Bob talks about the triplets over at FastLane
In the latest installment in the continuing series of videos being put out GM, the ever quotable "Maximum" Bob Lutz talks about the "Minimum" cars that Chevrolet showed as concepts at the New York Auto Show last April. The Chevy Groove, Beat and Trax are three design concepts off GM's next generation Global Subcompact Architecture. Lutz discusses why they were shown in New York, even though GM didn't have any plans to sell them hear. Just because they didn't have definite plans, it doesn't mean they won't change that at some point. Check out the video after the jump.
[Source: General Motors]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
F451 2:08PM (7/15/2007)
Yes, Bobble Head Bob, you speaketh with no sense at all. These are winning soultions for the USA as well. But, as usual, GM is always behind the 8 ball.
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Erik Ruggels 2:53PM (7/15/2007)
Because they're set in their nostalgic ways, and I'm firmly convinced, sure they don't really need to address the needs of the American public but rather that the American public needs to conform to their current passionless middle of the road vehicles (sans Saturn and it's european import lineup) as to prevent any substantial effort being exhaust in any way. Seriously, I've got no other method of rationalizing their actions - especially after Bob's comment the other time about the prius not making a profit in MKI guise, that's where I just stopped listening to the idiot who clearly (and the financial status of his company and declining sales would support this) doesn't have a clue what he's doing.
Don 4:32PM (7/16/2007)
Plus, Bob doesn't seem too keen on diesels, either.
why not the LS2/LS7? 2:16PM (7/15/2007)
'GM didn't have any plans to sell them hear'
It's painful to read that sentence.
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Dan 2:24PM (7/15/2007)
why don't autoblog writers read over their posts before submitting?
autoblog has some of the worst spelling and grammar i have ever seen on a commercial blog site
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F451 2:40PM (7/15/2007)
Yes, I saw that after posting. Sorry...multitasking has its issues. ;)
soultions = solutions
motorman 8:09AM (7/16/2007)
install a "google toolbar" that has a spell checker
Petey 2:26PM (7/15/2007)
The Japanese cleaned up with small cars during the 70's.. now they're doing it... AGAIN!
IF these ever make it to NA, they will be competing against next gen Fits, Yarii, Mazda2s (1st gen), and Versas.. you lose again GM.
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F451 2:42PM (7/15/2007)
I believe that GM would easily win over many buyers with these three.
I_Hate_China 7:36PM (7/15/2007)
Matiz is still an A-segment car, and is quite a bit smaller than B-segment cars that you mentioned.
Eric 3:21PM (7/15/2007)
A car brand can't expect the U.S. to buy their cars here if they're only nice somewhere else.
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HeeHee 2:38PM (7/15/2007)
Petey you couldn'tbe more wrong, its this bias toward foreign brands, especially Japan, that is killing GM. GM can build world class cars, and a lot of there new stuff is right up there. The cars you mentioned with the exception of the fit, are not impressive. The versa especially in my opinion is aweful. Yes I've driven all but the mazda BTW. Build these cars Lutz to prove people like Petey wrong and because we need them. Enough with the trucks and SUV's and 30k price tags.
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fm 1:28AM (7/17/2007)
all do respect Petey is right. He's not saying that GM makes bad cars but that they're always latecomers, always slow to respond to market demands. Assuming they do decide to produce the triplets it'll take minimum 3 years for them to hit the market.
It's sad cause I've said it for years but the problem with US automakers is that they've always gone BIG,soooo many SUVs, some diversity would be nice. Matter of fact they wouldn't be in this sitution if they already had small cars, But when gas prices in certain markets hit $4, they should realise that there WILL be a demand for small (or ATLEAST fuel efficient) cars. And there's always excuses but in the end it's all BS. Toyota and their Scions and Yaris, Honda and it's Fit, they're all models they've imported from other markets.
The fact that GM has had the good sense of rebadging the Astra means it can easily be done during redesign. Why wait for a redesign for the Triplets push comes to shove make it compatble for the US market, just in case. Why not?
man I'm frustrated
Gerard 2:49PM (7/15/2007)
I happen to be quite fond of all three micro-cars. The concepts are...different.
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srivendel 2:52PM (7/15/2007)
Bad grammar? How about "Just because they didn't have definite plans, it doesn't mean they won't change that at some point."
My eyes! My eyes!
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Derek 3:07PM (7/15/2007)
So what you're really trying to say, Bob, is that you're trying to distract the media from the fact that here, in the US, where GM originated, where it used to be king, your product offering and company success as of late has been abysmal.
Talk about a foolishly proud, narrow-minded man. He doesn't owe us an explanation? Tell me, how many other car companies release concept cars that WILL NOT BE SOLD HERE in US shows? If those markets overseas are doing so well, maybe you should fire your management here and bring that management back across the pond.
And what was that BS about loving GM and wanting them to be successful? Of course I want an American company with as much history in our country as GM to be successful. Just like Ford. Just like Dodge. But I'm not going to blindly buy your inferior products or support your business when you refuse to change with the times. So wake up, Bob. You've forgotten that your customers are what make the market for your business in the first place. Maybe you should actually try LISTENING to them for a change.
Ok. End rant. Now about the triplets. They are such sweet little design concepts that I believe would be wildly successful here in the US, especially among the younger generation of buyers (which GM needs to secure before truly all hope of the future is lost). Kudos to their design team and keep up the good work. I hope that under better leadership it may be a sign of great things to come from GM (along with the sweet new Camaro).
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geo.stewart 8:56AM (7/16/2007)
sounds like GM is listening to the deranged US dealer network again. They dont want the small cars because "small cars have a low profit margin", and they dont want the Chinese Buick because it would "steal from the current offerings... I'm not sure I get the mentality. IF the cars are popular, the margin will be there, and the sales will be there. VW said basically the same thing, that the US dealers did not want the new Scirocco because it would cannibalize from the GTI. IF you overall sell more cars at higher margin, how is that bad?
alex 3:33PM (7/15/2007)
why do you all act like GM is making a huge mistake making these cars for other markets? It is obvious that the market for these types of vehicles is much larger in other markets than it is in NA. So if GM is going to start developing these types of vehicles, it's a no brainer for them to start with other markets where far more people will buy them.
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Dave 3:45PM (7/15/2007)
Cute cars.
But, like my Miata, (which I love dearly) they are more like toys by US standards.
If the USA were a country of narrow, congested streets, rather than a country of freeways, they would sell well.
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I_Hate_China 7:36PM (7/15/2007)
You have never been to New York City, I presume.