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March 30, 2006
The Sky is Red
By Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman
Way back at the birth of this blog, in the first post ever, I promised you we had big plans for Saturn. I said we were determined to build on the brand’s outstanding retail network and great customer experience by launching all-new, products with a bold new design direction that will take Saturn to new heights of awareness, consideration and appreciation.
Well, delivery on that promise has begun: We’re unveiling no fewer than three new Saturns at the New York Auto Show next month. Today, let’s lift the virtual cover off just one of them – which by itself should remove any lingering doubt about GM’s commitment to producing best-in-class vehicles for Saturn.
Have a look at the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line, which will join Saturn’s Red Line family of performance variants. You’ve known the Sky’s bold exterior lines and its upscale and refined two-tone interior since its debut at the Detroit show last year. This version takes a strong-performing roadster and makes it a screamer. We’re talking about an Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo four, making 260 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
This is GM’s first gasoline direct injection offering in North America, technology that helps the engine produce more power without raising fuel consumption. The Red Line also adds a few stylish tweaks, such as standard 18-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels and dual chrome exhausts.
Let me stop there and just ask if you like what you see so far. I’ll have more to say and show in this space when the N.Y. show actually begins. Look for the Saturn Sky Red Line in showrooms this fall.
Posted by Lutz at 11:52 AM
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Toyota First? Maybe Third?
By Tom Stephens
Group Vice President GM Powertrain
GM Hybrid Bus
Since GM introduced a commercial parallel hybrid propulsion system for mass transit bus fleets in 2003, and the world’s first full-size hybrid pickups in 2004, we follow any news about rear-wheel drive hybrids very closely.
So imagine our surprise when we read press reports recently (subsequently corrected) that Toyota was introducing “the world’s first commercially mass produced hybrid system especially designed for rear-wheel drive vehicles.” Further investigation revealed that Toyota told the press at a preview in Hawaii that their new L110 hybrid transmission in the new Lexus GS450h hybrid sedan is the “world’s first longitudinal hybrid transmission.”
Now, I’m sure the Lexus hybrid is a fine car. And Toyota’s PR department never misses a chance to tout its hybrid vehicles, which is fine – that’s their job.
But as the head of GM Powertrain, I’m absolutely certain that GM has already developed two hybridized longitudinal transmissions, and we’re nearing completion of a third system. So I’d respectfully suggest that Toyota recheck the calendar as GM’s been in the market for quite a while now.
GM has produced over 4,000 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrid pickups – roughly twice the number Toyota has set as a sales target for the Lexus GS450h in the U.S. Our hybrid pickup trucks provide the highest estimated city fuel economy of any full-size pickup on the road today, and they deliver this benefit without any sacrifice in performance or towing and hauling capability.
As for buses, there are more than 420 GM hybrid powered buses in 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada. These buses deliver significantly better fuel economy and dramatically lower emissions – up to 90 percent – over conventional diesel buses.
We’re not done developing rear-wheel drive hybrid systems, either. In 2007, GM will introduce 2-mode hybrids in two of GM’s most popular full-size SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe and the GMC Yukon. And in 2008, we’ll make it available on Silverado and Sierra Crew Cab models and the Cadillac Escalade.
Hybrids are a key element of GM’s product and technology strategy, which is why we’re introducing hybrid systems on up to 12 models, and targeting higher fuel-consuming vehicles to maximize the environmental benefits of hybrid technology.
So welcome, Toyota, to the rear-wheel drive hybrid club. We’re glad you’ve joined us.
Posted by Editor at 1:58 PM
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It's Not All Bad
As you know, Bob Lutz has stated here that he firmly believes that our 2007 SUVs are great vehicles. But it's always good to know that our customers and the media feel the same way. Chevy Tahoe sales were up in February, and several reviewers gave it high marks, too:
- Mark Phelan at the Detroit Free Press gave the Tahoe four stars.
- And the San Mateo Daily Journal calls the "Chevrolet Tahoe for 2007 a cut above"
Here are some other interesting facts about our sales in February:
- The Buick Lucerne had its best-ever sales month in February, up 20 percent over January,
- Pontiac Solstice outsold Mazda Miata in February by more than 40 percent,
- 2007 Cadillac Escalades remained on dealers' lots an average of only five days,
- and Pontiac G6 sales were up 38 percent from a year ago.
Posted by Editor at 3:01 PM
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In Search of America's Best Roads
How many of you would love the opportunity to jump in a Corvette Z06 and drive from LA to New York? OK, silly question. While most of us can categorize this as a pipe dream, Ben Stewart, the west coast editor of Popular Mechanics, landed this tough assignment. Ben is blogging his journey over at the PM Blog.
While we think this is really cool, the PM guys are just scratching the surface of what is possible. They could make this much more interesting for those of us who have to live vicariously. How about moblogging? Or, some video of the 'Vette performing on some treacherous mountain roads? One reader even recommended that Ben chart his progress on a Google Map.
Regardless, it's definitely worth checking out . . .
Posted by Editor at 4:10 PM
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All of Your Ideas
By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman
Now that the Geneva show is over, I’d like to get back to your comments and ideas (all 300 of them!) on how we can change people’s perceptions about our company, and our new cars and trucks.
Obviously, there are a huge number of comments here, but several common themes emerge:
· Offering extended warranties to emphasize our improved quality
· Providing a dealership experience more like Saturn’s for our other brands
· Creating advertising that compares our vehicles with our competitors
· Putting employees in our ads
· Courting Gen X and Gen Y buyers
· Using our employees as ambassadors for our cars and trucks.
These are all good ideas. We are already studying several of them. But I was pleased to see that most comments were about our vehicles themselves. This confirms my lifelong conviction that what customers really want are great cars and trucks. You said you want:
· interiors that look and feel great
· distinctive brand identities (no badge engineering)
· more exciting vehicles like the Corvette, Solstice, HHR and Tahoe, Corvette, and -- of course…
· the Camaro concept in production ASAP.
Rest assured, I want all of these things too. We are working every day on them. We have a tough road and tough decisions ahead of us. But I’ll tell you the same thing I tell Rick Wagoner and our Board: I’m confident we’ll make it. Thanks again for your passion. We’ll keep you posted on our plans. In the meantime, please go test drive one of our new vehicles. And while you’re at it, get a friend to drive one, too. This whole “word of mouth” thing ain’t just lip service you know!
Posted by Lutz at 12:46 PM
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Two Video Podcasts from Geneva
In the first video, Jan-Åke Jonsson, managing director of Saab Auto, presents the Saab Aero X. In the second, Kurt Beyer discusses the Opel GT, of which he was chief designer.
View the Saab Aero X video (17MB)
Download the Saab Aero X video
View the Opel GT video (20 MB)
Download the Opel GT video
Posted by Editor at 5:25 PM
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