[agman25]

From GM Fastlane
http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2008/05/invicta_a_produ.html

In the big picture, to me, Invicta is symbolic of the progress we continue to make revamping GM Global Product Development and rolling out our global architecture programs. The next generation LaCrosse will share an architecture with other midsize sedans from Chevrolet, Saab, Opel/Vauxhall and others. But the key to the whole thing is … it will be very hard to tell they share the same parentage if you didn’t already know.

This is not “badge engineering.” And it goes beyond “common platforms.” This is taking the parts of the vehicle that the customer doesn’t see or come in contact with and commonizing them — and then investing the savings in the sheet metal and the interiors and the other factors that differentiate the vehicles from brand to brand. Dimensions can change, such as length and width and cowl height. Suspensions can be vastly different, changing the character and behavior of the vehicle, depending on brand. It’s all plug and play, with markedly different cars coming from the same Lego set. (Eds. Note: No real Lego pieces are used.)

 

[MCGARRETT]

Does this mean that it will be called Invicta when it reaches production?

 

[Ambalanche]

It's just a shame GM didn't start doing this 20 years ago. Then they wouldn't be in the mess they're in now!

 

[BPGTim]

love it

 

[Kennyboy]

Blah, blah, blah. Action speaks louder then words. Let's see the results first before coming to a conclusion.

 

[K-1]

It's just a shame GM didn't start doing this 20 years ago. Then they wouldn't be in the mess they're in now!

Yeah, it's too bad Lutz wasn't around 20 years ago to kick some bean-counter ass.

 

[megeebee]

Does this mean that it will be called Invicta when it reaches production?

"It shows where Buick design is headed, both in China and in North America, and gives you a strong hint at what the next generation LaCrosse might look like."

Looking at this, I'd say not.

 

[zete]

It's just a shame GM didn't start doing this 20 years ago. Then they wouldn't be in the mess they're in now!

The problem is that 20 years ago there simply weren't that many folks at GM worrying about the future. It truly took a crisis to get GM to move and for the union to move. 20 years ago they were happily selling cars and felt invulnerable as #1. They weren't reading the data they saw, some were, most weren't.

That's changed.

Hopefully the change sticks.

 

[IROCNROL1]

The problem is that 20 years ago there simply weren't that many folks at GM worrying about the future. It truly took a crisis to get GM to move and for the union to move. 20 years ago they were happily selling cars and felt invulnerable as #1. They weren't reading the data they saw, some were, most weren't.

That's changed.

Hopefully the change sticks.

How true. Talk about arrogance on the part of both management and labor. I got to the point where I was embarrassed saying "Wait till next year". I find it incredible that it's taken so long. Hopefully, it's not too late.

 

[mikmak]

So what's the differenc to what they were doing before? ie between Lacrosse, GP etc. Where they really that similar?

+ where does that leave the G8, Astra, Kalos/Barina/Aveo; does Bob consider that badge engineering? :

 

[377Z]

Blah, blah, blah. Action speaks louder then words. Let's see the results first before coming to a conclusion.

Exactly.

 

[Bggriffi]

So what's the differenc to what they were doing before? ie between Lacrosse, GP etc. Where they really that similar?

+ where does that leave the G8, Astra, Kalos/Barina/Aveo; does Bob consider that badge engineering? :

Opel and Holden are not sold here, so their Saturn and Pontiac counterparts looking the same are not really an issue (but technically you're right).

 

[Chaz_23]

Reads like a summary of every other Lutz/Wagoner speech from the last 5 years. At least he didn't say "leveraging our global resources" which is code for develop and build anywhere but in the US.

 

[Rick_VT]

The problem is that 20 years ago there simply weren't that many folks at GM worrying about the future. It truly took a crisis to get GM to move and for the union to move. 20 years ago they were happily selling cars and felt invulnerable as #1. They weren't reading the data they saw, some were, most weren't.

That's changed.

Hopefully the change sticks.

And i bet if someone was reading the data and told the bosses it they were told to sit down and shutup

 

[johnny smallblock]

GM's moving in the right direction. Each brand just needs a little more kick, for example:

Chevy
Bring back the Astro van and it's 190hp V6 that got 15mpg

Pontiac
To compete with the BMW X6, bring back the Aztek...but call it the Firebird.

GMC
A version of the Astro, a version of the G8ST, a version of the Torrent, and a version of the H3T will make it it's own brand

Buick
Bring back the GNX, the Grand National, the Bobcat, the Electra the Skylark, and anything made in China. Then, finally, Buickman will shut up.

Cadillac
In a sluggish economy, with wallets closing around the world, now is the time for the ULS.

Saab
Ready the 9-5's MCEs for model year 2027. Do absolutely nothing else!

Saturn
Make a family sedan that goes 0-60 in 3 seconds, seats 7, and gets 100mpg. Price it at $19,000. You'll sell 12 a year.

In case you didn't know.../sarcasm

 

[PontiacBixler]

GM has been doing this for a number of years already. That's how there was a Pontiac version of the Geo Tracker but it was only sold in Canada.

The only difference now is that most of the NA GM vehicles are designed and made over seas FIRST instead of vice versa.

It's all the same story, just locations have changed.

And yes, I actually do think that Pontiac/GM gave up too quickly on the Aztek.
If GM would have put some money into it and actually made it sporty looking and handle like a dream, it would have been the gold standard for all CUV's today. Mazda got it, BMW gets it, Porsche/VW have a clue.... but where is GM? No where to be found in that market. If Pontiac would have taken the Rageous concept and blended it with the Chevy Borrego concept and called that an Aztek you would have seen one mean looking SUV/CUV.

 

[EldoFan]

It's just a shame GM didn't start doing this 20 years ago. Then they wouldn't be in the mess they're in now!

I would give my kidney to see a episode of MTV's 'Celebrity Deathmatch' featuring Bob Lutz vs. Roger Smith!

 

[CharlotteFirebird]

Reads like a summary of every other Lutz/Wagoner speech from the last 5 years. At least he didn't say "leveraging our global resources" which is code for develop and build anywhere but in the US.

So true....

 

[fastball]

GM has been doing this for a number of years already. That's how there was a Pontiac version of the Geo Tracker but it was only sold in Canada.

The only difference now is that most of the NA GM vehicles are designed and made over seas FIRST instead of vice versa.

It's all the same story, just locations have changed.

And yes, I actually do think that Pontiac/GM gave up too quickly on the Aztek.
If GM would have put some money into it and actually made it sporty looking and handle like a dream, it would have been the gold standard for all CUV's today. Mazda got it, BMW gets it, Porsche/VW have a clue.... but where is GM? No where to be found in that market. If Pontiac would have taken the Rageous concept and blended it with the Chevy Borrego concept and called that an Aztek you would have seen one mean looking SUV/CUV.

Well, it really wasn't too long ago when the only thing differentiating a Pontiac Grand Prix and a Buick Regal was the logo on the grille. Both made on the same line with approx. 85% of the parts of each car completely interchangeable.

It was really bad in the 80s...... you could go to a couple of junk yards and build your own Buontiacmobile quite easily.

 

[vam29]

Seems like 1963 all over again for Buick!