Video: Bob Lutz Talks About What Social Media Has Done For GM
If you think Bob Lutz doesn't pay attention to what people are saying about GM, think again. The GM Vice Chairman recently sat down with FastCompany.tv and went on record for seventeen minutes about social media and what the new age form of communication has done to change the conversation between consumers, manufacturers and the media. Of course, Lutz became one of the first automotive executives to ever pen his own blog; GM's "Fast Lane Blog" has become a must read for those inside the automotive industry and out.
For those who thought Lutz actually sits down at his terminal and types his blogs into his Fast Lane site himself, think again. In the video he talks about his process--that he usually comes up with a topic, types it up and sends it within the company (one would expect this is within GM's own communications network), and those recipients provide a bit of feedback before it's posted for the public. While this isn't a surprise, it likely crushes the dream that many a blogger had of Lutz typing away on his Apple Macbook from a Detroit coffeeshop (or maybe that's just us who imagined him sipping a bottomless cup of joe and writing blog entries into the wee hours). Still, even with the pass-through, Lutz says that with the Fast Lane Blog, he can "vent (his) frustrations."
An important part of the interview centers around the "global warming controversy" that erupted some weeks back when Lutz when on record as saying that Toyota's hybrids “make no economic sense
Comments
Ducati Minor
I disagree with Lutz, but he should have stuck to his guns instead of caving into pressure like a politician. Did anyone see Ted Turner on The Charlie Rose Show? The high-class eco-crowd is made up of morons. With minds like that, the President looks like a genius. On the matter of hybrids and diesels, Lutz makes good points. There is a premium on both diesel fuel and vehicles, and those premiums are getting higher. Hybrid technology, though improving, is complex and not yet economical.
Like I said, I disagree with Lutz (on some matters). The mild-hybrid vehicles GM has rolled out have gotten better and deserve more credit than they have received from the press, but they still fail to make "financial sense" to the consumer. For all the complexity of a dual-powertrain, he's put so much money into placing exceptional ones into trucks. This doesn't make any sense, as I don't expect many farmers and contractors to spend another $20,000 for a 20 mpg pickup.
I feel GM has taken notice and acknowledged its mistakes. It went about its business without batting an eye to buyers for many years. The company made the mistakes of letting the family sedan and the minivan fall into the lap of the Japanese. The brands became too homogenized. It never took the small car seriously. It gave up on adding sports cars to the list after the Fiero and Reatta disasters. It angered its loyal following by killing off iconic nameplates. The General made risky ventures in styling (Aztek), imports (GTO), and appeal (SSR).
Things have changed. Cadillac has mounted a real turnaround. Pontiac has carving its performance niche again. Saturn is serving as the interesting Euro station for GM in America. The Malibu and the Aura have served as good-looking cars and real-world competitors to Japan's top sedans. The van is falling out of favor, and GM is pushing into the crossover movement hard. The GTO may haven been a failure, but the G8's refinement of variety (in sedan, pickup, and possibly coupe guises) looks like its working. The Solstice and Sky have served as striking and reasonable alternatives to the aging Miata in the roadster scene. And GM isn't given up on fresh technology, actively pursuing new avenues of alternative fuels and engineering.
I shouldn't forget the Camaro, too. Funny that GM would look like an interesting company once again.
Mena
Excellent write-up Ducati!!! GM has made a lot mistakes but seems serious in getting back on track. They're actually making good products now and the future products look to be even better.
The Stig
I second that Ducati - excellent analysis. I for one am very impressed with Cadillac's turnaround. As a young professional, I wouldn't be ashamed to drive a new CTS or even new STS. That's in stark contast to Lincoln which has been content to slap Lincoln badging on Ford and looks to be continuing to do so. I hope GM really has learned from the past and continue making improvements.
dante
Yeah, I never thought I'd ever look at a Saturn, but the next generation Astra will definitely earn a test drive.
mo
i didn't have time to go through all that ..... maybe later.
Ducati Minor
I caught three grammatical errors in that last paragraph. I was running out of steam by then. It's rare that I have a spurt of intellect.
I usually like to speak like mo--very low-brow and like a thirty-year-old living at home still without a girlfriend.
I still love you mo, but stop sending me those pictures of yourself over a toilet.
mo
wow minor easy on me man. 30 yrs old .... i am still 22. without a girlfriend ..... nuh.
but com'on, don't you like my pictures.... admit it ;) don't sell these pics to playgirl alright. or if you do i want my share.
ok let's stop, it is turning gay.
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