Travelogue April 3-8, 2006
By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman
Many of you have wondered why I have been posting so infrequently lately. Well, I have to tell you, we are moving full speed ahead with our global product plans and it has been keeping me pretty busy. I spent last week in Europe visiting with dealers, opening plants and conducting some other business. While I was on the plane back, I wrote the following trip recap on my trusted Blackberry. It’s a little less polished (and longer) than my usual blog material, but I thought you might find it informative nonetheless. I think it highlights, once again, that we have good things happening all over the world.
– Bob
April 4 – First brief stop was in Munich to preside over the opening of a new, large Cadillac-Hummer facility. It coincided with the German press launch of BLS. Well attended, car well received. Spoke with sales people: they are very optimistic, but need more Corvettes, Z06s. Had a chance to “de-bunk the imminent collapse of GM” myth, believe it was well received. On to Vienna, for another opening. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the principal and his lovely wife, who runs the whole operation. It was a fabulous evening, with everybody who is anybody in Viennese show-business attending. “De-bunked the myth” again. This dealership, its owners and sales staff, radiated energy and optimism. These people will sell vehicles!
April 5 – Next morning, early, to Kaliningrad. This place hasn’t changed much since the Soviet days, except to suffer a bit more economically with the departure of the military. We were hosted by Avtotor and its principal, Vladimir Sherbakov, a fascinating former close ally of Gorbachev, a federal minister of the USSR, and actually Prime Minister for three days during the putsch. He is a brilliant entrepreneur who assembles H2s, Tahoes, and Escalades and has just opened a new plant for H3, which I was asked to inaugurate. Gave the “don’t believe the reports of our imminent death” speech again. The H3 was well-received by the media, and all felt our “official” volume of 300 H3s a year was too low by an order of magnitude. Then, a long dinner with Sherbakov and the two teams, many toasts involving drained vodka glasses. To bed at 1:30 AM.
April 6 – Up at 5:45 AM, surprise, surprise, wasn’t feeling all that well. We slept more on the plane. St. Petersburg was next, where we met with powerful and highly influential Gov. Valentina Matvienko. Later, we had a long dinner with Mikhail Oseevsky, Vice Governor of St. Petersburg, 6′5″, well-tailored, looks like our Chairman’s younger brother. Fine dinner, many toasts, in bed at 2 AM.
April 7 – Up at 5:45 AM again, feeling remarkably similar to yesterday. We conducted some business and were off to Moscow where we met with our team and a group of dealers. The mood is generally upbeat, but competition is fierce. Gave the “Don’t believe our obituary” speech to the GM Russia employees, outlined our strategy, told them the best was yet to come. They are a motivated, excellent group that is experiencing such fast growth, especially in the hinterlands, that they could probably use some relief.
Then, a long dinner with the senior GM team and Andy Somers, who heads the AmCham and who had invited some CEOs of U.S. and other western companies (Wrigley, John Deere, BP, Boeing) to answer questions and generally brief me. This was followed by a long dinner with many toasts and several cigars. To bed at 2:30.
April 8 – Up at 6AM for the airport. Lack of energy was manifest among our group. Somewhat unsurprisingly, we slept a lot in the airplane. All in all, a fascinating, highly educational and productive trip for me.
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Dear Mr. Lutz,
What is NOT a myth is that the Escalade has fake wood in it. I was holding out hope that Cadillac would lead change at GM, but now I am disappointed. GM is always cheap where they really need to step up. You have go tot take th eplunge, absorb the extra $1,000 and put in real wood. For a vehicle at that price, this is inexcusable. Even the lowest of the low BMWs/Mercedes-Benzes all have real wood trim Why does Cadillac have to cut corners? Just as you begin to leave the hard plastic behind, I fear you’ll replace it with fake wood all over.
Mr. Lutz, DO NOT cut corners! You have GOT to blow the competition out of the water with a no-compromise policy on your interior materials and quality.
By the way, the interior design is great otherwise. It is miles beyond the last generation. I just wish you’d gone the extra mile.
I still have faith in you, I just can’t stand the thoguht that GM is going back to its old character–splashy performance that doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Many of us were sceptics before because such behavior was rampant at GM. It must stop:
1. BAN the hard/black plastic.
2. Use real wood.
3. Don’t skimp on features (Bluetooth? Rear-View Camera? Active Noise Cancellation?)
4. Wrap the dash in leather.
P.S. I just love the CTS’s Palm Treo to navigation address beaming. That’s what I’m talking about!
Hi Bob,
That sleep deprivation can do a number on one. Make sure and catch up once you can.
Do you think the MSM will print any of your summary of this great trip? I think not! And I don’t think it would fit too neatly next to the columns stating GM is going bankrupt.
Glad to hear it! Would love for Russia and Europe to get the Camaro Aero and next GTO as well as CTS and Caddy line. I do wonder if production will keep up with Demand for Solstice. My supervisor was interested in looking at one but because of demand dealer mark up and limited production he probably will end up with a used miata. I know Markup works well for Mustang but Solstice isnt anywhere near Mustang production numbers. Also I do wonder why you put the stick shift in the dash of the concept Prevue Saturn. Honda did this with the Civic Si and very few liked it. They had to change it back. Pretty cool but Enclave seams more my style. Thanks for bringing style and cool back to GM!
you better get your rest… but really i like your enthusiasm in your recent speaches…
“Wall Street is all wrong, vice chairman says; Chapter 11 bankruptcy is ‘out of the question.’”
“Most of the analysts living in New York don’t even own cars, and have never even visited one of our dealerships,” he said.
“Soon, all will be revealed to you,” Lutz told reporters. “And the last skeptic in America will be convinced that we are well on the way to recovery. GM has its best days ahead of it.”
Taking on Wall Street analysts, the media and even President Bush, Mr. Lutz accused G.M.’s critics of having a “herd mentality” and overlooking significant steps the company has taken toward financial stability.
- this topic needs to be pushed on some more… i believe you should give it at least 4-5 days before you push on the envelope some more(time for things to settle in instead of bombardments), but the perception of GM needs to change…
Also, I’m sure this is a sore subject for you… but why is it that GM, an American revolution, doesn’t have ‘Americans Best Warranty’? if its Americans Number one brand…
ohh one more thing…
on MSN this week, they posted the week in pictures, a normal thing they do… but one of the pictures they posted was that of a Hurricane or tornado, I’m not quite sure, but you can prominently see a black avalanche sitting there looking at the weather… it looked like a great commercial about how civilized (responsible) and rugged the avalanche could be, or even symbolic about the vortec motor…
Dear Mr. Lutz,
How about telling us how proud you are that you are opening new plants in the USA, instead of Europe, Mexico, Brazil, or China? How about employing more Americans, rather than less? How about buying more US sourced goods, not more foreign made products? How about, what is wrong with this picture?
If I recall this BLOG was started to be about the USA market and American car history yet all you seem to write about is GLOBAL market and how GM is hiring all kinds of people outside the USA
I am not interested in any Amrerican carmaker who is more loyal to those outside of my home country so frankly I can care less what your non American models using non American parts and workers are for I will not buy them.
I do have an interest in why at least 12 new Z06 Corvettes I know of have crashed and were totalled out, is it a design flaw or the wrong type of people buying them ?
Bob, why do you insist on putting fake wood in your cars? I was dismayed to see the boatload of fake wood in the Aura, as were most people looking forward to the production of this car.
I suggest you get rid of the fake wood and make it an option only, pronto!
And the front of the Aura has been Chevy-ized by not using the black mesh grill and instead using black horizontal bars, which make the car look boring. Please fix this!
Just a sample of comments in this link, you can read more at http://www.saturnfans.com
Almost everyone is upset with the fake wood in the Aura, and the dumbed down look of the base model’s interior.
You are supposed to be stepping up, not back. Take a look at the 2007 Camry interior and tell us which you think looks better.
in addition to the Outlook, Saturn also unveiled its new bread-and-butter mainstream sedan, the Aura. The L-Series replacement has successfully kept most of the cues from the concept vehicle that turned heads last season. That said, in-the-metal, we have to say we were collectively a little underwhelmed (both within the Autoblog ranks and out into the wider press corps). The problem? Along the bodysides, Saturn has reigned-in a lot of the visual aggressiveness along the bottom edge of the doors. What’s more, up front the bumper cap is simply more timid, with plain horizontal elements replacing a honeycomb pattern, made markedly less pugnacious around the end vents (in the fog lamp area). Out back, the situation is much the same, with the concept’s characterful center-exit exhausts ashcanned in favor of undistinguished outlets on each end.
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/13/new-york-auto-show-saturn-aura-in-the-metal/
Just thought of bringing to your notice…GM been present in India for last 10 years n all it could manage is a meagre 3 percent market share,last year its sales was around 30000 out of about total 1 million vehicles sold.Its unbelievable sometimes that GM is unable to compete with some local car manufacturers like maruti(more than 50% market share) n tata motors(17% market share). India’s car market going to grow manifold in coming years with the economy booming here and with its huge middle class population(350 million).Though GM’s latest launch Chevrolet Aveo has been well received here n would surely gonna increase its volumes.But when more than 1 out of 3 car buyers here makes their decision from the website, I fail to understand why is GM India’s website in such pathetic condition(worst compared to any manufacturer here).
http://www.gm.co.in
in continuation to my previous comment…just have a look at ford india’s n hyundai india’s website also n see where GM’s website stands!!!!!
http://www.india.ford.com
http://www.hyundai.co.in
i sincerely feel that something needs to be done here, the front page donot give the feel to the customer that they r viewing the website of the largest automaker in the world…chevrolet optra is very poorly projected without any 3-D views, photos etc…
This message neednot be published but only for the sake of bringing to yr notice.
thanks
Hi Bob,
Great to see GM with good looking cars again. Great Looks is what makes people passionate about your product. Good quality and long warenty make people trust the purchase of the product, but great looks brings them into the showroom. All the products introduced at the auto shows this year have been great looking and this will turn GM around. Your on the right road, keep up the good work
Bob,
Some months back, after the Solstice arrival, some automotive critic was interviewed on the radio (NPR). While he had nothing negative to say about the car itself, he did claim that the Solstice is largely handbuilt, Bob Lutz’s personal ego trip, and GM would lose money on every one. Any truth in this? While you and GM are certainly entitled to a halo vehicle, I would feel more reassured about the company’s future if it were not – I’ve always assumed that the Miata is made on a assembly line just like the 3 and 6, and Mazda makes a little money on each one.
Mr. Lutz, the Kia Sorento is upgraded with 3.8L (262hp), Toyota Rav4 with 3.5L (269hp), Suzuki XL7 with 3.6L (260hp), Mazda CX9 with 3.5L (250hp), Mitsubishi Outlander with 3.0L (220hp), Saturn Vue with 3.5L (250hp). But for the Equinox and the Torrent only the rear spoiler and accesories will be upgraded? The engine is still the the most sophisticated pushrod 3.4L (China-made, with questionable gas mileage) which is capable of producing 185hp only!
Great Speech Bob! Way to set all those Chicken Littles straight!
Here’s another example of GM setting yet another Chicken Little straight:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-letters16.2apr16,1,3380296.story?coll=la-headlines-business
My dad used to call it
OPERATION EDUCATION!!!
Well it’s nice to hear GM is communicating its successes, laying down the cornerstones for its international growth, ambition and vision. That it is sharing its dreams and prospects here and abroad with the theme “We are not dead, no, the best is yet to come.” How appropriate this resurrection Sunday!!!
Now here is how the resurrection is going to happen. First, we dream, because a dream is the halfway point to reality. We ask what if… What if, we launch the Holden FJ Efigy in the US as a Buick Wildcat and then use that design as a guide to recapture Buick’s heritage? Why am I pressing you on this. Okay…
OPERATION FIRST BORN
BUICK SCHOOL 101
Buick was the #1 automaker in the 20’s and it built GM. It was not until the 50’s when ALL cars started looking like Buick, especially the ‘57 Chevy that Chevy and Ford sold more cars than Buick. The near death of Buick was finally seen when Buick started looking like everybody else. Here is the problem, when you look like everybody else you loose your heritage.
Now follow this analogy. I own a diamond mine in South Africa. All the way in the USA I hear some companies have discovered how to make diamonds called cubic zirconias. “Oh know my diamonds are going to be worthless.” Well no they won’t, you don’t make rocks yours are the diamonds.
In the same way GM, get out of the car business, you have got to be in the brand making business. You don’t make cubic zirconias you make diamonds, they are called Buicks and Pontiacs and ‘57 Chevys. They are known the world over and you need to discover their priceless nature.
One day in the future when it’s Buick’s turn I can’t wait till you bring that Efigy (which you said you will do) and have other Buick concepts like a true to production (resurrected) Buick 8 that will leave the world just breathless and then you say…
“No more faux Buicks.”
We got 900 other companies and brands that make cars, only GM can make a Buick.
I hope this is the resurrection you were talking about? They will be the best days yet for GM because those rocks you buried and rediscovered have turned into diamonds. You know what I believe everything you say, not just because you are a man of intergity but because I already see it.
GM you have it in you, all you need is some good prospectors. While we wait those diamonds are becoming only more valuable.
Happy Easter GM!!!
Bob,
Why can’t products like the Opel Tigra TwinTop (http://www.europe.opel.com/brand_sites/tigra/launch/main.html) be sold in the US? Does GM think Americans are too fat? My money would fly out of my wallet for a Tigra to commute in! Make mine a Sport with the 1.8 ECOTEC (Silver\Black).
Bob,
You guys are doing great – considering all the things you have to overcome. Keep giving the performance division things to do. Cadillac has led you out of the darkness and it’s time to give some of that spirit to the other divisions. Nothing else will save GM except exciting cars.
I just picked up an STS-V yesterday (turned in the second 5 series that I’ve had in the past 8 years) and I’m pretty happy. I haven’t had as much fun powering a sedan around the freeway as well…since I had my first car (a 71 Olds 88 with a 455 Rocket V8 – thanks mom).
Bottom line is that it’s going to be the cars that save GM and not the refinanced this or that or the deal with the UAW.
Global business travel. Isn’t it exciting and glamourous?
Long term investment in building the business globally is, of course, the smart move. No one at home will see that because they are still being swayed daily by the promise of a production stoppage, courtesy of ‘Brand B’. Nevermind, SGM is doing well and I suspect that the India operations are only a few years behind.
Here’s a suggestions, though. Get partnered with the folks that are going ‘bio’ and get some energy supply infrastructure going at the same time as you expand the energy consumption. The ‘rest’ of the world are going to want to drive those cool new Tahoe’s and H3’s you are having put together over there.
As for the nay sayers, who cares about fake wood? That’s just a minor refresh away, if the market decides it is offended.
$0.02 on an Easter Monday….
When you have great vehicles, the vehicles will sell themselves. You can put out shoddy vehicles and then build web sites around them, preaching to the choir.
Keep talking Mr Lutz, but it won’t solve GM problems. You need good looking cars and reliable. Do something about waiting 3-4 years to fix design flaws. This is coming from a GM customer that has bought 3 new GM cars and trucks since 1999. I have just about lost patient with GM quality, not sure my next new car will be GM.
Bob . . ,
Why is it that on almost every Car Magazine comparison / Car Magazine review / print ad / commerical, that the interior of the GM vehicle of dark materials? When in a comparison article the others are, for the most part, light materials which give them a less “stogy” appearance and an “up-level” feel. I would think every vehicle interior photo would be of light materials to take advantage of the Aesthetics that the light colors give. This is Marketing 101 in every car manufacturer except GM.
Bob, Thanks for your hard work. Just keep the Been Counters away! If you could just shorten the intro times of the cars you speak of, the turnaround would be much faster! Please bring the Camaro’s body to market un-bastardized from the concept. I want one and will buy one when it’s available as long as the V8 has decent milage. I enjoyed the “preview” of the new CTS on 60 mins. (didn’t see the show, saw it online)Also, how ’bout some Piano Black inside the Aura… Thanks again, keep up the good work!
Dear Mr. Lutz,
I checked out the products at the NYC Auto Show: my chance to see what you’ve been striving to achieve. To start, Alfred Sloan wouldn’t believe how fragmented the auto market (and this is just for new cars!) has become. Of course it’s segmented by socio-economic factors, but also by the number of kids in the family, psycho graphics, power plants and political orientation- you name it. The real question is which of these markets justify the investments and how many common elements can you spread over as many of the markets as possible. Tough job.
Pontiac, Saturn, and Chevy drew interest from the crowds, especially the new Solstice, Skye Red Line and Camaro concept, which can expect competition from Dodge’s renewed Charger and perhaps Ford’s Mustangs. The Japanese entries don’t have this kind of design tradition to revert to, so they’re working energy price concerns-$70 per barrel today.
Two issues: what’s with the Buick Terraza? It’s price, mileage, and other numbers just don’t add up as an attractive consumer proposition. Next, could one of the engineers at Chevy take a look at the seats in the Uplander? Nice vehicle, but the seats don’t fold into the floor and the swivel seats in the center are way over engineered. If Grandpa is that incapicitated, a passive restraint system for the wheel chair is a better idea.
Welcome back.
I’ll buy a GM, when the fuel cell model hits the streets. That would increase the size of the choir. Design flaws aren’t a big deal. $3.00- $4.00 a gallon gas is going to kill sales, no matter how well designed it is. Designing vehicles and not building them and then losing sales and billions of dollars will cost GM. Perhaps it will cost you everything. You better roll with some advanced technology under the hood. Low MPG SUV’s aren’t going to be real popular, no matter what sort of sales BS you cook up.
Forget about these union hacks wrtiting in to complain about “foreign cars”. You focus on making GM cars the best there are. That means upgrading your interiors (hard plastic goes away–even the Civic’s dash is soft) and features (you still seem to be afraid of telescoping steering wheels).
Caddy has a long, long way to go in that regard–as does Pontiac.
So what do you say?
When the CTS comes out I would love to see these features in it:
- LED Tailights
- Push Button start & Advanced Key Technology
- Bluetooth
- More chrome
- The interior revamped 85% with more leather and much less plastic and nice wood not too much but enough (steering wheel, center console, and the middle console)
- Nicer rims in the options along with spoiler and other interior and exterior features
- Definetley AWD which should be coming in it
- Auto-leveling headlights and heads up display
- A few extra horses would be nice
Hoping to see in the 08 CTS–
I’d like to see a Sport chrome, aluminum brush trim version and a wood Luxury version like Infiniti does, I believe with there M line of cars.
6 speed auto/manual
Tap-Shift capability
soft touch high quality low gloss looking plastic
awd model, coupe model, vert
more standard hp 235ish in the 2.8;310ish in the 3.6L;500ish in the V.
rain sensing windshield wipers, heated winter ones also
one touch up down windows ALL AROUND
telescoping AND adjustable steering wheel (3 spoke in sport 5 spoke in lux) heated and cooled steering wheel and seats
dual climate control front and back
lights for each passenger minus the middle back.
17 aluminum rims standard 18s 19s optional
…things like this will put cadillac back on top. I venture to say that MOST ppl would rather spend 500-1500$ more (lux buyers that is) on their car for most of these items if they were standard on the car or at least offered as an option. To not offer it as an option is to show that you are tech. inferior by most ppl. imo.
Dear Mr. Lutz,
This is what I am hoping to see in the 08 CTS:
–Suede or leather headliner. No rat fur.
–Adjustable reading lights.
–Bigger touchscreen nav that is not encased in plastic. Less “corporate”, more CTS-only style.
–More wood that flows (not slapped-on like the CTS and STS).
–Real wood only.
–Wireless sound for all passengers.
–Individual radio controls for the back passengers (if not CD).
–Heated/cooled cupholders and glove box.
–Clean design with a point of view that says CTS (sort of like the XLR does, but with more wood and leather).
–Bluetooth standard.
–Satellite radio standard.
–Manumatic on console and wheel.
–I agree, the e-brake should be on the console and it should have a start button.
–Electric doors like the Corvette and XLR.
Then I may really consider buying one.
Dear Mr. Lutz,
I would buy the 08 CTS if it did two of the following (besides upgrading interior and standard features):
–Lose 200 lbs.
(This car is too heavy. Bump up horsepower to 245+ in the smaller V-6 and 300+ in the larger V-6. Remember direct injection, Displacement on Demand and a 6+ speed manumatic that is smoother than the Aisin)
–50-50 weight distribution. No explanation needed.
Dear Mr. Lutz,
MUST be Standard (ie – GM has no excuse not to put these in CTS):
* Push button start
* Memory seating
* Real E-brake
* Real wood
* High-grade plastic or composite dash
* Unique-to-Cadillac switchgear
* 6-spd Auto w/ manumatic option
* Integrated center stack
* Lights in glovebox, trunk, rear seats
* Touchscreen Nav/Info Display system
* Power tilt/telescope wheel
* Unique to Cadillac steering wheel
* Front, Head, Torso, side impact airbags
* QuietSteel
* RainSense
* Heated Washer fluid
* LED taillights
* Bluetooth
* Heated/cooled seats in front
* Adaptive headlights with Intellibeam
* iPod connectivity
MUST at least be an option or part of a package:
* Higher quality brushed aluminum or stainless steel
* Heated/Cooled seats in rear
* Tri/Quad Zone climate control
* Audio controls for rear passengers
* Adaptive cruise control
* Sport Appearance package
Engine lineup should be
Base: 3.2L HF @ 245
Mid: 3.6L HF @ 310
Sport: 3.6L HF @ 360
V: 5.7L V8 @500+
Dear Bob,
How about Active Noise Cancellation? It would make the Cadillacs and Buicks much quieter at low cost, and blow the mags out of the water.
John
GM uses the same center stacks/radio unit in a multitude of models, whereas the Avalon shares no (noticeable, like the center-stack) interior parts with any Toyota or Lexus. The entire design, including the steering wheel, flows, and everything is integrated into the design of the interior. It shows that a lot of thought and attention to detail went into the design of the interior of the car.
You can probably find the same center stack that the Lucerne has in an Impala or a G6 or the upcoming Aura, albeit probably with a different backlight to make them look “different”. It shows that much of the interior was an afterthought. They don’t design the interior with everything in mind, they leave a huge gap in it for their parts-bin center stack that every gm vehicle has. It looks awful and shows no attention to detail.
Product, product, product?
No. Deatail, detail, detail.
Hire Chip Foose already and give him his own brand that will revitalize GM. Replace Buick with Foose brand.
All agree start a petition!!
Mr. Lutz,
Great job! Some great speeches too in the last month or so. But although they may still be titled ‘Debunking the Myth’, they don’t always have to be about GM’s un-imminent bankruptcy. They can and should be about Toyota’s ‘Green Image’ and the actual consumption-mileage facts about Hybrids.
They can also be about Cadillac’s recently won 1st place on Autobytel’s ‘Greatest Cars for Winter Driving’ – check out : http://www.autobytel.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_page_order_int/2/article_id_int/925
It says clearly, ‘But the STS isn’t just for folks living in The Great White North. This is a fine luxury sedan regardless of climate, comfortable, powerful, stylish, and refined. It might not have the athletic moves of a BMW or exude the quality of a Lexus, but when it’s 10 below zero and the STS is warming itself up in the driveway while you triple layer your clothes and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa, you’re not gonna care.’
Your STS has simply won the fight outright. Bad part?? People don’t know about it!!
Chris above, says that use of dark materials ain’t good, that you guys should use lighter colored materials – advise him to check the √úber saloons from Germany. Infact the light (& multi-)colored G-Klasse has been roundly criticised for interior design flavor.
Last, but not the least – the Camaro concept proved that you are attuned to the needs of fans everywhere and that you do review the posts on this blog. So, as per a million wishes and mine, on this blog – get REAL wood onto the Caddy’s.
Dear Mr. L.:
I am so happy to see that, finally, even the GM-haters have positive reactions. I follow Autoblog.com, and I want you to hear this comments:
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/18/is-the-opel-astra-the-next-saturn-ion/#comments
I find it hard to believe enough Germans would buy a Hummer to make it profitable to sell them there. I’ve been to Germany. They don’t have parking spaces that big.
Hello Bob,
There’s a commercial playing on the east coast comparing the new Buick Lacrosse to the Acura TL, Infiniti G35 and Lexus ES350. ARE YOU FOR REAL!!!!????? A Big doofy Lacrosse with a 4-speed Automatic in this day and age up against those cars!!!!!!????? All the heated Windshield Washer fluid in the world can’t overlook this glaring goof.
And then you wonder why people are not buying GM cars.
There’s a protocol of holding up the ‘good face’ that you have to follow when speaking about GM and it’s products. But can we be real when a product just doesn’t cut it?
All the talk in the world can’t change GM culture, actions do.
What’s so irksome is that GM is still playing around with the buying public, producing inferior products.
The last thing we need from GM is frou-frou like this:
“‘But the STS isn’t just for folks living in The Great White North. This is a fine luxury sedan regardless of climate, comfortable, powerful, stylish, and refined. It might not have the athletic moves of a BMW or exude the quality of a Lexus, but when it’s 10 below zero and the STS is warming itself up in the driveway while you triple layer your clothes and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa, you’re not gonna care.”
We want Cadillac to win. If there is no hype about you, no amount of “spin” will save you.
Make REAL winners and gain REAL praise–not “fluff’ about “hot chocolate” or “warm coffee in the driveway” or whatever it is that you said.
This is not a PR offensive; it is a PRODUCT offensive–and as long as the STS is heavier, has a rat-fur headliner, hard plastic dash and console, slap-dash wood application, no power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, no heated washer fluid, no rain sensing wipers and tother such standard items in the competition’s cars, they will continue to have to rely on such dishonest and ultimately unhelpful reviews to “win”.
Real wood costs real money. C’mon folks, GM is not going to spend one cent more than they think they can get away with. Most people don’t care and continue to buy GM anyway because they always have. GM depends on “Joe six-pack” to continue to buy their cars. Ever wonder why GM doesn’t do so well on the West Coast, or in other affluent areas? It’s because people who can afford better cars don’t waste their money on GM.
Here’s a cost reduction idea Bob – stop wasting your money on those GM badges. You have zero brand equity so what exactly are you trying to advertise? Better to spend the money inside to continue to upgrade the cheap plastics, or better still use the savings and buy Bo a one way ticket back to Sweden.
Great that your responding to the media ect.Also great that your teaming up with companies to make E85 more available.Since all the speculation is on how HIGH fuel prices will grow why not throw in some BIG numbers as far as Ethanol production goes.Making some kind of announcement that within 5-6 years your joint venture could very well power HALF of americas cars will show your not standing pat.Idea of the day?Why not put a present in every new car and truck you sell.Alittle box with coffee cubs,E85 towel,E85 Bumper stickers,Sunglasses,Watch,flashlight,pens,and gift certificate to the movies or restaurant just to say a BIG THANK YOU!Also noticed on your web site how your looking for people in powertrain (hybrids) ect.Shows like American Idol have shown Ya theres alot of coal out there but every now and then you hit a diamond.Heck even the military got involved not to long ago in making there own event in something with robotic vechiles dont know how well they did with that but you could ask and maybe start your own EVENT were you could award a prize to someone with the best hybrid system,AFM system,Making Ethanol ect.Well Gotta Go!!Good Luck!!!
Some things I’d like to see on the new STS:
Standard:
-Aluminum frame
-LED Taillights
-Push button start and advanced key technology
-Bluetooth
-All-new, high-quality interior
-Nicer 18″ wheels
-Swival headlights
-3.6 – 330+ HP
-V8 (what size?) – 380+ HP
-7 speed manumatic w/ steering wheel controls
-6 speed manual
-RainSense rain sensing wipers
-Coupe version (ETC? STC?)
-One-touch up/down all windows
-Power TELESCOPING/tilt steering wheels
-Power 12-way seats + power lumbar support
-12 airbags (4 side, 4 window, 2 front, 2 frontal rear)
-Heated windshield cleaner
-Heated outside mirrors
-Autodimming mirrors
-Power adj. pedals
-Real hand E-brake (NOT foot)
-Integrated iPod dock
-Larger door pockets
-Larger/stronger brakes
-Adjustable front and rear reading lights
-Heated/cooled cupholders (front and rear)
-Lose a couple hundred pounds
-Noise Cancellation technology
-Remote start
-Trunk lid that opens ALL the way when button is pushed
-Heated/cooled seats
-Memory settings for upto 2 drivers and 3 front passengers (radio, seating, pedals, steering wheel)
-Stabilitrak + TC that can be completely disabled or turned down to be less intrusive
-Power outside folding mirrors
-Self-leveling headlights
-Homelink
-Heads Up Display
-Touch screen infotainment system that can control most things (simple, unlike iDrive’s “mouse”)
Optional:
-AWD option
-Different wheels
-Quad climate control
-Touch-screen DVD-Nav-Infotainment center
-Adjustable suspension
-More speakers
-1 subwoofer
-Rear seat radio controls
-Rear-seat 8″ screens (DVD)
-Reclinable rear seats
-Passenger massaging seats
Riley – I wonder if you ever even sat in an STS? Or or you just going through some product specs? The STS already has AWD as an option and many other features that you mentioned as well including something like 20 Bose speakers and a 12″ subwoofer.
If GM stopped skimping on the features that are already there, it could be a great car and truly world class. The problem is the GM buying group seems to only have one goal in mind – reduce cost and damn the customer. And they cry about losing market share – they only have themselves to blame.
would not “real” wood be dangerous inside a car in a accident? the way wood splinters with all those sharp edges it could put out someones eye. i can see the lawyers sharpening their penciles.
they say if you took every bushel of corn produced in the USA it would make enought E85 to last only 1 to 2 months
Just came from New York Auto Show. Do yourself a big favor
and CHANGE THE RIMS ON THE AURA IMMEDIATELY. IMMEDIATELY. IMMEDIATELY.
All the other GM cars have more beautiful rims, even boring Buicks! But the Aura’s look like they come from Costco and they cheapen the car and seem to argue with sheet metal somehow. RENT ME RENT ME RENT ME. It’s like that awful Chrysler Sebring! NOT LIKE a great European sedan.
That dull gray car needs to be replaced with a silver one at future shows IMMEDIATEDLY. IMMEDIATELY. IMMEDIATELY.
And also, that ultra cheap 90s Chrysler ‘wood’ trim needs to be banished IMMEDIATELY for something that coordinates better. It doesn’t work at all in the base car, and argues with the European idiom the car supposedly exudes. The Outlook is so much better coordinated. Is the Aura’s interior designer colorblind
because this is not at all as good as we expected after seeing the concept! The earlier comment was right in that your overuse of the same steering wheel and center stack dulls brand identity.
Cut the incentives even more so you can make the brand’s identities even stronger. The innards of the wheels and stacks can be identical, but The shapes must vary by brand.
One more thing. The front and rear bumper caps had better MATCH BODYCOLOR PERFECTLY AND MEET THE SHEET METAL PERFECTLY. MEET THE SHEET METAL PERFECTLY. MEET THE SHEET METAL PERFECTLY. MEET THE SHEET METAL PERFECTLY.
DO YOU GET ME? 40,000 people a year are rejecting the Cobalt because one glance tells them GM doesn’t understand or care about fit and finish due to OBVIOUS MISMATCHES WHERE BUMPER MEETS FENDER. It looks like the car had a 4 mph accident before leaving the factory!
DON’T ALLOW THIS ON THE AURA. ORDER BETTER RIMS, BETTER INTERIOR ‘WOOD’, AND GET TO THE FACTORY TO PERSONALLY INSURE EXACTING BUMPER COLOR AND FIT. Bring an Audi along for comparison!
IMMEDIATELY!!!!
We are in a global economy? Then GM should export to Japan where the yen is so strong vs. the dollar.
Build the Nomad concept. You have the platform, plant, capacity and the 260hp turbo engine. Just build it as a no excuses sports car. Simple, light with fast reflexes.It will become a cult classic. I would however like to see how it looks with some big fender flares.
Good comments Mr. Lutz. Just took a look at the Buick Lucerne, very nice. GM is beginning the long road back to being competitive and it beginning to bother some of the Toyota/Lexis fever swamp denizens.
Hey Randy, I think I would rather spend my “affluence” on a Corvette, Lucerne, etc. But then again I am probably not as smart as you all are out on the West Coast (or East Coast).What hubris! (You might have to look it up, but maybe not since you live on the “Coast”.)
“Joe Sixpack”
Riley you crack me up! It looks like you’re describing a real luxury car like a BMW or Mercedes. Remember this is GM’s blog. GM builds cheap cars. The same buyer mentality for Pontiac or Saturn applies to Cadillac. CHEAP. There isn’t a different buying group that actually cares about the end result for Cadillac. These beancounters make their bonus money to find stuff cheap, and it doesn’t seem to matter that the end product doesn’t sell as long as it’s cheaper than before. Looking better is good, but underneath the surface – guaranteed cheaper or the part doesn’t get used. It’s what they call “perceived quality”. This is the only way that GM knows how to conduct their business and it is driven from the top down. It started with Lopez and continues on with Anderssson. Until the mentality or leadership changes at the top, don’t expect any better.
The real question is:
Will this car measure up to its competition in terms of features?
Power tilt/telescoping steering wheels perhaps?
Reverse tilt outside mirrors?
Auto-dimming outside mirrors?
Heated/Ventilated passenger/driver seats?
10-way driver seats?
Lumbar support?
Speed-proportional powers steering?
Cruise control and paddle shifters on the steering wheel?
Rear power outlets?
Interior air filtration?
Cooled glovebox? (doesn’t the Dodge Caliber have one of these?)
Standard driver memory (seats, steering wheel etc)?
External temperature?
Trip computer?
Braking assist?
Standard stability control?
MP3?
More than the measly 7 speakers? Competitors have at least twice as much.
All from Edmunds car comparisons between Lexus, BMW, Mercedes and Cadillac. Cadillac lacks all these features. In a few cases, Caddy is “behind” (i.e. what should be standard is “optional” or “limited”)
Hello Mr. Lutz,
When President Bush made those ill-advised comments, I sent an email to the white house asking W. to check the logo on the grille of his limousine and ask himself if he considers that car to be relevant.
It doesn’t matter if GM makes a superior product. GM couldn’t advertise and sell the Hope Diamond if they had it for sale.
Look at how they advertize their premium brand; Cadillac.
They show cars zooming by etc.
That has its place, but people will really be wowed if you show them WHY a car is a luxury car.
For example, the new Lucerne commercial with the heated washer fluid. That shows luxury: attention to DETAIL, DETAIL, DETAIL.
Of course it won’t work if you have NO features at ALL (cough! cough!).
What class-exclusive features do you have on the CTS? STS?
(cough! cough!)
Sadly, both are lacking in features as BASIC as a power tilt/TELESCOPING steering wheel.
When Cadillac begins to obsess about–and advertise– features such as DIMPLED UNDERBODIES, Active Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth connectivity, FOUR-zone climate control that is sensitive to outside temperature changes, electrochromic tint on windows, swivelling headlamps, solar-powered fans to cool the car and engine in the summer and on and on, then People will be convinced that you are a luuxury marque. It’s all in the details.
So advertise! Advertise the details. Convince people that you care enough about luxury to include;
–back-up cameras in your vehicles
–Security lighting
–reclining rear seats
–speed-variable sound system
–the best suspension in the world
–The best, voice-activated nav., with restaurant and more importantly–traffic avoidance features
–an automatic-open trunk
Use it to your advantage. You can talk about safety features in the same way.
Talk about x.x liter v8s is all well and good, but gets muddly really quickly. The ads that REALLY stand out are the ones where they crash a Mercedes-Benz and tell me why it’s so safe. the ones where they flip a Lexus LS430 over to show me how they honed the underside to reduce drag and wind noise. The ads where they make a tower of champagne glasses on the hood of a car and show how the smooth ride doesn’t topple it. THOSE ads, make a difference.
P.S. The same goes for fine detailing. Showing a majestic Zebrano tree in the Serengeti and mentioning in a sultry voice how it copiously swathes every Cadillac (right Mr. Lutz? Right?) or how the Scandinavian leather you choose comes from cows with the fewest bug-bites and adorns the dashboard in yards (right Mr. Lutz? Right?). That is advertising.
Ad suggestion:
“Hello”
“I sample the air every 5 seconds to ______”
“I can see the glare of the sun really hurts your eyes so I darken the window on the right side to ______”
“I am a Cadillac STS”
Mr. Lutz,
I am certain that with your vision for new products, GM will eventually turn the corner. That being said, I’ve never been too excited about the past product offerings that GM had produced. My views (and hopefully the views of most of the car buying public) are gradually changing. It looks as though the rest of GM is finally sharing your vision of offering “exciting” vehicles. I just “happened” to come across the GM presentation of your product line and was delighted by what I saw. The Saturn Preview concept is definitely something that I would like to see in the showroom. Also the Pontiac G6 GTP and the convertible hardtop version pique my interest in GM vehicles.
Keep up the excellent work
Mr. Lutz,
Pay no attention to the fake wood complaints! All “wood” in cars is just a paper thin veneer and by the time it has 6 coats of polyurethane on it, there’s no difference between real and fake.
GM can export to Japan but they will need to put the steering wheel on the right side of the car
I am exactly with the last commenter. Being a native of a southeast Asian country with right hand drive, I look forward to being able to drive a Corvette on the road.
I personally think that GM has too many brands, too many models whereas the Japanese and European brands have a far more consistent global image. For example, having overlapping products between say Pontiac (G5) and Chevy (Cobalt), having both the Sky and the Solstice. And Saturn is evolving into American Opel which is good, but perhaps there should only be one brand and combining Holden.
American vehicles should be American, just as the Asians and Europeans have evolved their own distinctive styles and engineering.
I’m happy to observe that GM seems to have been on the right track with its consolidation around the world, but much more still needs to be done.
As a Corvette fan, I would love to see the Corvette develop into its own distinctive line to match Porsche globally.
Just a note to those not American to buy made in America. I am not a union member, never have been, nor has anyone in my family been one as far as I know. Buying made in America makes sense to keep jobs here rather than send the jobs overseas. Just, again for those who have blinders, and think made in Euro/Asia/Indo-Asian subcontinent is better. I believe if you buy here, you keep the jobs here, duh.
Keep pounding the foreign ‘luxury’ cars, Buick and Cadillac have them beat. Keep debunking the import competition’s mythology.
The Buick Lucerne ads are working too. While the foreign competition offers fake gizmos, Buick Lucerne has features that matter like Quiet Steel, Magnetic Ride Control (as opposed to the low tech vertical bounce of the imports), OnStar, North Star V-8, the trusted fuel efficient 3.8 V-6, and better interior. When GM electronics were too much for them, critics once claimed they just wanted the basics for luxury, just car, now they are claiming they have “features.” Well, which is it for the critics? The trouble with the critics is they just need to get over it. Cadillac and Buick are the best in the world, real luxury.
The critics failed to read, Cadillac had more 2005 best
sellers in the top ten luxury vehicles, and sold them at a higher price. Since when is proof not enough? Import luxury buyers are looking for a bargin anyway, most of import sales are at their low end, and critics call that call that luxury and residual value? It shows that the critics are willing to say almost anything to avoid being wrong and to attack anything American. Shame on them.
That’s why GM should just start openly declaring GM’s better products with more ads like those of the Buick Lucerne.
Honda is running a new ad claiming to have “style” on the Accord, they must be self conscious about it!!! GM has them on the run, keep the Impalas rolling.
Came across this article in Automotive News today:
Toyota waves the (U.S.) flag
Automotive News / April 24, 2006 – 6:00 am
Toyota, which continues to gobble market share from domestic automakers, is boasting about its contributions to the good ol’ U.S.A. in a new advertising campaign.
The Japanese automaker has erected billboards in 24 U.S. markets, using numbers to point out Toyota’s investments here. One billboard reads: “10 – Speed limit in 1900. Toyota plants in U.S.” The ad campaign also includes radio spots and airport displays.
But not everyone is impressed.
“We’re not real happy about it,” Tony Currington, vice president of UAW Local 696 in Dayton, Ohio, told a Detroit newspaper. “As a result of us losing market share to the foreign imports, we’re losing American jobs.”
So go ahead Bob, have fun in China and Russia and keep the trip reports coming. Your competition is having a great time playing in your sandbox while you’re gone.
Cadillac, I LOVE my SRX. But ….
- How about directionals on the side view mirrors? A VERY important safety feature, just like the brake light on the rear view mirror, and present on other Cadillac models.
- How about a cargo net to hold items you don’t want to topple over?
- I had to purchase a special floor from Cadillac for the cargo area as all my belongings would slip and slide at the slightest provocation; a better surface would be nice.
- The gas door does not lock, not even with the car locked. Cadillac, come on.
- An additional visor, that is a second visor, on the drivers side, such as I had on my Oldsmobile Aurora, so that when on a twisty road you don’t have to keep moving the visor from the side to the front would spell wonderful.
- A heated steering wheel is nice in a luxury car on a cold morning.
- The driver information component, while chock full of information, requires you to go through each screen to see what you want to then get back to an earlier screen. For example, if I want to keep the time and temperature strip up, and then check the trip odometer or the gas mileage, to get back to the time and temperature strip I have to go through each tire’s pressure, the oil life, etc. for a total of about 17 screens. This should be adjustable to allow the features you want to show up and allow the rest to be hidden.
- The exterior colors are boring, truly just nothing of interest. You have black, no white except for white diamond which is extra, and then lots of “muddy” colors. Dull grays in 3 varieties, dark purple that is almost black, dark blue that is almost black, dull maroon, and 2 taupey colors. Cadillac, if you are marketing to a younger crowd, these colors just won’t do. GM has fabulous colors on other vehicles, often pick up trucks or lower end vehicles. Just because I wanted a luxury vehicle doesn’t mean I want stodgy and dull.
- The inside colors are no better. The choice is black, a muddy gray or a dull beige. A bit of zip and pizzaz would help here as well.
Fix the SRX interior, make it lose about 200 to 500+ pounds overall and bump up the V6 to 310HP and the V8 to 350 HP. BOTH should have displacement on demand.
Active noise cancellation and a standard (or $800 less) UltraView roof.
Remember–power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power lumbar control, one-touch up and down for all FOUR side windows and a non-skid, illuminated rocker panel that you can step on–if it’s going to be so wide.
Keep the Art and Science looks. I really like the taillights and the rear of the vehicle.
It’s the best small SUV out there. It doesn’t look like a wannabe wagon like the Subaru Forrester–it looks dignified.
Also, include a few options from the Escalade, like power folding rear and second-row seats. And what about a power tailgate?
More importantly, I hope it could come down inprice a little–maybe by $2000 to $5000.
Bob,
I just spoke with my cousin, who owns a small flower distribution business. She told me how fuel prices are hurting them. In the last few years they switched from all full size GM vans to 1/2 vans 1/2 Chrysler minivans, to conserve a little.
Given your minivan sales havent been spectacular, how about a hybrid and/or flexfuel version of them? A bet ALOT of small business America would consider them. Better get started!
Eric
p.s Good job on the earnings…its getting there!
Oh, to Jay Smith, who posted above, I respectfully submit to you to wake up and smell the (Guatemalan-imported, sold by Seattle) coffee. GM in the US is working to stem its constant decrease in market share. But in order for GM to be a survivor, let alone a thriver, it has to be global. And there are benefits.
1) GM is now the biggest seller of cars by any foreign maker in China. If they werent there, revenues and profits would go to VW, Toyota, Honda, and would make them stronger and stronger. Having a foreign presence does not dilute a company, it gives it stability and adaptability
2) Being global gives the company the ability to share (amortize) development costs for a product over more markets, and gives the ability to develop a good platform and put it to market. That Solstice everybody raves about? The project only happened because GM realizes it can sell them in Europe as an Opel. The 09 Camaro? Its getting the okay because Holden, its Aussie sub, is developing a car off the same model.
The notion that the competition is only in our sandbox is wrong. They are here, but Bob knows its good to go to their sandbox and kick some dirt around!
Mr.Lutz:
This is the first time i read your blog. I am from china. I have never write such kind of blog from the top level of auto corperation.How do you think of this blog? How do you deal with the critical comments? It seems impossible keep any critical information in the blog in China. Waiting for your feedback.
B.R.
Harry
Just so that all of your know that the wood trim on all Cadillac products is real wood. Don’t be mislead.
Just so you know. I am currently driving a 2006 STS4 and it has real wood interior, heated and cooled front and rear seats, bluetooth, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a killer display for the radio larger than any other I’ve seen on any competitors vehicle and the ride is extremely quiet until I pound the excelerator and then I hear the engine which isn’t a problem for me. I hear the same engine noise on the Acura TL and the Lexus ES300. I don’t know what some of you people are talking about other than it seems you just like to try to kick the big dog when he is down.
Eric,
You’ve unfortunately missed my point, as well as the point of the article. The foreign competition is strong in their home market and is gaining strength in the US at GM and Ford’s expense. While the US OEM’s downsize and concede defeat, the foreign OEM’s continue to grow.
Continuing to focus only on taking cost out is not going to bring customers back into the showrooms. Unfortunately, that’s the status quo and is the only way that GM knows how to conduct business. Ever wonder why so many suppliers here have gone bankrupt?
Bob,
GM enthusiasts are not surprised at the popularity of the Impala SS V-8 or the reported increase in GM’s new SUV’s, or the news report which claimed 25 percent of sales are V-8’s. We knew these things would happen even more than GM knew.
These sorts of indicators show what GM enthusiasts have been saying. GM can increase market share and have more profit. GM might be able to add future jobs and production, GM is already doing it with the Imala SS.
GM can do more. Where for example is the performance LaCrosse to leverage sales. That won’t cost, it will pay through increased awareness for Buick.
A yet smaller V-8 with a bit better economy would be even more popular with GM enthusiasts. Believe it, the sales are showing it.
GM is missing a ton of business in the sedan market. It seems like GM planners are narrowing their assortment to reduce cannibalizing sales and at the same time forgetting that the other car companies are swimming in sedan sales that rightfully should belong to GM, which has a history of the most beautifully styled sedans. Relying too much on truck sales caught GM by surprise in the current economic climate. Truck buyers are suffering more in this economy while luxury sedan buyers have lots of money as professionals. GM should be targeting luxury sedan buyers.
GM ought to own the sedan market and the coupe market for that matter. Alternative styling lures new customers away from other brands. If you want some history, just look what happened to the 1980’s Cutlass Supreme customer, GM sold millions of those. The off the wall style change in 1988 was all wrong and it drove them away, then GM overpriced the Trofeo, which appealed to the Cutlass buyer and the rest is history.
GM can get it right. You don’t hear your base telling you how to build cars, we like the way you do that. Its all about the styling and the engine choices that keep us waiting for the next great GM product. GM ought to have two current styles for the DTS, not just one. Take business away from the foreign competition and increase capacity utilization at the same time with alternatively styled sedans. GM did it with the Lucerne, why not do it again with a second DTS style for Cadillac. GM enthusiast wouldn’t touch a Honda or a Toyota, we think they are terrible cars. We just want more cars like the Lucerne and the Impala SS to choose from. Two choices is not enough.
Why not offer even more fuel efficient versions and alternative performance versions of GM vehilces.
Why not have a Lemans as a fuel efficient version of the GTO to sell cars!!!
GM can take profitable business and leverage sales through alterative offerings of the same cars. The customers are there, they have just gone to the imports for variety. GM used to have the variety. Let’s get GM ought of the cost cutting retreat mode and into taking back the business. Make us some sedans with small V-8’s with that excess capacity, sell some cars. Take the business away from the imports for a change. Where is our Pontiac G-8 flagship? The Lucerne customer is the Lexus customer, the Pontiac Customer is the Nissan customer, let’s go get em with a hot flagship. Stop teasing us.
Bob, When you start your jet, the first thing you look at is EGT and then OIL pressure. When you start your Lucerne or DTS there is NO OIL PRESSURE. As I’m sure you know Oil pressure is as important to an engine as blood pressure is to a human. You can tell the health of an engine from oil pressure — high good. Old people High blood pressure bad. PLEASE put the oil pressure back in the information group on the Lucerne and DTS so I can buy one. I’m sure all future owners when buying these cars second handed will appreciate this too.
Bob, by now it’s apparent that GMs’ blog focus is on new, new, new GM products, and I doubt there will ever be any comment as to how GM might improve the experiences of its current product owners.
The only way your approach is gonna work is if new, new, new GM cars are well engineered and reliable from the start (not plagued with the usual 1st year glitches every GM car suffers from).
Unfortunately I cannot take your word for it. Proof of this has to come from impartials like JDPOWER and CU to evaluate your new stuff, and that takes time! There are glimmers this is happening, but some GM models are still in the pits despite model revisions.
I hope you and GM can pull it off! Some of the new stuff from Saturn and Cadillac looks really nice! But you have yet to beat Toyota for overall quality.
Jay,
I do agree with your points. Taking costs out is one part of the equation. Winning customers back is based on quality: quality of design, product, service, etc. I actually think GM is going that route. Think about it, they now have a no. 2 for the whole company thats in charge of product design. They have always had a chief designer, but did not have the authority over the bean counters.
I have seen auto suppliers who have improved their operations and their quality that they could now meet and exceed the demands of foreign OEMs. Living in Japan, I know there are foreign OEMs that are using U.S. suppliers that have set up shop here. A part of their success here is quality, a part of it is that they have a better cost structure in these markets.
I am not a union-hater. My dad was 40 years USW. But the union contracts, along with the Big 3’s inefficiencies, have led to the problems we see now. The solution for GM and Ford, in my opinion, is multi-faceted. It is about selling Hummers in Moscow and Buicks in China. And its about realigning the costs in the U.S. (including the health care costs that arent the unions or management faults, but the greedy ambulance chasers that turned class action and medical liabilities into a sporting event).
Having real wood in cars interiors is important, and GM better consider this and a host of other issues on the plate that the consumer wants. But I bought some shares in GM, because I think they are going to pull through it. The existance of this blog is proof of their willingness to listen and change.
Hi
I am not sure how GM management takes decisions and how they market their products. I am extremely unhappy when I came to know that you pulled out Intrique and now Century. Whenever I rented the Century, 80% of the time I got 36-42 mpg. Can you believe it? I never saw a single add on this. you never even studies how it is giving so good and how to make it consistent. How to pass on that to other vehicles. Now you pulled that out.
That is how GM is down today.
Dear Mr. Lutz,
Will the 2008+ CTS convertible be a HARDTOP convertible? Or will you let LEXUS beat you to the game because of the USUAL slow and inadequate GM thinking?
Make it hardtop, and then make the roof disappear BEHIND the back seats–with minimal loss of leg room if you can. That way, you can still have a TRUNK to boast about.
Be sophisticated, NO ragtop allowed.
And if the roof could be made of/include ELECTROCHROMIC GLASS, then that will be even better.
Don’t give away this to LEXUS of all people. Show some GM innovation and make the CTS coupe a hardtop convertible.
Mr. Lutz,
You need to make displacement on demand standard over your entire lineup of engines–all the way don to the V6 engines. You’ll get way better mileage in all your cars. Secondly, you need to replace the standard lead-acid batteries with fuel cells or batteries that take advantage of regenerative braking. That would free up the alternator to use less gas and horsepower.
Manufacturing is extremely important! The supply chain is of utmost importance, especially in the domestic auto industry. An automobile is comprised of a simple nut (hopefully made well) to well engineered frames and other such parts, all the way to complicated computers.
This auto “supply chain” is the most complicated and elaborate of any manufacturing system.
This country is 70% service oriented and only about 30% manufacturing. The manufacturing base has collapsed considerably in the last 30 years. Without a manufacturing base, a country loses its ability to create and make products. This is dangerous for a country; not
to mention poor economics! When you consider that manufacturing also includes transplant facilities from other countries, there is another huge loss.
These foreign based facilities do not have the complicated chain as the domestics do. They are basically build only facilities. The important pieces and parts are made overseas and imported to the American factories.
Is there anyone or anything to blame? No I think it is a chain of events that occurred in America because that is the way this great nation has always worked. But can it be changed?
It absolutely can be changed! With the right decisions by government, by top management, and by all the workers this great nation will recover to the way it once was.
Dear Mr. Lutz,
Its great to see the new GM India website.I think it was up just yesterday.Its really attractive and very much similar to GM’s global website platform.Its nice to see GM taking such quick action.I feel a good website is very important as many customers uses the website as a medium to research various models.
Indian car market is quite at its nascent stage and currently people donot have too many choices as in European and American markets.Hence capturing the market here is not very difficult.Only requirement is a good car with competitive pricing,fuel economy and proper service support.Like you can see Aveo has only one competitor in its segment i.e the ford fiesta. And Aveo clearly winning over the fiesta in the reviews here.
Similarly in the small car segment the only few alternatives people have are the Hyundai Santro,TATA Indica n Maruti Zen. Now these cars have been in the market for almost a decade n each of them still selling almost 7k-10k units per month even now!!!Only reason people donot have choices.
I feel the faster GM introduces Chevrolet Spark, the earlier GM can grab the market shares from them.So you see one cannot call it a competition, the mere introduction of a good car with right pricing will guarantee one a good market share.The only requirement is faster introduction.I hope spark’s introduction would be accelarated n not delayed any further than a year.
I am a final year engineering student and have been recruited by GM and would be joining GM after completing my education. And I am feeling very proud to start my professional career with General Motors.Looking forward with great enthusiasm to be part of GM India team and putting in every effort to make GM the leading car company in India.Its indeed such a pleasure to interact directly with you.Thank you.
Hi Bob,
You are doing a GREAT JOB and the only reason I can think, is that you have gasoline in your veins!
Bob 1)If gm won’t build the nomad based on the kappa chassis, why not a retro convertible based on the the same ‘54 vette styling? Aging baby boomers have a shot at owning that claasic most of them could never afford. 2)Stop selling the same vehicle undr multiple nameplates. By selling a minivan as a Chevy, Pontiac, Buick and Saturn,for example, you are diluting each brand name. You should stick with the Sloan model;it worked for GM before and is currently being employed quite successfully at Toyota. Thanks and good luck. Richard Lewis
After taking a poll on the CTS board, here are some suggestions for the 2nd Gen CTS:
Suggested Standard Features
17″ wheels
6 disc CD changer
6-speed auto
Aluminum or wood trim (vs. plain only)
Amp gauge
Auto for the V
Auto up rear windows
Auto-dim side rear view mirrors
AWD
Blue tooth
Chrome exhaust tips
Clear turn signals in mirror
Convertible version
Cooled seats
Coupe version
Diesel version
DVD/NAV standard on all luxury/sport versions
Factory tint on windows similar to SUV / minivans
Hand parking brake
Headlamps that turn off while waiting in car on aux power (”Smarter” feature)
Heads-up display (HUD)
Heated seats
HID headlamps
Homelink
LED taillights
Lighted engine compartment
Lighted glove compartment
Locking fuel door w/ interior release
Memory driver seat and mirrors
Nav system that shut off completely (if installed)
Night vision
Paddle shifters
Parking brake that releases when shifting out of PARK
Passenger seat memory
Power passenger seat
Projector hi-beams and fogs
Push button start
Reading lamps for rear passengers (operated by rear pass)
Satellite radio & MP3 CD
Telescopic steering wheel
Touch screen nav
Trunk lid that opens when unlocked
USB port input on radio for IPOD connection
Volt meter and oil pressure gauges
Suggested Improvements
Better trunk lighting
Easier to read display in daytime
Higher quality interior materials
Less rattles
More discrete air vents
More power
More storage space
Quicker rear view mirror dimming feature
Richer dash
Smaller steering wheel
Dear Bob,
Will the new CTS have a key? Or will you wise up and have keyless entry and start like the STS?
Time for a biometric ignition option. This will abolish the key forever.
Think about it.
You need to innovate. No more catch-up.
Mr. Lutz, will the 2008 CTS have active head restraints? Or will you fail yet again to include this pretty innocuous technology–one that showed up on Saabs like 5 years ago?
Push-button ignition please!! It’s on the Lexus IS and Cadillac STS. No need to skimp here.
Secondly, you need wheel shifter paddles. They are even on the old IS (in the form of buttons).
Detail will determine luxury.
This car will be a hit if you sweat the details.
–Do the compartments glide open like they weigh 100lbs? Or ar they as cheap as a tupperware container?
–Does the wood grain match? Is it finely detailed? Does it exist in hard-to place areas? Or do you just slap it on in straight lines and blocks (the easy way)?
–Is the dash encased in leather? Or do you use that hard, nasty GM plastic?
–Does the AC blow hard? Or does it whisper and emanate from the perforated seats, headrest and the door handles?
–Do you test the temperature of the passengers by infrared and combine it with the outside temp to produce an optimum heating map? Or do you just let the AC blow and hope the $3 thermostat works “good enough”?
–Does the interior flow and do the panel gaps disappear? Or are the pieces jumbled, unnecessarily separate (instead of one-piece) and rickety?
–The extra glue spot where you think it may not be necessary. No rattles allowed.
Mr. Lutz, the interior of the 2008 had better be brushed aluminum or chrome!!!!!
None of that silver plastic like Toyota.
The 60 Minutes crew took a better close up of the interior, where you can see some of the better details of the CTS interior.
Some things to note now… over every single other Cadillac on the road today, included the new Escalades, and except the BLS (which uses a Saab design)
* Doors are NOT slab sided. There is actually a design!!!
* Arm rest sits flush with center console. (Helo German design…)
* Steering wheel, from what I can tell is from the GTO? Much better!!
* Vent positioning is very Lexus, and it looks chromed. Excellent on the chrome. Not sure about the positioning.
* Unsure of the screen (?) above the Audio/HVAC controls. Like an Info display?
* Corporate radio system… or at least a derivative of it. Also chromed.
* IP looks chromed.
* Seats look like they come out of the 9-3. Excellent!
* Looks like a leather wrapped shifter…. BMW style.
* Unable to discern cupholder
* Unable to discern push-button start or standard ignition… though it is a mockup…
* Wood on center console looks stylish and aggressive.
* Clock looks smack dab in the center of the dash.
* The swoopy connection between the center stack and console is preesent in Escalade. So this shows a Cadillac design theme… I hope.
* Seemingly no grey plastic on the center console!!!
Do your new Cadillac seats have proper side bolstering?
How about a little mechanical bolstering increase in the corners?
You know how people have complained about unsupportive bench seating that make you do leg exercises in corners!
Will the new seats have memory foam like Tempur-Pedic?
Things I want to see in the new CTS:
–Push to start.
–POWER tilt and TELESCOPING steering column.
–Brightly ILLUMINATED glove box and ASH/COIN/STORAGE TRAYS.
–Brightly illuminated footwells and trunk.
–COOLED/HEATED glovebox and storage console as well as cupholders. All you need is a little heating filament and cooling tube.
–personal map lights for everybody that are adjustable and bright. Yes, even in the back seat.
–Bluetooth standard.
–Electrochromic tint in the windows.
–More substantial armrests (heated/cooled).
–power up/down windows all around.
–power up/down trunk so I can stow my groceries all by myself without having to put them on the roof first.
–UltraView or something as spectacular as it.
I would like GM cars to have more power outlets, and to place them somewhere else besides the crease between the console and dash. The cords all pile up there and make a mess.
Sir, can you have heated plastic snow mats for the snow belt that will melt the snow on your shoe and drain the water thropugh the car floor (in a small tube)??
If you advertise this, people will know you care. They can even wash the mats of dirt without taking them out int he winter.
Just a tiny drain in the floor and a heating filament to melt the snow.
Bob,
I’m itching for a good head-up display. Along with the nav to give a good picture, I say you should put a reflective coating on the lower windshield, and then agument the Nav voice with an arrow and other info.
So, “In 400 yards, turn left” would show up on a heads-up display as a left-hooked arrow next the the number “400″ or something like that.
Also, please do beef up voice recognition. Juice the CPU or something, but make it powerful. Can I get a British voice option?
Dear Mr Lutz,
I too am a fan of American Muscle cars – Corvette is great – but I think that the Auto industry in the US is on the wrong path – like it was in the ’70s… Back then, the archaeic industry practices here and in the UK, both by management and by the unions opened the door to the ‘Japanese implant’ and they successfully seduced the public with their smaller fuel efficient cars, but the public soon forgot… At least American quality is much better these days!
Today we see comments about fuel economy being great at 25mpg…. laughable… in Europe it is commonplace to have cars (and SUVs) that exceed 30mpg, 40mpg being fair and 45-50mpg being great, without sacrificing cruise speed… My wife bought an HHR on the basis of better fuel economy than the Venture gas guzzler replacement ‘Uplander’ (bigger heavier, bigger engine, bigger gas tank!) barely achieving (your) stated 18mpg (really closer to 13 or 14mpg)- maybe your designers are betting that the soccer mom doesn’t look at the fuel bills – just complained that the venture didn’t look like an SUV (add snout), and you had to stop at the gas station every couple of days (increase distance between fill ups – though the time to fill up increases too!) – and yet the HHR 2.4 liter engine sucks gas with even the most conservative use of the throttle and brake – hardly achieving the low end number of 23 mpg, when including the same number of highway miles as around town miles that should raise the average. So an ‘F’ for that effort… nice looking car though…
As for Hummers – good job that the US Gov. is buying those in big volumes – only the seriously rich or the critically stupid would buy a monster like that in Europe, with gas prices nearly 4 times as high as they are in the US.
Anyway, good luck with your new facility in Munich….there may be a few very rich people, dumping their fuel efficient and classy Range Rovers in exchange for the thirsty, tacky and brassy H2..
Please give us attractive – like the HHR – but REALLY fuel efficient cars so that Americans can buy American without being embarrased at the pump!
Brilliant. Freaking brilliant. Ian Schwartz.
Bob: Thanks for all you do.
GM’s commitment to making the Corvette world-class should rub off elsewhere. The new Camaro looks like a winner … we’ll see.
I hope you’ll pardon me for throwing-in with the Fake Wood protesters on this comment string. Here’s another blast for you:
If you ever have a spare minute, please tell your Buick division not to bother sending me any more “exclusive previews” for “luxury” cars/SUVs decorated in fake wood.
There’s little doubt the typical GM luxury buyer doesn’t care about plastic wood, but many potential “conquest” GM luxury buyers do. Since “typical” GM buyers are on the wane for most divisions, “conquest” GM buyers are (by my math) on the rise.
We conquest buyers see these preposterous fake wood interiors compared to Lexus, Mercedes, et al. in GM ad copy and we roll our eyes.
We shake our heads.
We turn the page, or toss the mail piece.
“Nope, GM *still* doesn’t get it,” sigh we.
There’s lots of subjectivity in the “luxury” segment, but in 2007 you’re never going to march proudly into a forest of black walnut wearing polystyrene.
If it’s really important that an interior have wood, put the real thing in, even if it’s triple-poly-dipped (the guy who claims that real dash wood is just paper-thin and slathered in the same amount of plastic as “plastic” is correct — dang him
). Otherwise, leave the “wood” out. The new GMC Acadia interior looks just swell in hot chocolate leather and no hint of wood anywhere.