Previous
Lutz Gives an Insider's Take on GM's Brands (Visit this link)
Robert A. Lutz, GM's charismatic vice-chairman of product development, doesn't know the meaning of "no comment" — one of the reasons he's so popular with auto journalists, who are fed everything the companies want them to say about the positive aspects of their cars, but often get stonewalled when questions turn to less-flattering subjects. This is not the Lutz way: very few companies have as blunt a corporate leader willing to provide a small window into the inner workings of the company. Although he couldn't, or wouldn't, specify when Hummer, Saab, Pontiac and Saturn might be sold, cut back greatly or folded, he spoke candidly on why he felt these brands just weren't working. Saturn was almost the exact opposite [of Hummer], with highly regarded vehicles and a modern earth-friendly vehicle fleet, but it couldn't muster up enough sales or recognition from its 400 or so North American dealers to make it work, said GM's product czar, who has presided over many Saturn debuts over the past three years. "We certainly spent the money on Saturn products," lamented Lutz, noting that the Sky roadster, which made its debut for 2006, is the oldest vehicle in that brand's lineup. Although no timing was set, it's clear that Lutz wants something done sooner rather than later. "It's got to be soon, because we have to get rid of things that aren't paying for themselves."
Visit this Link for the Full Story.