Turnabout and Fair Play

Bob,

If I hear John Melencamp's new Silverado song (this is our country) one more time, im going to jump out of a window. I love the campaigns Patriotism, but that song is awful.

Please bring back the "Like a Rock" campaign!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lerk5jZg_pQ

Mr. Lutz, I am sure you have seen this by now, congratulations on the sales increase!!

Funny, how this news was not plastered all over the media like the headlines were when GM sales were falling.....

Friday February 1, 4:33 pm ET
By Tom Krisher and Dee-Ann Durbin, AP Auto Writers
GM's January US Sales Up 2.6 Percent, Ford & Toyota Down

DETROIT (AP) -- All major automakers except for General Motors Corp. saw their U.S. sales drop in January to start what industry analysts have predicted will be the worst auto sales year in the United States in more than a decade.

Bob,
I live in a small town in Northern California. Its one of those towns that people still actually walk to the stores. There's a main street, and just as you might expect in a small town like this, there's a Chevrolet dealership... right across the street from a Toyota dealership.

About every other weekend, I stroll by these two dealerships.Out front of the Chevy dealership is about 3-4 new Malibus and a smattering of trucks and other cars.My wife, knowing what a car nut I am rolls her eyes because she knows that I want to take a look at the Malibu again. I look inside, look underneath, take a peek under the hood, look under the wheel wells, and check out the windshield wipers.

Every time I do so, I look for something that could be 'wrong' with the car. The ONLY thing I've found that I don't like is the fact that you can see the spot welds on the chrome muffler tips. That's it. Secondly, the look has actually grown on me. I usually grow tired of new models fairly quick. But the sort of understated styling of the Malibu still looks fresh and has a sense of permanency.

On the other hand, I can barely even get close toe the Toyota dealership before the salesmen start barking at me from the street. In fact, there has been a few Toyota models I've been curious to look at but I fear being overrun by salespeople. They seem to burn through employees there too. I never feel that way at the Chevy dealership. Instead, they just let me do what people aught to be able to do, which is look at the cars.

Anyhow, There's still a lot of work to do. Obviously if Honda is selling double the Accords, Chevrolet has a lot of catching up to do. Keep showing the country what the Malibu is all about and they'll come knocking.

I test drove the new Malibu last week and I have to say, very impressed. Clean and well designed inside and out. It has some get up as well, kudos on the V-6. Now the two reasons I did not walk out of the dealership with it: 1) no in dash nav. system? Turn by turn On-Star is okay but it's just not good enough and expensive to subscribe to. 2) The paddle shift has a lag when downshifting. I understand this is not meant to be a performance car but i would expect the shifting to be a little more crisp.
Maybe next year with a bit more refinement this car would be an ideal family sadan for me.

Bob,

If you catch whoever has been sneaking all those interior pictures of the Camaro in development with their cell phone camera, go easy on them..... It's been great to track my next car at every stage of development :)

p.s. - Love the DIC, and if in fact the Camaro is going to offer remote start with a MANUAL transmission (as evidenced by the one photo of the Camaro keyfob with a remote start button lying on the shifter boot), it will be an industry first. I'd love to know how you do it to cover all liability issues of such a setup.

Like a rock? No, dont bring that back. Like a rock brings up to many jokes.

Bob~
Love it when the "Good Guys"; i.e., US auto manufacturers, win one! With the product GM has in the pipeline, G8 series of vehicles, Saturn's new models, Malibu, ZR1 and Camaro from Chevy, and the new CTS series of cars, the Good Guys should be winning a lot more real soon! Keep pushing these vehicles out there so the "asian connection" can see what we can do when we put our minds to it!

Bob,

Give me a nice four cylinder sedan or a 4 door hatchback with a six speed automatic and I will buy a GM vehicle again. The six speed should deliver better fuel economy and keep the engine in its powerband better than the four speed.

I've been a Honda/Acura buyer for almost twenty years but I'd love to come home to GM. Just give me a car that I can dote over which is well built, inexpensive to operate, reliable and will hold its value reasonably well.

The four speed is so twentieth century...

Bob, I'm glad you see GM has a long way to go to change perceptions. Please don't rest on your laurels with praise and awards! GM MUST be better than the competition, not just competitive to change people's minds! I,however am not who you should be worried about as I'm loving my '08 CTS and can't wait for my new Camaro!

Bob,

Thanks so much for joining GM! You’re the best thing that ever happened to GM in recent years! (Of course Rick also)!

As a 33 year retired GM guy who is thrilled with your recent products like the CTX & Malibu, this old Florida guy has only one wish.

It’s seems to me GM and all the car makers endlessly try to balance fuel efficiently with acceleration and all end up producing compromised products. Surly I would think in this age of rising gas prices that some manufacturer would try to offer a true “Mileage Master” vehicle.

I’m saying that myself (and many of us golden aged guys), really have no interest in acceleration – only gas mileage! Gas mileage! Gas mileage!

For a change instead of building cars for car magazines like “Road and Track”, whose staff’s are made up of “Car Nuts”, who value g-forces and a hard ride above everything else, why not aim a vehicle at the growing AARP crowd?

The product I’m interested in would be a 4 door sedan that looks like the Malibu, but it would have the tiniest engine possible 3 or 4 cylinder with a 6 speed high ratio “over-drive” transmission. This “Malibu Mileage Master” would take 18+ seconds to reach 60 mph – and have a top speed of 80mph or so.

(Bob – you’ve driven in Florida – everyone takes 20 – 30 seconds to get to 60 mph anyway)!

But it would get about 38mpg city, 45 highway. It would be a non- compromised vehicle targeted for superior gas mileage above anything else. It would be slower than a Prius – (but not necessarily a hi-bred). You wouldn’t be able to drive across the Rockies very well, but we seldom leave FLA anyway!

Lastly it would ride SOFT – (Bob I know you’re a hard guy – jet pilot – you prefer a stiff suspension like the younger folks), but the rest of us old-timers prefer a car that rides soft like a Camry. (I laugh at the Car Mags that ridicule the soft Camry ride while explaining they sell 400,000+ in the US)!

The secret is simple – sedan – good looking – super soft ride – super high mileage – why does GM keep ignoring this market segment?

Bob,

Nice to hear from you again but how does anyone go up against the Largest most profitable industry in the world (E$$on 40 billion) in profit? GM is trying to cut its usage of oil but the oil company's are not going to sit by and watch this happen without some kind of backlash, they are going to keep us dependent on thier crack oil forever!

Bob,
I think GM's biggest successes in changing people's views are Cadillac and Saturn. The marketing is spot on for those two, even though perhaps not all of their products have caught up with their new images yet.

For being the green brand, Saturn really needs a competitor to the Prius.

For being the sporty-luxury brand, Cadillac needs a non-halo sports car. Granted, the CTS coupe is coming, but a version of solstice/sky would be great.

I'll dream about that Cadi: call it the XS, and have the base model be based off the redline for $35k, with an XS-V for $48k that has 330 hp, lightened body, and improved suspension, in addition to some very killer looks. For a motor for the V, I suggest the LP1 with DI and dual turbos. A sequential dual-clutch auto would finish the package on the V.

You note that offering a significantly improved Malibu is another small step on a very long journey.

Might I bring to your attention the issue of consistency? GM has suffered for the longest time by inconsistent style and quality amongst its many models. When one envisions the brand Chevrolet, should one envision the Aveo, the new Malibu, or the ZR-1? One is technically brilliant but hardly attractive to the mainstream; one appears to be a very good vehicle aimed at the mainstream family buyer, and one is pure bottom-of-the-barrel rubbish.

Perhaps the reason Honda has received so much respect is because their small cars (the Jazz/Fit, for example) aren't shoddy products as a result of penny-pinching. It makes the Aveo look like a joke. GM needs to work to consistently bring quality to the consumer -- better materials, tangible build quality, tighter tolerances ON ALL GM VEHICLES.

Crappy interiors and performance packages comprised of tack-on plastic spoilers & extra badges on FWD auto-transmission boats simply tarnished GM's reputation for technological innovation and quality -- goodbye discriminating enthusiasts. Poor service after the sale killed GM's chances for future sales -- goodbye mainstream buyers. Indeed getting one model right is a small step back to where GM needs to be.

Some of your customers applaud your fine work in increasing horsepower, weight, and size of your vehicles over time. Alas, times have changed. Today you have a vastly bigger challenge in the US market: you must concentrate on weight reduction and efficiency improvements while boosting the customer's real impression of quality and service. In other words, it's time to implement the strategies of your European and Japanese counterparts. Please give the press more good products on which to report.

In the past I have repeatedly blamed Consumer Reports for having a bias against domestic cars. Part of me thinks that they are mentally so aligned with Ralph Nader regarding US Corporations that they are unable to give praise to any domestic product. However, in the past issue even THEY have heaped praise upon the new CTS and Malibu. They still rate the Malibu a little lower than the Camry and the Accord, but they nonetheless do say great things about it. GM, you're on the way to getting there. Don't stop! Also, Wall Street Journal reports that GM is the only manufacturer whose sales went up in January. EVERYBODY else's went down. I just hope this wasn't do to any fire sales or fleet sales.

Bob,

My Wife and I want to purchase the Malibu and the CTS but are waiting for bluetooth and in dash nav please no turn by turn! we love gadgets and the CTS has great nav.

Well Mr. Lutz, they said it would never happen but it did.

Malibu and Impala outsold Camry and Avalon and did it with lower fleet sales, minimal inventory and WITHOUT REBATES on the Malibu!!!!

In January 2008 GM sold more Malibu and Impala (32,085 to 32,006) than Toyota sold Camry and Avalon (when Hybrid Camry models are not counted). No it was not by much and Hybrid Camry models were removed from the count (since the Malibu Hybrid is not widely available).

Now I am sure there will be many posts downgrading these numbers with many excuses but the lack of enough Malibu’s, no Hybrid (yet) and NO REBATES more than make up for any “excuses” likely to be noted.

To those who will be posting these “excuses” I can only say, get over it.

GM beat Toyota and will be doing it a lot more in the future so get used to it.

SiestaKeyJim,
The car you are looking for had already been made. Look back for a GEO Metro, the later round bodies look best. Plus, they get the milage you are asking for, and occasionally more.

Mr Lutz,

Congratulations, you have hit a homerun with the Malibu.

Unfortunately, it is not the grand-slam homerun it could have been.

Here is what you said about Jeff Sabatin's review: "But to have a reviewer for a major national daily paper compare it so directly — and so favorably — to the Accord, well, frankly, it was gratifying. And all true, I might add!"

You acknowledge all of Sabatini's review as true.

But let's look closely at what Sabatini said: "...the Chevy's six-speed automatic transmission isn't without its own shortcomings, principally its reluctance to downshift and the rudeness with which it finally executes."

Since you acknowledge what Jeff Sabatini said about the Malibu is true, that must mean you were already aware the six-speed automatic transmission wasn’t without shortcomings, and that it was reluctant to downshift and when it did, executed it rudely.

If Sabatini is correct in what he says, and if you were aware of it, why haven’t you directed that your Chevrolet division fix those automatic transmission so they operate smoothly?

Are rude automatic transmissions a Chevy characteristic?

My personal experience with a 2008 Impala is similar to Sabatini's experience with the Malibu.

Recently I drove a new 2008 Impala to Chicago and back on a company trip, drawing the car from our fleet motor pool.

The Impala's transmission had similar characteristics to what Sabatini described, although I'm not as clever as Jeff to describe it as "rude." But his word describes that Impala transmission to a tee.

Each time I started from a stop, the car wouldn't move until the engine got to somewhere in the 2000-2200 rpm range, and then the car would lurch forward. As I pressed in the accelerator, I could hear the engine RPM increasing. I could hear (and feel) the automatic transmission churning away, but nothing would happen until that lurch forward at 2000-2200 rpm. It was impossible to start smoothly from a stop with that new Impala -- a truly rude characteristic.

Why can't Chevrolet fix those automatic transmissions so they are worthy of the rest of their cars?

Respectfully,

Gary Dikkers

Mr. Lutz,

Love the Malibu. Looks great on the road and those who I have talked to - agree. But we all also agree that the marketing strategy is weak compared to the competition. The Accord although ugly has better "catchy" commericials - Accord's "Hold on to your Dream" sticks with you. While, the flying "super accord" malibu commericial makes it look cheap and silly. Need to improve the marketing - the car deserves better than jaws music and superman stunts...Thanks for listening to some advice from a diehard GMer.

I must agree with Aaron from above. The Aveo just doesn't stant up to cars like the Honda Fit and Toyota's Yaris and Scion cars. The Corsa would be a better choice. I believe a version of the car is made in at least one South American country, so I'm guessing that having some of them make their way to the US and Canada wouldn't be much of a problem. The other problem with the Aveo is that it's a Daewoo and people know it. Daewoo doesn't have a very good track record and as such people tend to want to avoid them, even if it does have a Chevy badge.

I also agree with the comment on interior materials. I know initially the move to one piece hard plastic dashboards and door trim panels was to save money, but why are they still around? Can't some other materials with a softer touch be found? The dash on my Mom's '03 Grand Am has a nice feel to it. Why can't they all be like that? Why are we forced to have a rather nasty looking and cheap feeling interior if we want to buy a GM car that costs less than $25,000?

Bob,
What a huge disappointment the GMC Hybrid ad was during the super bowl. It was GM's only ad and it was probably one of the worst of all the ones shown. This is the kind of advertising that does not help GM. Who in our sales and advertising dept approves this at a cost of 2.5 million?

It's amazing to me that GM, which is one of the largest corporations on the planet, needed a single individual (Bob Lutz) to tell them they need to make good stuff to compete better. All those MBA Treasury guys in charge for the past 30 years couldn't figure this out?

Hi Bob,
Thank you for helping GM to build competitive products again. I bought an Astra XR3 a couple of weeks ago and it is amazing. It's fit and finish is great and the handling is really fun. Also, the gas mileage is great. I seem to get better mileage than the EPA estimates (~15%).

It is a real shame and disappointment that GM is going to abandon the resurgence of RWD cars that I was so very much looking forward to.

Aaron,

I agree with a large part of what you say. GM has missed the boat on several occasions. I think they need to either drop some of their brands or get with it. I still see Chevy as the bottom of the barrel. And honestly the Vette I think is diminished by wearing the Chevy badge. I'd rather see it as a Pontiac or a Caddy or as its own brand (the smart thing to do). I have read some articles somewhere discussing how the ZR-1 is the result of someone's curiosity of "what could they do for $100K".. Thats cool I guess, add some more power.. and a few nice show items... but seriously is that all you get for that much price difference? I'd have expected a body that looks different from the current vette or an improved interior. I would love to see GM say "What could you do with 150 or 200K on an extremely limited production vehicle" That would be a true show off car. Of course many of the over seas companies do just this. They have a few flag ships that are priced beyond the price of most people. And these cars generate all the talk. GM has show cars but you can't buy one... The ZR1 is an awesome car... but I'm curious what your team would do with 150 to 200K... could they produce a car with looks rivaling Audi R8 or Aston Martin DB series car etc.. the very fact that companies like Lingenfelter make kits to make Vettes look like these cars tells me that there are people who demand better styling out of a Vette.

I do agree that in the past there has always been an inconsistent quality among the lineups. Even more annoying is the dealer experience etc...

Chase,

Well put. I think Caddy is the new Pontiac from the looks of it. I'm anxiously awaiting the CTC or a something that competes with the new BMW X6. I just hope a CTC-V is available in AWD... maybe they'll have to call it a CTC-X

SiestaKeyJim,

I agree to a point. There is a limit to what GM can do with mileage. While I agree GM needs to offer all their cars with extreme Mileage engines, small 3 cylinder engines in the Malibu sized car seems like bad thing to do without a hybrid drive. I'd be surprised to see the comparison of Mileage between a 3, 4 and 6 cylinder. I think the Ecotecs could be made smaller. But to small and they need to rev to high to cruise, and that can take as much fuel as a larger engine at a lower RPM. What about a diesel? Could you go with one in your area?

The area of Florida I live at the moment has a lot of traffic and people drive pretty wildly. I know another part of Florida where you can drive everywhere on a golf cart. In any case you are right they should try to offer cars that get at least 35 -40 MPG highway for the crowd that doesnt' want power. No sense having a nice car that half the people won't buy. On the other hand for the younger crowd like me, well I want 250-300 HP and 30-32 MPG highway (thats all my current car gets).

Lets hope GM hears the message from its fans and at very least offers quality cars and quality dealer service and experiences (my biggest request at present).

Aaron,

Spare me. I just came back from the Philly auto show and once again I am convinced that this supposedly large gap between GM interiors and those of their competitors is malarkey. I found more hard plastics and cheap touches on import models than on GM models. The continuous improvement on GM's fleet is evident to anyone who actually takes time to inspect what's on sale today. There isnt too much of the "old" Gm out there today. Even dated products like the LAcrosse have nice interiors and switchgear that operates with precision.

Bob,

Finally got to sit in the Malibu. While the interior isnt the huge improvement over the Aura the media has made it out to be, it is nice overall. I do like that the trim on the doors and dash lines up much better than they do on the Aura. Overall, I would say the materials are about the same as the 2008 Accord but the top line accord does have more detailing in areas like the door panels and door pulls. Forunately, the Malibu is cheaper and better looking than the Accord and I would prefer one over the Honda. Many people have no desire to consider or drive an American branded product so you do have a lot of work to do. I think many people would open their minds if they just take some of your newer models on a test drive. You won't be able to convince everyone but you can always gain more converts with good product and ads. I think you need to get more ads out there that actually talk about the features of the Malibu and state its advantages over the Accord. Many folks who don't know the details will just assume it's nothing more than an attractive car with little else to offer. Talk about hte 18" wheels, Tapshift, two tone interior, Onstar, remote start, etc.

I haven't driven the Malibu yet, but I've seen it and I'm very impressed. I have driven the new CTS and loved it, and I'm dreaming of it for my next car. However, why do neither of these cars offer Bluetooth? That's a BIG oversight, especially in California where I live, since talking on cell phones while driving will become illegal in July of this year. PLEASE rush this feature to market -- Ford even has it on the Focus! If you want the young import buyers, Bluetooth is a must! (So is in-dash nav for the Malibu).

Bob,

I just read something very, very, VERY disturbing to me - there seems to be serious talk about making a hybrid version of the Camaro (feels strange to even say that). But what I've also heard is that V8 versions will be priced significantly higher than anticipated. Please say it ain't so! I had been planing on buying an entry level V8 (whether it's a Z/28 or SS) with the 6 speed stick for under $32k. This is very demoralizing to see CAFE affect us so quickly and immediately.

IF this is true, and V8 Camaros encroach the territory of the Corvette pricewise, it could spell a quick end to our Camaro.

PLEASE say it ain't so!

In reading Siesta Key Jim's comments, an idea came to me. Since we are able to put our Automatic Transmissions in a "sport mode" which changes the shift patterns, etc. would it be possible to create a, "mileage mode" and a "sport mode" and expand the difference in shift points, cylinder deactivation, etc., to really create a difference in fuel usage? Might be an interesting way to help with CAFE. Of course, just like now, mine would always be in the "sport" mode.

Mark,

GM using turbodiesel four cylinder engines in certain models that compete directly with cars from Volkswagen would probably do more to improve CAFE than adding a serious amount of complexity to an already complex car. If GM could come up with their own TDI, and perhaps they already have one in Europe, that could be made 50 state legal, such as VW's new 2.0TDI, and the engine is offered in popular cars such as the Astra, Aura, Cobalt, Malibu and HHR It would give GM a serious milage boost at comparatively little expense.

Bob:

I'm glad to see the Malibu getting the good press it deserves and Honda getting the beating it deserves for the bloated, ugly new Accord.

Unfortunately, there's still a few misses in the Malibu. It needs bluetooth and an available in-dash nav system. No, I won't pay for On-Star.

The Wall Street Journal is not the first article to complain about the 6-speed transmission shifting. Why did you let it out the door that way? Fix it now!

The 4-cylinder should not come with a 4-speed transmission in any trim package. And a 5 or 6 speed manual transmission should be available.

The Malibu is a very good car. Don't neglect it now. Fix this issues quickly.

Hey Bob,

Here is another super bowl fourth quarter!...

Consumer Reports: Cadillac CTS outscores Mercedes, BMW

An open letter of thanks to Gary Dikkers (in response to his post on 2/2@10:18pm)
I'm currently battling the flu and reading Gary's test drive of a 2008 Impala made me laugh so hard that it cleared all the flu-goo out of my lungs. I now feel 100% better. Just thinking of him driving all the way to Chicago in a car with an obvious mechanical issue - complete with teeth clenched from GM hatred and seething over the thought that this is obviously how all Impalas drive - really got me giggling.
Gary noted his Impala would not move from a standing start until the engine speed reached converter stall and then the car would lurch ahead. If my car drove this way, I would immediately take it in for repair or inspection. It is not normal for any automatic transmission sold in the last 30 years.
The Impala uses the 4T65E transaxle, which is among the best for durability, efficiency and smoothness. What Gary described in his post sounds more like "normal behavior" for an early 60s Slim-Jim RotoHydramatic.
I seem to recall another post where Gary described his "recent drive of a 2008 Impala" and its alleged poor fuel economy. Well, after hearing that he was stalling the converter when accelerating from every light, I'm inclined to say it was a miracle he got more than 10mpg. This is not normal performance for an Impala, and I would recommend that Gary should drive over to his local Chevrolet dealer to test drive a different Impala. With sales in the hundreds of thousands, GM's bread and butter sedan must be a solid value with a reasonably well-behaved powertrain. If you don't like the Impala, that's fine. There are plenty of others out there who will buy the one you don't want. And don't say "But why did the one I drive have so many problems?!" Unless it is yours and you took delivery of it new, you cannot say who did what to that car to abuse or alter it.
I own two late model Chevrolets, both with the 4T45E transaxle. Are they "rude"? Not in my opinion. Because I am an easy driver, they like to hang onto third gear with the converter locked to keep the MPG high, but with a little more pressure on the "go" pedal, the TCC will unlock and it will downshift if needed. Never harsh, though. My wife and I have driven over half a million miles in GM cars with these transaxles and have never had a single complaint or service issue.
So if the WSJ article quips at the "rudeness" of the Malibu transmission downshifting, I would like to add, "There are no rude transmissions, only rude drivers."

I agree with Wayne's post above. I am considering the Malibu and the Accord, 4-cylinder versions of both. The Malibu with a 6-speed auto (or even a 5-speed) and the 4-cylinder would be a tie-breaker for me. I hear it's coming in the 2009 model year... It's too bad GM didn't introduce it with this from Day 1.

I agree on the 03 grand am comment. For a fairly cheap car, the interior was well laid out, sporty and comfortable. I think the red instrumentation helped out alot, and the exhaust wasn't bad either. I remember the dealer saying they would buy it back from us because I believe it was California had a high demand for them.

I liked your comments with the auto show. One way to get off of foreign oil is not to use any at all.
I still think my steam/electric design is exactly what is needed. If someone thinks that this is far-fetched, check on Howard Hughes' 1924 Doble.
Peace,
Mark

Bob,
It is truly ashame that you'll will stop the affordable RWD vehicle programs because of the new CAFE regulations. It is not like you'll don't have the technologies to make RWD vehicles fuel efficient...i.e. DI/HCCI/4 CYL & 6 CYL TURBOS. Just watch the Pontiac G8 & Camaro sales and then make a decision. Please make Pontiac the afforable alternative to BMW. Please just take your time on making a decision on the Zeta and Alpha platforms.

I have waited over 12 years for Holden to bring a RWD Commodore to the states. Don't destory the GM potential RWD momentum (Pontiac G8 & new Camaro) before it even starts.

"Unfortunately, there's still a few misses in the Malibu. It needs bluetooth and an available in-dash nav system. No, I won't pay for On-Star."

The Malibu will not have Nav as far as I know. If you dont like that then you should get another car. GM is adding BT to vehicles for 2009 as evidenced by all the 2009s they have revealed so far. If you want it then you should wait. I laugh when people come here (or other sites) demanding bluetooth as if its essential. While it is available on many imports and even Fords (only since 2008 MY) it is not standard equipment and most people do NOT get it. On import models BT is usually linked with an expensive nav system or a premium sound system. On the Accord you can only get it on ONE trim level and you have to get navigation to get BT. My point is 90% of the import cars sold in the Malibu's price range do not have bluetooth. At least when GM offers it you won't have to buy a nav system just to get it.

gary,

the transmission isnt faulty, its just slow to downshift for fuel economy reasons if you floor the throttle. I assure you in normal driving its a non issue but car magazine writers drive agressively and thus have commented a lot about the 6 speed auto. As for the Impala, that tranny is tried and true and I have never heard of any shift problems with that car. My parent's Intrigue has a four speed that shifts seamlessly to this day. We all know you do nothing but complain about GM and thus we don't expect much in the way of constructive criticism from you.

Jared:

GM doesnt offer a manual on the Malibu because they know 90% of midsize sedans are sold with autos. Manuals are strictly a way for a brand to have a lower starting price and advertise fuel economy numbers that are slightly higher. How many manual camrys and Accords do you see on the road? I don't see many at all.

Chris B. said: "I'm currently battling the flu and reading Gary's test drive of a 2008 Impala made me laugh so hard that it cleared all the flu-goo out of my lungs. I now feel 100% better."

Chris,

My pleasure. I'm glad to be of service, and happy to hear you're feeling better.

Chris B. said: "I seem to recall another post where Gary described his "recent drive of a 2008 Impala" and its alleged poor fuel economy."

Yup, that was the same trip and the same Impala.

It was a car from our corporate fleet, and had only 850 miles on it when I checked it out. I was actually excited about getting the chance to drive a brand new Impala, since our corporate fleet has been all Ford Tauruses and Focuses for the last nine years. (I wasn't really clenching my teeth at having to drive a GM car, and to be honest, the automatic transmissions in our Fords aren't that great either.)

But yes, I was disappointed with that Impala and based on my trip that day I would never consider buying one. (Of course, I would never buy one anyway since it's not available with a manual transmission. Every car I have ever owned has had a manual, and I won't be buying one with an automatic unless something drastic happens such as having a stroke that paralyzes one of my legs.)

That Impala transmission was quirky to say the least. The lurch whenever I started from a stop wasn't head-snapping, but it was disconcerting to see the rpm all the way up to 2000-2200 before the car started rolling. (Perhaps I'm too used to the more precise control I get with a manual transmission.)

I know not all GM transmissions are like that. My Mother has a three-year old Buick Century that I drive when I visit her. I don't have anything bad to say about that transmission, although I would never buy one for myself.

Perhaps the most disappointing thing about that Impala trip was that it was almost brand new, and that car should have been as close to design specs as it will ever be in its life. I would have expected Chevy's quality control process to catch the defect in that transmssion before even shipping it to the dealer. But who knows? Perhaps Chevy doesn't care that much about quality control.

Chris B. said: "If my car drove this way, I would immediately take it in for repair or inspection."

You're right, had it been my car I would have immediately taken it back to the dealer, or if GM had a direct hotline such as the Butterball turkey people do, I would have gotten on the phone to them and asked they take that car back and issue a replacement -- perhaps one that had had an actual quality control inspection coming off the production line.

Since it was one our fleet cars, all I could do was write it up on the sign-out chit.

Best regards,

Gary

Gary,

Personally speaking, I wouldn't base my decisions on a corporate fleet vehicle. It may only have 850 miles, but as with rental vehicles, people tend to abuse them severely. I've known idiots in the past that would neutral bomb a rental car just for the laughs. Be it 850 or 100,000 miles, an abused vehicle, regardless of manufacturer, isn't going to perform as well, as one that has been properly maintained. Before you cast judgment, remove the variable of abuse. Visit your local Chevy dealer, and ask to test drive a new one.

Frank

Gary, GM does have a hotline like the Butterball turkey people do: vehicle concerns not solved at the dealership or divisional customer service center can be reported by calling the Friends and Family Customer Assistance hotline at 1.800.235.4646 (prompt 3) or by sending an email to cac.ambassador2@gm.com.

Mr Lutz said: "Dave Lancaster of GM Powertrain is making some outstanding and very important points, especially about the benefits of E85."

Mr Lutz,

Would that be E85 made with the ethanol mentioned in this study that was released earlier today?

Study: Corn Fuels Hurt Climate More Than Gasoline

Here's some shocking news for the ethanol fuels industry — and the climate. A new study finds that the climate would be much better off if we burned gasoline instead of corn-based ethanol. The report in Science shows that the biofuels industry is fueling substantial deforestation, particularly in the tropics. And when you take that into account, the industry is actually driving a big increase in carbon dioxide emissions.

Or some of the ethanol from this study mentioning that E-coli in our beef may increase when rationed with the by-products of corn ethanol production?

Study: Distillers' Grain In Cattle Feed May Contribute To E. Coli Infection

A new study suggests that the addition of dried distillers’ grain, an ethanol by-product, to cattle feed may contribute to the prevalence of E. coli O157 infection in cattle. “The results indicate that there is a positive association between dried distillers’ grain and E. coli O157 in cattle, and the findings should have important ramifications for food safety,” say the researchers.

The E85/CAFE Loophole

Of course, there is one major benefit of E85 to GM that Mr Lancaster didn't mention -- it helps you avoid millions in CAFE penalties, without providing any real benefit to motor vehicle owners.

The CAFE loophole: Although E85 in fact gets poorer fuel economy than gasoline, for CAFE purposes, the government counts only the 15-percent gasoline content of E85. That means the CAFE rating of an E85 capable Tahoe goes from 20.1 mpg to 33.3 mpg, even though the Tahoe really gets only about 15 mpg when burning E85. (Unfortunately, it actually takes four gallons of E85 to do the work of three gallons of gasoline.)

A benefit for you perhaps, but not so beneficial for the atmosphere and meat-eating Americans.

Respectfully,

Gary Dikkers

Mr. Lutz,
Congratulations on the notimation to Motor Trend's hot 100 list. You and Rick really deserve credit for helping to change the minds of the public and increase consumer confidence in american automobiles across the board.

Now this isn't to say you should relax and let the more succesful brands (chevy, cadillac, saturn) rest easy; however, I think some basic attention to the brand equities and a severe revamp of marketing and advertising could really help to return Pontiac, Buick, GMC, and Hummer to a former and certain glory.

It isn't that I don't respect these brands, but honestly there is no equity to me in buying a buick, no matter how beautifully styled, if it doesn't carry the brand's persona.

Please don't keep handing rebadged or midly restlyed versions of other vehicles to these marques if for no other reason than to placate dealer boards.

Pontiac is performance as much as Corvette is far from a Cheverolet, and Buick is more than the poor mans Cadillac.

You've done it with the other brands, now show us your guns with those brands that truly continue to suffer.

Bob,
Buy Tesla! You are working toward the same goal. The Volt is great. Tesla seems to be a step ahead. Think about an all electric Corvette!!!

TJ,

I think GM getting a stake in Tesla is a great idea! The Corvette idea, not so much.

Frank

Happy Birthday coming up on the 12th, Mr. Lutz!

I met the Townsends and love their wonderful creation! I know that your expertise will help us all be able to enjoy it some day soon!

Please go ahead and add us to your list of links! Talk with you soon! Thank you!

Deanna Cross
www.WomensAutomotiveNetwork.TV

Learn how to buy and sell cars in today's world using the right tools and techniques to experience a simple, smooth and pleasant transaction at the dealer or with a private party!

The first auto related VIDEO site for women, car buyers, drivers, car dealers, auto manufacturers, auto related companies, banks, lenders, vendors and career seekers!

Mr. Lutz:
You wonder why 40% of people surveyed would rather buy a fictional mediocre Honda than one of your shiny new Chevys? I can answer that question: those are the people who have owned or now own one of your new Chevys, or they are the people who found the Honda would always be reliable and not fall apart.

(Me? I'd be hard pressed to choose either, since I really don't like Hondas having owned one, and having been burnt by 3 Chevys--including 2 where the electrical system died after just 2 years [a common problem???]--I tend to look past the shiny new models that are in the nearly vacant showrooms. (Really, you can see tumbleweed in the Chevy dealer's showroom, but it's wall-to-wall people at the Honda dealer; you can check it out for yourself any Saturday afternoon.)

No matter how much you try to gloss over it, GM still has a very bad problem with reliability. I used to believe I had to expect the cars I owned to be in the repair shop regularly. Then I bought my first Toyota, and besides regular maintenance, I never had anything break. I could never claim that for my GM cars, which had a shelf life of less than 4 years. I know, I know, since the 1950s, GM has built in planned obsolesence into its cars so people would buy new ones. (I know this to be true because, as I've noted before, GM trumpeted this in My Weekly Reader when I was in elementary school back in the Stone Age--or early 1960s.)

So you shouldn't wonder why 40% still won't buy a Chevy. They know. My curiosity is why 60% still think GM can fix its reliability problems at the snap of Bob Lutz' fingers. Ain't gonna happen. Until we all see a written guarantee that ANY new GM car (not just the Malibu and CTS) is going to be as reliable as my first or latest Toyota (which gets 40 mph, by the way) or Rick Wagonner shows up at our doorsteps and promises there will be no breakdown or we'll get a full refund, we won't be taking that shiny new Chevy. Since Rick doesn't know where I live and GM can't promise its cars won't break down, well...

"Michael"
I think everyone has heard your argument to death, because anyone can use it. I've had 2 Hondas that nearly bankrupted me, my father had toyotas that tried to kill him as parts fell off going down the road. My mother had a mustang II that lost its brakes after 25 miles on the highway, and my grandmother had a plymouth sundance that ran past 200,000 miles.

Every car company today produces cars that can run a very long distance with little to no trouble with general maintenance assuming you can get past the electrical gremlins that will occur with new technology.

Mr. Lutz, I'm guessing after reading "Guts" that you'll spend very little time concerning yourself with issues like these and more time working to make a truly better product. Don't forget your own words that have helped me a lot: "It is always better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission".

Tina said: "GM does have a hotline like the Butterball turkey people do: vehicle concerns not solved at the dealership or divisional customer service center can be reported by calling the Friends and Family Customer Assistance hotline at 1.800.235.4646 (prompt 3) or by sending an email to cac.ambassador2@gm.com."

Thanks Tina, that is useful.

Is there also an easy way to contact the divisional customer service centers?

Regards,

Gary Dikkers

Gary,

It appears that the ambassador program (email address provided) is no longer in service (sorry). However, the method in which you would get in touch with the divisional service centers varies by division (usually there are various methods). You can go to: http://www.gm.com/utilities/contact_us/contact.jsp?deep=contact and on that page you can click the division you are interested in, which will usually provide a phone number, email, address, etc under a "contacts" tab. The previous phone number that I gave you is still in service but I would try these divisional methods of contact first.

Mr Lutz-

I happened to be at the Philly Car show- Lots of interest in ALL your cars. Crowds around every car (except the Aveo)- Thanks for sending a concept or two two Philly. (We usually lose out to Chicago)

Lots of folks gathered around the inside/out Chevy Volt exhibit. Much scratching of heads. I think there is a gap between what GM thinks the public knows vs what they do know.

The high concept display was confusing- as there was no real explanation- just the car and some flat panel screens inside.

Anyhow the Cadillac CTS area was standing room only- so go GM, and congratulations BOB- How many people have the chance to bring back TWO car companies?!

PS- given the incredible interest in Camaro- how long until Firebird?

Sheth said: "GM doesn't offer a manual on the Malibu because they know 90% of midsize sedans are sold with autos. Manuals are strictly a way for a brand to have a lower starting price and advertise fuel economy numbers that are slightly higher."

Sheth,

That's not completely true. Manuals are not "strictly" for low-priced starter models and to raise the CAFE.

There are many drivers like that prefer manual transmissions because of the precision and control they offer compared to automatics. (In fact, I wouldn't buy a car that I couldn't get with a manual. As good as the Malibu may be, I won't be buying one. Sorry, Mr Lutz.)

There are also many people who actually enjoy driving their cars instead of just aiming them as many people do who "drive" cars with automatics.

Would it be difficult for GM to offer a standard, modular manual transmission in most of their cars?

GM makes many cars I might consider -- if I could buy them with a manual transmission.

Why would it be so difficult to offer a manual option on more GM models? Is it more a technical reason, or simply a lack of will and marketing foresight?

A standard, modular GM manual transmission

I'd think GM could easily develop a modular, standard manual transmission they could pop into almost all of their cars as a buyer option. (At least the RWD cars with a longitudinal engine.)

Back in the day, the old Borg-Warner T-10 manual transmission used to be an option in the cars of several automakers. (GM, Ford, and American Motors all offered the T-10.)

The Borg-Warner T-5 was a 5-speed manual used by AMC, Ford, GM, Nissan, and Holden.

The Trimec T-56 is a six-speed manual that has been used by GM, Ford, Chrysler, Holden, and Aston Martin.

Why would it be so hard for GM to pop a T-5 or T-56 into any of their rear-wheel drive cars with longitudinal engines for the people who actually enjoy driving? It would take little more than bolting the T-5 or T-56 between the engine and the rear differential.

Regards,

Gary Dikkers

gary,the addition of a stick shift to any car line would require millions of $$$$$$$$$ of gov't testing for safety, mileage and emissions. today very few trucks are sold with stick shifts because the auto trans are so much better at controling the load. the allison auto trans in GM trucks can not be beat as it down shifts when you apply the brakes to help hold back the load. i have towed race car trailers with auto trans equipted trucks since the 60s with no problems.

Motorman said: "the addition of a stick shift to any car line would require millions of $$$$$$$$$ of gov't testing for safety, mileage and emissions."

Motorman,

There may be a smidgeon of truth to that, but it is mostly a bogus smokescreen and an excuse car companies are too quick to us when they just don't want to do something.

Putting a manual transmission in a car is hardly rocket science. Car companies have been using manuals for a 100 years or more. They know exactly how to do it. They also already know exactly how it would effect mileage, safety, and emissions. It wouldn't require "...millions of $$$$$$$$$ of gov't testing for safety, mileage and emissions."

Putting a manual transmission in a car is a straight-forward mechanical task and is not the same as the certification process a planemaker such as Boeing or Airbus must go through to get an Airworthiness Certificate when they propose putting different engines or instrumentation on one of their airliners.

Likewise, the claim of "We can't sell you one of our European cars because it would cost too much to bring it up to U.S. standards." is equally bogus. The Europeans also have standards and any car that can safely drive on the German Autobahn with its unlimited speeds; on the French Autoroute; or on the Italian Autostrada would be perfectly capable of driving on U.S. roads without modification.

Carmakers and the autoworker unions are too quick to use the excuse of "bureaucratic rules" when the truth is they just don't want to do it. Probably the biggest obstacle preventing GM from bringing their European-built cars over here without modification is the UAW and the laws the UAW's lobbyists have managed to push through Congress.

Regards,

Gary Dikkers

I have to agree with the Gary on the manual tranny request. I have a '98 Maxima that I love and it is great shape but next summer, I'll probably be ready to sell it and buy something else.

I love the looks of the new Caddy which has the manual option but I don't really want to spend 35K -40K. However, after the CTS there really isn't anything in the GM assortment that fits the bill under 35K. The manual tranny is a deal breaker for me and probably is also for the 10% of the consumers out there that want one.

Nissan offers a manual on the V6 Altima but you can't get leather, it's only available on the low end trim line.

This seems like an easy pick up for GM given the dedication that this 10% has to owning cars with manual transmissions.

You should offer more V6 sedan models with this option. It is clearly a void in the marketplace unless your putting up 40K for a Caddy, BMW, Audi, or Infiniti.

The new Malibu looks like a prime target for this type of offer.

Pete M

Now that Paris Hilton bought a G.M. product recently. I think you ought to use her in one of your advertisements washing hers. Bernard

Hey Bob:

Related to your comments on Global Worming. You are right on the money. This is nothing more than a hoax, a power grab and is perpetrated by power hungry socialist politicians using crap science espoused by scientists who have sold their scientific souls and credibility for money. Keep after them, green cars are fine, socialism and crap science are not

Redball 6

I do agree that the new impala has a poor shifting problem from the start. My Brand New Impala has a delayed shift from first to second and lags any kind of performance. Maybe they can figure out whats wrong with it before my lease is up. If you had a new impala you would know what i mean

Chairman Lutz, first I want to thank and congratulate you on bringing excitement back to US automotive industry, particularly with the Volt concept, which has the potential of becoming a truly game changing force in modern transportation - I believe that.

But I have to ask why, when it only costs perhaps $30 or so per vehicle to convert to flex fuel (upgraded fuel lines and a slightly different fuel mix sensor than you would otherwise have to install), would GM sell a single car that runs solely on gasoline ever again?

I can't for the life of me believe that it will take you another 5 years ("half the fleet by 2012) to do this conversion on your gasoline fueled engines. Please tell me that you have reconsidered this and that GM will in fact commit to wholly embrace fuel choice and that beginning with the 2010 model year, all gasoline engine vehicles sold by GM will offer flex fuel capability. Don't wait for congress to mandate this, take it off the table and really kick start the alternative fuels marketplace. You will get the lead on the other automakers (at least for a short time until they do a mass conversion to compete).

With such a small investment yielding such a huge potential upside, I can't see how you could wait until 2012 (and that's only for half your eligible fleet). This certainly seems like a no brainer to me.

Please help me understand...You had me at "say hello to chevy volt", but I really don't get this one. Until Volt can make an impact, flex fuel has an even larger role to play. Set it loose man!!!

Bob, one more thing: Have you ever given any thought to taking the old school yellow coloring out of the chevy bowtie logo? Just make it platinum or hollow. I've done some photoshop's of it and I believe this one simple change will help convey the change at GM that you are pushing for.

Ask your designers to show you the Captiva grill with a platinum bowtie badge and you'll see what I mean. The yellow cheapens the brand. Platinum does it justice.