The always-charismatic Bob Lutz recently used a very colorful example to describe the shortcomings in the mind set of the “Old General Motors” by bringing up something then-Cadillac boss Jim Roche did back in the late ’60’s. But it wasn’t something like turning a blind eye, embezzlement, or poor management. Instead, it had everything to do with a Christmas card. You’re probably scratching you head, but his example works.
After many revisions, the original piece that was a humble painting of a boy with a sled in the snow walking up to a simple cabin on a hill changed into a Cadillac driving up a snow-covered driveway to a mansion.
The point of the story? Lutz showed in detail what “embodied the charisma-challenged nitpicking” that plagued GM during the postwar era. To read the full story, visit The Wall Street Journal.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Comments
I’ve read Bob’s book and it is a MUST READ for anyone interested in the auto business. It is a damning critique of the takeover of GM by the “best and brightest” MBA-types and cost accountants. The “go with your gut” car guy decision makers had been beaten into submission by power point presentations and over analysis of consumers and the market. Great ideas were systematically killed in favor of crap product like the Aztek or the Cobalt. Too many “focus groups.”
His book is a fast read and worth the purchase price.
While not discussed in Bob’s book, Mercedes took its huge downfall and brand dilution when Jurgen Schrempp took the helm in the mid-1990s and the cost accountants took over where the engineers used to rule. Quality down, electrical problems, dramatic expansion into new market niches, cheap interiors, inline 6 too expensive so only V6 engines, etc. Only now is Mercedes recovering from the attack of the bean counters.
I’m gonna get this book shortly for sure. Bob Lutz is the real big man!
I have read both of Bob’s books and find them very interesting. I have requested my school of Product Development try to get Bob to do a speaking session. I would love to talk to the man in person. He is one man the Design community can learn from. I am nit into the 10X30 crowd. PS…No relation.