They're Here

Are these trucks' dimensions bigger than last generation? (width, length, height) If so, then you have my deal.

Now it's time for the competence to start shaking, and the new Suburban will make history.

One day at a family get together I saw so many GM Tahoes, Yukons and Suburbans I thought to myself these are the new family sedans of choice. I showed them Bob the vehicle on a bill board outside the Javitz Center in NYC, after touring the bike show. I think when they see it up close they will be stunned-you are a man about the details. I am literally holding my breath until we get the hybrids out but the DOD is awesome.

It's also great you are pushing ethanol E85. I would also let the public know about your hydrogen buses, everybody has to learn GM is the undisputed leader in fuel technology. It will not hurt to let the public know your buses are emitting water.

CONTINUITY

This is the key in keeping and reclaiming sales. Going forward think of the most successful vehicles on the market and they are the ones that evolved like Corvette, Porsche, Camry, Accord. This is how you will take back America and the family sedan.

Bob get "carte blance" in future product development and spending...like don't refuse Picasso paint because it cost too much. Your products are priceless now.

BMW got the Series

Mercedes has Class

Buick needs to get Vintage

A Buick '41 Vintage, Buick '53 Vintage

Buick "For Love of the automobile" You can see 5 or 6 body styles from the same platform of the great high roof heritage family sedan, wagon and coupe series. Trunks at 45 degree angles and sloping roof tops and comanding seating positions.

You got the quality now you need the canvas. I fully expect with no doubt in me GM will rule the family segment just as it now rules trucks.

That's great, now how about making the Malibu world class? And the Cobalt? And the G6? And the Impala? And the LaCrosse? And the Lucerne? And the CTS? And the STS? And the SRX?
I think you get my point.
Bob.......Increase the freaking warranties already.

I LOVE the new GMT-900's. The one and only problem I have with them is the 3rd seat. No fold flat? Having to carry those seats out or put them in is a big big big pain. Lots of competitors have that option and it could be a deal breaker, I just hope the rest of the car sells itself and they can live without the fold flat 3rd seat. Otherwise, great vehicles.

Hey, after tonight, all I can say is “LET LUTZ BE LUTZ”! Wow, I was rather shocked when I stopped by the Chevrolet, Pontiac and Buick dealerships – I was truly impressed. What spurned this interest in GM was the long article in today’s USA Today about the Buick Lucerne written by James Healey, he usually slams American products so I was taken aback and wanted to see what all the fuss was about. The Chevy Tahoe, if I may say, was elegant inside and out and screamed out quality, the Pontiac Solstice was like a tightly wrapped Saran Wrap package --beautiful from every angle, and the Buick Lucerne, well, if I were Mr. Toyota I would be worried, GM is Back! The Mark of Excellence is no longer a slogan nor a dream, it’s here, and here to stay! Thank you Mr. Lutz, Now make me a Lucerne Wildcat with 300 plus horses!

Ok, this is a little off topic from for this post, but GM deserves kudos for your displays at the Detroit Auto Show. I was very impressed by the decision to staff the event with people from the plants that built the various automobiles on dislay. It was a great way to demonstrate the pride in the product, by letting real people discuss them, rather than using actors that must 'stick to the script'. My wife and I are looking to replace one car, and that decision (coupled with the knowledge and pride of the people we talked with) impressed us more than any glitzy display.
Thank you.

Bob,

Considering that the sale of large SUVs has taken a dive in the last several months, mostly the result of increased gas prices, what kind of marketing strategy will GM employ with the new models? Any chance of a return to employee pricing discounts?

Thanks so much GM! The new GMT900's look great, have astounding stats, and are finally here. :) The upcoming Tahoe hybrid (can tow!) is especially impressive.

No word on the 2500 series Suburban/Avalanche though! What gives? Please give us an efficient diesel (if no big block is coming)! Haven't heard a peep about even a 6.0L 2500 model! Thanks for any info you can provide.

I am very glad the reviews for the latest truck/suv offerings from GM have been great.

It is also good to hear that GM is "out to build best-in- class vehicles in each and every segment".

However I am cynical and skeptical about that statement.

"Walking the talk" is possibly the toughest thing to accomplish or be accomplishing in life.

When it is accomplished or is being accomplished the power, respect, admiration and loyalty one gets is extraordinary.

When it isn't, that perception of betrayal produces the opposite.

Bragging also produces distrust and is usually an attempt to make oneself or one's company better than it actually is being.

Please let me quietly notice recently introduced GM cars earning best position in comparison reviews in Motor Trend, Car & Driver, Road & Track, Consumer Reports, Automobile magazines and newspapers.

Make me also glad to see that GM powetrains have the latest technology and have, at the very least, the equal output and smoothness of the best from the competition (Toyota/ Lexus, Nissan, Honda, BMW).

Keep me from reading how a Cadillac GM Engine would never have been given the greenlight by Honda or that a new just recently introduced and "unequaled" and "excitement" vehicle sits at the bottom of each and every review (Pontiac Torrent) or that the made to be the best-in-class )Chevrolet Cobalt) also is suffering a similar condition or that a pushrod or weaker-than-the-competition-same-size-engine sits on a car I would love to buy because of its looks.

No negative condition can be improved upon or changed unless it is recognized and accepted.

I am very happy that GM has opened up the door, with this blog, to viewpoints not necessarily favorable.

But encouraging and being willing to honestly examine criticism and correcting what is valid produces the power to make happen what is wanted, and pride,and self respect and respect from others and loyalty and the accomplishment of visions.

I admire GM for that.

Regards,

Luis

Mr. Lutz, the vehicles of which you write are no doubt first class,but you miss the point:what are they good for?
Unless they are equipped with fuel cells, or have e-85 or possibly hybrid engines, they are grossly energy inefficient and contribute to a variety of larger problems. And to what end? One only has to compare the number of off road hours to the number of hours spent in traffic for any of these vehicles. As high a regard as I have for GM and its engineers, I have no interest in these products.

JKM

Bob I want to thank you personally, and give my customers a word as well.

Everyone loves the intioror. People enjoy the comfotable ride, have yet to hear a complaint except that they look like fords or armadas

As I see it, best-in-class would have required IRS for packaging reasons. The third row remains worst-in-class.

On a positive note, I sat in one at the auto show, and the interior fit and finish was quite good and seat comfort was excellent.

I think once consumers become acclimated to the price of gas, these new vehicles will do quite well!

They're nice looking vehicles, I can't argue with that. A great improvement over the old ones.

But I have to ask the obvious. Who's buying full-sized SUVs now? I find it odd, yet quite familiar, that GM is betting the farm on a trend quickly on its way out.

The Japanese are again ready to eat GM's market-share-flavored lunch.

Right product, wrong time.

Well Bob..all I have to say is "It's about time." The problem with GM is quick execution of products. And keeping them ahead of the competition. I remember the old days..when a 55 chevy looked different from a 56..and I wonder now.."Why cant we still do that?" At least make them look a bit different from year to year. Cookie cutter cars and trucks dont get it any more. And it seems when you get a new vehicle going..you wear it out (like 7 or 8 years!)..before you even make a styling change on it. Take the Trailblazer for instance..a great vehicle, now priced right, but you hardly change its looks..just like GM did to the now extinct Blazer..you wore it out..with hardly a change. It gets boring..and its time GM makes changes..even facial changes..quicker..like they did in the old days. Create some excitement.

Thank You GM,

The new products will make my job as a GM Sales Consultant even easier than before. General Motors didn't just hit a home run with the new products. They hit a grand slam.

Thank You,
Ted Piercey
GM Pro Certified Sales Consultant/ Business Manager

Compare GM product to the competition? Sure. Car and Driver just did. The G6 is last in a five car comparo. Congrats.

Bob, You had better be ready for the new Tundra and Sequoia...

...they look like block busters if the information available on the Web is correct. Your SUV's - While better than their predecessors..may noy be enough. If you guys lost another 100,000 sales how well would you guys be doing?
Blink and Toyota could take that many. While nice...your SUVS didn't go far enough. I guess I'll pray thst the lambdas take up the slack.

A note on that G6 compario; C&D said the G6 had made great improvements over previous Pontaic efforts in that class. Trouble was, so had everyone else.

One other note; at the LA Auto show, only two auto makers actually seemed interested in what customers said about their product; Toyota, and GM (Chevrolet, specifically).

As for the Tahoe and other GM trucks, nice to see they have better interiors and overall quality.

We have a 2005 Tahoe for my wife which is the best vehicle she has ever owned. I am looking forward to to the new Avalanche and hope that the possibility of the diesel in the 3/4 ton is a reality (without any cladding). I tow trailers and need the power, the capability of the Avalanche to be so many vehicles in one has sold me on it. See if you can do it with the option of a rubber floor mat and a manual trans would also be a benefit. I will also look for the new Camaro to add to my 2003 Z06 and 1999 Camaro SS that are in the garage. Never owned a foreign car and never will. How do I carry my family and our stuff to go visit the relatives or on vacation in a econo box? Thanks for your passion and leadership of GM back to the top.

Some of the complaints being logged here are just silly. Instead of focusing on the products at hand people are taking cheap shots at GM in general. The new SUVs look great inside and out and their only weakness is the lack of folding third row seat which shouldnt be a major issue to most people.

BTW, The G6 that finished last in that C&D comparo was the cheapest car (real world prices) in the bunch and if you look at the test numbers it was the third best overall. C&D pushed the G6 to last place with subjective ratings because by the numbers it should have been 2nd or 3rd. C&D is 100% anti Detroit and they always will be.

Unfortunately for me, I am hugely disappointed with the new Tahoes. I'm 6'3", and I fit better in a Buick Regal than in the new Tahoes. With the seat and wheel set to be comfortable going straight, there is very little room between my right leg, the wheel, and the console. And when turning or switching pedals, my leg rubs the wheel. Additionally, this thing needs either more power (6.2L :) ) or a 6 speed auto for more enthusiastic driving. Only by romping on the gas from a stop can you feel it in your seat.

Other than that, the interior is very nice (but small) and it rides and drives better than previous Tahoes.

Ultimately, I have to ask why Toyota and Nissan are making bigger trucks than GM. It's better than it was, but well short of what I expected.

Bob
I like it and if you will put a leash on the UAW I will become a customer again

Bob,

I had a chance to check out an '07 Tahoe at the St. Louis auto show. I'm not sure if the interior quality is everything that you're making it out to be. I was a little disappointed with the leather quality - it felt tough like pleather, not supple like what I felt in the Cadillacs. Nonetheless, I'll agree that interior quality is at least on par with the competition and an improvement over the GMT 800. The exteior design was more impressive, and I must say that the '07 Cadillac Escalade looked phenomenal. I feel like GM can create a slam dunk when it needs to (i.e. when redesigning the Corvette or the large SUV's). I wish GM would put this level of effort into all of its products.

Mr. Lutz et. al,

Bob, I share your enthusiasm. GM builds the best in class products, and the best products. The new Escalade, Tahoo, and Yukon SUVs are beautiful, including GM's new Saab 9-7X. GM's new cars are also the best in class. The G6, the LaCrosse, the Lucerne, the Solstice, the GTO, the new Impala, the new Cadillacs.

Yet, how is GM going to communicate this to the public when your adversaries are attempting to undermine your message?

The total value promise ads are good. The comarision ads are good. They bolster trust. The ONSTAR safety ads are good. All these bolster trust that GM enthusiasts aleady share. Thats good. Now lets go one more, bolster the passion for GM products with lifestyle image that GM enthusiasts also have. Thats how you reach the young males. And not all of them are car guys. Some of them couldn't tell you why there car is good, it just supports their ego. Start thinking Abercrombie, Holister, surf boards, skate boards, ipods, and computer games. These customers need Chevrolet and Pontiac to come to their rescue from the imports marketers and their media.

The Pontiac G6 really is the best in class. I've driven it. It is wonderful. It looks fantastic, the fuel economy is excellent, the performance is too. To your credit, GM's ads have improved. GM's message is more clear and direct. Perception and image in the market place is so important.

A previous post mentioned Car and Driver's comparison of the G6. Motor Trend was no better with its disappointing car of the year pick.

GM has strong communication resources. Why not make stronger use of them. GM internet ads with GMTV media are a start, but why not call GMTV the ONSTAR television network, give it a mystique. Make it tech saavy. GM needs to take a can do approach to communication and life style. Take the GM TV ads a step further, make them more creative and alluring than just a car ad. Give them a lifestyle allure too. Lure them in then tell them about the product features.

Make a computer game and call it ONSTAR if you have to, just get there attention away from the competition.

Yes, GM enthusiasts saw the improvements at 2006 auto show with the introduction of the new Camaro. Now take the suits off, and invite some stars.

If you are going to build world class vehicles then you should be able to put an oil pressure guage in the information center on Cadillac and Buick Lucerne

Stopped by the local Chevy dealer the other day.They are beautiful.They LOOK TIGHT like they were built right.Your pushing of DOD technology,Hybrid tech is the right place to go.GMs intrest in ethanol fuel is very encouraging.I would also like to say is why doesnt GM buy one of the oil companies.Your bottem line got hurt big time this past quarter.BUT!!!!and a huge but did you guys check out how Shell,BP are doing. They had STAGGERING PROFITS!Also your legal department should address the lack of Refining Capacity in the USA
This shortage of fuel is also because there are alot fewer refineries today than years past.Getting back to Hybrids and DOD who says you cant make money on these cars/Trucks with these technologys I beleave with the right package you can attract that customer who wants better fuel economy.

P.S.Saw pictures of that Red Concept Camaro INCREDIBLE!!!Build it!!!Its your Ipod!!!

I just got back from the Houston Auto Show. My only gripe from GM was with the Cadillac display. You only had *ONE* - count that - just ONE STS model on the floor for people to check out! Moreover, it was the V6 model without a navigation screen or a sunroof. Now, this is Houston, the fourth largest city in the country - where Lexus and BMW rule the roost when it comes to luxury cars. We have more Fortune 500 companies here than any other place in the US outside of New York. There's tons of money here, especially in the pretentious inner loop area.

In case GM doesn't look at new vehicle registrations for this area, I'll tell you from living here - you have a *LOT* of work to do in Houston . You sold a lot of GMC Yukons and Chevy Tahoes here, but I see a lot more GS430s and 5 Series than I do STS'. Whoever works out in the field or plans marketing events for Cadillac in the Houston area needs to do some homework on the demographics of this area! There's money in this town, and BMW and Toyota (Lexus) as well as Mercedes are taking that money - not GM's Cadillac division.

Houston is a perfect example of a market with a lot of potential for Caddy however. You aren't going to win the hearts of die hard Lexus and Bimmer fans though with just one STS on the floor - and one with no optional equipment to boot. Lexus and BMW had all of the big guns out on display - the 550i, the GS430, which show a lot nicer up against a base model STS V6. Also, the CTS' that were on display didn't have the optional 18" wheels - which makes the car look exponentially better. Considering the reputation the mainstream media is making for your company these days, I was utterly shocked at what I would consider, if I were in management at GM, a *HUGE* oversight for the Cadillac brand. *HUGE*

This is the first year in a long while I left walking away from the Caddy area sorely disappointed . The lack of a V8 STS with optional NAV screen and a few better optioned CTS' really hurt Cadillac at the Houston Auto Show.

C-Craner--
"For all its prowess in objective dynamic testing, though, the G6 drew low subjective marks on the Hocking Hills highways." This is what is in Car & Driver. At least they were honest enough to admit it. Subjective tests are just that-- subjective. Nice cheap shot though.

First of all, Bob, I have faith in you. Unfortunately, the development of new products takes a long time, even under the best of circumstances.

The new trucks look great. I don't plan to buy one, but if I needed a big truck, I would consider one. The interiors look great, at least in pictures, and thank goodness you guys FINALLY integrated the bumpers.

On a separate note, I've spent much of the last couple of days in a rented Cadillac SRX. I've never loved the exterior(way too watered down from the concept, just like the XLR). But the interior is really, really bad. The door panels are cheap looking and cheap feeling, and there's absolutely no excuse for the vinyl-covered sunshades. Also, I can't believe the front passenger's seat is not power-operated. And why, why, why, why, why are the gauges white and the radio orange????? On the upside, I find the front seats very comfortable.

And Hayes, what's the obsession with the "high roofs?" Everyone knows high roofs make for ugly designs. There are way too many cars out there with high roofs. If anything, the roofs need to come DOWN these days, even in your sacred Buicks.

Mr. Lutz,
As a dedicated GM buyer, I wish that the new GM interiors that you rave about on every new GM vehicle would make A/C vents that wouldn't rattle in my new 2006 Impalla SS. Seems like a pretty simple and basic task.

Don't get me wrong, I like what you're doing with GM, but why something as basic as A/C grill rattles are over looked.

I do like the class leading fuel economy and horse power, now just make it rear wheel drive, and I'll buy another GM.

My 2000 suburban 1500 4x4 is the first non Mercedes I have owned in years, I held my nose on the styling(it wasn't as bad as the Esclade) and I needed the space for 2 kennels for my bird dogs and it has the best a/c of any auto for south Texas, my daughter and I have been waiting until the highly touted new models to buy 2 new ones. we are really disappointed in the new models(slightly better than the old), I guess you have driven us into the arms of TOYOTA & LEXUS much as you drove me out of Cadillacs in 1980 to Mercedes. I NEED SIZE, EURO- STYLING,POWER AND PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP, AND VERY RARE TRIPS TO THE DEALER, I would like to buy AMERICAN, but would be ashamed to have a new Cadillac in my drive for my neighbors to see.

Hello Bob,
Great new model vehicles. Worldclass!

However I am with "Rick from Ohio" that you need yearly changes to maintain the exitement. This goes hand in hand with the value pricing strategy.

Change a grille here, light there, etc every year. I am just talking about a few key easily interchangeable components, not re-engineering the whole vehicle. Heck, they did it in the 50s & 60s without computers. Yes, they had higher economies of scale then, but you have technology to make lower volumes economical.

Throw out that misguided wisdom from marketing & finance regarding resale values and inventory. You need sales first to even start worrying about that.

I am hoping the next presidential cycle addresses the currency issues, then GM could be positioned to be in the "cat bird seat".

Keep up the fight.

Oh huge surprise, Car & Diver tests a GM product and that product comes out last.
Wow, like wandering into a crack house and wondering why all the drug addicts. My 1st issue of C&D was in 1965, I cannot even stand to read the (free) online version anymore. C&D has a direct pipeline to Toyota's coolaid factory, and they drink a bunch.

i test drove the vette yesterday it was insane why cant gm put the same effort across the line

These new trucks are good, Bob. But I must join the critics here about the lack of a fold flat 3rd row. Chrysler didn't put a fold flat 3rd row into their popular minivans when Toyota and Honda were, and guess what happened? Toyota and Honda minivan sales took off and it took Chrylser several years to implement it's stow-and-go to regain respect in the market for innovation. I know that you decided to keep the live real axle for cost vs performance reasons and that prevents the fold flat 3rd row, but everyone else has this very nice feature and ford's 3rd rows are power fold to boot. If I were in the market for such a vehicle, i would strongly consider a tahoe, but when you buy a vehicle that large and expensive you expect it to offer utility that far surpasses anything else, i think this was a mistake.

Hello GM,

I would love to hear your estimation in why you went with IFS, over SFA. Why?

Best Regards,
ARH

Brad-What don't you like on the new SUV's? Did the class-leading horsepower and fuel economy numbers drive you away? How about the best in class ride and interior, described as BMW-like in Motor Trend? How about the extremely good fit-and-finish, applauded as good as any Lexus or BMW?

I cannot believe you don't like the styling. It is distinctive, unlike all of the me-too car LINEUPS that every european and japanese carmaker does.

I have driven the Tahoe and other SUV's such as Toyota's Sequoia and Highlander, Ford Expedition, etc and the Tahoe BLOWS THEM AWAY! Good job, Mr. Lutz!

Yearly changes?

Come on. There's a reason model cycles run for 3-7 years or so.

It's so the person who bought last year's model doesn't feel like an idiot when his car ceases to look like a new car when the next model year starts that spring.

Just focus on making benchmark vehicles for each class, and then introduce new models only when the GM model is no longer the benchmark.

People buy cars because they're well-made, comfortable, safe, and exciting to drive, not because there's a new grill than last year's model.

Just build benchmark vehicles and the buyer's will come.

1. Annual model changes.

2. General Managers at GM that actually have some teeth.

3. Continuity of product.

And why doesn't Toyota or Honda come out with seperate numbers for their financial arms like Toyota Motor Credit. I bet you if they did their numbers would not look so good. They probably made all their money at Toyota Motor Credit USA, not from the 1 million minicars they sell in Japan.

I guess Wall Street wants GM to loose its financial arm and fight two monopolies with one arm. OPEC and Japan Inc. in which their competitors are garenteed not to go out of business.

In the theory of the free market you can say they need to better compete but this is not a free market. In a free market Japan's car industry would look a lot more like ours and so would their roads.

But have no fear my friends.

America has more oil than all of OPEC combined. The supply of oil in the form of oil shale equals 10 Saudi Arabias and as long as Colorado remains friendly the price of gasoline stays up it will soon be tapped.

And General Motors is sitting on the riches heritage of any automaker in the world with 100 years of design excellence to tap from.

I just hope GM and America will learn to better tap their riches, I don't understand why we should have want for anything.

the camaro rules bob! please let it be customizable like the 69's were

The new suv's look good and from what I've seen and heard is that they were done right. Lets hope so. I don't like that it is going to take another year to get out the hybrid model of the Tahoe. This is a product that needs to be in the market now!! Second, when are we going to see the new GMT900 trucks, aka Silverado???????

The new interior looks great. Too bad I'm not in the market for an SUV. The Pontiac G6 and Caddy CTS are on my list for a new car during the '08 model year. Updgrading either or both of those interiors simmilar or better than Tahoe should make my decision easier.

G6 is a great car but needs dual exhausts. Every Pontiac should have dual's. It's all about perception and dual exhaust say 'performance' & 'sport's car'

Mr. Lutz,

Thank you for posting your opinions,its very brave of you and I am always excited by what you have to say.
I am 21 years old and my father is a GM employee.
I have tracked the progress of GM cars since my birth literally.Their have been the plastic-covered Pontiacs,and the great Buick Lesabres and Park Avenues and then one of my favorites the full-size rear-drive sedans. GM cars have taken me everywhere in my life and they have also have had a huge influence on my taste. I have lately been excited by GM cars and proud to know that they are truly great cars. My dad has a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe that is part of the captured test fleet and he uses it for his 80 mile commute from Whitmore Lake to the tech center. The truck has 10,000 miles on and he has had for 3 months. I must say it has been perfect.Its tight rattle-free and its seems a little bit quicker than it did when it was brand-new. I am a fast becoming a truck guy and I think these are the best.Prior to this my dad had a previous gen Suburban,2500 series silverado and a trailblazer.These trucks also served admirably but they quickly had a worn-out feeling to them. The Tahoe doesn't and the interior at first felt small but know I am very comfortable in it(I am 6'5).Congratulations and I hope that others will take the time to get the facts, shop smartly and carefully. I believe that the biggest critics should always be the first to find out that they need to examine the prejudices they have and to open their minds.

I just saw the pictures, it looked really good (INSIDE!!) compared to our year old suburban, BUT WHY IS THERE NO REAL HEADREST AT BOTH MIDDLE SEATS AND WHAT IS THE nonsense with the LAST ROW, split 50/50 WAS IN THE 80'S NOT 2007- FOLD FLAT WAS MAYBE NOT AN OPTION BUT THAT IS POOR. ALSO NO DIESEL - So, to be honest, I wanted really to switch to the new one but now it looks i keep the old one and have a close look at the new expedition el, and i am a real GM loyalist. I love our new HHR but the red tag shortly after the so called value pricing, when we bought, was not a good move for you loyal customer, who believed in your value pricing.
Anyway I think the new trucks will be selling fine, maybe not in previous numbers but maybe at least with a higher marketshare in the big suv class. Good Luck!

But seriously, how is GM going to respond to being called out by the President?

When asked in a recent article what American auto makers need to do, George W. Bush said that they need to create "a product that's relevant."

Ouch.

He and his staff drive Cadillacs and GM SUVs in the course of their duties, and if George W. Bush is suggesting that your products are irrelevant, that's a big problem.

Maybe you need to swap the White House vehicle fleet out for some 2007 GM models.

Or maybe you just need to start focusing on benchmark vehicles.

Either way, you've got to take steps so THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES is promoting American cars and not criticizing their relevance.

The SUVs are great Bob, BUT...I really think its time for GM to focus on your cars; and at least your crossovers. I know that trucks/SUVS sell the most, but you have to have a good car base to back them up.

Look at Toyota, for example, or Honda. They all lead because their CARS are the best in class. Their trucks aren't bad either.

If you can make class-leading cars AND trucks, then you will be well off.

But, You have some great competition. Japanese cars aren't the most stylish, but its obvious that their reliability, efficiency, etc. over rides that.

I've seen the GM cars, like the G6, and its obvious why Japan leads. You still use drum brakes, Pushrod engines, and your safety ratings aren't the best either.

If you want to stay competitive, you HAVE to update the cars. Put in DOHC engines as STANDARD, put in disc brakes, put in the best safety systems. And for christ's sake, lets please have some continuity. How do you expect people to get familiar with GM cars when they're constantly changing. The Cobalt, G6, Lucerne, etc. are all new and unknown vehicles to consumers.

However, they know names that have existed for 30+ years, like the Civic, like the Corolla, etc.

Anyways, It's obvious your on the right track - just keep it up!

Great product! You are building good cars and trucks. Unfortunately it's the wrong product at the wrong time. Imagine right now if you launched and had in the showrooms a crossover hybrid that got a good combined 40 mpg? We would be talking about profits and not losses. You've said before here on this forum that no one could of predicted the gas situation today. Bob that's for a guy making $35K a year but you guys at the top make a good 6 figures and stock options worth millions. It IS your job to predict the future market and deliver the right products to meet it, and you are well paid to do it. This time you failed. The company is bleeding money and will continue to do so. It's not about building cars Bob, it's about selling cars and the sooner you realize that the better off GM will be. One other little tidbit after 19 straight quarters of losing money FIAT made a profit coincidently right after severing ties with GM. Coincidence?

Bob, My local dealer received two Tahoes on January 13th. My wife and I ordered one on January 15th! I was planning on using my exteded family Bonus earnings on my purchase so I loaded it up! Now the bad news. The Bonus earnings expire on 2/28/2006. The dealer tells me my Tahoe is scheduled to be built the production week of 2/27...UGH!

On another note, it looks like the GM work force is shrinking, so all of us family members that get to use the wonderful employee discounts will be falling by the way side. I have purchased 1 or 2 new GM vehicles every year, for over 30 years, that will come to an end when my last GM family member passes away. Have you ever thought of keeping all of us soon to be orphans in the GM family?? Or will we need to go to the competition? Please Bob, come up with a way to keep us in the GM family! By allowing us to still use that fantastic benefit! That included 5 Camaros, (usually Z?28's)and another if you build the next one!! Next time you are traveling North and I-75 and you see a GM Vehicle with the Michigan tag that reads VIPRKLR you will know I just passed you! Kindest regards.....Bob N.

I hope you have the plastic cladding availible on the next Avalanches. I like it on my 02 and would want it on the 07 when I can purchase it. That is my top pick for a new truck this summer/fall.

Bob,

Great Job on the 07 SUVS. They are world class and will sell well. Congratulations.

I cannot believe in this Country, the amount of Media Bias against the General Motors. It appears that these media groups want to see the Company fail.
A few quick ones from someone rooting hard for GM.
* How about some national Ads with sport stars from the Major teams (Jeter, A Rod, Tom Brady, Andrew Jones, Petyon Manning, Tom Duncan Lebron James).
* Ditto For some of the young Actors and Actresses.
* Must reach Out to Upper middle class. Living outside of Nyc, is it amazing how many consumers ask why I bought my 06 torrent as opoosed to a Japanese model
as they would probably not consider a Gm auto.

*Perception is reality. Must work very hard on changing many consumers view of GM.
*Get involved with Apple and the Ipod generation
*Capitalize on your JD Power and other awards you have won. The facts do not lie.

I am (like many others) are rooting for GM and hope the American consumer and Media wil give the company an honest chance.

Mr. Lutz: I recently had a very brief look at the new Tahoe LT and found the interior quite an improvement over the previous models. The seats were even better, which is an accomplishment as the previous platform had the most comfortable seats in the segment. The doors closed with a higher quality feel and the outside noise was better controlled.

There were some details that need work and are probably the result of bringing the platform forward. I was sure that GM would have stretched the wheelbase on the Tahoe 3 to 4 inches (to 119-120”) to improve rear seat ingress/egress. And where is the IRS that with the increased wheelbase would have given the Tahoe acceptable 3rd row legroom of 33” in place of the tight 26” that is “for children only”. The IRS would have lowered the rear cargo floor opening up more cargo height and enabling a “fold flat” third row seat. Speaking of fold flat seats, does the new Tahoe have a fold flat front passenger seat? I don’t see it on the spec sheet on the Tahoe website.

Maybe there will be a GMT-950 platform update in 2 years correcting the Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade models. It would be a good time to utilize the existing 116” wheelbase and offer a K-5 Blazer model with Extended Cab rear doors that open near 180 degrees – there was a concept K-5 a few years ago that had a great 2 door styling but had the rear doors for access to the rear cargo/passenger area. Wouldn’t hurt to have it resemble the 67-72 original with a dash of modern style like the Camaro. With rear area access and the fully boxed frame it would provide a desirable sport model that the Tahoe line is missing, a Tahoe SS maybe?

The IRS would be a welcome addition on the Avalanche, Suburban 1500, Yukon Denali, Escalade ESV and EXT models as well as a Silverado SS – Sierra Denali trucks. The lowered floor would have the same benefits on Suburban models and a lockable trunk area could be offered on Avalanche and trucks.

I am planning on driving a Yukon as soon as possible since I am looking forward to the new Sierra. Please tell me that the Sierra front styling will lean more to the current model than to the new Yukon. For an up market SUV the new Yukon styling is acceptable, but is far too soft for a truck and looks too much like the Envoy.

The current Sierra is the best looking truck on the market with an aggressive look that retains a touch of class.

Some desirable features on the new Silverado/Sierra would be a base 4.2L 300 HP I-6 with AFM and 6-speed automatic. All models above the W/T trim should have 6-speed automatic transmissions. An E-85 Hybrid model should result in a full size pickup capable of 25 to 30 MPG highway.

A return of the 396 on the Silverado SS model would be great and possible with a 3.83” stroke crank in the new 6.2L Sierra Denali block – a 409 would be possible with the same crank in the Z06 block. The longer stroke would give Big Block torque with a small block package – it would also be a sell out as a GM performance “Crate Engine”.

Another possibility would be a new “tall block” truck engine (.125 higher deck) for 2500 models using a 4.25” stroke crank in 6.3L (3.78” Bore), 6.7L (3.90”), 7.0L 427 (4.00”), 7.2L (4.06”) and 7.4L 454 (4.125”) bore, these would provide the needed pulling power with a stronger block in a smaller, lighter package. It too would be an instant aftermarket sell-out; especially the 427 and 454 versions.

And is there a law against offering a 5.0L to 5.7L Turbo-Diesel V8 or large V-6 in 1500 model trucks and Tahoe/Suburban? A 5.3L should be able to deliver 285 HP and 520 ft-lbs providing more than adequate power and superior fuel economy. Be the first on the market with one.

Exterior features on new truck models would be cornering lights aiding night visibility and an optional chrome package with chrome mirrors and door handles. Extended cab doors that open near 180 degrees, with power rear door windows. Power rear window combining a rear window defroster with the option of extending rear cargo length. Hopefully the 5’ 8” bed extended cab model will be offered, just bought one and I actually look forward to parking lots now that this truck is like parking a large sedan.

On Extended Cab interiors; 3-5 inches more interior length would provide 36” of rear leg room with a more comfortable rake to the rear seat back satisfying most buyers and retaining the sport look of the extended cab with the maneuverability of the short bed model.

Other interior features would be fold flat passenger seat. On LS and SLE models GM should use the bucket seats on all models (bench and bucket) and change only the center seating area. On bucket seat models the console would be used and on 6 passenger bench models a center seat with storage (optional cooler) in the seat bottom. This would minimize seat variations on the assembly line and allow GM to upgrade all LS/SLE models to power 8-way heated cloth seats as standard. Optional heads up display with infrared vision would also be a great addition for drivers on back roads.

More feedback after a test drive, keep up the good work and thanks again for listening.

Too little and way too late Bob. Last quarters sales are devastating as the Japanese carve up more of your market. People don't buy from an almost bankrupt loser. I'm not often wrong, and I'll predict declining sales for next quarter too. I Wish I was wrong, but I'm not. There's just no reason for customers to give GM a second chance, after past disapointments.

Bob, I have seen the trucks and they are world class. Having said that, I urge you to get those Opel/Saturns out ASAP! I cannot stand seeing GM lose market to Nippon any longer! But most importantly, you have to start COMPARING your new cars to the competetion by NAME! Most people on this board are car fanatics, we know the truth about all the products out there. The average consumer knows NOTHING! For God's sake, the average citizen cannot even tell you who the current V.P. is. Or their own state capital! You must educate the masses. Remember Bob; IGNARAIA PLEBS

Bob, I love your trucks, have an 02 Sierra 6.0L, love it, and a 03 Suburban 8.1L, love it even more. But as I enter my 40's, I'm done with them and want a RWD-V8 big sedan. I went to trucks 10 years ago when you killed the Caprice, but I now want a car again. Just got a Deville DTS, great car, but the small V8 and FWD do not impress at all. Please make an independant RWD, V8 larger than 5.0L, sedan, in a Buick or Pontiac. I'd even buy the new Impalla if it were RWD. I'm being pulled very strongly to the other side by the 300C, please stop the bleeding.

i understand that GM has already cut production on the G-6 and cobalt. the cars do not look enought different from the older models to stir up buyers.

GM and Ford cars can't be "simply competitive" (see your text)with the actual oil price...

Great job Bob,

However, based on many of the comments, your enthusiastic posts are like preaching to the choir. The WORD needs to get out to the masses. How about a promotion aimed at conquest sales that also involve loyal GM vehicle owners. A “Bring Your Friends” promotion.

It could work something like this:

When a loyal GM customer comes to purchase a new vehicle he brings his non-GM owning friends with him. If any of those friends purchase a new GM vehicle in the next 6 months then both parties would receive a discount. The new customer would receive their discount on their current purchase and the loyal customer would get a certificate for their next purchase (5 year limit?). Of course, the new customer could also bring their non-GM owning friends when they make their purchase.

One enthusiastic customer could start a chain reaction of sales.

Hi Bob! Very nice SUVs! Keep up the good work! It might not be feasible in the US, but I'd love to see GM build some diesel cars!

Proud owner of:
1) 1983 Buick LeSabre with a 5.7 diesel (231,000 miles on the origional engine) - Wonderful engine when properly maintained!

2) 1999 Buick LeSabre - The 3800 engine is A Beauty!

An excellent indicator that the new SUV platform will succeed: Deutsche Bank's auto analysts, the most consistent GM bears imaginable, concede that they will sell well after a dealer survey....

Imagine a 1961 Corvette or 1955 Cadillac with all the creature comforts and technology of today...The baby-boomers will be knocking themselves over to get to the dealer. That's how to leverage your BRAND!

Who cares about the product on hand? Thats like saying you have made the best yet horseless carriage powered by steam, and you should consider it against all past such vehicles to decide how good it is.

No. This doesn't work in a vacuum. The fact is, I live in California, and premium gas is now about 2.85 a gallon where I am. Apparently, its set to rise again with the latest bit of worldly trouble. Good job GM - way to put the blinders on only yourself.

Everyone else sees that you try to compare your present product to YOUR PAST PRODUCT - not to the market at large.

Way to fail. On the way down you can scream that your product was 'd**n good'. Fat lot of good it will do you.

"imagine a 1961 Corvette or 1955 Cadillac with all the creature comforts and technology of today...The baby-boomers will be knocking themselves over to get to the dealer. That's how to leverage your BRAND!"

Where were they when Ford came out with the Thunderbird?

Dear Bob,
The new SUV platform is great. Is there any chance that one of these products will be produced in South America?

Travis, I think you miss the point of these new SUV's. They are meant to continue to dominate (without incentives) a huge part of the market. People will still drive big trucks and SUV's (the record truck sales prove it) because people like the convenience it provides and the features it has.

Also, while fuel prices are bad, the good people at GM lowered the prices and increased fuel economy to provide even better performance while helping Mr and Mrs Smith with their fuel bills with the money they will save.

Quite simply, not everyone can/wants a Toyota Prius, even with the money it saves (which still isn't enough to justify the costs. If you have been paying attention, GM has been hard at work to minimalize the cost of this new technology, and provide real fuel savings to normal people with normal lives, i.e. Saturn GreenLine Series.

If anything, GM has been a pioneer of new fuel savings technology lately, and as we have all seen with these new SUV's, they have caught and passed the competition.

Why don't you go to the dealers, and test-drive and actually look at their new product, as Bob says. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

I do admit however, we still have a ways to go before going to the head of the class, and there needs to be more of the attitude that went into designing the Lucerne, SUV's, Cadillac's, and especially the Camaro Concept going into cars.

Suggestions:

Utilize Izuzu more and get TDI vehicles out there. Duramax is one of the best diesels out there, and it needs to be available with every truck. Also an aveo turbodiesel-hybrid would demolish the green image of prius.

Kill the 3.5, 3.9L engines, replace with varients of the new 3600 v6, as well as use the 4200 inline engine more.

Get the new 6-spd trannies out there for most every vehicle. Change the linkage in every manual to get better feel in the gears.

No more Drum Brakes!

Make every model with six or more airbags.

Get more interiors and exteriors designed like the tahoes and lucernes out there.

Make the total value promise a huge marketing tool. Be willing to sacrifice short term sales increases. Get a 100,000 mile warantee out there, and keep daring customers to compare. You really don't realize how many customers drool over that. Raise prices if it means getting the warantee out there. Make the total value promise commercials like those very nice Employee Discount commercials that were made. Offer special features vs the competition in every vehicle.

Keep the hybrids coming, innovate with biodiesel and E85, and get the image out there.

Build cars like the camaro, solstice, etc, that get people into the dealership, and with great product, we can conquest customers who have good experiences with the product simply with a look, a test-drive, total value promise = way more sales. By doing niche vehicles, we can conquest people that would normally not be cut from the herd of foreign car makes, as well as satisfy loyalists.

I believe these are simple steps that should not cost the company any more money, especially since you would not be selling these cars with profit-killing incentives, and many of these ideas I know are being considered and put in place by GM management. I believe these suggestions will give GM a green image, and of a company that stands behind it's product, even though I feel that this image problem is more about prejudice than anything.

Bob, I believe in you and GM management, and that you guys are doing a great job, better than what many other ill-informed people think, especially considering all of the things your predecessors did to cause this. Good Luck with turning around the company, you guys have been good to my family for more than 20 years and I have had nothing but good things to say about your extremely reliable products.

Thanks for your time,

Mike

I listened with interest to the various opinions re tagging the Z06 Corvette with "427" vs 7-litre emblem during a recent retirement gathering.

At first I was firmly in favor of the "427"... being a child of the 60's.

But after listening to the reasons why 7-litre is quite meaningful to the rest of the world, vs 427 having little or no meaning... I finally changed my mind.

Good decision after all - driven by Bob Lutz and the Corvette Chief engineer Dave Hill - both older than me... and in this case wiser too.

From the same guy who emailed GM to add hood scoops and duals to the GTO several years ago: I just re-noticed that my '64 GTO emblem says 6.5 litre... not 389. Perhaps it was ahead of it's time after all.

Mr. Lutz, Mr. Wagoner, et. al,

Enthusiasts know GM's new SUVs and cars are the best.

Let's win over the critics with a challenge. GM SUVs have higher fuel economy than the import competition with more horsepower. I like the suggestion made above for an oil pressure guage, the Aurora had an oil pressure guage in the information center. Why not put it on the dash? None of the import competition has oil pressure guages and car guys love them. (The Aurora and the STS are still my favorite cars).

GM's cars like the Impala and the G6 'rated' higher quality than the imports. GM engines and transmissions are the most reliable from experience. Skeptics should note that GM certified used is a best selling brand, it shows more people trust GM than any other brand. The experience of GM enthusiasts speaks volumes.

Critics on Wall Street know well the American auto companies have the highest standards of integrity and ethics of any companies in the world.

The same Wall Street experts failed to recognize corporate scandals in America. Perhaps they just remained silent. Likewise Japan's banking crisis was met largely with silence from the American media while Toyota's bank, the UFJ, was among the worst, even with the Toyota Chairman on its board.

GM execs should remember who is on their side when times are tough, because these are your real friends.

GM execs need a fresh strategy to deal with adversaries and irritants. Why not seek declaratory and injunctive relief from the anti-competitive credit agencies? GM has every right to do this. NB: Selling portions of GMAC may not be the only option. The legitimacy having a few recognized credit agencies was called into question during Senate hearings last year. If GM meets the substantive requirements, and has backing from legitimate non-recognized rating agencies, it has a cause of action to seek declaratory and injuntive relief. The recognized agencies are probably anti-competitive and a violation of due process. Just taking the action may prompt a legislative change and could be successful anyway. It would show some fortitude.

Thanks for listening.

After the State of the Union what says you?
What do you have that can deliver 50 to 100 MPG?

When kids can deliver 0 to 60 in 5 seconds and get 50MPG I think the grown ups have some adjustments to make in their slide rulers.

http://evteam.gambitdesign.com/gallery/attack_build

First off, those new GMT900 SUVs do look very nice...and this is what, the first time in history that the new platform came out on the SUV first instead of the pickup? Far cry from the Suburban and Blazer staying on the '73 platform through '91 while the trucks went GMT400 in '88...

Build the Camaro, I'll buy one. Build a few of the new Opel GTs for US consumption, and I'll buy one of those too...having just seen the new shots of the return of the GT, I think it's the best looking of the Kappa-platform cars by far. I'll even gladly go to a Buick dealer to buy one!

I think after reviewing this blog for the first time and viewing some of the things that GM from a product stand point looks great, sleek and stylish. I have felt for a long time that GM has really been out of touch with the market place with both the car and truck division. I felt GM spent way to many resources on the SUV market which was a little be reactionary, and didnt spend enough time looking forward. I must admit, I have tried to do business at an executive level with GM in recent months, however it seems GM's execs are of the "Untouchable" mindset, having a policy in place that the only way to reach them is through "writing a letter".In the same token I made 1 call and got to the CMO of there competitor Daimler Chrysler. At any rate I'm ranting and I've said enough. Hopefully the fortunes of GM will turn around in the very near future.

on the topic of new models, would it spoil some grand design to offer a few of the sts models with a manual transmission stick shift and clutch mated to the v-8 with the suspension parts from the sts-v and the new hood from the sts-v? the view out over the hood of the sts is a little bland and featureless.

i suppose that only a small percentage of the cts models sell with the stick. however, the people buying them (as would buy a similarly equipped sts)are going to be passionate car types (like me) who have big mouths and love to talk cars a lot. a favorable word of mouth buzz about the sts could commend it to people who are okay with the automatic. besides, gm has come so far with cadillac, wouldn't it be a shame to stop now.

the sts-v is gorgeous, but too complicated and too much money. now that bmw's look like h**l and mercedes like vcrs with all the electronic stuff, the way sure looks open for cadillac to shine. the new interiors are works of art. i'd sure like an sts, but being the dinosaur i am, would hate to give up the stick and clutch. the manumatic just isn't the same and i don't care how fast it shifts.

maybe you could call it the sts-rs. cut out a lot of the electronics, the navigation stuff, and offer it as a simple, elegant rocket for 50 something guys who have to haul clients and families from time to time, but go to work in it and don't mind getting there fast and in style. well, just a plea from the bleachers.

the very best fortune for the challenges of the next year. you still have a lot of good will and everyone who gives you a chance notices a big improvement.

I am very impressed by the gas mileage numbers. There are ALOT of smaller SUVs, and cars that get worse gas mileage. Smart thinking. Now it's time to let others know.

To add to the great news, which I have yet to see GM advertise, GM is now the per segment winner for long term quality with JD Powers. Nice work!

Bob,

You might want to check out:-

www.hybridcars.com/2006-state-of-the-union-address.html

It's been the headline article at www.hybridcars.com since Wednesday. As you get an honorable mention in one of the links, you may find it interesting.

Regards,

Chris Ellis.

Bob:
It is obvious that you have made progress with the US market vehicles. The interiors are starting to show world class design and no longer look like melted "Play Skool" toys (the old truck lines!). But why do you insist on givng us red turn signals on the rear of your vehicles? In a sea of red tail lights and brake lights, the yellow (amber) rear turn signal is much easier to discern. Yellow contrasts with red to make it easier to notice. Flashing a red light on a red background doesn't make sense. It is safer to use the yellow color. Probably just as important now, the red rear turn signal gives US GM vehicles a cheap, " domestic" appearance, as opposed to an expensive, imported look. Also, on many of your vehicles you insist on one red light/lense per side and this results in no hazard flasher function when the brakes are applied! Renew the rear lighting on your cards and trucks. Bring them up to the "world" standard. Let American consumers have the same degree of safety as the consumers who buy GM vehicles elsewhere. Vauxhall, Opel, Holden, GMDAT...all comply with the global standard for rear lighting. It's time US market vehicles join the rest of the world and compete with the best of Europe and Asia. Our US-only approach/mentality is a losing proposition. And will I ever be able to buy a sporting family sedan made in America with a manual transmission?

Best regards,

DB

Do yourself a favor and get Exxon/Mobile to invest $10 Billion in GM so you can rapidly build all the new global platforms you need to.
Rick got my letter.
I'm sending another one.

Get on it guys!

Need quick returns?
REMOVE THE FOLDING ROOF AND IT'S WEIGHT FROM THE SSR, price that version $6,000 less, and offer a V6/hardtop version priced $10,000 less than the current car, and watch the sparks fly. Until the Camaro gets here, this would be the showroom shot in the arm that Chevy needs.
WHY?
Every male in America wants one, but the price, and the insurance price, is quite restrictive. So you can have THE LOOK, A REAL PICKUP BED,
and a lower price, and with
the V6 version, you could afford the insurance, and GASOLINE.

Don't debate it. DO IT!

I love the new Tahoe! When will we see the 2007 Avalanches?

Bob,
I stopped to take a look a the new Tahoes. I must say they are amazing. The interiors blew me away, and I can now say GM really has something good going on inside. Those who say GM can't compete w/the Japanese must go drive the new GM cars. I'm not talking about outdated current models-Malibu, TrailBlazer, and such, but the real movers-STS(which I rented and loved, even had to check the hood to see as the V6 felt like an 8), Tahoe, Escalade, Lucerne, and Sky. I agree with the above comment about the President. How can a man from Texas, who got where he is from his oil fortunes which power America, make such underhanded comments. Keep building better as I have seen in my last purchases. Also, as the 8 billion emails and letters have stated. Bring us this Camaro. It is wonderful and I will be one of the first writing a check to GM and Chevrolet when it rolls in. Excellent job so far. Now, lets see the new Malibu, CTS, and crossovers!

I hear the next gen Malibu has been delayed until 2010! Are you kidding me?
I certainly hope you are going to redesign the dashboard before then, say next year? Otherwise say goodbye to sales. And please put the parking brake on the console where it belongs, not on the floor. if the G6 is on the console, so should the malibu.

I really like the new vehicles GM is coming out with, but I was disappointed in the G6 Convertible's 3.9 engine output. How does the 3.9 put out 240HP in the Sedan and Coupe, and only 227HP in the Convertible ? Where did it lose 13 horsepower ? It lost 6lbs of torque as well. I'd think if anything it could use more HP than the other models to move the inevitable extra weight a convertible has to have to stiffen the structure.

Attn: Robert A. Lutz
GM Vice Chairman, Global Product Development

Missing a Real Marketing Opportunity

Haven’t you noticed all those plain white cargo vans? The DC-3’s of their genre (like the 2003 Dodge Ram V-8). The backbone of urban small business deliveries. Not very glitzy. Not terribly high profile, but everywhere! Often deployed in small fleets delivering flowers, small packages and or a plumber’s load of tools.

The missed opportunity:

1. Speak to the owners of these fleets. Determine why their configuration is considered so handy. Design a new generation cargo van.

2. Develop a hybrid version that will save these business owners gas and allow them to use the HOV lanes in many cities.

3. Offer a trade-in incentive on their old vans.

4. Establish a call-center/hotline that will assist owners that “trade-up” to:

a. Learn how they can benefit on their taxes by making a charitable donation of their old vehicle;

b. How they can benefit on their taxes by purchasing a new fuel efficient hybrid delivery vehicle. – now that’s customer service!

Neil Dukas
ndukas@dualent.com

Why come out with a 2006 model year at all if you were going to turn around 4 months later and come out with a 2007 model year version? You just tanked the value of the 2006 for your dealerships by coming out with this too quickly.

Bob,

Your Super Bowl ad with the robot impregnating the monster to create a H3 was the most idiotic thing I have ever seen. Fire you entire marketing department - now!

That's it!

Hybridize the big trucks and vans. It's easier to do than on the small cars (more space) and makes more sense.

Then pound on Toyota and Honda in the press for "wasting" the hybrid potential by putting it into small cars.

Small cars, which are already fuel efficient, don't benefit much from a hybrid option. Since Toyota and Honda charge around 5000 dollars for the hybrid option, and the gas mileage improvement is slight, very few will save more in gas money than they paid for the hybrid option for many, many years (if ever)!

But the big trucks and vans use more gas to begin with, so the hybrid savings are greater! Somebody using their truck for work (particularly the delivery type businesses which make frequent stops, which is where hybrids have their best mileage gains) would see savings within months! One city's fleet of UPS or Fed-ex trucks would save more gas than every Prius ever sold - nationwide!

Your fleets of hybrid city buses have already proven this. Just take the next step.

The last place for the G6 at the C&D comparison test is ridiculous. If there would really be so much negative about the G6, how could it be an awardee at J.D. Power? To be honest, I trust more in their results, which are based on the experiences of thousands car-owners, than in the opinion of a single C&D-editor. I would be glad, if the G6 was offered here in Germany, too. But so far my 2001 Alero is still fine.

Picking up on earlier comments:

1) Holding Lexus aside, Toyota's styling sucks. it's disproportionate, bulky and strange. (and even Lexus is last in the luxury style derby)

1a) TMC has a well deserved quality reputation, but intelligent people who read available data know that a "quality gap" between GM and Toyota was closed several years ago.

2) 2-4 more model years of excellent JD Power et al quality ratings, I believe that a large % of toyota owners will check out GM dealerships.

Dear Mr. Lutz,
Congratulations for delivering the 2007 Escalade. It is a beautiful SUV. I will be comparing it with the Q7 when they both arrive at the dealership this year.
I have driven 2 STS, the current being the 2002 model which is up for lease renewal this year. I love the STS, although I did experience fit and finish problems with the car at the outset. I am not particularly in favor of the new STS, primarily due to its trunk capacity. To enhance your competitive advantage cost effectively [I am presuming this], would you not be able to provide a AWD on the DTS? It is my opinion that Lexus, Lincoln and certainly Europeans models do not have the size, comfort and style presence of a Cadillac for the respective price points. An AWD and a 6 speed transmission would make the DTS Performance package an awesome car to beat...hopefully not too difficutl or costly to introduce as an option...and will buy some competitive advantage until the hybrid technology can be introduced.
Please continue to be the best at being Cadillac...and not try to be anything else. Continuing to be true to the brand will make it easier to succeed.
Thanks and regards,

N. Fukuhara

"The Tail of Two Markets"

"Canada and Australia and GM"

This is for all the people who want GM to cut, kill, par or sever brands.

The answer is they already do. It is in Australia.

Holden has been GM's brand there when it brought the company years ago and as in America they are facing fierce competition. In fact, Toyota recently displaced Holden as the top selling brand in Australia with 20% of the market in January 2006. Holden's sales are continuing to fall off to a new low of 16%.

Now GM does not sell any of its US brands there but they are in the early stages of launching Chevrolet and Cadillac brands there.

Now Canada.

A very similar market to Australia. About the same population, they share big roads, they also enjoy healthy incomes and have a similar standard of living. They also have an open automobile market like Australia.

GM enjoys a market share of over 30% with sales still growing. Prospects are good this year with over 15 new vehicles to be launched in Canada this year as it carries the full roster of GM brands. Hummer, Cadillac, Pontiac, Buick, all of them.

Now the "SEVERIST" argument goes - if GM has less products it can concentrate on making them better, put more capital into each car and propel the remaining brands forward.

WELL WHY IS IT NOT WORKING IN AUSTRALIA?

The simple answer is killing brands is not the problem nor the solution.

The solution is simple, build great brands that are more than just a name on a sign. Find something unique, sacred and unchanging about each brand that you can't find at any other automaker (or at least do it batter) whether it is safety, style, excitement, comfort or value.

If there is nothing sacred about a brand, if there is nothing unchanging, then there is nothing worth keeping. That is why it is so important for GM's brands to find their heritage. We are not talking about retro we are talking about the soul of a brand.

And there has to be something unchanging about GM and that is 5 strata. If your not willing to stand for something you are nothing.

Weapons win battles.
Strategies win wars.
Conviction wins over your enemies.

So to all of GM I would say may you get some conviction and then stand for what you believe in, because if you believe in nothing, nothing will come.

As for me I believe in GM, the wisdom of the the current management and may they get some of my conviction when I say it.

May God save General Motors, and all her wonderful flavors.

Bob, my mother just bought a 2006 Chevy Impala. Nice car, good fit and finish inside and out.
However, the rear windshield is small and raked at such an angle that rear visibility is horrendous. Don't you think visibility is important? Its so bad she's actually considering getting rid of it immediately.
Sweat the details!

I like some of the news styling. Hope GM comes back on the map with a thunder. Motown needs a strong GM.

Ok... this may be off topic... but I wanted to put this on the most current thread... I recently began working for a Saturn dealership as a sales consultant. There has been a LOT of BUZZ on the SKY... people are coming into the dealership to SEE it and of course we have to tell them we won't have one until April... Most are OK with that... My stores location will help with sales... we are located next to a Mazda dealership and an Audi dealership (why pay 10-15k more for a TT when the Sky looks SOOOO much better??) Anyway I was really disappointed during the superbowl this sunday not just because seattle choked, but because I did not SEE a single Saturn commercial. I have read on this blog that you are planning to focus more attention on Saturn... wouldn't the superbowl have been a great place for a Sky commercial??? People want to see this car... I think it will sell better than the solstice... It will take sales away from the Miata and the TT... But we are 2 months from launch... I have not seen a single ad for it... and you had to biggest stage to advertise the new products... to show the world the new Saturn... but no... we got Caddy commercials... Show me you are serious about focusing on Saturn... let's see some hype for the Sky like we did for the Solstice... Heck start advertising the Vue greenline and the Aura while you are at it... get the name out there... get people coming into the stores... You have some beautiful cars lined up to come to us but you also have to throw some advertising dollars our way... the L series was the best car nobody knew about... I don't even see ads for the Vue or Ion.... I had never heard of the Relay until I started working for a Saturn store... Saturn's sales lag because we don't advertise... and when we do it's more about the Saturn experience and not the cars... once people test drive the cars they fall in love with them.... but we need GM to show them what we have and what we will have in the future... anyway that's my 2 cents... hope someone actually reads this...

I just read the comment, concerning the rear visibility of the 2006 Impala. I think, it's no solution to sell that car. Today you simply have to use your mirrors, which works fine, may you need a little time to get used to it. I don't know ANY modern car, which provides PERFECT rear visibility like my Opel Rekord (built in 1977), which I am driving during spring and summer. I think, that's the price to pay for the aerodynamic design of today's cars.

Prius fighter.

Where is the mythical fuel cell car?

Note the current column by Nicholas Kristof of the NY Times on the 100 mpg car. Do it, and retake the high ground from Toyota, et all.

This is the future. Deal with it.

We have the money and will step up the first day you bring these things forward.

I read Nicholas Kristof's piece in the NY times on his mythical "100 mpg car". He said it gets 100 mpg ... or 1000 mpg ... just depends on how you use it. Well those numbers are wrong, misleading, or just plain lies. If you run a vehicle on electricity that was not created by the car's engine, your gas mileage is not 100 mpg, or 1000 mpg. It is infinite. You're not using ANY gas. And that means you are driving an electric car. Requiring thousands of dollars in batteries which weigh alot, and take up alot of space in the car.

The fact he has a gas engine in the car with a tank of gasoline doesn't matter since he isn't using them. If he does use the engine, THEN it burns gasoline, and gets worse gas mileage than any other similarly sized car on the road (batteries weigh ALOT!).

Electric cars are nice only in theory. They are not "clean" - Think about that coal-fired power plant that makes the electricity. And electric cars are just not useful. You can't carry much with you in cargo or passengers, because you always carry a "cargo" of heavy batteries everywhere you go.

And plugging your car in at night to get cheaper "off-peak" rates on the electricity? If fifty million people do that, it certainly won't be "off-peak" anymore. And I've already heard about the blackouts and power grid shutdowns over the last few years due to the overloading of the grid.

GM's EV1 electric car was by far the best example of an electric car ever built. But it was still a failure. Nobody wanted it enough to actually buy it. GM finally gave up on it after having over 200 left that they couldn't get rid of - having sold (actually leased at heavily subsidized prices) only 800 of them.

Hybrid vehicles try to maximize economy by combining a gas engine which powers an electric motor, storing some reserve energy in a few additional batteries. The biggest benefit is being able to shut off the gas engine (not just idling) when the car is stopped or coasting, and using the electric motor to restart the car and get it rolling until the gas motor can take over again. But the gasoline is the source of all the power.

Fuel cell cars are also nice in theory. Fuel cells are expensive, producing hydrogen is expensive, and on-board hydrogen tanks are expensive (very high pressure).

GM (and the other automakers) have made huge strides to improve ALL these types of power systems. But right now the gasoline engine is still the cheapest, most efficient way to run a vehicle. But the alternatives are closing the gap! I see bright futures for these alternatives, but they're not ready yet.

I think it would be really neat if GM would do a parody commercial with Suzuki. You all know the one where the guy steps out the door, says goodbye to his wife, then jumps off the cliff and parachutes down to his new Suzuki. I think a Hummer commercial should do the same beginning but have the guy getting into his H3 with a narrator saying, “With a Hummer, you don’t need a parachute!”. Then show the H3 driving down the mountain. Just a thought.

They look like your typical SUVs to me. Maybe they have a little more hype, but not much else

Congratulations to Chevrolet Europe! I just discovered the quality-report http://auto.t-online.de/c/68/81/71/6881714.html of the popular German car-magazine "Auto Bild", where Chevrolet Deutschland reached the 6th place, what means, that it achieved a higher ranking by far than any domestic car-company! Opel, as the only German manufacturer, also was among the top 10. That's further encouraging news for GM in Europe.

Congratulations on freshening the trucks, but what I'd like to see GM do is bring back the Park Avenue. It had the plushest ride of any car I've ever been in, and with the new crop of sixty-somethings on the scene, why not give them what they want?

Please give us a new Park Avenue, with a wide range of steering wheel telescoping positions for comfort. Old people LOVE comfort!

Bob,

I would really like to believe you. "This time we're DIFFERENT! We're better! Really!"

I'm not buying it, literally and figuratively. I think it's the same unreliable junk GM has been selling for 20 years, albeit in a fancy new wrapper.

We've heard these claims for years...and GM has never lived up to them. How will THIS TIME be different?? I'm not fooled. Me and my $500/month are sticking with Toyota until you can prove that the build quality, reliability, and resale value are truly world-class.

Why call the Escalade 2007? Have all the new 2006 models suddenly depreciated?

Okay, now for some truth from a real consumer: I'm far more likely to buy the efficient kind of vehicle I need from an Asian competitor than from any domestic car company. Unless you can deliver 20+ mpg Suburbans or full-size C-10 pickups (try thinking "hybrids," "turbodiesels," "miller cycle"), or 30+ mpg full-size sedans and wagons, the competition is going to CONTINUE to eat your lunch. Let me clue you in on something else: the "upscale" market is shrinking, and the competition there is growing, but your competitors haven't ignored the "entry level" economy/commuter market as you have. Take a clue from Honda- they didn't really exist as a serious car company (in the North American market) until 1970 and the introduction of the origninal Civic. The Civic was targeted at the College-age crowd, offering VALUE and RELIABILITY. As that generation matured, Honda expanded their offerings to include larger, more expensive vehicles; within 25 years the Accord was the best-selling model in the North American market. So, what is GM doing to attract the "entry-level," College-age buyer? Rebadged Asian imports; do you really think a Chevy badge on a Japanese or Korean vehicle fools any of us? (A little aside note: the best-quality cars should have the VERY BESY warranties. You're getting smoked here, too. A Cadillac/Buick/Pontiac/Chevrolet/GMC should have no less than an unlimited, tranferrable 100,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and free service, including oil changes and tire road hazard repair. Try offering this instead of giving out lavish rebates. Hint- rebates cost money up front, warranty costs can be amortized over a decade.) BTW my daily driver is a full-size 1983 Ford Crown Victoria, that gets me 23 mpg in everyday driving. I'm 6'3" and over 240#, and I'm NOT a "tree-hugger," just very careful with a dime.
WHL
Indianapolis

Once again-
Warranties MUST be increased-on ALL your vehicles, not just a chosen few. How can the Cobalt have a longer powertrain warranty than the Impala!?

And once again I am begging you to fix the interior of the Malibu. The exterior is fine, but the interior needs work before people seriously consider it to be a contender against the Accord and Camry.
That 'Malibu' emblem next to the emergency button needs to be removed immediately, then you can center the emergency button like it should have been in the first place.
Put the parking brake lever on the console where it belongs, not on the floor!
For ALL your models-lower the brake pedal so it is about the same height as the gas pedal-this is a flaw on all your models-what's the deal?
For ALL your models-every single vehicle you sell should have a tilt/telescoping steering wheel standard and a seat height adjuster with adjustable lumbar support. Adjustable pedals should be an option on ALL models also.
Make GM the comfort brand. Women and short people would most definitely appreciate the tilt/telescoping steering wheel, adjustable pedals and seat height/lumbar adjuster.
Make all your cars as adjustable as the Malibu.
And please stop putting the parking brake on the floor-that is so old fashioned and very uncomfortable to use. Keep it on the floor only on vehicles with the transmission shifter on the steering wheel.
The Accord is a family car thats also sporty enough for someone young to buy and not be embarrassed. That should be the goal for the Malibu-fix the interior!

I have driven the '07 Tahoe, at Thorobred Chevrolet in Chandler.

I wonder how the '07 Suburban is better, when according to Chevrolet.com, the 3/4 ton model can tow LESS than the '06?

IFS on the HD trucks was incredibly unwise, light-duty parts on a HD truck.

Bob:

Here's what I think. 1) Where's the diesel? 2) Where's the independent rear suspension? My current truck has a solid rear axle and believe-you-me I feel all that unsprung weight and wish that I did not. 3) Put the gearshift on the console where it belongs and give us a useable manumatic function (see Mercedes excellent design for this).

The interior is better than before, but overall, once again, it's a swing and a miss for GM.

Where is my "BACK" button?
I need it to go back in time to before I purchased my 2004 Z71 Silverado with the 5.3 ltr engine. If I had such a button, I would now not be the owner of this pseudo-pickup truck.

I am a Recreational Vehicle Dealer and have been for the past 14 years. I can honestly tell you that the tow ratings on the latest versions of these "wanna-be" trucks are way overrated . For example, if the tow rating on your Chevy or GMC 1500 says 7000 lbs a 3500lb motorcycle trailer will be a real workout for it. If you foolishly decide to pull anywhere near what GM rates it to pull, you are going to be very disappointed. I personaly hitch up 10-15 new trucks a month and the newer 1500 series GM's are just plain weak.

Don't take my word for it though, go and drive any other 1/2 ton truck on the market and compare it to a GM 1500 series pickup (especially on the highway) and you will see that I speak the truth.

I was an avid Chevy truck fan for the past 25 years or so(am 41 now), but I can no longer recommend these trucks (and I get asked 10-15 times a week) to anyone who wants to pull anything beyond a jet ski.

I hate having to write a letter like this and would much rather be bragging about my new (04 model)Z71.

Its no wonder that America's largest corporation is in the pits. It has taken a once great pick-up and turned it into an embarassment for those of us who own one.

I am seriously disappointed in your products Bob.
I will be trading sometime in the near future and you can bank on it that I won't ever again consider a GM vehicle.

Please take note of some of the comments above with regard to the recent historical lack of class and dignity at GM. GM has a significant "cheese" factor among the more intellegent public. Your marketing dept., and especially your advertising agency, does far more damage to your product and image then it helps. It shouts desperation, bs, plastic superficial junk, etc.... Cut cost by cutting your advertising - absolutely no advertising would be far more beneficial to your image then your current advertising efforts. I particularly like the discover above that you had real production employees staffing the displays at the Detroit Auto Show. Now that is REAL and that WORKS. Have some dignity GM!!!

Just wondering why the GMC and Chevy guys (and even Cadillac for that matter) don't tout the fact that you have BOSE systems available in your trucks? The system in my Sierra blows away EVERYTHING in its class - GM should be using this fact to your advantage. I never have seen Bose advertised on TV on GM ads - why in the h**l would you be keeping this a secret?

I love my 2004 Yukon and was very impressed with the new 2007's - until I sat in one. You see, I'm a very Big & Tall kinda guy and and very pleased with the driver's space in my current Yukon (although I would like for the seats to travel farther back). But, when I 'tried on' the new Yukon (which is identical to the Tahoe inside), I found less leg and head room. As with most other vehicles these days, the designers add big wide dash consoles (the controls area, not the center console between the seats - which is also a problem) that protrude into right-knee space. Additionally, the door control pad is wider now so there's less left-leg room. I also felt like there was less head room (probably due to the sunroof in the showroom vehicle) and it seemed like the door frame was lower so I had to hunch down further getting in and out. It's an overall great vehicle, but the loss of space is a deal breaker for me. I haven't been impressed with the current Expedition, but the new Ford coming out in the Fall has my attention now.

Interesting Blog.

Now I've got to tell you. I listen to NPR, and hear your "ads" saying you have (1million?)
ethanol capable cars on the road?

Give me a break. How about just telling the truth, and say we are WORKING to FINALLY develop Alternative fuels.

Btw, my current honda accord, (made in canada) is a piece of dirt, with very poor interior finish, I will be back to a GM car for my next one.
I may even wind up buying honda-accordsucks.com and putting up photos of my car, with the missing glove compartment, door handles, etc.
So feel happy about one Future customer!

Does anyone know when the new 2007 yukon XL denali will be put into production? We have one on order and was told they should be to the dealers by the middle of May? We are not renting a car (due to our Excursion being a lemon) and I would love to know when our new truck will be produced?

To respond to Curious:
Production on the '07 GMC Yukon XL Denali production started this week. Your dealer will be the first to know the target production week for your vehicle, if the dealer doesn't already know. The vehicle will take at least a few weeks to get to your dealer after it's produced.
Dawn McKenzie
Assistant Manager, GMC Communications

I do NOT know who is kidding who here!

GM is in deep, deep, uh....trouble, or are you all incapable of seeing what's happening in the car market and GM's lack of market interest!!

First of all, the question of Ethanol capable vehicles....GM is again behind the power curve of having many vehicles able to use this "cheaper" fuel, while other auto makers, even U.S. auto makers are selling said vehicles left and right...

I know, I went away from the Cadillac to purchase a Chrysler 300, which is E-85 capable!!

If GM doesn't get it's act together SOON, I fear what is going to happen to the Auto Giant of the world!!!

Please...quit playing/saying games and make needed improvements!!!

Bob,

From the Eastern Hemisphere, from Kuwait, I would like to congratulate you on the wonderful achievements of GMC this year. The Gulf States in the Middle East rely heavily on your products especially the Tahoes, Yukons, and Suberbans. These leading trucks are awesome, and the most amazing features have always been the following:

1. The A/C's - the heat here is unbearable in the summer. (We live in deserts :P)
2. The space - as we all have big families and lots of stuff.
3. The styling - something says "I'm comming right at you!" when you see one of them appraoching.
4. The reputation - GMC has always had the best reputation in the Gulf.
5. Spare Parts - Easy bought, easy replaced, don't cost a fortune - (I owned an Alfa Romeo and it costs around $1500 for the front lights!!!)
6. The Power - especially off-road, its amazing!

I am going to replace my car with one of either a Yukon or Tahoe, and will check by the dealers this afternoon.

One comment though, the Tahoe is a 4X2 only, which is really really dissapointing! Thats what my friends have informed me, but will check and keep you posted. Shame on you Chevy.

Feras.

Dear Bob,

As a currently frustrated Buick GMC Pontiac salesperson, I've got to appeal to someone in GM to change the carpet color in our new 2007 GMC Denali with the Coco/Cashmere interior.

Whoever selected the carpet color evidently does not have a family and probably has someone detailing their vehicle every week. The same person should be put in shackles for a month and made to apologize to the dealer body, but that does not correct the problem.

I beg you to make a mid-model year change to the carpet color. The carpet is causing us headaches like you can't imagine. The only alternative in the Denali is Ebony which has been on constraint. It's also difficult to move some customers from a Beige interior to Black especially in the Desert of Las Vegas, NV.

I've actually had one customer go to an upholstery shop and have the carpet changed to match the darker color of the dash and door panels in their new Denali. It cost them a little over a $1,000 and it looks beautiful and doesn't show marks on the carpet.

This is also an issue with the Light Titanium Gray and Light Tan interiors of the regular Yukon.

Sincerely,

Arthur Throckmorton
Desert Buick GMC Pontiac

I have a 2006 Buick Lucerne V8 that has a shaking problem at 59mph. The passenger seat shakes, but only at 59-60mph. Dealer put 4 sets of new tires, before about 90% of issue went away. Now the dealer and GM has no idea as to how to fix the problem.

Anyone with some knowledge of this issue, please email me.
Thank you

I attended the St.Louis Auto show which is always a disappointment. We don't seem to rate high enough to receive very many concept vehicles here. In saying that I am more interested in seeing cars that have a legitimate chance of making production rather than a car for comic books or other Sci-Fi media. The Saturn Aura is a must have. One of the first US built vehicles that will challenge the imports. I will say that I sat in an HHR this year considering a purchase and then the Colbalt at the Auto Show. Why would anyone produce a vehicle so tight that you cannot put your arm dowm with the door closed to adjust the seat or to reach a side compartment. Its that type of oversite that has all American manufacturers in a bind.

Mr. Lutz: I have a 2004 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab. I was going to purchase an 07 but was dissapointed in the power. I felt my 04 was faster. I am a die hard Chevy fan. Grew up in Chevy's & GMC's.There has been so much Chevy/GMC bashing on all the websites I visit. This needs to change. Chevy/GMC has always had the strongest and most powerful engines. I am going to purchase an 07 Sierra Denali. I would like to commend you on the new body style. It is great but (you) need to revamp the engines. (you) need to come up with the most powerful, most towing, most horsepower, most gas mileage than any other out there. Especially against TOYOTA and ford. Dodge is no threat. Right now Toyota is beating us. But I have faith in you and in GM. Ford is coming out with the 450+ hp harley davidson. You need a SS Chevy with 500 hp. Luxuery we got with the denali. (the denali should get the 500 horses also) Plus make the best and strongest transmissions out there. Make the a six speed tranny standard on all models.(8speed on denali) We need to to make all the ford and toyota fans envy GM. I want GM to be the best again in all categories. The new 900's body is great but we need the power back in the vortec. Bring it to the table in 08. I know we can take back the throne from toyota. I love GM. Always will. As my uncle used to say, "I'd rather push a Chevy than drive anything else."