A Time To Remember…
By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman
I know that FastLane is a vehicle, no pun intended, to discuss the cars and trucks of General Motors, and your various reactions to and input about those cars and trucks. But every so often I feel compelled to write, however briefly, about something else that seems important.
Today is one of those times. And that’s because this Sunday, Sept. 23, PBS will begin airing a landmark documentary that I believe will prove educational and entertaining for all, The War, a 14-hour epic series about World War II by documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, whose previous works on The Civil War, Jazz and Baseball, among other subjects, have earned much acclaim.
Now, let me be upfront: GM is a major underwriter and supporter of Ken Burns’ work, and has been since 1987. Would I be blogging about this series if we weren’t? Well, perhaps not. But perhaps I would. Our support just happens to make it top of mind at the moment, because it’s generating a lot of buzz, both inside and outside the company.
Even if I didn’t blog about it, I’d still be watching as much of it as I could. And that’s because its subject is so important to the course of history and so fascinating as well. To those of us of a certain age, World War II defined our lives. (For the record, I was 7 when World War II began.) And to all the rest of you not quite our age, the War shaped the world in which we live, to an unbelievable extent, for decades, and its reverberations are still felt around the globe today, especially in Europe. Sadly, I doubt younger generations really grasp the impact of the War on our world. This documentary will help them understand.
GM has a number of key vehicle launches this fall, including the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS, and we continue to make progress toward putting the Chevy Volt on the road, and we are still doing serious development work on the Chevrolet Camaro… and we will discuss all of those and more in the coming weeks and months right here on FastLane.
But every once in a while, you have to look at the big picture and what affects the world around you. You could make the argument that nothing in history has shaped the course of the entire world like World War II. And when a filmmaker the caliber of Ken Burns releases a documentary examining the subject, well, it’s worth noting. And watching.
- Posted in Bob Lutz
91fairladyz
Time to set the DVR…
HotCarNut
Bob,
I’m only 26, but my grandfather fought, was wounded, and received commendations for his actions in World War II. I hope that this documentary is as good as you believe it is. I know that I will be buying the DVDs from PBS and showing them to my children. Every once in awhile a movie or documentary comes along that reminds us of what is truly important, and the sacrifices that were made in order to establish our way of life. Whether it be Schindler’s List, Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan, or one of the many others, I hope that they all bear witness to what is truly the world’s “Greatest Generation”.
Best Regards,
Nathan L.
aka “HotCarNut”
Monica
just checking out various blog sites in the corporate industry and i like your approach to staying connected with customers.
Tyler
Thanks for the thoughts Bob. You’re right, this is a car place, but it is good to talk about other important topics every now and then. I’m living in Oxford for the next few months, I was in London last weekend, and next week I’ll be in Berlin and Venice, so this is all very real and tangible to me right now.
Cheers!
PS I can’t wait to here those updates on the upcoming vehicles, especially the Camaro. I’m really on the fence right now if I’ll get one or not, so I’m hoping you make a real quality product, not only a speed machine, to convince me.
Jared
Bob:
My father was in medical school during WWII and my uncle was a physicist on the Manhattan project.
I will certainly be watching the series, and not just because it was done by Ken Burns.
It is important for us to remember, particularly at this point in history, that there are things worth fighting and dying over. It seems to be something that our nation has forgotten.
Frank
Thanks Bob, I will certainly be tuning in.
God Bless all the service men and women who fight for our country!
Noel Park
I agree with you on the importance of this. Thanks for the reminder.
I wish that we could figure out how to use the Marshall plan as a model for our current foreign policy.
Stan
That era provides so much inspiration for how people were willing to work together and sacrifice to fight a common enemy. I think we saw a short lived glimmer of that after 9/11. Those people continued that for four years in contrast. Since the Iraq war does not affect that many Americans - it is out of sight - out of mind. Of course our enemy was pretty much an invented one - except to establish a presence to defend oil.
It would be nice to have real leaders stand up and call for sacrifice for fuel savings. After 9/11 it seems like people showed there patriotism by buying huge SUV’s for some reason. If a tenth of the war money could have been spent on battery research - then look where we migh be.
At least the General - GM - has gotten behind Lithium battery development! To me the coundown to the Volt 2010 is like looking toward V-Day or even getting a man on the moon by the end of the decade. It will be the beginning of a new era - transforming society in some ways like the post war era - maybe not quite as dramatic, but for tranportation certainly.
I can’t wait to see it begin and I hope the Volt will be a beautiful sporty utilitarian car unlike the concepts we have seen. At the Frankfurt show I was inspired by the small Citroen Cactus Concept and the VW Up for rethinking the body structure. The Volvo plug-in is cutting edge for it’s wheel motors.
edvard
My whole family was in the war. Both grandfathers were in it with one that landed in France shortly after Normandy.
I had one uncle get blown up by a pressurized tank on an elevator lift on an aircraft carrier. Still another was in Iwo Jima.
None of these men talked about it and in the case of the Uncle in Iwo Jima, I only found out he had served after he passed away.
So for me it is interesting to see an up-front film about the matter since nobody in the family talked about it. Ken Burns does excellent work and I am sure this will be just as memorable as his Cival War documentary.
James
Bob
One thing that should be remembered about WWII is that we once had something called the arsenal of democracy. This of course was industrial America which provided us with the tools with which to defend ourselves. GM along with the rest of the auto industry was a big part of the arsenal of democracy.
One can only wonder how the U.S. could have defended itself if industrial America
had been dismantled.
matt
BOBBY! Get the Chevy Volt to market ASAP and show Asian makers how its done!!! USA USA USA
kurtW
Hearing other topics here is fine by me, Bob.
I missed WWII by 5 years, but my father was in it (B17 Pilot) and well remember how its reverberations affected my youth. When Ken Burns’ “The War” DVD is available, I’ll certainly watch it.
And perhaps an old saying’s appropriate here: those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.
Gary Dikkers
Mr Lutz,
We appreciate GM doing that and you have our sincere thanks. From all the reviews I’ve read, this will be even better than Burns’ The Civil War and should be a fitting tribute to the remaining WW II veterans.
Hand salute,
Gary Dikkers
plane
Mr. Lutz,
You mention a perspective of the Great War that fewer and fewer people share today because they lack that direct experience. In a similar vein, many people today are quite comfortable purchasing an import from one of your competitors without giving it a second thought. And yet, from my direct experience as a GM owner many times over, I know your products are every bit as good and in many cases far better than the competition. What is it going to take to change general perceptions so that GM gets a fair chance with potentially new customers?
Dennis Gallagher
Bob;
Thank you for your post. I have an interesting link to this story. My aunt, Elsie Cubberly, was an employee at a Fischer Body plant in Ewing, NJ (she was the 3rd of 4th hire when the plant opened in 1936 or 1937) and one of the few women working on the assembly line producing Grumman Avengers. Women were used because, being smaller the men, they would lie inside the fuselage and hold the anvil so the men on the outside could rivet the tail assembly on. Like so many others on the home front, she was proud of her contribution to the war effort.
Joe
“Sadly, I doubt younger generations really grasp the impact of the War on our world.”
I feel exactly where you’re coming from…but I must say, as a part of the ‘younger generation’ I can proudly say…depending on how you look at it, that I do grasp what a terrible thing that War was. Every time I think about it, my heart aches to think of all those lost lives - Thank God that nothing quite like that has happened since. And I pray it stays that way.
You shouldn’t feel the need to explain why your posting something ‘off-topic’, especially something of this enormity, but I’m glad you did. It’s more ammunition against the cynics that don’t believe you care about the people.
And on a lighter note. I can’t wait for more info, however small it will probably be, on the Camaro. This vehicle, in my humble opinion will be a car to remember. Much like the original was. We over at Camaro5.com (sorry for the apparent advertising) have been itching for some new information to feed on. But, I think I can say on behalf of all of us: THANK YOU FOR BRINGING BACK THE HUGGER!
Bob B.
It would also be a good time to recall the ‘Arsenal of Democracy’ that made victory in WWII possible. If it had not been for the incredible amount of weapons and other equipment produced in the U.S., not only for our own forces but those of our allies, our world would be a much different place right now. And, General Motors was at the forefront of that effort. G.M. plants produced guns, shells, bombs, cannons, tanks, marine engines, Allison aircraft engines, GMC 6X6 military trucks, naval aircraft under license from Grumman, and machined parts and forgings for many other companies supplying the war effort. Yes, it is a good thing that GM is underwriting this historic series, but don’t forget GM also helped underwrite the victory as well.
Edward Hayes
We are more than just car guys.
I am sure war loomed large in your thoughts at that age especially growing up in Switzerland with war literally knocking at your door and all around you.
Gosh at age seven I recall being afraid of nuclear war and this was in a time of relative peace in the 70’s but T.V. brought the danger home.
There is something to be said about perfecting one’s art whether in a documentary or GM making the perfect car and the perfect brand under a perfectly run company. What would we get?
1. Happy workers
2. Profitable company
3. Energy independance
4. Happy customers
5. Improved trade balance
6. Happy Shareholders
7. Health care solution
8. Improving efficient
9. Restored pride in city, state, and nation
10. Dreams of designers, workers, and investers coming true.
…and that list can go on. I was thinking the other day if one works hard everyone is happy including that individual. Their spouse is happy, their kids are happy, the boss is happy, the customer is happy the parents are proud the nation is productive, even your enemies are happy, the competition is happy, (a ha look how hard we make them work!) even strangers admire you. But when we are lazy even the stranger will snare at you.
There is no job unimportant, no position or responsibility that can’t change hearts minds or even the world. If we take pride in our work we can and will make it happen.
Make what happen?
Anything your heart desires.
edvard
I watched the first installment of “The War” last night. Honestly, this is perhaps one of the best documentaries or perhaps films that I have seen in years.
It really makes you see how that such events could really pull people together across the nation. It seems like such a different time period than today where neighbors don’t know or care about one another and people scramble like rats in order to make their inflated mortgage payments.
This documentary is important because it so far discusses the war in a very open and raw manner. It is also important because so many of those who took part in it seldom talked about it, as was the case with my family.
I grew up 20 miles Outside of Oak Ridge TN, the small town that played a major role in developing the atom bomb. We would drive by these enormous empty buildings- the biggest in the world at the time- and I would wonder just what had gone on in there.
Those buildings are still there yet many young people do not realize their significance. I hope that many people watch this program so that perhaps many will be educated enough to make informed and intelligent decisions, hopefully so that horrors such as WW2 can be avoided.
Joe Gakenheimer
Bob,
You have killed football!
Well not really, but Ken Burns has. I just got done watching the baseball documentary these last few Sundays and know The War will be excellent. I guess the big thing I get out of it is how lucky I am that good people risked everything for us, so we could live great lives. I also like the comradely and patriotism; reminds me of values that are transparent today, one’s I still respect. Looks like football is going to have to take a back seat for a few more weeks.
About the Volt, I like the idea that you guys have two different vehicles on two different continents; makes great sense.
Steve
Bob - my Dad was a member of the Greatest Generation and a WWII vet. He was typical of so many of that generation in his humility. He fought in the island hopping campaign with General MacArthur. My Dad was also a 38 year veteran of GM - his first and only company - and a Truck and Bus man. My dad passed in 1996, but he would be extremely proud of your stewardship of GM and the role you’ve played in getting the company more product focused. Thank you, form a 2007 Escalade driver!
Neelu
Hello Mr. Lutz
I agree with your comments totally. And would like to add here that the way World War 2 influenced today’s world, Hybrids and then later on Hydrogen will revolutionize the future Automotive world. Rarely someone would be speaking for India in response to your blogs here. We in india too want to create history by bringing less expensive hybrids by GM. Seeing the heavily congested traffic, hybirds have huge potential. The scenario is typical with bad traffic but catastrophic economy. Several OEMs Mahindra & Mahindra (Mild Hybrid), Tata(Mild Hybrid), Honda(CBU’s), Toyota(CBU’s)are planning to launch these vehicles from 2008 to 2010 in India. There are several newslinks available on internet to check it. Honda is coming up by building its brand image of green vehicle with ads in Indian magazines. Where is GM ? Please look into this. Else it would become critical and difficult to handle, As India is Elephant when it comes to building brand image
Saab 9-3 Driver
Mr. Lutz,
I found the first few episodes interesting, but I was disturbed by the historical treatment of the Pacific theatre, which was lacking.
1) No mention of the absolutely critical detail of US carriers not at Pearl Harbor
2) Characterization of Midway battle as a stroke of luck for the US?? Nimitz’s strategy (which is now historical record) was to send the torpedo bombers to distract the Japanese fleet while US dive bombers got into position for a coordinated attack. Bold and audacious, yes, (and every plan requires a little luck) but not a crapshoot.
3) Burns is a little hard on Gen. MacArthur, no? I sensed that criticism of MacArthur belied Burns’s animosity re: MacArthur’s post WWII actions in Korea.
Eric Matthew Vest
Mr. Lutz,
I have watched most of The War and have enjoyed it and learned from it. Next year General Motors 100 years old. I think General Motors should sponser a documentary on General Motors’ history. General Motors certainly has a good story to tell.
Respectfully,
Eric Matthew Vest
Frederick
Bob,
I’m not sure if this has been brought to your attention yet, but there is a man on youtube cranking out anti Volt / GM videos.
I also think it’s worth noting that this guy had a roll in the movie “Who Killed the Electric Car”.
I just thought it would be interesting to see if you have a rebuttal to any of his claims.
http://youtube.com/user/liveoilfree
Eric Planey
Bob,
My dad and uncle were kids essentially stuck in Czechoslovakia during the war. The stories they told about the Germans and then Russians occupying their village always stuck with me. And how much they loved being in America afterwards. My dad never complained about his job in the mill in Youngstown after 40 years there!
My wife and I just moved back to New York from Asia. And we will hopefully be buying a G6 GTP next week (an 07 b/c the batmobile -ish GPX is replacing the GTP). As much as I wanted an Infiniti G35 and Acura TL, I am proud to be supporting the general again (the G8 is too big for New York market, I think, and i dont think I can wait for a car for that long!).
Congrats on a resurgence at GM and to mgt and the UAW for finding common ground!
Eric Planey
Gary Purcell
Bob,
As a 6 year old when Peal Harbor was hit, you are right that The War dominated our growing up. I learned to grow a Victory Garden when I was 7. and still love it. Thanks to GM for sponsoring this epic series.
Since I learned that you were coming to GM from Chrysler I have been cheering.
GM need a car guy, as I worked with GM and the other car companies in trying to develop a standard for connecting EV’s to the power grid. back in the 90’s, I saw what bean counters in charge of a car company could do by saying no to inovation. And the EV1 waa a graat inovation. I was project manager on a series hybrid using one of your GM G-Vans, so I know you are on the right track with the GM Volt! I can hardly wait for the Volt to hit the market. And as for your other new products coming to the market, you are on the right track, just keep doing what you are doing the market will come to you.
Thanks for what you are doing.
PS, I am a big fan of liquid biofuels, its going to save our butts!
Gary Purcell
Mike K.
Mr. Lutz, I am a Vietnam Combat Vet (Navy)and my father was in both WWII and Korea (USAF). I grew up understanding the importance of preserving our freedom by supporting the military, not just with words but by action. Thank you for your service. I also feel that Americans are committing economic adultery when they buy foreign brands of cars.
I too am looking forward to getting the Volt. We own a photovoltaic powered home in South Park Colorado at 10,000 feet, and as an engineer I have built many battery powered ROV’s for TV combat. We’re trained and ready for this new car. We currently pilot a 2003 Corvette Z06 in autocross (my wife is #1) and I have a GMC P/U for the rest of my commute.
As a last topic, you’ll find that I faxed you a letter today about slide rules. As the curator of the International Slide Rule Museum, I was wondering if you are the ‘Lutz’ in Lutz slide rules sold to the US Government around 1960? If so please contact me so I can get some historical background on the company for my on-line encyclopedia.
Thank you for your time.
Mark C. Potts
I had two uncles in the European campaign and one in the Pacific. So when somebody does a good job as Ken Burns does, it’s worth checking out.
Now on the car side. Is it me or do the new Buicks look majorly cool. Put some nice wheels on them and you’d really have something. Congrats on the success of Chevy and the cool Camaro as seen in Transformers. When “Bumblebee” changed into the new Camaro, the audience went “aaahh cool!”.
Maybe you might look into making a special Transformers edition.
I just wish somebody would be interested in my Steam Drive set-up, no pollution and no fossil fuel use. oh well, the future is still happening.
Peace and Best Wishes.
Mark
Ames Tiedeman
GM is back! Anyone who does not see it needs to spend a day at the dealers. Go to GMC, go to Chevy, go to Saturn, go to Cadillac, go to Pontiac, go to Buick. What I have seen is world class. The new CTS is particularly good. I would buy it over BMW for one reason: It is better.
Wake up people. Buy a GM car and smile all the way home.
Thanks,
Ames
Gary Dikkers
Go ahead, tell us more. How could we not want to hear about a steam engine with no pollution and that uses no fossil fuels?
Do you have a website that gives the details?
Regards,
Gary Dikkers