There's no question about the positive effect that product czar Bob Lutz has had on GM vehicles. Just look around. The evidence is everywhere. I can't think of one GM product in which his influence hasn't been felt in a good way...
Two weeks agoâand with that thought in mindâStraightline touched on what might happen to the General once Lutz retires (GM's Bob Lutz hints at retiring in 2010).
Others are also asking that same question? Are the pieces in place for a Lutz successor to succeed? Has GM's corporate culture been thoroughly ingrained with "Lutz-Think," so that once he's gone, the product transformation will continue? Some are not so sure that's the case...
One who expresses that concern is Jim Hall, director of analysis for 2953 Analytics in Birmingham, Mich. Hall said Lutz is the "product conscience" who returned enthusiasm for cars to GM. But he wonders if GM will return to its old ways whenever the 75-year-old Lutz decides to retire.
"Product conscience lives at the top ranks of General Motors. The question is has it been institutionalized?" Hall asked. "And the answer is, it has not."
While GM has people who can carry on for Lutz, it may pick the wrong person to lead its global product development, Hall said.
Full story here.
Others are also asking that same question? Are the pieces in place for a Lutz successor to succeed? Has GM's corporate culture been thoroughly ingrained with "Lutz-Think," so that once he's gone, the product transformation will continue? Some are not so sure that's the case...
One who expresses that concern is Jim Hall, director of analysis for 2953 Analytics in Birmingham, Mich. Hall said Lutz is the "product conscience" who returned enthusiasm for cars to GM. But he wonders if GM will return to its old ways whenever the 75-year-old Lutz decides to retire.
"Product conscience lives at the top ranks of General Motors. The question is has it been institutionalized?" Hall asked. "And the answer is, it has not."
While GM has people who can carry on for Lutz, it may pick the wrong person to lead its global product development, Hall said.
Full story here.
redliner says:
10:27 AM, 01/ 2/08
If GM slips and falls (again), all of Lutz work will have been for nothing, and getting people to belive in GM will be just that much harder.
ateixeira says:
01:38 PM, 01/ 2/08
Hopefully the bean counters see GM's strength vs. its competitors right now has everything to do with product.
hondacura4 says:
03:47 PM, 01/ 2/08
If GM can remain consistent(Lutz or no Lutz)in delivering good, solid, reliable, competitive product they should have no problem. Go GM!
stovt001 says:
09:45 PM, 01/ 2/08
HA4, once again I agree. Personally, I think Scott Settlemire (aka F-bod Father) would be a great choice to replace Bob, as his product enthusiasm and concern for the consumer is second to none. As a Camaro fan, I may be a bit biased though.
estreka says:
01:44 PM, 01/ 3/08
I think there are many great designers out there, but I have doubts any of them have the strategic foresight Lutz has. I'd say hire one of the Callum boys, but even they would have a tough time filling Lutz' shoes. It's not the ability to create fantastic designs, it's the wherewithall to ensure the company follows through. Nobody has connections and guts like Lutz.
rsholland says:
08:16 AM, 01/ 4/08
There are a lot of talented designers out there, even within the GM ranks. Keep in mind Lutz is NOT a designer. He's a person with great design "instincts," but even more important, he has "charisma" (the power to motivate and inspire) and "industry cred" like no other person that I can think of.
Trying to find someone that has all those credentials—which is what's needed—is going to be very tough.