From Bloomberg News;
March 2 (Bloomberg) -- General Motors Corp., surviving with U.S. federal loans, needs government help worldwide to get through the worst automotive market since the end of World War II, Vice Chairman Robert Lutzsaid. The slump is forcing GM to undergo changes it has needed to make for years, such as reviewing the future of its Hummer, Saab and Saturn brands, Lutz said today in a Bloomberg television interview from Geneva. Lutz, who rejoined GM in 2001 to help revitalize its auto designs, will retire at the end of this year.
“We will go through a rough spot as will every other automobile company,” said Lutz, 77. “We will get through and come out the other end stronger and more competitive than ever before.”
I really love Bob Lutz and he will be missed. The unintentional comedy that he has provided over the last three to four months has kept me smiling. GM is going through a "rough spot"! No Bob, Toyota is going through a rough spot. GM is frantically clicking its heels together waiting for "Glinda the Good Witch of the North" to transport them back to 1956 while the evil flying monkeys are swooping in to carry GM off to bankruptcy land!
To be fair to Mr. Lutz, when I watch or read his interviews he certainly sounds like he knows what he's doing with regard to car design and forward thinking. What I don't get is how it seems that none of his expertise flowed through to actionable results at GM. What I mean by that is, when you listen to him talking about new age cars like "The Volt" he sounds like a visionary. Unfortunately most of these interviews took place in 2008 when GM's goose was already cooked. Was he stamping up on the board room table in 2002, warning that GM was putting all its eggs in one, gas guzzling basket? Maybe. In any event the jig is up now.
Very good point JJ
Posted by: Eric | March 03, 2009 at 07:24 AM
Not regarding business ability of Detroit, Americans have always liked P/U trucks and SUV's. They are safe, practical, and multifunctional. The American consumer wants them.
That's why the Japanese built plants here and tried to enter that market.
The mistake we might be making is thinking that the consumer has changed? Given the choice... would I buy a prius or a C1500 with a fuel cell that doesn't burn gas?
American consumers like P/U and SUV's. Make them cost efficient and you will rule the world.
Posted by: jj | March 03, 2009 at 07:14 AM
Not regarding business ability of Detroit, Americans have always liked P/U trucks and SUV's. They are safe, practical, and multifunctional. The American consumer wants them.
That's why the Japanese built plants here and tried to enter that market.
The mistake we might be making is thinking that the consumer has changed? Given the choice... would I buy a prius or a C1500 with a fuel cell that doesn't burn gas?
American consumers like P/U and SUV's. Make them cost efficient and you will rule the world.
Posted by: jj | March 03, 2009 at 07:13 AM
MEET THE FLINT SHMOS
(Flintstones)
WilliamBanzai7
Flint Shmos. Meet the Flint Shmos.
Their the modern Bailout comedy.
Automotive bedrock,
Now they've landed in insolvency.
Let's ride in that gas guzzling SUV.
Through the courtesy of Wagoneer and Lutz's feet.
When you're with the Flint Shmos
you'll have a yabba dabba doo time.
A dabba doo time.
You'll have yet another bailout crime!
Posted by: williambanai7 | March 02, 2009 at 11:25 AM