The Week That Was

I've always thought it was rather amazing that for the most part, comments either negative or positive are published on this blog. It seems that those who do post are genuinely passionate about cars and have an interest in seeing GM succeed. As a graphic designer, I've been a fan of the highly detailed sites that GM puts together for their products for years. Out of all the automakers, GM does the best job of not only representing their company, but they've taken this one step further by allowing consumers to have some level of communication with those that make GM run.

In regards to the running themes on this blog, I hope that some of you in the executive team can clearly see that there is a rather formidable demand for fuel efficient, reliable, forward-thinking cars. The volt is just one idea, but in order to keep that momentum going, these kinds of strides will need to be commonplace.

People are pretty impressionable and if they see that you are making efforts to bring change, you'll get a positive reaction. I feel that GM has reached some of these goals with a value driven set of conventional cars and trucks. That second part will be to go far and beyond the acceptable and into the unexpected.

I listen to "wait wait, don't tell me" every weekend. So I'll have to make sure to tune in this week.

adios.

Bob,

Good to hear from you. Specially looking forward to hearing an update from the Volt team.

One thing would be interested in you or Larry Burns comment on the press release from 123Systems that they have a battery that provides the lifecycle and other requirements to make a PHEV possible. GM keeps saying the Volt is dependent on new battery technology but based on what 123System is saying, they can build it today.

I saw the video podcast of your conversation with the bloggers and I was impressed with Lutz candor. He kind of comes of as a warm grandfatherly figure giving a fire side chat. That's about the closest we come to getting a human face to GM. It's nice to know that there are passionate innovative managers behind companies - take Steve Jobs at Apple.

I'm looking forward to the update from the Volt team. I hope the team members will be introduced and share lots of information on the current and projected development that is going on. I hope we hear that they are using wheel hub motors like the Sequel.

Bob - Frankly, I'd watch the "tomb-like" quiet description of the Buick Enclave. Given the average age of Buick buyers, this description might just spook them into buying something else. I can't imagine that a marketing pitch that the car sounds like their final resting place will gain much traction...

Mr. Lutz (along with other GM Bloggers),

I really enjoy reading about your point of view and learning about the new technologies that GM is putting into its vehicles. As an engineering student, it's always interesting to read about my favorite machines--cars. I've never responded to one of these blogs before, but I've been reading them for some time now. It is pretty neat to be able to hear from GM employees and executives and learn what you all are working on. I've been impressed with all the new products. All of the hard work is obviously paying off. I'd be interested to learn what's being done about those rediculous new CAFE regulations that seem to be inevitable. (Maybe in an upcoming blog.) At any rate, keep it up.

Sincerely,
Eric

Gee, am I part of an extreme subset? Or a "small vocal minority"?

You're starting to sound a little Nixonian Bob.

Mr. Lutz,

Please don't let a few crazies discourage you from what you've been doing. Clear-thinking people that read your blog quickly discard the nutters for what they are: nuts. You are earning 1000x more equity from the blogosphere by publishing those comments rather than editing them out. It makes the good comments that much more real. Keep doing exactly what you’re doing.
You should know that my brother is Manager for one of the largest dealerships in the Midwest . We are both "car guys" and cartalk is part of our daily phone call. Last week he called me from the Buick Enclave he was driving as part of a regional meeting and he was absolutely giddy about it. He sees the complete turnaround at GM and is super excited about it.
You guys are in a fantastic position right now. Ford is in trouble and Chrysler is on life support. You guys have great cars and that combined with your global perspective is setting you up for a bright future.
To put it in “Car guy” terms, you’re following the right line, braked just right to hit the apex. Now it’s time to stand on the accelerator and power out of this!
Good luck!

Mr. Lutz: I enjoyed your interview on Autoline Detroit the last couple weeks and the "Extra" video available on their website.

You gave me reassurance that your focus of creating great vehicles at GM has not changed and I enjoyed your response on the perception the media has on GM cars vs. Toyota cars when it comes to MPG.

I still think GM needs to do more adverisement of the cars that get 30 MPG, I have seen at least one recently which is good but I don't think you can tell a good story too many times.

There are two areas you need to work on.
1. A 40 MPG car, you make them for other markets and GM must get one to the U.S. market ASAP.

2. A high MPG SUV or CUV, the Lambda's are great and the new VUE shows promise, but a SUV along the lines of the Meriva is needed here.

Anyway, keep up the good work and I can't wait to see the G8 this fall.

Good job Maximum Bob... your humor and honesty is welcome at all times. I agree with what your dealer had to say about the new products. The customers will come, just keep it up.

Bob, I think it's cool that you have a blog, but I agree (to some extent) with those that are frustrated.

One thing I see over and over again is the constant avoidance on your part of things that people want to talk about.

For example, the Camaro. It took us what...MONTHS of BEGGING you to even address it before you finally commented on the Camaro.

And now I see it with the hybrids/hydrogen cars. You keep pushing these pie in the sky concepts (the Volt, the Sequel, etc.) and yet the stuff that actually makes it to market (such as the Saturn VUE hybrid) is lackluster; Toyota is using real hybrid systems yet you (GM) insist on using the "mild hybrid" systems like BAS?

Why is China getting better looking luxury cars than the United States from GM??? The Chinese Park Avenue completely crushes the Lucerne in terms of quality and good looks and the Chinese SLS too. What's up Bob? Do you think Americans will still buy GM just because it's 'American' or something? We want good product - class leading product. Toyota is closing in, and with the recent sale of Chrysler, I'm worried about the future of American auto makers (GM in particular).

But back to the point here - I don't think people doubt that you care, but I DO think people (the blog readers anyway) are tired of you avoiding the issues that are important and instead posting things that aren't relevant to them.

Thanks for keeping us up to date on the Volt program.
The recent high gas prices, the continued depressing news from the middle east, and the recent reports on global warming have done nothing but convince me more -- if it was possible -- that the Chevy Volt is the most important car program you have.
I know if I were an engineer at GM, the Volt program is where I would want to be. It is historic.

I suspect that future Volt owners will accept a lot of flaws in the Volt and still love it. Let's face it, the Prius is not a fabulous car from a lot of perspectives, but yet it has extraordinary owner satisfaction. The car is a good fit for the buyer.

And, the "green glow" from the Volt will bath all of GM's products. Many of the Toyota large vehicles are not that great on gas mileage, yet I'd bet most of America thinks they are significantly than the comparable GM product.

Don't wait for the ideal battery. As long as you have a warranty that protects the owner for 5 years/75,000 miles, I think that is absolutely fine. Batteries will get cheaper and more reliable as time goes on.

Good luck, and I look forward to your next post -- if you are not tired of blogging. :-)

Bob, I'm starting to think GM is like a Playboy model: nice to look at and fantasize about, but you'll never have it.

Case in point:

1. The Buick Bengal

2. The Buick Velite

3. Chevy Bel Air

4. Cadillac Sixteen

We get all hot and bothered and excited about these cars and GM never makes them. Can't we at least have a Lucerne convertible?

The small g-6 and solstice don't cut it for a 6foot plus 30 something who's currently driving a CLK and wants to buy American!

I want to buy one of the above cars.

Chevy needs a small 200 cid V8 for the Colorado. Remember the 215 V8 that it sold to Rover decades ago. Variable valve timing could give the engine a 20 year run. Why? $4.00 and $5.00 gasoline.

Whatever Bob.

Just give me the Volt before the next Prius.

From,

Josh E. Oliver.

Mr. Lutz,
its a feeling to know some auto execs like your self actually care about the products they put out.
hopefully Gm will bring out GREAT cars! in the next few years.i cant wait for the US Corsa or similar design to WTCC concept.

It's good to hear that the quality of GM vehicles are improving. However, I am still a bit skeptical on the long term reliability of GM cars (after the new car scent fades away). I was once a proud owner of a Pontiac Firebird convertible. I loved that car. That was until the transmission crapped-out on me at around 70,000 miles. Needless-to-say, it costed me a pretty penny to get it repaired. After which, the shadow of doubt lingered. To this day, I am still afraid of investing my hard earned dollars in another GM car. I know things are looking up, but how can I trust GM to talk the talk and actually walk the walk, too. I am now driving a Nissan Altima. It has been my primary transportation for over six years now. It has 75,000 plus miles on it and so far, its performance has been flawless. If GM wants to regain the trust of us, the consumers, it must prove to us that GM cars are not only on par with the imports, but better. I mean wouldn't you feel the same way Bob?

Hello Bob,

Thank you for the blog.
I am cheering for the home team and like to throw out abstract ideas that could trigger other discussions & ideas. I hope I am NOT part of the "extreme" group! :")

With this blog you need to remember that most of us are auto enthusiasts and have a lot of passion for the automotive industry. So all of our opinions are generally biased. Unfortunately you are probably not getting good feedback from the rest of the public that either perceives a vehicle as an appliance or a status symbol.

Keep up the good work, it's product, product, product!

More abstract stuff. Put your sales and marketing budget to nearly zero except a skunkworks internet team. No Celeberties. Plow the savings...1/2 into vehicle price reductions, 1/4 to the bottom line, and a 1/4 to product development.

Also, think of a "GM email" for anyone. Make it the simpliest and the best. Big ole simple buttons like the clock digits on a Buick radio! :') Google email sucks with pulling message threads together and Yahoo email is too busy with small icons to click on. VPN sucks as you probably know when you are traveling abroad. It works well to bounce your email to an internet account when you travel. (I am posting now from the Hong Kong airport!)
Make everyone go to the GM homepage to login to GM mail. Have a 6 word message & link at the bottom of each email. The recipient will also get the message.

Bob, Actually I would be suprised if you blogged more, You have much more important things to do. I do appreciate reading your thoughts though. I do have a question for you though. Why does it seem to take sooooo long to get things to market? I drive a 2007 Avalanche Z71 and love it. I can't wait for the new Camaro (I'll have one) but for my perspective, even though I like the Chinese Park Avenue, The lines are a little boring. How about a Velite on the same chassis instead but with the same interior? And I'd rather you not tell us about what's comeing, because it always seems like so long until they actually make production. I read where the RWD Impala is being delayed another year, if true, come on, we want that car NOW! It just seems to take sooooo long to get all the great products all us loyal GM fans/owners want. GM is to me what some people's favorite sports team is to them. I root for it every day, I don't want to see it loose to Toyondassan! Thanks Bob, and go GM!!

Bob, glad you are back. But two things I ask before you disappear next tiem. Where are the updates on the G8, how soon can we order? Ands bring us more on the 300 mile fuel cell. That vehicle is the future. And there may even have been a breakthrough on hydrogen production as a byproduct of medical research, which could allow fuel cells to be cheaply and safely regenerated at home.

Mr. Lutz, when can we see the real one of the triplet minicars. You owe us an explanation for this!

Hi Bob,

I still love your blog, and your appearance on AutoLine Detroit was terrific. I'm just turning 48 this year, but I wish I had your drive and energy. Would you attribute it mainly to good genetics, or can you share some tips with us? :-)

Anyway, I maintain that until GM cracks the Consumer Reports egg, it will not gain the traction it deserves in the U.S. marketplace. CR has built for themselves a tidy livelihood out of peddling import bias like it's objectivity, to make all their import-buying readers feel smart and sophisticated. And this is simply reflected back to them in their readers-only survey. So I don't know how you can change that, but IMO GM needs a strategy team that focuses mainly on that one publication. My gut feeling is that CR magazine alone costs you 10% market share!

Best Regards,

-Bob Larson, Tinton Falls, NJ

Rock on BOB!!! who cares what the haters say!!! You and GM are forging a great future for the american automobile!!!

And I’m not going to let the comments of an extreme subset turn me off to it, either.

OMG! He's talking about me!!!

Let me get one thing straight: I don't want to turn Bob off to blogging. And I don't want GM to fail. If I didn't care, I've got plenty of other things to do with my time. GM is a huge part of the US economy, so any failure will affect me in some way. And that's why I'm so critical of GM.

I enjoyed Bob's stint on "Wait, Wait" -- and was even more impressed with the Volt research. I look forward to hearing more.

I would love to see an Equinox Hybrid within the next 5 years. It has nice styling. Or a hybrid version of the Lambdas would be just as good.

"...However, I am still a bit skeptical on the long term reliability of GM cars (after the new car scent fades away)." - Steve

Hi Steve,
I am driving a 2001 Alero, which I purchased brand-new. In the meanwhile the car has more than 68´000 miles and there had been necessary just two or three minor repairs so far. Only the front brakes had to be prematurely exchanged, before there had been installed revised disks and pads. Finally the car still proves as reliable, doesn't rattle or shows any flaws at the body. There had been no complaints at all, as I attended the TÜV-examinations, which are obligatory in Germany every 2 years.

I am sorry to read about the problems with your former Firebird. But I think, those things always can happen. I could give you a summary of issues, which my uncle encountered with his former Mercedes E-Class...

In Europe GM actually is better than the imports (in my opinion). Just look at Opel and its impressing performance at the TÜV-Report 2007. The same strategy which increasingly brings Opel back to success, will lead GM to new strength as the parental company.

Bob,

I just made it back home a little while ago from Mecca Tour '07. Today was amazing! Though calling the tour amazing does not properly do it justice. I rolled at out of bed at 4am thinking I was heading to a simple plant tour, but your crew down at Boxwood far exceeded my expectations for the day.

My original goal in life was to graduate from college and pickup a brand new TransAm WS6 to replace my aging '88 GTA. Unfortunately that goal was canceled two years prior to my graduation. Then NAIAS 2002 came around and I found my new love. Three years later, #937 rolled out of the plant and into my driveway. I have been smiling ever since!

Today I was blessed with the chance to tour the plant were she was put together. The team that organized the tour did a phenomenal job! It was great being able to speak with both the engineers and line workers. It was almost scary to see that they were all as passionate and enthusiastic designing and building these cars as all of us at the forum are driving them!!! Hopefully seeing all of our smiling faces showed everyone at the plant today how much the Kappa twins mean us.

With all of the pride they are taking in their work, I hope they will have the privilege of building further generations of the Kappa twins and I'm looking forward to being able to buy them.

Thank you Bob for putting forth the design contest that gave birth to the Solstice. Thank you to the designers and engineers that worked out all of the details. And thank you to all of the UAW workers in Boxwood for building it.

Jon

Hello again Mr. Lutz,

If Purple is not an option, then Green & Gold Metalic will do. Much like the 70 1/2 - 73 Camaros had for a PJ option...Just please produce the Volt, and I will hold vigil here in Alabama until they are in the showrooms. Thank you for the update, looking forward to the update from the Volt team soon.

Johnnie

I am really rooting for GM. However, I have a terrible feeling that the Volt is all talk and no action. 2 years from now Toyota will come out with something special and GM will be scrambing to explain. Please prove me wrong!!!

i really like the Chevy Sequel. i think it is really good looking and sexy. you could start producing it now as a hybrid instead of waiting for the infrastructure to be in place. and what happened to the Super Caddy? i would like a Benz S-Class killer and technological wonder that showcases American marvel, like the new Lexus LS600h. The Japanese proved they can do it. I will GM would do the same.

For the past 20 years I've been a huge BMW fan and buyer. I currently own a 2003 530i,2004 X5 and a 2003 r1150r. GM moves over the last 4 years has caught my attention. I remember the day I found out that my 530i actually had a GM transmission, that was the day I knew GM could compete if they ever got the bean counters out of the way.

The 2008 CTS may be a direct hit at the soul of BMW. The Volt could also change the Asian mind share problem. Frankly I'm ready for a change and plan to purchase both products over the next few years. GM.. don't stop, focus on the details and you will regain your dominance.

New to your blog, I want to congratulate and encourage Bob Lutz and the GM management team to complete development of the Volt. The present design concept and performance goals are right on. Brought to production, the Volt would provide a quantum leap forward in the worldwide automobile marketplace.

As a retired Lockheed Martin project manager, I am familiar with the hard work and team effort required to bring a product such as the Volt to production. I am convinced the market is anxious to embrace primary electric drive. Please consider modern body and frame materials such as Audi's space frame and aluminum body as additional market incentive.

Sincerely,
David Allen Lower
Baldwinsville, New York

Mr. Lutz,

First of all, I'd like to thank you for the lengthy and detailed response on Autoline Detroit to my question (posed by the host) regarding the Park Avenue. I only wish you had been willing (or allowed) to give even a fraction of the same answer here. It really was the kind of bare-knuckled commentary we have come to love and expect from you. I can only think that the blog environment has a paradoxical way of stifling the real Bob Lutz, leading me to wonder what kind of filter your comments have to go through.

You said "we don't discuss future product" concerning the..."Holden" (despite so many trim items specific to China) Park Avenue some weeks ago here on the blog. But John McElroy got exactly what we were hoping for. You didn't need to tell us "Yes we're bringing the Park Aveune here" -- you just needed to address it with a few words.

I only wish you felt you could do that here on this blog. If it is a filter thing, I wish you could tell them to hold off with the heavy handed control.

Your straight talk reputation makes this blog a place to watch, but if you can't write as freely here as you would speak with journalists on a TV show, then what's the point?

Looking forward to more of your opinions on possible future product like what I saw on Autoline Detroit, even if you can't tell us directly when or how we might get that product,

Regards,
- "Ming" of GMInsidenews.com

New to your blog, I want to congratulate and encourage Bob Lutz and the GM management team to complete development of the Volt. The present design concept and performance goals are right on. Brought to production, the Volt would provide a quantum leap forward in the worldwide automobile marketplace.

As a retired Lockheed Martin project manager, I am familiar with the hard work and team effort required to bring a product such as the Volt to production. I am convinced the market is anxious to embrace primary electric drive. Please consider modern body and frame materials such as Audi's space frame and aluminum body as additional market incentive.

Sincerely,
David Allen Lower
Baldwinsville, New York

Bob,

Enjoyed listening to you on Wait Wait. One concern I have about the Volt is that I suspect many car owners will not take the trouble to 'plug it in', defeating the goal of making the US less dependent on foreign oil. Is GM considering any mechanisms to make this automatic?

I am working on a 2000+ unit subdivision development in California, hoping to break ground about the same time as the Volt starts production. It seems to me that a garage could be designed that senses the Volt's arrival and searches out a portal into which to plug in.

Our real estate development group is completely private, so we have a lot of flexibility to consider innovative (and possibly showcase) standards.

Developing such a system I think would help enhance sales of the Volt as well.

Doug

Mr. Lutz,
I heard you on Wait, Wait and was impressed by both you and the applause you got when you mentioned the Volt getting 151 mpg. I haven't heard such enthusiastic applause on Wait, Wait. That applause indicates the desire Americans have for fuel efficient cars. If you push the entire GM product line in the direction of the Volt, Toyota will stay second. I'll buy a Volt when it comes out. I have solar panels on my roof and would gladly buy some more to support my Volt.

I have a Ford Escape Hybrid and my wife has aa Toyota Sienna Minivan. The next car she will buy will be a hybrid minivan - and after hearing you on Wait, Wait, I hope it will be a GM.

Keep up the blog and get on NPR as much as possible,
Bill Hare

The Equinox isn't bad, I hope the next generation Equinox/ Trialbrlazer woud be built on Zeta with a small Avalanche type to compete with Ridgeline, and a review of the Colorado/Rodeo/GMC to take a serious attempt at a small pickup to takeon the Tacoma. PS, put a 6speed manual in the V6 G8the trucks and the Solstice.

Hi Bob,

What is the status of the minicars? That's where both the youth and green markets are.

In contrast, if you thicken up the floor on the tomb-like Buick Enclave, maybe you could export them to Iraq. You need to shrink your cars, not keep growing them, so I can buy one. The Enclave is 2.5 tons and it won't be relevant when gas is $4/gallon.

Take a risk, and build a minicar in Lordstown, not Korea. Look at the inventory of BMW Minis and compare that to the same for Envoys or even the Ford Edge.

Ditto for the minivans that are losing favor. Take a look at the original Chrysler minivans alongside the Scion xB. A smallish, retro minivan is a segment you can carve up, if you look forward while comparing other tough economic times in this country. Retro is cool. Small will be cool again. Look at the squared of Caddys from 1985 and look how lean they are, but skip the Cimarron.

Dear Bob,

I am 57 years old and have been buying GM products since I was in High School. I'm a GM fan, but still find it surprising how the engineering department can mess up on what I consider very basic items. A case in point is the Trailblazer family of vehicles. I bought my wife a normal Trailblazer, then a Buick Rainier, and now she drives a Trailblazer SS. As you know, the Rainier and the SS have the rear air suspension. Both vehicles (including all others I have observed), have what I consider a defect. If you observe them from the rear, the right side of the body is lower than the left. The clearance between the fender and the tires has about a 1.5" difference which is very noticeable. Upon inquiry at the dealership, they idicated that the factory had specified that it wasn't a defect but within the permitted tolerance. As you will understand, this defect is augmented by the fact that it is on the side of the vehicle that coincides with the curved design of most highways to allow for rain drainage, which makes the vehicle look like it is always overloaded on the right side (looked at from the rear). The non air suspension models sit perfectly even. One other simple item is that the rear door rubber seals next to the wheel well always hang down below where they are supposed to and don't seal well.

I love GM products but hope that attention to this type of details will make it's products more competitive.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Reyel Taylor

Well, they didn't start calling you "Maximum Bob" for nothing. You are doing some great work, and GM is finally getting back into the business of making cars and trucks that people want to buy. The next CTS and the new Malibu are both going to be great successes. They each seem to be cars that are quite good. GM can and should do more. The smaller cars such as the Cobalt and G5 could use (along with name changes) new interiors that do away with so much exposed hard plastic in favor of cloth or vinyl for the mid and upper trim levels. Yes, I know it's an old trick to doll up the lower end cars, but it works.

As to the Park Ave, it looks like a nice car, but I'm not really sure about it. Perhaps the car that eventually replaces the Lucerne could simply be called the Park Ave, and if it just happens to be RWD...

Also, could you please talk to/chastise/shoot the people responsible for the Pontiac "G" names? For such spirited new cars it's rather anti climactic that they should have such boring names.

Wholly Petroleum Bob!

It’s all about the Car car carb CARBON!
Make a deference with all your vehicles and start making them run on a fuel readily available, Now! LPG is cheap, clean (great for cities w/smog) (low carbon for GW),produced here (even exported),and will prepare people to pump Hydrogen if it ever comes. Bob is it all about the carbon or is it all about the dollar?
Bob it is all about the dollar. Give people vehicles they want to now that will save them dollars every time they fill up and drive and they can feel great knowing they’re cleaning the air in their city, state country, world.

Wholly Petroleum Bob!

Get Converted!

Think Gaseous fuels for today and for tomorrow and you will continue smiling.

Scott Crawford
HH of Lakewood, CA

GM has a great heritage, but currently it has gone too far back into the past in digging up names that are only relevant to the 70+ year old crowd, ie Buick Super and the take off on Pontiac 6 and 8. Are these names relevant to your target market? Definately not.

Truly great companies like Harley Davidson are very customer focused. Did you know that Willie Davidson spends many weekends visiting with his customers to better understand what THEY want. The public response to the Park Ave and Riveria is proof of the value of those names in today's market place. A new Grand National is a no brainer. Many of the GM cars that people were passionate about were not supported like they should have been.

A marketing professional like myself would die to have the opportunity to leverage some of the great model names that GM just ignores. If you want to really take on the imports, let's talk.

GM has improved recently in many areas, but this renaming is an unnecessary distraction from the task at hand.

Well I have never posted to this blog, as I have taken a wait and see attitude with GM. Granted, having Bob Lutz at GM was just pure brillance on GMs part.

First my background: Bob might cry a bit, but my brother and me were strong Honda people (still are really); but flipped to Chrysler/Dodge for several reasons. But that is another story.

Car-wise; I had a 77 Civic and my brother had an 80 Civic and 85 CRX. My grandfather gave me his 74 Dodge Coronet when I moved to Winnipeg -- a car I drove for 7 years; my neighbor bought it from me. I then went to a 95-01-05 Neon/SX20; my brother went to a 00-04 Neon/SX20. My neice still has my 2001 Neon -- and she has done nothing but put new tires on it, and change the oil.

Second, GM has make enormous changes in its products -- something that GM has not been good at in the past -- so some miracles taking place, and large ones at that. It is absolutely true that most GM vehicles are very well finished, durable, and engineered now.

Third, GM pricing seem easier to follow now; and they seem to use rebates more logically. Someone should explain to people the history of rebates -- as it is not what people think.

Here's what I pieced together -- rebates came out of the hidden subsidizing that had takes place for LEASING. With leasing the cost should rise through the year as you must "buy" more of the car as the year goes by (due to the residual going down through the year). Rebates essentially are the monies that the car companies added to the residual value in order to keep it constant through the year. All that has happened is for those monies to be given to the cash purchaser (or used to finance a lower interest rate). There is more to it then that, but that is what I believe is the situation.

With this logic in mind; I always think that if you want the newest, generally leasing has an advantage, but as the year goes along the buying option gets stronger. Also if you what to drive "more" then leasing is better (due to residual going up); but if you can drive something more "appropriate" and keep on top of things, purchasing will save you a lot over several car purchases (by essentially you getting the equity to roll into a new car each cycle).

Sorry about this really being a dis-jointed post. I will be much better next time. If I have and imperfect understanding of the rebates, maybe someone can correct me on it (be nice).

Mr. Lutz,
Interesting, now reading an auto industry book with numerous 'Bob Lutz' quotes.
Wish to be further revered within this country, have an associate sign Dale, Jr. before TOYOTA does.
Don't be remembered as the 'car guy' at GM who let Dale's son get away!
Recall, GM built a racing 'industry' around Dale Sr., TOYOTA could do the same with his offspring and associates.

Bob and Co.,
Here comes another shot across the bow. It used to be that the Japanese, European, and Korean cars made the most sense for the middle and lower income buyer, but after testing some of the products, the new SUVs and trucks, GM has hit a homerun. However the game has changed and hitting a homerun in that segment does not make you money. Saturn and other brands are offering 1.9% and discounts on the vehicles, even thought they are class leaders. The problem is the transference of the quality of the small and medium sized cars is going to determine the fate of your company. The cobalt is good enough, especially with your extended warranty, the Impala has a lot to be desired, but the new platform should improve it considerably. The GM main problem is it has a chance to bring over to the US market fuel efficient engines ahead of the Japanese and will not do it. Does the oil companies have something to do with this?
The Honda CR-V with the diesel is rated at 40+ MPG in Great Britain, and they won't bring that engine over, but they will. Your Opel, Vauxhall, and
Daewoo factories make small diesels and smaller 4 cyl engines that are able to achieve a realistic 40 + MPG. Why aren't they here? Are you willing to give up the obvious future market just to pump in some SUV profits?
I have written before about the idea of taking the entire GM truck brands and sell them in GM Truck franchises. Let the car companies sell cars. In addition to the truck business, which will ultimately shrink due to the general ill-health of the economy, the franchise willbe able to handle the flood of truck and SUV trade-ins, and offer Goodwrench service for all GM brands. But back to the subject, your company must be the leader in engine technology and you job is to beat the others to market with viable product.
Good luck,
Jan Bayus

[quote]Chevy needs a small 200 cid V8 for the Colorado. Remember the 215 V8 that it sold to Rover decades ago. Variable valve timing could give the engine a 20 year run. Why? $4.00 and $5.00 gasoline.

Posted by: Gary on May 19, 2007 12:35 AM.[/quote]

The 215 V8 isn't a Chevy engine, it's a Buick engine.

I was thinking about how important an easy repair process will be for the Volt. Since the electric motors are more like electronics products it will probably make more sense to have an easy to remove / modular replacement process. If you go with wheel motors - the tech could just remove the tire / spoke assembly and then unbolt the bad motor behind it. He could simply bolt on a reconditioned one from the parts bin. The old one would be sent back for reconditioning.

With four wheel motors the gas generator can still occupy the center of the engine compartment and maybe easily aircooled to further cut down on weight and complexity. It seems like four small electric wheel motor / generator is better than a single large one. It also seems like four wheel motors would give amazing contol, power transfer and optimum regenerative breaking.

I hope the volt really represent a rethinking of the automobile in body and mechanicals.

Good to hear from you again Bob. The Volt is obviously a huge part of GM's future. You should consider partnering with a solar panel company and offer solar panels as an option for new Volts. People would love to finance solar power at the same APR as their new car. I think you would find a lot of people ticking that $5k option box.

Is there any chance of a rwd e-flex car? I know that hybrids work better in fwd because of the brake regeneration amognst other reasons but does that mean that there wont be e-flex for people who like to drive? .

Toyata's concept FTHS promises 0-60 around 4 sec and mpg in the mid to high 20s. I didnt find that particularly impressive, those are corvette numbers. Makes me wonder how far hybrid drivetrains are from being able to work in a performance application. The most important factor for fun to drive and mpg just happen to be the same number, curb weight. The world is ready for a 9/10ths lotus elise for $20k. If you build a car that only has what a car needs to go fast, it cant help but be a milage champ at the same time.

Anyways, keep up the good work. The new product is all suprisingly good. The sales are starting to come and the factories are back to producing cars that people want to buy. That is what matters, not how many you sell.

Hello Bob:

Just like to say that it's pretty cool you can take time AT ALL to do any blogging. So thanks for taking the time and taking responsibility to listen to us. The new cars are great I think and will soon be even better. All design and engineering teams should be given props to the work. I am a little worried that some there may become content with the progress and not push any harder. I AM confident however that if you stick around you won't allow that. So keep on em! Keep it rollin'

Cheers
Shawn Aguilar

"Also, could you please talk to/chastise/shoot the people responsible for the Pontiac "G" names? For such spirited new cars it's rather anti climactic that they should have such boring names."

Yes please shoot them before the "G8" comes out. Back in the 1980's we had Pontiac T1000,J2000,6000 they did not sell lets get some names on these cars for marketing so they will sell... Just kidding don't shoot them maybe suggest names. Also keep blogging I look forward to everyones posts. I would like to see some from Rich Wagonner. And I think all of the upper management should have to go walk through the Heritage Center once a month just so they remember where we've been and where were going.

Mr. Lutz,

I applaud your commitment to blogging (and GMs too). I think that using a blog and allowing comments shows how transparent a company is willing to be and that for most people, this is very attractive. Keep it up. And keep up the work with alternative fuels -- we need more innovation like this for both our country and the planet.

On another note, I thought you were great on Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me even though you didn't win the prize (who knew people were silly enough to dig coal mines from their homes).

Bob

Thanks for your Lutzian candor! However, I do want to agree with Mike Yankovic (above) that "tomb-like silence" should not be recommended to the Buick Marketing Dept. "Deathly silence" won't work either. Ford might be able to use the terms, though.

Just a quick word of assurance from us at CorvetteBlog dot com that we're excited about what's coming for Chevrolet. The sooner, the better!

Bill

I am a twenty-something college student, and the fact that the Enclave has captured my interest since its conceptual stage says something is going right for Buick. I may not be available to afford one, but I wish I could. The Chinese Buick (or Holden) Park Avenue is a luxo-sport sedan badly needed here in North America. Seeing that, the Camaro, and the G8 gives me hope for GM in the future.

Hey Bob,

I came across this artice on MSN. If its true, GM should be banging down there door right now!!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18700750

Bob - here is a true to life story to describe the problem and perception that GM has built for itself in the marketplace. My brother is in the market for a mid-size crossover. He's a 30 something family man and is considering the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, or Nissan Murano . No mention of GM at all - none, nada. Wouldn't even consider it even if the sticker was several thousand cheaper. Why I asked? "GM only builds cheap cars that don't last, and depreciate faster than anything else on the road". "Reliability is crap". "Japanese car makers build more reliable cars, GM only talks about it". "I can afford better". So there you have it Bob - it's not about how cheap it is, it's about how well it's built, and how reliable it will be for years to come. My brother is willing to pay MORE for higher quality, reliability, and lower depreciation. Is this being factored into your future vehicle development plans? This is a HUGE problem for GM - people in their 30's that won't even consider a GM product. There is ALWAYS something said of the cheap plastics, poor fit and finish, squeaks and rattles, and poor reliability for GM cars. Building cheaper cars is just not the answer. GM needs to step it up - NOW - to outengineer the competition and offer features, fit and finish that is second to none.

Short this approach, you will continue to have plenty of tomblike silence in your showrooms.

Hey Bob,

Don't even sweat it, you do more then you have to, and thats greatly appreciated by the most of us.

I enjoy the blog and like always, looking forward to the future of GM..the next few years are going to be a pretty exciting time and I anticipate great things are ahead for General Motors, the enthusiasts, and the consumers.

Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,
Patrick M. Hoey
(Hoeyhimself of GMInsideNews.com)

I am very excited with the upcoming Tahoe hybrid and ?Volt.
I am a long time Suburban owner(1972) and the quality is at a all-time high, but I do have a problem with head room. At 6ft 5in I have more room in a Honda CR-V with a sunroof than in my Suburban without one. I am willing to buy a new seat, etc. but no one at GM or my dealer can help. If a vehicle can have handicap controls, why aren't low profile seats or moveable seat rails available
Don't ever retire.
Ed

Mr Lutz:
I would like to know what is going on with the next generation Pontiac GTO. Is that car going to happen? For ecomony of scale, I think it would make sense to build it on the same line as the Camaro in Oshawa. If you are not going to do that car GM should come right out and say so. I cant see how Toyota and Honda can compete with cars called Camaro, GTO, Challenger and Mustang. Japanese manufacturers were not playing in that field then and I suspect they would not be accepted today if they tried to compete in that market segment.

Bob,
I listened to your interview on Autoline Detroit. First I want say I have been a Bob Lutz for many years, but I must disagree with your view on fuel economy. In the past, I used to brag that GM cars were as good as any within a given class. Please, take back the leadership in the race to better fuel economy. Think of it as race to do something good for the country and GM. 40 MPG highway is very reasonable goal for a car the size of a Pontiac G6 without having expensive hybrid technology. I have been a car guy all my life and an engineer for 39 years. I know you can do it with out resorting to exotic tech or expense. My Malibu Max (3.5 liter)can get 30-32 mpg at 70 mph today. I have driven Impala's 5 years ago that would get as much as 34 mpg at 70. With displacement on demand, 5 or 6 speed transmissions with lower cruse rpm, smaller frontal area of the G6 and direct injection, I believe you get that leader of the pack 40 plus mpg and still have a car that was fun to drive and at competitive cost. Please take this request seriously.

GM reliability isnt much of an issue, Id think. Our 98 GMC Jimmy with the 4.3L Vortec V6 is still a rain of terror to the honda boys that wanna go FnF on the roads. And at 161,000 miles, its only had the fuel pressure regulater replaced. And the catylitic converter got damaged by some road debris. Other than that, 0 time in the shop.

Bob, this is cool to read what you think. 1st time checkin out the blog.

Mr. Lutz, I heard you on wfae educational radio and you said that gm is going to produce the "volt" car. Please put me down for one. I am an ex IBMer,private pilot, and currently haave a class A comercial drivers license. I would gladly run a log with the car to keep gm informed on how it handles the real world.Icurrently drive 35 miles one way,combination city and highway four days a week and 150 mles round trip two days a week. We are located just outside of Charlotte NC so it would see a wide varity of weather. I repeat. I want to place an order for a Volt auto. Thank you.

Mr Lutz:

You just don't get it. Yes, we expect to hear from you. And *every week* we want to know of something new that is going to cause panic in Toyota City and cause property values in Tokyo to plunge. Tall order, I know, but we think you're up to the task [still debating ... play it safe and stick with the Accord, or be bold an go Aura].

Dear Bob,

I'm cautiously optimistic in regards to the Volt program you mention. I really hope it isn't a PR job but a true endeavor. I think the tremendous interest in Tesla motors and the direct translation to dollars in the form of pre-sold cars shows the potential in the "battery" only formula. While the price targets I've seen published by GM seem accessible to the "everyman", the actual statistics of the Volt in comparison to the Tesla roadster are somewhat disappointing. I would think with the technological know how GM has through it's long and storied place in automotive manufacturing that it would be able to launch the Volt with more comparable range without the aid of an ICE. With everyone always belly aching about the lack of competitiveness of US automakers and what not, I would truly think an innovative and risk taking leader would aggressively pursue a course of action like developing a car in competition to Tesla before everyone and their brother jumps in the "game". I'm sure it's hard to take risks when you have a board and stockholders to report to though....without risk however, it's hard to get substantial reward....

Best Regards and good luck with the Volt.

Nick

Long time Lutz and GM fan....first time Fastlane blogger. This is great I will be a regular. As a Detroit kid who moved to LA.....a warning for GM: get out here and do something, people in California actually think Toyota and Lexus are cool. Those manufacturers are a lot of things.....cool ain't one of them.
I am a GM beleiver Bob, we are not out of the woods yet but there is hope for this great American icon.

I notice a lot of familiar names in the comments above; some of them probably think of me as a "crazy" or a "hater" (see the comment I just posted to the "300 miles and counting" blog entry), but several times in my comments I have saluted you for the transparency of the blog comment system and the opportunity to reach the ear of someone (you) high enough up to make decisions, and I'm happy to salute you again here.

Of course, I recognize that you have a "day job" and can't spend too much time responding to comments on this blog; however, it would be doubly useful if you could assign somebody to respond to detailed, non-flaming criticisms (such as I think mine are). The folks over at the HybridBlog of the Union of Concerned Scientists post reply comments to their own blog postings, as do writers of most other blogs I read; it makes the blogs a genuine dialogue, rather than an echo chamber where you send out the "ping" and then, in effect, passively wait to see what comes back in, while your readers try to glean as much as we can from that one "ping." As somebody noted above, people who bother to comment on these blogs tend to be passionate; if you can shut up your critics here by refuting us in a genuine dialog (i.e., where we can pick holes in your response, and you in ours), you will have shut up some of the most vocal skeptics about, say, GM's alternative-fuel vehicle credibility in view of its history with natural-gas and electric vehicles. As it is, if we post our criticisms, maybe we are reaching your ears, but if GM doesn't respond in some authoritative (or at least authorized) voice, you forfeit the opportunity to change our minds.

Since my last post got eaten by the spam filter monster, I'll repost it without the links.

And I’ve come to realize that those bloggers don’t represent the people posting comments like the above to this blog. And that people posting comments like the above, in turn, don’t represent most of the readers and posters on this blog.

A while back I was offered a free year of Car & Driver. Since I was interested in cars, mostly the development of fuel efficient ones, I took it. At the end of the year, I didn't renew.

I've found that the traditional "automotive media" isn't looking at cars the same way I'm looking at cars. They're focused on things like power and speed and size. While I'm sure they have their place, that's not what I'm looking for in a car. I'm looking for fuel economy, ease of parking or maneuverability, and versatility.

If you want some automotive media that matches what I'm looking for in a car a bit more closely, you should look at the reviews by the Car Talk guys. In a recent review of the G6, they actually said the 167 horsepower standard engine is enough for that car. When is the last time you heard the traditional automotive media say anything had enough horsepower?

Also, the PBS program Now did a great episode last week on automobile design that did a fairly good job of explaining why there aren't any cars with great mileage from the auto makers, and pointing to the automotive press and auto shows as echo chambers, insulating the car companies from the realities of the world.

In short: I think GM has been blinded by a bunch of car guys talking about how they still don't think 300 horsepower is enough, and you're designing cars for them, not normal folks or even weirdos like myself.

It's possible you're looking for GM to be a niche player, making trucks, SUVs, and large sedans in a world where those things are increasingly expensive to keep on the road. With no really great small cars, and no cars that are rated over 40 mpg, there's nothing at GM for someone like myself. Well, at least not in the US. And it doesn't look like that will ever happen.

Finally, one more quick anecdote to show just how strange I really am: When I was twelve, my dad and I went to the auto show nearby. There were hundreds of cars and trucks, but the one my dad was most enthralled with was the Geo Metro. Why? Because it got 50 mpg. He said it was the car of the future because gas prices are only going to go up. About ten years later they bought the very first Prius available in our area.

Mr. Lutz:

Congratulations to you and the General Motors team on your significant progress. I certainly understand it must be difficult for you to contribute to your blog as much as you want given your busy schedule.

Some constructive criticism is good, but I have noticed some posters to this blog and GM Inside News are overly negative. I have found that the people with great accomplishments are realists, but have optimistic attitudes about their endeavors. I would take these overly negative posts with a grain of salt. If General Motors keeps improving at its current fast pace, General Motors will be more than competitive with the best in the industry soon.

Respectfully,

Eric Matthew Vest

Bob -- I feel your pain. I used to write a blog for the sole benefit of my friends and family. You know, passing along interesting news tidbits, humorous jokes, etc. Then I took a bit of a sabbatical and after a couple of days I was getting nastygrams from folks wondering if I'd died or something.

The expectation of blogs is that it is an ongoing dialogue. When you stop talking, we assume you don't care what we're saying.

It's tough, but unless you're willing to invest what's needed to "keep it current", you should delegate the day-to-day to someone else and only do this one day a week.

Bob,

I enjoyed your appearance on Wait Wait, Don't Tell me this past weekend, and I am extremely interested in the Volt. I know, from your comments on the show, that you are very interested in this product line, and that you really really would like it to get into production. I have a couple questions:

How will the Volt be different than the EV1? I had an internship up in the Burbank Area of Los Angeles when they were being impounded, and there was a surprising amount of dismay when this occurred. I suspect that there will be a fair amount of Animosity. Will GM take smarter steps in regards to the Volt than it did with the EV1 program, which from the point of some consumers, seemed to be grossly mishandled?

Second, Will you be making more publicized appearances? Your performance on Wait Wait has me seriously considering checking out GMs product line a little more closely, rather than the usual Asian automakers that my family has always (from my memory) bought from.

Bob. I don't know you. And frankly I have never enjoyed or owned an American car. But after hearing you on Wait Wait Don't Tell me, and after reading this, I like you, and my opinion of your cars are beginning to change. Keep up the good work.

David

Bob,

From the silent majority,

We're with you and all GM's efforts. Looking forward to an update on the Volt!

well...once again i ask the question why i cant get a 2wd single cab 1500 with a vortec max in it...no ss truck just vortec-max...like the Dodge Hemi truck or the dam Toyota junk....even a special order option would be nice

In Reference to Gereon Langlitz's (Germany) Post on the 19th: The reliability issue of GM vehicles.

I think GM is gaining ground on improving the quality and reliability of their vehicles. However, here in the United States, the general consumers still opt to choose imports over domestic makes. Mainly, they perfer Japanese imports because of their bullet prove reliability records. On-the-other-hand, Asian imports lack the soul and passion of some domestics. Things such big muscle power and heritage are something that the imports will never be able to achieve. So, in the end, if GM can prove itself that reliability will not be an issue, the only place for it to go is up. I am keeping my eyes open and hopefully, GM will succeed. I am saving up for that Chevy Camaro when it's due to arrive in 09.

Steve C. said:

The expectation of blogs is that it is an ongoing dialogue. When you stop talking, we assume you don't care what we're saying.

Exactly right Steve. If Lutz and the others are going to throw out blogs and ask for comments, then they have to respond.

It's a simple equation: No response = "We don't care." just as you suggest.

Actually, they don't have to respond, but someone has to respond to maintain credibility, or else they should abandon their blog. Better no blog than a half-hearted effort with the negative perception that leads to. Bob Lutz, Larry Burn, Steve Shannon, and the others are obviously busy, and shouldn't be spending their time continuously checking this blog. But they must have enough administrative assistants and public relation flacks that someone at GM HQ can respond. (Just as Tony Snow, the President's press secretary responds for him.)

Best,

Gary Dikkers

[quote]Chevy needs a small 200 cid V8 for the Colorado. Remember the 215 V8 that it sold to Rover decades ago. Variable valve timing could give the engine a 20 year run. Why? $4.00 and $5.00 gasoline.

Posted by: Gary on May 19, 2007 12:35 AM.[/quote]

As per Gary, I'm not sure that the V8 version would work; I'd much prefer a SIDI version of the current (2.9L) I4, as well as a 6-speed backing it up as a good choice - the point of the Canyon/Colorado is a "smaller truck for smaller needs", and fuel economy should be one of them.

Now I'm a first-time responder on fastlane, and I really respect what you're trying to do, Mr. Lutz. But as you well know "good enough" quality won't be, and "just give us a few years" is running out of juice as a comment.

As for a big "right now" impact GM can make, I'd say invest alot in putting the SIDI EcoTec in the Malibu as much as possible (even in non-turbo form), and forgo the 3.5 OHV version. That, plus the 6-speed auto would give the Camry a real run for the money.

And don't forget those of us who would still like to shift for ourselves. Swapping to a manual can still eke out another MPG or so.

Now I don't expect you to take all of my comments to heart, but we've been a long-standing GM family (I have a post on mycadillacstory.com as well) and I hate to see such an icon of American engineering be so tarnished.

BOB PLEASE READ THIS:

I see gas prices going up...I paid 3.25 yesterday Now I say we WILL see prices go much higher with production down in prudhoe bay and low gasoline inventories, and a big hurricane season coming up I think we can see locally over 4.15/gal before july 4TH.

GM should be able to adapt to this kind of change. The product in europe with diesel engines that --GM BUILDS CURRENTLY-- should be READY FOR IMPORT. I am aware that they will not meet emmisions standards here but why not make them cleaner in the first place?; Hint: Hint: BUY BLUETEC-Type technology. I say This is something that should happen SHORT term (2008 model year). The more long term solution is the minicars from chevy--particularly the beat; it combines -sleek hatchback style that is unlike anything else in the market and you and I know that a gasoline powerplant will return over a combined 40 MPG and a diesel over 45-50 MPG. GM NEEDS BREAKTHROUGH PRODUCT and this is it.

---Whether I like it or not the PRIUS was a breakthrough product and look at the sustained success it has had in recent years and these minicars could be that type of breakthrough product the prius was.(I hate toyota and anything to do with it)

Now that I have that off my chest; My father just purchased a 2007 Pontiac G6 GTP in feb. and we enjoy it very much...It is fun to drive, practical, and efficient. Our household has purchased only GM the past 12 years. After following the auto industry for years and being an absolute certifiable car-nut I enjoy this oppurtunity to voice some of my opinions. Please say something about the above in your next post or you can email me

-Brandon
Long Island, New York

Ron Makey

Heres a Honda Pilot story. My son in law loved his Pilot leased thru his business. Lease ends he looks at a Chevrolet Suburban. Nervous he says he'll buy the Pilot and lease the Suburban. The day we pick up the Suburban he says "this is about the same lease price, gets about the same gas mileage and is 40% bigger than the Pilot". He drives the Suburban home. He then says "this is smoother, quieter, more powerful and handles better than the Pilot and has a concert quality sound system". Well you get where this is going. The Pilot sat on the driveway abandoned for a week and then was turned in.

Throughout the career you find people who were able to ispire you. I get often reminded of a very intelligent advice which is: consider very carefully the possibilities for what you can do, before choosing. This principle works on different levels. Consider many different possiblities for what general sort of work you want to do, before settling into one. And when you have finished one project, you should think about many different possibilities for what to do next. And when you encounter a problem, you should consider various possible approaches, before investing heavily in any one.
Let's be realistic, someone in the position of Bob Lutz, can not just come out and blog and just say all he has in his mind. I think it already great Bob comes out and tells us some of his thoughts or gives us news when he has some, and CAN give us some. But GM has dealerships, the great ones are those who invest much time to their clients, with a team who really cares, that's how you win customers satisfaction and trust, and that goes for any job. So I would think for Bob it is very important the feedback he gets from those successfull dealerships, but he can not sit here and try to satisfy any one of us in particular. I found it amazing that he even takes the time to write to us sometimes and to read the blog sometimes. And I know if he does, it is because to him it is important to hear different ideas and opinions, to understand what the market wants but all the information he has to take it with a grab or I can guarantee you, it would just be a process of ideas and opinions and nothing would ever be done. I know most of you undestand that perfectly but for those who do not, please let's support and appreciate someone like Bob.
He deserves much respect for what he has achieved and still is doing for the car industry.
And what I really think, if a person really does not like GM cars or tracks, and does not believe in the management of GM, honestly I do not think blogging will do much help, that person will always be negative and not matter what he will probably always buy everything but GM !!!!!!!

On-the-other-hand, Asian imports lack the soul and passion of some domestics.

This is precisely what I was getting in my post about the automotive media. If I want soul and passion, I'll listen to music.

My car isn't about my soul or passion. It's not a place I go to get away from things. It's an appliance that needs to get me reliably and cheaply from point A to point B with a modicum of comfort. (Though being someone who will ride to work in 30 degree weather, my idea of comfort is somewhat different from most others.)

In no other industry do you hear people talking about products with "soul" and "passion." You don't buy a refrigerator because it's got soul. You don't buy a computer because it's got a passionate design. Why buy a car based on fleeting fashions and emotional appeals?

Only people who are interested in cars will buy one because of passion and soul. The vast majority of the population is looking at technical specifications and reliability history. My perception is that the Japanese makers started with technical specs and reliability and are working towards passion and soul, while GM and Ford and Chrysler are starting with passion and soul and are working toward technical specs and reliability.

I concur with Bob... there is a silent majority out there who approves of your efforts. Good luck with the Volt!

steve--just for fun --go to your local mall--find the oldest cars or trucks there--bet there Gm --sorry about your problem with the firebird -- i have driven a few --love em --hope one day to drive another -- a new one--gm seems to be putting there money where there mouth is with the new 100,000 mile power train warranty even if a little late for your tranny --steve come back home --we need you

stan

why build the when you have volt focus on that and kill the cammaro/screaming chicken unless you plan on adding hybrid.
gas is doomed to hit $5 per gal by the time cammaro hits and wont fair with fuel prices rising.
why not build small sports coupe and hot hatch?

Bob,

Your doing a great job. The fact that you even post at all, given your schedule, is amazing. Don’t let a few blowhards bring you down, the silent majority still has your back!

Go GM

P.S: Cant wait for the new Monte and GTO!

Bob,

I have been waiting for GM to bring the ASTRA to the U.S. for a long, long time. After living in Europe for several years, then seeing the new ASTRA all over Europe in August 2006, I am glad that someone at the company figured it that the car is and can be winner here in North America.

However, the fact that of all of the Opel Astra variants to bring over -- GM is going to offer the LEAST exciting configuration. The 1.8L gasoline is a compromise -- not the most fuel efficient ECOTEC engine nor the best performer (the 2.0L Turbo). It is like GM is planning on the Astra being a ho-hum car here in the U.S., while in Europe it is a brand unto itself.

No GTC? No twintop? No panaromic roof? No station wagon? No diesel engine? No small gasoline engine? No hybrid drivetrain? No AWD? Aside from the body and interior styling, what else about it is distinctly European?

It seems that too many North American car executives think that small cars need to be cheap (under 16K) -- and ignore the market segment of people (typically young professionals) who would pay a premium for a small-bodied car with good styling. Admittedly, it is difficult to find good examples of this type of car selling in the U.S. The Audi A3 comes to mind, but that is certainly not a volume seller. Look at the Mini -- Over 30MPG combined and about 25K with normal options. GM has no answer to this. VW GTI and Jetta are also in this segment. Toyota has the new Corolla, and so on.

To be a success, the ASTRA has to wow people, from the get-go. It would be too bad for the 2008 version to come out, then have to wait until perhaps the next generation Astra before expanding on its variants in North America.

Thanks!

Mr. Lutz:

Your Opel, Vauxhall, and
Daewoo factories make small diesels and smaller 4 cyl engines that are able to achieve a realistic 40 + MPG. Why aren't they here? I think this is a chance for GM to be first. They need to start putting diesels in their small car and trucks. If they put it in their small
trucks they could call it the minimax. If you think people have a bad taste in their mouth
about diesels look at how well your full size trucks are doing. I hear the VW diesels are selling well.

I do appreciate Bob Lutz taking the time to post to a Blog and his staffers posting our responses.

While the blog does little to address "after sale" issues (probably because for better or mostly worse that's in the hands of the archaic dealer network the USA's saddled with), it does introduce new products and offers insightful podcasts and chats with various GM product managers.

Perhaps in 2008 we might see GM take a little more interest in the aftermarket?

Meanwhile thanks again, Bob, for the product updates and other goodies posted here, and for letting us customers offer an opinion or two!

I think that consumers buy Japanese, not only because they are excellent cars, but it is a fad.

There aren't really anymore WWII vets out there too. One-thousand of them are dying every day.

I have no qualms about buying GM. The five I have bought have been fine. It's hard to convince the competitor's consumer just how good GM vehicles really are. It'll take a major change of some sort, that I cannot define.

Bob,
Thanks for posting the latest blog.
GM needs an EXINDE to beat beat beat beat beat prius . A SMALL BUT SPACIOUS CAR.. like curiously designed beat/trax/groove with affordable electric system.A special car which has never existed before. I mention here small coz it will gives the additional benefit of fuel economy. I do not think that selling a similar category car by GM will help prius to get sold.Prius is not ipod that keeps its sale high even though zune enters the market. Volt would be quite costlier for the pockets of average middle class car buyers who want to buy an electric assisted car to save fuel. Volt will be treated as wow what a car, innovative technology but.. alas i need more money to buy it. So, Let me postpone it for future. Can GM produce a global small car with electic assist for the evergrowing middle class across the planet. Can it be launched in one year from now.
I appreciate your patience for dealing with we the bloggers. But we speak out our hearts.. PLEASE LISTEN

I want to ask why GM isn’t offering of their high-performance engines with E85 compatibility.

E85 costs less then 87 octane gasoline and it has an octane rating of 105. It’s the perfect fuel for high-performance engines, but non of GM’s engines that recommended or required to use high octane gas give the option of using E85.

Next time GM comes out with a new high-performance engine could you please set them up to take advantage of E85 like the Saab BioPower concept and ad it to cars like the Solstice GXP.

Mr Lutz said:

I will continue to do it, whenever I can, and as long as it seems people want to read it.

Mr Lutz,

Yes, I'd like to read your answer to these issues:

The Triplet hype

GM is playing the Triplets for all they are worth. My newspaper last Sunday even had a big spread on the Triplets. But why?

You've been quoted as saying the Triplets aren't going to meet North American safety standards, and that GM can't make money building small cars in North America. You've even sent mixed signals compared to what other GM execs have said about them. So what's the deal? Why all the publicity about concept cars you apparently have no intention to market here?

GM's failure to move into the turbo-charged diesel market

Several major carmakers are about to introduce clean, efficient, high-mileage turbocharged diesels into the North American market. Among them are Honda, Nissan, Daimler, VW, Audi, and BMW.

Why are both GM and Toyota conspicuously absent from that list?

You have repeatedly told the press that higher CAFE standards will kill you since you don't know how to meet them without adding $5,000 to $6,000 to the price of each car.

While you complain to the press about CAFE standards, other car makers have moved ahead with propulsion systems that will meet a higher CAFE.

Why does it seem GM is asleep at the wheel with respect to developing and deploying clean, efficient, turbocharged diesels?

You must have your reasons for not wanting to use fuel-efficient turbodiesels in your passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.

Can you share those reasons with us?

Best regards,

Gary Dikkers

Hi Bob,

I just listened to the audio of your NPR interview. I have got to give you props. Out of all the auto execs out there, you are the most real. And I am very excited about the GM revival. Make sure you leave the job in capable hands before you finally depart! I have my own auto blog I keep up with just for fun. I especially keep an ear on GM's progress. It is good to see you at the helm.

Cheers,

autoramblings.com

Yes, I'd like to read your answer to these issues. - Gary Dikkers

Here's another good question:

Why is the Astra so underwhelming in terms of fuel economy and engine/transmission options?

The car I want from GM is only available in Europe. Why not bring over more options? Why not promote the hybrid diesel Astra that's supposed to get 59 mpg instead of the 'real soon now' Volt?

Before I start, please let me say I am NOT a "tree hugger" I am a right wing Republican.... (I think that needed to be clear)... Now, what GM and ALL the US car companies need to do is make EVERY VEHICLE available as a plug in, flex fuel, hybrid. Yes, EVERY car and truck. What you need to hear clearly is this is not contained to the Prius customer, I belive, consumers WANT to drive big trucks and SUV's BUT will sacrifce that to not spend $75 on a fill up. Those big trucks and SUV's are where you make the most money... so be selfish --- and perhaps you actually GAIN marketshare. I would swith fro my BMW and Lexus for a Suburban that gets 60 mpg. (1/2 of the Volt). Take the risk, your new found customers and shareholders will be happy.

Steve

Mr. Lutz,

Now might be the time to start building that Chevy Nomad concept introduced in 2004. With higher gas prices, GM needs a sporty car with utility and cargo space. I know I'd buy it, but would never buy an SUV. I think this is a whole niche market GM needs to tap. This car just might be a hit now. And when will the Solstice/Sky coupe be introduced??? Many of us are starving for smaller sporty fuel efficient cars because we can't continue to afford higher gas prices. Please satisfy this loyal GM customer's hunger along with others, who crave these cars.

just got back to Pa. from the NASCAR race at Lowes speedway and i can tell you that the cheapest part of the trip was the gasoline for the 2006 ZO-6 Corvette!!! 27 MPG and we were keeping up with traffic. the gasoline costs were 1/2 of what the motel charges were. with the number of cars,pickups and motorhome i saw there the price of gasoline is not a problem for a lot of people.

Dear Mr. Lutz,
It's great to see a top level executive like you sharing your views in a candid manner with everyone! Appreciate it all the more because you can take time to participate inspite of your hectic schedule in managing GM's operations. Please keep writing!

The car I want from GM is only available in Europe. Why not bring over more options? Why not promote the hybrid diesel Astra that's supposed to get 59 mpg instead of the 'real soon now' Volt?

Roger that, Paul.

It is rather difficult to believe that GM's German subsidiary Opel has designed a car like the Astra diesel-hybrid in Europe and that GM apparently has no plans to market it in North America.

One would think that Rick Waggoner and Bob Lutz would have long ago called GM's top execs into a staff meeting and issued some pointed and direct guidance saying, "Get that car over hear, NOW."

Best,

Gary Dikkers

It's been many years since I've been seriously tempted by a vehicle made by one of the Big 3.

It was only recently that I became aware that you personally have become a proponent of the Volt and I'm very glad to hear it. It seems like a vehicle that you personally support has a higher likelihood of seeing production. Hopefully the Volt will also be a bit more performance targeted with your support, at least have additional performance and range available as options so that the vehicle can appeal to a greater range of customers.

I'm looking forward to being able to get my name on a reservation list. Please make this happen!

I would like to buy an American car but will not because the American cars I owned were unreliable and required too frequent repairs. I bought a Toyota Corolla in 2002 and have had not to bring it beyond basic maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations, etc). That's quality. I am continually disappointed in GM and other American car companies for being too arrogant to see why people are buying foreign cars. The ones who are loyal are only loyal because it's about America and not anything to do with GM. Your tone shows that you really don't care about your customers. You seem completely out of touch with reality and it's rather unfortunate. There are some nuts out there but they are consumers too! They have a right to their opinions and beliefs just as you do. This is great feedback for you and it costs you very little. I'm glad you do it but GM still has much work to do. In my humble opinion, GM is the best US car company but it's still far from Toyota or Honda. If you climb down from your tower then maybe you can learn from their success and get more people to buy your cars. I demand reliability and as little repairs as possible. Premature repairs is absolutely unacceptable to me. My free time is important.

"Premature repairs is absolutely unacceptable to me." - Michelle

Michelle,
sorry, I respectfully have to disagree with you.
If you are serious about this special statement, then there might be a reason NOT to buy a Toyota. Obviously you missed the fact, that Toyota actually "managed" to recall more vehicles than they had sold in 2006 (in the US). Where's the supposed class-leading quality, which you mentioned? Did you hear about the latest rumors concerning the camshaft of the Tundra? In my opinion you are partly repeating just the prejudice from (unfortunately still numerous) other people. Obviously you also missed the report from Detroit News about the "Perception Gap", which had been released months ago.

Warming up all the same old coffee again and again doesn't support the US auto-industry at all.

Gereon,

Can you honestly say that GM designs and engineers their cars with the same passion as BMW? Do the interiors compare to the same fit and finish as Audi? Does anything that Cadillac builds have the same cache as Mercedes? Is there anything about GM that even remotely compares to any of these German marques? Honestly, just who are you sucking up to? It is plainly obvious that GM is all about building "perceived" quality for as little money as possible. And, they are not so good at that either. There is always an element of cheapness to every GM car, even Cadillac. It is because that is how GM runs the business - build it cheap, and next year build it cheaper. All this focus on cutting cost has resulted in the impact that you now see in the continuing decline in GM's market share. But the arrogance in the top management won't consider any change in the misguided direction.

There are many GREAT cars that are continuing to be offered, and GM is continuing to churn out junk. TO warm up your analogy, Mercedes, BMW and Audi is the Starbucks gourmet coffee and GM is the stale store brand.

Hi Bob,

Great job on NPR! Fun and informative. Glad to hear you are moving ahead with the Volt. Loved your answers on mileage for jets!

Karen

It is obvious that the battery is an issue to solve, the cost for development is perhaps to high, but under the latest ARB hearing in California, there were witnesses adressing this matter, who have owned BEV's under numerus of years (2002/2003-2007) with another type of battery, theese BEV's works wonderfully with just a minor modification!
When will we see Chevrolet Volt on the streets of California?

Dear Bob and Comp...

once again i ask the question why i cant get a 2wd single cab 1500 with a vortec max in it...no ss truck just vortec-max...like the Dodge Hemi truck or the dam Toyota junk....even a special order option would be nice

Responding to Paul's post-

Different people have different perspectives on how they look at cars. Some may think of them as transportation and nothing more, yet others may look at one and regard it as art. My point is that you are entitle to your opinion and that's fine, but not everyone agrees with your opinion.
For you, a car may be something that gets you from point A to point B, but for others, it's driving enjoyment. However, if you live in a part of the country that gets cold in the winter, I can't argue with you for not enjoying the drive. My advice, move to somewhere warmer. Somewhere where you'll be able to drive a convertible and actually enjoy the sun, the breeze, and what's around you. Then, maybe then you will realize what I meant by the "soul" of a car.

BTW, hey Stan, I still have faith in GM. I will come home soon!

Dear Bob,

I love your blog.

thank you for the Volt. I need a car that lets me drive without funding corrupt, terrorist, anti-American regimes around the world, and antagonizing the rest of the world and destroying the environment with putting excessive greenhouse gases into the athmosphere.

Thank you for rear-wheel drive, I hear the Volt has rear-hub motors. As an enthusiast, this is almost (second to PHEV) the most important feature of a car to me.

Thank you for styling, I see it in all the new GM products, be it the Solstice, G6, G8, CTS, Enclave.

America will be so much better off with the PHEV Volt and a vibrant GM.

Thanks to you and the entire Volt team.

I understand that a statistic indicating that '80% of all commuting is 40 miles or less' is being used to justify having only a 40 mile EV driving range. I wonder what is the make up of the individuals with a longer driving range?

I would speculate that there is a high probability that many of these individuals have difficulty affording acceptable housing near where they work. I would further speculate that this market segment would be even more likely to want a vehicle that would significantly reduce their reliance on gasoline and not having to spend time at gas stations will be a nice incentive.

I'm offering the above as a potential justification for allowing optional additional battery capacity.

There are many of us that have compromised for many years to get increased gas mileage at the expense of having a vehicle that is actually fun to drive. Making your vehicle more performance oriented (optionally) will appeal to those of us that want the fun without the compromise.

Hi Bob,
I have a 2004 Malibu Maxx that I love. The concept is brilliant, but it's a little short on execution. I know GM quality has improved dramatically since 2004, as I noticed during a recent visit to my dealer to see the new Acadia. I wonder though, I remember you saying of the Malibu Maxx that you wish GM had simply brought over the Opel Signun, its platform mate, because it had a higher quality interior. Now with the 2008 Malibu you have the quality, but there's apparently no Maxx available. I have to say that there is no way I would have bought a Malibu if there was no Maxx and I don't think I am the only Maxx owner who feels this way. Please bring back the Maxx on the new stylish, high quality Malibu body.

"Can you honestly say that GM designs and engineers their cars with the same passion as BMW? Do the interiors compare to the same fit and finish as Audi?" - Sidney.

Hi Sidney,

I am driving a GM-Vehicle since more than 6 years. It's a 2001 Alero. I repeatedly have the opportunity to drive several brands, which you are praising, including VW, Audi, BMW and Mercedes (company-cars or rentals). To be honest, I prefer my Alero. In contrast to the Audi A4, the Alero's driver-seat doesn't creak and the power-steering actually deserves the name "power-steering". It's more pleasant to drive my car than this narrow C-Class of my former boss. My neighbors' BMW (3-series) doesn't get nearly the same good mileage like my Alero. My uncle's E-Class was more often in the workshop within 3 months than I had to go with my Alero since the day I bought it. You should have seen the latest comparison-test on German TV as the Corvette Z06 clearly gained the first place against the BMW M6, whereas the Corvette was 50.000 Euros less expensive! Need more examples?

I am telling about my experiences, not just about that, what I am reading. I have the opportunity to compare, daily. My next car definitely will be a US-built GM-Vehicle again. My brother, living in FL since more than 7 years, purchased a Pontiac. I liked to test-drive his well-built and smooth G6. The G6 shows that GM seems to know the needs of tall people. It's already the third Pontiac he bought there.

BTW, I am running my Alero on LPG, what makes it more inexpensive to fill up than a Prius!

Mr. Lutz,

PLEASE:
1. Buy Jeep from Chrysler/Cerebrus; and
2. Put a 400hp V8 in the Solstice/Sky.

Nothing will ELECTRIFY GM more!

Bruce Sherman
Oakland, Oregon

Geregon, and others... I love it when people whine about Toyota's problems, and brag about how good GM products are. I've owned almost 60 vehicles, many of them GM and Toyota. Last GM was 2002, before that 1997. I keep coming back every so often to see if they're any better... and always end up going back to Toyota. Just how often am I supposed to waste my $$$ to test this concept? Even if the reliability was the same, the resale value is TOTALLY different, which usually makes me not even consider American cars. So what can American manufacturers do to fix the resale value formula?

Holden

yeah Toyota Quality...buy a Tundra and when your Cam shaft bust ill tow you home with my chevy silverado 256000 miles V6
hows that for GM quality...they have never been rebuilt...all original

Dear Mr. Lutz:

The Supercar is coming and it’s carrying you “kicking and screaming” along. The Skyway can wait. I think I know what's up with energy.

With the cost of gas so high and the instability in the middle east, Big Oil has realized that their days are at a minimum very turbulent. Cars made with rechargeable batteries are here and GM also realizes that fuel cell cars are years away and that rechargeable is the way forward. That means trouble for Big Oil. Recently private equity funds (Big Oil and Saudi Arabia) has purchased the biggest electrical utility (TXU) in the country for $32 Billion. Utilities were never a good investment for private equity funds, thus the only reason for this purchase and others to follow are to control and own their competition. The rechargeable battery is one technology that stand in the way of Big Oil continuing to dominate the energy markets.

Plug-in hybrids would be a simple adaptation of existing hybrid technology by adding a battery that can recharge from the grid. You'd charge your hybrid at night and drive about 10 to 30 miles on the overnight power before you start using liquid gas, which means your 50-mpg Volt now becomes a 100- to 150-mpg Volt. Based on current electricity prices, you would get the functional equivalent of 50-cent-a-gallon gasoline.

The TXU purchase was followed by the cancellation of 9 new coal fired plants in the works. The global war on the dirty coal fired plants may be financed by Big Oil. The global warming hysteria may also part of this equation.

Or maybe this is all hot wind! Or maybe hot wind power

Brand loyalty is as dead as in job security. In today's world, neither one of them exist in large quantities. My point is that consumers are buying what's best in their interest; namely, their pocket books. If a vehicle can offer style, value, performance, and reliability at a reasonable price, that at the end will be the formular of success for an automotive comapany. So, whether you are saying a Toyota is more reliable or a GM is more robust, it all boils down to if your past experience was good with that brand or not.
I personally have owned both Japanese and domestic (GM and Ford) makes. In the past, both of the domestic vehicles' quality and reliable were as good as trying to keep warm in the winter in a pair of Speedos. However, my wife's Toyota Sienna has been nothing but trouble as well.
I don't care if you are into imports or domestics. As long as the quality exist, then if you build it, they will come; Toyota, GM or otherwise.

Holden,

in Germany alone: 10 recalls for Toyota-vehicles in 2006! In my point of view quality is something different. Are you keen on being Mr. Watanabe's after-sales-testing-lab? Even Toyota itself admitted the existence of certain issues. GM's market share in the US is still as high as the COMBINED market share of Volkswagen AND Toyota in Germany!

Dear Mr. Lutz,

You have done a fantastic job so far that no one else seems to get done right. I'd much rather have you doing your job than worrying about having to post on this blog - although I do enjoy reading your updates. Keep up the excellent work and get this Volt out!

Dear Bob and Company

Once again I ask the question why I cant get a 2wd single cab 1500 with a vortec max in it...no ss truck just Vortec-max...like the Dodge Hemi truck or the dam Toyota junk....even a special order option would be nice

It seems all I hear lately from GM engineers is "that's how Toyota does it". You can never be a leader if all you do is follow.

Dear Mr. Lutz,

First of all I am glad you are not bored with blogs. It is one way for us the loyal consumers who are true GM fans who care about GM and its products to interact with you. I like where you are leading the company. For the first time in a while GM seems to be on the offense and driving. Your new products seem to be getting good reviews, and rumors of your future products sound exciting. I can't wait to see a RWD G6 coupe. Hopefully it will have optional AWD, and high hp engine with a front suspension that uses a long arm and short arm instead of struts. It would be a sports car unlike anything else offered by the other divisions. I have suggested prodution versions of the XV8 engine. You put all the work into developing the engine why not produce it. Look I am not an engineer but it seems to me that the engine was compact and relatively powerfull. If I remember right it produced 300hp and nearly 300lb/ft of torque from just 4.3 liters. A DOHC engine might be able to get higher HP but it seems to me that DOHC engines are not as compact and lightweight. I also remember the engines as being very efficient. Perfect for today with high gas prices and environmental concerns. I believe these engines would be popular, be unique to GM and demonstrate GMs commitment to engineering excellence and innovation. They would definately make HEMY seem old and outdated, and steal noise (and sales) from the competition. I like the new crossover SUVs. Still I would rather have a body on full frame SUV but not full size or square like the Hummer. Why does rugged have to be square. How about a new compact 2 and 4 door SUV based on an updated Colorado/Canyon chassis. Like the H3 Make it rugged but with sleeker styling. Give it independant rear suspension designed to maximize ground clearence, a locking rear differential, optional offroad package, optional 4WD and optional V8. Market it to sportsmen more than to soccer moms. Show it towing, or offroad, or pulling a boat out of the water or even plowing some snow. Make its superior utility and 4WD traction its selling points. While we are on SUVs how about the next Pontiac Torrent being built off the RWD/AWD alpha chassis? Why not a RWD/AWD G5, or a FWD/AWD Saturn 2+2 sports coupe similar to the Mitsubishi Eclipse. I applaud your fuel cell eforts. I just wonder if hydrogen powered internal combustion engines could be cheaper and easier to get to market faster. Hydrogen is the cleanest fuel and should be the ultimate goal for a future fuel. As you know we all have our opinions and suggestions. Thanks for careing enough about our opinions to have a place to post them so you can and will hopefully read and concider them.

Hello Mr Lutz. I just want to make a comment about an interior design issue with some GM vehicles, like the Saab 95 and the Solstice that I hope GM will consider improving. It's the cupholders. We own a 2006 2.3 L Turbo Saab 95 with the Sport package. It's our first premium car. We love its performance and everything about it except the cupholders. The one in the dash that the driver is supposed to use has a clever motion, but it is very weak, and actually broke in the first few months of ownership. The only thing you can put in it is a small thin botttle of water or a very small coffee. And even then the thick rubber holders inside the ring will not release the drink when you want it, causing the entire holder to move up and down. You actually have to pry it out with your fingers while driving. You can't put a medium or large coffee in this at all. The only other recourse is the cup holder inside the center console. But you have to lift the lid of the console to get in in there,and the cup holder is positioned just at and below the drivers elbow, so getting a coffee in and out is very difficult, distracting and even dangerous. And very aggravating. It's a shame because driving the Saab 95 is a terrific experience and the car really turns heads because it's unique. It's meant for long drives, but on a long drive like we make to Florida 3 times a year, you take drinks with you to enjoy. But trying to get a drink comfortably in a Saab 95 is not a terrific experience at all and really turns you off the car when it happens.

I'm sure it must be like that in the Solstice too, although I haven't driven one yet. But I notice the cup holders are located behind the drivers elbow and must be as frustrating to access comfortably as the Saab 95's.

I have a friend who owns a BMW. Like the Saab, the cup holders are built into the dash for both the driver and the front seat passenger. But they are stronger, can hold any size coffee cup and the driver's holder actually curls out toward him/her for easy convenience. GM should incorporate a similar cup holder design in cars like the Saab 95 and Solstice.

Cup holders may seems insignificant, but I really think they can be a major factor in a customers repeat purchase decision.

We love the Saab 95 and really hope that GM will improve the cup holders in future versions of the vehicle.

Thanks Mr. Lutz

Ok, here it goes: If it wasn't for the fact that GM is always playing catch up, the gist of the messages on this blog would be totally different. Let's go back: The Chrysler 300C has been out for what I believe is over 3 years now and GM is just now getting to market with a rear drive model (Pontiac G8). And now the next Impala is in limbo whereas had it been rear-drive years ago - like it should have been - it wouldn't be a question of whether to build it. Same thing with the HHR, only 5-6 years coming to market after the PT cruiser. The point I'm making is that when it comes to passenger cars, GM isn't a pioneer in the eyes of the mass market, it's viewed as a catch up player. And I wonder how many people realize the hurting that Saab is going through. For the longest nothing has been said about the next 9-5 which is about to trip over itself for being so long in the tooth. However, I have to give credit when it's due; the 2008 Malibu gets some props but moreso I'm giving credit because the previous model only lasted on the market for 3-4 years which it totally unlike GM in the past. I criticize because indirectly I'm rooting for GM but I still see legacy old GM mixed up in what is supposed to be the revised GM. P.S. What's up with the next GTO?

in this new era of transparency and accountability for GM, this blog is critical for setting the tone for the entire organization. Keep blogging Bob and other GM executives!

Your employees need to understand your frequently chaning marching orders and feel the forces of(not isolate themselves from) the pressures of the marketplace.

Bob, Thanks for your time, keep up the good work. I love my 2007 Silverado and wanted the people concerned about GM reliability to know that I've driven 4 of the GM vehicles I've owned for 300,000 miles with no major repairs, just oil changes, brakes, and tires. And I drove all of them hard.

Keep up the good work!

After hearing your appearance on NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me, I have been debating writing you. Obviously I’ve come to a decision. You are championing the new Volt concept car. This is an idea similar to one I have had for years, but have lacked the financial ability to pursue. My thought was to use a propane fueled generator to charge the battery for the vehicle. The drawback was the difficulty obtaining propane as well as some safety considerations. GMC’s use of gasoline makes more sense and fits the US infrastructure better.

While the goal is admirable, you are using the wrong platform. Yes, the Volt prototype would make a great commuter car, but you are missing a better bet. GMC used to produce a vehicle which would make a much better base to build on: The Chevy Astro/GMC Safari. For brevity’s sake, I’ll just call it the Astro.

The Astro was almost a great vehicle. It has many small flaws or idiosyncrasies but none which cannot be overcome. I have driven one model or another since 1990 and currently own a 1991 Astro. This vehicle has sufficient passenger and cargo room for a family to do all that it desires. You can’t take a commuter vehicle for a 2 week cross-country camping trip. Nor can you tote a half dozen Boy Scouts and their gear in a sedan. The Astro is smaller than the full sized vans, giving it better maneuverability and gas mileage. My current van still gets 20 mpg despite it’s age. The small turning radius makes parking it a breeze.

While GMC has discontinued its production, it should take little to resurrect the base vehicle for adaptation to the E-Flex Propulsion System. I don’t expect that the new van will get 150 mpg, but 75 should be attainable. Given the current fuel costs, this will be a major market advantage.

Please give this serious consideration. Concept cars and commuter vehicles are good, but a truly useful vehicle is great.

Bob, we know