Global A-Go-Go
By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman
Press days at the New York Auto Show have concluded, and GM enjoyed another successful show – it’s been a great time on the circuit for us thus far this year.
I must say I share Chevrolet general manager Ed Peper’s enthusiasm about Chevy’s “triplets”… the trio of small car concepts we unveiled in New York. I’m excited both about what they represent for the brand and about what they say about GM’s global product development system.
All three concepts were done by our design studio in Inchon, South Korea. One of GM’s 11 Global Design Studios, the Korean facility houses our experts in small car design and development. The triplets are based on GM’s global mini-car architecture, and they demonstrate the flexibility, creativity and innovative focus of design in GM’s Asia Pacific region.
I encourage you to let us know what you think, and go to www.vote4chevrolet.com to learn more and vote for your favorite one. It’s likely one of these concepts will go to production as a global small car entry, and could be sold in North America if conditions are right.
The program is part of ongoing efforts to leverage our global resources to develop all of our brands, especially our biggest global brand, Chevrolet. Our other global brands – Cadillac and Hummer – are beneficiaries of the process as well, expanding into new markets and growing in their current ones.
Just in the past couple of weeks, I have been to the grand opening of a Hummer dealership in Manchester, England; the grand opening of a Cadillac Experience store in Copenhagen, Denmark; and the groundbreaking of a new Hummer Academy in Bahrain.
At all of these stops the enthusiasm shown by our employees and retail partners was off the charts. The Middle East, in particular, is a huge potential growth market for brands like Cadillac and Hummer, and Chevrolet as well, and I look forward to watching the progress of our operations there. And by the way, it’s an amazing part of the world to visit, if you ever get the chance. This was my first trip there; we went to Dubai, Kuwait City and Bahrain, and I came away wondering what on earth took me so long to get there.
- Posted in Auto Shows, Bob Lutz
Jason Zebersky
LOWBALL A NO NO
Just do’nt turn GM into Emerson Radio, or RCA for that matter, and exist soely to brand “lowest cost producer” exporters, because if you do You’r gung ho capitalist shareholders wo’nt like the profit margins on bottom barrel brands.
Desighn in Korea, build in Kansas, Desighn in Melborne build in Michigan. Desighn in China build in Canada. Desighn in Malasia build in Mexico.
Take from the World and Feed your Famaly and Friends Fist.
Jason
Paul
I’d imagine it’s the only place with a growth market for Hummer or Cadillac. They’ve got all the oil, so they’re probably the only ones who could afford to fill them up!
And what’s this excuse I hear about how a 4% per year increase in fuel economy will cost $5,000 to $6,000? Quit making promises you can’t keep and threats you can’t back up.
If you seriously believe this, GM isn’t long for this world.
Peter Kay
I must say its impressive like heck that GM’s brand is showing strong signs of globalization.
I’m also very happy (as an American that is proud of my countrymen) to see that GM keeps cranking the hits.
It may take 10-20 years to regain the trust that took as long to lose, but so what?
Keep doing what you’re doing and sooner or later you will be able to look at the 80s-’00s as a history lesson as oppose to a present condition.
Great work man!
mrbill
Triplets, smickletts, Where is our new BUICK GNX. We want a big bad Blown GNX with Flowmasters. You have a start already, put it on a REAR DRIVE….move on.
Plus we will not buy any of these unless they are built in the middle of the US Midwest.
Part of your social contract for us to purchase your items and allow you to remain in business is to provide jobs…if not…then perhaps it would be better if you are no longer in business and someone else start up and do it.
Stan
If they can sell those horrid Hummers in England then - we just might get lucky enough to get the mini car in the USA. I mean with gas probably $6 a gallon in England - are the conditioins right for a gas guzzler. It will probably appeal to obnoxious image conscious people. I mean how can the conditions be any more ‘right’.
I can’t understand why only one of those great Mini platform cars will get produced after all the wheelbase development.
Gereon Langlitz (Germany)
Jason,
EVERY company with the potentials of GM would do the same, regardless the branch. That’s simply globalization. If a major company tries to resist to this, it likely will be out of business one day. You may love it or hate it, but it makes no sense to close the eyes concerning that reality.
BTW, it’s not only a matter of shareholders, but also has to do with the customers’ demand for products, which should be as affordable as possible.
Josh
Mr. Lutz:
I remember a year or so back you gave a speech about the importance of the american automobile industry. The design, engineering and building of cars and trucks in the US adds to the work to this economy and the tax base. For the most part the articles of late detail, outsourcing whether it’s white collar or blue. So what if the profits come back to a “US company” if none of your workers exist here in the US. It’s a sad state when the only way to compete is outsourcing. To me it’s no longer a US company.
onell
Mr. Lutz, why you let us vote for these cars when you don’t bring it here in North America?
Victor
I have a great idea. Save some development money and just get Daewoo to start building the Corsa. That car looks pretty good - I think it looks better than all three of the concepts.
Jack Lowrey
Looks like Shanghai cars - good luck selling these fugly three in the US! Or have you already conceded all the US business to Toyota, Honda and Hyundai? They just had another record month, and GM suffered another loss. And THIS is your answer for gaining back market share?
Way to go!! Great cheap cars that nobody will want. Which other GM exec’s deserve a promotion this month?
Darren
Hi Bob
Did you ever notice that the rear headlights on the new Hoda Civic look like Tucan Sam from the Fruit Loops commercials ?
Brad
I really liked the Chevy trio. I chose the Beat, as I really like its micro look but with an aggressive face and stance. With the right engine and tuning, this thing could be a real hoot to drive.
I would put the Groove right behind it. I like the idea of diesel power. I would imagine such a car would still be peppy around town but get exceptional fuel economy due to the small engine size. For me, I’d prefer something small and sporty in the Beat (a bit more practical than my Miata), but I could see the Groove having a much larger market appeal similar to a Scion.
Whatever you do, please make it unique and not a basic econobox. The Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris are fine little autos, but they don’t really stand out in any way. Sporty suspension tuning, supercharged or turbo gas or diesel, and the great looks would be welcome in this class.
Gary Dikkers
Bob Lutz said:
Ed Peper said:
Mr Lutz,
I did as you suggested and went to Ed’s blog where he asked us to go to Chevy Triplets and vote on which we liked best.
Guess what? I got over to that web site and all I saw were pictures. Ed wants me to vote based only on appearance. Can you believe that?
How am I supposed to make an intelligent choice when all I know is what the three “concepts” look like? Do you really think American auto buyers are that superficial?
Several of the European and Asian micro-cars are already available with small, turbocharged diesel engines delivering superb fuel economy. Will Ed’s triplets be as innovative as the Euro micro-cars? Much more important than style, “What kind of engine does Ed Peper plan to use in one of his triplets?” Will it be:
The powerplant you envision for these concept cars is fundamentally more important than the cute results of a design exercise, yet neither you or Ed say anything about that most critical design element.
Instead of being proud of their “cuteness” you and Ed should be concentrating on technical efficiency, reliablity, a way to make the car economically and profitably in the USA, and perhaps most importantly, making a car that people will still be able to afford to drive after Peak Oil hits us.
Best regards,
Gary Dikkers
design_Kid
Why do some negative people automatically assume that just because we say GLOBAL we mean cheap?
GM are using global resources because
1. We dont have enough resources to do all the work in the US
2. Experts in Korea, Melbourne, China, Europe and USA can collaborate to create a SUPERIOR product.
GM needs to make sure people understand this clearly!
GM is not sending work to the ‘lowest cost producer’ it is distributing work in the interest of achieving the best products!!!!
Brian
I find the Groove to be very attractive, but my favorite feature is the diesel engine.
Is America ready for diesel? By the looks of the Groove’s poll lead, quite possibly. Please Chevy, give us a small car with a diesel.
Jason Vanover
These are great concepts, each one could have a place for GM, even in the US market. They could be great if they are effecient enough without sacrificing too much power, and stylish enough. There is a market for these cars
Kenny
The vehicles should be cheap enough since the buyers are likely to be college students and commuters. It should have at least 25+ mpg. Other important factors when it comes to buying small cars is a good looking interior that does not look cheap even though the car should be affordable. Great examples are the Smart Fortwo and the Nissan Versa. Despite its low price of $14,000, my Nissan Versa has a very nice interior, good engine, and very roomy (surprisingly I thought it look tight ). I never drove a Smart Fortwo, but the pictures sure look decent. If the interior sucks and it has low mpg, I rather buy a used Toyota car.
Robert
I’m in my mid-30s and have always disliked traditional American vehicles - too big, ugly, impractical, poor fuel economy - they just didn’t work for me.
If General Motors can bring one or more of these new small car designs to market with a reasonable price, good quality control, and a reasonable dealership experience (sales/service), then there might just be hope for them yet.
To get ahead of the curve, GM should offer a fuel efficient turbodiesel engine that could be shared between the US and Europe. On-demand AWD, possibly electric, would also be a welcome option.
gll
It is nice to see some enthusiasm from GM for small cars. If you let Toyota and Honda sell Americans their first car you will not get a chance to sell them their 2nd, 3rd or 4th vehicle. If GM does not figure out how to make money on small cars you will not have a future in the auto industry.
When I see a Aveo Sport with a turbo and tuned suspension come to market I will know that GM is an investment grade stock.
fred
Global brands Chevrolet, Cadillac…Hummer? Sorry to see that Saab among others failed to make your list, Mr Lutz. Still POd that they made the 93 better than you wanted? One would think those advances would have made it to the 95 by now.
Daniel Gerard Rouzier
Kuddo’s to GM for finally trying something new… Congratulations to Wagoneer. Lutz, Clarke et all. This effort positions GM as the company it was always meant to be: nimble, profitable, customer oriented and enviromentally friendly… I hope that soon GM will also unveil its plans to produce more diesel engines (smaller variations of the Duramax) , not only for its trucks but for all its line-up - including but not limited to the H3, the Tahoe and the Colorado.
Daniel-Gerard
Andy
In the face of globalization and the Digital Revolution, companies must face new challenges with simplification. Bringing German Opels and Australian Holdens to North America and exporting American Cadillacs and Hummers (I’m not so sure about the latter, but Europeans drivers seem to like them) is the smart move in streamlining production with a unified global product line.
It’s funny to see how wrong the news and business media were. In the near past, Chrysler was proclaimed as the standard for Detroit and Bill Ford, Jr., was Dearborn’s messiah. Since then, Ford ceded day-to-day operations to Alan Mullaly (and the Ford company is in its third restructure this decade) and Kerkorian is out to buy ailing Chrysler for around 1/5 of what he offered a decade ago.
I pray GM doesn’t drop the ball. This is the best the company has looked since 1972. There is energy at the top, a clear vision for the future, and attractive vehicles. The Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky wonderful examples of styling contrasts. The Camaro is retro without being regressive in aesthetics. Cadillac is once again a world-class luxury brand. It’s good to see progress coming out of Detroit.
getalifeagain
I agree with the first comment wholeheartedly!
jg
Mr. Lutz, We need a convertible for Buick. Those of us driving Mercedes CLK/BMW 3 series convertibles who want a 4 seat upscale American convertible have nothing from GM to buy. Can’t you make the Velite, or make a Buick version of the Saab convertible? Pontiac is more performance/blue collar, andGM needs to make something upscale to compete with the Sebring and those foreign models I mentioned.
How hard would it be to make a Lucerne convertible and call it a Riviera?
A Buick convertible is one of the missing pieces and keys to GM’s revival.
Fred Turner
Mr. Lutz, I really like the new trio, especially the Groove. I also wonder why with Mini’s success, and smart comeing not to mention the Yaris, Fit, and Versa one wouldn’t naturally be headed for the US? It would definately help GM’s image until the Volt (hopefully) get’s here. On another note, I just bought a new Avalanche Z71. Terrific vehicle!! It’s just a good thing I am an auto enthusiast and knew just about everything about the vehicle prior (and have owned previous Avalanches) because the dealership was totally clueless and buying experience was the worst I’ve EVER experienced! (I can say that as I’ve bought over 23 new vehicles in 20 years, GM and a few others should absolutely love me!) An example, I was on my way to pick up the truck and the salesman called to see when I would be there and said it was clean and he just pulled it up front, and asked, “Did you know this thing has a backup camera?” Give me a break! Then when I got there, the I asked the sales manager when he came out to thank me for putting the deal together, (they were also clueless as to what my ‘07 Infiniti was worth so I had to contact the Infiniti dealership myself for a buy figure)why they don’t pick up the first oil change with the purchase of a $45,000.00 truck and he said if I bring the sales survey from Chevrolet in and let them fill it out he would pay for the first oil change. Needless to say, I won’t be doing that! I could go on but this is long enough. Please email me if you’d like to know who the dealership is. The products are getting better, the dealers need work though. Thanks!
Corto
Oh yes, the new Hummer dealership in Manchester; just in time for the new British gas-guzzler tax. As much as I am pleased to see Chevrolet trying to get serious about small cars, your immoral obsession with pursuing the development of gas guzzlers makes me sick to my stomach. You are just not reading the writing on the wall and I believe and hope it will bring your down fall. We, habitants of the planet, cannot afford selfish short-sighted corporations like GM any more. Please spare me the BS about giving customers what they like in every segment and all those flex fuel cars your build but don’t have ethanol to burn. Even if they did, chances are that the grain-produced ethanol you are promoting would not be doing a damn difference on the world’s carbon balance. Surely you know this, but like the car salesman you are, you are drowning the truth in a sea of half lies and half truths. In any case, egocentric, selfish, rich customers who are either ignorant or choose not to care, just don’t count in today’s precarious situation. If we are to survive, certain segments of the auto industry will have to disappear and the time to act is now ! That goes for German, British and Italian manufacturers also. On a side-note, I notice how you did not mention Saab as one of your ¬´other global brands¬ª. Is that because most Saabs don’t waste enough fuel getting from point A to point B in a spirited, safe and relatively frugal way ? We were counting on you to make a difference but it doesn’t seem you understand the true scope of that statement.
Rick Lupori
Mr. Lutz: As a stated in response to the original post from Mr. Peper, GM should offer all three of these vehicles on the U.S. market. Each vehicle appeals to a different buyer from the Beat for 2 door tuners, families needing the room of the Groove or versatility of the AWD Trax, although I would suggest painting the Trax a different color or at least all one color, don’t think the two-tone look works well and is hiding a neat design.
All three can be personalized to buyer needs and help GM improve its image problem in the U.S. This fact alone makes it worth doing, even if GM makes nothing on the vehicles in the U.S. Making little to no profit beats spending millions on an image campaign.
Besides, I think GM can make money on them even in the U.S. since they are made on the same platform GM will recoup development costs faster and make a profit sooner. All three would be sold globally and be made in low cost countries where each vehicle volume sales are. Not overjoyed about the last part, but the reality of globalization is products will be made where their largest market is.
ghent
GM Daewoo recently introduced L4X, a RWD, long wheel base, premium large sedan.(http://www.globalautoindex.com/news.plt?no=1814#) This car should be made available in US, Europe and China. The next-gen Impala and Cadillac DTS should be based on it. Trust me it would work. i’m a proud GM shareholder.
Rene Curry
Build all three using the same platform & drivetrain. This is a case where external styling & function is different enough not to be considered “badge” engineering.
Another subject, hopefully related…Great companies re-invent themselves to create a totally different business model & market.
Look at Apple. They developed I-Pod. It would not have been successful if they hadn’t locked up the music downloading market to go with the I-Pod.
Consider this…
Lock up your present market in key locations to create premium pricing, branding, resale value while adding a new market.
Here is how:
Build or buy a refinery in a key market location. Yes, a refinery! Then set-up several large fuel service centers around each major city. The fueling stations would be set up in a large area with related businesses such as convenience store, robotic/environmentally sound car wash, restaurants, etc. Make it a little upscale in looks.
Here is the catch…Sell the fuel direct at very low cost and ONLY for GM vehicles. To qualify you would need to purchase a membership card yearly from a GM dealership. You could expand this to all GM vehicles, past, present, & hot rods with GM drivetrains. This card would be used to activate the pump and could also be used as a debit card. You could add money to the card just like a gift card. An attendant would also enforce the rule of GM only vehicles. The pumps should be totally automated to only use the GM membership card & debit/credit cards.
This would give you premium vehicle pricing & resale value in the local market. If the lawyers come out of the woodwork to say this isn’t competitive, then you can still make it where the membership cards are purchased at the dealer and you can raise fuel prices more, but still be below market.
Carole Huddleston
I am not a young urban consumer. I am a 58 year old woman who wants to move from my minivan to a fun, small auto. I am tired of going to Italy and viewing a wide-range of attractive small cars. I was excited to see the Beat and hope to have it as an option in my quest to move into a small, energy effecient car.
Dale
I’m dying for a small turbo diesel, really in any vehicle, but specifically in a sporty car. If you added AWD to the mix, you’d have a unique combination of style, efficiency, and “go anywhere”, even in the snow in the northeast.
jreid
Utilizing GM’s facilities around the world to streamline design and production is a good strategy, but I would advise against shifting too much production and design out of America. It looks like the global zeta platform will become important for GM in the future. One of the rumored cars to be built off this platform is a Pontiac coupe - presumably the next generation GTO. This car must compete with the likes of the BMW M3 while reviving it’s classic styling. I assume you are personally overseeing this vehicle and ensuring that the zeta platform is up to this task. Meanwhile, I will be awaiting the “global zeta” concept GTO.
Bob
It’s nice to see that GM is finally coming around with the Groove, HHR and redesigned Malibu. If you want to gain more from people make the HHR, Malibu, and Groove into a wagon with a 3rd. row seat option. I admit that I have been very disappointed for several years with GM cars and Trucks in the way they look, performance and repair. The last GM I purchased was 1997 and haven’t seen anything coming out of GM until you introduced the Equinox and HHR. I was hoping that I would see one of these two extended with a 3rd row seat addition. Consider extending the Groove and make a mini wagon with a 3rd row seat option and while you’re at it make the HHR, Malibu and Equinox with the same option, you would definitely get my business back and a lot of other past GM buyers. What do you say GM?
Rick
Nice looking… but NOT an electric powered of the 3… what will it take for you folks to get “out of bed” with the oil industry, and produce a truly “urban” vehicle that is non air polluting, quiet, and affordable ?
The Japanese automakers have led the way in kicking our butts in the development/production of true hybrids… can we again become the industry leader… in the verrry near future ? electrics are long overdue,needed, and should be a price factor… let’s face it…in the American family household, where there are 2 cars.. 1 is for dad to get back & forth to work, the other is for family outings,vacations etc. Would it NOT be a great selling point to ‘dad’ to have an energy efficient, quiet, smaller car (that could take advantage of compact car spaces in parking garages etc in the inner city, where he plugs it into the home garage electric outlet to use the next day, instead of worrying about long lines at the gas station) ? Oil changes ? spark plugs ? catalytic converter replacements…. ha ha ha … all a pricey, time consuming remnant of the past !
Please help get this country back on track !
Brian
All three of the cars are going for some trendy niche, and they are all three equally useless.
(I take that back one-third, I think that mini-suv could be like e new suzuki samurai)
I guess the goal is to drive GM’s market share closer to the ground, if it’s not already there.
You wouldn’t catch Koreans designing such silly cars for their own market.
I guess you haven’t noticed that Hyundai has leapfrogged GM and Ford quality (Azera).
Amother goal (I guess) is to make sure American’s are never allowed to have (or even learn about) any practical, economical, small engine- high-mileage cars.
(like the ones they sell in Germany without engines twice oversized with wretched mileage like US VW’s)
So good move GM, make a small car and kill any potential high-mileage with anti-aerodynamics and a turbo.
Brilliant!
Edward Hayes
Happy Easter Bob,
As it’s still two minutes to go…
Thanks for answering my last blog about the need to take the small mini-car segment seriously. The fact that you need to be wise about oil use while India and China are exploding in growth. The supply of oil is not growing and the noose on GM’s neck is only getting tighter.
I heard all three of your responses loud and clear, here is my response…
As I said you loosen that noose around GM by supplying the US a small to mini-car option. You cut that noose all together with the advancement of HEED technologies and the immediate development of all three Trax, Beat and Groove models. And I’ll be the first to say it. You need all three in the U.S. Period.
Wow, that wasn’t hard. No seriously the world is not getting any more secure. And I am the optimist.
Now that is how GM survives here is how we prosper.
Now don’t get me wrong what you are doing with Hummer and Cadillac in Bahrain is a great start and as a human being I hope the sun is at your feet, the wind is at your back and may your clouds be white and gold. As you know success comes at a price and right now that cost is the cost to fix what GM calls its “volume luxury brand.”
Let me tell you a story…
About 10 years ago I found a small article in the USA Today from the “states” section in which they have about two sentences on news from every state. In the Nevada section they had a clip and it said something like…
Sheldon Adelson has begun work on a $2 billion Venetian themed hotel. It will feature replicas of the canal with gondolas and feature authentic recreations of Venetian landmarks right on the Las Vegas strip.”
I couldn’t believe my eyes, I am a man that appreciates beautiful things. I cut the article out put it in my pocket saved it for 2 years until it was complete.
Couple of weeks ago I read from Forbes Sheldon Adelson is the third wealthiest man in America.
Here is another one for you. Jeep Wrangler doubling its sales this year on the success of the 4 door model. It’s an authentic Jeep with 4 doors and it is blowing all sales expectations out the window. This vehicle is definitely the must have vehicle this year. Jeep Compass is failing in the marketplace.
Here is another one, Porsche is increasing its stake in Volkswagen. The most profitable automaker on the planet may have intentions of buying Volkswagen outright.
What do these three stories have in common? Brand, authenticity and heritage. You know Toyota says it’s “Moving Forward” but being from a country so steeped in tradition and heritage I would take that saying with a grain of salt. No, Toyota believes in a lot of things and those things do not change even when they are looking forward.
Now since I am here in the world’s biggest automobile market and still the most abundant I have my ears to the ground and everybody is saying it. Your brands are dying, the heritage is lost and authenticity? What is that?
I want you to remember this point and I think I heard it somewhere. The best thing ever to happen to the European automakers such as Mercedes, BMW, Volvo, Porsche etc. is that unlike American automakers they never had the cash nor enjoyed the prosperity as American automakers to be allowed to thoroughly and completely change their cars as much as American automakers did.
That weakness became their greatest advantage, and GM’s success became its greatest failure. European makes kept their heritage and American automakers lost theirs. American automakers became a failure of their own success and sometimes I wish GM didn’t have the money to change all its cars in the 80’s. And I definite wish that GM did not have the ability to kill all of its “volume luxury dealerships”.
Put it this way take the vine, you have to prune it and grow it but the quality of the vine and the wine must stay the same to protect the brand.
Value comes not from those grapes but from the process by which you maintain your belief in the brand and quality or eventually you will have just grape juice. And that is what GM is “mostly” producing today.
In short…
Go find some brand, go find some heritage and go find some authenticity for your “volume luxury brand” and take some pointers from that more successful automaker.
Go ask Porsche why it just doesn’t buy GM and save themselves $25 billion and forget about Volkswagen.
Nope we would rather have a brand!!!
Robert
In this time if skyrocketing gas prices I wonder why GM doesn’t bring back the GEO METRO? It got a consistant 50 mpg and was very affordable. Oh sure the concepts look nice but we need real economy today like we had in the past. The GEO got 50 mpg before Hybrid was even part of are vocabulary. Come on GM do the right thing.
Joey Crampton
Bob,
You should bring all three to N. America. They could be Chevrolet’s Scion. Scion went from 0 to 150,000 units/year in a very short time, seems pretty enticing to me.
Patrick Shelton
I like the progressive look of these designs. However, I was disappointed to hear they will not be US made or sold. These types of vehicles would be essential to establishing credibility in markets lost in the domestic arena like LA and the SE.
Please respect that GM management gives car enthusiats a sounding board directly to the top.
DAS
Bob,
I do not think that diesel engines are the answer, without some kind of massive subsidy from the federal or state governments to bring diesel prices down. As GM is well-aware, European governments have a tax scheme on fuel so that diesel is competitive. To pay 10-20% more for a diesel engine and then 10-20% more per gallon in the US is not a winning proposition. Furthermore, diesel is just different form of pollution from unleaded gasoline, particulates in the atmosphere annoy people with allergies and black soot tends to cover monuments and buildings, etc. Europeans have decided that this form of pollution is more acceptable in their political and environmental climate, so let them have it. The US loves gasoline, so lets focus on ethanol, hybrids, and electric.
These mini-cars would be a niche product at best in the US, and perhaps better on the streets of Rio, Seoul, Beijing, Warsaw, Jerusalem, etc. As a previous poster correctly recognized, the Opel Corsa is easilly the best small GM car in the world (although admittedly bigger than these triplets). The fact that it is not North American-ready is a shame.
Perhaps the reason is because GM perceives that the Corsa would be a low-to-zero profit margin automobile in the US. That may be true. However, I doubt Toyota/Honda make a yen on the Yaris and Fit. They probably do not make money on the Prius either. However, some genius in their marketing departments has figured out that those offerings increase their reputation as innovators and environmentally-friendly, so that I will feel better about purchasing a non-fuel efficient Camry, Pilot, Tundra, or Accord.
A Saturn Corsa should not have to wait for the next generation, in four to five years. Strengthen the body, put that good-old American-spec bumper in it, replace the windshield, put in standard side airbags, and do whatever else you need to do to get it US-ready. Gas prices are only going up in the next four-to-five years. When Americans are looking to buy/lease GM cars in 2008, with gas over $3.00/gallon, there better be something there for us. The Astra is great, but still not fuel-efficient enough (seriously, how many europeans buy the 1.8L gas engine, as opposed to the diesel or 1.4/1.6s?) Small, 40mpg car now, or GM is going to be in trouble.
Jack Lowrey
>>>
From design-kid: Why do some negative people automatically assume that just because we say GLOBAL we mean cheap?
GM are using global resources because
1. We dont have enough resources to do all the work in the US
2. Experts in Korea, Melbourne, China, Europe and USA can collaborate to create a SUPERIOR product.
GM needs to make sure people understand this clearly!
GM is not sending work to the ‘lowest cost producer’ it is distributing work in the interest of achieving the best products!!!!
Posted by: design_Kid on April 6, 2007 12:43 AM
>>>
The ONLY reason that GM is continuing to send work to China, India, and other low-cost countries is because of cost. And projects will continue to be outsourced to third-world countries to eventually displace the American auto industry - all in the interest of cost reductions. Collaboration? That’s a pipe dream. And you call these superior products? - Please, who are you kidding?
These “experts” that you refer to are paid less and work much harder than your colleagues in Detroit. I’d brush up on your Mandarin because it’s only a matter of time before YOU are replaced or transferred too.
I also am concerned about the impact on the US economy when we continue shipping jobs over just to please the shareholders. Whatever happened to “Made in the USA” and “American pride”?? These new Chevy’s sound to me like an un-American Revolution.
The Law
Mr. Lutz,
I’m still waiting for my Saturn Corsa.A few years ago after seeing the Vauxhall & Opel Corsa in Uk and Germany i said i would buy one if they arrived in US.The new model corsa looks great better than Honda,Toyota. Mr.Lutz I have the cash sitting in the bank waiting for my corsa.Are you going to make my buy a Vw?
Cindy Munson
If these are the future, it doesn’t work. If GM wants to make money, make a car for us old Boomers-and have it look like a ‘61 Impala! Save these cars for a starring role in Blade Runner II.
Gary Dikkers
From the Detroit Free Press, 5-Apr-07 in an article explaining why GM objects to the a proposal to increase average fuel economy 4% yearly:
Mr Lutz,
You are obviously the professional auto maker and you should know, but I do have a question: The fleet average of new European cars is 43 mpg. If the Euro automakers have figured out how to get their average that high without adding six or seven thousand dollars to the cost of each car, why will it be so difficult for GM?
You must have inside information, so can you be more specific about what makes it so expensive for you to build cars that get high fuel mileage?
What exactly is it that GM will have to do that will be so expensive? How did the Europeans get their enviable results while avoiding the onerous expense you claim will cripple GM?
What is it that your Opel division in Germany does to contribute to the high average mileage in Europe? Why can’t you use the European technology here without the tremendous expense you claim?
V/R
Gary Dikkers
edvard
“We, habitants of the planet, cannot afford selfish short-sighted corporations like GM any more. Please spare me the BS about giving customers what they like in every segment and all those flex fuel cars your build but don’t have ethanol to burn. Even if they did, chances are that the grain-produced ethanol you are promoting would not be doing a damn difference on the world’s carbon balance. Surely you know this, but like the car salesman you are, you are drowning the truth in a sea of half lies and half truths. In any case, egocentric, selfish, rich customers who are either ignorant or choose not to care, just don’t count in today’s precarious situation.”
Perhaps you should copy and paste what you wrote and send it to Porsche and their 13 MPG Cayenne.Or how about Toyota’s Tundra that gets 15MPG?
The fact of the matter is that the latest GM full size trucks get around 20MPG on the freeway, and this is with a full-sized V8 engine.Look at the numbers- GM makes full sized vehicles that in some cases get close to 50% better fuel economy than some of the other “smart” brands like Toyota.Could it be that Toyota still doesn’t know how to build full sized trucks? Could it be the fact that Porsche used a VW Toureg as the base for the Cayenne- itself an embarrassing piece of engineering misfortune that with the Porsche badge will set you back close to $100,000?
Somehow or another, GM is picked out of the litter as being ‘evil’ simply because they are big and American.
and what about your statement:” egocentric, selfish, rich customers who are either ignorant or choose not to care, just don’t count in today’s precarious “situation.”
Well… I sure see an awful lot of BMWs on my drive home to work. Why anyone would think spending over $70,000 for a car is beyond me. Do these people also fit under your label of being rich and selfish or do people that buy other makes besides GM not count?
Vazir
Bring ‘em on Mr. Lutz - why only one if they’re built on the same platform?? Wouldn’t it make sense to lower costs and grab all customers rather than one-third, by building multiple body-styles on the same basic architecture??
Japanese auto-OEMs have several kei-cars on the same platforms in their portfolio - get all 3 - you will have a massive hit parade for Chevy ( and ofcourse that means the end of Scion!).
The Europeans are doing it too, so it can’t be that hard - and with three cars you have a ready made trident for the China, India, SE Asian, Japanese and Korean markets along with traditional markets like Europe and the new micro-mini ‘cult’ niche in the US of A.
And ofcourse - Bring ‘em soon!!!!
V@z!R….
Bombay, India
Gereon Langlitz (Germany)
“I also am concerned about the impact on the US economy when we continue shipping jobs over just to please the shareholders. Whatever happened to “Made in the USA” and “American pride”?? These new Chevy’s sound to me like an un-American Revolution.”
Hi Jack,
I don’t know whether you did read that chart from USA Today, which displayed the American contents of those vehicles sold in the USA. As I calculated, the average GM-Car (even including Saab), after all, is 70% US-made. Well, this still might sound unpleasant to you, but over here in Germany, there was released a very similar chart, either. The average German vehicle only is 35% truly German! Here you can see the report from USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2007-03-21-car-content-chart_N.htm
To Corto, who criticises the new Hummer-dealership in Manchester (GB): In the last several months Hummer even became more popular in Germany, where we are paying 6.50$/Gallon. But the most Hummers I’ve seen over here, are running on LPG. This means, they contribute to less air-pollution, than an average gasoline-fueled sedan. LPG is also well-known in Britain and so I expect that Hummer-customers over there will choose that fuel, either, even more since it’s 50% cheaper.
You also might consider that the Hummer-brand is sold at very low figures in comparison to other “normal” brands, consequently its impact on the ENTIRE emissions can’t be that significant in my opinion. If anybody still would like to be that moralistic, then we also have to forbid the few nostalgic railways with coal-burning steam-locomotives. Instead of condemning Hummer, I think it provides much more benefits for the environment (e. g.): only to buy energy-saving electric lamps (Australia!) and devices, to turn off the engine at the closed barriers of the railroad-crossing, not to use the car for very short distances, (if it’s possible) to travel by railway instead of aircraft, getting improved insulation for the buildings, etc., etc.
Maybe it would be a good idea also to offer the new High-Low-Hybrid (like Chevy Tahoe) for Hummer.
Don
I like the groove, but was disappointed with no MPG figures provided. I would like to see a small pickup designed in this class. I currently own a 04 Toyota Tacoma and was disappointed when toyota like all the other manufactures up sized their small truck lines. I would buy a small truck with 40 MPG figures if it were availible.
Colin S.
I was impressed by the FUN your designers built into these triplets. Now let’s see them on the road. I think GM might be suprised how well commuter cars could do in the present gas-price climate. Give us a quality, fun car and I think young Americans will come.
A few notes:
- Diesel isn’t selling me anything at the moment, particularly after last winter.
- I LOVED the electric all-wheel drive on the Trax. Make that auto a gas/battery hybrid and I would take it tommorrow.
- Safety-wise, how would these minis stack up?
Thanks and good luck.
Gereon Langlitz (Germany)
“The fleet average of new European cars is 43 mpg. If the Euro automakers have figured out how to get their average that high without adding six or seven thousand dollars to the cost of each car, why will it be so difficult for GM?”
Hi Gary,
I really have some doubt, that 43 mpg as the average European fleet-consumption is real. Let’s just look at VW, Europe’s (by far) largest car company. Their Diesels may be fuel-efficient, ok. But the gasoline-fueled Volkswagens partly belong to the worst gas guzzlers. And why is there such big excitement among the European manufacturers, concerning the latest buzz about CO2-restrictions, if they would be so far ahead.
Volkswagen actually HAS added some thousand Euros on its so-called 3-Liters-Lupo. That was finally the reason for its failure, this model consequently had been phased out in the meanwhile. I think it’s unrealistic to achieve significantly better fuel-efficiency free of charge. That’s valid for both sides of the Atlantic.
noel park
Many thanks to:
Jason, 4/5, 4:55 PM
Paul, 4/5, 5:33 PM
Josh, 4/5, 6:44
Gary Dikkers, 4/6, 12:18 AM
Jack Lowrey, 4/9, 11:36 PM
And so many others for your insightful and thought provoking comments.
I am a loyal owner of 6 Chevrolets. We towed our 55 Corvette vintage race car to Laguna Seca this weekend with our 2004 C3500. How much more can we do?
Under a previous post, I mentioned reading the works of Chalmers Johnson - “Blowback”, “The Sorrows of Empire”, and “Nemesis”. I find that reading his books along with following this blog is leading me to a profound sense of impending doom.
Can anyone say Chrysler? Roman Empire? Maybe Kirk will buy up GM next.
edvard
We are indeed living in a international economic community where many products are built using parts manufactured all over the world. For example, if I open the hood of my Toyota Tacoma, the first thing I see is the radiator, which interestingly enough has a GM stamp on it. Many of the components are made by Delphi. Things like the belts are made by Gates. All of these are US companies. But at the same time, a large percentage comes from Japanese companies like Denso. But even some of the Denso parts are made in Tennessee. There are even German made parts in the truck. A number of the electrical components are made by Bosch in Germany. I replaced the water pump which was made in China. The original tires came from South Africa. The car was built in the NUMI Fremont CA plant that has has a relationship with both GM and Toyota over the years.
You will find the same in almost any brand regardless of make. Some Volvos have Ford engines. Some Fords use Mazda engines. A number of Saabs use Subaru platforms.A few Saabs use Chevrolet SUV platforms. And so on. We are living in an era where the nameplate and where it is made has less and less meaning. What matters to modern companies is whether or not they can build a product better, cheaper, and more efficiently.
If you look at it this way, GM’s ability to utilize international research, development, and manufacturing has probably enabled it to promote such as seemingly rapid turnaround simply because they have the flexibility to choose from a vast array of different global products. Cars are becoming more and more like fashion.They even provide the niche for filling the desire to make political statements, as I’m sure many Prius owners fit into only too well. So as a company, it is important more than ever to listen to what the people want. Do it faster and more effectively, and you win.
Utilizing a global manufacturing system is the only way to success these days.
Ted H
OMG say it isn’t so.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/shock-general-motors-puts-zeta-rear-wheel-drive-revolution-on-hold.html
If you’re having trouble with CO2 or CAFE standards, innovate your way to some more efficient engines, please don’t just give up. Diesels?
noel park
Ted H, 4/10, 1:54 PM:
Thanks for the link.
Time for Lutz to retire. The handwriting on the wall is 10 feet high, and he can’t read it.
If the Feds don’t increase CAFE, the market will do it anyway. GM will be left flat footed with no saleable product again.
If you can’t build small cars in this country and make money Bob, we need to find somebody who can, or close the doors.
At least you are helping me get to the point where I will be able to buy a Prius without having a guilty conscience.
noel park
I’m thinking a more appropriate title might be “Global A- Went-Went
Gary Dikkers
Gereon said:
Gereon,
I heard the number of 43 mpg two weeks ago in an interview with former US senator Bill Bradley who just wrote a book called, The New American Story with his opionion of what’s wrong with America and what we need to change.
Also did a web search seeking a second source. Didn’t find anything to directly support the number of 43 mpg, but did find this from the US magazine Business Week:
Big Three Show No Leadership on Fuel Economy
Regards,
Gary Dikkers
Tony
I’m surprised that one of the more obvious cues from the 1970’s oil crisis isn’t being taken. That cue would be the success of small/micro pickup trucks such as the imported Luv, Courier, Toyota, and Datsun models.
A small pickup with a 6 foot bed is the perfect platform for a feul efficient, alternative drive vehicle. Additionally, these vehicles are constantly in demand for fleet use and models from the 70’s and 80’s remain popular with tradesman the world over.
With the growing stigma associated with gas guzzling Hummers and full size trucks, there is no better time to remind people that a reliable utility truck can get upwards of 20mpg on 1970’s technology. Imagine what modern and progressive design could accomplish with this market.
That is if, of course, we aren’t witnessing a return to planned obsolescence in the American auto industry?
Gary Dikkers
From Left Lane News Bob Lutz said,
Now, we’re getting to the heart of the matter — it’s not that GM doesn’t know how to build cars that could meet higher CAFE standards, it’s that they don’t think they can profitably build them in the U.S.
Perhaps that is an area that GM and the UAW will need to correct with some team work. It would be nice if GM could build competitive, profitable, high-fuel mileage cars in the U.S. using American employees who belong to the UAW.
I understand the reasons why that can’t happen:
But, even with those constraints, people such as Bob Lutz must find a way to increase CAFE standards. All reasonable people surely must realize we can’t continue forever building and driving massive numbers of fuel-guzzling (but profitable) trucks and SUVs.
But without some give from the UAW, the only way to do that will be to bring in small fuel efficient cars from overseas (made by overseas workers).
The UAW must realize that if GM and the others do enough of that, the auto industry in the U.S. will die except for the one or two plants that will still be making trucks for the people that really need them such as ranchers, contractors, etc.
V/R
Gary Dikkers
design_Kid
BOB!!!
DONT STOP THE RWD CARS!!!!
I totally support your views on the CO2/CAFE standards but don’t stall the great products!
GM has already stalled once on RWD cars when they said GM had to focus on its SUVs!
We need GM to stay focused on the big picture: GREAT PRODUCTS
ghent
mr lutz said the new CAFE standard would pump up each vehicle’s price by $5,000. I wonder why GM doesn’t use Bluetec/Bin 5 diesel. Bluetec can easily get 40 mpg. It is used by DCX, BMW, and VW-Porsche. Dr Z is a nice guy and i am sure u can work out the licensing issue. Remember, GM, DCX and BMW worked on the two-mode hybrids. I also wonder why GM did join DCX and BMW on RWD performance luxury mild-hybrids. Was GM discriminated?
anthony
Bob! Mr Lutz! Please im begging u, please go forward with the new Impala to round out the new Malibu dont put the brakes on the Zetas Mr Lutz let them go to market then turn your attention to getting out the alternative fuel vehicles.
Dont stop now Bob get the Zetas out first!!!
Quickening
Global A-Go-Go?
I am a strong GM supporter but I have to say no to this. The Buick Park Avenue was just unveiled in Shanghai today and I must say, its probably the best car GM has ever built. I love every mm of that car. It has every feature that it needs to compete in America and demand a higher asking point. It puts almost every luxury car maker to shame in the NA market, and that includes Cadillac. It definitely puts the current NA Buick models to shame. The Lucerne can not hold a candle to Chinese Park Avenue, and the sames goes for the LaCrosse.
It was reported earlier, that the Buick dealers were shown this vehicle and turned it down as they feared it would compete with the current Lucerne. I have to wonder why GM would allow this to happen. Its obviously short sited and the dealers are not in touch with what Buick SHOULD be.
The next generation LaCrosse needs to be moved to EpsilonII and for the matter the Lucerne should be axed. It doesn’t have any name recognition and hasn’t put a dent in the market. It gets beat by the Hyundai Azera, which is just plain sad. The Chinese Park Avenue needs to be a NA Buick Park Avenue. Everyone knows the Park Avenue and its a great name. Buick would then have a large crossover, Enclave and a small crossover to compete with the likes of the RDX and upcoming Lexus small crossover (slotted below the RX350). To finish off the brand, it should receive a Zeta based Velite as a halo car. This would allow Buick to be small but potent.
So you are scared it will overlap with Cadillac? That shouldn’t be a problem. It just shows Cadillac needs to be pushed up a notch or two, again, so it can truly compete with Mercedes-Benz.
And on a side note about features, offer BLUETOOTH. We all know you want us to buy Onstar calling minutes but in all honesty, they are pricey and there is no advantage. Why not offer both? I personally would buy a small amount of minutes for dire situations. Stop dumbing down vehicles for the NA market, you are only hurting the GM core. Why should the 07 Saab 9-3 offered in Europe get Bluetooth, but the ones shipped over to NA don’t get that feature. It just doesn’t make sense.
Here is your evidence of the GM supporters being fed up with this practice. In less that one day, there is a 12 page thread and counting about how much we LOVE the Chinese Park Avenue, but at the same time hate GM for not brining it here. Stop hurting yourself and give the people what they want.
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47787
The “pause” on Zeta for NA, is terrible. Give us more hybrids and DIESELS to combat the 4% increase of MPG each year that the President has proposed. Don’t start back peddling after you have taken the world by storm with the amazing cars riding on this platform.
Ming
Bob,
At GMInsidenews right now we have 227 Replies, 6,741 Views on a thread about a Buick.
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47787
The opinions are loud, and NO ONE understands why that Buick wasn’t shown in New York instead of Shanghai.
It’s not the “Super” pair of Buicks you introduced.
Where is the Chinese Park Avenue debut in the U.S.?
Someone at GM needs to look at the link I provided. Someone needs to recognize the passion.
This is a car that could make Buick relevant again, and for years at GMI I’ve never seen a response like it.
Don’t leave this up to (as the rumors suggest) some jaded Buick dealers who only know how to sell 3800-equipped W and G bodies.
Make this happen,
Regards,
-Ming
Marcelle
I just saw pics of the new Buick Park Avenue headed for China. It is JAW dropping gorgeous!! Then I compare it to what the NA market is getting “Super Buicks” more like super blah. Market share is increasing in China, decreasing in NA. Look no further than the Buick product in NA compare to China to demytify this scenario.
GM can build the best cars in the world. Why not let the US market see this?
Mike
This is wrong that we can’t get this car (Park Avenue sold in China) in NA for Buick. This should have been introduced in NY for Buick NA. Everybody seems to love it (I know I do) and this would have fitted in with Buick’s new line-up (Enclave). But no we had to get these two dressed up Super models instead. GM must be brain dead or something. They know people like the G8 in the sporty crowd, so why can’t they bring the Park Avenue to NA for the casual buyers. This would eat up Lexus and other luxury brand sells.
Brian
Bring over the Chinese Buck Park Avenue, pronto!
BerettaGTZ
“…could be sold in North America if conditions are right.”
With gas prices over $3 a gallon in California and cars like the Fit and Yaris and Scion enjoying record sales, aren’t conditions already “right??”
I’m sick and tired of hearing GM use qualifiers like “if.” What are you going to do, adopt another wait and see attitude while the competition continues to devour your market share?
You used to complain that GM never got a fair shake in the media about fuel efficiency. Get these cars to market, and you’ll go a long way towards changing those perceptions.
Last time I checked, GM was still the automotive industry leader. It’s about time it acted like one.
HoosierRon
Do you know how embarrassing — humiliating — infuriating — it is to see the red white and blue logo of a company as all-American as Buick on the front of a Chinese Park Avenue that totally outclasses the junk you guys are selling in… America? Has anyone in Detroit put a LaCrosse next to the Chinese Park Avenue and still wondered by North American Buick sales are in a free fall?
It is not that hard, people: stop making excuses and offer America the best GM has.
Edward Hayes
Thanks for answering my last post about GM’s “Volume Luxury Brand” with the release of the Buick Park Avenue in China. (Look I know I was a little rough and I apologize.)
In a word it’s WORLD CLASS!
Let me commend Mr. Wagoner, Mr. Lutz and Mr. Welburn and the team from Australia and China.
The Park Avenue is an exceptional execution of exterior styling and interior craftsmanship and it transcends with unique detail like over sized back leather wrapped seats and ample headrests and even the Buick clock detail in front.
If the Buick dealers see this vehicle up close there is just no way they would refuse it. There is no question Buick in China is making all the right moves.
Kudos and Kudos on those sales in Europe and Asia as well. Just astounding.
Just in case my fellow bloggers didn’t hear…
A 128% increase in sales in Russia.
Record sales for Chevrolet in Europe in the Jan-March period. Opel and Vauxhall also enjoying records.
Add that to exceptional sales stats continuing to echo around the globe from China, South Korea, India and Brazil. We got knocked up a little in Canada, Australia and the U.S. but overall there isn’t a company out there that is doing better around the globe and the naysayers aught to look at the statistics.
I think I am now out of ideas, you addressed the mini car, hybrid/hydrogen/ethanol/electric/diesel issue, you addressed costs, growth, design and finally Buick. I am running out of ideas folks.
Without problems I can’t give you anymore solutions.
Well, I guess my job is done here.
Well I guess, see on Bold Moves!!!
No actually GM should have every reason to be proud and I commend you on another busy and successful week, and the week is not even half over.
In short…
Keep up the Good work GM!!!
gwwyjjliu
Mr. Lutz,
Congratulations on a successful NY Auto Show. But I think your showing in NY was severely upstaged by GM in China at Auto Shanghai, where they debuted the Buick Park Avenue. This car is gorgeous, stunning, and exactly what Buick needs in North America. Why does China get a beauty like the Park Avenue (along with a much more handsome LaCrosse) and US customers get a LaCrosse/Lucerne “Super” with nothing more than a new grille? It’s a shame that GM is not putting its best efforts into Buick on both sides of the Pacific.
If you really want Buick to be successful in the US, please bring over the Park Avenue and the Chinese LaCrosse. Your loyal Buick customers are waiting.
Phil
I thought GM was on the ball, until I saw that new Chinese Buick Park Avenue that not being sold here in America. Keep on depriving your home market with inferior products GM, keep on.
Cameron H.
Why is the China built Buick Park Avenue not headed for the USA? For crying out loud the car looks amazing and far superior to any current Buick offerings. The new “super” line is a joke. There is nothing special about them. They suck..point blank. The Park Avenue is stunning. I would definently consider the Park Avenue in a heartbeat, and this is coming from a 21 year old that only drives F-bodys and Corvettes.
dallennium
Re: Take the Buick Park Avenue Message to GM’s Fastlane Blog
This + The Zeta’s being put on hold is now 2 more good reasons why Toyota will pass GM. Other reasons… Maybe no Volt… where is the Sequel… I am now in the camp of GM critic’s that say GM has to many Brands This is why they can’t keep up!!!!!! What is the count. 10, 12 Brands and I noticed that in Europe they are presenting Corvette as its own name plate, just to give themselves one more. WOW!!!! such insite? Hey GM You Better Make A New Brand For Your Gamma’s. OH I forgot about that news conference you will hold next mo. and tell us there will be no Gamma’s!!!!!?????? That will be more good news for Toyota. Just for the record You (GM) are your own worst
enemy. Thank’s for abandoning a family that was raised on GM product. I bought a Honda 2003 EX V6 Accord Coupe, To which, out of GM’s vast Brands and models had nothing to even consider.
__________________
More is enough
gnusman53
Sadly, GM still seems somewhat tone-deaf.
I have a ‘99 Metro. I also had a ‘94 Metro…….
My current one (with AC…has gotten just shy of 53MPG on state highway)……… My old one, got almost 54MPG……
Yet GM screams about its “more than 30 MPG”…..
I had a Ford Fiesta in the late 70s and got up to 49.87mpg on the freeway… back then EPA said 42mpg max…..
So far…those have been the best cars I have owned…..
In part… it was the quality of the cars… in part the quality of the support……
Ford Fiesta…..had multiple engines available…from the 1.6 liter……down to 1.3Liter/1.1Liter/900cc/750cc when they were being sold in Great Britain…only the 1.6 was available in the US…… Imagine the mileage that would have been available if the other engines were available….
Also…..be smart….Toyota was great with XB Scion….. but now they are going bigger and heavier with the new XB and ruining what had been a successful design. GM could have a design opening for a similar size XB of its own, with several engines (1.1 and 1.3 perhaps? even a hybrid or a diesel in the future)……
For GM to have a hope of my business in the future, they have to offer High Mileage…High Quality…..good to excellent interior space and layout… (I am 6′2 and 200+)….and excellent support…..
Right now, I am looking for a car in the next few months…. So far Corolla/Scion XB are the leaders…followed by the Prius….
GM’s current crop of vehicles has nothing that interests me. That has to change to get my business….
My sister will also soon be in the market, but if you had something similar to a high-mileage XB type with the same or more interior room…that would draw her attention….. She has a 120 mile commute daily…and she need to lower gasoline costs……
In this blog, there have been several suggestions…..good ones….. like bringing back the Metro (with multiple engines)…..bringing all three of the Triplets here….
Another thought….revive the Geo tag and put all your high mileage (40+) and hybrids under that nameplate….
30 miles per gallon isn’t really something to crow about….
Also, if there is a need for the short term, how about seeing if getting a waiver from the EPA can bring in high mileage cars from Europe (like the Matiz)….
Imajanation
GM, I’ll keep it simple!
You guys are digging a hole for yourselves, and deserve every market share loss!
Why?
Look no further than the Chinese Buick Park Avenue! Why can’t we have it in NA? Why? Why?
What’s even worse, deciding for the American people, that we don’t want any of your small cars you showed us in NYIAS. I say build all three of them and offer them here!
And put back Zeta, for NA, on full throttle! The Zeta cars should of been here 3 years ago! Not today and certainely not 2 or 3 years from now!
Oh, btw, green-light the Alpha program! We want a midsize RWD sedan/coupe. Cadillac needs a proper 3-Series competitor!
Stop trying selling a 5-Series for 3-Series money! Make the CTS a proper 5-Series fighter and give us a proper 3-Series competitor!
And what is Cadillac with out a flagship?
In short NA needs
Alpha
Zeta
The subcompacts
I’m pissed off, because I’m a GM fan and can’t help but being dazzled at you indecisiveness!
On, off, on, off, on and then on pause!
Why?
If you really care about CAFE standards then why are you still pumbing those Fullsize SUVs?
jg
Please bring the new Chinese Park Avenue to the U-S, with portholes of course. Mr. Lutz, please answer the question, why does China get a better Buick than we do?
Christopher
Mr. Lutz:
Please bring the Buick Park Avenue from China to the U.S. Isn’t it clear that a Buick like this is so superior to the present W-body LaCrosse and the Lucerne? And if Buick in China is ready to debut a Riviera concept on the 22nd, get plans going to offer it here, too. Lastly, how about “Quality Advantage” for Buick’s slogan, instead of “Beyond Precision”?
Marc Asher
Bob,
I have been a GM fan for many years but have always had one problem - you never have the product that I am ready to buy. In 2004 I wanted a midsize sedan with a V6 and manual transmission that costs less than $25K. I looked at all GM brands and nothing fit the bill - so I purchased a 2004 Mazda6S. Now I am in the market for a minivan - the CSVs are terrible and should have been put out of their missery years ago. A Buick Enclave is on the list - but my wife wants sliding doors. Again, GM doesn’t have the product we are in the market for. Ever wonder why your market share is dropping faster than the Hindenburg? Now you are asking for our opinion on these three micro cars. No thanks. How many people are really in the market for these? Even the Honda Fit sells in relatively small numbers. I think all are horridly ugly and wouldn’t be caught dead in one. I appreciate the effort to get into this segment - but it is small. It seems the only segment that you and your GM management are interested in remaining competitive in is full size trucks. I don’t want a full size truck - so no thanks again.
A minivan is on my wife’s list. You know what I want…a RWD sedan. The G8 is nice - but a little too boy racer for me.
I am very very sad that you ask our opinion about micro cars but do not ask the public about your midsize and full size sedan programs. The very existence of this blog proves that you are leveraging the internet. Surely you know that your fans and critics are aware of what you sell in other countries.
So here is my question - why in the world do you not sell your best products here in your home market. Case in point - the Cadillac SLS and the new Buick Park Avenue. Not to mention the Chinese LaCrosse. Instead you seem to consistently offer the second rate product here in the States. Why do we continue to get W-Body LaCrosse and Grand Prix? They are horrible and the sales numbers support my opinion. Yet you turn out much higher quality and finely designed products for China. It is so frustrating that GM is content to let their American market share wither and continue to give us horrible products. You should all be embarrased to offer us the LaCrosse and Lucerne Super editions while selling sedans like the Park Avenue in China. Did you think we wouldn’t find out? There is no reason that these shouldn’t be offered here this fall.
If you were serious about this market you would cut bait with lame duck offerings like the LaCrosse, Lucerne Pontiac GP, CSVs, DTS and other products that lag the competition and lose sales every month. Get out now and offer the products that the rest of the world are snapping up as fast as you can build them.
Do you really think American consumers would rather have the Lucerne over the new Chinese Park Avenue? Or the LaCrosse Super over the Chinese LaCrosse?
I agree with another poster that expressed frustration over the fact that you want our opinion on these three vehicles yet give us no vehicle specs with which to help us make an educated decision.
GM has a long way to go. I wish you would listen to your fans and critics a little closer and not just the bean counters deep within GM’s management structure. Next time you have some free time check out GMInsideNews.com - for example check out the latest comments on the 2008 Chinese Buick Park Avenue. Clearly - you are asking for opinions on the wrong vehicles.
Please - I want GM to be around for many years. I will be 33 this summer and would love to aspire to purchase a vehicle like the Chinese SLS or Buick Park Avenue. I will never ever desire to purchase a DTS or LaCrosse and that is part of GM’s problem. They have limited aspirational vehicles. And I will not move to China just to support the home team.
Please change GM - for the sake of my generation - the generation of car buyers that still have 40 years of purchases ahead of them. I beg you to think beyond your pensions… Make the tough decisions to bring cars like the Park Avenue to the states now - not in 2010 or 2012. Your fortunes would improve - I guarantee it.
Marc Asher - San Antonio, TX
gregg
Time to Take on the Tundra Head on GMC Denali VS
Toyota…..TIME TO FIGHT….And Bring the China Park Ave HERE
Andrew
Global, eh? Global like how China gets the SLS and Park Avenue (with a red,white and blue TriShield) while we get the Lucerne and STS. Global like how Holden was screwed out of thier Opels?
Bornfromparents
I’ve been a long time GM fan, But the latest news you have been giving us has given me pause.
Why in the world does china get the Park Ave. with a better interior then our own Cadilac STS.
This is confusing and madening to many, I know I’m not alone. So what say you?
darndot
Can you tell me why the Park Avenue in China is twice the car that we get here? I don’t care about the RWD, but the interior is simply beautiful. I feel shame of what GM brings to North America anymore.
CoolWill
Bob,
Stay on the offensive. Don’t let the US gov’t or foreign manufacturers take GM recent positive press. We need the RWD cars over in NA. Please bring the Chinese Buick Park Avenue to the NA and make the next Caddy STS a MB CLS fighter. If the gov’t does change CAFE &/or CO(-2) regulations then just bring the GM European diesels to NA as options. But GM better not play scared!!! Many of us (passionate GM enthusiats) are counting on you and the GM family to bring the cars we want to market, just when GM start making headway with the American people. Don’t fell us now!!!!!
Thanks & God Bless,
CoolWill
Bob, Here is an idea
Caddy future product lineup:
New BTS - Alpha PF (Lexus IS, BMW 3 series, etc…) fighter
CTS - Sigma (BMW 5 series, MB E class, etc…) fighter
Next DTS - MB S class, BMW 7 series, and Lexus LS fighter
Next STS - will be the MB CLS fighter
The DTS & STS offer a V12 and the BTS and CTS will come in coupe, conv., and wagon config. based on the market. Keep the same price points with room to grow.
Keep Buick in the FWD (add AWD to the lineup) platforms except for the top the line large car should be the Buick Park Avenue RWD.
Buick should be the economical and Safety first luxury brand. Cadillac is the over the top luxury and sporty brand ie… the Caddy Escalade
Marc Escuro
Mr Lutz:
I find these triplets to be very inspiring to GM. Perhaps GM has finally seen the light and will build these cars for sale around the world. They are attractive, would seem fun to drive, and just downright smart to have in GM’s global lineup.
However, I did not vote as to which one I liked better because I have ZERO confidence that these Triplets would ever make it into the US market. Why? Because, when I first heard about the Triplets, I was watching CNN Headline News. And the report essentially went like this, “GM is showcasing these new minicars at NYAIS. They look fun to drive and are attractive. But in speaking with GM representatives, they don’t believe there is a market for minicars in the US.”
Why do you have GM representatives denouncing a car at an Auto Show AND THEN asking people to vote? That’s like asking a presidential candidate to criticized himself/herself for not being able to do the job, and then saying “Vote for Me.”
There are dence urban/metropolitan markets in the US that would benefit from cars like Trax, Beat, AND Groove. Have you explored creating a partnership with Car Sharing companies like ZipCar? It’s the perfect way to get the word out to the masses.
If you still don’t believe the triplets will sell in the US, then push them in Asia and Europe! And not just one — but all three!! There shouldn’t be a question of “which one?” The question should be “how can GM gain market share using all three?” Your marketing team really needs to learn how to market your products.
Finally, a word about Buick. Why is the US market getting the “Supers,” while China is getting this amazing new Park Avenue? Do you feel that the Park Avenue is not worthy of Americans? Because, I tell you what, even at $48-60,000, this Park Avenue will find a new market Buick didn’t even know it had, and would definitely steal a LOT of Lexus’ thunder. I find it extremely disappoint that Park Avenue dies in the US and is revived in China with a car that would put an STS to shame.
One final thought. You and GM should be ashamed for releasing the mid-cycle STS!!! Businessweek teases its readers with an improved STS interior, which looks to have been based on the Chinese SLS interior, with a few minor adjustmenst. Yet the STS revision launches as a complete hack job of the current model!!? Can you explain why that occurred?
Mr Lutz. I’m 31 years old, and I was ready to drop down $65,000 cash on a new STS4, if it had that interior that Businessweek teased us with. Now that the STS still looks exactly the same, you have lost a Cadillac customer — and one in a far younger demographic than you seem to be targetting. Cadillac still doesn’t have anything that attracts younger premium car buyers. NO wonder BMW and Mercedes and Lexus are in leadership positions and Cadillac, after a brief resurgence, has begun to decline.
No Triplets. No Park Avenue. No STS. What is going on at GM?? I used to be a shareholder, but I lost my confidence. I am a fan of GM, as is my family, but our patience is wearing thin.
Frank Meinert
It’s been great to hear the German perspective on GM and the car business. Herr Langlitz, keep those posts coming.
Gary Dikkers wants to know why it doesn’t cost $7000 dollars to achieve high mileage averages in Europe. The difference is in the types of vehicles that people want to buy. Here in the US, we have relatively cheap gas while the government tries to dictate what kinds of vehicles the manufacturers can sell in an open market. In Europe, the governments artificially raise the price of fuel with high taxes, and travel distances are much shorter, so people buy small cars with small engines and high mileage. Combining high mileage with the type of vehicle that Americans want to buy is what costs $7000 or more, if it’s even possible.
The real challenge is to change customers’ behavior. I don’t want to pay $6.50/gallon or an extra $7000 for my car, and I like performance, plus I have a family to transport. But I agree that we have to reduce our consumption. So what is the solution for me and a few million other customers? I don’t think waving the congressional magic wand will do it.
gacSTclass
Bob,
At least get out there and recognize the Chinese Buick Park Avenue was launched.
Please don’t go on with business as usual and ask us to buy warmed-over Impala SS’s with Super Buick badges.
Many of us won’t buy a Buick until you guys are serious about image like China is.
Enclave-Acadia-Outlook is not enough for BUICK.
Tommy
Save for a few select vehicles, GMNA’s products are very depressing compared to what others are getting outside of the homeland (aka Chinese Park Ave and Caddy SLS).
Why GM, why must you lag behind in your home market with inferior products? And now with the supposed news of Zeta cars (post-Camaro) being on pause is just plain embarrassing. It’s one thing to delay a product, and it’s another to delay a product that should have been here years ago.
And people wonder why Japan Inc. is on its way to the top.
Erin Cheek
I can’t wait for NASCAR season. I support GM and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Is Gm involved in NASCAR????
CCRyder
Bob,
You need to drop everything and do whatever you have to do to get the Chinese Buicks here NOW! I haven’t seen this much buzz about a vehicle in a long, long time. I’ll bet you would sell more Park Avenues than Camaros. You wouldn’t be able to keep up with demand, but that would be a good thing.
Paul Simmons
It can be frustrating being an armchair CEO. Many auto enthusiasts such as myself come up with what strike me as brilliant plans for GM, such as NOT adding a bowtie to a Saturn Outlook and calling it a Chevrolet, NOT abandoning the minivan market, which has already been surrendered and has never had a truly solid GM offering, and NOT letting the imports erode GM’s truck market share from the midsize corner of the market.
Regarding GM’s ‘global assault’, the armchair CEO is once again seething, as the obvious calls look like they’re going to go unheard. GM has three wonderful microcars on show in New York… but appears to have no intention of offering them in the US anytime soon. I don’t see Sara-Lee offering free samples at Jenny Craig, GM! There’s no market for these cars? Create one. There wasn’t much of a US market for subcompacts before GM carved a 50,000+ unit hole in it with the Aveo two years ago.
GM can only hope that current US Buick owners (and they’re a dwindling group) don’t surf the internet… if they see what Buicks are offered in China I suspect they’ll lose their appetite and buy a Lincoln or Lexus next time. The newly shown Buick Park Avenue for the Chinese market is stunning… and practically a slap across the face to North American Buick fans. They enjoyed their 1992 Buick Lesabre with a 3.8L V6 and 4 speed automatic transmission, managed to be content with their 1999 Buick Park Avenue with a 3.8L V6 and 4 speed automatic transmission, and found a way to put up with their 2006 Buick Lacrosse with a 3.8L V6 (detuned, nonetheless) and 4 speed automatic transmission, only to see that the all-American near-luxury brand is releasing a modern new Buick with a grand old name that they will never be able to touch. Not very fair, at least from my armchair vantage point.
For all the things GM is doing right (and that list IS long), there are so many things that jump out as incredibly wrong. Wouldn’t a new Aveo5 (with 40+ mpg) catch more positive attention than a new coat of gloss on the H2 and H3? Shouldn’t the world-class interior in the Chinese STS be loaded into a boat headed for the States? Can GM not find a way to capitalize on the huge inroads they make with cars like the Rendezvous and Vibe without letting them wither into irrelevance?
Some of this seems so plain and simple… I have to wonder if GM isn’t looking for a much more complicated solution. Next time you executives are sitting around that big table on the 14th floor, ask yourselves if the cars you are rubber stamping are cars you would buy for yourselves or spouses or parents or children. If not, don’t build them. Use that huge global pool of vehicles GM has to your advantage… North American GM enthusiasts are really excited right now… the buzz on the internet is huge… the problem is that most of the excitement is for cars that will never hit the New World.
Or maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about. However, I don’t have to. I’m not paid for my ideas for GM… you are… so make sure they’re good ones!
Christopher
Mr. Lutz:
Please give Buick in North America a competitive product line-up ASAP, including:
Epsilon II LaCrosse
Lambda Enclave
Global RWD Park Avenue
Riviera concept
I also wish that you’d have a smaller SUV for Buick, a “baby” Enclave, if you will.
You should have already given Buick in NA the Chinese LaCrosse, but at this point, NA’s Epsilon II LaCrosse needs to be moved up in the product cadence!
As it stands, the W-body LaCrosse Super and G-body Lucerne Super are little more than a simple grille change. How can a LaCrosse have more horsepower than a Lucerne Super?
If you don’t have any good ideas for Buick, look at the designs being photoshopped on GM Inside News and Cheers & Gears - they beat GM’s hands down! I hope you’ll give more effort to rebadging a Holden Statesman as a Buick, should one be coming to America. The car is very nice inside, but the Chinese Park Avenue exterior is still too plain. Just a little tweak here and there could make it so much better (see GM Inside News for a classy, silver Buick that’s distinctive and luxurious).
Give Buicks AWD or E-85 or hybrid capability, too!
You give all your other brands good product or future hopes, please do the same for Buick and do it now!
Thank you.
Mark Kendall
Nice concept cars! Where have they been? Also curious that you ask for a vote and then your web site doesn’t accept one. Not too interested?
Gereon Langlitz (Germany)
Hi Gary,
thank you again for your response and telling about your sources. Nevertheless: 43 mpg is nearly 5.5 liters/100 km in our words. This would mean, even the 1.2 (75 HP) Opel Corsa, which my wife owned before, would almost belong to the gas-guzzlers with its 6.3 liters/100 km (=37.5 mpg). To be honest, I only met a few drivers of SMALL vehicles (mainly Diesels) so far, who reported about 43 mpg or similar. I just recall a young guy, driving an Opel Corsa CDTi, who told me about 47 mpg. Well, you might have done research carefully, but nevertheless, it’s hard for me to believe, that 43 mpg is an AVERAGE figure for European fleets.
BTW, my brother’s Pontiac G6 (3.5 6-cyl., 201 HP) clearly needs less fuel, than my neighbor’s BMW 325 Wagon (192 HP). For that reason I think, we should be careful with generic statements about Europeans’, American or Japanese fuel-efficiency.
Eric Matthew Vest
Mr. Lutz:
I just read in the GM Inside News that you were quoted by the Chicago Tribune saying the rear wheel drive Impala was put on hold. Hopefully this was a misquote. Many people prefer rear wheel drive cars. With traction control, limited slip or locking differentials, and all season tires, rear wheel drive cars can be very capable in any type of weather. Also, with variable displacement, six speed automatic transmissions, and an efficient rear axle ratio, rear wheel drive cars can be very efficient. An aluminum drive shaft and a two ratio, electronically controlled differential would make a rear wheel drive car even more efficient. I have driven front wheel drive and rear wheel drive cars in all sorts of weather conditions and I much prefer rear wheel drive cars. Rear wheel drive cars’ balance, tracking, steering, and overall handling are much better than front wheel drive cars. Also, designers have more flexibility to design attractive cars using a rear wheel drive platform. I know rear wheel drive cars are more costly to manufacture, but I would gladly pay this increased cost to buy a car I truly want.
Respectfully,
Eric Matthew Vest
Barry
The designs are smart and likely appealing to a global audience. But, is that it? What type of locomotion? Is this a 4 speed Aveo clone which gets lower MPG than a twenty five year old Chevette? (EPA) You must marry these with creative drive trains or people won’t bite. In addition, where will they be manufactured? I’m a firm believer in global development but another requirement I would have is to produce them in my market. I’m sure consumers in other global markets would want the same. GM finally “gets” the aspect of interior and exterior design but remember that this is a consumer driven market now. It’s more than design. It’s about social consciousness and investing in the markets you sell in.
CobaltSScrazy
Mr. Lutz and to whom it may concern:
I’m very excited after seeing the three mini-world cars at NYIAS. I’m encouraged to see GM thinking ‘ouside the box’ with the subcompact market and hope that GM finally demonstrates commitment to building a fuel efficient refined 4 cylinder like their Japanese counterparts. In an ideal world, all three would be offered in some capacity as a variant like HHR is to Cobalt or Malibu Maxx was to Malibu. Whether or not that comes to fruition is out of my control.
As many others have pointed out on this Blog, it is Unacceptable, Embarrassing, Appauling, and Unconscionable for GM to offer the Chinese Buick Park Avenue that is clearly superior to the American Cadillac STS.
As a lifelong fan of GM, and a Generation Y buyer I want a vehicle to aspire to and after my education at the University of Michigan (currently I have junior standing) actually go out and afford a high end vehicle. A Lucerne with a 3800 4 speed automatic is embarrassing when a Camry XLE, Hyundai Azera, and even the new Mercury “Sable” Montego embarrass Buick and its offerings.
Please explain to me and the world how we get a ‘nif and tuck’ MCE for STS that is not any better than the Cobalt’s upgrades from 06 to 07?
A new steering wheel, plastic-y (and tacky) aluminum trim around the center stack, a few chrome trim pieces around the gauges and the center console with a Sixteen grille and a ‘vent-i-port’ air dam on the side of the car? Do you honestly think that is acceptable, if so then I’ve lost much faith in Cadillac as even approaching let alone being a “Tier 1″ luxury automaker. CTS impressed me, but with the delay to the Zetas (or possibly none beyond Camaro/G8), no Cobalt MCE, the Super-Duper-Less Lacrosse and Lucerne, the Chrysler clock inspired Alpha Hummers, and the Chinese Park Avenue; which is clearly superior to Cadillac STS makes me wonder why I’m a fan and active supporter of this company. It truly concerns me.
Strides have obviously been made and I will not deny that these are the best vehicles GM has ever produced, and been the most competitive in Decades, based on what I’ve driven, read, and researched, but the market is very competitive and GM particularly with Cadillac and Buick is dropping the ball.
There are over 19 pages and 361 posts on the Chinese Buick Park Avenue thread at GMinsidenews: http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47787
I’ve been a member there for years and have used it as a way to voice my opinion to GM just like the GM Fastlane Blog. Please address these issues as it embarrasses me how the rest of the world gets clearly superior product in non-NA markets and GM plays second fiddle to its competitors in its own home market when they are leaders abroad (IE: Daewoo, Holden, Opel on three different continents) ? Thank you for reading my post and I look forward to hearing from you. Enjoy your day!
Reguards,
CobaltSScrazy
Gary Dikkers
1409 EDT, 11-Apr-07, Frank Meinert said,
Thanks for your reply Frank.
I do understand your point, especially since I lived in Germany for nine years while a fighter pilot in the US Air Force. While living there, I drove a stick-shift Mercedes diesel that got about 43-48 mpg depending on how fast I wanted to drive on the Autobahn. (I usually drove about 135-140 kph, which is about 83-87 mph.)
I now drive a Volkswagen with a turbo-diesel and get similar mileage. (Once got as high as 53 mpg on a long trip on a cool day with a tailwind.)
You say that Americans don’t want to buy and drive the kind of cars that get high mileage in Europe. I’m certainly no marketing expert, but for the life of me, I can’t understand why at least 95% of the average people in this country couldn’t be satisfied with a car similar to either the Mercedes or Volkswagen diesels I’ve driven. It seems to me that GM could build and sell a car similar to either — driving their corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) far above what the government wants — all without needing to spend the $5,000 to $6,000 extra per car that Mr Lutz claims would be necessary.
As I’ve said before, in my opinion it’s a matter of attitude and lack of will, not a lack of technology.
V/R
Gary Dikkers
m.c.pereira
your different units exist in silos. take the pontiac g6 chev maibu and saturn aura. three similar cars. If a person does not like a malibu he/she may like an aura. your salespersons should be given incentives to make these referrals rather than lose to a competitor.
Gene Mate
Mr. Lutz,
I eagerly awaited the new cars from GM at NYIAS. The Triplets showed up, and that was a good thing. Small, intelligently designed small cars. Something that would offer people an alternative for a city car, perhaps more.
But I kept hearing of other debuts. I thought we’d see a new large Buick. Instead we got to see two cars that, well, aren’t that “super”. And it was only highlighted when the we saw the new Buick Park Avenue in Shanghai! What a beautiful car. It would easily be a car that can compete with the Lexus LS and do to Lexus what Lexus, years ago, did to all the other luxury brands.
Instead, we’re saddled with some pretty sad Buicks. The Enclave is a very beautiful vehicle, but other than that? Nothing.
And I thought GM was going global and that we’d see something akin to the Chinese Park Avenue as OUR Park Avenue.
But then I remember the MCE STS and shed a tear for what might have been. The SLS in China is gorgeous, and stretched. Our NA STS is slightly larger and with an inferior interior. Why, I wonder, does GM think anyone will want to buy an STS when, sitting next to it in a few months, will be a new 2008 CTS that is better looking, better designed, and richer in appearance. Better to kill the STS than do what was done to it. What irritates me more is the fact that there was that Business Week photo of what we all thought was the new STS interior. For shame, Mr. Lutz. A stretched STS with that interior would sell. It would have finally been a Cadillac with an interior to compete against the likes of Lexus or BMW. Now, it’ll languish and, ultimately, will be killed by poor sales. No surprise considering what it looks like compared to the competition and to its own sibling, the CTS.
But back to Buick. Either it should be given the attention it requires or put out its misery. And it’s not like there aren’t Buicks out there that can do Buick justice, they just happen to be in China. So much for “global” I guess.
Anthony J. Cassino
Mr. Lutz,
I am a 36 year old male and happy owner of a 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXS, black with aftermarket ventiports and tint.
Having seen the pictures of the Chinese Buick Park Avenue on http://www.gminsidenews.com, I know what type of vehicle I want Buick to have to replace my LaCrosse with in a few years. A large RWD Buick sedan is exactly what I would purchase.
I plan on staying with Buick if my LaCrosse holds up and new product with better styling, newer transmissions, more tech features, and RWD are offered in the near future.
I would go to Pontiac if I have to for a RWD sedan in the future. I prefer to keep supporting Buick. The right product needs to be there for me to do that.
Thanks
Anthony
Craig
PLEASE bring the Chinese PArk Avenue to the USA! I can’t believe I have to say that to General Motors, but I guess that’s the sad reality of today’s world. That vehicle is a total class act, beautiful, powerful, elegant, upscale, everything Buick should be. The current lineup is an embarassment, except for the Enclave. If this car does not get built in the US in EXACTLY the same way (interior bits, projector beam headlamps, etc) I will lose faith in GM’s ability to avoid stumbling over its own feet. It’s a winner and I hope you can see that.
Derek "Buicktech" May
Mr. Lutz
I’m 22 years old.
I come from a die hard GM dealer family, so I’m not necessarily who you need to hear from.
But, I also own a Buick Regal, and will be looking to buy a new car soon.
Please Mr. Lutz, please bring the Chinese Buicks to North America. I know the Park Avenue is similar to the G8, but it is so much more my style, and would truly compete against the Lexus’ and the Acuras. Same with the Chinese LaCrosse, and even the small cars!
Please, I’m begging, at least look into it!
Derek "Buicktech" May
Just to add, count me as having money in hand, waiting for those beautiful Buicks!
Joe D., Cleveland
Bob,
Please don’t put RWD cars on the back burner. The most disturbing point from your quote was “it’s too late to stop Camaro”. As if you are saying it is already a failure and you have to eat it because you’ve already put too much into it. Is this the thinking mindset of GM? Is this all we can expect from you? That is such a defeatist attitude it’s not even funny. When I walk into a Chevy dealer to look at a new Camaro, I’m going to remember you said that. And I will look at the poor Camaro that put such a hardship on her parents, before she was even born. Bob, where is your drive? Your spirit? Don’t you understand, people WANT rear wheel drive cars now!!! For being such a “car guy”, you’re sure letting those insipid CAFE standards scare you.
I have a feeling in the future GM will build nothing but monolithic drones. All one engine, one size, and one shape and one color.
Keep those RWD plans. Please.
Oh, and BTW…… who’s bass ackwards idea was it in corporate to NOT use the interior from the Chinese STS in ours?
Stan
Dear, GM
I hope that you are listening to us. We are your fans and byers that can get turned away.Why do we get weak products like the LaCrosse and Lucerne Super? When we could have the Chinese LaCrosse and Park Avenue. Also, look at the MCE STS. Do you call that a luxury car? That’s what a Buick interior is suppose to look like. The Cadillac STS should be the SLS. Do you guys even have a clue how to position them? They should be all RWD and AWD. They DTS is a mistake since it is no where close to an LS or 7-Series or a Park Avenue. Finally, why do you show us cars that will never make it to production at NY? You could have used that money into making the Cobalt and Aveo better and make world class small car engines. Also make a real Aveo5 to compete with the Versa, Fit, and Yaris.
ghent
i agreed with what ming said, the chinese buick park is absolutely stunning and gorgeous(except maybe the eyelips…still can’t get used to it). The Cadillac STS should be based on it, whereas DTS should be based on the Daewoo L4X. Look, u basically have 2 winnners here. what r u waiting for? For the Volt, you better equip it with an easy to plug socket. Even if we dont drive more than 65km per day, we still need to plug it in once every 3 days. i deal with computers day in day out and i know how strainful it is to plug in sockets frequently.
Joe Gakenheimer
Let’s not complain too much about the American government about gas mileage; cut the weight, lower the drag-coefficient, stick a diesel in it, hybrid, plug-in, or whatever just don’t cancel Zeta!
Ralph
Dear Mr. Lutz,
I come from Europe and here is my European perspective on the ‘global GM’ :
First of all, I am very upset just like everyone here that GM still push half-baked products into American market. I don’t deny that Lacrosse and Lucerne are good cars. They are , even despite the fact they have 4-speed trannies and old-tech engines. But customers deserve and want something better, if they do, make it possible for them to buy a Park Avenue that looks just like the one produced in Australia! I know the issue of labour costs and other things difficult for GM, I am not an American patriot, I am a guy that wants GM to succeed worldwide that’s why I advise You to build Buicks abroad and sell them in the whole world including the USA. Look at trends in today’s automotive world,all car companies go upmarket and succeed. Look at KIA or VW, I don’t think it would be a good idea Chevrolet to go that far, but for Buick it is a must if it wants to compete with the Japanese!
Secondly the small cars :
build all three, and sell them everywhere You can! Someone who thinks ‘they wouldn’t sell in NA’ is very irresponsible and should be expelled from GM. Market share of American cars shrinks and not offering the best mini-cars GM has to offer would be purely stupid, just like the idea of asking people which of the three cars they want, although they won’t be able to buy one in future.
Thirdly and most important of all :
Make everything to improve image of American cars in Europe and worldwide. I live in Europe and I am glad GM offers the Saturn Sky here. But the problem is ,it is sold as Opel. For a common customer Opel will always be German. It means that GM waisted a chance to offer a good product and show people that American car is a good car. And please don’t think that people here buy a crappy Spark because it is a Chevy, they buy it because they can’t afford anything better, if it was a Daewoo the sale success of GM DAT would be the same at it is today.
At the end I would like to thank You for the fact Cadillac is finally sold in all EU countries. I have always been a Cadillac/Corvette/GM fan and I am a current owner of Opel Astra GTC which I think is the best car in it’s class.
If our advice is heard by You, and GM will finally offer in NA cars as the Chinese Park Avenue, remember about Europe. Enclave, Park Avenue Pontiac G8 are simply too good cars to be sold only on two continents. And remember about improving the image of American car. keep Opel as a mass-market brand, don’t push it upmarket. Instead of it offer more variants of RWD Cadillacs (including the most expensive ones), don’t make the G8,future GTO an Opel. Sell it as Chevrolet! Chevrolet deserves better cars than only the Daewoo-sourced ones and it may be a very good chance for people in Europe to say : ‘Americans do build some awesome cars’
Ralph
Gereon Langlitz (Germany)
Hi Noel and Gary,
after reading your latest comments, I also would like to recommend this release from the Union of Concerned Scientists: http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_vehicles/autorank_2007report.pdf
First of all, it demonstrates that the Big 3 still have a long way to go, concerning the environmental performance, but on the other hand these charts, referring to the various car-segments, display some results, which might be amazing to you. Probably you wouldn’t have expected, (e.g.) that GM gained class-leading smog- and global warming scores for large cars and station wagons, performed better than Honda among the small cars, got better results than VW and Hyundai at midsize cars. At the midsize- and large utilities there’s not even such a big advantage for Toyota vs. GM, among the small utilities Toyota even scored worst.
It’s not my intention to deny GM’s still existing flaws, regarding environmental issues, but on the other hand this study (in my opinion) tells again, that there is no reason for all this omnipresent generic “Japanese-and-Europeans-are-always-more-fuel-efficient-and-environmental-friendly-talk”, which is repeated by the media again and again like a Tibetan prayer mill.
After all, a further chart of this release shows, that GM, as the only Detroit automaker, improved its performance during the last four years (see page no. 9, top). I think the new Hybrids, especially the High-Low, may contribute to further improvements.
Have a nice weekend.
Shaun
Bob
please consider the chinese Park Avenue for the US.
Ted H
Bob,
After reading all the comments it sounds like you need to do the following:
1) Get a micro car here asap.
2) Abandon the pathetic “Supers” from the NY Auto Show.
3) Import Chinese Park Avenue as THE “Buick Super” for the 2008 Model Year, a new halo car for Buick.
4) Fix the other Buicks by 2009/2010 MY.
noel park
Gereon:
Thanks for the thoughtful comment, as usual. Thank you for responding to my poor comments. I am complimented.
I did look at the UCS report - I think it speaks for itself. I was struck by the conclusion that Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) are doing more harm than good. This just confirms what Gary has said several times.
My biggest concern is that, as US gasoline prices inexorably rise, the market will move to smaller, more fuel efficient cars, and GM will suffer further loss of market share and financial disaster.
I just want to drive an engineered and made in USA super high mileage car that gives us the pride of being a world technology leader.
If we can lead the world (maybe a poor choice of words) in space and military technology, we sure should be able to do that.
Maybe we could even lower our dependence on imported oil, and avoid further disastrous adventures such as Iraq.
Phil
Just came from the New York Auto show.
Here it is in a nutshell!!
Let the guy who penned the Enclave restyle the Chinese Park Avenue, and bring it here as ELECTRA. The name Park Avenue impresses octegenarians, and NO ONE ELSE. Priced from
$34,000 to $45,000 it would do just fine. Sales of Lucerne would barely be affected because OLD people who want FWD DO NOT WANT REAR WHEEL DRIVE! Electra is what people NEED, not some ‘SUPER” garbage.
Fact: The Lucerne and LaCrosse are new faces on DECADES-OLD platforms. Everybody knows it. This is why they don’t sell well. Don’t try to tell me they do.
Adapt an inexpensive but effective AWD option, and replace the Lucerne with a 4-inch shorter, less luxurious version of the Zeta Electra. YOU CAN KEEP THE LUCERNE NAME.
Quickly get that Lacrosse to Epsilon II before it’s sales dry up. It sucks.
I didn’t see the news about a DELAY on Zeta, but if that happens, GM will have broken the final straw on credibility, and NO ONE WILL LISTEN TO ANYTHING YOU HAVE TO SAY AGAIN. THIS IS A FACT. THOSE ‘SUPERS’ ARE THE ANSWER TO