It's like he took the words right out of my mouth. I'm so glad that GM execs are finally saying the right things and seem to really get this "brand" thing and the potential they had under thier noses all along (Buick and Pontiac especially). I'm not so keen on what he says about Hummer and Saab, which is basically nothing at all. Their are plenty of ingenious things to do with both, and how about this for a basic truth: don't bring something out that doesn't totally fit the brand, don't waste the money and time on a product that is just a rehash or that will kill the brand value. Hummer needs to look like big pyramids, big fortresses, big stone edifices that are indestructible, big and imposing. That's what they need to stay like. I've been seeing quite a few H3s around and while they are nice cars, I am convinced they are not what Hummer needs to be. Hummer shouldn't chase volume, they should chase Rover, only be extreme. Large, in your face, as they are already, just build on it. Make a shortened H2, or a different version of the H3 that weighs as much as the H3 for economy reasons but with taller styling. Make it a big brick building. That's really what brands are all about, i know Honda gets it, and so does BMW, and so does MB. They understand what their brand means to people and they will only release products that fulfill those missions.
Okay that rant is over, this was a very good read and good to hear.