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Bob Lutz - Is he making the grade? - READ ONLY

674 messages,  Last post on Jan 16, 2013 at 8:12 PM

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Messages Page 65 of 68

#635 of 674 SATURN and CADILLAC are GM'S future by greenhornets

Apr 01, 2007 (10:01 pm)

Not to down play Chevrolet's "all things for all people" role at GM, Chevy will get more than it's share of much improved new product. But it will SATURN & CADILLAC that will return product credibility to GM and what remains of the domestic car business.
 
 Sad to say, PONTIAC may have passed it's point of relevance as a motor division and what ever product gaps might remain would easily be filled By Saturn and Chevy. Lutz's one great failure may have been his not recognizing that fact. The G6 did not fit the pontiac mold and Pontiac did'nt need a GTO, they needed a TRANS AM. if the G8 fails, Pontiac might follow OLDSMOBILE. I hope not. Perhaps the G8 and other RWD, high performance models can save Pontiac, we'll see.
 
The new CTS shows that cadillac's products are mellowing and maturing nicely. The new Opel influnced Saturn product are some of the most exciting and credible GM products in many a year. If you hav not driven that Saturn AURA XR, you are in for a shock and a real treat. I think it is the best mids-size car you can buy in the American market, period.
 
Then there is BUICK. Buick's newest products are really nice cars. Smooth riding, quiet, well made, solid, secure and I think, very good looking in a conservative manner. I have no ideas what to do with Buick but I belive they deserve attention to more clearly identify their place in the sun.
 
All in all, I believe Bob lutz deserves kudos for what he has wrought at GM and he should continue to serve where he is.

#636 of 674 Re: SATURN and CADILLAC are GM'S future [greenhornets] by rockylee

Apr 07, 2007 (12:39 am)

Replying to: greenhornets (Apr 01, 2007 10:01 pm)
I hope Lutz, on the kappa refresh's will tighten up the suspension to miata MX-5 specs.....
 
Rocky

#637 of 674 Re: SATURN and CADILLAC are GM'S future [rockylee] by 62vetteefp

Apr 07, 2007 (9:33 am)

Replying to: rockylee (Apr 07, 2007 12:39 am)
I hope he does not. Better handling, yes. but not the harsh ride.

#638 of 674 My take on Buicks future in the US: by carguy58

Apr 07, 2007 (2:39 pm)

Replying to: greenhornets (Apr 01, 2007 10:01 pm)
"Then there is BUICK. Buick's newest products are really nice cars. Smooth riding, quiet, well made, solid, secure and I think, very good looking in a conservative manner. I have no ideas what to do with Buick but I belive they deserve attention to more clearly identify their place in the sun."
 
I just don't know if Buick can stay alive in the US I mean alot of Buicks future will be told will on how the Enclave sells. NOw, I know GM has 6,000 pre-orders for the Enclave but how will the Enclave sell in the long run once supply meets demand of this vehicle? See the trouble I have with Buick is are they gonna only 3 sell models(Enclave, LaCrosee, and Lucrene) and is that gonna be it or does Gm have more product/vehicles coming out for Buick after the Enclave? If GM is only gonna have 3 models for Buick to sell than Buick is gonna have a tough hill to climb(sales wise)to be a player in the US.
 
"All in all, I believe Bob lutz deserves kudos for what he has wrought at GM and he should continue to serve where he is."
 
I agree.

#639 of 674 Re: SATURN and CADILLAC are GM'S future [62vetteefp] by rockylee

Apr 07, 2007 (3:37 pm)

Replying to: 62vetteefp (Apr 07, 2007 9:33 am)
Well I agree. Just would like to see some more interior and suspension refinement next go around.
 
Rocky

#640 of 674 Re: My take on Buicks future in the US: [carguy58] by 62vetteefp

Apr 07, 2007 (8:08 pm)

Replying to: carguy58 (Apr 07, 2007 2:39 pm)
Buick will become more of a lower volume niche player. They are able to do this profitably by combining at the GMC/Pontiac/Buick dealership.

#641 of 674 Re: My take on Buicks future in the US: [62vetteefp] by rockylee

Apr 08, 2007 (1:33 am)

Replying to: 62vetteefp (Apr 07, 2007 8:08 pm)
I don't think will shrink as much as you might think. I think the transition period we are looking at from FWD to RWD will have a negative affect at first but when Buick, gets all their ducks lined up they could return back to normal and sell in higher volumes. Of course those volumes won't be as high as they were in the past but they will be more profitable per unit IMHO if a wrench isn't thrown into the plans.
 
Rocky

#642 of 674 Re: My take on Buicks future in the US: [rockylee] by 62vetteefp

Apr 08, 2007 (5:53 am)

Replying to: rockylee (Apr 08, 2007 1:33 am)
What RWD? Ok maybe the Lucerne because there is no longer a large FWD platform but the Enclave and LaCrosse will remain FWD (hey, just like Lexus) and I also believe volume of the three main models will go up but never hit the huge volumes of the past. BUT still profitable.

#643 of 674 Re: My take on Buicks future in the US: [62vetteefp] by rockylee

Apr 08, 2007 (5:55 am)

Replying to: 62vetteefp (Apr 08, 2007 5:53 am)
Mr. 62vetteefp, you are forgetting about the RWD 2010' Buick Velite Sedan also
 
Rocky

#644 of 674 Re: My take on Buicks future in the US: [rockylee] by justsomeguy311

Apr 08, 2007 (6:01 am)

Replying to: rockylee (Apr 08, 2007 5:55 am)
Is the Velite official? I usre hope so as it is gorgeous, but have they confirmed?

Messages Page 65 of 68

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