FUTURE_OF_GM

BINGO!!! He nailed it!! And that's why GM and Ford will receive NO help... In fact, if anything I expect the imports get an even WARMER welcome and be touted as our saviour of labor. WOW!!! What a GREAT article!!!! Finally, someone with a clear take on reality... What more can I say??? GM and Ford lost the big $$$ and now, not surprisingly in america, no one cares if they exist or not. And add to that the anti-domestic spiel that is being beaten into more and more heads everyday and we have ourselves a situation for the end of an era. At least we can still collect classic american cars.

Ford's new marketing campaign is excellent and FAR, FAR better than most of what GM has come up with... The fact tht Ford takes it's proud American heritage seriously is NOT "flag wrapping" and the fact that they ocassionally think to remind an ever a.d.d infested public that they STILL contribute greatly to this country is NOTHING to kick dirt on.... In fact I think GM would be well served to do the same... Hell, it'd even be nice if GM had publicly acknowledged a theme, mission, or some sort of other description to even let us know WHAT exactly the company is and stands for. 'bout damn time..... Now lets see some cut-throat tactics aimed at the aisians and stop this STUPID, tired and irrelevant feud between these two companies. It's "us" verses "them" not "us" verses "us" I'll believe it when I see it. And at one time or another all of those have been to blame.... INCLUDING the cynics--the media, which is more often than not. Someone should underline this about 9 times and dump about 50,000 copies on the GM renaissance Center....Seriously! I think you're wrong. AND: 1) No one in the media gives a damn, so why are you wasting your breath? If they did then your sales would reflect it instead of the MYTHS that they perpetuate. 2) Maybe if you, the corporation actually INFORMED the consumer of any of this it ***MIGHT*** make a difference. But until then, it'll be the best kept (sometimes deliberately) secret in the industry and in america. CASE IN POINT: Oh what's that I hear?!?!?!?!?! The proliferation of the imports are built here propaganda????? Why, yes it is. "alleged"......Funny....

Ok, first of all it's not his place to say this... No $h! captain obvious?!?!?!? And it's all thanks to YOU and self loathing americans Not anymore... The new symbol of the united states is aparently "we serve everyone else to the detrement of ourselves" Think again.... The government will do NOTHING for GM.. Hell, they won't even hold foreign firms to fair labor and trading practices, what makes him think that the government will bail GM out?!?!?!?! If anything, they'll make GM beg and then everyone in America will ridicule them like they did with Chrysler. Which leads me to point number 2: Do you actually think most americans will stand for government intervention?????? Most of america doesn't give 2 $h!s about the survival of GM, or Ford, or any american business for that matter. And combined with the HUUUUUUGE anti-GM/anti-domestic media blitzkrieg it would create and the fact that everyone is SO SOLD on this *AWESOME* global economy I would predict NO help from the government... It would cost them too many votes (Which is the only reason they do anything anyway these days) This statement just serves to reinforce how asian business mentality works... They say comforting words to your face while they're twisting the knife in your back... And that's exactly what he is doing. The ONLY reason he was quoted as saying this is to further dismantle an american consumer backlash against Toyota or Japan Inc. in general (Not that that would actually happen with the biased media ALREADY working overtime to save Japan Inc.'s ass by spreading the "They employee.... and They invest.... and This car is really made in... And this is the future of our industry" Even Foreign Car and Import Driver WORKED it into their sedan comparison last month... In fact NEVER has the "New transplant" propaganda been so apparent in ALL of the "journalists" write ups. It's not as if he (Okuda) actually cares and it's not as if america actually takes pride in itself or it's industry, ESPECIALLY those "rust belt, ignorant, car building dinosaurs" A dead GM=a bigger Toyota, and appartently automotive liberation for us all; end of story. Make it happen... That's the goal. Damned american companies!!! Always downsizing!!!! My dollars will go to a company that actually invests in America, like Toyota---Typical media informed consumer. Yet another "No kidding Sherlock?" statement. And they wonder why this guy does such a good job, he's a genius, or has a lot of money

But it is: IRRATIONAL because: The savings do not justify the investment... Just like driving 10 miles to get gas $.10 cheaper doesn't justify the savings Or irrational because we pay $1.05 for 20 ounces of non treated, bottled water, yet we can't pay $.80 more for a GALLON of refined and distilled gasoline? ECONOMICALLY UNSOUND because: We live in a CONSUMER driven, OIL BASED economy.... You want to see our economy crash??? Start screwing with the oil supply or wildy altering it's prices. I know, Lutz went out on a limb with this one... I'm merely saying that it can be argued.

[quote]The public's perception about what a company does is more important than the actual attributes of the vehicle. Whether hybrids make economic sense is irrelevant.[/quote] Thank GOD GM finally recognizes this.... PERCEPTION is REALITY! Especially in a country where fact no longer matters, EVEN in news reporting. Having a hybrid is considered "cool" because the public has been told that it is cool by hollywood and the media. The scientific and monetary aspect of it makes no difference. For example: My Levi jeans last a lot longer and are more cost effective than my Hilfiger jeans... Yet the Hilfiger jeans are held in higher regard simply because that is the way the opinion makers portray the situation. [quote]That it's an old person's car is a notion that's constantly reinforced by the media. Breaking though that is very tough[/quote] EXACTLY and it'll be the sword that slays the division too, well it and articles like this that connotate negativity and phase out with the division. It's not just words that turn us off of a peticular product, it's also tone and insinuation. This interview is insinuating that Buick and Pontiac are in horrible shape and that no one buys these cars, or at least no one with a clue. Therefore you'll come away from the interview with an even more negative perception of the divisions and avoid them more. Case in point: this quote by razoredge: [quote]Some very disturbing implications there for Buick and Pontiac but mainly Buick. Ive been suspicious but everytime I turn around something or some comment backs me up. I think they are wrong about Buick and will be letting something slide away that they should not.[/quote] By just reading this article he has come off with negativity surrounding Buick and Pontiac... Now, if he didn't know the reality of the situation, he might be inclined to avoid the divisions altogether. [quote]It's easier to grow a brand like Saturn.[/quote] Because the media hasn't had enough time to cognitively condition the consumer that it is bad. Same goes for Hummer, although they've tried with both (Especially with Hummer for the past 2 years--probably to cool off the success it had) [quote]I still see that happening. Pontiac is supposed to be the sporty division, but Chevrolet has the Corvette and seven SS cars. Pontiac only has Solstice and GTO.[/quote] At first this pissed me off.... But then I thought about it and I agree.. Pontiac needs to take the steps to move EVEN HIGHER on the performance ladder to differentiate itself... In essence, they need to move closer to BMW. [quote]You can only fix a brand over a long period of time.[/quote] EXACTLY! Which is why the Oldsmobile revival failed.... You can't completely transform a division in 3 years and expect the public to forget the past 75. Another example is Cadillac.... Outstanding, dynamic product but still not where it should be image-wise. [quote]The other thing that can break though negativism about a brand is design. It's the most important frontier.[/quote] Pontiac=Solstice and Buick=Enclave.... It's a good start! [quote]The Economist published a picture of a grave with Chrysler on it, saying "Rest in Peace[/quote] Which shows you exactly what The Economist thinks of detroit and american industry in general.... And sheds some light on why they published the article "What's good for Toyota is good for the Economy" in which they told us to "be good little consumers and buy the best product you can" Eventhough what we're told is the best product by these very same biased sources ISN'T most of the time. Basically; "Cut your throat while you're gasping for air" [quote]Are you guys going to get out of this mess?[/quote] This is the media playing cat with the mouse.... They all know the answer, as do we.

THAT, my friends, is GOSPEL!!!! The ipod is "cool" because the opinion makers told us that it is cool and no matter what happens from here on out (The damn things could start blowing up in peoples hands) it's success is sealed and the mitigation of it's failures will continue. No matter how useless or crappy ipods really are, our consumption driven culture has bought into them because the "trend setters" told them to and the rest is history. The same goes for a Toyota or a Honda or Abercrombie or a Maytag.... Until the opinion makers (mass media and those we aspire to) decide that they like GM and Ford (Which will not be anytime soon for whatever reason or axe to grind) GM and Ford will continue to die. It's as simple as that. People do not make LOGICAL purchasing decisions anymore, we're too spoiled for that (Seriously, who REALLY needs a 1000 song micro player when a $15 CD player does the same thing?) And even if that were the case, being logic prevailed, the opinion makers have that covered to with their testimonial based (Psychologists will tell you to NEVER trust testimonials as a basis of fact) studies to prove that the "trendy" Toyota purchase is also "logical" Oh, and everyone remember: In the words of media types (The opinion makers) on this very site; it doesn't matter what GM does for the economy or the country, we shouldn't factor that into our decision to buy a vehicle no matter what. Toyota will help us all by employing 500 of the 25,000 laid off GM employees to take our money overseas when we buy their "Made in America" product!!! The "opinion makers" aren't about to give GM or Ford a chance anytime soon, in fact they're already trying to elevate the next wave of imports, the koreans, above the domestics. All in favor of that great global economy??? GM and Ford have been FAR too honest for FAR too long regarding all "sportsmanship" aspects of this business and it's high time they stop setting themselves up. Especially in the land of losers in which those neighbors reside. And how pray tell, did this image get BESTOWED onto GM???? OH yeah!!!! I forgot!!! the "LEFT" doesn't support 'the man' or 'big business' and GM represents BOTH, therefore they are predisposed to 'teach them a lesson' by choosing not to contribute to the success and freedom that they themselves so covet and thus buy asian from the honest, caring Japanese thiefs...errr...I mean... businesses. I guess that's what it means to be "educated" and "enlightened"

No I wasn't referring to you and come to think of it, maybe I am a little bit weird Anyway, I was actually talking about "those who went down to sit in it" which were probably the same people who have glorified everything imported for the past 10 years; the journalists.

WOW... That is ugly..... The concept was at least bearable..... Jesus man..... One cool thing I like though is the side trim... How it is made into the side of the vehicle. I see A LOT of Highlander in the rear.... What makes the design SOOOOO bad IMO is the HUGE "bottom lip" front bumper and horrible a-symetric turn signals.

At first I was very turned off by it... But then I saw it in a lighter color and it really grew on me... It's not really my cup-o-tea but it is stylish and fresh. It should add some much needed youth and sales to the Lincoln division, I think, like the Fusion/Milan/Zephyr, the Edge/MKX will be a hit.

I just don't see what's so appealing about it.... Honestly... Maybe it's just too middle of the road for me... I mean, it isn't all that stylish (typical for Toyota/Lexus) It isn't all that refined looking (Same attention to detail as any other car in this class, or perhaps maybe even less) It'll probably have "quality" but then again, what car doesn't these days? Then I guess there's the image associated with Lexus (Which to many people, including me, is a negative thing, NOT a positive thing) It doesn't have any soul (Heritage and aura) The power is there but it's not revolutionary by any means. The transmission is a wild card, I'll give it that. I guess the "L" is pretty shiney, I dunno.... (Okay, I'm just funnin' here) It's a nice car and it'll be a success just like anything else with an "L" or "T" on it. But it's not all that and a box of dark chocolate, (My favorite ) to me at least.

I think it's nice... But for some reason I'm turned off of it. I think I'm turned off because it ISN'T blatantly a Lincoln. But, since I'm privey to the heritage associated with that name and most people are not (THINK: averge acura buyers) and it means nothing to them, then that's probably a GOOD thing. It's impressive... Especially from a division that everyone thought Ford had sold out.... But, it's just not a Lincoln to me. That said it's still very appealing!

I do have to agree here.... The interior is nice.

It always helps if your posts contain a point or general idea. Maybe then I could reply. I know.

Looks like a Prius from the rear, and Ion from the side and a Fusion from the front.... As usual, just like all asian offerings, it is derivative and uninspired... They take failed portions of other designs and origami them into a somewhat cohesive set up, then the compliments pile on. I think the OLD Sentra is more attractive. Good luck with the CVT..... I wish GM hadn't abandoned that idea. (As usual they were way ahead of the times, criticized for that innovation, and now will lag upon it's cancellation)

I've been saying for weeks that the Civic would beat out the Solstice... I mean, after all, it has that oh so coveted chrome "H" on the hood that the media just can't resist bowing down to. The days in which domestics received fair coverage and consideration in THIS country are long gone... Now it's just a battle of who can become the most blatantly biased and get away with it in the eyes of an increasingly coachable public and co-erced public. In other words.... It's no suprise to me that the Civic won car of the year. The media swooned over the worthless Ridgeline for a year and for sure will do the same with this car. It, like the Ridgeline, is nothing special, nothing really stylish, and not all that enriched with quality. What it does offer however is an outlet for image-concious, bland, over the hill, anti-domestic and anti-american 'journalists' to croon and make something of nothing for personnal vindication and gratification at the expense of all the rest of us. Therefore, like the prom king or the star athelete it will be written about and talked about until everyone buys into the myth that it is better and the popular stay popular while the truely innovative, the INDIVIDUALS of the class, continue to fall out of favor simply because everyone is too blind to see the truth. Have a nice night.

That's not really a bad thing though..... As popular as the current 'slade is.. If I were buying a new Escalade, this would be it! The EXT rocks!

I think it's awesome.... Looks and all. Of course, I'm a fan of lowered vehicles. And I like how the new grille picks up the influence of the SEMA vehicles of this past year. Overall, a compelling effort! I think it'll do well!

I think it's gorgeous! Much better looking than the short wheelbase version. Still not as sharp as the EXT though :)

BUT OF COURSE!!!! Consider the source! "Don't buy Ford! Buy Toyota!!! They're plastics are softer!"

Can't wait to here Dan Neil say "And it has 8 gears that's twice as much innovation as your typical GM car for those of you who are keeping score" I think it's Lexus ugly, Toyota bland and yuppie soul less.... Much like most asian offerings.

Well.... All I can say is WOW!!!! If this is a glimpse of what the future at GM holds then I'm almost teary eyed. GM got this one right! And I mean spot on!!! Everything is excellent!!! If America & the media wont embrace this then GM might as well call it quits. But I am a little scared about that "concept" word. The G6 was a concept that turned sour for production and the GP G-Force was supposed to be 80-90% production and we see how far that got. But I think they nailed it this time! Wow!! GM. I'm proud enough to conquer the world right now!

2 words: BAD ASS Both in concept and execution!

WOW! That's pretty cool!!! Initial reaction: I like it a lot more than I thought I would!

Looks like they cheaped it on a few details... (DAMN YOU FORD!!! Just like GM: you get a homerun, then milk it and cheapen it for all it's worth) And what's up with the HUGE badging... Is it the 70's all over again?!?!?! Anyway... It's still Mustang cool and should be a blast to drive. I'm sure they'll sell every one they make. Is it just me or do those wheels look tiny? Maybe the design or something (I haven't read the specs yet to see what size they actually are)

Not that it'll matter much... Espesically once the media convinces us otherwise. lol... Bland, bland, bland.... One of the very reasons I hate Toyota and one of their weakest points... The sad thing is: it sells. Cars with no style and no soul. Like plain oatmeal, cheap, ugly, bland and flavorless, yet adored by the masses for no particular reason at all. Or it could just be years or REALLY good REPETITVE P.R. that makes you think it's "beyond reproach." (No offense O.C.--You know I'm just picking for the fun of it.) Overall I think this will be a hit! If anything it's major downfall will be the profile of the vehicle. As awesome as that powerful V6 and up to date transmission sound... I'm sure they "aren't as smooth as (Insert sushi wagon here)" or "don't feel as nice as (Insert anime inspired vehicle here)"