Comments on Frédéric Boulanger's Journal: So is Jobs going to go run GM and build an iCar?

Having chatted with some folks that work in an adv...

2008-11-18T13:54:00.000-05:00

Having chatted with some folks that work in an advanced product dev lab at GM, I realized that one of the issues is not that GM is not innovating, is that their product lead times are so long. There's lots of innovation going on inside GM, but it's taking years to see the light of day. The new Camaro is shaping up to be an amazing car, but they are too late to the muscle car party - 5 years after the successful Mustang and 2 years after the Challenger. The Volt is exactly what GM needs right now, but they are running to catch-up with Toyota.

Having grown up around Motor City Canada (Oshawa), I sure hope GM pulls through. I don't agree with Friedman's idea that a bailout needs to come with new management - I think Lutz is the right guy for the job and is changing the culture for the better. I do think that the best case scenario for GM is that they come out this leaner, meaner, and faster.

I agree, GM, Ford and all the rest created bigger ...

2008-11-18T12:30:00.000-05:00

I agree, GM, Ford and all the rest created bigger and better SUVs and trucks because that is what the customer wanted.

I remember in the 2006 federal election in Canada, pollesters were telling us that the environment was the biggest concern for the electorate. Too bad the electorate were buying trucks and SUVs like gangbusters.

No one predicted that oil would raise so far so fast, and when people were paying 1.30 a litre, they stopped buying big vehicles. Now gas is back below 80 cents a litre, I am curious what will happen to truck and SUV sales once again.

It is easy to see why innovation was focused on the trucks and SUVs, the trucks and SUVs were their most profitable line of vehicles for the North American manufacturers. People were buying SUVs for personal transportation or instead of "manhood destroying minivans" for taking the kids to soccer practice.

There are only 3 N.A. models of minivans right now, and yes, I destroyed my manhood with a Dodge Minivan. :)

I agree with you Adam, and this is in fact what Fr...

2008-11-14T02:14:00.000-05:00

I agree with you Adam, and this is in fact what Friedman is suggesting to. Your write up is on the money.

Odd as your proposition sounds, that's just what i...

2008-11-13T17:07:00.000-05:00

Odd as your proposition sounds, that's just what is needed. New management willing to break out of the Lock-in that keeps the auto companies losing money. Read more at http://www.thephoenixprinciple.com