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February 25, 2005

Better Interiors?

By Ed Welburn
GM Vice President of Design

I have been reading through some of the comments here in the Design forum and have taken particular interest in the interior discussion threads.

I have to admit that most of the postings are right on with respect to past execution elements relating to our vehicle interiors. While I won't bore you with the details around why things like gray interiors are necessary, I will tell you that GM's leadership understands the competitive landscape and has made a commitment to intensely focus on this area. We are on an all-out mission to raise the bar on interiors.

We are now turning the corner with some of our new products, such as the Buick LaCrosse, Buick Lucerne, Cadillac STS, Hummer H3, Saturn SKY, Saturn AURA, and Chevrolet Cobalt SS to name a few (see more images). These products are some of the first to demonstrate gains in fit and finishes, thanks in large part to our new product development organization. Progress will continue as additional launches and mid-cycle enhancements are executed.

We think that interior designs currently being released by GM Design are absolutely on the right course. Additionally, all North American assembly plants have implemented ongoing training programs for higher standards of fit and finish. Most importantly, Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing and our suppliers are working as strong partners on a continuing journey to improve our interiors.

I hope you all share my passion and enthusiasm as we continue our mission, and I look forward to your comments.

Ed Welburn biography

Posted by Editor at 1:56 PM
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February 24, 2005

Just How Saab-like Is It?

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

Tuesday’s New York Times featured a story about the “Saab-ness” of the new Saab 9-7X SUV that raised a lot more questions than it answered. Let me see if I can’t clarify the issue here.

As you may know, the vehicle is based on GM’s midsize SUV (GMT360) platform. This practice is no different from many Toyota-to-Lexus, or Nissan-to-Infiniti transformations, particularly in utilities.

No one should have the impression that this is nothing but a re-ornamented TrailBlazer — especially after driving it. I can assure you we made certain the 9-7X both looks and acts like a Saab, with plenty of mechanical changes as well as cosmetic ones.

Although produced in Moraine, Ohio, along with TrailBlazers, Envoys, Rainiers and Ascenders, the 9-7X is by far the most differentiated, with special focus on making it an authentic driver’s vehicle.

The 9-7X underwent extensive suspension modifications to give it a more responsive, “European” feel. It has stiffer springs and bushings, a larger front stabilizer bar, and revised shock valving, all of which required beefing up the frame and control arms to handle the increased loads. A quicker 18.5:1 steering gear reduces steering friction, and increases on-center feel. We also stiffened the front part of the frame with additional braces to boost steering response. High-speed stability was enhanced by a limited slip differential, coupled with Saab-specific 18-inch tires and suspension tuning, which included lowering the vehicle one inch. Larger diameter ventilated disc brakes in the front provide better brake pedal feedback.

It not only feels like a Saab, but looks like one too. We focused on fits and broke the mold in designing the front-end appearance. An integrated fascia on all-new front end sheet metal gives the truck a clean look with tight gaps and flush fits. A new chrome roof rack accepts existing accessories from the Saab portfolio.

Inside the cockpit, you’ll notice the zero gap skin-to-trim fits, low gloss surfaces, and beautiful graining created using cast-skin processing. We paid a lot of attention to interior details, even moving the controls to their “trademark” Saab locations. Dual stalk controls on the steering column include a new left-side control stalk for the headlights and the fog lamps and front wiper controls were moved to the new right-side stalk. The center console is not only 1OO% Saab in design and execution, but also features the famed ignition in the area where the Golden Retriever can turn it off.

The effort, which took nearly 2 1/2 years to complete, was to create a silent, refined, European-feeling sports-ute BASED ON the GMT 36O. I’m confident we have created a great Saab.

Posted by Lutz at 8:00 AM
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February 18, 2005

Considering the Drive Wheels

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

No one’s denying the inherent handling advantages of rear-drive cars vs. front-drive cars. But, even though the industry pendulum appears to be swinging back toward rear-drive, front-drive will never go away. It’s the best alternative short of all-wheel-drive in many parts of the country, for one thing. And for another, it’s much improved over the front-drive systems of even the recent past.

I read a number of your responses expressing concern about torque steer in a powerful FWD sedan like the new Buick Lucerne, with some of you going so far as to say you wouldn’t even consider a FWD vehicle with that much power. I can only respond by saying, you really should try the top-line Lucerne with the 18" wheels, the sport suspension and the 4-cam V8 before you exclude it on the basis of its drive wheels.

We have made a lot of progress in managing torque steer. I am currently driving an 'O5 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP V8, with 3O3 hp, and I can tell you that it's a delightful car, even pleasant and easy to control under full acceleration. In mid-acceleration, it is indistinguishable from a RWD car. Besides, the Lucerne shares the platform with the Cadillac Deville (290 hp) and nobody has ever complained about torque steer. The Lucerne V8 has only 275 hp to protect Cadillac, and I honestly think you could drive it all day and never encounter the slightest bit of torque steer. Have you heard of anyone complaining of torque steer in a Deville? I thought not!

Posted by Lutz at 2:32 PM
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February 15, 2005

The Promise of Solstice

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

Doing a great roadster for $35,000-$45,000 is a feat mastered by several automobile companies. In fact, it's relatively routine. It's doing that desirable, high-content roadster for under $20,000 that challenges an automobile company.

That’s what we promised we would do with the Pontiac Solstice when we announced we would put it into production, and that’s what I’m officially announcing today, here on GM FastLane, for the first time.

When Solstice goes on sale this summer, it will, officially, be priced at $19,995 — and that includes the $575 destination charge. You heard it here first.

That’s not for a stripped down model, either. That sub-$20,000 price gets you 177 horsepower mated to a five-speed manual transmission, 18-inch wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes, glass rear window, and a CD-player as standard equipment.

So there you have it. A roadster inspired by the European classics of yesterday, styled very much like the concept car of a few years ago, priced under $20,000 as promised today. Solstice is a true driver’s car, and it will be in Pontiac showrooms this summer. We look forward to your reactions...

Posted by Lutz at 2:19 PM
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February 11, 2005

Field of Dreams

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

I gave a version of this speech recently at the Amsterdam Motor Show. It explains why, after more than 40 years, I still love this business.

I have been able to work extensively on the two continents I grew up on, and I've worked for many of the world's major automakers. And from day one, I knew that's what I wanted to do.

For one very simple reason: This industry builds dreams...dreams fueled by excitement, fun, inspiration and passion -- the themes of this year's Amsterdam Motor Show.

And I have always felt all of them, both on a professional and personal level.

From a very young age, I began to feel the pull of the automobile. I was so taken with the sight of them, the sensation of speed, the sounds, the smells. I knew that whatever I grew up to be, I would always have these wonderful machines nearby.

Speed machines...four wheels, two wheels, the kind that could fly, or zip across a lake...if they had motors, I loved them all. These machines fueled my dreams.

And not just the ones I saw at night with my eyes shut.

See, there are two kinds of dreams: the dreams you dream, and the dreams you live.

The dreams you dream are what fill your head when you're asleep. They can be about anything — it's out of your control.

The dreams you live...that's different. They're the stuff you daydream about when you're young, and eventually you figure out a way to make them reality, if you want it bad enough and work hard enough. Those dreams become goals.

I became a fighter pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps and got to fly those jets I loved so much. When I got out, I got my degrees and started working in the car business.

Here's a picture that was taken back when I was with Opel in the '60s, enjoying a new Opel Kadett at our proving grounds at Dudenhofen, Germany.

Well, a twisty track here, a curve there, one thing led to another, and before I knew it, I had the thing on its back. And someone had a camera.

Years later, when I left Chrysler, someone dug up the photo of me, the cigar, and the upside-down Kadett. They framed it and added the caption, "I always knew I wanted to work in the auto industry."

Well, it’s true. I did always know I wanted to work in the auto industry. For one simple reason: We design, engineer, build and sell dreams. I don't mean it to sound corny or clichéd, but there's no way around it. No other product inspires passion and creates excitement among its owners like the automobile.

The automobile represents freedom of movement and independence. It also forms an emotional bond with the customer, often at first sight — for the good ones.

It's the vehicle's design that first forges that emotional bond between product and consumer.

Some people would say that cars and trucks aren't designed like they used to be.

I would say, although there is a kernel of truth to that, this industry is heading for a rebirth in the importance of design. Which would be another dream come true, for me.

Back in the glory days of this business, automotive design was relevant, more relevant outside the auto industry than it is today. Vehicle designs of the '30s, '40s, '50s and '60s made people fall in love with the automobile.

Eventually, the industry started hitting a lot of constraints. Government legislation and the need for higher performance and better fuel economy dictated certain design shapes and elements.

Designers lost the ability to step out of the box as often as perhaps they would have liked. The institution of design lost some of its power inside the companies, and its relevance outside them.

Today, we still face constraints, but I believe market conditions are beginning to allow the designers the power to dream again. That's because, with other elements like safety, fuel economy and quality being so similar, design is again becoming the last great differentiator between products. So often it simply boils down to this: 'Do I like the way this car looks or not?'

And I think that's part of the reason this industry is headed for a new golden age of design. That's great news for all of us who dream about beautiful cars and trucks. It makes it a very exciting time to be in this business. Because we're getting back to what it's all about: Building the stuff that dreams are made of.

Posted by Lutz at 2:57 PM
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February 10, 2005

Cadillac, Buick Reveals in Chicago

Check out our first ever podcast! Gary Cowger, GM North America President, introduces the Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne luxury sedans at the Chicago Auto Show. Let us know what you think and if you'd like to hear more GM podcasts in the future. Paste this URL into your RSS reader to get the podcast:

http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/podcast/gm_fastlane_podcast.xml

Podcast help

Posted by Editor at 2:21 PM
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February 2, 2005

Best in Class? Taste for Yourself

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

As I said before we appreciate all of the comments... positive and critical, keep 'em coming. I would love to address more of them directly if there were more hours in the day. Every so often, however, a comment cries out for a response so loudly that I have to put thumbs to Blackberry. The following is one of those:

"Mr. Lutz, I'm looking for an excuse to ‘buy American,’ after switching to Japanese vehicles 15 years ago. Unfortunately, I'm still looking for that excuse. With all the talent and resources that GM has, why can't every GM division have at least ONE vehicle that is best in class for design, quality and performance? AND outsells the Japanese competition?"

First of all, just as with cigars, wine and gin, you are making a potential mistake if you are basing your decision solely on country of origin. Sure, reputation plays a big role, but check it out carefully, and go drive, or sip, or puff, and then decide.

The quality issue is a particular sticking point.

Mid-size Buicks have the best initial quality and the best long-term (3 years measured by Consumer Reports) dependability of any mid-size sedans in the world. And that includes Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Not to mention Mercedes, which is not stellar.

Many GM makes outscore the Toyota brand on J.D. Power quality. Toyota is only Number One when it's measured as “Toyota Corp.,” which includes Lexus.

Our full-size utilities, GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, handily win against all domestic and foreign competition on J.D. Power quality.

So, why is this not better known?

It’s largely because the general press in this country has fallen into a depressing but easy pattern of “foreign good, U.S.-produced bad.” They perpetuate conventional wisdom and don't report the latest state. I remember the time of the Daimler takeover of Chrysler in '98. The press essentially concluded, almost unanimously, “One good thing is that Mercedes will finally bring quality to Chrysler.”

Hello! If they had bothered to check the data, they would have found that Chrysler quality was already significantly better than Mercedes, and it presumably still is today.

In short, we are all trying to live down a reputation that was probably at one time deserved, but is no longer justified. Will we ever be able to change it? One mind at a time, and you can help by going out and trying a new Buick Lacrosse, a Pontiac G6, any Cadillac, or the all-new Chevrolet Cobalt, which, in terms of ride, handling, refinement and body fits I will willingly put against a Civic or Corolla.

And the initial quality, based on our own early returns, is at or better than the best in class on all three. And, important point, only GM plans to equip every one of its vehicles with OnStar, arguably the biggest single contribution to on-road safety and security in the business.

Don't take my word on any of this. Check the data, and go make comparison drives. As Iacocca used to say, “If you can find a better car (at or near the same price) buy it!”

It's a hard road back, but we do deserve your consideration.

JD Power Quality Report

Posted by Lutz at 6:05 PM
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