We recently received the following vignette from a source exquisitely familiar with General Motors operations, and with a proven track record. Make of it what you will:
“There are those who feel the need to constantly rag on GM for lacking vehicles in certain classes or for missing discrete features in specific vehicles. To those I say that even the new GM is still hampered by pre-bankruptcy vehicle programs and vehicle lines, and that as soon as all of these pre-bk programs/vehicles are replaced with all-new units, everyone will finally be able to see the power of the all-new GM. Executives, or anyone else in the know, won’t come out and say it publicly, but they all know it.
Words can’t express how complex this industry is. No one seems to understand this until they’ve worked in it day in and day out for a few years and at a few positions. GM is fortunate to now have the book smart, the street smart and the drive to succeed and to dominate today.
The leadership team has already placed all of the stepping stones to make GM the undisputedly best automaker in the world. It will all come in the not too distant future, and it will all be very spontaneous (the other guys won’t know what hit them). You’re already beginning to see this with the new Corvette and you will see the plan unfold even further once the new trucks arrive.
But mark my words: GM will once again become the alpha of the automotive jungle, rather than the scapegoat.”
Again, make of this what you will. We can only imagine that the “lacking vehicles in certain classes” statement refers to the lack of a compact hatchback (Chevy Cruze hatch?) in the U.S., a compact performance vehicle (Cruze SS), exciting variants of GM’s new trucks (Ford F-150 Raptor competitor), or a 7-Series fighter from Cadillac (LTS?). And we can’t wait for the day in the “not too distant future” when GM becomes the undisputed leader of the car world. Simply can’t wait… can you?
Comments
I was thinking he meant a 7 Series fighter.
Or that. Added to the wish list 🙂
As a GM fan I hope all this will come true. As for being the “alpha” I don’t care what so ever if GM is #1 in sales. They were #1 for 77 years in a row, so I don’t care what anyother fan boys say when their brand is #1 in sales, because no other automaker will touch that record in my lifetime. GM has proven for almost 8 decades they can outsell everyone. I hope they become the alpha in all the things that makes a person feel good about waking up and driving their car. We have already seen this in vehicles like the ATS and I really do hope they keep hitting them out of the park. GM is an American icon and I hope they step to the plate and show people around the world what they are really capable of.
I absolutely love the bravado here. But one need to look no further than the volt ats and c7 that this statement goes beyond just bravado. GM has the chops and fhe technological prowess to not only compete……….but WIN!!
I think 2015-2016 will be big years for GM. Their portfolio will be full of impressive vehicles. I don’t care if they are ever able to claim the titles of most sales in the US or the world. That becomes a burden to push cars. Look at the first gen CTS, they took a huge chance with the styling, it was love it or hate it. And it worked out massively for Cadillac and as well all know became the essence of their Art and Science design language which has evolved into a sophisticated design of their own. When a company is grasping to be biggest, they make cars like the Corolla, a very “meh” car, you dont hate it but you dont love it, it doesnt offend people but it also doesnt excite, it sells to the masses because of this, it is a ‘safe’ design because it is a coma inducing design.
Doing something because you can is so, so much more admirable and satisfying than doing something because you have to, just so it is done.
I totally agree with you. Toyota sells more cars, but most of their models are “disposables”. It is similar to say that a certain paper company sells more paper than anyone, but most of that ‘paper’ is rolled on small cardboard tubes, and seen in restrooms. Their Scion line fulfills that “toilet paper” sales. One fender-bender and their cars are sent to the junkyards. Then the owner buys another. It is no wonder than Toyota cars last less on the roads than any other brand.
As a GM fan I sure hope the above is the future. I certainly love their confidence. I’d also love to see all the GM nay-sayers I know to have to zip their lips. But, time will tell.
The last few statemens andrew makes really speak to me… I think of GM vehicles that I love that to be honest most other manufacturers would not even touch… This is what draws me into GM, I remember when the Soldtice was presented OMG how I wanted one… This is what GM brings to the table, for years I have wanted a Fiero to store in a barn and drive periodicaly, still searching for the right one…
I was told let your actions do your talking. Talk is cheap. Put up or shut up. Walk quietly and carry a big stick. Open mouth and insert foot. Don’t remove all doubts of your ignorance. GM just broke All the rules of being the stud, U don’t have to tell about it. Be about it. I’ve been a GM man my entire life, other brands are moving up.
@Theo That’s why this was sent to us privately.
I remember when GM held 51% of the US market and now it’s at 17.9%. Unfortunately, the damage done to the company’s reputation will be extremely difficult to repair. Your perception is your reality. I have a bunch of worthless paper called GM common stock. It will be a long time before I can forgive the financial losses my family absorbed. I wish GM every success!
If you buy stock, that is your own choosing and responsibility. If I buy high risk and it flops, I can’t blame them, it was my choice to do so. You thought GM was a safe bet, but that can never be assumed in the market. Plus it was pretty clear in 2008 GM was in a bad way, you could have cut your losses and sold out. Again, that was your choosing not too.
You want a sure thing, buy GICs, or CDs as they are called in the US I believe.
And you did not hear me try to blame anyone. BTW, I sold nearly all my common in 2001. That doesn’t mean my family did. I’m glad to see the optimism expressed in this forum but I also remember sitting in the Chevy Engineering auditorium year after year hearing the same tired speeches by different executives telling me how it would take time to turn around a ship as big as GM. Meanwhile, the GM market share continued to decline…..and it still is!
It will take a little time for this to come true but I believe it will. Not because he said so but because I think they are going in the right direction. It is impossible to turn such a big ship in a year. I think are making the right incremental steps to getting back to where they once were. I am sad we lost the brands we did but they slimmed down, shaped up and are once again gaining momentum to get back to that #1 spot. I don’t care if they are ever #1 in sales again, as long as they keep putting out Vettes and other cars that test the boundaries and push the technologies in the industry, like the Volt. I always have been and always will be a Chevy Girl for life! 🙂
It’s more than just products if you want to win.
You are correct, but it all STARTS with great product!
Sounds a lot like Bob Lutz…
Speaking of a reputation…..
What about the millions of problem Toyota cars? Seems that has not hurt them all that much. So many people know so little about the car they drive nor do they care. If they did Toyota would be on the bottom.
Toyota takes over the lead in production and the next day you hear of another big recall.
I have always thought that Honda and Toyota are some of the most overrated brands in the world.
Decent cars but not any better then even the Kia cars today, maybe even worse. My friend runs a body shop and claims the new Kia line is very well built.
Myself I will stick by GM knowing they have some great cars coming out.
I cannot wait to se the new Corvette or Silverado/Sierra in person.