FastLane

Bob Lutz in Chevrolet Aveo at Shanghai

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

I finally have a chance to offer some quick thoughts on my trip to China last week for the Shanghai Motor Show.

In two words: very impressive … The Shanghai show is rapidly turning into an absolutely world class event, with most of the world’s automakers taking part. There’s no longer anything about the show that has the slightest smattering of less than first-class production, especially in terms of the elegance of the stands, and the elegance of the facility that houses the show. It’s all at least as impressive as many of the international shows on the circuit. It has a lot of space, and big stands for the automakers, and it’s just a great show.

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By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

Before the week draws to a close, I just wanted to add a follow-up to my previous post, an update of the Pontiac G6’s sales performance. I’m amazed at the amount of discussion the vehicle has generated – both good and bad. And I’m pleased about all of it – more the good than the bad, of course.

But I am glad it’s a lightning rod for discussion. And so I will just leave you with a few more facts about the G6. Offered without commentary for your own edification and discussion:

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2005 Buick Lacrosse CXS

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

Every so often, we all have to do a bit of a sense check, just to make sure that the sun will indeed rise tomorrow. And, amidst all of the gloom and doom surrounding GM lately, I’d like to give yet another alternative viewpoint.

No, it’s not all bad; indeed, I’m seeing some good signs.

For one thing, I am enthusiastic about the Buick Lacrosse. It may be a bit conservatively styled, as are many excellent Japanese cars, but it’s wonderfully executed, has fabulous workmanship, is dead-quiet, and, with the sport suspension and the four-cam V-6, has sensationally good dynamics. Plus, on the road, it has very nice “presence.” And it’s already selling better than the old Regal and Century combined. In March, we delivered 8,233 units, a 36% increase over February. That’s not bad.

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In our new podcast, host Deb Ochs interviews Mike Danowski, HHR product manager, about the 2006 Chevrolet HHR, which goes on sale later this year. He talks about its influences, interior, two engines and other options, including a standard auxiliary input jack for an iPod or other audio source. Let us know what you think.

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By Gary Grates
Vice President, Communications, GM North America

We’ve been reading and listening to a lot of criticism from our friends in the news media and in the blogs over the past week regarding our dispute with the Los Angeles Times. We’ve also received some praise from those — including a few in the media — who agree with us that the newspaper’s coverage is not always fair.

By far, the most frequently asked question has been: “Why doesn’t GM publicly detail the Times’ errors and misrepresentations?”

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Bob Lutz talks to reporters at the 2005 New York Auto Show.

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

Some of you may remember my opening salvo for this blog back in January: “After years of reading and reacting to the automotive press it is finally my turn to put the shoe on the other foot. In the age of the Internet, anyone can be a journalist.”

What began as an experiment has become an important means of communication for GM. It has given me, personally, an opportunity to get much closer with you, the public. Often, I find your comments insightful and compelling. At times your criticism is harsh. But the fact that you have remained interested and continue to have faith in our efforts to develop great products is a worthy motivator.

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By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

In case you missed it yesterday, GM Chairman Rick Wagoner announced some organizational changes that are going to help GM move even closer to operating as one truly global auto company, instead of four quasi-independent regional ones.

Rick is taking over GM’s North American operations himself; I will focus 100 percent of my time on my role as the head of global product development; and Gary Cowger will focus 100 percent of his time on his role as the head of global manufacturing and labor relations.

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