Lutz open to someone ‘better’ to lead GM.
Lutz open to someone ‘better’ to lead GM.
Earlier this week, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz dismissed calls for GM CEO Richard Wagoner to resign as a condition that the auto maker receive federal aid. He should not be made a “sacrificial lamb,” Lutz said, adding, “He is without doubt the best CEO I’ve ever worked for.” Last night on CNN, however, Lutz expressed openness to the possibility that GM find someone “better” to run the company:
LUTZ: My phrase is, “if you can find a better management team to run this company or the other big two or the other Detroit two, by all means, put them in.” I mean, everyone wants to serve the shareholders. If they can come up with somebody better, that’s fine.
Watch it:
Indeed, many have called on Wagoner to resign, including Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT). President-elect Obama has also made the suggestion that he should go. But now that Lutz — who is a prominent global warming denier — could also be on the chopping block, perhaps he wants to bring someone down with him.
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LUTZ: My phrase is, “if you can find a better management team to run this company or the other big two or the other Detroit two, by all means, put them in.”
Here are three guys who can do better.
December 10th, 2008 at 12:26 pmPeople like Wagoner and Lutz have already proven that they have zero ability to run a car company in the 21st Century. It’s high time all these science-denying dinosaurs became extinct.
December 10th, 2008 at 12:27 pmMY MOTHER IS SHOPPING FOR A NEW CAR…..I WAS HAPPY TO TURN HER AWAY FROM A GM PRODUCT….AND THE MAIN REASON? LUTZ.
December 10th, 2008 at 12:40 pmShoeless said it all…lol. Testers poo poo the new Chev. ‘VOLT’…then Lutz says it’s the greatest car ever. The days of BURN MORE GAS/OIL are sooooo over.
December 10th, 2008 at 12:47 pmFor any new re-engineering project it is important to nip it in the bud by firing the entire management team and bringing in a new team ready to hit the road running. That is the only way to overcome the stuck in the mud thinking that has taken them on a ride to the bottom.
December 10th, 2008 at 12:49 pmWhen Republicans talk about restructuring, it has nothing to do with management. They are talking about laying off union workers.
December 10th, 2008 at 12:53 pmBen, TP – could you please add a “related posts” tag to this thread?
i’d like to send it to someone who needs to read more about this.
thanks!
December 10th, 2008 at 1:07 pmOh boy, I can hear it now:
George Bush press conference, “First let me tell you that I’ve thought long and hard as to who would be the best fit as the new car czar and I found someone with a long history of turning a profit during financial hardships. Dick Cheney’s new position marks a shining moment in the restructuring of the automotive industry and his experience in energy policy is unmatched. Also I want to add that as his first action as the new car czar, a appointed lifetime position, Mr. Cheney has decided that I will be the new chairman of GM. As you all know by now, I have an extensive background in business and was the first ceo President. Together we will bring General Motors into the 20th Century! Thank you….no questions.”
December 10th, 2008 at 1:28 pm…and Cheney could continue to drive from the back seat.
December 10th, 2008 at 1:37 pm“Turn right at the next corner, stupid… not that way, the other right!”
What’s Brownie doing these days? He would do a heckuva a job as Car Czar!
December 10th, 2008 at 1:37 pm“Lutz expressed openness to the possibility that GM find someone “better” to run the company…”
Ya think?? I am sorry, but Lutz should have absolutely no say in the matter — except to decide what type of box he gets to put his stuff in when he leaves.
December 10th, 2008 at 1:41 pmKids from a junior achievement project could manage GM better.
December 10th, 2008 at 2:37 pmCome to think of it, maybe they should turn it over to junior achievement, could save a lot of money.
” I mean, everyone wants to serve the shareholders. If they can come up with somebody better, that’s fine.
Serve the shareholders not the consumer That is why they have failed. I sold all my GM stock last year. I knew they were being dumb. They really need to pay dearly for this bailout.
December 10th, 2008 at 3:04 pmBail out is only for the workers not the CEO’s who had only the $tockholders (Their own) interests in mind.
Sad.
The Burghers of Calais…
December 10th, 2008 at 3:33 pmWow– do you actually have to be completely ignorant about the auto industry to post on TP? Guess I better turn in my progressive credentials.
Bob Lutz is probably the single best product executive in the industry. He’s responsible for revolutionizing the Cadillac lineup, cars like the CTS (C&D 10Best), the C5 & C6 Corvettes (C&D 10 Best), and putting an end to Pontiac’s garish styling.
Maybe he’s an idiot when it comes to the environment, but the man is very, very good at his job.
December 10th, 2008 at 6:21 pmc726034,
Actually, most of the so-called “progressives” are simply dolts and don’t know much about ANY topic they post on, including the auto industry. No offense intended.
Anyway, I just cringe every time I hear a politician make a statement about the big three. These empty suits in Washington are actually a big part of the problem and their short-sighted meddling has brought on all manner of economic woes!
One of the biggest reasons Detroit automakers are in so much trouble is the lack of a coherent, sustainable energy policy in our country! I am a free-market advocate so I’m not talking about regulating it to death. I’m talking about having government policies that protect our access to energy and provide stability over time! The use of oil is NOT BAD. Our economy depends upon it and it’s dangerous when politicians think they can steer the free market in a direction of their liking.
December 10th, 2008 at 8:48 pmI’m amazed at the lack knowledge on the auto industry.
GM has made many mistakes over the years, but at this point they have a vehicle that can compete with anybody, in every segment except the minivan & light hybrid segments… ya that’s 2 mistakes but there are a several excellent vehicles made by them at this point, which is a long ways from their performance 10 years ago.
And Lutz is responsible for every one of them.
A group of exec’s decide what vehicles to build for various segments, then he has input in making them world class products. If they decided to do a minivan, he would have made it excellent.
Lutz’s comment is kind of a joke, because the auto industry is very complicated, you can’t just pull somebody in from the outside there are very few candidates to be that punching bag… after Alan Mulally there may be none left.
December 10th, 2008 at 9:00 pmpeak economy,
You are so right and it makes me sick to my stomach to think of politicians attempting to run the automobile industry! A disaster is the only possible outcome.
For example, the empty suits in Washington think the automakers should be making a different mix of vehicles, more of one kind and less of another. Guess what? They left out one key constituency – the buying public.
I for one will NEVER buy a dinky little hybrid no matter how high gasoline is taxed or priced.
December 10th, 2008 at 9:35 pmRoger Penske should lead GM.
December 10th, 2008 at 10:13 pm