Q&A with Bob Lutz

Interesting post.

Bob,

Great article! I applaud your work in improving America's K-12 education system. I'm also glad to hear that Pontiac won't give up on RWD performance.

Seriously though, wouldn't an interview with a magazine named "PONTIAC PERFORMANCE" which has then been posted on the GM blog, be a good place to announce the upcoming turbo-powered Solstice GXP, rather than letting Autoweek do it for you?

http://autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102726

"Meanwhile, with the 2006 Pontiac Solstice roadster due this fall, we’re already getting word that the hotted-up version is nearing completion. ...the General has settled on an intercooled turbo to push the base Solstice engine to 250 hp."

While I'm a big fan of the GM Blog, why can't it give us the cool new GM news first, rather than giving us tepid PR rehashes?

Come on! The Solstice GXP has the potential to be the coolest thing out of GM in decades, and you're still talking up the "great-handling" GTO, even though just about every review I've read says that despite it's great engine it still looks like a rental car and understeers like a pig.

Make the drift competition suspension/steering package available as an option for the GTO, and then we can talk about great handling.

Otherwise, let's hear more about the Solstice GXP!

Bob

My first question is why was the Sky build? I though GM was trying to eliminate overlap.

According to what I’ve read the Saturn version of the G6, the Aura will be getting more power then the G6. Shouldn’t the performance division have the most powerful version of the car?

Pontiac’s next new vehicle is the Torrent, why? It’s a 184 HP FWD SUV, all it’s going to do is make the performance division look even more like the joke it’s become and cerate more overlap, after all it’s just a Equinox with a deferent body.

And now the BIG question when will Pontiac be getting some REAL RWD cars, the GTO is good but to expensive and the Firebird was more practical then the Solstice is. Pontiac needs a RWD car with the same price and practicality as the G6.

Pontiac should be like BMW by offering a full line of RWD cars not by giving there cars BMW’ish names(G6).

Now about the Camaro, you need to build it and the Firebird.
The reason why is if you do it right the combined Camaro & Firebird will be 400,000 or more a year.

In 1965 ford sold 540,000 Mustangs
In 1978 GM sold 448,000 Camaros & Firebirds
In 1984 GM sold almost 400,000 Camaros & Firebirds

There seems to be this thought that GM can’t put money into a new Camaro because it’s a unpractical limited build car for enthusiasts only......BULL. That maybe what GM made it in to but it’s not what it’s supposed to be. The GM car that is the closest to what the Camaro should be is the SS Cobalt. The Camaro should be a affordable, practical, stylish performance car. Basically a sport-compact car with a V8 and RWD (does that sound good to anyone else?).

The next Camaro should be able to seat 4 people just as well as the Cobalt, have a fastback that holds more cargo then the Cobalt and it should have folding rear seats.

Remember to use the sport-compact formula: affordable, practical, stylish, small, light, add a V8 and RWD and GM will have a mainstream car that will sell 400,000 or more a year.

Base a.k.a RS engine should be the Vortec 4800 V8. GM is all ready making so many for there trucks increasing production would cost almost nothing.
The Z28 should get H.O. version of the Vortec 6000. Again the development has already been paid for and the production is already setup.
The base MSRP on the RS should be $19,995 and the Z28 should be $24,995.
Remember these are not going to be limited build cars, there going to make money by selling in volume.

Bob,
I'm looking forward to the detroit show with unbelievable anticipation. I can't wait to see what is lurking in wait at the Ren Center! Any problems with pontiac can be solved with some unique product and affordable pricing. I think you realize this, and I look forward to seeing the solstice on the streets, a sporty RWD sedan (mid and compact sized) with a manual would add greatly to the brand as well. One more thing, the production cars that you have shown recently (like the gxp pontiacs and the new buicks) have amazingly beautiful wheels, considering your desire for highly styled cars, why don't you offer these reasonably sized show wheels as options- they really add so much more presence to the vehicles they adorn.

Bob, maybe you could offer us some insight as to why GM is focusing on developing fuel-thirsty trucks while the other big manufacturers (Ford, Honda, Toyota) are working on Hybrid SUVs and working on better cars in general (Have you seen the Ford Fusion??? Where is GM's version of that thing??? And please don't tell me the Malibu SS) And Bob, Please tell us the status of the new Camaro/retro-designed RWD sports car???

BTW, I think that Pontiac is on the right track, but you still need to get rid of/replace the Montana (you can't have a mediocre Minivan in the excitement division), the Aztek, and the Sunfire.

Ok, the people who think a new camaro would magically sell a million units are dillusional. It won't outsell the mustang, it won't. I think 100k units would be sustainable, but realistically, i doubt it could reach 150k, the mustang is a coupe anomoly. Doesn't mean GM shouldn't make one, 100k is a solid number. A RWD sedan line would make more sense considering you could put the impala and grand prix on that platform, or the deville and a buick.

I'm too sexy for a minivan, too sexy for minivan.

I'm too sexy for a Sunfire, too sexy for a Sunfire.

I'm too sexy for a Torrant, too sexy for a Torrant.

I'm too sexy for a Pursuit, too sexy for a Pursuit.

I'm too sexy for the sales, too sexy for the sales.

TOO SEXY!!!

I don't know Bob exactly what Pontiac should offer but I know Pontiac can add something special to these segments with more distinction, and I know Pontiac has to balance its needs to be a performance brand with the need to offer a second tier price class after Chevy.

I don't know. But what I do know is Pontiac/GMC can have a good relationship. But adding Buick to that dealer network hurts Buick and Pontiac. In GM's effort to make Buick the Mercury "dummy" division it not only hurts Buick but Pontiac as well.

Please 5 strata it's that simple, in design, in marketing, in the dealership experiance and in the company organization. What is good for Pontiac and Buick will be good for GM and vise-versa.

Chevrolet
Pontiac/GMC
Saturn
Buick/Hummer
Cadillac

And please enouph with sedans that scrape your butt on the ground. Everybody wants high vehicles so please make Buick high, and handsome with flat floors and high roofs and a high beltline a la the Buick 8 and Hummer H3. And let Buick compete with Lexus not Mercury like you first envisioned. You can start like Nike, sell your Starter brand at Wal-Mart and sell Nike at the high end retailers.

Why does the Hummer H3 come with that ridiculous 5 cylinder engine?
Better yet, why did GM build a 5 cylinder engine when you have so many V6's that would be better?
Put a V6 in the Colorado and fix the interior.

Very interesting article in the 7/6 edition of Newsday.
It mentioned how popular GMs employee pricing plan is.
The last paragraph said it all.
It said that great prices wasn't what made the pricing plan a success, it was that it was no haggle pricing.

No haggle pricing! Make it permanent.
And add a 10 year warranty. Dont wait a year to do this, do it immediatley.

I also dont understand GMs measly 3 month/3,000 mile warranty on certified used cars. Are you kidding me? That warranty is a joke.
It seems that GM doesnt think very highly of its own vehicles when you are clearly afraid to add a longer warranty to all your new and certified used vehicles.
Its a shame because that would lift sales sky-high.
What are you waiting for!?

Bob,

I think things are on the right track with most of the brands and am pleased with almost everything I've seen that is coming soon. Still, I do think GM needs to push fuel economy big time as it is a great marketing tool as are those hybrids.

BTW, saw a Solstice on the streets here in Toronto yesterday and it looks great. I think that car will make us a two car family for the first time.

Keep up the work as there is still a way to go.

I heard "Pontiac" and "truck" used in the same sentence. What's up with that?

Also, I echo your statements on "p*ssed off toasters". I felt the Pontiac Pirahhna concept of a few years ago took that to a new level. I'm glad that concept never saw the light of day. The Solstice is a very refreshing breath of fresh air. Especially in an auto market, right now, full of "sameness". I believe, the Solstice gently harkens to GM's glorious past, (which I believe needs to be subtley accented in upcoming designs), and yet has the other foot planted firmly in the future, with contemporary materials. Hip, hip horray, hip, hip, hooray, hip, hip, horray for the SSR, HHR, SS concept, Nomad, Bel Air, Solstice which gently and subtley have wisps of GM's past, and yet reaches towards tomorrow with contemporary materials. I feel this country is losing it's soul, in part because every car out there looks alike. I feel we can get that back through the use of 'classic lines'. Not boldly using 'classic lines', but subtley, gently, a fender curve here, a hood line here. Style. Design. As an engineer, I can appreciate the elegant solution. Steinmetz never goes out of style.

Give credit where its due for bringing back the GTO, but just one question, where is the new Fiero GT? These 2 models define what Pontiac performance is all about. Take a look at how many Fiero's were sold from 1984-88 (369,000), the numbers dont lie.

GM has A HYBRID truck just that i havent heard much about it. it was realeased at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) or Detriot Auto Show. they had the Chevy version along with the the GMC. So how did it do?

I think that Chevy has replaced the Pontiac divison because Chevy has brought the SS Heritage Back (Silverado, Cobalt, Malibu, Imapala, Monte Carlo, and (Aveo with the stripes). Am i the only one that notice that. I Agree with the camaro but DONT MAKE IT FOUR DOOR!!! (like the Charger). The Engine that People Forgot About is the 5.7L 350 Ci V8 It's One of the most popular engines. It was In the SS Camaro '02. The Vette and in assorted trucks. Even the GTO '04.

For Pontiac i think they should bring back the Ventura Coupe with the 350 in it. start it at 21,000. just 2 seats and engine and make it look like the 75 ventura (sweet i'd buy that the second it came out). Also What happend with the 02 Sunfire GXP with the super charger i saw that at NAIAS?

to make Pontiac performance orintated i think they should make all cars with GXP or GT options. Like how the vibe has a GT option. And will the New MONTE CALRLO SS have RWD it shouldn't because it has a V8. How would that fit under the hood. like a Old's Tronado?

Also i like how Ford followed the Employee Discount.

Craig.

Bob,
You used to be my scapegoat over the many months, many people held you resposnible for the f-body discontinuation I believe you gave the bad news. Now it seems many place the bad news at Wagoneer's mailbox. The Solistic is a beautiful car obviously inspired by BMW's convertable z4 roadster. The Grand Prix is also been excitingly refined atleast the gril and hood, unfortunatly, 303 hp to the front wheels seems a bit odd, and with a bit of unconventional engeneering could easily be transfered to awd or rwd using a bit of hybrid technology that I am convinced I know a bit about. The GTO, definatly a sleeper, a mature sports car, but not quite the agressiveness of a Pontiac, perhaps more of a Grand National Buick? G6, excelently elegant. Vibe is horrible toyota quality and GM's worst vehicle according to JD power and associats. Minivans and small SUV's are not Pontiacs image, unless they are a styled over trailblazer SS. Bonneville, looks like an early 90's vehicle very outdated look, this one should probably be removed from line up and let Buick keep the platform. Bob, looks as if you have got yourself a lot of work ahead of you. I've also heard from C&G that you thing American Engeneers are lackluster and cant draft, perhaps a suggestion to GM: Los Angeles has a lot of talented people who dont want to leave the area, and a research center would be nice here in So.Cal.

Bob,

I just saw a Solstice on the street for the first time today. It is wonderful! I think you have a hit on your hands, just don't let the dealers screw it up! And, get that 5 speed auto in there ASAP! My wife won't drive a manual! I also saw an HHR today as well. Very cool!

I agree with Steve G, no haggle pricing and longer warrenties would help. How about optional navigation systems on ALL GM vehicles? OnStar is ok, but I don't want to have to call, and pay, and wait 10 min, for someone to look up directions, when I could just look at the nav screen on my dash. You already offer very nice nav systems on your upscale SUV's, so why not make them available across the board? DCX offers Navigation on the PT Cruiser, why don't you offer it on the HHR?

I am encouraged. GM is beginning to face reality, not just make excuses for bad decisions, uninspiring, poor execution. As Bob says, GM's senior executives need more unfiltered customer feedback and to make decisions based using BOTH the gut and brain -- not using a brand management matrix model developed by non-car marketers. More transparency and accountability are good for America; and, in this case, what is good for America is also good for General Motors.:)

Mr. Lutz,

One point of interest:

I was recently eating lunch with a friend of mine who has purchased TWO Hyundai products. This is one of the most red blooded patriots I have ever met. When I inquired about his experiences with the cars, he responded by saying that the Santa Fe had even not started on him on one occasion, but "I called the 800 number and they came out, towed me to the dealership, and gave me a loaner car...the Americans never did that." Of course this is entirely wrong, GM has been doing roadside assistance, etc. for years. However, as is evidenced by this conversation, people may not know about it. Preach the customer service philosophy, express the virtues that you already have. It matters not that the competition has it also, let them say it separately. It just broke my heart to hear this man spouting the virtues of a Korean car based on their SERVICE and DEALERSHIPS rather than the product. Product always has to come first, for sure, but don't forget to put customer service related items into advertising. PS, I think the Chevrolet dependability advertising ("Don't you wish everything was as dependable as a Chevy?")

TELESCOPIC STEERING...is a must. Gm needs to start focusing on high riding cars, like Ford 500. An awd Ford 500 with Ford's new 3.5L and 6 speed automatic is going to be a wonder. GM should be building high riding cars and then sport wagons based off of the same platform.

Focus on putting some style into the interiors. The cobalt is nice, but it lacks pizzaz. Drive a Mazda 3 and a Cobalt back to back and you'll see what Im talking about.

The vibe is great, but why no 2.2 or 2.4L ecotec? Why no 5 speed automatic? An awd 2.4L 5speed auto vibe would be awsome in the market.

V-6 diesels or I4 into the light duty truck market would be nice. Maybe 4.5L with around 200hp 400tq.

Where is the direct injection and vvt? The cadillac 4.6L should be pushing 350-375hp. Look at Audi's new RS4 for reference.

The trailblazer has extremly poor handling, and the sorry 4 speed auto. Look at the new explorer. 292hp V8 and 6 speed auto, independent rear, and 3rd row.

Come on guys, get it together!

It's great to see that (imo) the poorly executed and or outdated vehicles such as the Aztek, Sunfire, and Montana van are leaving our Pontiac lineup. It's also great to see that not only are we seeing great new product with the G6, Solstice, etc., but we are seeing GM quickly turn around poorly received product such as the change from the 04 to 05 GTOs.

I would however like to see the Pursuit in the mix in the states. With key cars in this segment (ie. Honda Civic) up for a serious revamp targeted at the soul of the young first time car buyer, we need this car. Yes, a high volume compact car. Let's not try to make a high volume Solstice or GTO. They are "Halo cars" and they need to remain as such. Making them high volume vehicles just to boost sales numbers defeats the purpose of their conception. They are designed to fully demonstrate the essence of the Pontiac line, for a Pontiac price, with loads of Pontiac "Excitement".

For those who want great V8 sound & performance without sacrificing practicality, drive the Grand Prix GXP. You will not be disappointed, especially when you turn the key (or when you haul a 9' tall object with the trunk closed).

I certainly agree that GM's DVD Navigation should be available in more vehicles which I know you're working on (05 Grand Prix & 05 Vibe). More people are accustomed to the technology since it has become increasingly easy to use.

Finally, hats off on the sales numbers for June. But put some spins on the vehicles because there are a lot of honest, hard-working, professional sales consultants that are starving at dealerships that only pay based on gross profit.

Bob:

I noticed the new Solstice and some of the new Chevrolet's (Impala, Monte Carlo) are available with an auxilary jack for an MP3 player or an iPod. It's a great idea - a low cost, high benefit option to us iPod owners who are tired of tolerating FM transmitters. How about making this option available on all GM models? Now that I know some cars are available with this option, I won't buy one that doesn't have an auxilary jack (and many of my friends feel the same way).

Actually, I think American companies can attract more consumers to their product if the "Made in America" is attached to it. I think the American consumer is starting to look at that again. And if the Toyota they are considering is made in the US, while the GM product (which we always thought was made in the US) is imported, they will be more inclined to purchase the Toyota product. What's the reason to purchase the GM product in that circumstance? I fully understand the economics of it. And I've heard you say here that you don't get involved in the politics. That's where us, the concerned American citizen comes into play. If we can put pressure on our elected representatives to lower tax rates and regulations, and provide an "incentive" for US companies to expand here on our shores, I think we will all be better off. High tax rates and out of control environmental regulations give US corporations no option but TO re-locate. I always prefer the "incentive" approach vs. the "dis-incentive" approach. It's easier to get someone to do something if you offer them an "incentive". Vs. telling them they will be punished if they do something. I'm urging my representatives to support legislation to lower taxes and regulations to create an environment where the "US-based" corporation may thrive here. I believe to many breaks have been given to our foreign competition, and believe we need to enable the US company, large and small to thrive here. Intel at my former home, I believe, is a great model. The cities of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho NM, provided incentives to Intel to maintain the Bosque region of the Rio Grande. Maintaining and expanding a strong, robust and dynamic manufacturing sector in this country is crucial to our well-being and survival. We need to create the environment to enable that to occur.

I've been worried lately that Pontiac would get killed off, but this interview makes me feel better. Why? Because my whole life Pontiac, Chevy, Buick, Previously Oldsmobile, and now Saturn have had similar cars, but with different styles. Yes, sometimes they were obvious rebadges (i.e. the darned minivans - or the chevy malibu and olds cutlass) and some were very different (i.e. buick century and pontiac grand am or even lesabre and bonneville). But whether very or slightly different, I personally almost always prefer the way the Pontiac version of things look.

I don't understand why the Chevy Cobalt looks like a Pontiac from the back. I thought the G6 taillight look was going to be Pontiac's future direction, but then that look got stolen for the Chevy... I suppose it's good from the standpoint that I like those taillights, but I don't like the fronts of the Chevys.

Perhaps slightly off-topic:

I think I agree with the people who aren't sure that Pontiac/Buick/GMC is a good idea. When I think about it - I believe that I saw that combo dealer in NJ years ago. Or was it Pontiac/Olds/GMC... Anyway, I will echo previously posted sentiments:
Super Luxury - Cadillac
Luxury - Buick/Hummer
Mainstream - Chevy
Affordable Performance / "Professional Grade" - Pontiac/GMC
Value - Saturn (or maybe move Chevy here)

Unless, Bob, you're headed toward a major restructuring like:
Super Luxury - Cadillac
Off-Road - Hummer
Buick brand officially moves to China, but best of buick see below...
Mainstream - Chevy
Affordable Performance / "Professional Grade" - Unified GM Brand (only the best of GMC, Pontiac, Buick, and any other brands you want to assimilate)
Value - Saturn

Hi Bob,

I remember reading awhile ago that you were quoted as saying GM would reach the quality level of the Asian car makers in two or three years. I just thought you deserve a "Congratulations"! for getting the job done, maybe even a little early. Those JD Power survey results were something we old GM fans thought we'd never see. Also, I see Buick is going to warranty it's car line for four years and/or 50,000 miles. Good job! That division sounds like it's taking pride in its products and will "put it's money where it's mouth is". If you don't watch out, you might have to make a lot more cars! :)

Good job!

Dr. Fear

The new GTO beats the Mustang in just about every aspect except looks and of course, sales. I'm currently restoring a 65 LeMans and cloning it to a modified GTO. How could Pontiac have it so right 40 years ago and miss the boat now? I'm jumping through major hoops to restore an icon of American style and culture. I would have rather bought the new GTO but it just looked like another well worn bar of soap.

Bob

Please explain why your Pontiac performance division feels the need to sell a Minivan...

It dilutes the brand, and does not seem to benefit GM from a marketing standpoint in anyway.

You have the power to stop the practice of providing every type of vehicle to every GM brand. I beg you to use this power in the name of brand strength and cost minimization.

TSMIC

I don't understand the Buick/Hummer connection. To me Buick is polished, smooth professional -- about quality. Hummer is about Rugged off-road ostentatious testosterone.

To me Pontiac/Hummer fits better and Buick/GMC. GMC is the refined/more elegant truck right?

Today at Lunch (in San Diego county) I spotted a sexy red pontiac coupe that turned my head. My take on the G6 coupe from internet photos was 'ho-hum.' The sedan seemed better. I did not get a good look at this car, but it was no solstice. Perhaps the coupe will make a bit of a splash as it gets 'out there.'

My vote remains:
6 spd manual sedans w/decent low end torque (say 170-230 ft-lbs near 4k rpm) and >30 mpg, cost

Look, the GTO is a pile of crap. Why even bring that heaping sack of dung back from the dead? If you were going to invest all of that money into a car that wasn't going to sell then why get rid of the Camaro? The GTO would have been great if you had done it right but you didn't. You screwed it up like you screw everything up. I don't know what the problem is with GM designers and engineers but they sure aren't doing a very good job. Maybe you guys should start listening to the people that buy cars and design the cars with them in mind. Most GM cars are, well, ugly. Pure and simple. They look like crap. The only good car you have is the Corvette. But most people can't afford that.

What you need to do is bring back the Camaro. You know why it didn't sell very well towards the end? Because it looked stupid. The fourth generation Camaro looked like a bullet. It lacked style. Sure it had muscle but it wasn't very good looking. I bet if you brought back the Camaro with a 350-400hp motor, styling cues from the 1969 and a low price tag you'd sell a ton of them! So what if you only sold 100,000 a year. That's a good number. Hell you only sale like 35,000 Vettes a year and you keep them around!

BRING BACK THE CAMARO!!!

GM Management, you need to hire some L.A. scenester kids to clue you in to the current vibe. The Solstice will not be a hit, at least not with 20 somethings on the Coasts. No one wants a Pontiac--hello?; that sad sac name brand has to go. It sounds almost as old as Oldsmobile--speaking of which, who can believe the name of a car division ever contained the word "old"? But back to the Solstice--have you noticed what Toyota did with the Scion line? The cars were an attempt to be useful and relatively cool. Have you noticed that no one cares anymore about the Miata and the Thunderbird has made next to no impact? Heavens to Betsy, as ol' Rumhead says, wake up! Here's what GM needs to do: First, get rid of all the brand names except Caddy and Chevy Trucks, and create ONE new one, so you have one lux division and one mainstream division, and one truck name. Seriously, I don't know ANYONE who would be caught dead in a Buick or a Pontiac; if someone was, they would soon die a second death due to MORTIFICATION. Second, develop a line-up of cars that people recognize. Everyone knows Civics and Accords and Corrollas and Camrys--but who knows what GM cars are? 8 gillion in advertising and I'm not sure I can name any of your cars. Third, get clued in to what's current. Goodness, the Prius was thought cool before gas prices started going up because environmentalism is cool. It isn't an accident the Leonardo DiCaprio and other celebs are driving them; they fit the Hollywood vibe--which is the vibe that the country by and large follows!--and you guys should know that! Hello? That you didn't is reason enough that you are likely either too old for the job, or too stubborn to get some 25 year olds with their fingers on the pulse to clue you in. Yes, you are in the Arts & Entertainment business; but it's time to pick up some surfer mags, visit an Abercrombie & Fitch store, trip out to the Burning Man festival, and check out what's now! And believe it or not--many older people will follow the same trends as the younger ones: the Honda Element is a NOW car, it's just cool. Why is it so beyond the abilities of GM to create? Fifth, you are absolutely right about GM's pathetic obsession with process--look what it's done to the formerly fabulous Saab! Tragic! Why buy the name if you're going to gut what the brand is about and build dull lookalike cars? So bizarre--here on the Coast we wonder under what affliction you guys suffer, as to make such dunce decisions. Sixth, GM should hire Tom Ford and Domenico de Sole to run the company. You guys have plenty of people who know the car business there. You need some people who understand the FASHION business. Seventh, it's time GM get more involved in politics and tell America how much you need their business and how much you need a new health care system. Now, if none of these options appeal to you...just apply for bankruptcy already. Why put it off?

R. Lutz I read a headline with the words design guru in it. I think you and the engineers need to work much harder. I am the owner of a 15 year old Buick as well as my husband owns a 15 year old Pontiac (4 other american cars as well). My point is that we have been wanting to buy a new car for awhile, but GM is not coming up with much to compete with the foreign cars. We have test driven an Audi and will add Lexus and Infinity to the list. (lived overseas for 4years and drove Volvo and Nissan) Sadly, having tried to buy American our entire life (26yrs) we are totally disappointed with your ability to keep up with the foreign cars. I wonder how many other 40 somethings are doing the same thing. Gm needs to address this promblem and fast. Please tell me you have the answer and it is coming in the 2006 models. Thanks Need a new car soon. Keena Williams

So why can't we have a Holden HSV Maloo or Ford Pursuit type vehicle? I realize u brought the GTO here because there wasn't a 25% truck tariff on it, but I can't believe I'm not the only one that wants a truck that's FAST and ECONOMICAL. I've had 5 ElCaminos and one too many behemoth American truck. Big trucks are worthless for me! http://www.fpv.com.au/index.asp?link_id=2.567

Dear Mr. Lutz,
I have to admit that I am impressed by some of the new models you are introducing.

Initially, I was somewhat skeptical of the TB SS, but after reading some of the reviews, well, this could be the most exciting thing GM has built since the incredible Syclone and Typhoon.
Will it be available in Canada? I called GM Canada and they did not know...

Will it have D.O.D?
One thing that confuses me about GM is that you do not seem to proactively exploit your market share potential.
Why can't you be everything to everyone? For example:How about a Colorado/Canyon with a turbo diesel option, a turbo V-6, or an available V-8?
Remember when you could order almost any motor in any GM vehicle?
Remember when you could order almost any color interior and exterior combination?
Remember the days when GM was king?

Dear Mr Lutz,
I suppose my last post was too offensive to make public let me try again.

GM needs to work on their Truck's fuel efficency while maintaining high load capabilities. Truck engines have been gas guzzlers for far too long, when will we see a gas engine pull a gvw of 25k lbs and maintain mpg in the mid 20s for fuel efficeny? The combustion engine is a bit outdated and needs to be redesigned, many companys are going with W8's or whatever, but I've creatively tried to redesign them myself but without knowing the pricipals of some of the materials I've just got ideas. (hopefully enrolling in that course next semester) Also a hybrid design could be installed here as well, accually I have 2 designs that I have in mind, but... I will only talk of one later. from what I've learned in physics much of the energy of gasoline is lost in the rather simplistic combustion engine, the more sensors we add the heavier and more complex everything get while adding miniscule fuel efficency.

Pontiac needs help as well. Being a owner of an lt1 Firebird, I must say Pontiac needs the Trans Am back. The GTO is too much of a Sleeper, looks like a Civic/BMW. Although I'd probably get one, its because I care about the LS2 more then the body. As for the GTO please dont make a convertable, it would look as impressive as the 350z. Also the hybrid info I will speak about the Grand Prix, could also be implemented on this car as well to get it out of the "Gas Guzzler Tax". Also I hope the vett and the GTO get more gears in the next generation of automatic transmissions. Or a CVT. You have the right Idea with the CVT but two years ago, before I saw anything I realized that transmission wouldn't hold up to emmense power, SO I redesigned it and figured a better way a series of pulleys and a hydrolics. Without the ability to reasearch it and test it at the track, I only hope I can be of aid to you.

The Grand Prix, looks fantastic I'd love to have one. A hybrid LS4 AWD Grand Prix would be unbeliveable. And without saying to much, It wouldn't be that hard to work out. It could get an undenyable fuel efficency as well as ultimate performance. This could be easily done and also easy to fit under the hood. Just put one single pulley (high output alternator, accually I'd prefer something more efficent then an alternator but for the sake of brevity an alternator would work) on the accessory belt, and place you're new electric accessories wherever you wanted to. Now you can place one motor per rear tire (again electric would work but I'd another method would be more efficent) This could easily be hidden in the wheel welds of the trunk.

The solstice is beautiful but just a remodled Z4. But again, a similar hybrid setup could be put into place for the GXP version of the Turbod Solstice when it's released in 2007.

next to the G6, looks good, needs some advertisement. I remember those comercials, it showed a zipping car and said "Introducing the all new G6" and never mentioned GM or Pontiac. The car was driving much to fast and was blurry to have any brand recognition. now with the G6 telescoping sun roof, would that be possible to tellescope all the way to the back and rest/stack on the trunk, to make a hard top convertable w/ 4 doors(just a pathetic concept of mine)?

The Bonneville, needs to be droped. Pontiac doesnt need that buick lookalike in the line up.

Aztec, needs to be droped if it hasn't already.

Pontiac Vibe, why help Toyota? and according to JD Power Associats this is GM's worst Vehicle. The worst Vehicle every year should either be dropped or dramatically improved.

Pontiac Pursiut? Well just make it a GXP version standard... make that 205 hp ecotech and dont give it a non-forced induction model. Pontiac needs to stand for Perfomance, this means that they must not settle for I4's or V6's when more power is desired. The people who buy pontiac dont want the step down anyway they want the most power they can afford, and if Chevy can give them that why buy a pontiac?

the Colorodo/H3/Canyon need a small desiel... this would really make this a unique truck and help to bolster a fuel efficent vehicle. I predict with a 3.5l deseil would get high 20's with a truck/suv this size. This could also receive a hybrid model to increase power output and fuel efficency.

Mr Lutz I'd love to speak with you or someone at GM more about my ideas (trust me I have plenty of excellent "Ground Breaking" concepts), and I have future hopes of working with GM after I get my Batchlers and Masters, unfortunatly I refuse to leave the sunny state of California. It would be nice to see a research facility here.

"I think cars will stabilize ... I don't see them making a huge comeback."

. . . wow . . . add this to the 3rd party president ridiculous drivel & I can't recall a man, a company and posters here more scarily out of touch, reality-disconnected . . .

The General will be lucky to be owned by Toyota within 10 years. And this was THE Fortune 1 company. American corporate greed is doing as much harm to our country as any foreign foe . . . lordy, you folks are sad . . . "this is how it ends, not with a bang but with a whimper".

Bob-

I enjoyed reading this Q & A, and want to thank you for banishing cheap plastic from the interiors of GM cars.

Please have your designers embrace some of GM's past like the round tailight theme on Chevys and the "Widetrack" and Coke-bottle styling of Pontiac, and use the name Buick Wildcat again somewhere.

Just a few long held thoughts directed to the "powers that be at GM". Ok, this might actually be called a rant, about interior design/materials/ergonomics and other things from a life-long car guy.

Materials:

Leather is for the chauffeur. It is very durable, can be made to look inviting and blend with the interior design nuance, but it is still hot in summer and cold in winter-not to mention that you slide on it. PLEASE do not tell me it "breathes" as the last time it did that it was an integral part of a living organism,like a cow.
Take a lesson from the Queen of England, who's new (2 years old now) ride has the appropriately leather-clad chauffeur compartment, while the important area reserved for the Royal Derriers is upholstered in luxurious CLOTH!! And this is the choice from folks who can unarguably have anything they want!

Look at the Europeans. Their cloth interiors, even on some of the least expensive cars, are stylish, colorful and COMFORTABLE. They are grippier than leather and cooler in summer and warmer in winter. And they wear well. Witness my two Volvos, 1979 244 and 1986 740. Both with cloth interiors which wore very well with only minor attention until the 15 year mark-oh, they didn't break mechanically during that period of time, either.

Next:Ergonomics/Gauges/Controls.

GM pioneered the use of Heads-Up displays in its cars. This suggests that the General has a long standing awareness of the importance of not introducing any elements to the driving experience which may cause the driver to take his/her eyes off the road, thereby compromising safety.

DO NOT SUCCUMB to the temptation to keep up with the "Schmidts" by installing some silly screen-oriented "MMI" system in Cadillac-or any other brand normally driven by us "over 40" gang. We like controls you can reach for, which are usually round and easy to grip, and which operate incrementally and without requiring us to take our eyes off the road. Besides, you tried a variation of the screen oriented control system in Rivieras many years ago and it was a flop.

Gauges:
As a pilot I appreciate the immediate conveyance of information obtainable through ANALOG gauges. No intermediary mental processing is required to assess the condition of the function being reported on by an analog gauge. Its RELATIVE pointer postion indicates the situation IMMEDIATELY and does not require any mental interpolation as do digital readouts.

Ergonomics:
The award for best seat/pedal/wheel/control layout of any of the more than 100 automobiles I have owned goes to my late, lamented* 1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE. That car was also ERGONOMICALLY PERFECT. The wheel was not too close, not too far, the center console allowed me to rest an elbow and hold the wheel easily on long drives, the dead pedal was spaced as far from my hip as was the gas pedal both in longitudinal distance from my hip and in angular spread from left to right. This enabled me to sit in a perfectly symmetrical configuration with both legs spread the same distance apart and the same distance away from the seat. PERFECT. What's more, the seat track mechanism (power) was the old style, which enabled me to ROCK the entire seat frame both from the front AND from the back, not like today's seats which only allow the only the actual cushion to move up and down in front, thereby changing the relationship of "tush to back" every time it is moved.

Option Packages: WHY????
Why must I take a package of several things to get the particular option I want?
In the age of computer driven supply chain and "just in time" components delivery, why can't I select ONLY the particular options I want, not what the factory marketing people-none of whom has ever asked my opinion on anything- believe is good for me.

In the 50's and 60's when computers were in their infancy, you could order almost any engine/power option/interior combination-even on a Chevy!. It HAD to be more costly on an inflation-adjusted basis back then than it would be now. I like fast cars, but I also like a more plush ride. Why do I have to get a suspension upgrade (or a whole different model) when I get certain engine I want?

Cadillac:
Why not get a jump on the Japanese and the Germans by making Cadillac a true personal luxury brand and allowing totally personalized options configuration so that the result is a truly personalized vechicle?.

Also,Mr. LaNeve,it's about the buying experience as much as anything else. The guy who sells Pontiacs is not the same guy who should be selling Cadillacs. Caddy should stand on its own with an upscale, well trained sales force-no dual branded dealerships.

Perceptions:
The biggest problem that GM faces is the inaccurate perception on the part of a large segment of American consumers that GM cars are somehow inferior to those of the Japanese. We know this to be NONSENSE! You need to do a better job of convincing people that the product is every bit as reliable as those from the land of the rising yen. IMHO, THAT is your biggest challenge. Well, maybe your second biggest after health care and pension costs.

A Suggestion:
Together with Ford and DaimlerChrysler, build and fund AutoWorkers Healthcare centers/hospitals where current and former employees are provided with free medical care. If you control it, it's got to be cheaper than what you are doing now.

Thanks for listening-I hope.

*About the Oldsmobile-Late and lamented because I totalled it while attempting to avoid an errant landscapers shovel that had become airborne on the freeway. BTW, NOT ONLY DID THE CAR SAVE MY LIFE, I WALKED AWAY FROM THE ACCIDENT TOTALLY UNINJURED.

My point in the previous post was GM won America with 5 strata, and it lost America when 5 strata was abandoned in the design area with Chevy's looking like Cadillacs looking like Olds. It lost 30% of the market from 60% to 25% along with other factors.

I do argue that GM needs to continue to differentiate and hone its 5 strata program in all areas not weaken it.

Pontiac/Buick/GMC dealer strategy absolutely kills it if, IF GM succeeds in killing Buick's independant franchises. If consolodation must occur I argue it should be a 5 strata approach but merge the truck brands.

Chevy/Chevy Trucks

Pontiac/GMC

Saturn/Import Truck?

Buick/Hummer

Cadillac/Escalade

The reason I think its better...

Pontiac/GMC-"The Professionals"

"Professional grade engineering; Professional Racing Engineered."

For the blue collar professional for those that work hard and play hard.

Buick/Hummer-"The ultimate Escape"

"The ultimate escape on the road and the ultimate escape from it." For the white collar elite. Buick with new product like the Centieme and Velite moves up to a true Lexus fighter with one bad a** truck line to boot.

Buick aspiring then to be the Hummer of the car world with a high profile, high belt line, high thin window treatment a la the Hummer H3 and Buick 8 of old.

It seems a no brainer to me and I only want the BEST for GM, Pontiac and Buick.

So please tell me how this is wrong? It takes GM's philosophy of the past and meshes it with the trend towards trucks.

Keep 5 strata.

By the way Saab is independant as they say and is part of GM's international strategy. Where Buicks can't go Saab goes, but Saab still, of course having access to the U.S. And Saab would be under Cadillac in GM's 5 strata approach it should institute around the globe.

I see the employee pricing has been extended to august.'
Since its working so well, why not make it permanent?
No more rebates, throw in some low percentage financing and a 10 year warranty and GM is selling!
Simple plan, right? Just do it.

Pontiac is "near to your heart"..." a glorious history"..."a legitimate place in GM brand line-up" ??? C'mon Bob, the way you butchered the GTO by 1) Willfully and purposely alienating the Pontiac traditionalist per your own published comments....near to your heart? 2) Making it a point this car was not meant to be reflective of GTOs past per your own published comments...a glorious history? ....3) Badging an import, especially some weird offbeat car from Australia as a GTO...a legitimate place in GMs brand lineup? ...hardly gives you any cerdibility to your own comments.

I don't see anything wrong with Pontiacs being a copy of Chevy cars.
The thing I dont like is dumbing down Chevy models to make Pontiacs look better.
For instance you put a 140hp base engine in the Malibu only because the G6 base engine is 170hp because Pontiac is supposed to be a high performance division.
That is a mistake. NEVER dumb down Chevrolet-Chevy is your bread and butter division and far more popular than your others. if you don't bring Chevy car quality up to world class you are just ruining sales for all of GM.

The base Malibu engine should be the 170hp 4 cylinder. How can you put a 140hp engine, the same used in the Cobalt, into a midsize while all the other makes are increasing their horsepower?

The 2006 Impala will decrease in sales unless you put some Impala styling cues back into it. The exterior of the current model is very popular, yet you made the new model kind of bland.
Why did you take out the round taillights? Where are the Impala logos on the sides of the car? You must keep to its heritage, people love that.
The interior was awful and you improved that but the exterior needs some Impalaing. Not a word but you know what I mean.

I hope, hope, hope that you took out the current steering wheel from the Malibu and G6 sedan and replaced it with a 3 spoke.
And I hope, hope that you are changing the Malibu front end for all the models, not just the SS.

If I were you I would be actively working on a redesign for the 4 door Cobalt because it really needs some tweaking.

The Colorado/Canyon needs a stronger V6 engine and a dashboard redesign ASAP. Don't put it off or you will lose sales to the new trucks.
I would also fix up its front end appearance by using the monochrome look on all the models.

And seriously consider getting rid of the G6 name and rename it the Grand Am, or the Grand Am G6.

And please forget about any more number names for pontiac vehicles or you might as well kill the division off immediately.

I like the Solstice, but find the GTO more to my liking.

Anyone who reads articles and comments on the GTO are doing a disservice to GM. Trust me. I was one of those and a someone talked me into driving one. It was the best decison i've made recently. Don't listen to the car mags, see for yourself, i urge you.

And I like the fact there are few on the orad and they don't come in a 18k v-6 base model. you get them one way, all the way or not all all.

I think Edward Hayes is nearing 500 comments whining about Buick being combined with Pontiac.

Edward, the reality is that most dealers are currently Buick/Pontiac dealers. I just read an article that gave the exact numbers, but can't find it.

Combining Pontiac and Buick will help reduce the number of individual models and make the dealers stronger. It should also help streamline things at the corporate level.

Now, if you are correct and this plan sends Pontiac and Buick to keep Oldsmobile company, GM still wins. If they have to pay off dealers to close down Pontiac and Buick there will be fewer of them.

Regarding this topic, I enjoyed Mr. Lutz's views and respect him even more knowing that he is an animal lover. A pet is the best friend a person will ever have. Pets rule! Love them as unconditionally as they love you.

Doug, you're exactly right. The OVERWHELMING number of Buick dealers are already dualed with Pontiac & GMC. There are very few standalone Buick dealers (or standalone Pontiac dealers, for that matter).

While I think the combined Pontiac/Buick dealerships need a new look (right now Buick is an afterthought in most of them), I think GM's effort is worth a shot.

Edward, you've said your peace. Now move on.

"I don’t think we have a lot of over-capacity. What we have is under-demand."

I don't think GM has an over-supply of brands. What you have is under-demarcation.

Motor Trend:
The Rear Wheel Drive Program is officially dead. :(
The only Rear Wheel Drive cars in the near future will be Cadillac and the GTO, Solstice and Sky.
GM has officially killed any chance of their being a new Camaro, Chevelle, or any other RWD car and Pontiac will be all FWD except for the Solstice.
The article ended with a very pertinent paragraph:

"All of which leads to the question:If Chrysler Group can manage to build affordable, gotta-have Rear-Drive Chrysler 300's, Dodge Magnums, and Chargers with optional V-8s, why can't the world's largest automaker compete?"

Indeed, Bob, why can't you compete!?
What is the matter with you people? You are sitting on top of billions in cash, you must use some of it to remain competitive!

There will be no Buick Velite either. Talk about squandering any good will at all for Buick.

And, to make matters worse, which GM seems very good at doing, the new Truck program (which was the main reason for killing the RWD Program) will be utilizing a conventional live-axle rear end! A modern multilink independent rear suspension was planned but cut because of budget constraints!

GM, do you want to compete? GM, do you want to lead? GM, do you want to survive?

Its decisions like these that make people scratch their heads and wonder what is wrong with you.
Clueless, absolutely clueless.

I take issue with the following remarks in a post above: "The Solistic is a beautiful car obviously inspired by BMW's convertable z4 roadster."

Give credit where credit is due!!! What BMW? I saw the Solstice in person in Colorado ... if you're looking for inspiration, think '53 Corvette!

Daniel Kwiat I don't think you know what your talking about. If you read anything at all the t-bird wasn't a great hit beacause of the pricing. The roadster isn't dying ther're just begining again. Try to get one, you'll have to wait for a long time. and i can't wait till i get mine.

GM could stand to learn a little from companies like Hyundai and Kia. These companies make/made subpar cars, yet sold tons of them due to price and excellent warranties.

When my wife bought her Saturn, they offered her a 100,000 mile warranty for $1200. Currently most people think these warranties are a way for car companies to make some easy profits, so I'd think that GM is making money off such a warranty.

If that's the case, why not reduce incentives by the actual cost to GM of an extended warranty, then put 7 or 10 year 100,000 mile warranties on all cars? Everyone I know who drives a Hyundai says they bought it for 1 reason: 100,000 mile warranty ... if GM cars are so much more reliable, it seems like a win for everybody.

Mr. Lutz,

While I appreciate our comments, and you being a pet lover, and much more, I appreciate that you, being a person of influence, is taking the time to focus in the education, or mis-education of our children in the US School Systems. Thank you for that, and I appreciate your involvement.

However, with that said, it still very obvious that this blog is more about PR pushes and RA RA RA for GM than anything else, but I can appreciate the time you take to participate in this medium, as I know you're a very busy and important man in the GM Corporate ladder.

I understand it and get it, you have to do this, but let's not take away from the focus and points of the consumers in this blog. You have many negatives, but also many positives, loyal owners who want to see GM succeed even more, get out of their woes and once again be the supreme vehicle manufacturer in the world. Not the largest, but the best all around.

There seems to be a huge demand on RWD and Camaro/Firebird. DCX and Ford have theirs out. I know for a fact yours is in hiding, and you're waiting for the precise right moment to bring it out. You say that you hold Pontiac close to your heart. I hope this means that you, being the CAR GUY at GM, ge rid of the Pontiac minivans, cross-over vans, SUVs and mediocre PontYota Vibe, and bring back the power, muscle, strength, street cred and sould to Pontiac, you know, the way it used to have it. Please, don't say the GTO. It is a good car, it is a sporty muscle rubber burning monster, but it's an Australian model rebadge (Monaro)with the arrow head. It's not original, nor is the Vibe (Matrix), Torrent (Equinox), SV6 (Terraza/Uplander/Saturn). There's no difference between that and what GM did in the 80's and early 90's. This trend needs to stop, look at what happened to Olds. If it's not broken, don't fix it, just improve it.

Come on Car guy, you drive, you fly, you enjoy adrenaline just like the rest of us peons do. It's in your blood, spill some of that DNA and blood onto your product, onto your Pontiacs, get rid of the Share All Models Stigma and get into brand individuality. Pontiac should be muscle, style, fear at the red light, or it should not exist otherwise.

Thank you for your time, congratulations on your JD Power results, you're getting the eyeborws raised, now get the jaws dropping and you'll be set. Fix Pontiac, it's broken, but do it with an American made beauty, the Solstice is great, but it's a 4 cylinder competing with Miata, we need a competitor, affordable (not the GTO break my bank car) competitor for DCX, Ford and anyone else making RWD Monsters. I remember there was a guy at GM that once said, "A car for every purse and every purpose" or something like that. The GTO can't be purchased by every purse like Camaro and Firebird could. They failed in the end because of style, not because of market. You can make an awesome product under the hood, but if it looks like elephant dung, it will not sell, no matter how innovative, how powerful and how much it can eat the others on the track. Looks sell more than practicality, power and name. Remember that.

Good luck sir, and again, congratulations. A loyal GM owner/stockholder/buff/fan.

El Verdugo

I truly thing GM will shake the torpor and lack of direction that seemed to start as far back as the early 70's, and it will be because of the people.

There are many well reasoned blogs about this platform or that, but the heart of it all is the organization. To that end I would like to offer just a few thoughts.
- Flatten, flatten, flatten. I suspect there are at least 3 too many levels diffusing responsibility and costing money and initiative.
- Stop subsidizing executive automobiles and their service. It's a nice perk but it numbs your most vital people to costs of purchase and maintenance. Give them an allowance, and let them figure it all out like we do.
- Get out of the MidWest. I think you have vital infrastructure there, but it's too easy to become insular and think because people in Milwaukee, Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit like your products everyone will. You might want to follow Toyota, Honda and Nissan to California for your cutting edge design labs.
- Make your executives more responsible for the success of their lines ( tie their bonuses to margin, volume and somehow to demographics reached) Dis-incent the heavy sharing of designs, platforms etc. and forbid badge engineering. More independence, more risk/reward.
- Place a sharp definition on what the product lines stand for. It should be clear in less than 20 words. It's way too muddled. What did Oldmobile stand for anyway?
- Chevy = affordable mainstream ( Toyota)
- Pontiac = Cutting edge performance ( 300Z, Integra )
- Buick = Near Luxury family size ( Acura )
- Cadillac = True luxury ( Lexus, Mercedes )
- GMC = The premium truck line
- Saturn = Cutting edge import fighter ( Suburu, Hyundai)

It might then make sense to build the marketing image in a consistent, uniform way. Too many of your teams seem to be chasing the fad or platform of the day they think will get them sales.

Congratulations on the quality awards. I know you've worked hard for them.

Good luck.

Mike Hawkins

Dear Mr.Lutz: Why on Earth would you willingly subject yourself to all this nonsense?

hey El Verdugo the reason they got rid of the camaro is because no one bought them they just leased them so the sales where down and they saw no rasie in sales so they canned the project.

Jim

Ben, you cannot be serious with your post that begins with "Bob, maybe you could offer us some insight as to why GM is focusing on developing fuel-thirsty trucks while the other big manufacturers (Ford, Honda, Toyota) are working on Hybrid SUVs and working on better cars in general..."

Seriously, Ben and others, your opinion warrants reconsideration. Nissan, Toyota, and Honda (to a lesser extent) are building MORE gas guzzling SUV's and large trucks than ever before! the reasons why are simple - they are profitable! Their hybrids are only science experiments to raise their CAFE standards. See the following, if you dont believe me:

Nissan Pathfinder (16mpg)
Nissan Armada (14mpg)
Infiniti QX56 (13mpg guess)
Nissan Titan (similar to Armada)
Toyota Tundra V8 4WD (15mpg guess)
Toyota Tacoma (unknown)
Toyota Land Cruiser (pull out your wallet for 13mpg)
Toyota 4Runner (another one that is at 15mpg est with V8)
Lexus variants of the Toyotas, (with the exception of the ridiculous RX440 hybrid at over 50000.00 loaded)
Ford Expedition, Explorer, all F-Series trucks (a warm goodbye to the ever popular Excursion - with the diesel, mileage was excellent)...
Honda Ridgeline (underpowered but relatively fuel efficient)

These are the big sellers in their lineups. The foreign companies are getting in on the action, and selling more gas guzzlers as a result! Think about it, would Nisan build a new plant just for manufacturing large trucks in the USA if the public didnt want that? These numbers make the GMC Yukon 2wd number of 16mpg city look good. I may go and buy one.

Tom Haluszczak, Jr. asked, "Dear Mr.Lutz: Why on Earth would you willingly subject yourself to all this nonsense?"

Maybe because he is trying to get in touch with the buying public?

Dear Mr. Lutz,

I am a Very satisfied owner of a 2005 GTO 6 speed. The GTO is Extremely Fast, handles great and I happen to like the style of it. I previously owned Porsches and I am happy I converted.
Keep up the good work!

Bob,

I hope that GM management reads this blog b/c there are a lot of people with good ideas pulling for GM.

I have some comments regarding your most recent posting. You said this about Pontiac: “It’s glorious history and its legitimate place in the GM brand lineup as an aggressive, performance-oriented brand, appealing to younger people who want a car or truck to be more than just transportation” If that is true, then why does Pontiac have boring cars like the Aztec and Montana and the future Torrent? I do agree that Pontiac has great tradition and history and here is what I would do with it and some other GM brands.

Chevrolet and Cadillac – Make these two your premier brands with new products and resources going to them first. Fix the interiors, fit and finish, and appearance of Chevy and keep going in the same direction with Cadillac, except don’t overprice your product.

I like the idea of consolidating Pontiac, Buick and GMC. Create industry niches for them that they can succeed at. Make Pontiac the All-American sports car division emphasizing RWD American muscle. Look at Mazda and Acura for example. They have carved out a successful FWD sports model niche. Keep the Solstice and GTO and get rid of the minivans, SUVs and other boring mass produced GM cars. Keep the model lineup limited (Solstice, GTO G6 and possibly G8/G4) b/c you can sale more cars if they are quality products than if they are shoddy massed produced replicas. Of course fix the interiors.

Buick also has great history so build on it as an All American luxury car brand emphasizing AWD as an option on every model. Keep the cars priced well below the Cadillac brand b/c anything over $35k and people will start looking at imports. Again limit the model lineup to two cars and one car based crossover and make them exciting to look at with great interiors. I see more people over 45 driving Chrysler 300s, Scion xBs, and Ford Mustangs than drive Buicks, so if you build an exciting quality car for Buick people will buy them.

GMC is your hardest lineup, but keep expanding the Denali line and GMC as an upgrade over Chevy. But this is probably a wasted resources b/c you should put all of your extra resources into making Chevy an affordable premier brand with great interiors.

Saturn is interesting, b/c the Sky and Aura concept cars look great, but most people think of Saturn as cheap, plastic cars so you have to get over that perception. I also just saw a picture of the Aura on the internet that didn’t look as aggressive or good as the concept. That is a problem. Overall, it might be best to cut Saturn b/c you already have a European looking car in the Saab brand. Put the Saturn resources into Saab b/c Saab has great potential and needs new products (not re-badged Subaru’s and Chevy’s) and better quality interiors for the price.

It’s probably in GMs best interest to cut Saturn and GMC and focus on Chevy and Cadillac, Pontiac and Buick and Saab and Hummer giving GM 6 quality brands. Keep fighting the good fight Bob and good luck.

BOB!!.Im one of your very patient single point BUICK dealers that has waited patiently for what appears is the start of what we have been waiting for. The LACROSSE as the numbers will show has taken off quite well.Conquesting many of new customers to BUICK as well as keeping many of our loyal BUICK buyers still in a BUICK and still loyal to their their dealer.The quality is outstanding and the new BUICK LUCERNE that is just around the corner should have a very effective and quick launch due to the lessons learned with the lacrosse.Changing a brands model names definitly has some impact on the recognition of a new product being brought to market.It will be a proud day to once again have a V-8 ENGINE BUICK TO SELL.To back up all of our 2006 buicks with the 48/50,000 warranty shows the confidence in our products from assembly to delivery and into the hands of our consumer that BUICK delivers quality and we are proud of it!!. GM EMPLOYEE PURCHASE PROGRAM.GET THE DEALS WHILE THE 2005 SUPPLY LASTS.Great move to bring people into the showroom to see for themselves the changes and the quality if they haven't been to a GM dealer recently. Hopefully you can feel good about all your Efforts and time put into new buick LACROSSE. W.W

The GTO still makes sense to me, never mind that it looks like a two-door Catera. The original GTO was a Tempest with a big engine. Now we have a Commodore with a big engine. Concept: identical. There's justification for Zeta going ahead if GM can work in GTO development with the Australians—Americans won’t be disappointed next time because the Monaro project will be officially sanctioned, rather than a back-room two-door Commodore programme from some after-hours Holden guys. C’mon, GM, take a risk on the platform. You can afford it.

I had the chance to drive a pre-production Solstice and G6 GTP Coupe today.

I must say, I'm impressed with both of them, especially the Solstice.

The engine in the Solstice has surprisingly more pick-up than I expected, although the 5-speed manual has longer throws than I would like and the clutch has a long throw as well.

I'm 6'7" tall and there was even enough room for me to fit in it with the top up, although the car is certainly designed for smaller people than me.

The interior appointments on the G6 coupe were nicely done, but the dashboard still needs work in my opinion. There was a glare off the gauge faces that made them difficult for me to read.

The seats were very comfortable and the door trim was nicely done. The vehicle I drove had a sunroof and I was able to fit in it without my head brushing against the roof of the car, which is normally what happens when I drive a vehicle with a sunroof.

Although from the outside the rear seat of the G6 coupe doesn't look like it has any headroom at all, a friend of mine was tested it out and he had plenty of headroom. I didn't try the backseat for myself though.

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a G6 convertible to see how it feels.

Greg

GM is suffering from an inflated ideal of self worth. GM at one time was THE brand with automobiles, however that is obviously not the case anymore.

I'm historically a GM supporter and enthusiast, however over the last 5 or so years I've become anti-GM. Actually, I'm anti-GM, FORD and Dodge.

GM doesn't need anymore gimmick vehicles (read GTO, SSR), GM needs to recapture what made it great. Innovation! Stop shooting to appease the rental car market *cough* Malibu, impala *cough* shoot to take down the leaders of innovation! BMW, Benz, Honda, Toyota. Recapture your brand dominance! Hire the best in your industry! Listen to their desires for change, and then execute.

China is quickly becoming the largest comsumer of automotive product. We also know that China has a specific bent for American culture and trends. Why not capitalize with some truly great vehicles. How about some REAL visits to the GM closet? A 67-69 inspired Camaro/Firebird. A 65 inspired Impala. A 57 inspired Nomad. You have the history, please use it!

And for the love of Pete, don't touch the Corvette or Cadillac lines. As the August edition of Automobile Mag told us, "Cadillac is a rare bright light for GM."

Like Benjamin Howard, I too would like an inexpensive RWD Camaro/Firebird type of car. If you do it, PLEASE make it a car people over age of 16 (chronological or mental) won't be ashamed to be seen near, let alone in. No Mattel Hot Wheels treatment; no stripes, wheel spinners, flares, spats, spoilers, cheesy plastic cladding, or for the love of Pete, no screaming chicken decals!

I want the classic 2+2 layout; room for two in comfort in front, two in agony in the rear. Trunk big enough for a week's road trip for two, and a smooth, refined V-8 with Variable Valve Timing (Check out Ford's Mustang) and Hand-of-God acceleration. And appropriately serious 4-wheel discs with ABS.

Dash should be clean, simple and ANALOG! No Tokyo-by-night digital junk, no NavCom, no DVD, no electronic paddle-shifters or dual-zone anything, or 800-watt, 12-speaker, dual sub-woofer anti-personnel sonic assault weaponry.

The styling needs to be modern but somehow recapturing that classic 60's/70's Camaro look. Look to Ford and VW. They have done superbly recapturing the best qualities of the Mustang and Beetle original designs in modern-looking cars.

I don't want a European-style sports/touring/exotic, or kid stuff like those so-called "tuner" car buzz-bombs. I want an affordable AMERICAN true high-performance car for grown-ups - like the Camaro and Firebird started out to be. Is that really too much to ask? Does GM REALLY think there are no buyers for such a car? Ford doesn't; and the sales of their new Mustang are proving them right.

Bob,

I read this in an on-line car magazine about Pontiac:

"GM's vice-president for North America sales, service and marketing, Mark LaNeve, said last week that dealers have asked that Sunfire and Grand Am be replaced as soon as possible by an entry-level car, and GM has reportedly responded with a quickie spin-off of the Chevrolet Cobalt for the 2007 model year."

A quickie spin-off of the Cobalt will only add more problems for Pontiac. Pontiac needs distinct, new products. Look how long it took the GTO to start to sale when you rushed it to market. Take your time and make a great product. Have Daewo or one of your other subsidiarys make a great small car for Pontiac. If you do that I can guarantee you will sale more cars and create a better perception than you would by merely rushing a product to Pontiac.

Jason

GM needs a strong follow-up to the success of the Employee price campaign

GM must both expand platforms from existing models and enter markets it is not in. The most obvious is the need for a 4 Door Sedan version of the Solstice, it would be the same size as the BMW 3-series with plenty of power choices 2.4L, 3.6L and (we could only hope) the 5.3L. A 5-passenger coupe (new Firebird?) would also be a great addition. Other must models would be a SUV (X-3 or X-5 competitor) a small hatch or sportwagon version (a ’54 Vette styled one for Chevy) Hardtop Convertible versions - 2 and 4 passenger SAAB/Buick with 3.6L V6. A small pickup would also be nice.

A new Camaro (retro ’69) from the CTS platform, I know GM does not want to share this platform but time is of the essence. Another variation of the STS platform would be modern interpretations of the ’55-’57 Chevy complete with Nomad and El Camino versions. I don’t look at “retro” styling as an easy way out – but as what would have happened if GM kept evolving these models the same way Porsche has the 911 (no one has complained out that). A Panel Van/Sedan Delivery version of the SSR (5 Passenger with Extended Cab doors and some side glass), this would open up a whole new market for a great idea but with a limited market. A little “retrolution” for the revolution.

Others that are variations, a “Sport-Trac” Envoy complete with power roll down rear window and 2 way tailgate from XUV, just add a conventional 4 to 5 foot bed to existing Envoy XL, it also creates a competitor in the Midsize pickup market with I-6 and V8 power. Another X-5 competitor would be a 5 Passenger version of SRX, shortened length of (6-10 inches) for Pontiac with 3.6L and 5.3L options. New Buick Century (G6 platform) with 112” wheelbase but formal styling and luxury touches. And a 3.5L V6 powered Buick Special version of what I think will be the very successful HHR.

Potential European vehicle models for Saturn/Pontiac - Astra 3/5 Door, Wagon, Zaphira and Meriva. Buick Estate version of Vectra Wagon and Chevy El Camino version of Ute and Crewman – the 4-door crewman may do very well here. The Corsa 3/5D and even pickup (seen one recently in S.D.) may be options. The Combo Van could even give Saturn a fleet vehicle and the Touring model might be popular.

Build upon recent marketing telling customers of GM product performances in safety, quality and MPG by marketing some products most customers don’t know you make. The 5 Door Express/Savana models come to mind – how many people know that you can get a full size passenger van with not only doors on both sides but can get them with AWD. While we are on the Express, how about a shorter 116 – 125 WB model (with V8) option for all of your loyal Astro owners. You could offer both side doors using a single door like the Suburban. Then there are the contractors, plumbers and carpet installers unaware that AWD and the doors are available on cargo version, with another model offering panels that open for easy access. Why not go for the ultimate Swiss Army knife version with AWD, Passenger side slider, driver side hinged door (s) with access panels.

Finally, revise the available options to strengthen the chance of selling the existing line-up which I think suffers more from lack of “value” than anything. From the 2006 model prices I’ve seen, the basic prices should prove competitive, but the available equipment does not measure up. GM is still doing what it always does, gives a good base price for the basic model – then forces the customer to spend thousands to get hundreds of dollars of equipment. The most glaring example is fog lights, why must a customer buy not only the highest priced Lacrosse to even have fog lights available, but get an engine option many fuel conscious buyers DO NOT want. This is repeated on the Monte Carlo, Malibu, G6, Lucerne, Impala and more. If you want to sell to Coast buyers (East and West – GM’s weakest areas) GM must start putting some value in the mid-range models. Most Accord and Camry sales are 4-Cylinder mid-priced models. A 19K G6 with 2.4L MPG and GTP looks will sell well in California (don’t forget the Fog Lights – We use them often in SD as do drivers on dark winding east coast roads and are a great SAFETY feature as well as performance.). Fog lights are particularly effective for older drivers with macular degeneration since it illuminates and defines the edges of the road – the most affluent and fastest growing market will be 50 – 60 year old baby-boomers.

Offer Fog Lights as a stand alone option for (like Ford is doing on the new Fusion) or part of a reasonably priced package consisting of:
Fog Lights
Alloy or Chrome Wheels
Spoiler (where appropriate to model)
Power Seat
Adjustable Pedals (not even offered on the new Impala)
Some Chrome trim (Exhaust tip, Grille, Mirrors Skull Caps – model appropriate – at least paint the Monte Carlo’s body color)

And possibly
Side Curtain Air Bags
Backup sensors

This creates a trim level in the Model that has the broadest appeal, since it is available with all price points/engines. It also still leaves options such as Leather seats, Sunroofs, ABS, larger engines/wheels and others to allure customers to the top-level model.

It affords a dealer the opportunity to sell the customer a viable alternative to the top model that may not have a top-line model available or a color the customer wants. Once a customer leaves a certain dealership they rarely return and seldom purchase the same manufacturer’s product. Additionally it provides GM with revenue it would not otherwise obtain (even at a lower profit level – something is better than nothing). Remember that if you offer a trim package - actually put some on the dealer lots. Thanks for your time and keep up the good work.

Hello Mr. Lutz,
I am probably not going to tell you anything you haven't heard already, but here goes:
First off, I'm glad that you're with GM -- I believe that your touch with recent GM vehicles has made a tremendous impact in terms of public perception, and will continue to do so in the future. You've done wonders with a number of vehicles and I know there's a lot more to come!
That being said, I must say that I am troubled over GM's stance with Pontiac...I am a 24 year old guy and I've loved Pontiac for as long as I can remember (and I'm not some midwestern Smokey and the Bandit hick, I'm from southern California, an area where Pontiac could use some image boosting, to put it mildly)...my first car was a 1998 Firebird and while it has its flaws, I love it and can't bring myself to part with it.

Pontiac today has absolutely nothing to offer me. The Solstice looks cool, but then you went and upstaged it with the even better looking Saturn Sky. Two words - Product Overlap. You already said you won't build a new Firebird, presumably because it's just a Camaro under the skin, yet it's OK to build the Solstice and Sky together? Kinda hypocritical, don't you think? The GTO is an amazing car, but it really does look 10 years old. I kind of like it because it's stealthy, packs a punch, and has the best interior I've ever seen in a GM product, but I can see why people think it looks mundane. It's the only Pontiac I would consider buying, but it's also too expensive for someone like me.
If you want to attract younger people such as myself to the Pontiac brand, you need to give all Pontiacs a little more personality. I read one person's opinion recently that Pontiac had lost its' rebelliousness, and that is exactly how I feel.
My friends and I don't really know what Pontiac stands for right now. A lot of my friends are really attracted to Mazdas and Nissans, because they offer cars that exude a sense of speed and a certain level of sophistication. I've test driven the Mazda 3 and 6, and they just FEEL sophisticated, even if they aren't. Pontiac needs to be at least at that level if they want our dollars. Really, they should be superior. It wouldn't hurt if Pontiac had an in-house aftermarket division as well. They're supposed to be the performance division anyway, so they might as well act like it, right?
I understand that to save money, that Pontiac will probably always need to share cars with other brands (like Chevy and now Saturn). But don't just graft a new nose, badges, and taillights on a Chevy (e.g. the Torrent and the Pursuit) and call it a day. Refine the cars. Make them clearly distinctive from one another and identifiable as belonging to their respective brands. If you bring the Pursuit to the US, as is rumored, average people will not be able to tell it from a Cobalt at all. Don't make half-assed attempts at brand identity! It does little to help improve public perception of GM's vehicles.
You and the rest of GM did a fantastic job distinguishing between the Solstice and Sky, which gives me hope....if you're going to turn Chevys into Pontiacs, it's best to follow that example. I know it will cost more per vehicle, but if you can show the consumers that you've put the extra time into it, and show them the details, that will spark interest.
People like Hondas because they're reliable and well-executed. They've got that "attention to detail" feeling about them. But it's hard for most people to get emotional about a Honda. Pontiac's got soul buried in there somewhere, and they can also be as well executed! You're going in the right direction with the G6 in that respect, but it needs more style...as it is, it just doesn't say "I'm better than the Accord and Camry!" that well. I don't mean going back to ribbed body cladding or outrageous spoilers, but there must be a tasteful way to give Pontiacs a rebellious character. Show people Pontiac's soul.
Witness the success of the Chrysler 300 and Ford Mustang. They'll be played out soon enough, but for the moment they've captured the rebel spirit that Americans love. I know that Pontiac can offer that spirit and more. They should offer sophisticated performance with a bit of defiance. Alright, I think I've gone on enough here....keep up the good work so far, fight the bean counters, and don't let Pontiac go down the tubes!

Well, my comment will be simple and probably less educated than many of those up there. I keep seeing images created by magazines and even kids on the internet of "the next Camaro". As far as I know, GM has been mum on the topic.

I don't understand how, as a company, watching Ford sell new Mustangs by the boatload you can ignore this completely. I mean, I know they stopped making Camaros because they were not selling well. But really, look at them! They had become boring looking, poor quality vehicles. The engine/ suspensions were good, but the interiors were crap. Half the car was held together by Velcro. The plastic parts mostly felt cheap, buttons felt icky, and they generally did not feel like you were in a "nice" car. Add in the fact that it looked like a flattened triangle rolling down the road... and why would people buy them? Ford recognized that Mustang sales were flagging and did something about it. Something radical. They looked back to when they were selling and said "Hey, we might have something there". Chevy... well, they just closed the doors on us.

So please, Chevy people... I'm not sure if you're tired of hearing it or not, but stop ignoring the obvious. There needs to be a seriously cool Camaro and Firebird reborn. Everyone agrees that the 67 - 69 Camaros are classics and well loved by many. Use that, guys! It has proven effective over and over and over again for Ford... for Dodge... where's our vintage looking updated Chevy, guys?!

I will go buy a new Camaro immediately if it manages to be a cool update of my old beloved '69. Build it and I will come.

You can easily build a new Camaro and Firebird on the platform that the Solstice and Sky use.

So whats taking so long?

For that matter you can also make a small 4 door like a new Chevelle and Pontiac Tempest off the same platform.

Again, what are you waiting for?

And if you put a live rear axle on your new SUVs that you're so intent on building, you will be ripped to shreds in the press, and deservedly so.

I doubt very much that the new Solstice will sell well, for the same reasons that the Fiero (Remember that pile?) and every other two-seat GM car save the Corvette has done poorly.

1. Sports car buyers will be underwhelmed by a thrashy, agricultural-feeling powerplant like the Ecotec, nor will they be impressed by the poor power-to-weight ratio; the engine offers reasonable power and torque, but at 2860 lbs, that engine just can't provide the performance these buyers demand while dragging that sled.

2. Everyone else, including the performance minded, wants a back seat - whether they need it or not!

3. And these folks additionally want no fewer than 6 cylinders - preferably 8 - whether they need them or not!

What I'm getting to should be obvious; bring back the F-bodies (Camaro/Firebird)!! Only this time no plastic body cladding or other boy-racer crap, no screaming chicken decals. Find again whatever magic hoodoo that Bill Mitchell was able to summon up for the early cars and make it a new modern classic.

Also on my wish list is rear-wheel-drive, double wishbone front suspension and multi-link independent rear. While I'm dreaming, why not an entry-level car with a small V-8 instead of a 6? By "small," I mean 4 liters or even a little smaller - because the sound of a V-6 emanating out from under the hood of a Camaro is just WRONG somehow.

Offer as a step-up a 5 liter version of the classic small block and top the engine offerings with a genuine, top-of-the-line Corvette motor.

What I'm getting at is that GM should consider sticking with its strengths. GM has NEVER built a refined 4-cylinder; anyone who has driven a VW/Audi 1.8L turbo, or ANY Toyota or Honda, knows exactly what I mean. And GM has built serviceable and certainly adequate, but not stellar V-6's. But GM's V-8's are - and always have been - as good as any in the world.

Next, build in a classy interior - not the uncomfortable, junky-looking cockpit of the final Camaros. Japanese and German cars - even the low-end ones like VW Golfs and Honda Civics - have spoiled us to the point where we just won't put up with that any more.

Lastly, make the decently-equipped base car come in under 25 grand, even if "under" is only $24,999.

Don't think it would sell? Ask Ford how the new Mustang is doing. I'd bet Ford MISPLACES more Mustangs than GM will EVER sell Solstices. I'd also bet you would sell a jillion Camaros, IF you made it a quality piece, made it beautiful, and was able to market a low-end V-8 for the same price as a 6-cylinder Mustang. I would beat a path to your door.

The Solstice just doesn't excite me. It is destined to become the next Honda Prelude - a classic so-called "secretary's car" or worse, just a "chick car," one that L.A. plastic surgeons would buy for their 16-year-old daughters to go with their first b**b job.

What is the problem at GM?
It's simple, arrogance.They don't listen to what the customers want.
The list of people who want a new camaro with classic 1969 styling
is endless , will they make it,No because they wont listen to us.I was
a chevy fanatic for 30 years now I wont even look at them.I bought a mustang instead.

Suggestions to fix GM:

1. Get management who are car enthusiasts not beancounters.
2. Fire everybody in the styling departments , hire the ford guys.
3. Dont overprice your products.

I would add to Dan A.'s comments with the following:

1.Quit depending on marketing people, product planners and focus groups. Learn from history; the Edsel was up to that time the most throroughly researched and "focus grouped" product line and look what became of it! People who weren't even BORN yet still joke about the Edsel.

2.Corollary to the above: build what buyers want and actually buy, not what they SAY they want in surveys and focus groups; history has proven that these are two different things.

3.Quit trying to build European and Japanese cars. People who like European and Japanese cars will ALWAYS go to Europe and Japan. To be more graphic and close to home, the Oldsmobile Aurora and Alero didn't sell worth a d**n - NOT because they were bad cars (far from it!) but because traditional Oldsmobile buyers didn't "get" them and traditional European buyers stuck with their VW Passats and Audi A6's.

Instead (I hate to say this, because it sounds self-contradictory), look to Toyota and Honda, who make the best - and deservedly most popular - "American" cars on the market. The Camry and Accord sell poorly in their so-called "home" market of Japan. But these companies rigorously studied what the essence of the "American" car is and applied what they learned to make better American cars than the Big Three. And Americans are still trading in their Impalas and Tauruses for Accords and Camrys.

GM needs to relearn the essence of the American car; it is not simply a European sedan with cupholders and a loud stereo - minus the build quality (Yes, GM cars have made great strides in reliability, but body panel smoothness, panel fit tolerances and paint depth and luster are still just not up to VW, forget about Audi or BMW).

4.Lower your prices. GM has to give its cars away in incentives, special interest rates and employee pricing gimmicks because the marketplace (which in a capitalist economy is the final arbiter) has determined that GM products are JUST NOT WORTH their sticker prices! Moreover, years of heavy discounting have debased the perceived value of GM's products even further.

5.Or...

Upgrade the design, materials and build quality. Ask any Toyota dealership. People will pay full list price for outstanding quality that shows in every sound, seam, texture, joint and panel gap right down to the even, mirror smoothness of every body panel.

Quality is more than just building cars that break less often. They must not only BE better quality cars, they must CLEARLY APPEAR to be better quality cars; if anything, the latter is even more important than the former.

I have seen inconsistent panel gaps, orange peel paint and crooked tail light lenses on brand new $50,000 Cadillacs! This is nothing short of appalling! Compared to Cadillac's luxury car competition, this betrays positively abysmal, even SOVIET-LEVEL lack of respect for not only their own product, but for its buyers as well. This kind of thing just HAS to stop! If it doesn't, GM not only WON'T survive, it won't DESERVE to survive.

I could pick out these cosmetic flaws in a new Cadillac - ostensibly "The Standard of the World," the best cars GM knows how to build. And this was not nitpicking - I picked them out from inside my own car just sitting and waiting at a stoplight. I don't have space to tell you what appalling horrors I have seen in new Chevy Malibus and Impalas - the cars GM expects us proles to drive.

These are details that arguably don't bear any effect on the functionality or reliability of the cars, but when I'm asked to drop twice as much for my car as my parents paid for their HOUSE, TO ME they become important. And I think the fact that an ever-increasing market share - millions of American car buyers - are willing to spend MORE money for similarly sized and equipped Toyotas and Hondas strongly implies that I may not be alone.

WAKE UP, Mr. Lutz!! It's a cliche, but it bears repeating, since GM STILL doesn't seem to get it:

QUALITY IS A MANAGEMENT DECISION!

Mr Lutz,
No one that knows me could ever acuse me of being anything other than a Pontiac Fanatic. I've owned 18 Pontiacs at one time! You have no idea what it did to me when GM killed the Firebird. My whole life was wrapped up in this awsome tribute to the people who made it great. In one qiuck stroke of the pen you told me everything I did and every time I defended Pontiac means absolutly nothing to GM. Division rivalry gave GM an edge because each division had car people trying to build a better car. Competition builds a better mouse trap! Pontiac was told to get rid of its V-8. Why? The 400 cid hasen't been biult since 1978, but look around and you will see the aftermarket going wild with new parts. Pontiac people are diehard fanatics just waiting for you to build that mousetrap. Get rid of the beancounters and fill there spots with car crazy people and watch Pontiac rise to the top.
The Solstice is a great car, six years to late for me, no back seat means no room for our new baby. I guess our child will have to get use to the back seat of our 1969 Trans Am. I would never own anything other than a Pontiac and NEVER a Chevy! Mr Lutz, build me an exciting car, RWD V-8, back seat, a little retro styling...Oops I just told you that my next car might be a (gasp) Mustang, after all the Firebird is gone and I think we can do better than a badge job on an import. If I wanted an import at that price it would probably be a BMW U.S technology can win wars and send a man to the Moon, but we can't build our own cars? If you read this that will be a start...If you act on the sugestions, well, my wife knows CPR so I'll be around to buy that new 1969 Firbird before they can get it off the transporter.
Very sincerly, Mike

Why can't you bring back the Firebird, the way Pontiac is going obviously isn't healthy for it.

You killed off the Firebird and then the Grand Am

Pontiac is now worthless :(

I sitll see no reason why You can't make a new Firebird/ or Call it the Trans Am on a limited amount on the Vette Chassis, oh that right, GTO is Pontiacs halo car.. forgot..

p.s. it it ever does come back, it better be vette size and not GTO

Mr. Lutz

I want a new (RETRO looking 69, down to the wheels) Pontiac Firebird convertible (Functional hood scoops) Ram-Air 400, automatic/6 or manual Muncie 4 speed, optional 2.78, 3.23 or 3.55 rear gears, 12 bolt rear end, hood tach, power everything, in RED, chrome where it belongs, no cheap plastic or Asian digital bells, instruments, or whistles, optional charcoal interior (even the dash), white or black cloth/vinyl top for under $30,000.

Why? Because the convertible Ford GT and the Hemi-coupes are providing their customers with options they want and fulfilling their dreams, while Pontiac becomes driving a TV talk show ad instead of driving excitement or dream for their customers and fans at prices that beat the crap of the competition.

Robert, if you give me that Global economy stuff I’ll tell you, you’ve been eating that global baloney. You are playing into your competitors hands. You are designing cars they already have. Get it? You are playing their game. H**l, with the new GTO you might as well come out and say it. It’s a Beemer-Mercedes-Toyota with a Pontiac name, which your wife can drive while you drive the mini van. (Did the PC bells and whistles go off during inception?)

How is it that a Pontiac enthusiast like me can not participate in the latest surge of retro-muscle cars for sale by the (Detroit) automakers? If I was Ford type person I could go to Ford and say I would like a new convertible Ford Mustang GT, HO. Or if I was even a Lee Iacocca/Mopar fan I can get a da-gum HO Hemi motor in almost any new vehicle, even a retro-Charger for Pete’s sake (even a darn 4 door!), but if I want say a Ram-Air motor in any new car from Pontiac I might as well ask for it without a plastic front