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.
 

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.
 

OG