Showing the Goods

Absolutely right, Mr. Lutz.

Let's go on this way. Over here there's a saying, maybe it's known in the US, either: "Whoever stops to keep improving, stops being good."

My Best and Worst of the NAIAS

GM is definitely moving in the right direction. Ford and Chrysler definitely are not.

Favorite Cars of the Show (no particular order)

1: Jaguar C-XF - Jaguar has finally stepped up ito the 21st century. Shows that not everyone within the Ford family has completely lost their heads.

2: Camaro Convertible - Incredible last year, the \
convertible takes an amazing design and makes it even better.

3: Lexus LFA - Finally a Lexus that doesn't inspire yawns and feelings of needing to take a nap. 500 ponies doesn't hurt either.

4: Cadillac CTS - Cadillac now has a car that car now truly compete (and beat) the German luxuries.

5: Chevy Volt - Another 10 years and we'll have serious alternatives to gasoline powered cars.

Worst Cars of the Shows:
1: Ford Interceptor - Whose idea was it to make a 4-door Mustang, and then make it look like a brick?

2: Ford Five Hundred - You can polish a ____...

3: Dodge Avenger - A cheap and ugly POS, what a concept, that'll win back customers...

4: Jeep Trailhawk - Help! We've built two new sissy cars the last two years and we need to improve our street credits with the men, but have failed horribly.

5: Porsche Cayenne - How do you take what is possibly the greatest SUV ever produced and make it's exterior look like something GM would have produce 3 years ago?

As you can see GM garners 3 of my top 5, way to go. The Malibu is certainly a major improvement over the previous generation, but Honda have raised the bar big time with that new Accord. I have to admit that the new Accord, despite being a concept and likely to change somewhat, is probably going to beat out the Malibu and Camry over the next few years, at least in terms of market share gains.

See this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz6XjXu-oT8

Do this. Do this, and I (and about a million others) will buy your cars for life.

Bob,
I think the Malibu will do particularly well. It isn't the most exciting looking car, but it fits right in the mix with the Camry and Accord- a non-threatening, generally pleasant car. It looks like it might offer a touch more value in the interior too... but I would have to see one before I passed final judgement.

I see that GM is benefiting greatly from sales in Asia.55% of sales so far. This could very well be GM's salvation, which I assume you're well aware of. It also presents GM with the opportunity to wrangle in some of that foreign revenue to develop top-notch, technologically advanced vehicles for the North American market especially those that further improve fuel economy in your best sellers- mainly the larger trucks and SUVS.
On that last point, while it is good to see that by reducing fuel consumption in your larger vehicles your sales has vastly improved, I would hope that more efforts are still being made to develop even more competitive mid-sized and compact cars and trucks. All it would take is another dramatic jump in fuel prices to once again derail larger vehicle sales. I still get a sense that US automakers are somewhat leaning on SUV and truck sales. If consumers want these vehicles, then by all means keep making them. But come the day gas shoots up again, you need to make dead sure that they can easily switch to an alternative that isn't Japanese.
Overall, I think GM is doing a fantastic job so far. I want to see GM succeed and show that ingenuity is still alive and well in the US automaker industry. The Chevy Spark is proof that this much is still true.

Bob~

GM is indeed progressing down the road toward revitalizing its lineup with some very well done vehicles. With the unvailing of the Camaro convertible that model line is fairly well complete. We all know there will be variations on both the convertible and the coupe to meet the desires of the buyers, i.e., intro V6's and upscale V8 SS's. The only question now is, what other Divisions will get variations on this theme? Is there still a hope for a Pontiac GTO in the true mold of good old USA muscle? After such a good job on the Camaro, it seems that the GTO would be the logical alternative for those looking for a little more upscale Muscle Car. You have said in the past the GTO is not dead, just on hiatus while the design is perfected. How much longer for perfection? Please strike while the iron is HOT!

It's good to read Mr. Lutz commend the competition. The new Toyota Tundra looks and sounds very tough. The Jaguar C-XF is a bold turnaround in Jaguar design. The LF-A from Lexus is slick. Where's Cadillac's high-end sports car?

The Volt employs fascinating technology, but how much of that will we really see on the streets of New York or Detroit? The Camaro drop-top surprised me. All of the Photoshop images published in magazines and on the Web lowered my expectations. I liked what I saw from Chevy on that one.

The CTS and Malibu are nice sedans. Like the Aura, the Malibu is a full step forward against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Chevrolet and Saturn are doing a good job staying in front of Nissan, Hyundai, and Volkswagen in the quest to topple Honda and Toyota in that segment.

I would have liked to have seen more from Buick and Pontiac. The G6 GXP didn't warm my heart, and Buick's lineup continues to bore. The Enclave is just one vehicle. A new rear-wheel-drive Pontiac V-8 sport coupe is still missing. All in all, a good showing--the most interesting at the show.

Mr Lutz:
The CTS and Malibu are great production cars and it looks like you have the jump on Toyota with the Volt concept. Also I think the new Silverado is a great truck (a relative has one on order right now). My concern is Pontiac. I dont see anything new from Pontiac at the LA and Detroit shows. Rumor has it that the Holden Commodore SS will be the G8. More importantly - What is going on with the next generation GTO? Pontiac needs a halo car like this. Something that will spark the interest of people who remember the old GTOs and for younger buyers who want to experience the feeling of owning a true performance coupe. Last year you said that there would be a next generation GTO. When are you going to introduce it at one of the shows? I fail to see how releasing just a statement confirming the car could hurt the situation at Pontiac. Doing that would at least keep interest in the GTO alive in the interim until you can get the car into production. Give people who like Pontiacs some reason to remain interested in that division. Note : I am living in Canada and could not buy one of the last generation GTOs.

Bob,

Even in the worse days of the "Detroit Depression" it was easy for me to find 10 things I was glad about concerning GM. Today I could find 100 things. That probably reflects my days when I was a broker. But here is a couple of reflections that may benefit GM.

Technology and Apple.

Specifically, i-Phone. Now I don't know how much they invested in this technology but I will tell you this. Analysts estimate that the i-Phone's potential has added $6 billion to Apples stock value. That was GM's market value not long ago. Now I know developing that technology did not cost but a fraction of that. Best of all Apple has become the darling of Wall Street and it's value continues to rise.

That is the payoff with technology, it's exponential. That sweet spot that Apple is in is where GM needs to be.

The Chevy Volt will be the DEFIBRILLATOR to get America and Wall Street's heart pumping for GM again.

That thing is unbelievable, I mean I believe you, you can do it in 3 years. But that thing is unbelievable.

I observed the other day 3 Trailblazers, THREE in a row riding in a line down the highway. So I figured I might remind you, evolution not revolution. The 9-7X, Trailblazer and Envoy MUST remain and so too the minivan. Product continuity is GM's biggest weakness by far, it was in the last era and still is today.

That is why Ford's Mulally curtailed the bean-counters ability to cancel, overrule or otherwise delay new product development. GM needs to make that similar move.

I could understand before with Aztec and Bengal, GM design was hit and miss. But GM right now is the only automaker that has not had a single miss in the last 5 years. So it's time to get some of those gems you're hiding, displaying and delaying into the showrooms.

In Short...

We are glad you are enjoying the WTCC, Hummer H3T, Efigy, Malibu, Impala, Aero X, Velite and a whole host of heritage, futuristic and secret compelling designs. But now it's time that we get to enjoy them too.

Bob,I read Chey Camaro and Corvette are to be sold in Australia.Would you please consider Tahoe,Trailblazer,a small and midsized pickup to fight Toyota.As you know Toyota is big in 4x4's here,they could do with some competition.I think General Motors new products are really cool.

Bob,
Cars look great. The Malibu will be a great success. A few Suggestions.
1)Two Tone Paint exterior
2)More multi color interiors not just black, grey, tan
3)excitment in seat fabric
4)Either chevy, pontiac, buick needs luxury two door like Monte Carlo. Not everyone wants a Camaro.
5)Mid to full size Stationwagon. Wagon is not a dirty word if it has style like a Impala wagon.

Thanks for getting GM back.

P.S. don't let Pontiac and Buick down they can have a great future

A few observations from a devout car enthusiast:

Camaro convertable; drop dead beautiful from every angle. A sure fire bonafied hit along with the coupe.

CTS; Bold and beautifully sculptured front styling to oozes elegance and presence.

Rear styling left me a wanting
for a more bold statement to
complement the front styling. Something closer to the 69 Eldorado fins.

Interior is spot on for what a luxury car should be. Your current CTS has a cheap plastic feel to the interior.

Malibu;

Interior is dramatically improved like the CTS. I
really like the upscale apprearance in this class.

Exterior styling wise, not quite a " home run". I was let down expecting more scuptured headlamps. The overall styling is a quantum leap from the frumpy dull and uninspiring current edition, but I expected standout styling.I think you played this a bit too conservative in the front end. Nice improvement that will have it's work cutout for the entirely new 2008 Accord, that will have much more dramatic styling of the present dull design.

Shaun,

regarding the Porsche Cayenne you are absolutely right. But it's not only the looks at all. A neighbor of my wife's co-worker owns such a car. The Cayenne just gets about 6 mpg at forced highway-speed. At the same time German media always tell, Americans would build gas guzzlers... They praise the BlueTec-Diesels as the final solution. Do they reduce our dependency on oil/fossil fuels? No! This journalistic garbage drives me mad.

Chevy Volt is spectactular. Hopefully it will quiet the people who continue to say GM is bad for the environment.

My favorite is the new CTS. I'll be buying one this summer to replace my Seville. I've read all the forums about it and one of the most repeated comments is about whether it will have push button start and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Could GM put out a statement clarifying whether it will or won't have them and if they are standard or options? I love GM products and would like to quiet the people complaining about this.

I agree with J Reid. When are you going to do something with Pontiac? I hear rumors of the Chicago Show to reveal something. I hear it is the G8. I and a lot of other Pontiac enthusiasts do not understand why you want to take away our proven nameplates. Grand Prix, GTO, Bonneville, Tempest, just to name a few. People relate to those names. You are taking away Pontiac's identity with these silly G-names. When people ask you: "What do you drive?" and you say, "a G6". They have no idea what you are talking about unless you are a car person. They can't always picture it in their mind what it is or what it stands for. When you go, "I drive an Eldorado," or "I drive a Grand Prix." People know exactly what type of car you have or can picture it in their mind. Point is you can easily associate what a car is by a good name not a alphanumeric number.

Second, it has been reported that you will import all the "G8s" from Austrailia. Ok fine but if this is the replacement for the Grand Prix I hope that you do not have the 14 week lag on trying to order a car. Secondly I hope that you understand that only importing 50k when the Grand Prix annually sells 100k is a little discouraging. GM must have something up its sleaves to shore up that other 50k sales.

The reason why Pontiac Fans are nervous is two-fold:
1. Your comments last year that Pontiac is a damaged brand and my go the way of Oldsmobile.
2. The fact that the last real all-new non Chevy rebadge was 3 years ago with the Solstice and G6. GM hasn't had anything new for Pontiac other than new variations of the G6. Look at your GMTV archives! The last video under Pontiac is from 2005!

Congratulations on a great show. As you justly remarked, GM is pointed in the right direction but the journey towards refinement is never ending. My BIG disappointment is that I didn't see anything concerning the exciting Saab 9-3 BioPower hybrid concept. It was a North American first after all. It would have driven the message again that GM is serious about green technologies and given Saab much needed positive spin before new models roll in, probably not before 2009, except for a face-lifted AWD capable 9-3 in 08, apparently. (Please make sure you get rid of the stupid silver lining added around the dash this year, which reflects dramatically in the windshield, and relocate the idiot that came up with such a blunder). Thanks for listening and make sure every new model is as exciting as the CTS and Malibu.

Looks like a great show for GM but why no diesel engine (v6 or v8) for the Suburban. Seems like a no brainer to me.

Congratulations Mr. Lutz on GM scoring a big win at this year's Detroit Auto Show. While Ford and Chrysler failed to show anything lively, GM took the lead with the Volt, Malibu, CTS, and Camaro.

Chevrolet is really moving up. The Malibu looks very good. That's all you can really say about a midsize family sedan. The Malibu interior actually looks grand--a big step from the '05 my grandparents own. I wouldn't stress on GM making a gas/electric model to take on the Camry Hybrid; I would rather see an SS edition to offer sport trim--an area Toyota is lacking in.

The General Motors versus Toyota brawl moved in the General's favor in the truck segment. The Tundra has been delayed over and over again, while the Silverado has been praised as the truck to takedown the Ford F-150. I would like to see the same focus on quality on Chevrolet's next midsize pickup and small SUV. The Colorado and Equinox are not winners in their fields.

Saturn is following Cadillac in becoming the next GM marque to take a new direction. The Aura has earned praise for stylish looks and a well-crafted interior. The Sky is the sexiest small roadster on the market, and a bargain bruiser. One area Saturn needs real work in: hybrids. The VUE Green Line has been slammed left and right. I don't want to see that happen with the Aura Green Line. I hope this Opel transformation continues. The word is the Astra is coming Stateside, and it tops my hatchback wish list ahead of the Euro Ford Focus.

Cadillac's turnaround was a marvel at a time when everything else at GM was going downhill. I began to worry that GM was letting the brand go stale, but the new CTS shows there is still energy flowing. I think the new CTS should be the bread & butter car for Cadillac and the Bimmer Beater we want to see. A hardtop cabriolet and a 400 hp V-8 coupe would be grand. While GM is at it, how about a new SRX?

I'm not as excited for Pontiac and Buick. Pontiac is still dependent on re-badged Chevys. The Solstice was a good change, but not enough to fully redeem the division. Just as Opels are arriving through Saturn, I would like to see more Holdens coming through Pontiac. The Monaro/GTO was dull in appearance and high in price, but I feel there is an audience for understated sport sedans here in America if they are made more affordable. I was disappointed there was no great Pontiac concept car at this show. Buick...well there needs to be a lot of work there.

Bob,
Looking back at GM's history. People left GM for one reason. Quality. There is not a quality gap anymore. GM makes as good a car as anyone.
Remaining issues:
1)Paint colors and fabric need more color and flair
2)More model choices why not a Malibu two door and wagon
3)Sporty midsizes two doors like Monte/Regal/Grand prix

A company like GM can be all to all people without overdoing models. All automakers make are sedans and people want variety.
If you want young people to want your cars give them lots of paint and sport packages. People say cars of the 1970's were bad but they had stripes, cool option packages, colors, sunroofs, plaid and stipes on seats.
The things I suggest could work for little extra money.

Keep up the good work.

Bob, Bob, Bob....What is this love fest you have with Holden? Didn't GM learn anything from the dismal failure of the Monaro as a re-badged GTO? Or are you just so out of touch that you still don't get it?

Looks like GM has been granted a reprieve for the moment. Why don't you start making airless tires so you don't need a spare anymore? Why don't you win some awards in Germany or Japan? You have to compete with the world if you want to stay in business. Why not a 9 speed transmission in your Yukon? I figure 31mpg with a 5.3v8 DOD highway. What's the problem? It's easier than putting man on the moon and it's within reach. I'll help if you want? You'll know where to find me.

Good job, GM!! Just continue that, who knows you can upbeat Toyota,hehe.. I love the Volt, its beautiful inside, and also the wheels and rims wish I could afford to buy one. Hope that you developed more vehicles like this.

Bob,
The "Awards" at the auto show will mean absolutely nothing in a few weeks. (Didn't the Vega win awards when it came out?) The only real award for GM to trumpet is a steady, true profit in North America (and not from yearly, refinanced debt, like the last decade).

Regarding the auto-show cars, I'm interested in the Malibu, but only if it drives as nice as the Camry and Accord. GM has shown it can sell thousands of cars to people who don't even understand what a great 'road feel' is, but the imports are taking over your market share, so logic would say more people are getting familiar with it. The Corvette doesn't have it. The Solstice doesn't have it. The G6 is laughable. The Aura is close to having it. The last Camaro was an utter slug.

Will the Malibu drive as nice as the Aura--or better? The answer better be 'better.' With the Aura reportedly piling up on dealer lots at a 90+ day supply, what happened? Is the Malibu going to suffer the same fate? In fact, why do you need both the Aura and the Malibu? And even worse, the new Malibu's biggest competition will be the Impala. GM has too many models, too many brands; everyone seems to know this but you.

The Cadillac CTS? I hope it does really well, but I can't bring myself to say I own a Cadillac. The name still rings in my 40+ ears as "pimp car." And I wonder does the CTS compare well with the top of the line, Accord and Camry, let alone BMW and Lexus?

The Volt? Is GM really going to make this, when you have shown the inability to offer small/medium diesels in the U.S.? Can you really get all those gadgets that make it run to work for 150k miles or more? Will the cost be so high you have to drive it 100k miles to start saving money? Will it have nuisances that are "within spec" according to the dealer?

The Camaro? It's nice to see it live again (despite the fact nobody really cared about it the last time.) But, again, with now the Solstice is piling up on dealer's lots, what really is the Camaro really going to do for you? Maybe the hype about it is just to huge to live up to.

The key here may be "hype." GM is big on hype, and low on results. GM, and you, should tone it down and let the product, make the product, speak for itself. GM's bragging is like when the Detroit Lions celebrating 'first downs.'

Mr. Lutz:

As a loyal GM dealership sales manager, I must state that the Volt makes sense, as trains have been diesel to electric for years. It is also good looking.

As for the Malibu, all things being equal, it will be the hottest car we have had in that segement in almost 20 years.

The Camaro is always great. Will Chevrolet offer a V8 miser version? A bare bones V8 with nothing more than air, cruise, tilt, CD. Pontiac had a Formula Firbird in 93 that was such a car, very popular and sold at the time for $18,995 (w/out air).

On a seperate note. Could you PLEASE twist someone's arm and get them to offer a optional larger/more aggressive tire on Z85 Colorado 4X4's? The current tires make it look like a 2WD and not everyone wants to spend $1,500.00 to get the Z71.

Thanks again for putting some spice back into design.

Mike Murphy

Great Job at the Detroit Auto Show. The Malibu, CTS(W0W), the Camaro convertible and the Volt were all head turners.

Taking both the Car and Truck awards was a great honor for the Aura and Silverado. By the way the Acadia and Outlook are also fantastic.

GM has turned the corner. Keep up the momentum,it is exciting. I am even starting to see a few positive articles on the quality of the cars in the press. It is about time.

Keep up the full court press and continue this great renaissance !

Mr. Lutz: Fantastic decision to announce the Volt at the Detroit show.

Absolutely stole the show and proved to the world that GM can develop world class vehicles.

From the pictures the Volt looks close to production so don't wait for the perfect battery pack - get this vehicle out there in test like the Sequel Fuel Cell.

The positive press and invaluable real world feedback will make up for a lower range. The Volt will not leave a driver stranded since it can use gas/E-85 powered engine to recharge unlike the EV-1 or Tesla.

Please add the E-85 3500 V6 to the Malibu with the 6-speed and a navigation system with backup camera. Everthing else about the Malibu is fine.

Mr. Lutz: Please announce that the Buick Efijy will be available for sale in 2008 before the Detroit Show is over.

Buick needs an "over the top" exciting vehicle like the Efijy to draw attention to itself and create a new image. An image of creating exciting coupe and sedan models like the Efijy and upcoming Electra.

According to the University of Michigan by 2010 there will be 57 million consumers between the age of 50 and 64. These consumers are mostly empty nesters with no mortgages and a high disposable income. They grew up seeing Buick as a luxury upscale division and covet a vehicle like the Efijy.

To me those are 57 million reasons to build the Efijy. It will sellout every one GM is likely to make and will bring consumers who can afford it and a second vehicle like an Electra or Enclave to Buick dealers.

The Efijy, Electra and Enclave will make a great base for this new direction.

Upgrade the LaCrosse and Lucerne with real luxury features and introduce a new Century on the Epsilon architecture and Buick sales will double or triple from 2006 levels.

Ok, just got back from the show. The CTS is amazing. Pictures do not do the redesign justice. The wide stance is stunning. It is far and away the best new car design. But, then Lexus ISF was pretty hot too yet not a new design. Camaro very nice. New Saturns and Malibu quite nice.

Really disappointed in the pickup. Something in the doors rattled upon closing both the passenger and driver side door. I didn't think I would say this but the Toyota full size seems to be a better truck and is going to be hard to beat. The redesign is nice but not up to snuff IMO.

Mr. Lutz: Some feedback on the Detroit show and ideas for the upcoming Chicago and New York ones.

Announce the U.S. market availability of the SAAB BioPower. GM and SAAB both need this car to be on the market to validate GM's sincerity to build a car like the Volt and to increase interest in the SAAB brand.

For the Chicago show, by brand:
Buick - introduce the new Electra

Cadillac - New CTS Coupe

Chevrolet - WTCC production

GMC - Acadia Denali

Pontiac - Trans Am (from Camaro) and G8
Pontiac needs a boost in models

SAAB - Aero-X production.

Saturn - Aura Estate and Astra 4 Door Sedan.

New York
Buick - Upgraded LaCrosse interior and amenities along with 6-speed automatic.

Cadillac - BTS Sedan (surprise us)

Chevrolet - Chevrolet Lambda concept

GMC - New Canyon MIDSIZE truck

Pontiac - 3 door hatch Solstice and Grand Am Sedan

SAAB - New 9-2X (Astra Estate) and
9-3 hatch (Vectra 5 door hatch).

Saturn - Astra Twin Top.

Starting with Chicago show entire Opel line of Combo, Combo Tour, Corsa, Meriva and Zafira models along with the Holden Ute and Crossman with a "ride and drive" event to get consumer feedback. GM will find at least three (3) "must have" vehicles for the U.S. market among these. Would not be surprised if all eight were successful.

Bob,

The excitement I had last year as I watched the Camaro showcar reveal live on the web has turned into a strong feeling of confidence in GM's success.

This year, the highlights of the show were GM's production cars.
Malibu, CTS, Aura, Silverado, news of the upcomming Holden-based G8 & Camaro and the host of GM vehicles that were launched in 2006 give me this confidence.

While we saw some truly special show cars from Ford Lincoln, Jaguar, Lexus & Chrysler their production car offerings are simply not up the same standard.

Congratulations to all at GM who are keeping the focus on truly great production cars!

Mr Lutz,
Most people use this space to rant and rave about how to fix GM. I just want to say Great Job! I've never been as impressed by GM innovation as I am now! Keep it up!

I love the new Malibu (and unlike the Aura, I'll be able to use my GM Card dollars on it..) I'm looking forward to seeing the Chevy version of the Outlook, as well.

Question: When the price of gas goes up, do Tundra owners experience Prius-envy?

I see a lot of concern for Pontiac with everyones comments. I am one of them. GM is doing a fine job with Chevy, Saturn, GMC and Cadillac but its been awhile since we have seen anything from Pontiac. Pontiac fans are sick and tired of rebadged Chevys. Why would anyone buy a Pontiac for different grille and taillights. Take a look at why Pontiac was successful in the 1960's, style and performance. No mistaken a Pontiac.
If Pontiac is going to all rear drive that's great. The Grand Prix is too big to be a FWD anyway. Pontiac needs that model to bring in customers to the dealer. The Solstice is great but attracts a limited audience. I think if you designed the new GTO with the 66 & 67 model in mind it would sell.
Keep a bread and butter FWD car for Pontiac like the G6. Its a good looking car with high volume. I dont like the G names. People like the racing names. Image.
Get out to one of the Pontiac shows and see the passion and enthusiasm. Ask us what we want, build it and we will buy it. Thanks.

No comments since 1/12? What 's up guys? I
think that we have even lost a few that were posted previously.

Something is also up with this comment window. Words are disappearing into oblivion off to the right.

Anybody notice that Toyota dealers in SoCal are starting to advertise lower prices on Prius (Priuses?)? What do you think that means? Are people going back to sleep because gas is temporarily back down to $2.50? Or are they selling them off in preparation for a new model which will obsolete them?

Also, great comment Mr. Langlitz, 1/11/07, 3:13 PM.

I guess that's what we're all trying to say in our own long-winded ways.

Bob,

This might not necessarily be the correct forum to bring this up, but since others have touched slightly on your international markets, I can help but ask, please bring the Equinox to Argentina. I truly believe you would do extremely well with a vehicle that size here. Honda is selling the CRV left and right here and everytime I see one, I can't help but think, that should have been an Equinox. You guys are doing well here, you just need some more product. I am currently driving a Chevy Vectra and can't tell you how many heads turn to take a look and see what this car is. Seriously, the Equinox would do well here.

Make the Camaro exactly like the show car. I love the overall shape. Keep the wheel and tire size and their outboard position, and how well they fill out the wheel well. This is key

Dear Mr. Lutz,

Congratulations on bringing great new cars to market. I will be placing an order for a new CTS once it makes production. This car looks fantastic, and if it drives as well as the current model you will be running the plant 24/7 to keep up with demand. No BMW for me!

Also, the Camaro looks like a winner too. One suggestion: put a great base V6 in it. Not everyone wants a 300HP+ V8. I would be driving a new Mustang today if their base V6 wasn't absolutely horrific. How any automaker (Ford) can make such a rough-running engine (base 4 litre V6) is beyond me. You would think after so many years they could get it right.

Great job Bob, make great cars and people will abandon the foreign cars in droves.

The Chevy Volt is the idea of the century for GM. If they build this car and others like it, they will be revitalized for sure.

The days of combustion and it's demand for foreign oil need to pass...eventually completely. This is a huge step in that direction.

Bravo.

I agree that Pontiac desperately needs a RWD V8 halo car. Here it is: a V8 powered Solstice. Pontiac would own the roadster market and GM would have created an automotive legend on a par with the original Shelby/AC Cobra.

Bruce Sherman

Finally - the car of my dreams. The Volt is the solution to so many problems. If your curious about buyer interest - start a pre-buy program. I would be first in line even if it was few thousand dollars.

Bob,

I've been a GM customer for about 7 years now. I'm afraid that relationship will soon end, because I have test driven so many other cars in the past year. It has expanded my knowledge of other cars. Not to mention my own personal experience with my Cavalier has been disappointing. It's many things that lead me to believe many foreign made cars are vastly superior in quality and reliability. My next vehicle will not be a GM one.

If GM actually produces and sells the Volt, then GMs rear end will be saved. If GM uses excuses like "The batteries aren't ready" and doesn't sell the Volt, then GM doesn't have a hope. Why? Well, image for one. That's why Toyota is killing all of the domestics in the fields in buyer perception. Quality and fuel economy. Volt can buy mindshare, but only if it's on the road and people see it like people do with the Toyota Prius.

Don't lease the Volt like you did with the EV1. SELL IT. Gas prices are going to be very high in 2009 and 2010, and if GM doesn't have vehicles that acheive over 40mpg at 65mph, then there's no hope for GM retaining the #2 spot, let alone it's current #1.

In response to Eric Anderson, 1/16/07, 10:27 AM:

Me too Bob - let's do it!

One suggestion for future "goods"; the Saturn Aura Sports Wagon. With hatchbacks coming back into vogue, the impending death of the Maxx (which I own and generally like) will leave a big hole in the GM lineup.

Saturn would be just the network for the Sports Wagon, which I assume will be very much like the current Maxx but with smoother Euro styling at its back, nicer engine, transmission and interior.

But please sure to offer AWD with it so it can keep up with the VW's, Audis, Volvos, and others currently owning this market slot.

GM needs to dump their current designers and hire some people that can actually make a nice looking car. How much are they paid for this mediocre crap. No wonder GM is hurting so bad. No more freaking ugly designs, blisters all over the place, bad proportions, ... wake up GM, the rest of the auto manufacturing world is eating your lunch.

Durandal Roland, 1/16, 12:24 PM:

Amen!

You guys are awesome!

Do yourself a favor and upgrade the 'leather' in the
Aura AS A RUNNING CHANGE because it's SO PLEATHER AND SO POORLY FIT
THAT YOUR SUPPLIERS MUST BE CHEATING YOU.

IF NOT, YOU ARE CHEATING YOURSELF BY DEMANDING FOOLISH PRICES FROM THE SUPPLIER.

ALL COLORS SHOULD BE RICH IN FEEL, NOT JUST MOROCCO BROWN!

I've seen people laughing at that 'leather' in the local Saturn showroom, and I'm talking people whose look and demeanor didn't indicate ANY SOPHISTICATION. period.

And make both the front and back seats look 'thicker' and more substantial in their form, as is the GTO's seat.

I see Car and Driver gave you guys an excellent rating except on the interior quality. RIGHT THEY WERE.

This is why the car isn't 'FLYING' out of showrooms yet. And of course no 4 cylinder yet, which account for 70% of Accord sales. LET'S GO!

Let the Volt, etc be the last time GM tells the competition about it's industry-changing plans. I know it's against your personality, but this company cannot afford to tell the other NINE FULL-LINE MANUFACTURERS what GM's future is so they have time to bring out the technology BEFORE YOU DO.

Ergo, CHANGE YOUR PERSONALITY. PUSH ONLY THE METAL THAT'S ON THE SHOWROOM FLOOR, OR ABOUT TO HIT JOB 1. Pleaase BOB, you have no chance of big success if Honda, Toyota, DCX, VW, PSA, FIAT, etc are gonna make sure they fire ICBM's at your capital city!
The PR job on the turnaround is over! Let's start executing on meat and potatoes!

You can't replace the Grand Prix's 150,000 unit potentail with just a 30,000 unit vehicle with no profit potential, ridiculous power, and poor gas mileage! I hope you have something better up your sleeve! And a better replacement for LaCrosse!

Congratulations on a job well done, Bob. I am impressed. My 7 year old Buick just came up with a $1000 repair bill because the odometer and gear display no longer works (so my next car will not be a GM product), but your current offerings have certainly raised my eyebrows and have me looking.

To beken
If you really think you will not run into a $1000 repair bill somewhere down the line on a 7 year old Asian car, you are dreaming. I went through a Camry V6 faster than that !

Unlike many people here I'm not going to lecture you about why I wont own GM vehicles or how you need to offer a disiel hybrid Aura wagon with a 6 speed manual before I will even consider your products.

The CTS and Malibu look very good and I will seriously consider the Malibu.

My only suggestion is offer navigation in the Epsilon cars to quiet the critics once and for all. I wouldnt pay for it, but many people would.

For those saying Pontiac has nothing but rebadged chevys I have to say the G6 and Grand Prix are not rebadges. There are very few exterior similarities between the G6/Malibu or GP/Impala. The Torrent and G5 are rebadges and the Torrent is only going to be around for another year or two.

A kind comment to beken above:

A 7 year old car gives you a $1000 repair bill and that is enough to turn you off of an entire manufacturer ? Seems a bit harsh to me.

My guess is that in 7 years you will be turned off of Honda or Toyota (or whatever brand you purchase) as well. I realize that this email itself sounds a bit rude, this is not my intent. All mechanical devices, regardless of manufacturer, will require repair bills, it's just a fact.

Thanks,
Chris

Dear Mr. Lutz:

Congratulations, the North American International Auto Show is a tour de force for General Motors.

General Motors’ 100th anniversary is coming up quickly. I suggest that General Motors sponsor a Ken Burn's directed documentary of General Motors' history. General Motors has sponsored many of the Ken Burns' documentaries so there is already an established relationship. A good documentary would put a positive face on General Motors to the American public. General Motors has such an interesting history with such notable employees as Al Sloan, Billie Durant, Boss Kettering, Henry Leland, and Harley Earl to mention a few. I just read of Nicholas Dreystadt and James Roche's efforts at Cadillac to produce gyroscopes during World War II. This is a fascinating story by itself. General Motors' 100th anniversary is coming up quickly. I hope General Motors marks this occasion in a memorable way.

Respectfully,

Eric Matthew Vest

Bob,

Taking advantage of my vist to Detroit I also visited "GM World" at RenCen (I don´t live in US but have worked for GM do Brazil and still whishing GM to get back on track). I've checked carefully all models displayed and had two thoughs after that: 1- "WOW, what a cars! GM improved significantly!" 2- However the interiors still not there.
Then, during NAIAS I had a very good surprise. The new models, CTS and Malibu, reached the point not only in exterior apeal but also in the interior.
You told that new interiors are now "no compromise". You are right and I know you are serious and will improve the rest of line-up at the appropriate time.
Good job!
Now I work for Toyota. But my heart still blue.

Stoneman: "It's many things that lead me to believe many foreign made cars are vastly superior in quality and reliability."

This story tells something different ("perception is not reality"): http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/01092007/business-b-auto.show.html

Just read the Edmunds review on the new Tundra vs. the Titan vs. the Silverado. I like the Silverado compared to the Titan and the Tundra - it just looks a lot better. But you MUST get those 6 speed transmissions out PRONTO in the new full size trucks. You can't let Toyota outperform you in this all too important segment. The Tundra has you beat on power and performance in that regard, you can't let that happen, especially when you're asking over $40,000 for a nicely equipped 4x4 - and then when it's cross shopped with the Toyota, it has an outdated transmission.

Bob et al.--

I had a look at the new Malibu at NAIAS, and was actually, pleasantly surprised. The car looks very, very nice. The only thing I was disappointed in was the choice of interior colors. It seems like every new GM car has to have the black and coral interior (Saturn Aura, Chevy Malibu, what's next?).

As a guy, I'd like to my rear sit on something other than coral hides.

My concern is with the attitude exhibited with the statement that started this set of responses.

For example: "It doesn’t mean the turnaround is complete. It doesn’t mean we’re exactly where we want to be — yet."

I hear the words, but behind that is an attitude that is insufficient to get GM where it needs to go. So... you got a couple of awards. Truth is that unless you fundamentally change your attitude, GM is doomed. Not exactly where we want to be… Unless you decide that the dramatic improvement is not a place (a place to be) but rather a journey without end, then you will just prolong the agonizing death of the once best car company in the world.

The truth simply is that you are still way behind the curve and many of us who have mostly been GM loyal have very strong desire to see you succeed and yet when we see comments that show this kind of conceit, find it difficult to believe that you will do much more than slowly fade away as the Japanese, Korean and Chinese eventually grid you to dust.

Please remember that you are uniquely positioned to make a comeback; the real enemy is under your hat.

Major LiION battery mfg. SAFT claims 3000 80%DOD cycles for their motive LiION product. Altair Nano potential GM supplier says their battery even better. I am tired of the BS about LiION viability.
It is viable, NOW! However, GM needs higher quality electrical parts...GM has had poor reviews for years regarding electrical reliability compared to Honda and Toyota. For once, build it right instead or running more "quality" TV ads.

Many of the most popular GM cars have names that end in vowels:
Impala,Monte Carlo, Camaro, Silverado, Denali, (Corvette; GTO)
etc...So its seems appropriate that the new GM electric car if/when it goes into
production should be named the
"Volta" ..in honor of A. Volta, who in 1800 demonstrated the first practical storage battery (which revolutionized the study of electrcity and magnetism ),,and who is the namesake of the basic unit the "volt". (Otherwise "Tesla" would be appropriate..but that name is already taken!)