mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

Bob Lutz: GM Can Master Any Technology, Detroit Is Underestimated In Future Mobility

General Motors may not be as shiny or sexy as Silicon Valley-based automaker Tesla, but it continues to prove many wrong with new technology and investments. Bob Lutz, a former GM executive, once again reiterated that “dumb old Detroit” is being underestimated.

Lutz, an outspoken critic of Tesla, appeared on CNBC’s “Squawk Alley” as GM share prices continue to rally on Wall Street. Most recently, GM announced a major commitment to electrifying its vehicle lineup in the coming years and rolled out its Super Cruise technology on the 2018 Cadillac CT6. Lutz says both of these factors show GM, and Detroit automakers, aren’t lagging behind.

“General Motors is an extremely competent company, as is Ford,” Lutz said. “General Motors has demonstrated they can master any technology they set their mind to,” he added, referencing Super Cruise and GM’s track record for electrified cars.

“I have been saying this repeatedly for years, but it always fell on deaf ears, because it was ‘dumb old Detroit’ versus ‘smart modern Silicon Valley.’ And in the real world, that just isn’t true.”

GM’s near-future plans include two new battery-electric cars in the next 18 months, and 20 new all-electric vehicles will arrive by 2023. One of these cars is likely a Bolt EV-based Buick electric car with more premium appointments.

Former GM Authority staff writer.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. As long as GM continues to buyout tech companies with the technical vision and doesn’t try and integrate them too much into GM culture,… sure Bob.

    Reply
    1. Bob spent, oh, 40 years or more in the global auto industry. You, sitting at home trolling on the Internet as some armchair quarterback?

      Just sayin’…

      Reply
      1. Yes he has ‘historic’ experience.

        You don’t know what industry or business experience I have, mate. Cool your jets.

        By the way how many of those Caddie Sixteen when Bob was GM VP are on the road again? Yeah, a market Nostradamus.

        Reply
        1. The Sixteen was a concept so obviously there are none on the roads. If you meant to ask why the Sixteen didn’t turn into a $100,000 sedan for Cadillac, it’s because the brand wasn’t capable of playing in that space at that time. Every auto maker creates concepts that are far beyond what they can currently support, either from a technical or financial perspective. That’s why they are concepts.

          Reply
        2. Bob has been and is a solid product guy.

          But as I am if you really understand the auto industry and GM that when Bob got there they were out of money, With that you also know that the Sixteen was just to drive excitement at Cadillac as they were just worried about people buying the CTS to pay the bills.

          You also would understand that Lutz was pushing th3 Volt, Fuel Cell and EV product development as soon as he walked in the door. Much of what we have today is rooted in the start of his programs.

          The real thing Lutz delivered to GM was the start of the culture change we have been seeing since 08.

          He started cleaning house and Mark and a Mary have continued it. But since you have experience you know that too.

          Sorry but you really show a lack of understanding of where a GM was, what Lutz had to work with or did not have to work with.

          Finally you need to learn about the difference from fantasy and reality as there was never a plan for a production 16 and no one ever promised one.

          Reply
  2. I am a relatively new GM employee that came from a Silicon Valley company. I think Lutz is right on the money with this. I can tell you that I have plenty of co-workers that are very smart AND know how to get things done.

    Reply
    1. Congratulations on your new job ;)!

      Reply
  3. The way forward in the auto industry is to convince investors they are tech companies and not just automakers.

    GM has been investing in technology and trying to sell this plan but the reactions have been limited.

    Now with the push with Cadillacs new systems and the announcement of the 23 a EV models it has stirred Wall St. Stocks are up and investment funds are now recommending buy.

    The next key is to start delivering these models and grow them into a profitable segment.

    GM is not going to be all electric and all autonomous for a hood while but they will be leaders in the industry.

    GM will continue to invest in technology and watch as they will diverse this tech even into non automotive areas. They will be able to sell technology to other industries and even other MFG that can’t do it all themselves.

    GM used to be like this as they used to own Frigidaire, they were into aerospace, they built train engines etc. They already are sharing fuel cell tech with Honda. They are doing nearly all the work on the Transmissions they share with a Ford.

    A look at the computer industry and cell phones except for a couple companies like Apple it is the suppliers like Intel that are were most of the money is.

    GM will become a very diverse and dynamic company and the stock will reflect it as they grow.

    The time is coming just selling cars is not going to be enough.

    While some tech companies looked into getting into the auto industry it is not that easy. Mechanical engineering and plant investment takes a lot. But adding tech to a automaker is a little easier.

    I would not be surprised if GM may even create joint efforts with some of the silicone valley.

    Imagine the stock prices with Apple and GM or even one othe the other tech giants would be.

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel