Bob Lutz has written up a list of New Year's resolutions for GM and we've published them exclusively here on Inside Line. Think of it GM's 2010 to-do list.
Product is on top. Lutz writes, "GM builds cars and trucks and crossovers. That is what we do. In 2009, we were given an opportunity to continue doing so, and we must not squander that opportunity. Therefore, we are resolved, if you will, not to lose sight of the fact that if we don't build the best cars, trucks and crossovers on the planet, that opportunity will go for naught."
Also on the list: Changing people's minds.
"It's not arrogant to think you have great vehicles, so long as you do, and to try to spread the word about them. No one at GM has said that every vehicle we have is world-class -- we still have room to improve. And no one at GM, including me, has said that the consumer is too dumb to realize how good our new products are. All we've said is that the consumer perhaps is unaware of said fact. That's a far cry from being dumb."
Read the full article and tell us what you think of Lutz's, and GM's, order of priorities.
Inside Line Exclusive Feature -- General Motors: The Year Ahead
wobbly_ears says:
02:35 PM, 01/ 6/10
His FIRST priority should have been to Retire gracefully. Dinosaurs like this are what ails the American car companies.
inlinesix says:
04:36 PM, 01/ 6/10
Thank you Bob for at least acknowledging this fact.
"We face an enormous reputational deficit, one that took decades to develop and one that, unfortunately, we earned."
I can't get over stuff like this yet (Edmund's review):
"The Yaris blew through our slalom at 65.9 mph, slower than the Fit (67.5) but faster than a Pontiac Solstice."
I still like the S2000, M3, G35, Genesis coupe, IS300, IS250/350, 328i, 335i, and C-Class Mercedes.
mrryte says:
07:02 AM, 01/ 7/10
"We face an enormous reputational deficit, one that took decades to develop and one that, unfortunately, we earned."
Changing mindsets and perceptions will be THE most daunting task facing GM. But they're off to a good start with the upcoming Buick LaCrosse and Regal. As for Chevy, I say forego the celebrity spokesperson campaign and try to come up with something else.
minibro77 says:
09:47 AM, 01/ 7/10
Mr. Lutz I applaud your passion and enthusiasm. Its this kind of attitude that has made you successful over the years. I have grown up surrounded by American cars only to see them disappear and replaced by foreign cars. I am not against this necessarily due to the reputation you state "you have built" and I have seen build. It is reallyy sad that in my opinion the Domestic American Auto Companies (The Big 3) who have been a staple of this countries' economy and the lifeblood of many peoples' livelihoods got so blinded and arrogant when the Japanese Auto Manufacturer's were first establishing themselves here. It was somewhat like "Nobody is going to buy those cars" and the many names that were given to their products when first introduced. Well lets lets fast forward about 40 or so years. Those people who were speaking like this are dead and gone for the most part and their Children, Grand Children, and Great Grandchildren are not "buying American" like their predecessors because the cars happen to be designed, engineered, and manufactured on U.S. soil. The direction you are finally moving in due to past experiences is Looooooong overdue! You are seeing competition as competition no matter how good or bad their product my be to you all. GM has the heritage and the ability to once again be a prosperous company and you have gotten off to a good start. There is still a long road ahead though. I have owned 15 cars in my 32 years on this earth and I have never seriously considered one of your products really other than drooling over some nice GM classics and some cars that were pop culture icons growing up (I still love Knight Rider). You are moving in the right direction though and I wish you and the many employees of GM the best of luck. Oh and by the way good job with the Regal. I think it will be a hit for you all. Thank you for this article as it is what people need to read to see what you all are up to straight from the source.