Welcome to FastLane
The FastLane blog is your source for the latest, greatest musings of GM leaders on topics relevant to the company, the industry and the global economy, and — most of all — to our customers and other car enthusiasts. We look forward to an open exchange of viewpoints and welcome your ideas and feedback throughout 2005.
- Posted in Cars & Trucks
Micro Persuasion
Holy Saturn, GM Exec Bob Lutz is Blogging!
Holy Saturn, Batman. GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz is blogging over at GM’s new FastLane Blog. The Fastlane blog is GM’s new corporate leadership blog. More details here.
NevOn
General Motors starts executive blog
General Motors started a blog yesterday, with the first posts by GM Vice Chairman, Bob Lutz: The FastLane blog is your source for the latest, greatest musings of GM leaders on topics relevant to the company, the industry and the
BusinessBits
GM starts business blogging
The FastLane Blog was created, somewhat surprisingly, by General Motors. I spoke with Jeremy Wright on the new blog and what his first impressions are. Overall its a strong move by a strong company. There’s always room for improvement but I espesciall…
In the Life of MrDigital
GM jumping on the Blog bandwagon
GM has started a new series of blogs from corporate leaders they’re calling FastLane. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz has the first entries. Check it out if you’re interested in such things….
RobiNZ Blog
GM’s Bob Lutz blogs
Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman, is now blogging! Several articles there already and links to recent interviews, some on car design. Link: GM FastLane Blog.Welcome to FastLane The FastLane blog is your source for the latest, greatest musings of GM
Site-9 Weblog
General Motors launches FastLane Blog
Looks like Corporate Blogging is no longer the exclusive domain of IT companies! Yesterday, General Motors launched their all new FastLane Blog…The FastLane blog is your source for the latest, greatest musings of GM leaders on topics relevant to the …
Jason Whitman
This concept is excellent for a company like GM, a great way to share news with those loyal to your brands. The blogs look and read great - nice work and congratulations!
fireduck350
I am really hoping that GM is reading this. This is a rant about the product they are producing. I currently own nothing but GM cars. I have 6 in all, starting with a 1955 Chevy 3100 pickup, to a 1996 Suburban. We are starting to consider getting something new again, something sporty, with some power. I am wanting a car, with V-8 power and rear wheel drive, with more then 2 seats, but have yet to see anything that GM can offer. I am also having a very hard time telling the new GM offerings, from many of the other offerings from Chrysler or some of the Japanese makes. I have never owned a car that wasn’t a GM, either a Chevy, Pontiac or Saturn. But, we got rid of the Saturn to get another V-8 rear wheel drive car, that is a lot more enjoyable to drive. Right now, if we were to go out and buy a new car, it would be either a new Ford Mustang, or a Chrysler 300C. While the Pontiac GTO is impressive, and would fit the bill, the price GM has put on it is over the market price of similar cars out there, in it’s class. I just want to know what is going on at GM, that they have gone from the industry leader in new design and concept, to being so far behind that their cars are really starting to look like their competition, and they price them out of the market that they are geared to? GM can no longer compete with Dodge or Ford with truck prices, when I could get an extended cab Dodge truck for about $5000 or more less then the comparable Chevy, or the comparable Ford for only a little over the Dodge. It makes me absolutely sickens me to even consider a Dodge or a Ford, but I can no longer support the products that GM is putting out when GM can no longer compete with originality or price. What I don’t understand is how GM doesn’t get sued by Chrysler for some type of design theft. The C6 Vette looks like it is stealing styling cues from a Viper, and this new HHT is almost a spitting image of the PT Cruiser. Saying it is inspired off of a 49 Suburban isn’t fooling anyone. The new 2006 Impala also looks too much like a Honda. I might consider a new Monte Carlo, since we like Monte Carlos, and have a 1970 Monte Carlo sitting in the garage. I even got excited when I heard it was going to be available with a V-8 for 2006. But alas, GM has kept this car front wheel drive. A very nice looking car, but still ruining the Monte Carlo heritage. At least the V-8 is going in the right direction. Should I hold off on purchasing a new car until 2007? Will GM have anything to offer in 2007 besides an overpriced GTO, and front wheel drive cars? Maybe a new Camaro might be worth waiting for, have owned 3 Camaros in my life time, and 4 Firebirds. Still have one Camaro and two Firebirds. Maybe GM can stick with the heritage of a car if they bring the Camaro back and keep it V-8 and rear wheel drive, and not screw it up like they have done with the new Impala, Monte Carlo, Nova, Lemans and Malibu just to name a few. And to think that the Malibu used to be the base model for a Chevelle. What a disgrace.
Thanks for starting this blog, I have been wanting to voice my opinion about current GM styling and line up to GM for sometime. Instead of just posting my opinion on other message boards that I am on.
Gary
What a great idea. I read a couple of car books and see quite of Bit of Lutz, as translated by “reporters.” Now we get to see what he says directly. I’m a recent convert to GM products (CTS)and plan to ask a bunch of questions. This looks like a good place for that.
Dave
This is GREAT! I appreciate that you left Comments on. Ford doesn’t allow comments on their Mustang blog.
I hope you really use it to get word out on your products (which, btw, are getting much better) and to take constructive criticism. The companies that don’t relate with their customers will sooner or later pay the price.
As for the email, yes I own a Mustang, but also a 2000 Saturn LS.
Regards,
Dave in NY
Kevin
There was a time not too long ago when GM was far more of a follower than a leader. What an impressive thing to see - a major corporation interacting in such a public forum. A place where they will get feedback - both positive and negative. This will only help GM become a better company than they are already. Kudos to General Motors!
Bill
Hi, As a GM retiree in MI, I find this blog to be interesting. Especially if writen by THE Mr. Lutz.
It seems that for many years GM designers had some good designs and THEN along would come what we workers called the design committee. Change this, that make it not very good looking and then build it. Then they wonder WHY cars don’t sell well. You really need to build your ’show’ cars just as you show them. Hey, I’ve often wanted to be called from retirement (hourly) just to go back to work and wake up the execs!
Go luck Mr Lutz. Don’t fail!
Prof. Dino Baskovic
Cheers to your new blog! Now, when will we see your next book? I wore out my copy of “Guts” long ago
BPWrap
Saying No To Change
‘Embrace Change’ is often said to be a universally good thing. However ‘Change for Change’s Sake’ is clearly bad. So how do you tell the difference?
This question is
Kevin
Hi all,
I reasonably impressed by the recent move of all three American manufacturers (OK, so Chrysler is now owned by Damlier, I’m can’t get used to it). Ford has done a very good job with the Mustang as everyone seems to agree (except maybe on weight). Chrysler has the “bad-ass” 300C and soon the Charger. GM has an excellent update of the Corvette, an impressive re-invention of the entire Cadillac lineup, and some nice work reviving Saturn.
But no one is batting a 1000. The Ford 500 is bland. The Crossfire has not wowed the public (or me). And for GM, I’ve been disappointed with the much ballyhooed GTO. You would have been better off calling it the LeMans. Then, a bit later, introduce the limited edition GTO version (with the hood scoops and split dual exhausts). Now that would have provided people with the right historical context and lineage. The 2005 refresh is better, but you’ve lost the moment to the Mustang.
One more think I’d like to add-the Caddy CTS-V is an awesome ride. I attend a local “Find your style” GM event and it was the most impressive ride that day. Even against the Corvette, the CTS-V was quick handling, well balanced, and powerful. If only it didn’t cost $53K and have the ugliest rear end in the business. Maybe you can hire Chris Bangle to add some shapes to it (that was a joke).
Site-9 Weblog
General Motors launches FastLane Blog
Looks like Corporate Blogging is no longer the exclusive domain of IT companies! Yesterday, General Motors launched their all new FastLane Blog…The FastLane blog is your source for the latest, greatest musings of GM leaders on topics relevant to the …
John from Long Beach, CA
I was just listening to an interview with Bob Lutz on WSJR. I am also fresh from the LA Auto Show. Discussing the Hummer line, Mr. Lutz pointed out that other car makers manufacture vehicles that are just as wasteful with gasoline. I was very disappointed to hear this response. As a child, I learned very early on that when I did something irresponsible, explaining that someone else was just as bad or worse was not going to fly. Mr. Lutz’s attitude in this regard causes me to rethink my increasingly positive attitude towards GM. If GM, Ford and Chrysler paid as much attention to their cars as they do their trucks, the Japanese may not have risen to the dominate quality and value perch that they currently enjoy. And I say this as a person who has yet to purchase a foriegn automobile!
Our household is now in the market for a sporty, fuel efficient luxury automobile. GM vehicles should be a shoe-in for us since one of us holds an executive position that includes the choice of any GM vehicle, including insurance, maintenance and free cosmetic care. Cadillac is becoming more dynamic and has warrented significant attention from us, but the combination of efficiency, performance and impeccable build quality and engineering of Acura is so difficult to ignore. What now puts it over the top is the fact that its parent Honda produces the most ecologically sound vehicle fleet in the country. What makes our decision so much more simple are Lutz’s unfortunate comments.
According to Mr. Lutz’s interview, efficiency is only a concern of left wing environmentalists. Well, Bob, I will tell you that there are those on both sides of the political spectrum who are concerned about environmental responsibility, who want their children and grandchildren to enjoy a healthy earth and to learn from their parents that the decisions we make on a daily basis have very real consequences. It is not something that we should all be waiting for someone else to do something about. We are responsible for the type of world we live in and how we will leave it for our future generations. Not to mention the fact that our tumultuous involvement in the Middle East is dictated by our thirst for oil. Today we are losing more sons, daughters, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers over it.
Mr. Lutz, I am one of those people who, as you said, can afford financially to squander dollars on gasoline, but I cannot and will not justify such a decission to waste so blatantly with the pathetic excuse that others are just as bad. Shame on you.
On a more positive note, as I am a diehard auto enthusiast, I will say bravo on finally realizing a couple of new products with competetive interiors. The Cobalt, G6 and Corvette shine like no other GM product has in their respective markets. Good job! But please lose the towel-covered seats on the La Crosse. Cadillac is well crafted and pleasing too, but it is competing with some very impressive cars.
Another comment if you will. What has happened at Saturn? I purchased an SL2 at the get go. Innovation and value, reliabilty and excellent customer service made me a believer despite the engine noise. We would own three others until we sold the last one in 1999. The new products have been embarrassingly sad. We still have a need for a commuter vehicle in our household, but Saturn no longer takes up space in our garage, now occupied by a surprisingly dynamic and rewarding 04 Focus ZX5. After a year of heavy use, we often find ourselves choosing to drive it just because. Anyway, Saturn deserves better. Save it before it’s too late. Thank you for the opportunity to share my observations. What a great way to find out what your customers (and potential customers) are thinking. May it help in managing change at GM.
ninme
This Is Heartening
GM Vice Pres Robert Lutz has a blog! Welcome to FastLane The FastLane blog is your source for the latest, greatest musings of GM leaders on topics relevant to the company, the industry and the global economy, and — most…
Robert Tankersley
Forwarded link to my father, he`ll love this!!
Cephas
Here is my 2c worth for a hot seller -
Apply Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive - or hi-perf full-hybrid equivalent - to the anticipated SAAB 9-3 Sportwagon. It’ll be an upscale Subaru for the environmental Blue state crowd and I would bet you’d have very long waiting lists and premiums for it, as compared to most current SAAB models, and thereby boost prospects for GM-EU overall. I think it would allow SAAB to trump Volvo (GM-over-Ford) and expand share in that currently niche but very robust segment of the market. That’s it!
Lloyd A. Conway
Some Buick musings:
1.) Many people give my ‘94 LeSabre praise when they ride with me, as in, “Wow! Nice car! I’d never have guessed.” The quality really shows after 11 years and 171,000 miles, more so than when a car is new. The question is, how do you get buyers to see it?
2.) Suggestions: Buick used to be cool. Why not dig up the original LeSabre hood ornament, circa 1951, which was an upside-down Mercedes logo, colored red, white, and blue, with “leSabre” in cursive writing around the outer ring? (Think Harley Earl was trying to send a message?) How about a Buick watermark on the rear-view mirror and on the headlights, visible when the beams hit the pavement? Maybe a LeSabre wagon, for grandparents needing ‘room to spoil’ their grandkids? I recall a Bruce Springsteen song, “My Hometown,” with lyrics about sitting in Dad’s lap in his big, old Buick, steering as they drove through town; why not use that as a theme - make memories with your (grand)kids - see a Buick dealer in your hometown. Maybe an optional toy steering wheel, attached to the back of the driver’s seat, with one of those driving video games, would be a selling point.
Maybe there’s a reason I’m not in the auto industry - lack of practical ideas - but that’s my two cents’ worth. At any rate, the quality issue ought to be settled by cars like mine looking very good and running well with high miles - perhaps that would be an ad campaign in the making: “The only reason you’ll trade it in is that we’ll make something you like even better,” featuring people like Dan, a local building contractor, whose (chevy pickup) odometer went out at 486,000, but the truck’s still in service. It’s hard to argue with that kind of reality.
-Lloyd
Stan
You definetely need to bring all of the F-bodies back not just the Camaro. They Will sell if you will make them v8, rear wheel drive.
The GTO is nice from the performance standpoint but needs a lot more styling and the base price needs to be brought down.
George
Good Old Days:
Now that I am retired and rich enough to afford
any car I want, the ‘58 Impala SS or the ‘59
Caddy Eldorado don’t exist. I want a distinctive
car with chrome. Not these blobs designed by a
computer. Cars today a pretty vanilla compared
to designs of the past. I want a Marilyn Monroe,
not a Jay Lo. STS and CTS ain’t no Dusie.
Sure, make cars for the 30 somethings but the 60 somethings have more disposable income. Don’t
forget us. The new Buick LaCrosse looks too
like the old Buick LaSabre which has been around
forever with its nice looking but old body.
Bring back the dynamic body changes of the ‘56 thru ’60s.
Robert
I am a current owner of a 2002 Olds integra. This is the first american car I have owned in a long time. I use to own GM products all the time. I think the Olds is a very fine car and looks great with a lot of nice design features. I especially like the key in the dash. It makes it a lot easier to use when you are older with some arthritus problems. I really regret that you have discontinued the line. I think it looks greater than the old man looking Buick.
Art
Mr. Lutz,
Being an old time car guy I am continually perplexed at the number of models offered by all manufacturers in each line. Going back many years, you generally offered three sizes, small, medium and large and then three levels of options, generally economy, midpriced and luxury. It seems for many years GM has come out with so many different models in each division that the sales people let alone your customers can’t keep track of what models are available and what markets they are targeted to. It would seem that Cadillac has become very successful for you by getting back to basics and building models to target specific needs rather than trying to pick up market share with a plethora of models. This can’t be economical.
It seems as though in many cases you are competing with yourself rather than your true competitors. I would think that if you reduced the offerings and truely targeted your market, you would be more profitable as a result. Just an observation from an old conservative that believes cutting overhead while maintaining sales equals profit.
Ed Current
As a long time fan of GM products, it has been a continual disappointment to see GM vehicles in the ‘worst used cars/trucks to buy’ lists.
New vehicles costing upwards of half a year’s salary (before taxes) are seldom touted by their GM salesmen as great values but more often simply compared to more expensive brands. Gadgets, financing, and incentives trump reliability, dependability, and style (style costs extra!). More affordable used vehicles are often sleeping giants of repair costs, which often offset any savings.
Saturn has been quite the exception and my family has owned several since inception. I have just looked at Saturn’s VUE and am strongly considering it as a purchase option. The leading concern however is Saturn’s 3-year, 36K mile warrantee. If I purchase a used Saturn VUE with 30K miles on it, will it belly up and die at 40K? If purchasing a used Saturn is not a good idea, why would buying a new one be? With 7- and 10-year warrantees so common among the competition, is there something GM is trying to tell me? Like…look to Toyota?
Hugh Sullivan
Just wondering if design engineers ever drive vehicles themselves? Two points: Carbon-fiber truck bed program aborted. Do the engineers realize that by making the bed 70 or so pounds lighter, it increases the No. 1 problem for trucks: REAR TRACTION? They probably never heard of people putting sand bags in the bed in winter to improve traction.
Further more, as a business decision, why would you want to extend the life of the truck bed from rust? It just delays replacement for a new buyer. If the bed has rusted out, it’s probably time for a new truck.
Second question, when is GM going to dump the Avalanche? From the very beginning, it has had problems maintaining sales above the first year. How could engineers think it could be viable? The open back limits use with freezing weather or extremely hot and humid weather the rest of the year. Furthermore, it takes away from truck sales, GM’s most profitable unit.
Finally, women are significant in all family car purchase decisions. It’s not likely that she wants something she has to jump up to get in and unlike a pick-up, her head can not look into the rear as it is so high. What was the intended market for this vehicle?
Mr. Lutz, I believe you are doing a great job. I know you inherited certain things, but I cannot figure out the answers to my questions to this day.
thanks Hugh
Lester
Bring back the F-bodies!
Tony
Are we going to see a site like this in Australia so we can have access to GMH execs as well?
WS6Freak
My dear GM
I won’t tell you what to do. You know what to do. But whatever you do, bring the Firebird back with a strong marketing program to back it up. That’s all.
Daniel
Hello GM,
I love your cars. I always have. Since the death of the F-body, I have not been impressed. By all means you guys are still better than Ford, but there is no low-priced RWD exciting car to drive anymore. Sure the G6 is great and the Cobalt is out but they are more like Japanese cars than anything else. The SS line coming back was refreshing yet disapointing. The Monte Carlo is FWD, the Trail Blazer is definitely no typhoon and the Impala looks very … dull. The GTO is very unexciting looking, but very nice work with the rest of it. Saturn Ion Redline is very nice but not a “domestic car” — it is for the young “street racer” crowd. Saab — no complaints. Old’s, well there are like 4 cars. Buick, there’s like 7, and Hummers are cool. The Cadillacs are beautiful and awesome. But I will never afford one. The Malibu is getting old, and the Maxx is ugly. Please bring back the F-body, at least the Camaro. If you can, the Firebird (please). Thank you for listening.
Brian
Please bring back the Camaro and Firebird. I’m tired of seeing these ‘05 Mustangs everywhere. Retro ‘69 Camaro and Firebird. Trans Am could have shaker hood. You have a 400 horse motor wasting on a Grand Prix. V-8 a must. Solid rear axle a must. RWD or even AWD (put a hurting on imports). Don’t even think about FWD. They can’t keep the ‘05 Mustangs at the dealers. They are selling that quick. It is no doubt that Ford is number one. They listen to the people. I don’t think the GTO is selling like the Mustang.
Dean
I hope you bring back the Pontiac Firebird!!!
Doug
I am a DIEhard GM fan! I have had them all: 3 Camaros, Corvettes, Novas, Cutlass’s, Firebird Formula, GM trucks…the list is way too long to post them all. I currently own a heavily modified 1993 Pontiac Formula and a Silverado Z71.
I WANT the Camaro back. I know both the Camaro, and Firebird cannot come back but PLEASE give us our Muscle car back. The new GTO is nice (and I am considering buying one) but it isn’t an F-body! WE need the Camaro. It is part of America, and I don’t feel right without an F-body in the line-up. You build it and I will be first in line to buy one. GM did such a good job on the last generation the 2002s were just amazing. Please bring them back!!! You listening Mr. Lutz???
Thanks
Doug Melanson
93formulabird
Please, please consider bringing back the F-car line, I don’t wanna end up crossing over (Ford). I like the look of the new Mustangs and the price is very reasonable. I have seen pictures of the possible 2007 Camaro and everyone that I have showed it to has fell in love with it! I hope you make the decision to bring it back!
Phoenix
GM Executives:
It is well known that GM is one of the most important corporations worldwide, so what is happening now that GM is losing agaist Ford. We need the Firebird and the Camaro back. Ford has been increasing sales because there is no F-Body to compete agaist the Mustang. The GTO might be good and all but I don’t like it that much, and it is a expensive. This is about tradition, I love GM and I feel disappointed for not seeing the F-Body anymore. If you all want to increase sales and customer satisfaction just bring the Firebird and Camaro back. Companies have to do what customers want, and we want the F-Body. “The firebird is back” sounds good for a TV commercial. Also a GM racing parts program would be a great idea, trust me. Thanks for listening.
Michael Johnson
This message is for anyone working at GM with any power whatsoever to bring back the F-Body:
The new Ford Mustang is out. It will sell more units than you can imagine. Chrysler puts the 350 hemi in everything they sell (and they are moving to rear-wheel-drive). The point here is that people like V8- powered rear-drive cars. The plant in Canada is already demolished, the contract’s void. Bring back the F-body, you could save cost by buiding it on a shared platform, using a solid rear axle (like the Mustang).
Please make the V6’s friendly to girls. Make more convertibles and read Motor Trend’s Camaro prescription.
Michael
This is Motor Trend’s prescription for the next Camaro. Please, to any GM executives, it will be worth your time to read this link:
http://www.motortrend.com/future/spied/112_0108_5th/index.html
LT1/LS1 builder
Bring the Camaro back — you’re losing sales and you don’t understand the GTO is out of most peoples price range.
The 2002 SS camaro was a great car.
I have loved them forever.
I have never been able to own a Camaro but I got the best thing I could get from one of its engines and made a Jaguar haul ass with it.
You need to bring this car back.
BOB LUTZ you’re not thinking with your head.
Wayne
Bring back the F-body. It is just not right to have Mustangs and no Firebirds or Camaros. The biggest problem with the F-body was the price was a little too high for many people. I had a 1994 Firebird Formula and love driving that car. It had power and class. Please bring back the power and class to GM.
Thank you,
Wayne
jason
I would like to see a GM sports car with a solid frame and standard eqiupment. Small block with an option of a big block. Let’s see more muscle cars in the GM line.
KRockLS1
While I think GM is making great strides with the GTO and the new Cadillac V series cars, I sincerely hope that the “vision” GM once had to cater to those who liked to get into a fast car at an affordable price does not dissappear forever. While the GM F-Body didn’t represent the largest purchasing demographic possible, it doesn’t look like the GTO is breaking any sales number records and I fear that lots of first-time car buyers will switch to FORD and their Mustang line, which still thrives, while targeting the same demographic that GM once focused on with the F Car.
As an owner of 3 different F-Bodies (2 Firebirds and 1 Camaro, all 4th Gen) I can attest to the fact that, while these cars needed a refresher to bring them up to speed, removing them altogether from the lineup may have been a bit too hasty. I think redesigining the unibody, updating the technology to what people in 2005 look for in a new car, and mantaining the legacy or the front-engine, RWD platform for around $25,000 would and certainly could give Ford a huge run for their money, especially if GM utilized the potent LS2, and pitted it against the Mustang’s lack-luster DOHC offering.
At this point in the game, I’m not naive enough to think that the F-body can reappear within the next few years, but I hope GM isn’t resting all its hopes and dreams on the Solstice, GTO and SS versions of Monte Carlo, Impala and Cobalt. To do so would seriously underestimate the demanding performance-minded entry-level consumer who would surely overlook the Mercedes AMG or BMW brands for a Cadillac-V as their purchasing power grew IF GM was able to captire their interest early on with an entry level performance car.
Daniel
The F-bodies were great. When I was younger all I wanted when I was 16 was WS6 Trans Am. I purchased a 1976 Trans Am and love her to death, but it is very disheartening and insulting when there are 10 different kinds of Mustangs running and there isn’t a single new F-body to stand up. I don’t think anyone in America is aginst the return of the Firebirds and Cameros. So where are they?
Michael Johnson
*THIS MESSAGE IS TO ANYONE AT GM WHO WANTS TO SELL MORE VEHICLES.*
Go to any GM dealer with the exception of Cadillac and walk down the lines of cars and pick some that you would buy yourself and enjoy driving daily. What would you pick? A Corvette? May be a Solstice? What else? Now picture you can’t spend more than 30k. Now you are in the position of most Americans.
The only cars GM has to offer that are less than 30k and fun (Rear drive is a must) is the upcomming Solstice. Actually you only have 2 cars in your fleet that are rear drive. If I am an average American I’m buying the Mustang. It’s fun, it’s good-looking, it’s fast, and it’s less than 30k. So the choice is obvious.
Not only is the GM car fleet bland and front-wheel-drive plagued but GM’s fleet is overlooked by buyers. Not only will fun rear-drive cars like the Camaro and Firebird sell, but they will attract people that don’t even buy it to the lot.
So the bottom line is bring back the f body or cars like it and sell more cars and bring back life into the fleet.
Greg Mann
I myself am in the market for a new car. Like many others, V-8 rear wheel drive is the top priority in my purchase. The new Corvette is priced at more than I am willing to spend and is only a two-seater. The GTO is overpriced, given its performance and rather unattractive external appearance.
The concept drawings of the retro-2007 Camaro found on the internet are exactly the type that interest me. As stated by others before this post, bringing in a new Camaro/Firebird in at a price under 30k for the top of the line offered is a must. Otherwise, loyal GM customers will have to fill their automotive needs and wants with other brands (Ford-Mustang).
While the dreaded 4-letter word leaves a bad taste in my mouth, they appear to be the only Manufacturer willing to produce the type of vehicle I desire, at a price that is easily affordable. Producing retros of the Nova, Chevelle, ‘55 thru ‘57 Belairs, and even the Corvette are a viable option. However, I feel that GM’s lack of vision will inevitably be the reason I, like many others, will be forced to buy a Mustang GT.
Greg Mann
Options are a big part of my purchasing decision. From the colors available, to the options offered, I am tired of being offended by the GM response of a “Premium Color or Option” not being available on a Chevrolet.
Colors that Cadillac and GMC offer, are not available from Chevrolet. Pearl White is the prime example. When I asked asked a Customer Service Rep. why are these colors not offered on the Avalanche (my wife’s truck), the response was very insulting. “That is a premium color.” That tells me as a customer that I am not worthy of the “attractive colors.” I must be willing/able to pay $15k to $20K more for a Cadillac, with options I don’t want and that I feel are overpriced. Especially given that fact that the Avalanche & Escalade are the same vehicle. Only “Options available” make them different.
Autostart is another option my wife and I would love to have on our next Avalanche. You offer it on the low cost Malibu Maxx, but not on the $40K plus Avalanche, Suburban, and Tahoe. At that price tag, Autostart should be included.
Mr. Kim Upton
I love everything about our 03 GMC Sierra, but I HATE the fact that it has NO rails above the front door windows to route the rain/moisture off the driver & passenger door. This results in water coming in the window just when you want to wash the windows or get fresh air when there is dew on the truck. GMC may respond by saying that sleek, attractive design is the culprit. Well, lets promote the idea that staying DRY inside the cab is high on the proiority list. There is no way you can keep water from running in on the driver & passenger when it’s wet out. Can we please have our rain rails back ?I believe it’s actually a safety issue, because when the driver get’s drenched with water running in on the arm rest, it is very distracting ! It’s happened to me many times, simply becasue I want to have my window open. Not everyone wants to keep the “outside” air on to replace the air in the cab. I like the wind IN my face.
thanks for listening…now will you re-think this design flaw please?
Tim
I’m a 30 something single male with $2000 in GM card points whose looking for sports sedan with some “cache”, but GM doesn’t make one. Of all the vehicles across the GM line the only 2 that are desireable are the Vette & the Escalade. Why can’t you guys make a 5 Series, an A6 or even a 3 Series??
Also how come you don’t allow GM Card bonus points to be used on Saab’s?
webelieve
cars are one of the biggest hobbies known to man. and f- bodies was a big part of the craze. just because people love the camaro and say that they will never buy a mustang, doesn’t mean that in 5 years they won’t stop waiting. you know? im big on f-bodies, and if i have to stick to the classics to keep them alive i will but i will never buy another GM part again, it will be all after market so GM won’t see another dime from me. its wrong that GM made a legend like the camaro extinct. thats just like the man that shot dime bag daril because ” he broke up pantera ” well now he will never be a living legend again. there are many cars i would drive and love to have, please if im going to spend stacks of money on a brand new car make it a GM, but if not the camaro then it will be an import because the heart of american muscle is gone
Stan
Mr. Lutz,
We F-body lovers have been posting here for some time now and you dont seem to want to address any of the comments made by us. At this time let me just say this…
If you want GM to stay in buisness you better bring the F-body back. Your great plan of giving everyone a workers price for a vehicle is crap. I wouldnt give you 15 cents for 3 GTOs. Of course they are fast but they look like an import. So you say that GM was loosing money on the F-body but you are going to let people buy a GTO or any other vehicle for a workers price., now that really makes me think they are selling like wild fires. All im saying man is use your head & bring the F-bodies back.
Stan
Greg Mann
I see I am no the only one pining for V-8, Rear-wheel drive. I posted before when this site started, so I guess I will do so again. V-8 and rear-wheel drive is the only way I will buy a GM car. However, Cadillacs are overpriced for what they offer and the GTO is $5K to $6K more than the Mustang GT for a not so great appearance and about equal performance (I have driven both).
We have had 4 Avalanches and are moving back to cars until someone does something about these gas prices. Also, the Avalanche is made in Mexico, not the United States. Has noone at GM noticed that the most dependable, reliable front wheel drive vehicles (which are imports) are actually made in the USA!!! Perhaps GM should look at building there cars here as well as hiring new designers and engineers. GM appearance, quality, and fit & finish is the most boring and bland in the industry. If you doubt me, look at the interior of any Chevy truck and say the Grand Prix interior and you will definitely see what I mean. I have lots of money on my GM card to use, but no desirable/reasonably priced car to buy from GM.
As someone that replaces his wifes car every year or two, you would think that GM would try to keep me and others like me happy. Yet they continue to produce lack luster front wheel drives with crappy interiors.
From now on, if you don’t make it here in the domestic United States, WE DON”T BUY IT! We need the jobs here and I will use my buying power to show you just that!
Here is to hoping that GM opens their eyes and make some drastic changes!
Remember these key words: V-8, Rear-Wheel Drive, and Made in the United States of America, Not Korea, Canada, or Mexico!
Dave Bordne
There is all this talk about GM doing bad, which is why they are offering the employee discount for everyone. I think it is too little too late. The real problem with GM is that they don’t know what they are doing. The beginning of thier downfall is when they decided to stop making the Caprice. That was probably the biggest mistake they made. They had the market on almost every police car & taxi car in the USA. They handed over that market to Ford. Thier next mistake was ending the F-Body. Teenagers had to turn to Ford or Dodge for thier cars.
When I turned 17 & got my license, I got a 78 Trans Am. (Which I still have that car today fully restored). I also own a 2001 Firebird. I love the Trans Am.
Now that Ford redesigned the Mustang & gave it the vintage look, and Dodge bringing back the Charger, it’s time for GM to get its tail in gear & bring back the F-Body. I’m sure if they were to do something like Ford & Chrysler does by giving the car a modern version of the old look that they would get their customers back. Now I know some of you will about to say NO WAY to what I am about to say, but it here are my thoughts on what would bring even more customers. Today, the newest technology that is hitting it big is a hybrid. Honda introduced a hybrid version of thier Accord this year that puts out more power then the standard gas engine, with about an extra 10mpg to boot. Honda can’t keep them they are so hot. If GM were to introduce the F-Body with hybrid technology that increases power, I can’t see how they would go wrong.
Dil Brandow
Hello Mr. Lutz,
My first car was a 1970 Pontiac LeMans. Second was a 67 GTO, Third was a 69 Convertible GTO. I now own a 66 GTO and a 61 Ventura. I also helped to start the Inland Empire GTO Club in 1985 which is still going strong. I even have a Pontiac Crest tattoo’d on my shoulder. I lIKE Pontiac’s.
I’m glad that you brought the GTO back. That is a step in the right direction. I’m still not sold on the design and if the 08 looks anything like the picture that appeared in Autoweek I feel it will be the end of the new GTO. It’s to corporate looking. Or should I say, it looks like something that the bean counters could be proud of, but it won’t be a seller. I know you have to have some excellent designers working for you with outstanding ideas. My suggestion would be to throw out a few concept pictures (of some really cool designs) like the kid that designed the Camaro in Popular Hotrodding that everyone went ape over, and feel out the market of potential GTO buyers to see what we like. I know not everyone will agree on one design but hey, what do you have to lose? Our Pontiac club here in So Cal also knows that the brass at GM will never allow a performance car to outperform the Corvette. We can accept that. There are enough aftermarket add ons to help there. But please, get with the program in the design area. You did so well at Chrysler/Dodge with the Viper, Prowler, PT, and now look at their 300 and Charger. They have aced the marked with cool designs. I don’t need to talk about the Mustang do I? Pontiac has played close to the last fiddle in the GM line up for sometime now. Someone should have been shot for allowing the Aztek to make it into production. The Fiero should have never ended it’s run. The Firebird/ T/A could have made it, but when you exhaust a design, what do you expect. The Vibe is made out of a Toyota. The new G6 looks just like a TOYOTA Solara. Pontiac IS LOSING IT’S TRUE IDENTITY! Fortunately the Solstice is a cut above. Thank you for letting a cool car true to what Pontiac is come through. But now I hear that Saturn will also be using the Solstice platform? There goes the identity again. It’s like putting extra plastic on a Avalanch or Tahoe and calling it a Caddillac? Sorry if I’m going off. I just have such a passion for Pontiac’s and I want to see them do well. Unless you make some drastic changes in the majority of the line up, you’re steering the Titanic. We love the GTO for what it was. The inside of the new one is perfect. Just get the outside right.
Thanks for listening, Dil Brandow Riverside, Ca.
Eric Sieber
As with Mr. Brandow’s post above, I am a 50 year old lifelong GM/Pontiac man. My first car was a 1963 Bonneville, my second was (and is) a 1969 GTO Judge and I also have a 1964 Catalina 2+2 Convertible as well as a 1967 GTO and a 1966 Tempest Sprint. My daily driver is a Buick and my wife drives a Denali. We are a GM family. I do like the 2005 GTO, but it still doesn’t have enough of the special Pontiac excitement of the old cars to be worth the money for my daily driver. Pontiac makes (made?) excitement! Let’s put those design folks’ ideas to work and come up with something special for 2007! Pontiac seems to be nothing but making rental car fleets anymore excepting the new GTO and Solstice. Set yourselves apart, make another Great One!
Chysler & Ford have come up with some pretty sweet retro looks on their new offerings, there must be a zillion of us baby boomers who would LOVE to drive a GM with retro styling. Come on please, do it!
Thom Trafford
Mr. Lutz, My 1st experience with GTO’s was behind the wheel of my stepdads 65 GTO 4spd convertible. I had auto shop in high school (1974-1977)and brought that car as my project car that I would later be graded on by the teacher. I replaced the water pump, exhaust system, etc…. but after replacing the worn and slipping clutch assembly I test drove the car on the side street next to the school, and even with almost 90k on the clock it still broke the tires loose in all 4 gears, at that moment I was sold on Pontiac’s GTO, and the Nova SS that had originally caught my eye, was pushed to the way side. Fast forward 26 years, I now have a 67 GTO, and I am the current President of The Inland Empire GTO Club,in Southern California http://www.ieGTOClub.com, and I see a whole bunch of holes in the chosen design for the current GTO, You got this one all wrong…..it looks like a Cavalier on steroids. With other manufacturers being able to hit the mark the way they did, Fords mustang for example. I’m not even anywhere close to being a ford fan. But I got to tell you ” THEY NAILED IT ” from a mile away you can tell that it’s a mustang. None of the mistique and masculinity of the original GTO’s even made it to the drawing board….People my age have reached a time in our lives that whats old is new again, and it would be nice if it was wrapped in a package that brought back the memories and not just a three lettered name plate. If the designers looked outside the box, or spent some time looking at and driving one of the original GTO’s or go to a GTO AA Sponsored Event and talked with owners, and got our opinions they might see 1st hand it was’nt just about the emblems that were bolted on the car. Thank You, for your time. Sincerely Thom Trafford
Jerry Harding
Mr Lutz here is my my opinion I would keep the GTO line and get a convertible GTO on the market ASAP for just a few years then drop it. Manufacture a smaller version of the mid 65 to 67 GTO’s, reduce the size down to that of a Chevy Impala or Monte Carlo, offer both a 2 door and 4 door model with rear wheel drive and call it LaMans. Ford did it right with the new Mustang and has made $$$$$$$. Pontiac’s current designs are just knock offs of what’s out there from other manufactures. I have people telling me the new GTO looks like a Saturn etc. The new Mustang design and cost is very attractive and nothing on the market today looks similar. I own a Chevy truck, 2000 Monte Carlo SS a 65 GTO a few others. I bought the Monte Carlo because it was different design and no other car on the road looked like it, my only complaint I wish it was rear wheel drive. I hope you will listen to us baby boomers out here with the $$$$$$ and have your designers go back to the drawing board.
colin ma
good.
Mike Rose
I own a 72 nova right now but in a couple of years that little 307 won’t do the job when i go to college. i’m planning to save up around enough money for a down payment for a new reliable muscle car. Please have a camaro there with crank up windows, no power steering, and a p**t off engine. i would save up every penny and dime that i had. also i think with the year 05′ you guys should have done a 50 year anneversery of the chevy small block and done a retro 55 belair or something. I love your cars but you are scaring us . the eco tech 4 banger ain’t cutting it as a muscle car engine. so i’ll see you in 2007 with a down payment for a f-body camaro. be ready! not every one can afford a zo6!
D.Rhodes
Hello all,
As a loyal and long time GM customer, I almost don’t know where to start re the ill-advised marketing and/or engineering decisions made at GM.
1. In killing off the Bonneville/Deville/Aurora platform, GM has given up the only passenger car segement they owned- large, comfortable, front wheel drive sedans. The Bonneville in particular is/was comfortable for real adults, handles well, stylish in a sporting and gregarious sort of way, and gets 30+ mpg on the highway (3800) What are they thinking? (and why are the current GM models smaller, with smaller engines, getting less MPG than the older 3.8 liter Bonnevilles?)
2. Most of GMs best cars come out of thier parts bin- The original GTO, the rear wheel drive Impala SS, Bonniville SSE, the Tahoe Limited, and the “Wolfsburg” edition Intrigue. The common theme here is upgraded braking, suspension and powertrain components. What would happen if GM sold better cars at a fair price, rather than decontenting vehicles and inflating stickers to support deep discounting?
3. The reason Oldsmobile failed was a lack of commitment. If they had packaged (Pontiac) performance in a more conservative package, they would have done well. Instead, they stradled the fence by taking credible designs (Aurora, Intrigue & Alero) and tuned them so as to not offend their traditional, but aging, customer base.
4. “Product Planning”, the practice of phasing in improvements and upgrades over the life of a vehicle, may be the death of GM yet. Too often the product enhancements are made just prior to the model’s desmise. The old Tahoe “coulda been a contender” if the brakes had been upgraded earlier than the Tahoe “Limited” edition. The Allante was (finally) given the Northstar engine before it was discontinued. More recently, the Torrent, were it equipped with the Honda 3.5 that is avialable in some versions of the Saturn Vue could be a class beater.
The bean counters have proven beyond a doubt that they don’t know “beans” about engineering and designing cars people want to buy. Let’s hope that Lutz and his “car guy” buddies can pull this one out.
Paul Bautch
I think they should bring back the Trans Am. What kid didn’t want to have a Trans Am in the 70’s. Bring it back and put a big engine in, combine the styling of the of the trans am’s from the 70’s with some new flair, and of course you have to have a Black and Gold SE and maybe even put the screamin chicken back on the shaker hood. T-Tops would also make the car cool. GM would have to make sure the new Trans Am put out some performane, espeially with that new Dodge Challenger concept to compete with.
Bob Schaarschmidt
Mr. Lutz and company,
I own and love the `05 GTO. You hit a homerun with interior and driveline. I have owned two F-body Firebirds and one GTO hardtop. I really would like to have a rag top GTO. I think the market would reward you, keep up the good work, hope to see this car as the `08 judge GTO convertible.
Muscle Car Fan
Overall, I think the Camaro Concept is Awsome! Due to personal tastes, I too agree that the front and rear grilles need to be retouched a little but, who in their right mind, (cost permitting) would not want 400 HP, rear wheel drive, independent suspension, American muscle? To even come close to that level of performance in a Ford Mustang, you would have to upgrade to a Saleen, Roush, or Cobra which would increase the price exponentially. Therefore, the Camaro (if they build it) would still be the best bang for the buck. I am certain that it would be cheaper than the Dodge Challenger. I also like the low roof-line even if it is more sports car than muscle car. I too thought the Camaro would be completely retro but let’s face it, this is a new area. Chevy is trying to improve on the aerodynamics and performance of the car while keeping hints of the original. It is not a “complete retro” model like the Mustang is. So with that in mind, it’s hard not to be impressed unless you “expected” a true complete retro design. I’m sure there will be some changes before final production. So I suggest all Camaro fans submit your comments to GM/Chevy and let them know what you want changed before the car hits the streets. I know I did. http://www.chevrolet.com/contactus/
ted
just wanted to get this off my chest: fords new fusion sedan and its Mercury spinoff look so much like our cadillac cts line that its driving me nuts. I have yet to hear anyone mention the obvious likeness….Fords new design strategy to be American in taste is fine ,….who cares, but, please, someone with authority, bash this vehicle for looking SO much like a softer cts….
al manfre
Mr.Lutz, I’am ready to put a deposit on the sixteen, when and how can I do t, AL
mike quinton
I have a 50th Anniversary 76 Trans Am. The first Bandit TA.
The car has everything but the code y82 everyone looks for to verify the car is an anniv car.
The dealer invoice says the car was delivered to G.M. Accept. Corp. in first week of June 76.
There is a C at the beginning of the Fisher Body order number in the first line of the cowl tag.
I have asked the experts on old TA’s, but they have never seen this. Just wondering if there are any execs out there or former or present employees of Pontiac who can tell me what that is for. Was this an executive car, did the C stand for put the CC1 first year Hurst t tops on the car ???
Any help would be grearly appreciated so I can document my car. Thanks. Mike.
DFC
Bob, I’m selling my GM stock and I’ll be purchasing another company’s product now that your persnal feelings about global warming are all over the Web. I understand that your personal feelings are entirely your right to have and express, but if you feel this way, you can’t move GM to take advantage of green initiatives or develop forward-thinking products.
If you worked for me, I’d fire you.
KP
Mr. Lutz,
I’m sorry that Chrysler let you get away. I’m an indefinitly layed off Chrysler employee. If you were still with us I would at least have some faith and pride in our leadership. Gm is fortunate to have you. Have a great Memorial Day Marine !
RLA
Dear Mr. Lutz - It is apparent that General Motors is trying to bootstrap itself into being a green automobile company after years of ignoring the segment. Many of the Japanese companies already have gas-sipping hybrids on the market. GM, in response, distributes information on its upcoming Chevy Volt. The present GM hybrid cars are non-starters, because the overall fuel mileage increase (over a standard model) does not warrant the additional hybrid equipment (the Saturn Aura is an example). Until the Volt is available, GM will continue to lose market share in the ultra high fuel economy segment, even though currently a number of GM models (hybrid and non-hybrid) promise decent fuel economy. The number Priuses and other Japanese hybrids sold here in Southern California reflect GM’s problem. I think the Volt is a great concept and hope that GM engineering can turn it into a reality soon. I understand the advanced hype from both a corporate and a Chevy division point of view. It shows GM is doing something. May I suggest an idea to help bring some much needed cash to GM and help better promote the Volt in advance of its introduction. Why doesn’t the Chevy division craft an offer along the following lines: lease a Chevy high mpg car now and we (Chevy and GM) will promise that: 1) the lease will last until the Volt is available; 2) the lessee can trade in the leased car for a $2,000 credit towards the purchase or lease of the Volt (when available) 3) the lessee will receive priority consideration in receiving delivery of the Volt. Such a deal allows GM to get deeper into the hybrid business now, may bring some people into Chevy (or GM) showrooms, create needed cash flow for Chevy and corporate. It would be a more solid initiative than just the promotion now going on and the current GM hybrids, whose sales are certainly a disappointment (despite publicity otherwise).
Tamarcus Jeffries
I am starting a National Campain encouraging able Americans to, “Break the Fear” in order to help our Nation’s economy- this SLOGAN should be printed everywhere. And companies (GM) should do the same. A great example; allowing customers to take their cars back to the dealerships if they loose your job. That is a truly how you “Break the Fear!” This will indeed boost our Nation’s economy! There are millions of able Americans with great credit such as myself that will not buy a car because we might loose our job. GM needs to take the lead with the National Campain to “Break the Fear”!!!
Vincent
So now he will go into fulltime blogging?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ41XGUP3h8