posted
...did anyone catch this news item? It was in the August 13th issue of Newsweek.
For decades General Motors has watched its market share slide, and many observers blame it on a single overriding problem: since it's run by "bean counters" instead of "car guys", it's doomed to produce boring, unstylish vehicles. "GM has business guys, marketing guys, but they don't have any hard-core product guys at the top," says AutoPacific consultant Jim Hall. No more. Last week GM hired Robert Lutz, the auto industry's master mechanic. Lutz has held top posts at BMW, Ford, and Chrysler, where he earned a rep for producing head-turning cars like the Dodge Viper and PTCruiser. As GM's new vice chairman, Lutz will revamp product development and try to add a much-needed spark to GM's cars and tricks. "GM hasn't had anybody like this since John DeLorean," says Burnham Securities analyst David Healy. The next challenge will be for GM to persuade Lutz, 69, to stick around long enough to make a lasting impact.
-------------------- 'b0
1991 Formula SLP350 A4 2001 Mitsu Eclipse GT A4 2001 Chevy Blazer ZR2 4x4 2002 SOM Trans Am Firehawk M6 #360
posted
... great move ... but will he end up beating his head against the wall and leaving ... or will they give him the freedom to really do something about product design?
They hired the "designer" of the PT Cruiser some time ago to head up, if my memory serves right, the Chevy design studio, and apparently one of his first comments was that he "recognizes the importance of names like 'Camaro'"
Proofs gonna be in the pudding ... and I'll cut GM all the slack I can ... waiting for my next ride.
Posts: 4222 | From: Winnipeg MB CA | Registered: Feb 2000
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"It riles them to believe that you perceive the web they weave..." Moody Blues http://camaroclubofsandiego.com Posts: 466 | From: San Marcos, CA, USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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