Interested in listening to what two of GM's biggest big cheeses have to say? If so check out the following Charlie Rose videos of Rick Wagoner and Bob Lutz. Both videos are about an hour long, and as is always the case, they are both quite enlightening thanks to Rose's interviewing expertise.
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Two wild and crazy guys.
The Volt will be between $35-40K? It seems like GM would have taken an alternative route and made a more inexpensive car as it would make it much more attainable for consumers. OTOH the car should be pretty impressive as its seems GM has thrown everything at that project.
Rick mentioned some things about sustainable profitability and success, shouldnt that have been a goal from the start?
It seems as if GM wasted a lot of cash on something(?)while the penny pinchers hurt product development and reputation over the last 20-30 years. I remember an interview with a former GM product planner (now with Honda) and he spoke of the rediculous amount of cash GM spent on Colorado/Canyon R@D compared to the Ridgeline. Before you say the Ridge was built off an existing (but serioulsy) modified platform he explained that this wansnt the area where GM threw MILLIONS of dollars at these trucks yet came to the marktet with an inferior product vs Ridgeline.
Instead of trying to be larger than Ford, GM should have kept the cash they wasted on failing companies like Saab (for example) and revamped their own product lines. Same could be said for Ford as the American mentality of "bigger is better" just doesnt work anymore as times, needs and the MARKET have changed significantly.
GM should have forseen a significant product/market shift or at least have been better prepared for one. Better manufacturing flexibility should be important for any manufacturer. Its almost as if GM set themselves up for failure.
I really really commend GM for trying to reinvent themselves and producing more competitive, higher quality products but at the same time I feel they shot themselves in the foot. Contrary to what A LOT of people think the Union and all its baggage isnt the only or main reason why the company is in its current position. Bad management, rediculous, careless, irresponsible spending and poorly executed products (not current prodcuts) are probably the main reasons for GMs current position. It sees as if GM has some really good current and future stratigies but they will have to learn and better understand the market.