Only the Best

Bob: You contradict yourself! ( again) "Operating on a much more emotional and creative level"? Yet you admit to designing the GTO without thought to the emotional connection one has to retro design? Blatantly admitting this car was not designed for the previous GTO owner?That historically people didn't buy the GTO on it's looks but rather on how it sounds? Emotion? Creativity? At GM? Yeah right.

Mr. Lutz,

I'm counting on GM to prosper.

Am I to compare the fit and finish of the HHR to only the old GS400, or can I also compare it to the more modern GS430?

Ha, ha. Just kidding.

Dear Mr Lutz,

Passion & Execution - That's what were talkin about. ;-)

Utilize some of the designs from Holden, Opel, Saab, and associates Subaru & Suzuki. Streamline your brands and models and focus your efforts and you will be beating on Toyota in no time. ;-)

IMHO Your lineup for th future:
Cadillac-Luxury + Performanec
Chevrolet- Midsize Family + Performance
GMC - Trucks, Vans
Hummer- HD Off road
Pontiac-Sport + Performance
Saturn- Small Car+ Performance
Saab-Premium + Performance
Suzuki-Fuel Efficeint, lightweight, compact

Buick has got to go. That market has to be motivated into Cadillac. If you could lower the prices of Cadillacs you would sell more. I want to buy an V8 AWD SRX but high 50K is not in my budget. So it's the Saab or Subaru Tribeca later this year.

On another note. Your plans to streamline plants and employees is an unfortunate necessity. Maybe there is some light out of this if some of those trained technicians could travel around and help improve service challenged dealerships. Just a thought.

Mr. Lutz;

You have said a lot above, and if what you say is correct and truthful, then the turnaround at GM will be like a new birth. I however remain skeptical. GM has a lot of problems. Like with the UAW situation and the cost dis-advantage per vehicle with retiree costs and health-care related costs. Like a disadvantage in the marketplace with Korean, Japanese, and German makes who appear craftier than GM in terms of marketing and manufacturing their vehicles. Like a disadvantage of convincing the American consumer that they should buy GMs products over the competition when in the recent past, it appeared to those same consumers that GM did not care for them and their wishes/wants/needs. I am skeptical because 2 of the recent vehicles from GM that I would have really wanted to purchase became a nightmare process in trying to purchase them. Namely, the 2004 GTO and the 2006 Solstice. I may not buy either of them ever at this point. I did not like the marketing campaign of the Solstice EOP, and the tie in with the Apprentice television show. I did not like the dealership experience with either of these vehicles, and I suspect many others were treated the same and therefore feel just as I do. Buying a vehicle should not be so difficult. Market adjustments by your dealership arm is definitely going to kill a host of potential sales.
Steve

Grrrrr! This is not directed at any one person so please do not take it personally. I am getting tired of the whining about the new GTO. Exactly WHAT is a 2005 GTO suppose to look like?

My car book collection overran my bookcase space again so a hunt for a new bookcase was on my list of chores this morning. I also picked up a new Nissan 350Z and a mint 1985 Fiero. (Big Lots was having a sale on diecast cars. :^) ) But, I digress... While running around, I spotted a new red GTO in a parking lot. I live in a somewhat rural area so the new GTO is about as rare a sighting as a quiet politician at July 4th Bar-B-Q . After reading all the complaints here I decided to give it a once-over. It is a danged nice looking little job!

We need to remember what the original GTO was. It was a GM intermidiate coupe that John Delorean and his band of corporate nose-thumbers took behind the shed and shoehorned a big engine in to.

We all have the spoiled relative that gets everything.
In my case it was my second cousin Billy from Las Vegas. He was much older than me so I was too young to wish him ill-will as my older siblings did. I was more impressed by the fact that his Dad always drove fancy cars and let me play with the power windows. On the trip out in 1965 they drove Billy's new car. It was a GTO (Gas Tires and Oil he said it stood for. We were naive enough to think he made that up). It was gold with a black vinyl top and thin red-stripe tires. It didn't stand out. It didn't scream for attention. It was just a nice looking car. It probably only sticks in my mind because it lacked power windows and that is the only reason I looked forward to that family's visits.

So, if you look at the beginnings of the GTO, the new kid is very much a chip off the old block. A little shaver full of p*** and vinegar. And, from what I've read, everyone who owns one sports a sly grin. If that isn't GTO heritage then what is?

"I will tell you: in the next two or three years, you’re going to see us bring to market a product line-up that takes a back seat to nobody. And that’s a commitment on the part of the whole organization."

Really?

Weren't we supposed to see that 2 or 3 years from the day you started Bob?

Shouldn't we already have been driving that new lineup for a year or so already?

I mean come on! The Solstice was supposed to be a "parts bin special" that you could throw together and sell in short order, and it's taken as long to go from prototype to production as a regular new design, and now it's been delayed until October.

This is terrible expectation management. Does GM management's mission statement contain the phrase "Overpromise and Underdeliver" in big bold letters somewhere?

That HHR is still about $2 grand overpriced and 3 years too late.

COME ON!!! GM is capable of building the most desirable affordable cars on the planet! Would it kill you to do so?

I disagree with Bart's comments about discontinuing Buick. The Buick brand is needed to carry Oldsmobile's water. And it is a near-premium nameplate that serves an important purpose of offering a nice car for the customer that does not want the flamboyance of a Cadillac or the Cadillac name.

I believe that a taller, updated version of the 1957 Buick Caballero would be a big seller and boost GM's star into a new orbit:

http://www.prealp.ch/partycars/buick_caballero_1957.html

Lets talk about being competitve. Tahoe and Suburban sales are in the toilet. They became dated the day the Trailblazer hit the market.
SUV and truck sales have taken a back door to cars due to the gas prices.
Why then does GM not send us the vehciles to sell instead of the vehicles it can't?
What are all the cars stuck with constraints?
We are on the front lines with no product that people want and product that no one wants.

There is no doubt that the pursuit of quality is much greater at GM today than it was when, let's say my 96 Jimmy was built... I think frustrated GM fans rag on you too much, how can someone expect you to personally change GM on your 1st day on the job... The solstice has gone from paper to production in what, two years? That's pretty fast by anyone's standards! I hope the rosy news you bring doesn't come too late. The only way that GM can win over it's lost customers is by offering superior products to the competition. Good luck!

Fine, Bob, be in the art and entertainment business, the latter being primarly focused on glitzy, dazzling short lived products from employees that are totally expendable. But hey, it's the model for virtually ALL American (and many foreign) business these days. Let's hope your future customers have gobs of disposable income for GM's new model to work! As for me, it's off to find a dying breed - a car manufacturer that cares about the customer _AFTER_ the sale.

Dear Bob Lutz:
After 20 years of driving GM cars (since 16)I'm done and very happy about it. I've had a new GM product every 2-3 years and at long last I'm happy to be heading to the Acura or Lexus showroom. GM will just NEVER get it. The cars just can't compete with imports in terms of style & quality. Yet again my latest GM product required a transmission fix at only 37,805 miles. And the service manager said with a smile, "It's covered you know" That's what I mean - GM simply doesn't get it. So Mr. Lutz even a GM employee discount can't get me to buy another GM product.
At least now I can honestly purchase an import without guilt.

Hello Bob- I traded a BMW 528 5-speed last month for a new SAAB9-5. Wonderful car interior and exterior style. Love the performance and 30 mpg. I needed automatic (getting crowded around here) and fwd in winter.
If GM could use some of style, safety and practicality of the big SAAB in the rest of the divisions, the Japanese would have little more to offer over GM!
My wife has Lexus RX400 (a friend of ours was sales manager at Lexus) and my other car is an air cooled 1997 911 cabriolet.
Good luck john kefer

Mr. Lutz,
You've nailed it. I hope you have the clout to make it happen. If so, you just might turn this part-time day trader into an investor as I ride GM's stock up to $54!

I plan on spending my profits on a new GTO, so the sooner the better...

Well, at the very least Bob can put the vision into words. But the proof is in putting the vision out on the streets. And precious little time to do it in to boot.

People need to realize that with a corporation as large as GM, changing directions is a challenge comparable to moving the moon to a different orbit - enormous.
There are many, many years of ingrained bad habits that have to be overcome and no one person can do that alone.

Given the wide range of commentary that's been posted in the other blog topics the only thing clear is that people want everything in a vehicle and want to pay nothing for it. That sort of makes the concept of turning lead into gold a viable proposition by comparison.
I don't envy GM trying to find a path through this maze.

To me, GM's biggest mistakes have been 1. To pay too much attention to customer opinions and focus groups. 2. Getting bogged down in "analysis paralysis" to the point of being afraid to tip over the market outhouse and stretch the design envelope - ie screw the focus groups, what's the gut say. 3. Being afraid of failure and therefore not taking the risks needed to break out of the "me too" mold.

The results of this have been mediocre, timid designs that have been dumbed down to a lowest common denominator level.
I realize it's just coming out, but the newest Impala SS is a big YAWN visually.
That was especially apparent when the article in the latest Motor Trend showed the new SS with a '96 SS and '64 SS. The '64 had a clear, unambiguous personality, the '06 is utterly anonymous - polar opposites.
This thing isn't going to light any fires in the belly.
But radical designs are what GM needs to be putting forth.

Not big, graceless, in your face designs like one other company is doing, but designs that have class and a clear family heritage.

I think there's a big confusion in the market regarding "retro". I don't think the public wants to go back in time as much as they want to see a re-emergence of a clear personality in the design of vehicles.
Ford was totally foolish not putting the 427 concept into production, and yet they have homed in on it as their identity going forward. Go figure.

Changing gears, I want to comment on the GTO whoop tee doo.

The GTO was a no win for GM. They're getting beaten up for going about it the way they did. They'd have gotten beaten up for NOT doing it had they decided to wait and base it on a North American platform.
And the pundits that suggest doing a wholesale grab and go on the new Holden platforms for the US lineup would doom them to the same fate as the GTO has had. That being non stop, chronic complaints that they aren't the real deal.

I understand the thinking on the GTO. Leverage a proven, competent platform, in the correct 2 door, RWD form factor and get a foot back into the market door as quickly as possible. Then come back and address the "look" on the next pass.

I'd rather see GM do this, and stick to the spirit of the original, then slap a venerable name on a 4 door sedan and try to pass it off as some second coming.

There's a market for the GTO. There's a market for a new Camaro too. The old one (and the Firebird) died from old age and neglect. Not because the market dried up.

Rock on Bob!

I'm not a GM fan. In fact, I've bought Japanese cars (and loved them) for > 10 years.

However, when I see JD reports that you folks are tops in quality, that speaks volumes.

And when I read a cool, cocksure post from you to compare the HHR to a GS400 (which I happen to own), I'll tell you what:

I'll go and compare it, then I'll post the results back here.

I really, truly, hope it equals the GS400. I'm an American and I like to Win. I hate the fact that we lose to Japanese cars.

Give me another win, Bob. I wanna buy American next time around.

I am disappointed to see the Solstice will be introduced in the fall. Introducing a convertable when it's time to put the top up, is a bad idea.

Speeking of bad ideas, I read that a new Silverado SS is comming out. Why did you decide to put drum rear brakes on an SS with 345 hp.
First; the Silverado, as currently designed, has never had drum brakes. This change will add costs to the supplier, so it will add costs to GM.
Second; where do you see drum brakes on a sport anything these days. Even the Colorado has front & rear disc brakes on the sport model.

My suggestion is to get rid of all the drum brakes on all of the car & truck lines. Drums don't work as well, and it would lessen material & assembly costs.

On a positive note, I'm glad to see Bob Lutz is saying that the GM engineers need to have more "hands on", with their jobs. It's about time!

Bob,

You are right on the money with your recent presentation: automobiles are not consumer package goods, and can not be created and marketed like breakfast cereals. There is a strong design element -- and GM is finally waking up to this fact, with emotive designs for the Vauxhall Astra in the U.K. to the Pontiac Solistice in the U.S. Given the short fuse on the GTO, I think you guys did a credible styling job on an existing Holden car -- even though some traditional GTO fans have been disappointed.

As you say, details are very important in the car business...for example, my retired parents love the futuristic and readable dashboard on their Accord EX (former loyal Buick owners who are on their 5th Accord), my brother is proud of the lovely interior door handles and passenger pulls on his Audi A4, and I regularly admire the beauty of the seats in my BMW 330 Csi.

Regarding the previous blog post: While there is a role for pushrod engines in your vast model line-up, it is embarrasing that GM is buying OHC engines from Honda, when your company should be building engines of this quality and selling them to other car manufacturers. A few years back, on a family trip, I rented a GM car, with a push rod engine, that my 10-year-old son dubbed "Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang" because the sound it made every time I nailed the accelerator.

A 70-year-old CEO that I used to work for was fond of saying, "Change or die". Just like Boeing is finding, it is never too late for GM to change. All the stakeholders at GM -- workers, management, dealers, and suppliers -- need to make sacrifices, change their parochial ways, and band together to create, market, and sell truly world-class cars. I wish you well and look forward to the day when my family is proud to buy GM again.

Bob,

As much as I would like to disagree with John's post,
he is spot-on with his observations about bringing new exciting, passion driven cars to market.

Let's take a look at just a few coming 2006 cars.

2006 Impala / Monte Carlo

The styling is bland and generic looking. Absolutely no passion in these designs.
Even though the interiors are much improved, one wouldn't bother to look any further than the unimaginative exterior styling.

2006 Saturn Vue;

For goodness sake, the front-end styling update is clumsy and just plain ugly. You would have been better off leaving it alone.

2006 Lucerne;

LaSabre name should have been kept. Styling, while an improvement over the geriatric looking LaCrosse,
could have inspired more passion in the design statement. As for the powertrain, why on earth does the base model come with an underpowered 190hp V6, with an ancient 4 spd automatic. Use your newest V6 engines, and install at least 5 spd automatics, with your premium Buick products. The competition is well advanced in this area, you should be trying to surpass them.

2006 Solstice;

Finally a " gotta have" vehicle. Beautiful eye catching looks, that say " drive me down a twisty road with the wind blowing thru my hair". Nice powertrain, but you could use a supercharged engine option to blow the competition away.

2006 Chevrolet HHR;

A little late to the party, and a bit over-priced, but the caviat is that it's a nicely styled vehicle with an upgrated rich looking interior. It should do just fine competing with the PT Cruiser.

2007 Saturn Aura;

A statement that says passion and sole went into the exterior and interior designs. If you don't water-down the near ready concept we have recently been shown,
you have a clear winner if it's priced right.

As I can see, you still have some convincing to do with the buying public about some of your future vehicles. Clearly some have passion driven styling, and others are just plain bland,( Impala, Monte Carlo) or appalling, in the case of the 06 Vue.
Every new or updated vehicle you put out has to show a back seat to nobody, to coin the phrase you used. Can you in good concience say that about everyone of the vehicles I've talked about?

Dear Bob,
I have to tell you that I love my 02 Z06 more than any other vehicle I have ever owned. Would consider buying an 06 or 07 if the price was in the 55-60 k range.
Anyway, I believe in the American Revolution as in your ads. I was thinking of buying an Equinox, but that darn Chinese engine convinced me otherwise, for my work car because need room for medical supplies and forms must carry. If General Motors starts outsourcing and building more and more in
China I for one will buy an American Toyota or Nissan rather than support a company which is no longer American or made in America.
I for one will not bankrupt my children's future or the future of America for the rich and ruling class. Thank you for the opportunity to address this issue.

For Bob and the more than four millions customers of GM vehicles every year.
Go on Bob

A super presentation. Maybe strong enough to have me buy some GM stock. No doubt, one part of the organization understands the new goals! Now just to save some total time, start a similar upgrading of vision and design and attitude in your dealer organization. The showroom floor needs help. "'way to Go".

The BRANDS themselves are DAMAGED. Just like the Cavalier name, u switched the new car to Cobalt. The BRANDS themselves are beyond image repair. You must switch the brands themselves!!! Start fresh with no bad name associations. Its the only way to save GM.

For all this talk about using a Honda engine in the VUE, don't forget that Honda got a GM/Isuzu diesel out of the deal.

I'm getting a kick out of how Toyota says that it is raising prices to "aid" GM. Not like the dollar has been lossing value or anything.

A little OT here, but I got to the Malibu SS flash site from the link above. Although its not the most attrctive vehicle in the world, its not a turn-off. Good engine and other specs, and finally an attractive 3-spoke steering wheel from GM, but where is the manual transmission?! I know its a niche option, but have you noticed that every import brand offers a mid-sized sedan with a manual these days? It can't be that big a deal to offer it, financially I mean, because everyone else is doing it. I feel that GM is making a point not to offer it, but for what brain dead reason could that possibly be? Don't even start with the tap shift stuff, becaue it blows, as does every other manumatic out there. A nice manual would get me to come into a showroom and actually consider a Malibu, but without the stick it won't happen. Same story with the new Grand Prix, competent product otherwise, but put a manual in it! I have hope for the G6 GTP, if you actually make more than a dozen with the planned 6-speed, but I'm not holding my breath. Its back across the street to Mazda or maybe Nissan. Maybe next model year right?

I really hope you can turn GM around. It has been tried before with little success. Right now in my driveway is a brand new Scion xB that my son just bought. GM has nothing to compare to it, does it? It's complete and well made for $14000. Is it too late for GM to compete?

Great things to hear Bob. I've been saying for a few years now that GM needs to "design from the gut".

It's similar to a musician. When a musician sits down and says, "I'm gonna write a hit". It will probably sound like junk. He/she will try and use the latest "hooks" and sounds of the time, but it will probably not sell well, and not stand up over time. Then their is the musician trying to write music "that he wants to hear". Music that he dosen't hear on the radio, and music that makes him feel happy and good. When a musician is having fun on stage and smiling, the crowd will come along and provide energy back, which the musician will then give back. And it's a never ending cycle which continues to build. When a musican just "goes the motions" the crowd can also feel that, and not get excited. There several artist which I can think of which fill both sides. But Stevie Ray Vaughan probably best exemplifies the artist who played for himself, and how the crowd caught on. I have taped Stevie and everytime I watch it or listen to him, I hear things I didn't hear before and he amazes me. We will be listening to Stevie for years and he will age like a fine wine. Eric Clapton once said he didn't know how to record a hit. He played music he liked, and years later I dig out 'Slowhand', or 'Behind the Sun' and his playing is still very fresh. He too has aged like fine wine.

Hmm, design cars the way Stevie Ray Vaughan played, "made love", to his guitar? That is allot to offer. But as an engineer, engineering is the combination of art, creativity and the sciences. The elagant solution. We still use the work of Steinmetz and others 200+ years later. Solutions which hold up over time. The Solstice, SSR and C6 are just glimpses of the elegant solution, which should hold up over time. Congrats.

I have to say that I agree with Lutz's comments. He seems to be right on target and contrary to what many of you are saying I do not think that styling is GM's problem right now. I understand 100% why cars like the Impala and Lucerne are styled the way they are. Not every car needs to look like the 300C to be successfl, as the Camry and Accord have proven. Overstyling the popular Impala would have a mistake. A slight exterior upgrade, more power and a significant interior upgrade were necessary and that's what GM did.

The main areas of focus should be interiors and powertrains and I think it's obvious that interiors are getting the attention they deserve.

I also disagree with those saying the HHR is overpriced. What are you guys talking about? GM has many overpriced cars but the HHr isnt one of them. It's priced right where it should be considering its level of equipment.

Another thing, this whole obsession with tying current cars to their muscle car era "predecessors" is ridiculous. Do you really think the average consumer cares about the legacy of the Impala, Malibu or any other venerable nameplate? People could care less and GM needs to worry about making modern looking vehicles instead of trying to incorporate meaningless retro touches. THe "glory days" of these GM nameplares are long gone and no one today is looking to buy an Impala because it reminds them of a model from the late 60s.

Mr. Lutz:

Thanks for the encouragement! In the car business, the answers seem so painfully simple. Implementation is the challenge. And with GM--well, I don't envy your job. I hope you can deliver on those promises.

I hope you include these two areas in your new mission:

1. The Impala and Malibu. Looking at the latest models, I can't help but think of the recent fiasco at Ford with the ultra-conservative (read: boring) design of their 500 sedan.

2. The dealership experience. I went to a Chevy dealer to push the Hot Button recently, and three salesmen made eye contact before I parked my car, and one said "Hello" before both my feet touched the pavement. Very intimidating!

Please please please turn those words into reality!

-Matt

Hi Bob,

I hope you read the comments on this blog regularly. I've been reading them from time to time on different topics. One thing which hits me is how many people hate GM (or more closely GM brands). It's not only about good looking cars with the right sticker price. It doesn't matter what you write or say - there are many who iterpret the massage in a very negative way, or have something to say bad about GM products. I guess this is the intention of this blog in some way. But what should you alarm is the number of negative comments and their strength. GM has to put extreme effort to rebuild its name (or more precise names of its barnds) and it cannot do it by lowering its prices. The recent promotion of offering GM cars to everybody in employee's price looks to be like "a panic mode." I think this will have a negative impact on your employees morale and now you will have to deal with agregated customers and employees as well. Please spend a few hours studying Hyundai's rebuilding process of the name in the US - it is about the product, customers' perception and customers' needs. I'm happy to hear you internally working on improving culture - this is the way to go. It has to be done in every part of the organization - not only in marketing and desing. You have to introduce of a process of checking the dealerships. Who sells your cars? Who talks to customers? Another thing which is really desturbing is the GM's lowest score in the industry of way of working with suppliers. You buy so much from them (not only final product but the engineering and ideas in the first place), you have to focus on human factor - GM is not strongly connected to any of the words: well build, good quality, nice to work with, good value etc. I personally think you are doing a very good job. I see huge improvements in GM products. You can do it!(Hyundai showed all of us it is possible).

Bob,

I don't doubt you for a second, nor your sincerity.

Your business is more about Hollywood appeal and Paris fashion than number crunching. It's not practical to buy a Solstice, but I am buying it with my heart. And everyone wants to do something crazy when they are in love. I showed the Solstice to someone today who never saw it before and she was instantly smitten. If that's your first GM car, I can't wait to see your 20th.

Presentation is an art form too and the Buick Velite deserves a red carpet ride to the Hummer showroom. I must pass that GMC/Pontiac/Buick dealership every other day and I have yet to spot a Buick anywhere. When you pass by all the used cars they have out in front and the profitable trucks they have squeezed out front I bet you some people enter and leave without ever seeing a Buick.

This triple dealer strategy reminds me of the (BOC) Buick-Oldsmobile-Pontiac and (CPC) failed organizational structure. It was finally abandoned when GM determined they were creating two redundant chains of management while Cadillac was loosing its exclusivity. It was the worst days for Cadillac and GM. And today is the worse days for your dealers. Shame on GM for creating triple brand outlets. It gives the impression that your brands come a dime a dozen and can not hold up on their own.

Chrysler by the way is investing $40 billion in new products over the next 6 years. For your size you should be outspending them to the tune of $80 - $100 billion over the next six years. Your $8 billion this year will have to be increased. I guess that would mean Buick will get to keep those crossovers after all.

Pontiac/GMC - Professional grade and pro-sport engineering is a fine relationship.

Buick/Hummer - The ultimate escape on the road and the ultimate escape off. Pairing is fine of cars brads with truck brands, perhaps its a even a smart move.

Lutz, I can't wait to see more of your cars but I have all hope and faith that you will do something special for Buick and GM and that by 2010 GM will have the best line-up in its history.

But don't loose faith in yourselves. You can do it, you, the fighter pilot and Rick the Duke basketball star were made for this.

Now if I were in those big shoes I would be making Buicks like the Buick 8, the Velite unchanged and its crossovers look like large cars. The Infinity FX and Murano give you a hint of what it could be. But there is no rich heritage in it at all.

That is the antithesis to your point. Buicks are meant to be a return to romance of the automobile, the opposite of Honda.

In short,

Cars should move people in more ways than one.

Bob,

As much as GM talks about what it plans on doing,you guys are long in the mouth but really short on product.Why don't you all do like successful car companys do (ie;Honda, Toyota & even DCX) and just get the product right, instead of making excuses about cultural shifts in the design world. I can't remember when Toyota apologized for mediocre design or lack of product for the right segment. I would like to root for the home team, but sooner or later you have to make sure the home team really is the home team.

What would really shake things up at GM is to start firing the leadership at the top, it's ultimately thier decisions which have taken a great company down the road which has become perilous at the least.

One word; HERITAGE! GM's Heritage was what made us love the 64 Impala SS, 69 Chevelle, 70 Nova, 69 Z28. Yeah there all muscle cars, but go to Woodward and that's what kids still drool over. Heritage, you need to go back to your roots and do like Ford and DCX have done with the Mustang and Hemi powered Rams, Chargers, Magnums. Get the point. You should remember that it was you who stated that GM wouldn't go there, so Ford and DCX chose to eat GM's lunch. Bon Apetit!

Regarding engines; I'm sure auto manufacturers take great pains regarding the sound of their engines. If you ask me, GM engines sound like they are gurgling, and in general don't emit a pleasant sound. They sound as if they are struggling. I don't know if this has to do with the pushrod technology. Japanese engines have a real purr and high revving sound that makes them feel like racing engines.

GM: please invest in engines and make them sound good!

First of all, I admit I am a loyal GM fan (I even own some stock) and am also a car enthusiast and love manual transmissions.

But, I am also realistic. GM, as well as all the other car manufacturers, are building cars for the MASSES, not for the enthusiasts. This is sad but true. So, when I hear complaints that the new Impala or LaCrosse are too bland, I want to know what they are comparing it to? Have you looked at the Accord or Camry? They are some of the most bland, unoffensive cars ever built...and yet they sell tons of them. Most people don't want a car that says "look at me", they want an appliance; something that is comfortable, reliable, easy/cheap to maintain and operate, and holds its value. If this weren't true then Honda and Toyota wouldn't be in business because neither of them make exciting products (save for the S2000 and now-defunct MR2 both of which are still conservative for their markets).

Even the Chrysler 300, which I think is attractive and has a lot of style, only sells 100,000 copies I think? Compared to the 400,000+ sales of Impala, Accord, Camry. It's sad when the Altima is conisdered the most "exciting" vehicle in the class.

GM has good product and is putting out new good product. But they need to get the word out on their products. Perception is killing them. My brother just bought a new Infinit G35 coupe; I got him to drive the GTO with me and he said he wouldn't want to be seen driving a Pontiac. Also, he complained it wasn't as nice as the G because it didn't have navigation or auto climate control (I have to agree that these should at least be options!). I think the Solstice is on the right track to rebuilding the brand image, but Pontiac needs rear wheel drive vehicles to be considered a premium performance marque in the same vain as BMW, etc. A GTO may be able to be compared to a M3, but you cannot compare a FWD G6 or Grand Prix to a BMW, Audi, Infinti, etc. (even if the GP has a V8).

I think GM is on the right track and I wish you well. I have a new Solstice on order and am looking at a CTS or G6 to replace my Envoy. Go GM!

Mr. Lutz,
The state I live in requires a front mounted license plate. The GTO does not have this fact incorporated into the front end design. Please have the designers try to find a way for us to mount a license plate without ruining the looks of the car. Thanks.

Mr. Lutz,

It's wonderful news to hear that GM is focusing its vision. I like your emphasis on creativity, arts and entertainment.

In a sense vehicles are a part of a person's lifestyle.

It's very encouraging to read about GM's plan to focus on the major markets to improve share.

After working on a top ten markets project, accept that it requires smart, highly effective, sincere, visible efforts. Be prepared to impress and to maintain the impression. Get them into a new habit of loving Cadillac and GM.

Markets like Washington, DC metro area desperately need a stronger Cadillac and GM presence where style, perception, and practicallity, and convenience matter. Its so important to establish a connectivity with the collection of communities within the metro area. Cadillac just needs more representation in communities like Bethesda, Kensington, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Alexandria, Tysons Corner, Reston, and so forth. The Washingtonian Style Magazine is highly influential on new business, as well as radio in the car during rush hour, and the papers. The major malls often lack a strong showing of Cadillacs and other GM products compared with the foreign competition. The dealer puts maybe one Cadillac at the mall when there are several other foreign competitors there. Cadillac needs more identity in Washington, DC metro area with nice stand alone Cadillac dealers and/or showrooms. Yes, we know there is one nice large Cadillac dealer in Virginia. Thats not enough. People just see too many foreign luxury brands. Foreign luxury competition puts on a strong showing in the malls, people are always looking at them. You have to do something about that, Cadillac and GM simply must get noticed. Touristy areas like Old Town, Reston, and Tysons Corner Center, Bethesda, Montgomery Mall, White Flint Mall, impact local perceptions a great deal, people notice when a company treats them well in DC or locates near their favorite restaurant or lifestyle activity, and if your presence or image is lacking you won't get noticed. ie you gotta make it look really nice. Also, locating near their neighborhood causes them to notice, they start saying "have you seen" and "have you heard" and "they are really nice there." Being near selected suburban neighborhoods is also important. Its also important not to be so "walled in by traffic" as they say in DC, that no one can notice or be able to get there. Washington DC Metro area differs from Detroit in this respect, Washington doesn't have the nice freeways that Detroit does. So access matters in DC area more. Also there are pockets of the DC metro area that are just dead for business like Arlington. Metro area dealers auto service centers are always busy and hard to find. Making great impressions often take high visibility and lots of ongoing media attention. Once you've achieved the "have you heard" and "have you seen" effect it really works. High profile showrooms for Cadillac and other GM brands in trendy areas could generate much success even beyond what you may think is possible. Searching for a dealer is often difficult in DC metro area. Service Centers are very busy, parking is difficult. Access is sometimes difficult. Service needs to be accessable, user friendly, available, and have more capacity to handle the business.

And one more thing. It would be a good idea to do something to counter that car guide that promotes the foreign cars over the American cars, there are just piles and piles of them at the Book Store Cafe and they are brainwashing people. Isn't there anything that can be done?

I have been a faithful GM employee for 28 yrs. Until now it has been possible to keep most of my freinds and family with our products. In the past few years however I'm starting to loose them. I hear the same things over and over. With all the products GM makes why can't they make the one I want. A few examples are.1. My brother in law wants a small diesel wagon and we don't have one so we are losing him to Volkswagon.2. My best freind wanted a car based SUV and we finally make one he loves but he would like either a diesel or anything but the 3.4. He's going to Honda.3. Another friend wants a RWD that he can afford.He's going to Chrysler.4. Another can't understand why most of the competition can make small engines with more power and better mpg.He hasn't decided where he's going but doubts it will be GM. I tell them we have some great little diesel,H/output and great gas milage engines in Europe and they ask me why don.t we sell them here. Well Bob, why not?These are things I want myself but they are unavailable. When will we stop talking and start competing.

Mr. Lutz,
The really scary thing about all these posts is that everyone is realying on you personally to save the company. I think this in and of itself is very telling of GM's problems. One would think that such a large auto company as GM would have hundreds of "car guys" wandering around.

I watched a TV program a couple of years back regarding Harley Davidson, and it showed the development of one of their motorcycles. The interesting thing I noticed was that when a prototype motorcyclye was ready, each officer of the company had to personally ride it and approve it. This wasn't just the manufacturing VP and engineering VP. It was also the design VP, the PR person, marketing VP, Chief Legal Counsel, etc. This tells me that the Harley Davidson organization really has a passion for building motorcycles. The fact that GM has "one person", albeit very capable, is a really sad affair.

Mr. Lutz, what can you show for all these years since you joined GM? Recently, I looked at entire GM offering (considering possibly taking advantage of the GM employee discount) and concluded that not a single car made me consider a GM vehicle. Nothing really exciting. Most of the vehicles are geared towards low end or are just overpriced. Some are design disasters (Malibu, Ion,2006 Impala, HHR to name a few), others are plain bland (G6, Grand Prix, Cobalt, Lucerne). Too much time spent on Solstice (niche vehicle) where what GM really needs a high volume winner. I am pessimistic about GM future as there is nothing on the horizon (that I am aware of) from the design standpoint that can make anybody really excited. While many consider Camry as boring, I think that design while conservative, is well executed. The new Avalon's front is a disaster, but at least Toyota's focus is on providing new solutions, on leading. All I am hearing from GM is excuses and look to the past. Who cares that Buick's new interior is so much better than old Buick, where what customers are comparing against is today's competition. Look at the interiors of new Huyndai, thy're a notch better than Lacrosse's. GM is trying to redefine status quo instead of coming with new leading solutions. Example? Cobalt standard packaging does not include side airbags, the result poor crash test results when compared to other similar competing vehicles. What public remembers is that Cobalt is not safe, but Corolla is, not that you can add airbags as option in Cobalt. Look at the new Dodge, this car is like nothing else, has a character, something that people can relate too. I remember people's reaction to Charger at the NY Auto show. I bet that the new Charger will outsell 2006 Impala by tens of thousands. Where is this new revolution in design Mr. Lutz that you have promised? If the new Impala, softened STS, Lucerne and HHR are any indication of what how the future GM design is going to be, I fear there will no GM after 2010.

Hi Bob

Just a li'l note to point out a couple of reasons why y'all are on the ropes.

I sense a lack of follow thru where the "customer hits the car".

Couple little things that will probably cost GM a sale.

We are GMS qualified. It is an intersting marketing gambit that you open this agressive pricing up to everybody, but surely you are aware that this removes that incentive from the GMS folks who have been buying GM products for years because we got "special" treatment.

Heck, we never even considered other manfacturers in the past.

Not so this time.

Best deal wins.

Now to some vehicle specific issues.

We have a 2002 Envoy SLT with the lease expiring in July.

We like it so well we were gonna lease another one.

Problem is with the decontenting that your product planners have done, we can't get a comparable Envoy, except as a Denali.

No problem, nice trick SUV, we're game.

Oops. They come in White, grey and black. No sale.

How about that new Saab?

Well they don't seem to exist.

And if they do, nobody knows what the costs, lease factors and terms are.

There is an advertised special on the one we don't want, that we are told is in error. It is actually a 10,000 mile/annum lease.

We are low miles folks, but 10K is out of the question.

No sale.

Looking at Acura MDX, BMW X3 and X5, Porsche Cayenne, and Mercedes SUVs.

With their supported lease programs we are at near the same costs as the GM offerings with added panache and in colors we would actually consider.

Hope this helps.

It takes time to turn the Titanic around but I think its happening. Over the past five years I have seen a big turnaround in GM quality, and now the cars are starting to look good too. I was mightily impressed by GM's "take no prisoners" approach to aggressive discounting following 911. I thought the revised Malibu was good design (especially using the European platform) and materials, but overpriced on introduction. Same with the Cobalt (I almost bought one last month, impressed with the IIHS side impact tests, but the much better incentives on the Focus last month won me over when I finally, after much effort, found a side airbagged one on the lot - wish GM hadn't let its own discounts languish for two months and been so chintzy with the incentives on the Cobalt; on the other hand the current "employee discount" plan is awesome).

Pricing on the HHR looks about right for once. Let's see some 2.4's in production. Let's see some 3.9s and vvt 3.5s in the Malibu. Let's see some incentives on the newer models, not just the older stuff (shouldn't early adopters have some reward/incentive?). Buyers need to have some intermediate performance options, not just the SS. (But thanks for upgrading the suspension on even the "entry" Impala.)

Loved what Lutz wrote, espcially the pride in the build quality (and let's back that up with an extended power train warranty like on the Cobalt - 2.4 HHR buyers would welcome that, given the use of oil cooling on the cylinders, indicating a hot running engine).

Hat's off to you, Mr. Lutz, for staying the course despite the heat from the press!

Hi Bob,

Just a comment on the HHR. I really want one of these! I want the uplevel LT2 with an awesome sound system and 5 speed manual. Is there going to be a turbo/supercharger option like the Cobalt SS?

We need a top quality PT killer in the HHR. There is so much potential in this vehicle. With great build and drive quality, it will be a winner. A supercharger or turbo will put it over the top!! Make sure the uplevel sound system is second to none. Young people love loud/clear music.

An earlier poster (John) compared GM with Harley Davidson. This is a terrible comparison. Sure, both companies are ripe with heritage. Sure, both companies have loyal, pro-American followings. Sure, both companies face very smart foreign competition. And, yes, both GM and Harley suffer from the perception of lower-than-average quality in the marketplace. The big difference between the two, however, is that the recreational vehicle (HD) can sell based on image alone. For most, its a toy. However, an automobile used for daily transportation is not a toy, and is a serious investment in LIFE in general. The buyer is very serious about getting the best product for his money. GM simply cannot rely on the same strategy as HD, and these companies should NEVER be compared.

What i do not understand if the 3800 can give 20/30 MPG in my wifes 04 impala why not put it into the smaller cars and trucks with less weight were it should give even better milage. GM has 10-12 different V-6 engines,why, because they cost billions to develop. I think GM is afraid of the safety crazies complaining about too much HP because they caved on the C-6 corvette ad when the got some static about kids driving cars. It was a "dream" not reality. This is not the 60s when the goverment was threating to bust up GM. Another thing i coud never understand was why GM did not go straight to fuel injection instead of of all those expensive and bad running computer controlled carbs.

Hey GM,

Just took my once trusty Civic in for service. At 106k miles, I just had the transmission rebuilt, and now it needs another set of new brakes, and the dealership wanted to charge me $270!?! to replace an oil pan gasket. $270! (The Honda dealers may be more polite than the GM dealers, but I guess they can afford to be with those service prices.)

As much as I want a fun and affordable rear-driver from GM, if that HHR is remotely reliable and fun to drive, and you price it properly, I may have to get that in the meantime. (e.g. Don't price it $2-5k more than the XB or PT Cruiser, you're late to the party on this one, so price it equivalently and sell the heck out of them, rather than selling the first 50 for markups and offering rebates on the remainder).

Seriously GM, is the HHR a car that someone who likes driving should buy, or is it a disappointment wrapped in nice sheetmetal? I suppose I'll have to wait until their in the showrooms to see for myself.

Man, I thought I was going to get 200,000 miles out of my Honda. What a disappointment that's turned out to be.

Bob,

While visiting a GM facility last week I spotted a new Solstice in the parking lot. WOW!

Unfortunately, I’m in the family mode and it’s not practical. If only my wife had the right hair color. Then, I might be able to convince her that it’s about half the price of a Z4 and therefore we could by 2 to transport our family of four. If only!

For those of you that are patiently waiting -- IT’S WORTH THE WAIT! I pray GM can resolve the communication and dealer issues that you are endearing.

And, for the post from the spoiled, arrogant, instant gratification whiners out there that think they’re more important than everyone else and just can’t wait – You don’t deserver this vehicle. May your next car be a 1986 flight tested Yugo.

Let me chime in again on GM's need to face some pricing reality. Let me take the XLR for example. I sit across the aisle from a colleague who is about to retire (Lucky Dog). An experienced systems programmer & MVS consultant. We talk cars all the time, He has been talking about the XLR for a few months now but he can't put his head around 70-80K+ for an XLR. He can see that for an 645i or CLK 500 maybe, but he doesn't want those German makes. He says he would pull the trigger on one if it were in the high 50's-60K's. Yes I know the XLR is nice, but the Cadillac reputation isn't back up to that 70-80K price level just yet. I just don't understand why it's that high, and I think the STS is in the same category. You have great cars in Cadillac, those should be flying out the door, but the price is too d**n high. So what about resale, if the cars are reliable they will build reputation and then value.

Come on guys/gals you all are from Detroit but you price cars, Caddys particularly like everyone lives in Atherton, or Holmby Hills California.

Gee, Bob, we've been hearing this crap for how many years now?

For the past few years, have you been sitting prototypes, going, "No, No, No, No, No, No. Try again, boys and girls"?

Look, quit *promising* and start *delivering*.

And NO!, 90 day satisfaction ratings hardly mean "GM is tops in guality". Try 3 or 5 years down the line, and then we'll talk.

It's all about utility and smoothness, Buick Century is a great drive, Ion/Cobalt drive great but have no back seat room (wheelbase should have been 104.3 inches) as a result no comfort in rearseats. Give
a buyer some benefit, larger car with more durable and efficient engines/transmission combo. 2.2 Ecotec/Four speed auto is a joy to drive, same with 3.1 V-6. Work on the drive itself, give the cars to
guys who love quiet, smooth and larger cars in class. Accord cannot compete with my 04' Century for sheer comfort and pleasure driving, I know I traded my 2001 Accord for this car ! Car testers are out of touch, Tom McHall gave a much more objective test 25 yrs. ago than most of them today, maybe marketing guys are sucking up to Editors ?
I want a car I can enjoy, not a Japan built motorcycle that impresses Car and Driver.

You people keep saying GM needs to stop talking and start delevering as if there has been no progress. They have delivered cars like the CTS and CTS-V, the Cobalt, STS, C6 Vette, GTO, etc. They need to put that type of effort into more vehicles, but they have delivered some impressive and competitive cars over the last few years.

I agree with the earlier post that talked about the plain stying of popular Japanese sedans. GM needs a few daring cars, but by and large the general public doesn't want radically styled midsize cars. The new Sonata will be a succes based on its price and equipment level, but its average styling won't get many hearts racing. Therein lies the true lesson, people want a lot of value and quality and a little styling.

Contrary to what many in the automotive press say, I find GM's recent sedans like the G6 and Lacrosse to be attractive. I am under 30 and I know quite a few people my age who like the Lacrosse (good job Lutz). If it cost less and had more equipment I would consider it for myself. You have to worry about the potential customers instead of pleasing the jaded auto pundits who are all in their 50s. They may call a car like the lacrosse dull, but many people like the understated elegance of the car. Most auto writers are hyprocrites who will say styling is a non issue on a Camry or ES330 because of their great quality and resale value and then will rip a car like the lacrosse or Impala for being dull.

For the record, I also like the new Impala.

>2006 Impala / Monte Carlo

The styling is bland and generic looking. Absolutely no passion in these designs.
Even though the interiors are much improved, one wouldn't bother to look any further than the unimaginative exterior styling.

I thought the same thing until I bought the current issue of Motor Trend with the Impala on the cover. It actually looks muscular, with smooth lines and actually quite attractive.
Much better looking than the Camry or Accord. But where is the Impala logo on the sides of the car? It HAS to have the logo!

>2006 Lucerne;

LaSabre name should have been kept. Styling, while an improvement over the geriatric looking LaCrosse,
could have inspired more passion in the design statement. As for the powertrain, why on earth does the base model come with an underpowered 190hp V6, with an ancient 4 spd automatic. Use your newest V6 engines, and install at least 5 spd automatics, with your premium Buick products. The competition is well advanced in this area, you should be trying to surpass them.

Agree strongly with this.

>2006 Chevrolet HHR;

A little late to the party, and a bit over-priced, but the caviat is that it's a nicely styled vehicle with an upgrated rich looking interior. It should do just fine competing with the PT Cruiser.

The HHR looks hot, just check out all the curves and angles. Very interesting.

>2007 Saturn Aura;

A statement that says passion and sole went into the exterior and interior designs. If you don't water-down the near ready concept we have recently been shown,
you have a clear winner if it's priced right.

Completely agree with this.

One more thing-the main thing that is holding back people from buying your cars isn't the styling, or lack of, its reliability issues.
If GM put a 10 year warranty on all its vehicles you wouldn't be discussing anything except how high your market share is growing again.

Why doesn't anyone at GM get this!?
TEN YEAR WARRANTY!

http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=74&docid=15764

Yeah, that should be a Fastlane blog posting all by itself...

The new Z06 - 0-60 in 3.7 seconds without leaving 1st gear.

Nicely done!

Dear Mr. Lutz,
I'm sure you have heard just about every suggestion that can possibly come down the pipe and I have read many of these posts and agree with some and disagree with others.
I will keep it simple and say two things, first, let me order the car or truck that I want, ie: Chevy Silverado reg. cab long bed with the SS motor. I would buy this truck tomorrow if I could. Second, how about some more color choices for cars and trucks?

Despite the whining by some bloggers in this site, the improvement in GM products is a very welcome development. I glanced at a Cobalt today at airport and liked it very much. The realization that one needs to pay special attention to detail, interior design issues (look and feel), engine and transmission is really a tipping point for this company. So, let us be positive and let GM implement their plan. As a comparison, a lot of buyers and reviewers totally forgot Hyundai’s past mediocre cars and quickly embraced their newer products. So, why the same forgiving attitude should not be extended to GM products!

While I am in the air, the new v6 engine for the upcoming Saab 9 3 model is really exciting. Now I would be able to upgrade my Saab when the lease expires next year. But I have another request! Can you also freshen up the exterior a bit! Because you will have a strong competition from the new BMW 3-series design. The current 9 3 design is nice but like the engine, it needs a little bit of help (specially from side view).

p.s. HHR design is very nice!

Bob,

Went to buy a new Silverado at employee pricing, but none of the vehicles at the dealership were marked as promised in the ads. The dealer was not very forthcoming in showing those prices to me on vehicles I was interested in buying. I decided to go home in my old Silverado and put on some new tires. Ended up liking the extended cab Colorado --- but why does the vehicle have jump seats? Fix the GM Buypower site and don't list dealers who won't really respond to a request for a price quote with more than a general email about what makes their dealership better. Best of luck in your efforts to capture the heart of the American car buyer.

Mr. Lutz

My present car is a 97 Monte Carlo. I was considering purchasing either a new Monte Carlo or a new G6 GT coupe next year. Looking at the Monte Carlo, it is not just boring but in my opinion plain ugly. Is GM going to redesign the Monte Carlo like they did with the Impala or drop it from their line up?

The G6 GT coupe has only one negative in my book and that is the electronic power steering. Why not give us the option of hydraulic power steering on the GT coupe as it has the same suspension as the GTP. The only reason I will not buy the GTP is the gas mileage.

I think I will wait another year before I decide on purchasing a new GM car.

Gosc had excellent comments. GM have some nice designs and better build quality, but the rest of the GM experience still needs work. Let's hope it happens as I would like to stay with a domestic brand.

Talk is cheap. Hang on, how much are they paying you?

Anyway, check the link for a suggestion or two.

Dear Bob:
You just lost me. Your anounced price of $65k for the Z06 is outrageous. I thought you wanted loyalty? I guess not. With your announced Chinese "American Revolution," and announced price for the new Z06 I guess you want me to buy Ford's Better Idea. Thanks for forgetting your base, and driving someone else away from GM.

Something went wrong with my last post.
I meant to write that the 2006 Impala looks pretty good-clean lines, muscular looking.
Check the latest issue of MT to see how it looks now.
However, there needs to be an Impala logo on each side.

The Camry isn't exactly exciting looking but no car mag ever says squat about it.

This is addressed to "Z064ever".

Are you nuts? 65K for the Z06 is incredible! The Z06 beats the pants off of anything under 100K in just about every category.

This is an example of the power of mass production. If the Z06 was made by Ferrari it would cost 300K! Get a better job and quit whining!

Ford's better idea? I thought that was an oxy-moron.
65K for a car that performs better than others costing twice as much is not outrageuos. And if you do go to Ford I don't think anyone is going to be sad, cause every one of these Z06 Vettes are gonna go like hot cakes.
Well done Mr. Lutz

I agree with a lot of the comments here and would like the chance to express my desire for more models that stress economy of operation and reduced emissions. I really like the ads that show all the GM cars that get over 30 mpg.

Bob,

After reading alot of these posts and experiencing it for myself, I see one major problem: The dealership experience. Most people would rather have their teeth drilled than shop for a new car. Not all dealerships are bad, but alot of them are, and it makes what should be a pleasure into a nightmare.
The salespeople act like they are doing you a big favor. Ford dealers are the absolute worst, so GM has an opportunity to stand out and be better.

I am a Delphi employee and receive GMS pricing. I went to 3 different dealers and was quoted three different lease payments for the exact same car with the same options! This was a huge waste of my time and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

I have a neighbor who is on her 5th Saturn, strictly because she is treated right at the dealer.

IMHO, if GM wants a cultural change and succeed in the 21st century, it must start with the dealers. Use Saturn as a blueprint.

Hi Bob,

I think you're on the right track. I agree with some of the sentiment here that you can't go trying to please a few people. You need to get GM's image back up with the masses. I had a couple of thoughts I wanted to share....

Before someone mentioned Hyundai. I think they "turned around" because they fixed their quality issues and then offered "the best warranty in America" to get people to realize that their quality had taken a turn for the better AND that the company stood behind it confidently enough to offer such a long warranty. Daimler-Chrysler had 7/70 power train warranties on their stuff for a while to counter people's fears of their crumby transmissions... Someone else mentioned here that GM needs a 10 year warranty. With the financial issues, I'm sure there would be resistance. But think of how cool a commercial would be that pointed out how many GM cars were tops on the JD Power initial quality list. And then it would be even better if it went on to say that just to show how GM stands behind it's belief that initial quality is related to long term quality, it's upping it's warranties. You don't even need to up the warranty on every single car necessarily. You could start on cars you want to be high volume Toyota killers. Or cars that have been recently redesigned. Regardless, there are lots of people who want a car that lasts 150k-200k or more, but many people would be happy knowing their car will be ok for 100k miles.

So moving on, GM really needs better auto transmissions to compete with other brands. More available AWD would probably be wise also. And speaking of the competitors - you need to pay more attention to them in general!! If the idea is to beat them hands-down, you need creative new products that they haven't thought of, yes. But a new type of vehicle only comes around every so often, and then everyone else is technically an "also-has"! The main thing you need to focus on for attacking existing vehicle types is to look at their standard and optional features, and at a minimum beat their standard features (for the same price or less) and then offer all the options they offer plus get creative and offer more they haven't yet thought of or gotten to! If the competition (I often browse this site and people are always mentioning Infiniti G35 vs GM) has 6-speed automatics and navigation systems available and you keep hearing that people think these things are key in a luxury coupe or sedan, then clearly your luxury models should have a 6-speed automatic, navigation, and on-star standard. PLUS it should have an available MP3-CD Player, iPod/portable-device connection, Heads Up Display, Adaptive Cruise Control, whatever ideas come up :-). Granted some new ideas and technologies you have are going to be special for Caddy, but after a year or two these features could become options on high-end versions of other cars. Some people still think caddy is stodgy compared to Infiniti!! Sorry, but it's the truth. So high end cars from Saturn, Pontiac, and Chevy need to be somewhat competitive with Infiniti, Acura, or Lexus even though they are arguably a different "class".

Now, I'm not trying to be negative. I think that perhaps you are beginning to do what I've talked about. An example of where you've done it right (i.e. you looked at the competition, and did better) seems to be the upcoming Pontiac G6 GTP convertible. From the back it reminds me a little of a Camry Solara, but that's forgivable. The 3 spoke steering wheel everyone wants is there. Good job. While there is no 6 speed auto, it has a 6 speed manual. Excellent (but get that auto asap). And while the competition offers a regular old convertible for $26-$27k, you're offering a retractable hard top for a similar price (a little higher, but way way undercutting premium cars that have retractable hardtops). This sort of competitiveness from GM is exactly what should happen all over every brand and every product. Get On-Star into every vehicle. Get DVD players into the back of the front headrests if that's what people want.

When I was a child, I learned that American's invented the automobile -- but the Japanese "copied us and did it better". It's time to return the favor. If quality can truly be improved, and you can fix that part of your image, the other thing you'll need is to attack other makes viciously by doing everything the other guy does, only better and cheaper. AND by having more to offer.

For low end cars, people want reliability, MPG, low price, but as many features as possible for a low price. So get creative on things that won't cost much but would make people on a budget feel good about themselves! And on the high end, people want reliability but also I hear people say "Oh, I like my Audi TT (or Acura or whatever). It has AWD, navigation, blah blah blah. I'd never be caught dead in a Pontiac/Chevy/GM - plus they have none of these features." But you're going to make them think twice about their image-prejudices if they can no longer justify the thousands of extra $ because they can get all the same things from a GM car!!

Mr. Lutz,

There seems to some sense of agreement among these posts in favor of GM.

People can't seem to wait for the complete rollout new products. Everyone loves Cadillac and many like a dealer combo for GMC/Pontiac/Buick.

Also, like the new commercial showing GM facilities and touting 9 models over 30 mpg. Why does GM only occasionally run great commercials like new models speeding onto the truck, or the 9 models over 30 mpg, or the CTS in the cloud, or STS on the dance floor? These are super.

Perhaps the concern among GM enthusiasts over Chevrolet sedan looks is, they seem to resemble Lexus/Toyota. Many people don't buy Lexus or Toyota for looks, they buy it because they've been spoon fed a bunch of soft soap from certain media reviews along with the TV ads.

Looks are a fighting edge for GM. Will Chevrolet distinguish itself, or will it be just another Lexus/Toyota clone? Ford remains distinctive, the 500 and the Fusion are going to be big, its obvious. GM enthusiasts have high hopes for the new Impala SS, thats why you may be hearing these concerns. Just wait until we see it. The actual Cobalt is a very strong looker. So the concerns are probably just normal anxiety jitters.

GM's is leading in quality. People hear it from friends who own GM products. People just need to hear something from GM besides that there is a big sale going on. GM needs to toot its horn much more often.

Lexus/Toyota run strong image ads with camera angles. Even Hyundai shows off its one plant like its bigger than life. Come on, if people were informed of how great GM is, just think what would happen. GM is being too modest. GM should not be reluctant take actions or in asking for concessions.

GM can counter the bias at the local level by targeting the upper middle class suburbs. Many high school driver ed classes have only older base model GM to drive, for some, thats the only impression of GM they get, because at home they have your foreign competition in their parents garage. Driver's ed should be driving a flashy G6 and showing off GM products. Think, every kid test drives the car. So shouldn't it be a nice one? Think creative leasing or a sale to keep fresh cars in driver's ed. Another is putting a new GM dealership near new neighborhoods. The old GM dealers on the other side of town doesn't do the trick anymore. The dealers should be named after the local area, not after a person, for example, Cadillac of Bethesda," instead of John Doe Cadillac. The foreign competition already does it.

Also, in the major markets, new educated immigrant groups are not informed about GM, much of what believe comes from a very few biased guides or publishers. Why aren't the fair sources more available in the market? GM enthusiasts have convinced friends and co-workers to test and buy GM products, but GM owners can't do it all.
Its usually the same select few publishers with distribution control that show bias against GM. Let's hear from GM even more.

The new products and soon-to-be-released products are getting good buzz. Now back them up with a longer warranty and better dealer experience!

“What is good for America is good for General Motors, and vice versa.” That means taking steps to align the company's interest with the national interest. What could be more AMERICAN than a beautifully designed, V8 powered, Rear wheel driven cars with a very tasteful touch of nostalgia? We were d**mn proud of our cars back when that cliche was popular. A car is a big investment and we should be allowed to get what we want. It is a dirty shame that we are forced to buy a truck if we want a V8 engine and rear wheel drive with a frame. If GM wants to build Asian looking front wheel drive cars then GM should move to Asia. It makes no sense to me. GM was the mark of excellence and built the best looking and performing cars consistently from 1955 thru 1972, I am sure that has something to do with GM's success during that time. After 1972 those vehicles slowly died along with GM's success. Now GM is near bankruptcy while Ford and Mopar are booming, I am sure Ford and mopar's success has a lot to do with building AMERICAN cars like the mustang, charger, T-bird ect. AMERICAN style performance along with big V8's and rear wheel drive.

I know GM really wanted to beat Ford in truck sales "I would have enjoyed that too" but that goal cost too much. The price was ending up with the worst line of cars ever. The car line is almost a duplicate of Chrysler's in the 80's. I would assume that is because that was Chrysler's bankruptcy line too. Plus you have Bob Lutz making decisions there, You cannot have someone like him making decisions. Only someone with a true love for the company can save you. It requires a thoroughbred GM man, Someone who knows every detail of GM's past, The name is all you have left. You need to touch the hearts of the Americans and let them fall in love with your cars again, But it cannot be done with the current models, You need all American cars, Big V8 engines, Beautiful styling and REAR WHEEL DRIVE made 100% here in the Good old USA. Build us something to be proud of. When your heart is in it so will the publics' be.

MR LUTZ

You are right, automobile designers are artists and their best design are works of art. Sculpture in steel. Thats why Harley Earl named the design studio Arts and Colors. Automobile art looks best with two doors.
The great cars of the past are still popular because they are art. I was very encouraged when I read that Cadillac design was named Arts and Science. GM lost its way in the 80s and by the late 80s GMs designs were transportation appliances, about as attractive as refrigerators on wheels. Depressing design, the abandonement of rear wheel drive and daytime running lights, in my opinion account for most of GM's loss of market share. GM allowed its senior brands to become old peoples cars with no excitement. This allowed yuppies to defect to foreign brands. Let GMs Michael Angelos and Leonardo Da Vincis loose.

Well I think the consensus is on big v-8 rwd, 6-speeds and stellar sheet metal. Do it.

This is to Tom W:
Tom I do doubt your sanity, clearly lithium would help.
We are talking about Chevrolet not Ferrari. We are talking about a car that in 2002 I bought new for $45k ($50k list), and now has an increase of over 15%.Further, I want American cars built in the USA not in China with an American nameplate.
P.S.We shall not compare jobs son, because you would not look good. A decent education may allow you to understand and get ahead in this world.

I will again reiterate: If GM wants to position Buick as a "Near Luxury" vehicle, then Buicks should either 1) be sold in stand-alone dealerships; or 2) Paired with Cadillac dealerships (like Lincoln and Mercury). Buick products are different enough from Cadillac that this pair might work well together.

The near-lux buyer wants to shop in an upscale environment. Buick dealers should be positioned to give shoppers the same experience as you get at a Lexus or Acura dealer. I strongly suggest that GM's suits visit Germain Easton Lexus in Columbus to learn about what this means.

Of course, knowing GM, they think that calling their products "near luxury" makes them so.

Bob-
Good to see that you realize that corporate culture plays a big part in auto design. I worked for Saturn when it was first started and after the GM people ruined it, left for Chrysler where the Saturn philosophy was implemented very well. Now if you can just re-implement the Saturn philosophy at GM.....

I find myself in agreement with many of the posters here. You can make your panel fits as tight as a cowgirl's Wranglers on a Friday night, but GM still has a number of hurdles to jump.

Regaining your reputation after bleeding the GM name white for so many years is one. Improving the buying experience at GM dealers is another.

There are times I wonder why I even care.

Come on GM...offer more color choices for the HHR...TOO many metallics!

Dear Father (Z064ever),
I fully understand that we are talking about Chevrolet and not Ferrari. I'll type this very slowly so you can understand the point I was trying to make... ;)

The manufacturing and assembly processes used by Chevrolet to make the Corvette are much more automated than the largely manual processes used by Ferrari. Automation increases efficiency and accuracy resulting in a higher quality product at a lower cost. If Ferrari were to build the Corvette using it's current processes, it would probably have to sell for over $300K to be profitable.

I have been employed in the aerospace manufacturing field for over 20 years, so I know a thing or two about production and assembly. $65K is a great price for a Z06. And your lithium suggestion might not be a bad idea. Thoughts of a Z06 make me feel manic, but the traffic in Chicago is depressing...

Dear Tommy W:
I understand you are slow on a keyboard as well as uptake.
I do own an 02 Z06, which one day if I pass it on to you, then you might be able to afford it.
As my point is, read and learn, GM has lost its way. It has given up on its loyal base that loves the Chevrolet All American Corvette Z06 as the undisputed champ that most Americans can buy, and now is looking for the Porschephiles (by the way I could have afforded a Porsche if I want European garbage). We don't want a car that is the cost of a Porsche, we want something to kick Porsche's butt in all ways. Do use some Lithium now. It will help.

Bob,

I recently attended the DCX media presentation for the '06 PT Cruiser. And it was then did I realize fully how much a chance the HHR truly has in this market.

The new PT is nothing more than a mere cosmetic upgrade. New lights/fascia, new interior, etc. But to be honest - it's not that substantial of a change. Yes, the interior feels a bit better, but the silver faux carbon fiber on the center stack is awkward, particuarly compared to the body-color dash segments next to it.

Why do I feel HHR will succeed? It's something new. A vast majority of the PT owners admit they bought the car out of nostalgia. Not only is the HHR more directly 'retro' than the PT ever was, it offers something all-new, as opposed to something re-heated.

Granted, I haven't had the opportunity to drive an HHR yet to compare (BTW - DCX invites our paper to events; why won't you?), but from an eye-to-eye perspective, the HHR has more to offer than this 'new PT'.

I will suggest the following to ensure continuing sales:

1. An SS version. As the PT has the GT Turbo, you need to drop in the 2.0 Supercharged, or any future blown version of the engine you may have planned.

2. Get on the variants - and quick! It took Chrysler almost 2-3 years to launch a 'vert; VW almost 5 for a drop-top Beetle. Don't plague yourself by offering the variants too late. Oh, and btw - make a panel truck version, too. You'll gain not only those who have wished for the PT panel to reach production, but also light commercial clients, who would like small, stylized vehicles to transport their business cargo.

3. Value. Keep the build quality up, and costs (including the inane dealer markups) down. I won't lecture you on this; as you seem to grasp this idea.

Keep up the good work at GM, Bob, and I hope to be able to fairly review your upcoming products in the near future....(hint, hint...)

Evan McCausland
The Oakland Post
Oakland University
evan.mccausland@oakland.edu

Hi Bob:
I sincerely want you and GM to succeed in turning things around. I used to be a loyal buyer of American cars. Sadly because of problems with the high cost of ownership [depreciation] I have been buying Honda/Toyota products. I would like to reconsider GM and eagerly await the results of your new models in Consumer Reports annual automotive issue. This is the publication I use to get the unbiased results of how cars are really holding up. Please make it a high priority to get your new models on the check list of approved vehicles. This is the real test in my opinion. Good luck on getting there.

"I would like to reconsider GM and eagerly await the results of your new models in Consumer Reports annual automotive issue. This is the publication I use to get the unbiased results of how cars are really holding up."
ROTFLMAO- Consumer Reports unbiased? Ya right.

With all of the hoopla about retro and emotional attraction towards past products I'm totally dissapointed by the continued refreshing of the Nomad in the concept circuit. Just build the darn thing look what Dodge did with the Magnum you could be eating a huge piece of their pie right now. Stop tempting us and build these proverbial carrots keeping in mind that this is still a station wagon while pricing it.

Mr. Lutz,

As the founding family, great grandson of William Durant, of General Motors I must applaud your attempt to turn this faltering boat around. GM had been producing cars and trucks that were hardly desirable for even those who remembered the “good old days” of GM, when they had the largest market share of any car manufacturer. The cars GM was producing lacked quality ergonomics, drivetrains, and appeal. But now GM is turning the corner, albeit slowly, but turning none the less and its great to see some quality cars come out of the shop. Although there is so much more to be done to compete with the growing market of high quality cars, I think GM can get there.

GM is now getting back to creating cars with passion which is evident in the new z06, the solstice and sky, the new Saturn sedan that was on display in NY, and the whole Cadillac line. These cars are emotional, they strike an undeniable cord with the buyer and as a result they will line up just to get a glimpse of them. Make a better car and truck then the competition and people will pay for them.

Unfortunately for GM it’s not all about what comes out of the shop, but instead the process that creates each vehicle. As we know, GM’s plants are in America and for better or worse that causes some huge problems that attach themselves to each vehicle that comes out the front door. Between the cost of labor and health care in America GM is paying billions of dollars. These billions don’t do anything to help product development in new 4 and 6 cylinder engines (look how late they were with the 255hp v-6) or 5 and 6 speed automatic transmissions. The bottom line is that GM needs to find a way to get more money flowing in the direction of new vehicle development so they can be the first to come out with new technology and vehicles instead of the last.

I believe in GM, I have to because it’s in my blood, I just hope that the higher ups believe in it enough that they are compelled to make it a leader once again.

New? Innovative? Creative? Are we talking about General Motors or as it is known by the auto buying public "Generic Motors"? Where is the High Fuel Mileage product that is even close to the Toyots Prius? When will you ever produce a product that people will actually line up to purchase? Where is the High Mileage SUV? at least 40MPG City driving? If you build these they will sell, Toyota proved that as after 4 years they are still from 3 to 6 months behind sales after adding another assembly plant and 4 shifts of workers. With the price of fuel, as with me in my Buick, the other day it cost me as much to fill my Lawnmower as it did the Buick a few years ago. I was born and raised in Detroit and it crosses my nature to buy imported auto's but right now I am seriously contemplating a Prius with price of fuel skyrocketing for another 10 years. I believe you should consider that fact when deciding the new directions of new products.

Bob, if you can really accomplish this, more power to you. GM has needed to do this for a long time. I'm glad someone there finally gets it.

Hi Bob,
I just saw the Cheyenne concept truck at the GM Nationals in Carlisle, PA. What a beautiful vehicle. HUGE but beautiful. Downsize it to a lighter more reasonable 3/4 size and go with it. By the way, I was suprised that there wasn't a Solstice or HHR available for the public to view there...only a Vette and an SSR.

Product Idea: Give the boys at Buick the old V6 turbo, a GTO body and frame, any color they want as long as it's black, absolutely no red leather, and a Grand National label. Talk about a tuner car... There's a reason the Supra Turbo and the Grand National themselves are still so expensive on the used market - hop-up potential!!

Hey Bob,

I believe you mentioned something about making roofracks optional a couple of years ago. If this has happened I've missed it.

Could you please please please at least add a "roofrack delete" option to the vehicles it comes standard on? I know I'm not the only one that absolutely detests that useless piece of clutter on the roof.

I just went over to the Saturn website to download some pix of the Sky sibling to the Solstice. Another home-run roadster design to compliment the Solstice, but probably steal from Solstice sales.

Had a chance to review the tv spots for the Sky. Not a single shot of the vehicle in all 3 ads. What a crying shame. One of the most beautiful cars in the future lineup, and all these ads feature is 3 different sad-sacks that are trapped in their own lives.

C'mon, show the car. It's gorgeous.

Friends are asking me what the Sky is in the Employee Discount for Everyone ad that has Conant Kuo in it and a few others.

It's on the screen for maybe 1 second in the spot, and yet, it grabs their attention immediately.

Show the car, show the car, show the car.

Geez, it's not hard to figure out - if the car looks great - feature it. It's a gotta have product. But show it for crying out loud.

Saturn has to have had the most stupid and confounding advertising in the history of General Motors. Whether it's the clowns on the run, or the people shuffling down the street, or the ads showing that kids have to give up the fun that they used to have, they all have one crappy thing in common - they don't talk or show the cars. You can take 'People First' too far - these proposed Saturn ads are a great example of that.

Cadillac needs another big Fleetwood with rear wheel drive, this car has been gone from the lineup for too long ...and how about a V12 with DOD as the standard engine to move the big beast. Cadillac used to be the biggest car on the road and it still should be.

What's with the alphabet soup names on the new Cadillacs? People don't know the model names anymore because they are a bunch of meaningless letters. Give these cars their real names. I know Fleetwood, Deville, Seville, Catera, Escalade and even the Allante but don't ask me about the new naming scheme because I don't know which letters match which model. Everybody seems to be confused about which Cadillac is which because they don't have real names people can relate to a certain model.

Question?
Is GM moving towards platform based car and truck development the way Chrysler did and Ford attempted to do with the Taurus?

Re your comments in today's NYTimes about "using as many parts that you alredy have in the parts bin to avoid investment": seems ti belie your blog comment "Only the Best." You seem more concerned about price point than quality. Why would you create a brand new sports car and give it only five speeds? So visible a cutback, it seesm to me, reflects badly on everything you are doing.

Bob,
I presume you have heard this before, but probably dismissed it as silly. But perhaps coming from an external voice, you will reconsider.

My mom loves her Buick. She loved her LaSabre, her second LaSabre, and her new Rendezvous. My wife loves the used Rendezvous my Mom talked her into buying. This was a nice break for me because my wife and my Mom do not agree on much of anything, in those rare instances where they talk at all. Want to know how my Mother talked her daughter-in-law into buying a Buick? She played the gender card.

I think Buick could experience a true revival by acknowledging then celebrating what is happening in the market anyway, namely being identified as a woman's brand.

Here's the task list:

-> Get a female division president

-> Make the whole design team for every model female

-> Very publicly move Tiger over to Pontiac and get Monica Sorenstam as the new spokesperson.

-> Make Buik a national sponsor for non-controversial women's service organizations like Safe Smart Women & MADD

-> Develop an add campaign around women who usually disagree about things, i.e., Gloria Steinem/Phyllis Schlafly, to agree on driving a Buick

-> Get one of the female designers from TLC's Trading Spaces show to develop a new showroom design package for the dealerships

-> Get a famous female clothes designer like Laura Ashley to create uniforms for the Buick sales force

-> Prohibit dealers from selling "extras" on Buicks or marking up their financing contracts. To discourage dealers from finding other lenders who will allow them to mark up the financing, add language to the window stickers encouraging buyers to check financing rates on gmac.com or through their credit union.

-> Make Pontiac the "boys" brand to draw contrast with Buick.

Having 8 brands to work with gives GM competitive advantage in marketing space over OEMs that only have two or three to play with. Rather than killing yet another GM brand and incurring all the negative press that goes along with that, use what you got.

Dear Bob,

I'm glad you're working on interior design to make it better. Let me know when you've got good design across the board on the interiors.

Currently, all I know about your interiors is what I've seen in the rental fleets - and oh my goodness . . .

Just a hint: The worst thing about the interiors is that gummy crap that the buttons are covered with on the Pontiacs. It makes them feel dirty even when they're new, it's like touching the floor of a movie theater.

I rented a brown "gold" Malibu "Classic" (That's the previous generation of Malibu that's in the rental fleets) a few weeks ago and the thing was so hideous that I felt like I had to tell people it wasn't my car. But I rented a PT Cruiser recently and even though it was cheaper on paper, I felt proud to have it and wanted to show it off a bit - it was just cool. The HHR seems similar, but it's kind of like a "me too" design that looks like a Jeep Liberty from the front doors backward.

Philp

Cobalt SS...

How soon before we see the 170 hp. 2.4 L available in the Cobalt SS as a non-SS SC version, or maybe sold as a Cobalt RS?!? For those of us that like our handling but live in the city and get carpal tunnel from rowing a shifter through the gate, it'd be nice to get one with an automatic or maybe even something like the VW/Audi DSG system for those times when rowing a shifter is fine when you're not having to deal with rush hour in Chicago.

If you have to differentiate the cars some... fine. Take off the crazy looking body kit, offer the same interior options/details, and offer it with the 18" wheels but with the standard/LS spoiler. Either that or maybe offer up a FWD version of the retro-style American Racing wheels like you see on the Ford Mustang, or an alumin wheel rendition of the old Rallye Sport wheels "modernized" to 2005.

I am cautiously enthusiastic about what I see of GM's future vehicles. I say cautiously because GM has an unfortunate history of taking a great idea and executing it badly. Take for example the Fiero. Excellent idea. Very sound, and initial sales were pretty good. Unfortunatly it was given an engine that didn't power it very well, was hard to maintain and of course, it borrowed heavily from just about every pontiac on sale at the time. Oddly enough though, Pontiac was running an OHC 2.0L four in the sunbird at the time, which was a much better engine than the 2.5L pushrod engine. There were some other design erroes, such as the entire rear suspension being identical to the front suspension on the phoenix. The car started out as a hit, but the wrong engine choice, odd suspension and overly complex handbrake design (which didn't work all the time) were enough to give the car a bad reputation. As spectacular as the '88 Fiero GT was, it just wasn't enough. The Aztek was another good idea executed badly in that its exterior styling was just aweful. Yes, it was useful, comfortable, it also has a very nice interior. However, anyone who was not blind could have told you that styling it like something in a Mad Max film just wasn't going to work.

So I'll remain cautious until GM shows that it has learned the lessons of the past. The Solstice seems to be the car that the Fiero should have been at the beginning and the Torrent is a good looking small SUV and seems like a great replacement for the Aztek. So I am hopeful that GM is learning how to better execute these wonderful ideas, and turn them into the cars and trucks they were intended to be.

Catching up with Toyota... I dont think so... Just saw the new Impala and Lucerne...OK... you have to be targeting the over 80 market with shift on the column... and competing with Hyundai in the fit and finish department... still ...its OK, but the design is not the heartstopper of the 57s or 65s. Then I stopped to see the new Avalon....WOW...no comparison.... All I can say is WOW....

Mr Lutz,

What engineering and innovation are you looking at to produce cars that get great gas mileage ?
I think it's important to have more research in this direction rather than what gadgets and add-ons I can put inside a car. You have great engineers there, surely they can design a vehicle that gets 30, 40+ miles per gallon. How can we still have cars that get the same mileage as they did 20 years ago ?