Bob Lutz Answers More FastLane Questions
By Christopher Barger
Director, GM Global Communications Technology
Ok, so here’s the next installment in the video-answers series — Bob addressing some of your comments on Buick.
If it seems like it’s a little out of order, that’s because it is… like I mentioned in the comments to Friday’s post, we cut the video into four parts and this one was supposed to be first, but when converting it we had an audio/visual sync issue to fix. Rather than delay the whole series till we got it fixed, we decided to just put up the clip that was ready (concept cars), even though it was out of order.
But we got it fixed, so here’s the first video from the series, only posted second: Bob on Buick and its fit in the GM portfolio. Oh, and one last note: When Bob says “Buick” in the beginning, he means “China”… you’ll see what he means when you watch it.
- Posted in Bob Lutz
edvard
Bob,
I think what’s going through the minds of many people who’ve seen some of the Buick models in China is how come their styling treatment lends itself to a more sophisticated and cutting edge appearance. Now, I have yet to see an Enclave in person so perhaps some of what you have to say in the video is true. Perhaps in a few years, Buick will indeed be at the same level as Lexus in terms of product positioning perception. But from a current standpoint, I’d argue that the current lineup is quite a few notches below Lexus.
It seemed like you were trying to say that GM North America was trying to reserve all the cutting edge treatments for Cadillac while suppressing some of that treatment for Buick. I hate to say it,but if the idea behind this arrangement is to place Cadillac at the same level as BMW and Buick inline with Lexus, then at least for now both of these brands are missing their target competition. In reality, Cadillac might be at Lexus level and Buick might be at Toyota Camry level.
To be fair, there are many new Cadillac and Buick models on the near horizon so perhaps that will change things. But I fail to see the reasoning in limiting the amount of finesse one brand can receive just so it can be lavished onto another. Buick has been such a stodgy, boring, lackluster brand for so long that you could totally reinvent the brand just as you did with Saturn. Build a sophisticated, world-class Buick that has some of those same refinement touches as you see in some of the models in China and I can guarantee that you will capture some of the Lexus/Acura/Audi crowd. You say that Buick is a Lexus competitor… yet I see very few people who would drive a Lexus or Acura buying them. The brand needs a complete overhaul. Perhaps the Enclave is a start, but what Buick needs is a stellar sedan.
Thanks for the video. Again, I find very few companies that offers such insite and up front honesty regarding their operations.
Phil Racicot
Hi, I enjoyed listening to your video. Just don’t forget that Buick also has made many distinctive and performant models in the past and I hope to see at least some of them in the future. Please, stop using those CX, CXL cheap sounding designations for trim levels and get us back Custom Limited and GS!
If it’s going to fight against Lexus products, select those that are interesting such as the Lexus IS and GS and please avoid making cars that are similar to the boring/FWD ES…
Rather than getting more sound deadning, I’d like to see exclusive features in future Buicks like hardtop roofs and innovative design and strong personnality. Please don’t make them look/feel generic like the LaCrosse and Lucerne!
I wish I could work for GM and get some of my ideas concretized!
Brian Dreggors
Mr. Lutz,
We all thank you again for taking time out of your regular duties to respond to our questions.
I must again express a concern shared not only by me and the members of Cheers and Gears but by countless other watchers of GM. Simply put - Buick needs good product now. NOW! The LaCrosse and Lucerne are fine automobiles in their own individual right, but are lacking many specific ‘Buick’ attributes that would’ve helped them stand out in their segment.
Why is there no midlevel (3.6l) V6 on the Lucerne?
Why did it take three years for LaCrosse to recieve features that should’ve been standard fitment from day one?
Why are there no 5- and 6-speed transmissions on these cars (and the DTS for that matter)?
Because of these deficiencies, its clear Buick needs vehicles like the Chinese market Park Avenue here now…not maybe later…but now. We do realize a Sino-spec Park Ave is very, very expensive and we do not need four individual massaging seats, a rear console with wine chiller, and some of the other high-end equipment that car has. But is a US-spec Park Avenue equipped vis a vis a Lucerne with these modern transmissions and powertrains so much to ask? No doubt these cars would more than meet expectations and sell AT list price.
For the record, I am 22 years old and quite frankly, I shouldn’t be interested in Buick at all. But I am. Have been since I started really adoring cars eight years ago. And I haven’t been just a fan of the Grand Nationals and T-Types. I loved the looks of the last Park Avenue, the Riviera, and the sleeper performance of the Regal GS and if I could have anything the the GM stable, right now I would gladly drive the Lucerne. But I have great concerns for the future of my favorite division. I want to be able to purchase a Buick both now and when I’m in the traditional demographic. I’ve seen one historic American nameplate shuttered in my lifetime and I fear Buick will be next.
Please ensure the same Buick that was the cornerstone for General Motors remains a part of the family.
Mike Murphy
Thank you Mr. Lutz for talking about the future of Buick. It will make many customers and dealers sleep better. Could you provide the same info. for Pontiac? It seems that far more could be done there. Some of the existing models seem like warmed over designs with very poor option packaging.
Again thank you for the positive coments on Buick. It is good to hear that there is a future for this great American Brand.
Jeremy Siegel
I really appreciate your taking time to put these videos up. It seems like the company has a pretty firm grasp on Buick. I was worried when I heard that the rear wheel drive version of the Impala and the idea of getting Pontiac into RWD only is at risk. I know we’re getting big into fuel economy, but there can still be RWD and fuel efficiency. Finally, I read in the Wall Street Journal today that your June sales slumped quite a bit. Please, please, resist the temptation to hold a fire sale or a huge incentivized clearance. If a person is going to buy a GM product they will do it at a price that is competitive with the competition. If you start throwing incentives onto everything it cheapens your product. More $$ for every car sold, not more cars sold at less $$. Don’t cheapen your products! (and simultaneously kill resale value, GM Certified is doing good things!)
motorman
they can not put all the “gee whiz” features on the first year because they need to have something new every year to get owners to trade up.i am trading up from a 2005 corvette to a 2008 corvette because of the new more HP engine and better shifting transmission.the rest of the corvette is pretty much the same as my 2005
Paul
I have a friend who bought an Acura, even though his dad owns a GM dealership and probably would have given him a Buick at cost.
I agree with edvard that if Buick is going to be a competitor for Acura and Lexus it’s going to need a lot of rebranding.
Christopher Popa
Hi Mr. Lutz,
Thank you for (finally) talking about Buick! Your words are reassuring, but please get Buick it’s new, competitive models (Epsilon II, Glorbal RWD, + ?) ASAP!
Show everyone that Buick is still viable and relevant in North America! And please consider including a small Buick, in light of market trends, CAFE, and for people like me who live in a congested, urban environment. Notice I didn’t say “inexpensive” Buick. If Buick is as you’ve described, I’ll be happy to pay for one.
Sincerely,
- Christopher Popa
Rob Z
Bob,
Don’t let Buick fall to the same Bean counter logic that lead to the demise of Oldsmobile. Are the cars geared for Gram & Gramps?? yep. I have long wondered which retirement home in Detroit the Buick product designers were designing product at during “craft time”. I have to admit the Enclave is a very fine design, the first in a long time… build on that!
The easy path to success is mapped out clearly on a power point presentation that you just cut it to get lean. Would that logic hold true if you were in a hospital with a leg infection and the doctor told you it would be much easier to amputate your leg to get rid of the infection opposed to taking medicine and giving it time to work? The existence of Buick is no different, sure it’s simple to hack and slash product lines that don’t perform. Everybody is thinking of the stodgy Century or the Lesabre…. What about the Wildcat? Grand Sport? Regal? Grand National, GSX and GNX? and the timeless Rivera. Unfortunately Olds didn’t have as many stylish rides, but you’ll never be able to produce a 442 anymore and that’s a shame. It’s not the nameplates fault that it gets the old school designs from the fine folks at the Shady Acres Design studio.
DCX whacked Plymouth and in doing so cut out a piece of it future. When they launch the 2008 Challenger how much more business would they net if they had a Plymouth Cuda?? The funny part is it they had the name plate they could sell more (until the Pontiac Firebird comes back in 09… right Bob?)
I am curious about the cost of a nameplate… Once upon a time Buick, Oldsmobile and Cadillac were all one happy family where designs and architectures were shared amongst all, and it worked for decades. It seems divided now and as the weaker siblings don’t get the same level of attention, they wither and perish, along with a history and people loyal to a brand that get removed because it lean thinking. The slide show and numbers don’t fix the mindset nor the operations of other platforms… they are just happy to have a chair when the music stops. Change the way business is handled and turn out some better product.
Solstice = Wildcat
CTS = Electra
Monte Carlo = Regal (SS = Regal GS)
Cobalt = Skylark
G-6 = Riviera
G-8 = Limited
Keep the Enclave, it’s a winner!!!
Change the mindsets, don’t succumb to bean counters armed with slideshows looking for a quick cash fix that will ultimately reduce your market share even more. Not everybody wants to drive a Chevy or a Caddy.
Thanks for your time,
Rob Z
Rick Rohde
The Park Avenue that I see in China is my car of choice. If you have the resourses to built it there, why not here so I can dump this Lasabre and geta real Park.
Tyler
I want to point out that I recommended in a comment on the previous video that Buick and Cadillac be marketed just as Bob said he wants them to be in this video (Cadillac as the sporty, top class competitor to the Germans, Buick as the American Lexus). So do I get a prize for reading Bob’s mind?
Gary Dikkers
Sorry, but the Buick is history. (And I’m sure that deep in your heart of hearts you know that.)
Instead, what I’d like to know is why you are releasing the Cadillac BLS Wagon only for the European market?
2008 Cadillac BLS Wagon
Why do only the Europeans get to buy this car? Why? …why? …why? Don’t you think we are sophisticated enough to appreciate (and want) a car with “…crisp, sharply defined contours plus a high degree of versatility and functionality?”
A Cadillac with a turbo-charged diesel and a six-speed manual transmission — now that is a car I could actually imagine Tiger Woods driving — even when you’re not paying him.
V/R
Gary Dikkers
edvard
I too am rather befuddled as to why we’re not getting the BLS wagon. I can understand that emissions laws for now means diesels in NA are not viable ( sadly) but the design alone would sell it.
NA has been without a serious wagon for YEARS. The only option these days is if you buy a Subaru… the favorite of the tree-hugging Birkenstock crowd, or one of the upscale German makes for the well-heeled.
Sell the BLS in NA. No more silly ghetto-bling truck Cadillacs please…
ghent
hi Bob! how u doing? i have some cases to make
Case 1: Lexus Cadillac
RWD-Lexus IS RWD-CTS
RWD-Lexus GS FWD-DTS???
Lexus IS and GS are both fantastic vehicles, with cutting edge technologies and attractive styling. Just view their video reviews by Brian Cooley on CNET News.com
The GS even has a hybrid option. I would say the GS is a gorgeous car, although i have always been a Beemer fan and a Corvette fan. Does
Cadiilac have anything to compete with Lexus GS?
Case 2: Bluetec diesel
VW’s heavy hitter will arrive next year in the form of the 50-state, clean diesel Jetta, offering 140 horsepower and over 50 mpg.
Backing up the diesel Jetta in 2008 will be a new smaller crossover, the Tiguan. Competing with the likes of the Toyota RAV4, the Tiguan will be priced in mid-$20,000s, pack 200 horsepower and top 45 mpg in its diesel version.
Make now mistake, i believe the Germans are going to make significant inroads with Bluetec and may even beat the Japanese in producing fuel-efficient vehicle. What is ironic is that Volkswagen posted record sales and profit with their popular Audi Q7 in the US and Europe, and it is a gas guzzler. Why can’t GM do the same with Escalade? Affluent consumers have no problems with SUVs. The problem is the middle class consumers.
Case 3: SUVs
I think it is time to stop producing the Chevrolet Tahoe and focus on the crossovers. Keep the Escalade and move all Cadillacs to RWD, like BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. This will definitely enhance the CAFE. Stop producing vehicles that no one wants, and if possible, offer the same vehicles globally. Saturn can be exported to Asia, Africa or produced in China. Cadillac should also be given mor exposure in europe and asia.
Case 4: US market share
GM’s goal now is to stay
no 1 in the US. Toyota has become number 3 since ford didnt include mazda’s sales.
GM is profitable in the rest of the world, but sustains losses in USA. It is paramount to keep the No 1 US market share.
Rene Curry
Hello Bob,
Here is my $0.02 on Buick…
Chinese Buick LaCrosse
This car looks great! I am proud everytime I see one in China. This car really fits the Buick model. I have not studied what platform it uses, but it would appear to be the same-o FWD platform we have had for Buick. If that is true, copy the tooling and make it in the states. It will be a success with value pricing.
Chinese Park Avenue
I got to view and sit in one in Xiamen, China. Nice car, but I don’t think you could get the premium pricing in the states. I love RWD, but the general public doesn’t know the difference. You have the Pontiac G8 for those that do.
Volt + more
I think Buick should become known for special “engineered” vehicles aside from the other brands. It needs to evolve towards sophisticated buyers and not retirees. Here is where I think the Volt should have it’s home. Also add diesels, FWD with rear drive hybrid power that equal AWD, safety, and special designed vehicles. Like you said, between Cadillac & Chevrolet.
Sidenotes
Your design team needs to add a few cosmetic changes every year to keep the excitement going. Tailights, grille, chrome piece, whatever! You can do it “on the cheap” with very few components. People like to have the latest style. Don’t listen to the resale bean counters.
I like the look of a ledge extending from the fenders along the greenhouse and to the trunk. At the same time have the drivers greenhouse wider than the passenger greenhouse. It could be sold as safety by having thicker doors & safety beams. Break-out of the mold of slab sided cars, a lot of design options open up. Your cars would then not look like their counterparts.
Thanks for the time to keep us updated on the blog, keep up the good work!
Dan Thompson
Bob,why would anyone buy a 2008 Malibu hybrid that gets only 2 mpg better than the std 4 cylinder Malibu?Was that a mistake on the release info?How can GM be competive with Toyota by producing such a product.
Rick Lupori
Mr. Lutz: Thanks for the update on Buick and for the news that the Park Ave. MAY find it’s way to the U.S. (I hope it does and soon).
I am really hoping that your “there will be no Cheap Buicks” means that GM will finally update the feature content on the Buick line to that of the Enclave. You have done a great job on setting the proper level of content for “Base” and “Up-level” models on the Enclave as well as on the Outlook and Acadia. Hopefully GM has learned that by offering the proper levels of features across a line results in the sales success that the Lambda line has enjoyed, outselling the RX330/350 (current leader of the Luxury Crossover market).
GM must implement this same philosophy on the LaCrosse and Lucerne ASAP (by the end of 2007), and finally offer basic luxury items like 6-speed Automatic, Xenon Headlights, Fog Lights, Memory Seats, backup camera and true DVD Navigation systems on ALL models and ALL trim levels either as standard or optional equipment. I mention these (6) items after doing some research on what the Buick LaCrosse offers compared to the Lexus ES 350 and found these basic features missing from several trim levels and in some cases missing from the entire model.
A quick list of STANDARD features on the 2007 Lexus ES350 missing from LaCrosse (the obvious Buick competitor).
6-speed Automatic
MP3 with aux input capable Audio system
1-touch Up and down power windows
8-Way power seats
Fog Lights
Heated side mirrors
Options on ES350 - not available on LaCrosse (any model)
Memory power seats
10-way heated AND cooled front seats
DVD Navigation system
Back Up Camera
Bluetooth capability
Xenon Headlamps
Articulating Headlamps
If GM is ever to compete against Lexus the LaCrosse must have ALL of these features added as standard or at least optional on ALL TRIM LEVELS, including the base CX (remember - “No more cheap Buicks”), sorry no excuses accepted and there is no real reason it cannot happen by the end of the upcoming 2008 model year as these features are available on other GM products and even LaCrosse platform mates.
Add the above listed equipment and the LaCrosse will still cost less than the ES350 while offering more rear leg room, luggage space, available fold down rear seat and IMO better styling; this can only improve sales.
Until GM introduces a new LaCrosse they need to at least update the features to match the competition because it is all about feature content in the Luxury market.
Some new Buick models are needed and may I suggest a 5 or 6 passenger Buick Rainier on a shortened Lambda with an optional front bench, a new Rendezvous from the Epsilon II with Enclave inspired styling and on the car side the Riviera concept you mentioned along with the Park Avenue. Join these with new LaCrosse on the Epsilon II, Lucerne on the Lambda and a Buick version of the Astra Sedan.
Keep up the great work and make these changes happen.
Onell
Mr. Lutz, why GM won’t capitalize the two-mode hybrid at this time that the price of gas is sky-rocketing? Your company is touting the two-mode as world’s first and it’s already been proven and tested in many buses of big cities in North America. Why not concentrate on the two-mode hybrid first?
Gary Dikkers
How did the Enclave get its name?
Mr Lutz,
I am really curious about how your Buick division came up with the name Enclave. What combination of so-called marketing gurus, focus groups, and executive decisions led to picking that name for a car?
It’s easy to look up what the word enclave means, but that gives me no clue as to why you thought that appropriate for a car.
Did anyone at Buick or GM HQ notice that means almost exactly the same as the word ghetto?
In short, “enclave” and “ghetto” are nearly synonymous. I’m sure you would have never named your latest car the Buick Ghetto, would you? So what’s the reasoning behind the Buick Enclave?
I looked on the Internet and found this from Steve Shannon who managed your Buick brand before moving to SAAB:
What a bunch of bureaucratic bafflegab. What I think is that neither Steve Shannon nor any of his staff actually bothered to see what enclave really meant. I’m not sure the name “Enclave” will do anything to enhance Buick’s image. What do you think?
Back in the day, you used descriptive names that carried a distinct and often favorable image with them:
What happened? How did you go from great, cool names such as Wildcat and Roadmaster to such sorry names as Enclave and Velite?
V/R
Gary Dikkers
André
I believe in Mr. Lutz and his vision for GM; but his perception of Lexus and BMW is incorrect. Enthusiasts may nitpick over the differences, but both compete in the same upscale car market, and are considered by the average consumer seeking upscale comfort and status. The IS is measured with the BMW 3; the GS with the 5; and the LS with the 7. The LS400 was built to directly take on the 750iL and 500SEL. The IS-F furthers the claim, as it is a performance model taking a direct shot at BMW’s M3.
I agree with edvard. The Buick Lacrosse and Lucerne are placed alongside Toyotas, not Acuras or Lexuses. The Lacrosse failed to match up with the Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300 in a Car & Driver test. In honesty, what car enthusiast seeks a front-drive V-8 sedan?
The Park Avenue is a muscular, nicely sculpted (world-class, I’d say) saloon that would catch my eye over a GS430 or 530i. The fact that I am saying that about a BUICK is shocking. The Chinese Park Avenue is the real heir to the Rivieras and Roadmasters car lovers remember so fondly. It is a global car that clearly has an American character in its aesthetics. How I long for a great Buick sedan. (Brian isn’t the only twenty-two-year-old fond of the Park!)
Rick Lupori
posted by Gary Dikkers on July 6, 2007 12:19 AM
“Look at the demographics: Most of your Buick buyers are in their 70s and 80s, or maybe if you are lucky still in their 60s. Most have probably bought their last cars — from any car company.”
Now lets review some facts:
The average age of a Buick buyer is more like 63 to 65 which is high but using the “60 is the new 40″ theory which Mr. Lutz proves is a valid assesment even current Buick buyers will be buying another 2 to 5 cars in their lifetime.
(Remember that Mr. Lutz is past 70,in excellent health and doing a superb job with no signs of slowing down.)
The Enclave buyer is 55 and have seen many 30 year olds that are interested in it and even the Lucerne has fans in their 20’s. So I agree with Mr. Lutz that using the Enclave as a model, future Buick sales will increase and to a younger buyer population.
As for the 2008 Cadillac BLS Wagon it should be sold as a Buick (maybe BLS really means “Buick Luxury Sedan”) The BLS is a FWD midsize car that has no business being a Cadillac, and this has been proven with truly dismal sales in Europe.
For Europe and the U.S. Cadillac needs a RWD car smaller than the CTS (Alpha - hint, hint; maybe a future video?)
Making the BLS into a Buick Century Sedan and Estate (Wagon) would help Buick sales and be:
“an appealing new entry in the midsize station wagon segment. In addition, a powerful 1.9L four-cylinder two stage turbo-diesel engine with common-rail direct-injection delivers 180 hp and 400 Nm of maximum torque. Depending on engine specification, the BLS Wagon offers the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a five- or six-speed automatic transmission.”
I do agree with Gary that a Turbo Diesel would be a great addition to GM’s car line and would only replace the 1.9L four with the newly announced 2.9L TurboDiesel V6 which I think may even be 50 state legal.
Buick will regain sales success when future model Buicks are introduced.
Chris Johnson
Several years ago GM consolidated its powertrain operations (i.e. I4s designed in Germany and V6s and above designed in the U.S.). After all these resources were aligned and focused, you would think that GM would have been able to develop world class engines with industry leading fuel efficiency, quietness, smoothness, and refinement. Yet, ignoring other domestic automakers, GM has the worst engines of all major import manufacturers. GM’s Ecotec engines are ridiculously noisy, underpowered, and absolutely horrible on fuel efficiency. For instance, the 175 hp 4-cyl engine in the Nissan Altima gets up to 35 mpg on the highway, much better than the 32 mpg in the 164 hp 2008 Malibu mild hybrid!!!
albert brown
Once again I see a mouth moving but the words just have no meaning. Let’s discuss the future of Buick. Which has Lutz going on and on about Cadillac and where it stands. Don’t really care about the Big C. or the little C. Talk to me about Engines, that’s my business, I hear that the end of the road for the 3.8 Buick is near, that’s the last link that will cut the association with GM as far as I’m concerned. By-By V-6 no Buy-Buy by me.
Frank Tupka
Its really great to hear that there is a future at Buick, as an 18 year old LeSabre driver I wonder why that model is nolonger produced. So far my LeSabre has been a great car, and out side of my 334,000 mile Oldsmobile Delta 88, has been one of the most trouble free cars Ive ever seen. Please bring back some of these great names from Buick’s heritage.
Edward Hayes
The Buick portfolio is going to steer toward the Enclave’s design and refinement but what about the dealership and brand itself.
Will it go the way of Mercury, a shell of a brand with no head and no soul?
I ask GM now to make a commitment that no more than 50% of Buick vehicles be sold in a multi-brand showroom.
And preserve Buick’s head and soul in China.
edvard
Bob,
I went to one of your “Rev It Up” shows out here in San Francisco this weekend. I actually test drove every single Chevrolet model they had, sometimes more than once. I can tell you what my personal experience and opinion was.
Before I start, I wanted to say that the staff of the event were exceptional. Extremely professional. Now for my experiences with the cars.
I had very mixed feelings about them. So here it goes.
Chevy Cobalt SS: Overall, I was impressed by the acceleration. The handling was was good. It was even quiet inside. I was not impressed with the interior design or materials. Albeit, I understand that this is more or less an econo car, but the materials are below par for even this segment and well below what I see in other brands like Honda. I overlooked this however and I’d say the car is just about right for it’s target consumer.
Chevrolet Silverado SS. I am a truck guy. Always have been. After driving this truck, I can see that Chevrolet puts a lot of effort into their trucks. I’ve driven luxury cars that were not as nice as this this truck. Very quiet, surprisingly refined, and chock-full of gadgets. I loved this truck even though it was ridiculously large and high off the ground. The only bad thing I’d say is that I know I’d never be able to drive it and do the things I do like haul dirt, engines, and so forth because the thing is almost too nice. The model I looked at was close to $40,000 too, which is in my opinion about $20,000 more than I’d ever pay for a truck. For the sake of people who like trucks like me, but actually use them for hauling dirty things and don’t need all the gadgets, perhaps have a fleet version for these shows.
Chevrolet HHR. Pretty fun car to drive. I’ll be honest and say that the interior was almost a bit hokey. I noticed some of the same kind of plasticy cheapness I saw in the Cobalt. The design migght have looked nice, but a simple visual inspection at least from my standpoint makes me think that pressing on certain parts like the glove box, dash, and controls will cause it to flex and squeak… which they did when I tried it. Some of these plastics remind me of materials you see consumer electronics like TV sets being housed in. Stiff and unforgiving. The HHR was a fun car. Just not for me. Surprising Acceleration too.
Chevrolet Tahoe. Just like the Silverado, this truck/SUV also exhibited a surprisingly luxurious ride, seating comfort, array of gadgets, and most of all- an incredible Bose stereo system. I really liked this vehicle.Once again- more money than I would care to pay. But nice nevertheless.
Chevrolet Impala SS. I liked the styling on this perhaps the most. The acceleration was very impressive. Very comfortable seating. But… once again, the interior was much of the same that I saw in the Cobalt and HHR: Cheapy-cheap plastic designed to look nice, but not able to convince me either. There were some feeble attempts to make the interior off this model- the SS seem more sophisticated. The shifter plate was blacked-out instead of showing the gears. You had to look up on the dash to see them. Covering up the shift pattern with a plastic blank isn’t what I’d call custom. The glove compartment was recessed under a giant swath of plastic as well. Hiding the glove compartment…. again, not what I would call clever.
Chevrolet Equinox. I’ve always liked the slightly understated styling of this car. I was also rather curious because I understand that the engine is actually almost entirely made in China. So I test drove this one next. I was actually pretty impressed with how smooth the car handled. The interior was also somewhat decent. Perhaps it was the color scheme, but the layout seemed better put together in this one.
last but not least- Chevrolet Corvette. I was super-excited about this. I’ve NEVER ridden or driven in a Corvette and was looking forward to it all day. Bob- I’m not sure what different levels of Corvettes there are, but quiet honestly, the interior of this thing wasn’t much better than the one I saw in the Cobalt. Much off the same. Cheap plastic panels and so forth. Secondly, the car was an automatic. Please tell me that these automatics are only for shows like this because it seems like a CRIME to put an automatic in a Corvette. Keeping in mind that this is supposed to be the flagship sports car for GM, I wasn’t exactly impressed. Sorry.
Overall, I will say that I saw HUGE improvements with these Chevrolets versus the ones I drove way back when I was in high school… back when GM was making such utterly boring cars like the Chevy Lumina and so on. The trucks and SUVs were very impressive. If we’re talking trucks, then your trucks have the competition beat by a mile.Overall, I think the Chevrolet brand offers more bang for your buck than the imports. Cars…. not so sure. You are almost there. While the interiors are more comfortable and nicely designed, this still doesn’t hide the fact that you’re still using what appears to be loads of brittle polystyrene in critical areas.My 12 year old econo-box Toyota truck with a 4 banger engine has better quality interior materials. Interior quality has more to do with not only what it looks like, but what it is made out of. You need to further instill confidence with your consumers by spending perhaps an extra $500 on the interiors. Do this and you will have a product that is very difficult to beat.
Anyhow, the Rev It Up event is ingenious. A GREAT way to allow people the ability to drive your products without being hassled. I greatly enjoyed the experience.
John S
I just read that GM’s market share has dropped to its lowest point since 1925 - and is now at 22%.
Please extend my congratulations to Bo and the entire beancounter team - the unwavering efforts to take out cost are also taking out your company.
Is it time for a change now??? Maybe think about spending MORE with improved content as a differentiator to IMPROVE sales?
Frankly, GM is reaping what it has sowed. You have all blindly followed a misguided direction. The more you cut down on content, the more your sales continue to decline. Please Bob, take control from the beancounters while GM still has some life left.
Felix Biggers
Dear Bob
I think you should forget about trying to keep BUICK lower than lexus and compete head on with lexus and any other car in its price range. I also think there should be no BUICK below the mid to upper $30,000 range. ONLY This time make BUICK the all around better vehicle with better performance better gas milage and a significently better warrenty.There should be no more four speeds or overhead valve engines.
As for your statement about the BUICKS from china not being better than the north america Buicks because we may be getting those in north america, what does that tell me? Sounds more like another empty promise than a fact.We should have had the same great BUICKS the same time as china if not before. Because we did not indicate to me that we are not as important as china. As a result your sales figures are not as good as they could be. The Enclave is a truly competative vehicle as all BUICKS should be.
While are at the task of improving the vehicles please improve the names too. Go back to the more reconizable and truly superior names such as Regal, Laseber, Park Avenue and Rivera.While you promise no more cheap BUICKS,please no cheaper or smaller CADILLACS.aS A matter of fact cADDLIC should move up in price say $50,000 and up. But the vehicle must be more than good enough to compete in the given price range.Not only compete but dominate. There was a letter written by edvard on 07-05-07 that is well worth reading. Thank you
Christopher Popa
Hi Mr. Lutz,
If Buick gets the Volt, it could be named Electra (a la “electric”). Or Wildcat, a very “charged” Buick.
By the way, I’m under 50 and I really would rather have a Buick! So, no, all of Buick’s buyers aren’t over 65, etc.
Thank you,
- Christopher Popa
Raymond Serrao
Mr. Lutz,
Why don’t you apply the simple hybrid technology used in the Saturn Aura and Saturn Vue on the Chevrolet Aveo? I imagine it shouldn’t cost that much, maybe a couple thousand dollars more per car. If you get an improvement of 25% in fuel economy the Aveo should return results only 4 mpg short of the Toyota Prius at a much lower cost, based off of 2008 EPA standards. I’m sure if people had to choose between the two cars the Aveo would prevail because the cost would be significantly less than the Prius.
Thanks,
Ray
Luke Scharf
Are there any updates on the Volt?
Thanks,
-Luke
stan
Bob, If I were president of GM I would:
Kill Pontiac and GMC from day one. It seems to me that GMC has no need for existence since the Chevy’s are exactly the same. Pontiac are basically ‘redneck’ in their image like it or not. They are really worse that Buick for lack of focus. Chevy can have enough of the performance image for the tunners with it’s heritage. Think Camaro and Classic Corvette and Chevelle.
Chevy would become a full spectrum brand like Toyota.
Saturn would be a Unique brand like Scion / VW. Opel German origin is smart. Just have more Germanic styling - think VW cool affordable German image. VW has a quirky coolness and is resurgent these days.
Cadilac and Buick would become the American Luxury Group (Cadillac and Buick) sold from a standalone dealer network with a unique ’store’ architecture - think Apple Store. The unique store design branding applies to other brands as well.
I’m not sure what to say about Saab since it is just unbelievable how such a potential Volvo competitor has been allowed to wither - just like Saturn for decades. Maybe you should sell it to someone who would appreciate it.
It makes no sense why GM does not have a laser focus on it’s brands and is just plain sloppy and mixed up. How can you hope to compete in today’s very tight branding image?
Chris R
Gary, GM has had lots of troubles coming up with acceptable car names. We have a Chevy named after a bluish rock, we have a Buick named after either a somewhat obscure (to the general US public) European resort town, a plant similar to alfalfa, or diary products. Nobody really knows for sure. We also have the mysterious alphanumerics infesting Pontiac and banishing well known and well liked names from these fantastic new models. Nobody knows why. So a Buick named after a hiding place shouldn’t be too much of a surprise.
Phil Racicot
Gary Dikkers is right about the Buick names…
And also
The Buick division’s most interesting cars were it’s most performant and stylish models. The Century from the thirties fourties and fifties. The Wildcat, Riviera, Gran Sport, GSX and Stage1 from the sixties and seventies. The Roadmaster Skylark from 1953…
All of these were great cars. The Grand National is one of the most interesting cars that was made in the dark eighties but Buick had a lot more in it’s performance car history than the 1987 GNX! Even in the early 20′th century, the Chevrolet brothers used to race Buicks!
Please don’t forget that. And those who really like Buicks don’t want boring FWD cars.
Robert Wilson
Gary Dikkers I can assure you that more than one person knew exactly what Enclave meant when they decided to use the name. Don’t be so convinced that you are right about everything.
Michael M
Bob,
I agree with most of the comments here with regard to improving vehicle content. However, first you need to do something about resale value. My 06 Lacross is worth 10k less in just 10 months. You wont see a Lexus do so poorly holding its value.
inline6
Thanks for your reassurances, Bob. I’m a 24 year-old male - not in Buick’s typical demographic. And there’s no way I can afford a new one now.
The thing is, in the days before the Buick Apollo and Skyhawk, the Buick lineup was full of vehicles even younger people actually aspired to own. That isn’t the case anymore, though the Enclave moves the needle in the right direction.
If you’re still working on realigning Buick with Lexus and Cadillac with the German Three, then your lineup still needs lots of work.
For what it’s worth, here are some suggestions:
1) A 9-3-sized Epsilon II would be the perfect competitor, if well-executed, to the Lexus ES. But right now, you are offering this car as a Cadillac instead.
2) If you’re building the Alpha small RWD platform, it would made a better replacement for the BLS in the Cadillac line. Leave the larger front-driver to Buick to fill that gap, replace the LaCrosse, and compete with the Lexus ES and Lincoln MKZ. Make AWD optional, and an estate variant and you’ll be fine.
3) A long-wheelbase Epsilon II would be perfect to replace the upper level LaCrosses and lower-level Lucernes. FWD is still fine, but AWD needs to be optional.
4) The upper level Lucernes and the DTS need to be replaced with a large, stylish RWD car.
I’m one of the few, apparently, who isn’t salivating over the Chinese Park Avenue simply because it’s so obviously a Holden Caprice with a Buick grille insert - from the outside. We already have a Pontiac coming that apes the Commodore, save the grille. The Chinese PA looks like an ‘07 Impala from the rear, and a G8 with a waterfall grille from the front. The two would share so many panels. Please do better before sending it here.
5) An Epsilon II-based Enclave “Jr.”
6) A new RWD Riviera coupe and convertible (or hardtop convertible) to compete with the Lexus SC.
This way, Buick will be much closer to competing with Lexus, without stepping on Cadillac’s, Pontiac’s, or Saturn’s toes much, if at all.
Just please, please get us new, more exciting Buicks soon.
Thanks.
Ted H
Holy cow. The person who said Enclave means “Ghetto”… is that ever a stretch. Just because a group is isolated from a larger group does not mean the group is shady or persecuted. Allow me to elaborate with my own selected definitions.
From dictionary.com:
Ghetto: A usually poor section of a city inhabited primarily by people of the same race, religion, or social background, often because of discrimination.
Enclave: any small, distinct area or group enclosed or isolated within a larger one
I believe Buick perhaps meant that you and your passengers are isolated from the larger group of motorists around you, not that you have been forced into your Buick due to discrimination.
Stan
I wanted to add - especially after seeing the new Green adds:
If you really want to compete in the new boutique / targeted marketing environment and be green at the same time, then make sure every car is the best design you can possibly produce. It must be unique and worthy of it’s existence. You are using the precious resources of the earth and the lives (man hours) of workers. Such a finely honed product will be bound to bring pleasure to the customers and in the end enhance profits. It is such a shame to junk up the earth with such banal and souless products as GM has produced since 1970.
I once again cite the example of Apple which has only a few specific products as compared to mass market Sony, LG, Samsung etc which has so many models it becomes just a confusing and banal experiences and does not create any loyalty. The product of Sony are not much different than any other so the consumer tends to skip from brand to brand.
Everyone at GM would probably be much more inwardly happy if you really deep down loved the products you make. Maybe the fact that this blog exists is a sign you are looking to learn from customers and seek a better corporate environment!
noel park
Raymond Serraro, 7/10, 2:11 AM:
I second the motion.
Or AT LEAST step up the power train to where it gets the same mileage as a Yaris which, to the best of my understanding, weighs about the same, or a bit more.
Gary Dikkers
Ted H said:
Ted,
Who said anything about “shady” or “persecuted?” The definitions I used came from Webster’s New World Dictionary, and I didn’t say anything about shady or persecuted. Go back and look.
For the record, here’s the Oxford English Dictionary definition. (You might call the OED a fairly reliable source.)
So here’s the real deal on “enclave” vs. “ghetto.”
A ghetto is a special kind (subset) of enclave — usually associated with inner cities. In short: All ghettoes are enclaves. However, not all enclaves are ghettoes.
I’ll readily concede that the type of “enclave” Buick has in mind is probably a gated community of $1,000,000 homes next to a country club, and not one of those inner city “enclaves.”
Unfortunately, for those who don’t know what enclave means, the word could also have other associations:
At any rate, whether talking about a culturally or ethnically distinct group surrounded by a larger territory, a KKK meeting, or an innocuous name for a drug, in my opinion it’s a poor choice for the name of a car. Certainly when compared to such classic Buick names as:
Best regards,
Gary Dikkers
Brian Ripple
Dear Bob,
While I’m very optimistic towards a recovery of General Motors(a company which I have long sided with) I’m curious as to why you are discussing an increase of a price tags towards the Buick divions.
To proclaim somehow that Buick is an equal to Lexus/Audi is the same form of “nonsense” thinking that caused Pontiacs “New” GTO to fail so terrible and meet its end after only two and a half years of production. If you’ll recall your team at Pontiac introduced the GTO as the New American Muscle Car which is quite the contradiction concidering the car wasn’t even built in the United States nor even in North America as the Camaro and Firebird could at least proclaim. Then after concerns from some in the motoring press as well as many long time fans and earlier GTO owners that this car was just not what it should be, Pontiac then proceeded to tell the public that the car was meant to compete with BMW. suddenly, it became clear as to why Pontiac is sitting second to last in GMs sales. The delusion that a person looking for a BMW would stroll into a Pontiac dealership looking for a better alternative. The saddest part of GMs way of solving problems is that without any effort to make it more attractive and aggresive you just simply kill them off as you did with the Camaro and Firebird. Now you do so with the Monte Carlo (as was announced 2 mounths ago)without one single attempt to market the car as a performance car that could compete with Fords Mustang. You just sat back and hoped Nascar would take care of everything for you.
Now you plan to present Buick as the alternative to a Lexus and price with Cadillac. Yet you can’t deny that much of Buicks success came from models that were designed to be its own version of a Chevrolet model such as the Skylark GS that ran with the Chevelle SS and the Grand National that sat next to the Monte Carlo SS in the eighties and gave the G-Bodies the place in Muscle Car history.
I certainly hope you figure something out for Buick but I hope you don’t raise the roof to high for the average buyer.
Keep the Videos Coming.
CM
There is a new but rapidly growing market for luxury cars that get high fuel efficiency. The reasons: Many potential luxury car buysers are concerned about the environment, and global warming, and declining oil production, and petrodollars going to hostile regimes, and trade deficits, and even the well-off like saving money. That “Efficient Luxury” market is one reason why the Toyota/Lexus hybrids are doing so well.
But GM has not announced any plans to tap this market, no hybrid Buicks or Caddies in the pipeline. GM has some good hybrid tech, like the full “dual mode” hybrids, that would be great in the luxury market, and luxury car buyers are now less likely to balk at the hybrid premium cost.
GM would be missing a huge profit opportunity with their E-Flex design if they don’t offer it first in a Buick or Caddilac model.
Nick
First of all I would like to say that I completely agree with the opinions expressed about how the buick brand should portray itself, however, it is important for GM to be cautious about badge engineering. The zeta architecture can work wonders for GM no doubt, but it has to be employed correctly in order for the public to find cars that use its underpinnings appealing, and in order for that to happen buicks and pontiacs (aka G8 and park ave if produced) cannot depict themselves as if they are identical twins. A different badge and some head and tail lamp reworkings simply wont cut it, distinction needs to be brought back to the GM brands and it needs to be introduced by such platforms as the Zeta. There is no more chances for GM to screw up if it wants to survive.
zach
Mr.Lutz
I currently own a 2000 pontiac trans am firehawk, which I love. I have just recently watched the Transformers movie which featured the new camaro. I think it is great that the camaro is being reborn, but do you really think its a bad idea to do the same with the firebird?? If you can imagine the demand for the camaro for the millions of people who saw this movie, do you not think that reviving the firebird would be a good idea?? When you took away the great american muscle car you gave ford the go ahead on the lower end muscle car market??? Your call but if you are smart you will bring it back.
scott
I agree with inline6’s comments. I too, am not Buick’s typical demographic but LOVE the brand. I am a 26 year old male and have owned a 2001 Park Avenue, 2002 Park Avenue Ultra, 2006 Rendezvous CXL and recenty purchased a 2006 Lacrosse CXL (the RDV and Lacrosse were purchased new). I loved my Park Avenue’s and think Buick needs to bring this name plate back to the U.S. The Lucernce just does not fill the space of the Park Avenue. When I was shopping for my last car, I chose the Lacrosse over the Lucerne. I love the looks of the Lacrosse much better. I do wish GM would get with the times and have fog lights on the CXL. I also wish the car had a port to plug in my iPod. The back seat leg room could be expanded a bit ad rear HVAC vents would be nice. There are many things I love about the car, but am concerned with the future of Buick. I want to be a Buick owner for the rest of my life. In my mind, the Buick brand is powerful, has a very rich history and represents luxury and graceful style. I have my doubts on Buick in North America especially after seeing what China gets - Lacrosse and Park Avenue. Come on GM, don’t let the Buick brand fade in North America and for gosh sakes, get Buick a real flagship sedan - the Lucerne just doesn’t cut it!
Richard Hanson
Regarding the 2008 Enclave - What a nice vehicle! I have followed the path of this vehicle to market, even making a pilgrimage to the Chicago Auto Show in February just to see it and was so impressed by this vehicle that I orded one on June 14th, as the lease on my 2005 Rainier is due to end in October. THAT is the good news. The bad news is I will probably have to lease my second choice vehicle, the Honda Pilot in October as my Buick Dealer, whom I have dealt with for over 20 years tells me that as of Tuesday, July 24th, there is no news as to when the Enclave will be built. In fact, he tells me that there is 14 week backlog for these vehicles which is substantiated by an article in the Detroit News. I will have no choice but to get the Pilot as I will have no vehicle in October. This is sad and disturbing. The other disturbing news is GM’s plan to hire 500 temporary workers at the Delta Township plant starting Sept. 4th to staff a new third production shift. I can just see my Cocoa Enclave coming down the line with silver doors due training issues on the third shift. Please, Bob, find a way to get the Enclave to good customers who can be a great source of positive advertising for you in less than 14 weeks!
Ed Davis
Why not make the HHR panel truck in the SS model. It easily could become the modern day Nomad!