Chicago and More
By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman
Before the week ends I wanted to say just a couple of quick things about the Chicago Auto Show, which was, in a word, excellent. For GM, that is.
I arrived just as Jill Lajdziak was introducing the new Saturn Astra. When the press conference ended, the car was mobbed. And the reaction seemed to be overwhelmingly positive, for both the three-door and five-door models. It was great to see.
With each vehicle we introduce under the auspices of our revamped global product development organization, people really seem to "get it" more and more. It was as if those in the audience were emitting a collective, "Hey, they're serious about this global thing."
I had many conversations with the press that afternoon, explaining that the costs of developing a vehicle for Saturn like the Astra here in North America would have been so exorbitant it would never have happened. But now we have one that we've unveiled and we're getting it much more cost-effectively, and much more quickly.
Plus, we have the capacity in Europe to ship vehicles back here, which will help our operations there from having to incentivize Astra on the European market. So it works out well on both continents.
That globalization theme was only enhanced with the introduction of the Pontiac G8 later that afternoon. That vehicle, of course, is sourced from Australia, our center of expertise for large rear-wheel-drive cars. From what I could tell, G8 was a big hit. I've been getting notes from people across the country saying how much they like it and can't wait to get one if it's affordable. And it will be affordable.
So, on the heels of a great Detroit show last month, Chicago felt like another success for us, and we look forward to Geneva next month and New York after that.
Let me abruptly change gears now to point out that, amid all this talk about how our product development team is raising its game, we've often discussed how designers and engineers are working together across the globe, with levels of collaboration heretofore unseen.
As much as I like to discuss this, it can be even better to see it in action. A group of Cadillac engineers is going to share the experience online. Cadillac Drivers' Log is a new blog in which some of our best engineers will share a bit of what they do with other auto enthusiasts. These are the people who are developing the all-new 2008 CTS that premiered at the Detroit show.
They've recently started a new blog at Cadillac.gmblogs.com. It will show real images and stories of the incredible lengths these engineers go to as they develop and test a car, from the Nurburgring to a quiet road down the block. If you're interested in the development process we talk about so much here, or if you just would like to see a bit of what real car testing consists of, you'll want to give it a look.
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Just wanted to congratulate you on this amazing turn around GM is making knowing that you are on eof the key players in this change.I have a question though? You mentioned that many bloggers have mentioned that they will buy a G8 if its affordable and you said the G8 will be affordable however so was the GTO suppost to be affordable but when you showed up at a dealer (i visited several) the jacked up the price 10,12 extra thousand dollars!so a 32-33 thousand dollar car turned out to be 41-42 thousand now a 10,000 dollar differernce may not seem like alot but that transalates to an extra $200 per month plus insurance plus mortgage plus bills plus children! for the average american making 30 to 40 thousand a year its real hard. Now my question is why can dealers do that?I understand $2000-$2500 in paper work,taxes,licenses etc.etc but $10000 increase in one case i saw a GTO at $42,000 because they added wheels,imagine plus taxes,license etc.etc we’re talking $44-$45 thousand dollars for a car that supposed to be affordable in the low to be mid $30’s At $42k a cadillac is starting to be a better choice and transalates to low sales od the GTO or should i say G8
Bob,
It is truely wonderful to see GM utilizing its global product development and making use of economics of scale and scope in a way that your competitors cannot.
This, along with focus on product, is what will keep GM #1.
Thanks,
Chris (Toronto)
Bob,
Great Looking car!! Finally something new for the Pontiac faithful. Glad to see that you didn’t disappoint us. Finally Pontiac gets a large new sedan. A great looking sedan, with a V-8 or a V-6. Plus it is RWD! Sweet!
You still don’t seem to understand that the G-# naming convention is not a good thing. Pontiac has some of the most enthusiastic fans online. I have yet to see a thread online that doesn’t mention that they hate the G# naming convention. People aspire to buy a brand name. When I say I am going to buy a Camaro or a Solstice, everyone knows what to expect. When I say I am getting an IS300, unless they know about cars, people go. “A what?” I have to then tell them the maker to give them a clue, “A Lexus IS300.” “Oh… a Lexus! How big is it? Is it a SUV?” See what I mean? They have no clue because they don’t really associate a Number with a car. The car MUST have a name!
Look at Ford. At least they get it and are going back to names people recognize and are willing to buy. Pontiac has a slew of names that people are willing to put money on. If you don’t want a new car to have to live up to a legendary name (GTO, Firebird, Etc), how about something new? Solstice or Torrent weren’t bad names.
As for the reaction from the change in the Pontiac Emblem. I like it. The only tweak is to keep RED in it. That way we have some color. Buick/Olds/Saturn/Hummer/Mercury/Lincoln/Lexus/Toyota/Honda/Acura/Infiniti, etc, already have/had the “No Color” thing covered.
Again, I love this car. I can’t wait to get to test drive one. Thank you!
I just saw the Road & Track coverage of the Volt at the Detroit show. You were quoted to the effect that the future of the car is in electric propulsion systems.
I took this to mean Volt style electric drive trains, whether with IC engine charging capability, fuel cells, straight battery power, or whatever other mode you may devise in the future.
I have to agree that you are correct. I think that it is very hopeful that you would say so.
It is critical to get this technology on the road as soon as possible, to steal a march on you-know-who. We are saving our pennies to be the first of the first adopters.
When is the Buick LaCrosse Super coming out?
When is the Buick Velite coming out?
I think the Astra will do well, particularly in metropolitan areas. The fact that it has a proven positive track record in Europe where consumers are little more picky with details is a good indicator for the NA market.
The new Saturn Astra looks great. Price the 5-door XE 5-speed no higher than $15k, and you’ll get what I’m saving up.
Bob,The G8 looks excellent, how about a G10 {Statesman].Went to the Brisbane Motor Show last weekend,Holden looked the most popular,along with Audi.More people looking at one Hummer3 than all of Toyota.
Regards Andy Ross
As I’ve mentioned, great job on the G8! I love the car and can’t wait until it’s available. Make mine a GT in the color shown at the Chicago premier. I’m heading to the Chicago Auto Show next week and can’t wait to see the car in person!
It’s hard to believe that the time has finally come (well, will come early next year) where GM has an affordable RWD sedan with a V8 option. As the saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait.”
the g8 is a very very beautiful car. From what i’ve read from you guys, this will be a great success in the automobile world. “it’ll be affordable”, that is the best news for me today, i really love this car.
Much like Detroit, Chicago was dominated by GM. Toyota, Nissan, and Honda showed no interest (or, at least, didn’t seem to be interested)in presenting good product. Ford, again, was a loser, with a facelifted Freestyle (the “new” Taurus) and another boring Sable. (Lincoln-Mercury edges closer to the end.)
The Astra and the G8 were inspiring. The Astra looks like the smoothest hatch to come to the US–sharper than the VW GTI. Why can’t more quality, affordable two-door hatchbacks come to the States?
I stated this before: the G8 is the real successor to the two-door 1964 GTO sedan in that it’s aggressive, yet understated. The Astra is more of my cup of tea, being that I live in Southern California–where gas is costly and big cars are tough to deal with.
Even though there were only two interesting GM vehicles at this show, it is nice to see Pontiac and Saturn make steady progress. I was worried GM was letting Pontiac fall by the wayside after the Solstice.
Dear Mr. Lutz,
that Cadillac GM-Blog is a great idea.
This comment I also would like to use for my congratulation to your birthday, now on Monday. I wish you the very best, health, good luck and lots of joy while doing a great job at GM! Thank you, also in the name of the GM-Enthusiasts in Germany!
The Astra and G8 look very good, but I think both are going to sell out quickly. I hope you can import more than you have publically said because 40k units isnt going to cut it with either car. I also hope a more powerful ecotec will be offered on the Astra next year.
Outstanding! Congratulations on the great shows Bob, the new product is really popping!
Bob,
I am so HAPPY with GM right now!!
VE Holden Commodore & Opel Astra are the two cars I desperatly longed to see released on to the US market – and it has happened!
I must congratulate you all!
I am now looking forward to seeing the VE derivatives and Astra derivatives in the US as well.
Just think how hot a RWD Commodore Ute or wagon would be up against the Magnum!
Or that sweet lookin WM Caprice as a 300C-killing machine that actually handles like a BMW!!
Don’t stop doing what you are doing!
GM is entering into its finest era ever!!
I also saw Astra. It was awesome.
Bob – Great media response to what you have been doing. Saturn is looking great, as are the other line ups. I saw a press clipping in which the head of Toyota North America called the Malibu the most significant vehicle of the show. Good job!
A couple of things. One, the pics of the G8 at the auto show look much better than the press release pics of the car with no background. Please take more pics of the car at ground level…it shows the bigger scale of the car (my wife commented it looks the same size as my old Grand Am).
Second, regarding the G8, my initial reaction was ‘overdone’. I read that the final production car will be toned down a bit. Good. While I know your going after that Dodge Charger crowd, I think you can win over a few Euro-sedan lovers as well. Remember, Motor Trend compared the 2004 GTO to 2 Merc AMG c55s. Anyways, I still see an STE version of the car in my mind. Excellent dark paint, snowflake wheels, killer leather interior. It would give the 5-series, Infiniti M, and E-class folk second thought.
Lastly, please dont switch all Pontiac names to numbers. I can see why you did G6, but Grand Prix is still a good name. Let it stop at G8. And I look forward to the next GTO!!!
Eric Planey
I certainly hope that the G8, Camaro, Impala and any other spin-offs are properly priced for the market. And I don’t mean a bare-bones 3.5L V-6 car for $30k. GM has great V-8 engines, but they require top-end packages and premium prices.
Why are we looking everywhere else but HERE for expertise in building cars? Ever think that is the problem? The Asian car companies are coming here, while the Americans are leaving…
Soon you’ll be looking to Mexico for truck expertise.
For 30 years we’ve been waiting for GM to bring the European cars here, so that’s nice, but why are “the costs of developing a vehicle for Saturn like the Astra here in North America would have been so exorbitant it would never have happened”?
The G8 should sell well, but I’m disappointed to read that the 2-tone interior and stitched dash will not make production. Those things on the show car stand out on what is otherwise a pretty unremarkable interior design. Losing them could put GM back in that “they cheaped out on the interior” box that you’ve been trying so hard to get out of. Two-tone is not an expensive thing to do, and even if you stitch leatherette on the dash as an option, it would look a lot better than what’s likely molded underneath. At GM today, you should be raising the bar on the competition, not settling for good enough. Just look at the backlash on Chrysler lately for their cheap interiors. Please don’t let the G8 get branded as “your next rent-a-car.”
Mr. Lutz, I’m proud to say you has proven the General is alive and well. GM is on the road to recovery, thanks to the new products launched in the past two years. The G8 and Astra are prime examples. Despite negative press, this should be our motivation to never let up. Full speed ahead General, Semper Fi.
I could never understand why Opels I rented in Europe were so much better than GM cars in the US.
I would recommend importing every Opel model to the US straight from Europe.
Bob~
Let me say right off the bat, great job with the G8 (hate the name thou)! Some of the styling attributes would be better left to a G6 or G5 (hate those names too), such as the hood scoops. They look tacky, like the ones on the Subarus. If they don’t do anything, leave them off the production model. They’d be a nice ramair feature, when you offer the GXP version, if done properly without the leading edge snap-on looking piece. Also, LED taillights are a must, get ahead of the crowd on this feature. They are a much more expensive looking light and scream quality and a first class design! Also, why not offer the 20″ wheels and lowered stance on a GXP with the full 400HP LS2? And about that leather covered dash, kinda like the one on my 2004 Bonneville GXP? If I haven’t got leather here, you should use the same material on the, here it comes again, G8 (yuk name!) In any case, great job! Now bring on the new GTO!
Dear Mr. Lutz,
I congratulate you for the amazing product development you have been doing at GM. Just keep doing what you are doing!
GM/Opel makes wonderful little diesel engines. I recognize there are emission issues with diesels, but if they can be resolved for volume production there is a huge market out here for them.
Please stuff a small turbo diesel into a small hatchback or trucklet and I will run to the dealer as fast as my dear old 2000 Nissan pickup can get me there. I promise not to haggle.
And I will trade you a ride in the L39 for a ride in my Luscombe…
Bill Leavens
Bob: Good to hear that there was a strong interest in the 3 and 5 door Hatch styling, hopefully it will be the same for sales. This should add NEW buyers to Saturn and a 4-door sedan can maintain loyal EXISTING owners.
The Astra delivers a strong combination of style, performance and content and could be the best selling car in it’s segment in 3 years. To do this GM needs to offer the unique models in the Astra line.
There is the Panaramic windshield and 240 HP OPC 3-Door models, the 38/59 MPG capability of the 1.3L 5-Door.
The 4-door sedan offers class leading interior room and cargo capacity and has more rear seat leg room than some mid-size cars as well as a larger trunk. The sedan could easily be the best selling 4-door compact in the U.S.
The Estate with a cargo length of nearly 6 feet (71″) give buyers style and performance with utility.
Saturn could develop a Quad-Coupe version of the Twin-Top and have a highly desirable segment exclusive model.
These are models GM must offer in the Astra line to attract new buyers to Saturn.
Mr. Lutz and GM,
Since you talked about the Chicago auto show, I figured this is a good place to write since I recently visited the Buffalo auto show. I’m 20 years old and a diehard GM fan. My family and I even own GM vehicles. But I believe this site’s purpose is to allow us, the consumer, to give negative feedback more so than positive. Reason being, any complaints or harsh opinions can be taken into consideration and hopefully incorporated into future product. You can’t really improve on anything from positive feedback. Consequently, I’m going to be more critical than I actually am towards cars.
The Buffalo auto show only carried 2007 models, so I was unable to see the new Malibu and CTS. I went along with my friends, who find all American cars substandard. They know I like American cars, GM in particular, and fail to understand why. Possibly the cars my family owned grew on me, they were and are reliable, but the quality wasn’t and isn’t as good compared to foreign rivals. Maybe I just like rooting for the home crowd, or the underdog. Although GM is number one, American cars are the underdog when it comes to public perception compared with Japanese or European contenders.
Our plan was to open and close most of the car doors, to listen for the best sound. A good sound meant a good quality car, and I mostly agree. We also sat in and felt everything, basically we nitpicked. I also wanted to show them the leaps in quality in GM cars from three to five years ago. When we arrived at the GM section, I was surprised to see Cadillac upstairs. It belonged downstairs where the other luxury cars were. A certain type of clientele might not go upstairs, so Cadillac wouldn’t be visible to them. Not confident putting Cadillac with the big guns? Nissan broke up their division with Infiniti, Toyota did with Lexus, Honda did with Acura. Anyway, that’s something odd I noticed.
Here are the imperfections my friends or I noticed:
Door Opening and Closing: GM as a whole had better sounds than any other American manufacturer as a whole. Cadillac almost near Lexus/Acura. Chevy below Honda/Toyota. Saturn Aura surprisingly good. Doors with windows up sounded better. Although some foreign cars with windows down sounded the same as if it were up, that’s the key there, consistency. Trucks and SUVs didn’t sound as good as the cars, but GM’s failed in comparison to those like the Acura MDX.
Paint: Every GM vehicle had orange peel. My friends kept pointing that out. Paint even covered cheap plastic on the Escalade EXT, it should be covering metal at that price range, it’s basically were the plastic is on the rear exterior of the Avalanche.
Exterior Plastic: Why is there plastic on side mirrors? They all should fold and match the paint of the body. Chrome on the exterior of the Escalade is plastic. The door handles, vents, trim, all plasti-chrome, it should be real at that price.
Panel Gap: GM’s newer cars are for the most part consistent and tight. Older models like the trailblazer need work. The Acadia we were looking at had an atrocious gap where the windshield pillar meets the fender, that doesn’t help things when it comes to my friends.
Interior/Quality: GM trucks are better than GM cars, both lagging foreign rivals. GM steering wheels, compared to Acura/Lexus, look dull and feel anemic, there’s no contest. For the dash, Honda uses a rubber like plastic, GM uses hard, glossy, hollow feeling plastic, but much improved from 3 to 5 years ago. Aluminum should be real for luxury cars. Wood trim, real or fake from any company, appears fake. Leather comparisons from each class, GM fails to match Honda/Acura quality. Bare wires are visible through the Grand Prix steering wheel from the side, also wires were bare on the Trailblazer’s rear hatch. I was embarrassed to see the quality of the Aveo’s sun visor. The Aveo’s fuel economy is poor for the class. The Colorado, Trailblazer, STS, Torrent, Vibe, Vue, Canyon, Envoy, H2, Rainier, Rendezvous, and the 9-7x all vastly in need of a new interior and exterior, they are dated and many are rebadges. I didn’t mention the Malibu, Grand Prix, Ion, and CTS because they are being replaced and any vans are being discontinued. The interior of the Corvette needs better materials at that price, especially when magazines compare them to Porsches. The center stack in the Escalade is cheap, it easily shakes. The 2007 CTS cup holders are a joke. The DTS is over priced and front wheel drive. The new “pushable” gas caps are better than the old ones with the bulge you stick your finger in, but fail in comparison to foreign cars that are lockable or unlatch from the inside. E-brakes shouldn’t be on the floor, especially on cars. No projectors on the Aura or on any Chevy, but Kia and Hyundai have them. Bluetooth is lacking, as is navigation, which is optional on a Civic. It’s about perception, more technology the better. However, it’s good to see six speed automatics coming out, along with reducing pushrod V6s.
GM’s pretty good in the powertrain compartment, especially with the new 3.6L V6s coming out. Ironically that’s what the new warranty covers. You need to match the bumper-to-bumper warranty, because the quality is what needs help. If you don’t stand by that part, then you know that part needs help, and it still does. In the Enclave, the removal of the leather stitched dash reveals plastic, not a good move. Keep them bean counters away, they’ve tarnished your image over the years. Cost cutting is necessary, but it’s really visible in your products. For example, in the Trailblazer SS, the “leather” on the front passenger seat doesn’t go all the way around where the center console meets, it’s just replaced with cloth. I understand that it costs you more money to make the same car a rival can make, so continue addressing that issue.
I can’t wait to see the new Impala. Previous Impalas were two or four door and rear wheel drive. Since the new Impala is back to real wheel drive, you should also make a 2-door version and just cancel the Monte Carlo. From pictures, the Malibu and G8 look promising, as does the 2008 CTS which looks to be a great successor. I hope materials, such as aluminum or chrome will be real. If you revolutionize every car model when a redesign comes up like you did with the CTS, I don’t think you’ll be in the position you’re in.
I know I just wrote a novel and I seem to be a nag, but I’m saying this so you can better improve these things, that’s the reason for this site. It’s the little things that count and this is coming from a GM fan with anti-domestic friends. Go out and prove them wrong. But I have to say, if I didn’t like GM, I’d go foreign. Ford and Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep need serious help. You won the battle there, but are losing a war. My friends and I both agree that GM is the best American manufacturer, but that’s not saying much. So going from one car to another at the auto show, it was apparent that the quality has vastly improved, but it was also apparent that it still has ways to go compared to foreign rivals. My friends kept pointing that out and it’s difficult to argue their point. So you, GM, have to be better than your competitors to be considered decent.
To: Bob Lutz
Bob,
I just picked up a Saturn Aura XE.
Here’s a couple quick comments.
1. Good job. I believe this is the best American made car (excluding Cadillac) in the market today. World class (Audi interiors & Honda mechanicals) it is not.
That is a shame of course, because you’ve started with a clean sheet.
You’ve almost had this one, but it looks like after all was said and done, the bean counters got the final word.
There are unfortunately some signs of the old GM cost cutting ways visible:
a. the XE should have had the same 6 speed transmission as the XR
There is no way that you can justify a 4 speed transmission in 2007
I’ve owned a 1985 Buick Century with a 4 speed automatic.
That was 22 years ago. There is no excuse for that.
A pushrod 3.5L engine in 2007? That engine goes back to the mid eighties as well.
b. The grab handles are missing
c. Cheap (hard plastics) on the (inside) lower panels
d. No lock on the glove box
e. Trunk lid does not lift up enough when being unlocked
f. No stability control (even as a stand alone option)
g. Leather needs to be a stand alone option, not attached to additional (expensive)
packages.
h. Where is the low air tire pressure warning system?
i. The car should of came with H or V rated tires (not S)
In conclusion, this was an almost credible effort, but honestly, you can’t shoot for where the competition was a few years ago, and try to get there with mid eighties technology.
I am glad that the Astra will finally arive to NA. I’ve been asking why not since the latest Opel Astra was introduced in Europe. It will sell very well against the Golf, Mazda 3 and Civic. I see no mention of a Red Line version yet. GM is missing a big opportunity if the Opel Astra OPC 3 door turbo is not imported as a Red Line version. It would compete very well against the Golf GT, Civic SI.. etc and would really raise the Saturn and GM image with the younger “tuner” generation. A “hot hatch” is really missing in GMs line up and there is large profit potential in selling accessories and performance upgrades for it. Lets make it happen. Also, how about a serious factory Opel WSC Rally racing entry. Its only the most global, popular form of racing. A limited, low volume AWD version of the 3 door Astra would be a competitor to the Mitsu EVO and Subaru WRX. You can’t better advertising.
Paul where are you? I do hope you will be happy now that the Astra will be coming to the US.
“I could never understand why Opels I rented in Europe were so much better than GM cars in the US.” – Proud Prius Owner.
In the 90s there also had been troubled times for Opel over here. For example, there was this chapter with that unfortunate purchasing-manager Jose Ignazio Lopez, as media reported. They told, he was only focused on cost-cutting and was squeezing the suppliers. As a consequence there came up an increasing number of quality-issues. It even was called the “Lopez-Effect” over here. At the same time Opel’s politics regarding new products failed to a certain degree (image-problems: stodgy, bland, etc.). But sometimes it also had been exaggerated by the media. They always reported about Opel’s flaws, but never about those of the competition (compare GM/Japanese). Yes, basically I see some parallels between Opel and GMNA. Both encountered difficulties, partly for similar reasons, and are now showing strong signs of a turnaround. In the meanwhile, since Carl Peter Forster took over Opel, the products improved significantly, what’s also confirmed by various studies and surveys. The perception of Opel improves constantly and in the meanwhile, in my opinion, an Opel again belongs to the very best that money can buy over here, like it already used to be, especially in 60s and 70s.
I am confident, the efforts at GMNA, similar to those in Ruesselsheim, will lead to an enduring success.
I also wouldn’t underestimate GM’s earlier quality standards generically. It’s simply the truth when I say, that my 2001 Alero proves as more reliable than many vehicles from other drivers I know.
I’m happy that an Astra is coming to the US. However, the only way I can get the Astra I really want (the 1.9L diesel, manual transmission) is to have one imported from Europe.
There is no way that, in 2007, I’m going to be buying a new car that gets less than 30mpg in the city or less than 40mpg on the highway. The Saturn Astra is only rated at 27/34, which is disappointing. And what’s worse is that they’ve got engines that can do what I want, but don’t seem to be able to bring them to the US.
I had hoped GM would have gotten the message that less than 30mpg in the city for a car this size is unacceptable to me. I guess they weren’t listening or don’t want my business.
Nick,
Most of the features you wanted on the Aura XE are on the XR and are not found on other $21k sedans. Why didnt you just get the standard XR?
The 3.5L engine in the Aura isnt “80s technology” as you stated. The 3800 was making 165hp in the early 90s and the Aura’s V6 makes 224 from 3.5L thanks to VVT and other improvements. The V6 in the Sonota is a DOHC design and makes 234hp with 3.3L which isnt much more than the Aura’s OHV engine.
BTW, “cheap” plastic can be found on most cars in this class. Honda have plenty of hard plastics and the new Camry’s interior has been criticized in several reviews. Stability control isnt standard on any car in this class except the Sonata and its not offered on the Fusion or the Accord four cylinder models.
Also, I think you should know Toyota makes several vehicles that are still available with four speed automatics, including the Rav4. Ford’s Escape is another popular model with a 4 speed.
Leather isnt a stand alone option on many cars these days, this isnt unique to the Aura.
Dear Mr Lutz,
Good to see that GM is using its worldwide resources to get product ranges complete in specific parts of the world. What I do not understand is why the Astra is launched under the Saturn brand. Why not Chevrolet? In Europe it is an Opel, but, given the sometimes “boring” image of Opel, it should be a potential Chevrolet model as well. I am interested in the brand-choices for this model.
As a guy who raced an Opel Manta in SCCA back in the 70s, I’m glad to see Opel engineering coming back to the USA in the Saturn marque.
Anything to help forget that bad transition to the “Opel by Isuzu”
The first post asks why the dealer can mark up a popular car over sticker. The reason is the same as why the customer will ask to buy a car below sticker price. Supply and demand.
The reason that dealers add expensive accesories is ther e is a demand for them. A large amount of customers accessorize their vehicle’s after they buy them, the dealers are just trying to get a piece of that market.
With dealer profitability down, expecially domestic brand dealers, they need every profit center they can find.
Of course if everybody would pay sticker price on every vehicle, they would not need to do additional markups on very popular models.
Saturn’s new models have not been selling well. When I ask mosr of my friends about Saturn, they say they are “cheap”
hopefully importing the opel will start to change this perception….Saturn must have a “re-birth” not just a revival. either that or get a gig hip-hop star in an outlook…worked for cadillac
If the G8 is anthing like the GTO, it will be one great car.
For all the criticism the GTO received the last laugh was by the owners. These GTO’s drive fantastically and for a lot less than the competition.
Since the Astra redline has already been mentioned above, I’d just like to add that It would probably be a good idea to make the redline version in both 3 door and 5 door versions, similar to what VW is currently doing with their GTI.
As for the G8, I can only hope that by “Affordable” it means that it’ll be competivly priced with the Dodge Charger. Meaning prices starting at around $23k for the base V6 model, and moving up to the low 30’s for V8 models.
Dear Mr. Goedhart,
I don’t think, it would make sense to integrate the Astra into Chevy’s lineup, since it would compete internally with the Cobalt. Furthermore the Astra fits perfectly to Saturn’s design-language. The perception of Opel also constantly improves. Yes, a time ago Opels had been regarded as sort of boring, stodgy and bland. But in the meanwhile, after the latest market-entries that’s changing. The Corsa is selling like fresh bread and the first year’s production of the Opel GT is nearly sold out. I’d like to recommend also reading my comment from yesterday (February 12, 2007 12:08 PM)
The 2008 Saturn Astra will be a perfect addition to my new family because:
*Safety is our #1 concern so 6 airbags and standard stability and traction control is just what we are looking for.
*The price point is within my range.
*I absolutely love the design:
-It has enough storage space for groceries and its design is very cute.
-It is very comfortable that this car has 5 doors, which makes putting a car seat on the back for my 3 year old daughter, an easier task.
-Blue is my first color choice for a car and this model has it.
-I can add a sunroof and seat heaters.
-I grew up using a five-speed manual and would enjoy driving like this again.
I am confident this car will be perfect since we are buying a car for the very first time.
Bob you are my hero, love what you have done to GM lets keep going and build new dealerships to sell these great cars and trucks! in so.cal. Toyota, BMW are building new dealerships by the dozen and you look at Cadillac and Chevy here in Newport Beach and its like shopping for new clothes at the Salvation Army COME ON
Thanks
Loyal to the end, BB
Frank Goedhart said:
Gereon Langlitz replied:
Gentlemen,
Why does it have to be either a Chevy or a Saturn? Why can’t GM simply promote it as an Opel Astra from their European subsidiary?
Why disguise the fact that it is an Opel and was designed in Europe? Based on my experience, being a European car would seem a huge positive GM should want to take advantage of.
Best,
Gary Dikkers
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Proud Prius Owner said:
Hear! Hear!
Mr Lutz,
Congratulations on the many successes in your new product lineup. The turnaround has been very impressive.
As for compact car ideas, here’s another angle that I am sure has been thrown around within General Motors. what I’d really like to buy this:
Build a 2+2 coupe or a sedan from the Kappa platform and don’t let it exceed 3100lbs. Small, light, rear-drive, seats four. No ragtop. No sunroof.
Give it the 6-speed manual transmission and 2.0L Turbo engine from the Sky/Solstice.
I would be very interested in the above described vehicle were it to be made available.
Front-drive cars that are priced more than $15,000 do not interest me. I would rather buy used than purchase another FWD car. Is it really so expensive to build small rear-wheel-drive vehicles of many types in the 21st century?
If any US car company has the resources and vision to make rear-drive even more widespread it would be GM.
Bob,
This is what I want to see in the US. The Holden Adventra wagon.
http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/modeloverview?modelid=22004
I see the Aura gets high marks in crash tests.
John in Buffalo
Gary Dikkers,
Opels are brought to North America as Saturns because bringing them as Opels will further confuse customers (i.e. “another GM brand??”). As Saturns, they will benefit from the well regarded Saturn buying experience and further round out Saturns product line.
Thanks,
Chris (Toronto)
Chris (Toronto) said:
Chris,
No doubt true, but it sure doesn’t say much favorable about the intelligence of the North American auto buyer does it? (I lived in Germany a number of years, but even before going outside the outside the U.S. I knew Opel was GM’s European subsidiary.)
My personal preference is that I’d rather see GM market the Astra as an Opel Astra and use it to their marketing advantage that the Astra is a European-designed car, built for European roads where fuel costs the equivalent or $6 or $7 per gallon.
Chris said,
Why disguise it as a Saturn? I have one mental image when I think Saturn and another when I think Opel. My Opel image is much more favorable.
Best regards,
Gary Dikkers
G8=nice car+stupid name.
For crying out loud give them names!
And you guys still dont have a competitive subcompact that gets great gas mileage.
So when are you going to bring the Corsa over here? The Aveo aint cutting it, Bob.
Happy Valentines Day Bob!!! Oh yeah, and GM!!!
Look I think Wall Street is starting to get wind that something is happening. Finally! Soon they are going to say it…
“You know that Lutz guy was right!”
And maybe someone might say…
“Hay you know, that other guy that said that what Lutz said was right, yeah, he was right. Yeah, you know the guy, what he said about what Lutz said, he said it was right. Yeah, he was right.” (Maybe not.)
Impeccable Key Fobs.
You know they collect cigarette lighters, well I think you can add GM key fobs to the state quarters, Presidential dollars and various Monopoly games that people will be collecting in the future.
Let me just tell you, the beauty of that Buick and Cadillac key fob is striking and its importance cannot be overstated. How do I know, well I looked at them and judging from my reaction…
And this reminds me of an important point.
Beauty is in the details. – and hay, if the key fob looks this good and has gotten this much attention, just imagine how much attention GM put in the cars other important details.
What a lesson to behold for today, this Valentines Day. It’s not the big things you do it’s the little things. Whether you make a million bucks or just make common sense, either one will be in the dog house tomorrow if you forget to buy those flowers.
Well, as for me, thanks to GM’s key fobs, you just put roses on the bust of Buick’s soul.
Keep going, it’s working, that design thing. Now ask yourself, how much did it cost to do that one little extra effort to win the heart and mind and lure that customer.
Some at GM will be ready for this, some, it may take longer, but I can’t explain it except with an example. Steve Wynn won Vegas by concentrating on concept and design, despite money. In the end he raised the standard of the entire city, and it all became his to own.
In the same way, design and concepts are more important than money, they are priceless, because they give a vision to the company, customer and the investors. Just so long as you build them. .
In short.
Build it and they will come, but, BUT…
If it’s not beautiful, you never really built it.
That’s why yesterday we could not say it but today we can. Announcing today, GM now makes cars, and key fobs.
Yeah, that’s going to surprise some on Wall Street, yup, GM makes cars. Let me tell you, you make a car as beautiful as that Efijy, and they will hear it 100 years from now…
You know remember America 100 years ago, “Yeah the cold war, the war on terror and GM’s heydays when they made great Buicks and Cadillacs, yeah what about it?”
“Well I was just wondering, what if GM made cars like that again?”
“You’re crazy.”
“You think so? I don’t think so.”
Mr. Lutz: Congratulations on the G8.
I do understand not calling the G8 a Grand Prix since it is still in production and the GTP and GXP versions offer great performance for those needing a FWD performance car, and this winter may add a few buyers. But I think you should use names for RWD cars as GM did on the Solstice.
The G8 delivers the performance of a sport sedan while comfortably seating up to 5 adults all at a great price, other than adding a fold down rear seat and E-85 capability there is not much to change.
It feels good to be able to say that.
Only one question – when will the Estate version be offered?
Bob . . ,
Leveraging our Global Products is what we need to continue to do for many reasons . . , full utilization, shared costs, leveraging engineering resources, etc. The G8 is an excellent example.
I know there’s been a lot of “Bloggers” talking about resurrecting the “El Camino” (Holden’s Ute) of which I think would be a great idea. But I’d like to say we need Holden’s “Crewman” too. For one reason, historically larger “Cab” vehicles do better than smaller “Cab” vehicles in volumes. . , ie; Extended Cab vs Regular Cab pick-ups.
I think the american consumer would love to have a vehicle to a: fit their family of four in, b: Have a vehicle that drives like a car (or sportscar – Crewman SS) and c: Still be able to load the Snow Blower or Lawn Mower in the back to drop off at the repair shop.
Please consider this from a Holden admirer, especially a Crewman admirer.
Chris
I don’t understand the fascination with RWD cars. My dad always taught me that you should buy a car where the engine was over the drive wheels so that, in the snow, it has the most traction possible.
Just today I overheard some guys at work talking about how they couldn’t move their RWD cars after the snowstorm and my FWD car made it into work without a problem.
So I don’t think that it’s hard to make a RWD car, just that people in places with icy or snowy weather, which is about half the US, aren’t interested in them.
Gary Dikkers and Toronto Chris. GM fumbled the many opportunities they have had to bring Opel back to the US as a brand. The biggest opportunity came when the Saturn brand was invented, second when Olds was discointinued, third now when Saturn could simply be changed in name to Saturn-Opel or Opel/Saturn and then quietly in a couple years drop te Saturn name completely. It no longer means what it did when the brand was invented – much less expensive GM vehicles not offered by any other GM entity at guaranteed EDLP prices that don’t vary from dealer to dealer.
Mr. Lutz, comments on teh g8 as it may be my next purchase. I don’t car ewhere it is built since its competitors come fro all over. But the price has to be right to start and has to stay right. Example, there is no longer any model of Soltice avaliable at less than $20,000 MSRP. Also the buyers of teh G8 are used to certain options on the rides they will be giving up, such as dual-climate control, heted leather seats, and HUD 9Heads up display) Some of these items appear to be N/A. Stick wit hthe traditional red dart. Also can you give us some insight into the thought processes of the naming convention of new Pontiacs that almost all start with G and disregard the heritage of successful cars of teh past, Bonneville, Catalina, LeMans (skip that as I have a bad lingering memory of $500 front brake jobs on the Korean import last wearing that name), Tempest, Firebird,at least we knew/know where GrandAm and GrandPrix fit sizewise in the lineup.
And Bob, or John Hopson, can you give us a hint of will we see a GTP or GXP version of the G8 yet to come?
As a side note, I wanted to mention that I was very impressed with GM’s presence on a Discovery Channel special called “Future car”. The episode I saw had detailed information on your skateboard chasis, which I’ve been a fan of for years. The next episode features some of your hydrogen technology.
What was more impressive to me was that you could see from the huge variety of nationalities representing GM that GM is truly a international brand that utilizes talent from many different countries. In my opinion, a modern company that wants to succeed must realize the importance of viewing the world as a singular community not confined my national borders. This TV special proved to me that you have made this jump quite well. Hence I am confident that GM will eventually be doing very well in the near future.
PS: give a pat on the back to the PR guy.
Thank you SteveG, 2/14/07, 6:44 PM. Amen.
Front, rear and all wheel drive each have their advantages and disadvantages. FWD does provide superior bad weather traction even when compared to RWD with traction control. It also allows superior packaging and cost benefits. RWD is obviously the performance choice, with better weight distribution and power delivery. AWD combines the advantages of the two, but with higher cost, complexity, weight and fuel consumption.
What GM’s many brands permit is for each division to appeal to a specific slice of the overall market in a way that other automakers simply can not. Cadillac is well on its way, and should feature RWD vehicles based on proprietary architectures and powertrains that offer the option of AWD. Pontiac should be based entirely on RWD platforms and provide affordable performance, even at the cost of sales in some parts of the country. Buick and Saab will be able to pick up much of the volume in those areas by being based on FWD platforms with available AWD and performance versions of their vehicles. Remember that Buick is now dualed with Pontiac.
Chevrolet and Saturn are the two brands that must do high volume in all markets, and that invariably means FWD. While I like the idea of a RWD Impala, it is not a sound decision, since Pontiac will provide the RWD performance for GM, and sales of the Impala will fall in many regions. Unfortunately, GM seems to have elected not to spend the money to develop a large FWD successor to the G platform, so they will utilize Zeta for the Impala and next Lucerne. As a result, all of those DTS buyers will have nowhere to go, and GM will not have a large FWD car in their portfolio. Such an architecture could have underpinned short and long-wheelbase versions of the Lucerne, the Impala, and perhaps a new Saab to slot above the 9-5.
The bottom line is, GM can truly offer a vehicle for everyone by virtue of its many brands. It just needs to define what each brand is and stay true to the definition, even if it costs a bit more. And neither front nor rear wheel drive is appropriate for everyone, everywhere.
Mr. Lutz,
GM talks about advertising campaigns and model intros.. who cares when there are more pressing things that are wrong with GM cars (reliability for one) – GM is still heading in the wrong direction in my opinion.. You want to get me and my friends into the dealership and buy new GM cars???? If so then no amount of advertising can hide the following facts for me.. here is a short list .. maybe you can shed some light – thx!
Safety is a huge issue with the Corvette.. Why? The corvette has no curtain airbags.. That means any side accident with a higher vehicle, or a spinout that ends up with the driver getting intimate with a tree or telephone pole means that the head injury resulting from that accident will be off the scale.. Does GM not care about the safety of its customers?
Also the A-pillars on the Corvette are very weak.. I have looking at many pics of corvettes accidents to see how the car handles the forces in an impact.. one example was of a Vette that rear-ended an 18 wheeler and went under squashing the driver.. if the A-pillars are designed not to bend then that car would have either stopped (all be it very suddenly) or jacked up the truck (supporting the rear end of the truck with it’s a pillars) and made the accident (likely) more survivable.. also in a rollover the vette roofs seem to collapse easily.. WHY DOES THAT HAPPEN ON A 60k CAR???? In my humble opinion, a stronger roof (alas something similliar to a roll-cage) built into the car would make a world of difference when combined with padding, decent air-bags, knee airbags and side/curtain airbags.. now that alone would make me want to buy a new one .. I will gladly put up with the (ahemm.. ) frequent service intervals .. if its anything like my C5, then I will get to know my dealership staff very well ÔÅä
Nick
SteveG said:
Steve,
What exactly is wrong with model numbers instead of names? Many European auto companies have done very well using model numbers — and those model numbers even make sense:
* A BMW 318 is a 3-Series chassis with a 1.8 liter motor.
* A BMW 325i is a 3-series with a 2.5 liter, fuel-injected motor.
* A BMW 760 is a 7-series chassis with a 6.0 liter motor. And so on.
Makes sense to me and I’d like to see U.S. companies do the same? Why do they (or you) think a cheesy, made-up name some marketing “Ace” pulled out a focus group session is neccesary to sell a car?
Remember the old Oldsmobile “Ciera?” Just exactly what was a “Ciera” anyway? (I always figured GM didn’t know how to spell “Sierra.”) How about the Pontiac “LeMans?” Were gullible buyers supposed to think there was a connection between their new Pontiac and a 24-hour race in France? (None that I know of.)
GM’s cars should be good enough that they can sell them just by using their base name (Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, or Cadillac) followed by a model number — just as BMW, Audi, and Daimler do.
I am in love with the new Astra…finally we’re getting Europe’s good metal here at home. However, I’m a little concerned that incentives are starting to appear on the brand-spanking-new Silverado. I really don’t think you should be putting incentives on this vehicle. Remember, these cheapen the product! The same applies to the Tahoe and the Suburban. Leave the prices alone. Get maximum penny out of the buyers who want and need those vehicles. Don’t cheapen your great new products (this includes the Silverado and the Tahoe/Suburban)!
Chris said:
“I think the American consumer would love to have a vehicle to
“a: fit their family of four in,
“b: Have a vehicle that drives like a car (or sportscar – Crewman SS) and
“c: Still be able to load the Snow Blower or Lawn Mower in the back to drop off at the repair shop.”
This could be done incredibly inexpensively, simply by making the trunk lid on sedans removable, or lockable in the upright, vertical position. It would work well on 2-door and 4-door sedans. A tailgate that would allow trunk-floor level loading would make it even more useful: think of the Subaru Baja as a “sedan without a trunk lid” and you’ll see what I mean.
“So I don’t think that it’s hard to make a RWD car, just that people in places with icy or snowy weather, which is about half the US, aren’t interested in them.”
I live in Michigan. Yes, we want RWD cars. Once, maybe twice a year is there enough snow that makes RWD impractical. (and that’s only because I live in an area of poorly maintained dirt roads) The rest of the time RWD is far superior to FWD. In the city or suburbs, I see no use for FWD.
Of course, the best set up is AWD, for any weather. I love that the new CTS is coming out with that option. A CTS V with AWD and a six speed would be the great. Although I would prefer a similar layout from one of GM’s less expensive divisions. (If the G8 can be had with AWD, I’ve got my dream car.)
I have had rear wheel and four wheel drive for most of my life in the midwest here, I just recently broke down with the gas game and bought a new front wheel drive along with MY first V6 and believe me there is NO comparsion to control on ice and snow that a FWD has over the others..
To CaptainDan
Keep an eye on Saab in the coming year. They might have just what you are looking for in the 9-3 range.
Regarding the The Saturn Vue “plug-in” hybrid (or even the Volt) – you should make an integrated rooftop solar panel as an option. This would allow the recharging of the batteries during daytime work hours. This will be beneficial to those who live in the southwest – who are most likely to buy these type of vehicles.
OK, ok, G8 looks great, has great features but – again – where are HID headlamps??? I mean, come on people, why not offer it as an option or part of an option package. Don’t you think buyers, especially those who know the difference between HID and halogen, pay 400-500 bucks extra? I sure as h*ll would.
Gary, you hit the nail on the head with this statement:
“GM’s cars should be good enough that they can sell them just by using their base name (Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, or Cadillac) followed by a model number — just as BMW, Audi, and Daimler do.”
I really don’t care about the nameplate on a car to begin with. If it’s a Pontiac, all you need is the shield on the hood. Good cars are good cars by nature, not by the ten cent piece of chrome plated plastic stuck to the trunk with super glue. I like what GM is doing, and as far as I’m concerned they can name their cars whatever they want. Even the Camaro. With such storied history of the nameplate, GM could have named the new one anything they wanted to. As a great looking 2 door RWD coupe, it could just as well have nothing but the Chevy bowtie on it and it would still be a great car.
For the first time in a very, very long time GM understands again that product sells, not nameplates. If that was the case, Grand Ams would have flown off the lots. I love the new G8, as well as pretty much all of GM’s newest products.
They can call them whatever they want.
Hi Chris and Gary,
basically I don’t believe that it would have any negative impact on the sales of the Astra, when it’s offered as a Saturn, instead of an Opel, in America.
The relation between Saturn and Opel soon will be nearly the same as Opel/Vauxhall. Referring to my information the Astra in the meanwhile is the best-selling car in GB. Furthermore, the Astra already is available as a Holden in Australia and, the previous model, as Chevrolet in Latin America.
The Alero, which I bought in 2001, also was offered as Chevrolet instead of Oldsmobile. Chevrolet already was much more in the European’s mind, mainly because of the Corvette and the SUV’s, which are available over here since years, either. Consequently GME decided to re-badge the vehicle, even more, since they wanted to avoid a further GMNA-Brand, beside Cadillac and Chevrolet. I didn’t mind, that the Alero regularly was an Olds, because I was focused on the vehicle itself. It provided outstanding value for the money at the times it was sold in Germany. Unfortunately it was marketed poorly and people over here sometimes are a little biased against US-Cars, whereas (e.g.) the Corvette has got an increasing reputation in Europe, either.
Dear Mr. Lutz,
I love the new Pontiac G8 and the new Saturn Astra. I believe that GM is making a lot of great moves in the market place with the introduction of the Zeta architecture (RWD Global Platform), the Malibu and the new CTS. They are all fabulous. But my concern is that the risk of $3 gasoline returning is too great and that the GM line-up is still vulnerable to the fluctuations in energy prices. The GM product line-up needs to be strengthened at the low end with the expansion of the Kappa architecture. The Astra is great and positioned well for the low end of the market, but the Kappa architecture is especially attractive.
In my opinion, there is a new market niche forming with the introduction of the BMW 1 series, the Audi A1, and the Volvo C30 joining the Mini-Cooper. I just saw a Kia that could also join this class of automobile. This market is great for those who are 50, like myself, who want something sporty but functional. We don’t want full size family cars any more. A small sport car where the back seat can be lowered to haul groceries, plants, and golf-clubs, but the front can still loaded with high end options such as stereo, XM, navigation, heated seats, whatever would be ideal. The suspension can be that of a sport car, and the engine can be economical but peppy, like the 2.0 Ecotec Turbo. The car I really want to buy is the Chevy Nomad, which I saw in the 2004 New York Auto Show. It could be both an answer to this developing niche, as well as very profitable if it was made in Mexico. It could have four and five door variants. It could also be global in appeal, similar to the Open GT/ Saturn Sky Redline.
I just ordered a Redline, which will be our seventh GM car. But the Nomad would be the next choice if it were available. I also think that there are a lot of people like me looking at the Volvo C30 and the rest of this new market niche. When $3 gasoline returns, a lot more people will be looking at this niche. I hope GM will be in it.
Richard Straton
Bob,
Let’s give the G8 a proper name: Grand Prix!
Otherwise it’s just a Mazda6, G35, IS300, 328i, 500, 300C, blah blah blah….
I hope to be one of many proud owners of this car.
Can General Motors please make more than one vehicle and a large line of pickup trucks and SUVs that accomodate drivers that are between the sizes of 6′0″ and 7′0″ tall, please?
At 6′4″, I am completely disgusted by the new mantra of vehicles,which you help create and GM keeps rolling out,that completely disregard the fact that Americans are getting taller and larger, not just obese.
In case you clowns at GM haven’t noticed, the roomier foriegn models, even the cheap-o plastic Hot Wheels models provided by Nissan and Honda, provide more head and leg room than anything GM can crank out. They have the style, the power, the handling AND the COMFORT of an interior large enough for me to sit pleasantly.
My only question is: Are you people lost?
If I seem irritated its because I believe in the products at GM. I currently own a Bonneville GXP in White Gold Tricoat. As large as that car is, its no wonder they didn’t sell. They have the worst use of head and leg room of any “Large” sedan I’ve ever encountered from GM, besides the Cadillac STS.
Creed Crutchfield
Atlanta, Georgia.
P.S., just as the GTO was a flop because if its weak sheetmetal prowess, so shall the new G8 sedan be if something isn’t done about its boring exterior lines. If you add that in combination with the weak headroom and the Black headliner only option which causes claustrophobia at best, you wind up with a vehicle which wasn’t worth time and effort.
Booo! (Thumbs down)
P.P.S Maybe all of you who are busy praising the finely tuned drivel that is coming out of Bob Lutz’ office should be more focused on what it means to be a leader in Automotive design, rather than a leader in mere satisfactory shenanigans such as the Soltice which requires a Cirque du Soliel performer to simply reach the window and lock controls.
What??? No six speed manual for the V6????? I’d kill for that option on the new G8 or up and coming Impala.