Bob Lutz Reassures us that he Still Cares

[Bornfromparents]

May 18, 2007

The Week That Was

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman
Let me start by apologizing for not checking in lately. And I do that not because I feel I owe anyone an apology but because I’m truly sorry I don’t get a chance to do as much of this as I’d like to. And while I wish I could blog more frequently, I must admit I find it a little disconcerting that some of you seem to need me to reassure you that I still care.
The tone of some of the comments posted lately — that Bob is bored with blogging, that the GM blog is a failure, that management feels the blog has backfired, that GM is pulling out of the blog business — has been, frankly, bordering on ridiculous.

I’ve met many of the automotive bloggers at events in Detroit, Chicago and New York and I must say I’ve greatly enjoyed our meetings, interactions and discussions. And I’ve come to realize that those bloggers don’t represent the people posting comments like the above to this blog. And that people posting comments like the above, in turn, don’t represent most of the readers and posters on this blog.

In short, I am not bored with blogging, far from it. And I’m not going to let the comments of an extreme subset turn me off to it, either. I will continue to do it, whenever I can, and as long as it seems people want to read it. And by the way, GM thinks its blogs are a success, too, and will forge ahead with all of them and more.



I’ve also had more time for driving our products, most recently the Buick Enclave, whose tomblike quiet and den-like comfort I have been greatly enjoying. And I think those visiting Buick showrooms are finding the same terrific attributes that I have.

In fact, I had a recent conversation with a mega-mega dealer who runs franchises of nearly all makes, and he gave a totally unsolicited comment to our senior management team that was music to my ears. He said, “You guys don’t realize it yet because you’re far away from it, and the press doesn’t get it yet, but what we’re seeing in our GM dealerships is something approaching shock about your new products. Customers are shocked with the quality and appeal of GM cars and trucks.”
He said there is a growing, intense awareness of an all-new GM, and an all-new product ethic. He said, “Everything that’s coming out is dynamite. Just stick with it and don’t get discouraged if you don’t have a flood of good sales or good press, just keep at it and you will win.”
This is not anyone on our payroll. He sells cars and trucks from just about everybody, and he’s in a good position to judge. It made my week, I gotta tell you.

I felt I should highlght this portion

More:
http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives..._w_1.html#more

[Bornfromparents]

Some encouragement from Maxium Bob himself.
The Enclave in person is absolutly stunning.

[JVal14]

He said, “You guys don’t realize it yet because you’re far away from it, and the press doesn’t get it yet, but what we’re seeing in our GM dealerships is something approaching shock about your new products. Customers are shocked with the quality and appeal of GM cars and trucks.”

Assuming this guy's being honest, it's the best that GM could possibly ask for. And it makes sense: the press and general public will be slow to catch on; but on an individual basis, people cannot help but to notice the contrast between old and new GM. The new products are impressive, and it will take a long time for that to become popular opinion, but it will only get that way if GM keeps at it. Rallying from behind takes a while. One or two base knocks won't do it; you need a bunch of hits strung together, with a couple homers here and there. But it needs time to happen.

[asim]

Did you guys listen to his NPR interview? It was hilarious.

[LAMRONH]

I like the comment about the mega-dealer.

The Tigers came from the worst team in baseball in 2003 to the American League champs in 2006.

Change is possible.

[VibenPontiac]

Clearly Bob doesn't get that 95% of all GM fans are pessimists...deservedly so or not

[camaro_freak]

Originally Posted by Bornfromparents

Some encouragement from Maxium Bob himself.
The Enclave in person is absolutly stunning.

it better be or Buick is dead ...

[yoblues]

Fine now just get my Epi 2 LaCrosse (or whatever you call it) in the showroom.

[Ming]

Originally Posted by yoblues

Fine now just get my Epi 2 LaCrosse (or whatever you call it) in the showroom.

If its going to be a reskin of the 2008 Malibu, most people will pass and get a Chevy instead. It will need to be more than that. Unique.

[yoblues]

Originally Posted by Ming

If its going to be a reskin of the 2008 Malibu, most people will pass and get a Chevy instead. It will need to be more than that. Unique.

Ming if your right about the Buick I'll buy the new Impala. Always have plan B ready. Then there is emergency plan C if either A or B don't work out. A Theta 2 CUV.