Watching GM trying to recover is like watching a wounded animal trying to struggle to its feet. One minute, it looks like it's going to make it. The next, oh damn!, it's down again.
And in these interesting times, we get to watch the whole drama narrated in real time by Bob Lutz.
Tonight, Bob's feeling like this big beast might just make it to cover, where it could actually get a chance to heal. That's because both sales and press reviews are looking up. Something called autoextremist.com gushed over the new Corvette, putting Bob on quite a high. I invite you to follow that link to see why. Well, here's a sample of what Lutz himself called, "provocative" writing:
Detroit - I've got news for the auto industry "experts" on Wall Street who believe they have a handle on what will pull GM out of its quagmire. Hint? You don't have a clue. It won't be the Rick Wagoners and the Fritz Hendersons of the world. It won't be some unexpected jolt of common sense received by the UAW, or a sudden infusion of light and clear thinking in Washington, D.C., either. No, GM's future lies with its True Believers, the men and women who actually go to work each and every day with one mission in mind - to design, build and produce the best vehicle they can possibly muster. These are the people who don't concern themselves with the waffling winds blowing in from Wall Street, or the doom and gloom prognosticators who seem to be hanging around every corner gas station around town here. No, they let their creativity do the talking, because it's much easier to express themselves that way. And Exhibit No. 1 of their creative efforts?
The sensational Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
Wow. Bob couldn't have written it better himself.
Never mind.
The news on the sales front is just as good. Here's Bob:
In addition to the stellar reviews, our sales are beginning to reflect that car buyers may be getting the message and seeing the results of our efforts. Despite the recent rise in fuel prices and against industry trends, GM had an encouraging story for April with our increase in truck sales. This was driven by the strong performance of the all-new full-size sport utility vehicles and our full-size pickups.
Never missing a chance to tout the good news, but always striving to maintain a measure of credibility, Lutz says:
Rest assured -- we know there’s plenty of road still to cover, and we won’t let up on our efforts. Believe me: it only gets better from here! More and better executed cars and trucks, with expressive design and super interiors, developed with a segment-winning mindset, and each with a strong and singular brand mission.
So, unlike his previous cries of foul, and more recent frustrations by his colleagues, Bob's feeling like GM's now getting a fair shake. At least, this week.
This animal's still wounded, maybe mortally, but nobody can doubt that its survival instinct is still strong.
Tabs: GM Fastlane Blog Bob Lutz
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