, not just the target. The new “revoloution” should produce cars that are already better than the competition, not just a match of where they were 4-5 years ago. I fail to see the excitement in a car like the CTS-V that barely matches a 6-7 year old M5 and becomes a rapid afterthought as the world waits for a new 500hp M5. Here is a thought, the next C7…700hp 7-speed sequential gearbox, 207mph, at least 11.77 in the quarter all for around 77,000$. And of course have it by the end of 2007. When everyone tells you it can not be done Mr Lutz..hand them a “sez who?” pin and make it happen. And of course trickle down the technology on my new Z-28, which I CAN afford…
It is a pity that there are two GM’s on this planet. One that serves North America and the other to the rest of the world. Pity the average US consumer purchasing the average GM product who seems to be getting just an average product. Although biased for sure, the offering by Holden here in Australia is far superior. This of course has been recognised by Bob and co with the introduction of the Monaro (aka GTO) and the poaching of Mike Simcoe to inject a bit of design flair in to the GM North American line up. For too long, GM as well as its competitors have designed their domestic vehicles to appeal to the mass market at the lowest possible cost and one presumes at the maximum profit attainable per unit. About time that style and pizzazz makes a come back for the every man to appreciate. So Bob, how about the Commodore SS ute as the new age Chevy Camino?
Nice Saturn, looks a lot like the Opel’s right now (that’s a good thing)! Considering the Opel connection, is a wagon version of the AURA a possibility?
Nice.
It also mirrors what messages I’ve been getting in BusinessWeek/etc over the past few weeks.
A small question, though….
Why keep the Saturn brand? I mean, honestly – apparently, acceptance fell from 3.9/4.0 to 2.5/4.0 when people were told the cars would be Saturns, and have the Saturn logo on them. It’s a failing brand – 31st out of 38 brands – and the new cars are so far out of the brand’s target market as to be a different one entirely.
It might be easier to float it than to sink it, but how good of a business strategy is that?
Vice chairman of GM on his blog: We’re playing for keeps
Love the new Fast Lane blog by GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz: Given the industry’s somewhat spotty record of taking concept cars to production intact, your concerns are understandable. … [T]he Sky, of course, isn’t a concept car at all….
Vice chairman of GM on his blog: We’re playing for keeps
Love the new Fast Lane blog by GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz: Given the industry’s somewhat spotty record of taking concept cars to production intact, your concerns are understandable. … [T]he Sky, of course, isn’t a concept car at all….
We Want the CAMARO back.
Like the new saturn designs, but would you call them new??? Sure remind me of Vauxhall VX220 and Opel Omega cars.
Mr. Lutz and staff @GM,
Just came from the auto show yesterday. Here are a few points to mention.
one- Buying a car IS ALOT like dating. The first thing that catches one’s eye is the outside-literally. Styling plays a MAJOR ROLE in any decision to go further. Design cars independently, not as a field of cars under the same umbrella. Sure, they could (and should) share underpinnings to save money, but make something desireable in the first place. Turn heads, don’t turn the backside to an ugly decision. To clinic a vehicle and get a poor response, yet produce the vehicle in the clinic form is certain death.
Two- A lot could be learned if one were to study the seven year itch. What do I mean by that? Don’t run a product line for 10 years. If you wonder why a product is not selling, take a look at number one, then take a look at number two.
Three- A few of the people here have commented on the factor of matching the powerplant to the intended vehicle. There are several ways to accomplish this EVEN with a limited amount of engines. Does anyone remember the Grand National? I understand the need to fulfill capacity, but there is also a need to fulfill desire, which in turn fulfills capacity.
Lastly, GM DOES need to leave the managerial style behind. Doing what you’ve always done, gets you what you always got- only to a certain point. In this case, market share is being lost due to many factors- more players, more product, cheaper production costs, and globalization. Be the player that creates well (designs that people crawl over each other to see), execute what they see, and create the desire.
If you don’t care for the dating analogy, think of it in terms of an excellent restaurant. It should have the ambience you want to embrace, food that you want to taste, and keep you coming back for more because it is unlike anything else out there. An excellent restaurant has all of these things….. and so should a car company if they want to survive. It’s the also-rans that go out of business.
This is a great forum. Actually, I am a GM employee in Canada, in Quebec. This part of Canada is much more european then any other part of North America. I can really see the improvements in interior and also the more sobre styling since M. Lutz is there. A lot of damages has been done to my company by faulty designs, refusal to take charge (because of cost or pure denial) and pure bureaucracy. I even heard a president saying that the Sunfire was the best car we ever built (in 1997 I believe). A lot of this is due to the shielding process of the middle management, which in fact protect the higher management from the pure truth. This is not new and was very well documented in John Delorean’s book, “On a clear day, you can see GM.
This situation has been covered (and still is) by journalist, M. John Casesa from Merryl Lynch I believe and Consumer Reports. I even reported the devastating effect of consumer report as far back as 1988 to our Vice-president at the time.
What are the conclusions of all this?
1. The cie has changed deeply and will continue to do so in the next few years.
2. I am impressed with the modernity and awaraness of M. Lutz. He is more up to date then a lot of managers I know, who are much younger, but also too ambitious to speak the truth.
3. It will take a while to convert Toyota and Honda Owners to try domestic brand. Actually, Toyota aims to be recognized as a domestic brand and is very good at it.
4. Toyota is a good car but there are signs of some cracking in the fundation: blend design, boring interiors, my uncle’s car etc. They will most likely take the no 1 spot and will most likely behave as a no 1 cie; their customer satisfaction toward their Dealership is very low, they fix prices in Canada, and are not free of problems. Go to Edmunds.com , you,ll see.
5. When they will become No 1, and not the underdogs, they will most likely experience what the press and consumer magazines have done to any big corporation. It will be much more tougher to have the same free ride by those publications.
6. Even if GM is no 1 for now, we started the process to be the underdog. I see more good comments in auto show and frankly more trust in us. People do not buy anything nowadays based on patriotic behaviour. If a chinese car comes up cheaper and reliable, people would buy it and dump Honda and Toyota after a while.
7. Do i feel like we will see a resurgence of the glory days? Not likely, since our Olds and Buick customers are now in Camrys, Accords and so on. Gm will most likely stabilize the downward market share loss and, with the new products coming in, will regain some of his lustre.
8. We will work harder to keep our customers nad I can already see the huge progress we have made in the last 3 years.
As one fellow said, GM sees Toyota in the rear view mirror. We will most likely see their bumpers in a not so distant future. Toyota will not even look at us in their mirror when this will happen, since they will be the numero uno transplanted American cie.
Reminds you something?
Mr. Lutz,
I am a GM employee in Honeyoe Falls, NY and my wife and I have been looking at buying a CTS next year. I showed her a picture of the Saturn Sky and her comment was, “How much more expensive is it than the CTS? Can we afford it?” Please, we have to follow through on putting the same car that is at the auto show out into the showroom. A red-line version of this car would also be extremely welcome with improved braking, handling and performance. As my wife’s comment suggests, the price is not as important as the execution.
Jerry Fly
Always had a question–when will GM come out with a new version of a real rear wheel drive hot rod of the 94-96 Impala SS. I have a 96 and love the car. GM had the SS just about right when they killed it in 96. This car had so much potential. I also have a 94 Caprice with the 9C1 cop car package. These were great solid cars with powerful attitude(helps with an LT1). I wouldn’t mind seeing Chevy bring over the Holden version to the US with an LS1 and the Impala SS name. We really miss these cars as many car clubs for these cars still exist, such as a club I belong to called The Herd in the Chicago area. And Ford’s offering is a joke. Cops don’t even like the underpowered Crown Vic. So how about it?
This is just another American car based on style over substance. I am a single woman and I would never buy GM or Ford or Chrysler (can’t afford Mercedes) and here’s why: one of my worst nightmare involves being stranded on the highway with a broken down car. Sure I have a cell phone and could holler for help, but in the meantime, I’m stuck. Now go look at Consumer Reports list of most dependable and least dependable used cars. I am ONLY going to consider Honda (drive a Civic now), Toyota (used to drive a Celica), or Subaru. I never had trouble with the Honda or Toyota and know many completely satisfied Subaru owners. I don’t give a damn about how the car looks: it’s transportation. But it had damned well better get me to my destination safely and quickly. Until you manage to move off the CR undependable list, I will never be considering one of your cars. It has never occurred to me to buy an “American” car and, given the emphasis on style over substance, it probably never will.
Mr. Lutz,
I am a retiree of 38 years and still have passion for our industry. I suggest you tap, via the internet, the vast wealth of retiree knowledge. As you are well aware, in our techno age, anything can be accomplished from a computer. GM already has home based workers; why not tap our wise retirees? This will happen…
Gene Bertone, Michigan
Tip of the Day – #9
Talk more, and more openly, with your customers. There’s been quite a bit of blog buzz about the new GM Blog. In this post, they acknowledge apparent customer concerns. Seems like GM is making a good effort, particularly for such
Saturn Aura
Quick Missive from the Show Floor .
The Wall Street Journal had an article today that basically says GM has been surprised by the lack of interest in the G6 and LeCrosse. I seriously wonder how someone as product savvy as Bob Lutz can be surprised by that, and by the GTO for that matter.
These are “better” cars for GM to be sure, but they are not great cars. Why should I buy a G6 instead of buying another Honda Accord? I need a compelling reason, either because of the alternative G6 is more exciting, or more reliable, ideally BOTH. I DON’T need it to be cheaper, just in the same ballpark. Please make a car I WANT to own! The three I mentioned are all disappointments. I take that back… I can’t believe that Mr. Lutz even agree to repackage the Buick Century and pass it off as some sort of cheap Lexus. I know you have demographic niches to fill, but give me a break.
On the positive side, the upcoming Saturn products are a HUGE improvement! Cadillac is doing very well. The Solistice is terrific but it won’t carry the entire Pontiac product line.
I couldn’t do your job, Mr. Lutz, but it seems like you have the ability to start projects with great promise, and stop GM from producing more bland boxes with wheels. I don’t need 0-60 in 6 seconds to make me appreciate a car, but good design and good performance and good value are things that can be part of EVERY car. Take a look at the product concepts, trust your judgement, and don’t listen to some 50-something bonehead to justify why you need to build crappy cars because GM has sold a bunch just like that in the past.
And give the people at Saturn and Cadillac a raise.
By the way, do you realize how many Camaros you could sell if you get it right?
I have been an import buyer from since the very first car I have ever owned. I’ve owned 4 so far. Lately I’ve been impressed with a lot of the domestic offerings. One such offering is the Saturn Sky. Very refined looking car at an attractive price. I am seriously considering this as a second car aka “weekend toy”. I currently own a 98 Lexus ES 300, which is currently running reliably enough for me to keep another 4 or 5 years.
Now is the time for a new toy and the Sky really caught my attention. That is one classy design and the interior is definetly on point. I wonder if the options list would include HID lighting and metallic paint Hmmm…(A little bling ain’t bad)! I hope the car and the “goodies list” (options list) will be well worth the wait. I can’t speak for other potential buyers but I’m in my mid 30’s, not married, no kids, with discretionary income and I would like to purchase the Sky. You can certainly add that to your demographics.
One other point.
As far as reliability is concerned. I think that is a non-issue. I’ve spent enough money fixing my import cars to know that not everything Japanese is perfect. I don’t buy into the whole media hype about GM reliability. That’s the past. I believe that GM as well as other domestic brands have made legitimate progress in the area of reliablity. I’m really annoyed at people who buy into the media hype and basically repeat what they read and hear without researching the facts. I bet that not one of them currently own a new or recent domestic vehicle to be able to complain about reliability. I guess that’s just the fallibility of the ignorant mind. Too bad…they don’t know what they are missing.
Is the upcoming Saturn Aura based on the current Pontiac G6?