[LeSabre]

Source:http://www.autoextremist.com/on-the-table1/

George Fisher. Publisher's Note: Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that George Fisher, the most vocal of the GM board members, reinforced his support of CEO Rick Wagoner and defended the board's actions in a phone interview with the media saying the board is "informed and very involved" in the auto maker's efforts to stem losses and turn around its North American operations. This after the company's staggering $15.5 billion second-quarter loss. Fisher offered up this gem as reported by the WSJ: "This is not just a passive board sitting by. It is a very experienced group of people who have run or been involved in complex organizations." Mr. Fisher, you have got to be kidding me. You have the unmitigated gall to sit there and defend yourself and the board - after you collectively sat on your asses and watched GM's downward spiral accelerate over the last eight years - and insist that you're not passive? Pathetic is the only word that comes to mind. The GM board of directors is the most embarrassing, do-nothing group of corporate has-beens ever assembled. They have repeatedly and consistently shirked their responsibility over the years while sitting around cheerily back-slapping and glad-handing each other chanting "it won't be long now" waiting for yet another turnaround to take hold as one of the iconic corporations in American history crumbled around them. Any other company in any other industry would have found a way to broom these stumblebums for gross negligence and dereliction of duty long ago. And the fact that this guy feels it's his duty to actually defend their inactions and inadequacies at this juncture is flat-out insulting and borderline incomprehensible. Well, Mr. Fisher, you might have gotten a free pass in the old-school media days, but let this be a warning to you: Autoextremist.com will make sure the world knows how utterly incompetent and ridiculous you and your cronies on the GM board truly are. It's the least we can do as you and your "experienced" fellow board members continue to ride a once-shining beacon of American enterprise right into the ground. - PMD

I cannot help but agree. Aside from Wagoner, the Board of GM needs to go too. Probably every single one of them.:yup:
Hopefully replaced by common sensed, hard working people that have good heads on their shoulders & who care about GM & its future.
The current Board of GM are a bunch of assclowns & jackholes who don't give a **** if GM makes it through this crisis that they(Ford & Chrysler) are in & nor GM's future!




.

 

[HoosierRon]

Can't imagine that Buickman will be showing up here...

 

[fp115]

Yet another "columnist" who thinks they know more than what is going on within the company.

 

[63GrandSport001]

Yet another "columnist" who thinks they know more than what is going on within the company.

After so many years of the same thing I think we can figure out that its not that complicated whats going on inside of GM.................

 

[jkennedy293]

Wow, this guy is going to have a stroke if he doesn't speak up, and express how he really feels.

 

[fp115]

After so many years of the same thing I think we can figure out that its not that complicated whats going on inside of GM.................

So everyone says but it clearly is not the case when you see it on the other side. I have yet to see any sort of article go on to write suggestions on what is wrong and how to change it. Rather all you see are rants about people who think no one is doing their jobs and always looking on the bright side.

 

[mgescuro]

Wow, this guy is going to have a stroke if he doesn't speak up, and express how he really feels.

:laugh: YEaaah... this guy makes me sound like a teddy bear.

 

[T-Type]

So everyone says but it clearly is not the case when you see it on the other side. I have yet to see any sort of article go on to write suggestions on what is wrong and how to change it. Rather all you see are rants about people who think no one is doing their jobs and always looking on the bright side.

So what's it like on the other side?

 

[mgescuro]

After so many years of the same thing I think we can figure out that its not that complicated whats going on inside of GM.................

It isn't that complicated to figure out what is really going on at GM.
They're very transparent in their dealings and doings.
In fact, they're so transparent, that a 1st year B-school student can figure out what they're doing wrong.

GM operates under the belief that whatever they do is the "correct" way to do it. They believe that the product mix they have is the most appropriate one for GM, given the current market conditions. They also believe that GM has the greatest influence in the marketplace today. They also believe that what they do and they products they have puts GM in a strong position for the future because it says so on a spreadsheet.

The problem is GM just hasn't stepped outside of their little box and see how the world really operates and see how the world really perceives GM.

 

[EldoFan]

It isn't that complicated to figure out what is really going on at GM.
They're very transparent in their dealings and doings.
In fact, they're so transparent, that a 1st year B-school student can figure out what they're doing wrong.

GM operates under the belief that whatever they do is the "correct" way to do it. They believe that the product mix they have is the most appropriate one for GM, given the current market conditions. They also believe that GM has the greatest influence in the marketplace today. They also believe that what they do and they products they have puts GM in a strong position for the future because it says so on a spreadsheet.

The problem is GM just hasn't stepped outside of their little box and see how the world really operates and see how the world really perceives GM.

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

 

[likearock00]

We need some news here ASAP. These last few weeks have been nothing more than a ribbing session on Rick and the BOD. It's getting old.

 

[fp115]

It isn't that complicated to figure out what is really going on at GM.
They're very transparent in their dealings and doings.
In fact, they're so transparent, that a 1st year B-school student can figure out what they're doing wrong.

GM operates under the belief that whatever they do is the "correct" way to do it. They believe that the product mix they have is the most appropriate one for GM, given the current market conditions. They also believe that GM has the greatest influence in the marketplace today. They also believe that what they do and they products they have puts GM in a strong position for the future because it says so on a spreadsheet.

The problem is GM just hasn't stepped outside of their little box and see how the world really operates and see how the world really perceives GM.

If that were the case then how is it that Bob Lutz has said the complete opposite to that on several occasions and even during the show "Saving GM".

 

[fp115]

So what's it like on the other side?

There are reasons why most of the things don't make it to the hands of the media. It will make GM lose their future competitive advantage.

I think for the most part I can sum it up with a previous post:

GM employees know exactly what is happening within the company. Management is there to keep us informed on day-to-day basis, we get communications on daily basis about what is going on with the company, what we should do to help and we are also asked to put all what the media has to say behind and continue to do what we do best. GM employees know of troubles, they know all the facts, they know about our company performance and they also know what to expect in the immediate, near and far future.

Automotive enthusiasts find it hard to follow GM at this point, last week in a good discussion we looked at many of the rumours that have been raised. Of those we addressed several and others were so far fetched that they haven't been bothered with. My advice is to simply go with official GM press releases, rumours such as the Cadillac getting no more vehicles, next Gen Aura canceled, no future plans on triplets,.. are NOT GM official, focus on those announcements rather.

Yes the company is going through very tough times, projects were not properly handled and there have been errors. If there was a way to quite frankly filter through all that and continue to be agressive through till the majority of the savings takes place it would be great, but in the meantime its more of a sit and wait game. The design centres have wonderful vehicles in them, many of which no one know about. I am not going to try to change your mind but I am simply going to say to keep an open mind while hearing rumours and you will not be so disappointed.

 

[mgescuro]

If that were the case then how is it that Bob Lutz has said the complete opposite to that on several occasions and even during the show "Saving GM".

Bob Lutz also focused on CTS, Malibu, and Enclave.

How about he focus on what he did to STS?
How about he focus on his decision to move forward with G5.
How about he focus on his decision to move forward with Torrent?
How about he focus on his decision to leave Impala as is?
How about he focus on his decision to come out with Lucerne and Lacrosse?
How about he focus on the GTO and launching G8 without the proper technologies?
How about he focus on how he was able to get Kappa out the door in 18 months, but every single other car is coming in at 24-36+ months?
How about he focus on the fact that although he speaks of "combining" Saturn and Opel, Saturn has yet to get real Opel products, aside from Astra and VUE?
How about he focus on the fact that Camaro is very late to market?

You want to talk about Lutz? Don't just focus on the 3 great cars that he's managed to push out the door. Given the length of his tenure at GM, he's got a whole lot of screw ups.
Also, given his reputation, I expected a lot more than the nonsense GM has gotten from him. I expected class leading products from day 1. I did not expect a gradual transition from crap to somewhat competitive cars.

Lutz might push for great designs and giving the designers more free reign. But when that same basic design in a Buick, appears in a Saturn, a Chevy, and a Pontiac... it's no longer a great design. It's a xerox of a great design. A derivative of what could have been.

It has also become obvious that what Lutz wrote in his book, he does not practice. For example, that entire chapter of "not listening to your customer."

He's been there at GM for 8 years.
He has managed for **** up Cadillac. He's put Saturn in a tailspin. Buick's a great brand -- in China -- and if it wasn't for the Chinese pushing and pulling hard for Buick, GM would never have launched Buick there in the first place. (They didn't mention that tidbit on CNBC, did they?)

GM's entire leadership team needs to be replaced -- and this includes the entire Board of Directors.
I never would have been able to fathom such a do nothing Board and leadership team, content to accept the company's results. But GM's got that one nailed.

 

[t-rex]

Bob Lutz also focused on CTS, Malibu, and Enclave.

How about he focus on what he did to STS?
How about he focus on his decision to move forward with G5.
How about he focus on his decision to move forward with Torrent?
How about he focus on his decision to leave Impala as is?
How about he focus on his decision to come out with Lucerne and Lacrosse?
How about he focus on the GTO and launching G8 without the proper technologies?
How about he focus on how he was able to get Kappa out the door in 18 months, but every single other car is coming in at 24-36+ months?
How about he focus on the fact that although he speaks of "combining" Saturn and Opel, Saturn has yet to get real Opel products, aside from Astra and VUE?
How about he focus on the fact that Camaro is very late to market?

You want to talk about Lutz? Don't just focus on the 3 great cars that he's managed to push out the door. Given the length of his tenure at GM, he's got a whole lot of screw ups.
Also, given his reputation, I expected a lot more than the nonsense GM has gotten from him. I expected class leading products from day 1. I did not expect a gradual transition from crap to somewhat competitive cars.

Lutz might push for great designs and giving the designers more free reign. But when that same basic design in a Buick, appears in a Saturn, a Chevy, and a Pontiac... it's no longer a great design. It's a xerox of a great design. A derivative of what could have been.

It has also become obvious that what Lutz wrote in his book, he does not practice. For example, that entire chapter of "not listening to your customer."

He's been there at GM for 8 years.
He has managed for **** up Cadillac. He's put Saturn in a tailspin. Buick's a great brand -- in China -- and if it wasn't for the Chinese pushing and pulling hard for Buick, GM would never have launched Buick there in the first place. (They didn't mention that tidbit on CNBC, did they?)

GM's entire leadership team needs to be replaced -- and this includes the entire Board of Directors.
I never would have been able to fathom such a do nothing Board and leadership team, content to accept the company's results. But GM's got that one nailed.

I'm wondering if Lutz is being hampered by the rest of management.

Lutz completely overhauled Chrysler's lineup in three model years. Eight years at GM and we have the CTS and Malibu to show for it.

And the "Saving GM" piece was fluff journalism from Hell. Nothing screams "world's best" louder than the most hideously tasteless and vulgar car ever made (59 Caddy) and some NASCAR hillbilly. Once again, GM's finger isn't on the pulse of America, it's rested firmly and solely on the pulse of the Midwest working class.

GM fans apparently think it's some huge breakthrough because Lutz mentions that GM finally acknowledges, after a century, that competition exists. Step one of about a million, Bob.

 

[mbukukanyau]

Its great to be a Journalist.
You critisize everyone about their jobs, while you are not even an expert in the matter. All you need to know is how to be in lock step with your fellow journalist critics and you are assured of fame.

 

[fp115]

Bob Lutz also focused on CTS, Malibu, and Enclave.

You forgot Cruze, Volt, Triplets, and several other vehicles which will be announced soon.

How about he focus on what he did to STS?

You will find out more information eventually.

How about he focus on his decision to move forward with G5.

The G5 has been in Canada for several years now, the move to the US was due to complaining dealerships. ("Why does Chevy get such and such car and we don't get anything?")

How about he focus on his decision to move forward with Torrent?

Same as above with dealerships.

How about he focus on his decision to leave Impala as is?

Original plans killed due to CAFE and rising energy costs. Current assessment of the market and full size cars are underway, more information should come out of this in the upcoming months.

How about he focus on his decision to come out with Lucerne and Lacrosse?

Whats wrong with those cars? The Invicta is coming soon too.

How about he focus on the GTO and launching G8 without the proper technologies?

I see nothing wrong with either cars. I tried the pre-production G8 several months ago and loved it. I didn't see anything I needed to be missing at all. The GTO I never really drove and from owners I know say they love their cars.

How about he focus on how he was able to get Kappa out the door in 18 months, but every single other car is coming in at 24-36+ months?

Again, which car has taken 24-36 months? Other than the Volt for which the technology is being developed as we speak for the car, no cars have exceeded the 12-18 month mark for concept to production.

How about he focus on the fact that although he speaks of "combining" Saturn and Opel, Saturn has yet to get real Opel products, aside from Astra and VUE?

So of the Saturn brand 2 cars; Sky and Outlook are not derived from Opel, what is your point? Seems you haven't noticed the rise in sales either?

How about he focus on the fact that Camaro is very late to market?

Again showing your arrogance towards laws, contracts set forth by the Government of Canada and Quebec as well as the CAW. If it weren't for those the Camaro may have been out much sooner.

Lutz might push for great designs and giving the designers more free reign. But when that same basic design in a Buick, appears in a Saturn, a Chevy, and a Pontiac... it's no longer a great design. It's a xerox of a great design. A derivative of what could have been.

Of all upcoming cars and ones that have been released in the past 2 years, name some that are "badge engineered". I know you will attempt to push the Lambdas, however no two are alike, by the team they finish cutting them down you will not be able to tell the difference between the models.

He's been there at GM for 8 years.
He has managed for **** up Cadillac. He's put Saturn in a tailspin. Buick's a great brand -- in China -- and if it wasn't for the Chinese pushing and pulling hard for Buick, GM would never have launched Buick there in the first place. (They didn't mention that tidbit on CNBC, did they?)

That sounds more of an opinion than anything else. Cadillac is on track for success from what I have seen, Saturn is now a wonderful brand selling much more than it has before. Buick is also getting some great products, the Chinese products look good but not enough to come to North America. Buick's decision does not come from the Chinese but is one of Rick's risks towards testing out the market. The assessment was done correctly, the Chinese love larger vehicles a lot more than presumed, but also love interior luxury and gadgets. GM has more potential in China to address technologies that can't even be launched in North America because the market is simple and the government is willing to work with companies without the need to spend millions and even billions on lobbying.

GM's entire leadership team needs to be replaced -- and this includes the entire Board of Directors.
I never would have been able to fathom such a do nothing Board and leadership team, content to accept the company's results. But GM's got that one nailed.

Who exactly have you seen on the board accept such results. Of all the meetings, broadcasts,... no one expressed that they accept the company's results. if they did accept them then why have changes been introduced, why are so many employees losing their jobs, why are all retirees over 65 losing their pension. Certainly not because GM is accepting the loss.

Of all these points there were less than credible facts and most were based on your opinion. I have yet to even see any sort of solution coming from you or any of the other overly critical members on this board. Complaining is easy, offering solutions and alternatives on the other hand is hard. Everyone here thinks they can run the company without a problem but have yet to prove it.

 

[t-rex]

Its great to be a Journalist.
You critisize everyone about their jobs, while you are not even an expert in the matter. All you need to know is how to be in lock step with your fellow journalist critics and you are assured of fame.

Well if it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck...

 

[t-rex]

They lost $15 BILLION in a SINGLE QUARTER!


Put your pom-poms down, fp115...

 

[Bvonscott]

Autoextremist's opinions are pretty, well, extreme. I think the board is doing a decent job, but can certainly make some improvements. They don't suck as bad as this guy makes them out.