Lutz to be new chairman of Opel

[BigThreeForever]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Well, the man's not getting any younger.
It would behoove GM to get a succession plan in place, with the core concepts of product design as espoused by Lutz, intact.

GM might need Lutz. But GM needs to learn how to be without Lutz.

Excellently put.

This is a matter which causes me some concern.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by nsap

They don't? Why was the LaCrosse, next-generation Malibu, Cruze, and next Aveo all partially engineered in Russelsheim?

And they make up what... 5% of the global lineup?

That's simply not enough. Partially designed? Epslion and Delta were Opel constructs in the first place.

If anything, Opel should take over all of GM global engineering.

Simply pointing out a handful of cars and saying "GM does do it," is exactly the reason GM is in the mess it's in.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

And they make up what... 5% of the global lineup?

That's simply not enough. Partially designed? Epslion and Delta were Opel constructs in the first place.

If anything, Opel should take over all of GM global engineering.

Simply pointing out a handful of cars and saying "GM does do it," is exactly the reason GM is in the mess it's in.

What do the vehicles I listed have in common? Oh, they are recently-launched or have not launched. Opel is the CENTER of all car engineering from now on. It started with the global product lines (E2 and D2). Gamma II will be following suit.

Epsilon II and Delta II were both almost exclusively designed by Opel. NA and Asia had input only so that the platform met world-wide needs. The same variant of Epsilon II and Delta II Opel uses...everyone is going to use.

[ColinOpseth]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

What needs to happen is Opel's automotive mentality and approach to designing, engineering, and building cars has to filter to the US.
Opel knows its engineering is better.
That's why they stuck to their version of Epsilon, compared to the stripped down US version.

If an American mentality infects Opel, I'm afraid, they're going to flounder.

I hate to say it because I've disagreed with you dozens of times but you're totally correct. The Germans have a fine-tuned sense of what they should and shouldn't build. I think they're doing a fine job and would like to see some more intellect and passion on this side of the pond.

[jmlee0695]

Horrible news if this means leaving marketing.

[stormwatcher]

Originally Posted by megeebee

Bob Lutz, as great a person as he is, will not live forever. None of us will. It's my opinion that people (especially HERE) have to get over this man-crush, cult-of-personality that has developed around Mr. L.

I don't see it as a cult at all. People intuitively respond to Lutz because they know he is truly passionate about cars. And lord knows, GM needed someone like that in top management.

Originally Posted by megeebee

He's not the only seasoned, intelligent, and capable executive in the world.

No, but most of the seasoned, intelligent and capable auto executives are already working for the competition. Replacing Lutz with someone who is passionate about cars and inspires confidence in GM's fans is critical.

So who will replace the role that Lutz currently holds? So far I can't see anyone.

[Chaz_23]

According to Bloomberg "Lutz will be interim chairman of the supervisory board" of Opel.
That makes more sense.
What happened to Carl-Peter Forster anyways. Remember when he was supposedly a candidate to replace Wagoner?

[jalberda]

This is such a weak move. GM does not have capable managers left to fill the postion in Europe, apart from Bob Lutz? He has done some good things, especially at GM, but come on. The guy is 77!
How will GM manage all the hard work that's still before them? There is nothing new about New GM. Same old structure, same old people. The company needs some fresh blood, otherwise they will be in trouble again, sooner or later.

And about the whole German engineering versus American engineering and differing price points: Ford will introduce the hew Focus and Fiesta soon, both in Europe and NA. Ford seems to be able to pull it off. GM can't?

[jalberda]

Originally Posted by Chaz_23

According to Bloomberg "Lutz will be interim chairman of the supervisory board" of Opel.
That makes more sense.
What happened to Carl-Peter Forster anyways. Remember when he was supposedly a candidate to replace Wagoner?

Forster hitched his wagon to Magna's a while ago. It makes sense he quits now. It was widely expected in Europe, after GMs recent flip-flop.

[eaton53]

Originally Posted by ColinOpseth

I hate to say it because I've disagreed with you dozens of times but you're totally correct. The Germans have a fine-tuned sense of what they should and shouldn't build. I think they're doing a fine job and would like to see some more intellect and passion on this side of the pond.

And that sense is expensive, overcomplicated crap.
Works as a Buick, where you can get the money for it.
Try to sell it as a Chevy or Saturn and it is a miserable, overpriced fail.

Bob's the chairman and the board only meets 3 or 4 times a year. It's not a day to day job for him.

[steve333]

Originally Posted by jalberda

This is such a weak move. GM does not have capable managers left to fill the postion in Europe, apart from Bob Lutz? He has done some good things, especially at GM, but come on. The guy is 77!
How will GM manage all the hard work that's still before them? There is nothing new about New GM. Same old structure, same old people. The company needs some fresh blood, otherwise they will be in trouble again, sooner or later.

And about the whole German engineering versus American engineering and differing price points: Ford will introduce the hew Focus and Fiesta soon, both in Europe and NA. Ford seems to be able to pull it off. GM can't?

GM is incompetent.
Is Ford changing the Focus name even though the next car will be light years better than the current version?
Is the Cruze (should be Cobalt) going to be as good as the next Focus?
Is the next Aveo going to be as good as the Fiesta?

[eaton53]

Originally Posted by steve333

GM is incompetent.
Is Ford changing the Focus name even though the next car will be light years better than the current version?
Is the Cruze (should be Cobalt) going to be as good as the next Focus?
Is the next Aveo going to be as good as the Fiesta?

Well, if they ever get here we'll know... maybe in 2011.
They're as bad as GM for putting stuff out there way ahead. I saw the Verve two years ago and it's still a ways away.

As long as the Fords and Chevys are better than the Corolla/Yaris (now there's a low set bar) I'm cool with 'em.

[SAngelo]

Originally Posted by nsap

What do the vehicles I listed have in common? Oh, they are recently-launched or have not launched. Opel is the CENTER of all car engineering from now on. It started with the global product lines (E2 and D2). Gamma II will be following suit.

Epsilon II and Delta II were both almost exclusively designed by Opel. NA and Asia had input only so that the platform met world-wide needs. The same variant of Epsilon II and Delta II Opel uses...everyone is going to use.

I think Opel also had input in the Engineering of Sigma (CTS and STS) as well. Folks, this is why the Malibu, Lacrosse, CTS etc drive so well. Its because they are simply german engineered.

[throwback]

I haven't read all of the posts but to me losing CPF is a major blow. I always felt that guy would be Lutz's successor. I'm sure someone will snap him up.

[A.J.]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

If an American mentality infects Opel, I'm afraid, they're going to flounder.

On the contrary - maybe Lutz can find a way to properly bring an Opel-like state of mind to GM North America.