GM would rather be strong No. 2 than weaker No. 1

1931Chevy · 01-23-2008, 10:50 PM

DETROIT, Jan 23 (Reuters) - General Motors Corp vice chairman and product chief Bob Lutz said on Wednesday he would rather see a strong GM even if it were No. 2 in worldwide sales than a less profitable No. 1 automaker.

"I would rather be a highly profitable, great shareholder value, great reputation, growing No. 2 than a struggling No. 1," Lutz told reporters after a speech at the Automotive News World Congress.

GM released final 2007 global sales figures on Wednesday of 9.37 million vehicles. Toyota Motor Corp's preliminary figures came in about the same, with a source disclosing to Reuters a Toyota figure that left GM as the world's largest automaker.

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FenwickHockey65 · 01-23-2008, 11:11 PM

While it's great to see GM as #1, I'd have to agree that quality products are more important. Right now, GM just needs to focus on producing the best cars possible, changing popular opinion, and the #1 position will follow.

mikesright · 01-24-2008, 12:44 AM

He's said that same thing for years. GM cares about the title, sure. But GM also knows that if they don't get their s### together that someday they'll be bankrupt, with no customers left, Toyota left sitting pretty with a shiny trophy in the corner to show off.

GMusa · 01-24-2008, 02:10 PM

For me, it doesnt matter where GM stands.. rather its #1, #2 or even #3.. all that matters is that GM is putting out very good products and that they are selling well and that GM brings in profits!

Butz · 01-24-2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMusa

For me, it doesnt matter where GM stands.. rather its #1, #2 or even #3.. all that matters is that GM is putting out very good products and that they are selling well and that GM brings in profits!

Exactly, GM is putting out some of its most exciting products ever, what does Toyota have? The Supra? Celica? MR2?

CadiEldo67 · 01-24-2008, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butz

Exactly, GM is putting out some of its most exciting products ever, what does Toyota have? The Supra? Celica? MR2?

I don't even think they have that now, the most exciting car in the Toyota lineup is the CAMRY!

Butz · 01-24-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CadiEldo67

I don't even think they have that now, the most exciting car in the Toyota lineup is the CAMRY!

Don't forget the Solara

Toyota has nothing of interest to any car enthusiast. Unlike GM, and that all that matters.

SuperSS27 · 01-24-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butz

Don't forget the Solara

Toyota has nothing of interest to any car enthusiast. Unlike GM, and that all that matters.

which is a camry...arent they discontinuing the Solara too?

Butz · 01-24-2008, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperSS27

which is a camry...arent they discontinuing the Solara too?

I think they are, but no need to worry they still have the exciting Scion tC.

PA Dweller · 01-24-2008, 05:41 PM

Making a profit is all that counts, that and a good product. People put too much emphasis on #1, 2, etc. I can live with #2 if it means a better product.

GM lover · 01-24-2008, 06:03 PM

I agree totally with Lutz about being second place and I am glad to see that Lutz said that $2500 cars are not new to the world because they have been done in China.

FenwickHockey65 · 01-24-2008, 06:05 PM

I don't care who's number 1. All I know is that I'll buy and drive GM forever.
Camry? Exciting? Never knew those two words fit in the same sentence.

igotzzoom · 01-24-2008, 06:30 PM

Call me a nut, but the upcoming car that excites me the most (considering I might actually be able to afford it!) is the Cobalt SS turbo sedan. I remember the (don't dare call it a Neon) SRT4. The Caliber SRT is a totally different vehicle than the old one. I'm thinking Chevy might actually get a lot of old SRT4 owners that are looking into getting something newer.

01-23-2008, 11:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
FenwickHockey65 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: West Chester, OH Drives: Chevrolet Malibu LS, GMC Envoy SLE, GMC Sonoma SLS Posts: 5,493	Re: GM would rather be strong No. 2 than weaker No. 1 While it's great to see GM as #1, I'd have to agree that quality products are more important. Right now, GM just needs to focus on producing the best cars possible, changing popular opinion, and the #1 position will follow. __________________ Proud to drive American. Proud to drive GM. Current Cars: 2007 Chevrolet Malibu LS: 2.2L ECOTEC I-4 2003 GMC Envoy SLE: 4.2L Vortec 4200 I-6 1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Ext. Cab: 4.3L Vortec 4300 V6 Former Cars: 1993 Saturn SW2 (1993-2006, 243,000 miles) 1989 GMC Safari SLT (1989-2003, 293,000 miles) Future Car: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT RS: 3.6L DI VVT V6

01-24-2008, 12:44 AM	#3 (permalink)
mikesright 3.6 Liter V6 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Des Moines, IA Drives: 2009 Mercury Mistress Posts: 1,100	Re: GM would rather be strong No. 2 than weaker No. 1 He's said that same thing for years. GM cares about the title, sure. But GM also knows that if they don't get their s### together that someday they'll be bankrupt, with no customers left, Toyota left sitting pretty with a shiny trophy in the corner to show off. __________________ 1,000 Posts, baby!

01-24-2008, 02:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
GMusa 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: U.S.A!!! Drives: 1998 Ford Taurus SE Posts: 1,932	Re: GM would rather be strong No. 2 than weaker No. 1 For me, it doesnt matter where GM stands.. rather its #1, #2 or even #3.. all that matters is that GM is putting out very good products and that they are selling well and that GM brings in profits!

01-24-2008, 05:41 PM	#10 (permalink)
PA Dweller 5.3 Liter LS4 V8 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Lords Valley, PA Posts: 3,580	Re: GM would rather be strong No. 2 than weaker No. 1 Making a profit is all that counts, that and a good product. People put too much emphasis on #1, 2, etc. I can live with #2 if it means a better product. __________________ *Optional: Possible but not necessary; left to personal choice.* MEANING YOU DON'T PAY FOR IT IF YOU DON'T WANT IT. SO GET OVER YOURSELF. Learn the definition.

01-24-2008, 06:03 PM	#11 (permalink)
GM lover 3.5 Liter V6 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Maryland Drives: 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Posts: 296	Re: GM would rather be strong No. 2 than weaker No. 1 I agree totally with Lutz about being second place and I am glad to see that Lutz said that $2500 cars are not new to the world because they have been done in China.

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01-24-2008, 06:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
FenwickHockey65 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: West Chester, OH Drives: Chevrolet Malibu LS, GMC Envoy SLE, GMC Sonoma SLS Posts: 5,493	Re: GM would rather be strong No. 2 than weaker No. 1 I don't care who's number 1. All I know is that I'll buy and drive GM forever. Camry? Exciting? Never knew those two words fit in the same sentence. __________________ Proud to drive American. Proud to drive GM. Current Cars: 2007 Chevrolet Malibu LS: 2.2L ECOTEC I-4 2003 GMC Envoy SLE: 4.2L Vortec 4200 I-6 1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Ext. Cab: 4.3L Vortec 4300 V6 Former Cars: 1993 Saturn SW2 (1993-2006, 243,000 miles) 1989 GMC Safari SLT (1989-2003, 293,000 miles) Future Car: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT RS: 3.6L DI VVT V6

01-24-2008, 06:30 PM	#13 (permalink)
igotzzoom 3.5 Liter V6 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Laguna Hills, CA Drives: 2003 Mazda Protege 5 Posts: 226	Re: GM would rather be strong No. 2 than weaker No. 1 Call me a nut, but the upcoming car that excites me the most (considering I might actually be able to afford it!) is the Cobalt SS turbo sedan. I remember the (don't dare call it a Neon) SRT4. The Caliber SRT is a totally different vehicle than the old one. I'm thinking Chevy might actually get a lot of old SRT4 owners that are looking into getting something newer.

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