Engineer to reshape GM product lines
06-09-2009, 04:02 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 2,612
Engineer to reshape GM product lines
http://www.freep.com/article/2009060...3/0/BUSINESS01
General Motors' new global product development boss Tom Stephens is a different kind of Detroit executive: a car guy who's as enthusiastic talking about the performance of the high-m.p.g. turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that will power the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze as about the 600-horsepower V8 in his restored 1967 Chevrolet Impala.
Advertisement
"This is the opportunity of a lifetime," the soft-spoken engineer said of reshaping GM's product line as the company sheds brands and cuts its North American models from 50 to 34.
"We can concentrate our resources on fewer products and do them better," he said. "Every vehicle must be a hit. Now that we're down to four brands and 34 nameplates, we don't have room for any boring vehicles."
Stephens, who ran GM's powertrain operations before becoming vice chairman April 1, replaces automotive icon Bob Lutz, who built a product development process that produced highly praised cars like the Cadillac CTS and Chevrolet Malibu.
Before running GM Powertrain, which develops transmissions, gasoline and diesel engines, hybrids, fuel cells and the electric powertrains, Stephens was chief engineer of the GMT800 truck line and ran the automaker's biggest engine plant in a career that began as a student engineer in 1969.
"Bob put the passion back in our products. He's been a terrific mentor. We talk a lot, and I think that will continue," Stephens said Thursday, surrounded by new and upcoming vehicles in GM's Warren Tech Center.
"We have a track record that can look anybody in the eye," he said, citing a string of successful vehicles that includes award-winning cars like the CTS, Malibu and Opel Insignia.
Turning to upcoming models like the Cruze compact sedan, Chevrolet Spark minicar, Buick LaCrosse midsize sedan and Cadillac SRX crossover, Stephens said GM's global engineering system, which uses tech centers around the world to develop vehicles that will be built and sold in the millions, is the automaker's greatest strength.
"Our only real source of competitive advantage is the ability to learn faster than our competition," he said. "Developing global architectures for vehicles gives us more opportunity to learn," as vehicles like the Opel Insignia, Europe's 2009 car of the year winner, beget new models in other regions like the LaCrosse, a sleek sedan that is to arrive in Buick dealerships this summer.
While much of the emphasis today is on small cars like the Cruze and Spark, GM will continue to build vehicles of all types, he said. The new national fuel economy rules focus on improving fuel economy for each vehicle type, not forcing all buyers into tiny cars.
If someone wants a Chevrolet Aveo subcompact or a Suburban, large SUV, "we'll have them, and either one will be as fuel efficient as that kind of vehicle gets," he said.
And, "We'll have some real fun Corvettes," said Stephens, whose personal collection includes a brace of the Chevrolet sports cars, "Fast and very fuel efficient."
Bolded some parts that are pertinent to most of us on this board. Sounds like they're putting another car guy in Lutz's position, not a bean counter.
General Motors' new global product development boss Tom Stephens is a different kind of Detroit executive: a car guy who's as enthusiastic talking about the performance of the high-m.p.g. turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that will power the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze as about the 600-horsepower V8 in his restored 1967 Chevrolet Impala.
Advertisement
"This is the opportunity of a lifetime," the soft-spoken engineer said of reshaping GM's product line as the company sheds brands and cuts its North American models from 50 to 34.
"We can concentrate our resources on fewer products and do them better," he said. "Every vehicle must be a hit. Now that we're down to four brands and 34 nameplates, we don't have room for any boring vehicles."
Stephens, who ran GM's powertrain operations before becoming vice chairman April 1, replaces automotive icon Bob Lutz, who built a product development process that produced highly praised cars like the Cadillac CTS and Chevrolet Malibu.
Before running GM Powertrain, which develops transmissions, gasoline and diesel engines, hybrids, fuel cells and the electric powertrains, Stephens was chief engineer of the GMT800 truck line and ran the automaker's biggest engine plant in a career that began as a student engineer in 1969.
"Bob put the passion back in our products. He's been a terrific mentor. We talk a lot, and I think that will continue," Stephens said Thursday, surrounded by new and upcoming vehicles in GM's Warren Tech Center.
"We have a track record that can look anybody in the eye," he said, citing a string of successful vehicles that includes award-winning cars like the CTS, Malibu and Opel Insignia.
Turning to upcoming models like the Cruze compact sedan, Chevrolet Spark minicar, Buick LaCrosse midsize sedan and Cadillac SRX crossover, Stephens said GM's global engineering system, which uses tech centers around the world to develop vehicles that will be built and sold in the millions, is the automaker's greatest strength.
"Our only real source of competitive advantage is the ability to learn faster than our competition," he said. "Developing global architectures for vehicles gives us more opportunity to learn," as vehicles like the Opel Insignia, Europe's 2009 car of the year winner, beget new models in other regions like the LaCrosse, a sleek sedan that is to arrive in Buick dealerships this summer.
While much of the emphasis today is on small cars like the Cruze and Spark, GM will continue to build vehicles of all types, he said. The new national fuel economy rules focus on improving fuel economy for each vehicle type, not forcing all buyers into tiny cars.
If someone wants a Chevrolet Aveo subcompact or a Suburban, large SUV, "we'll have them, and either one will be as fuel efficient as that kind of vehicle gets," he said.
And, "We'll have some real fun Corvettes," said Stephens, whose personal collection includes a brace of the Chevrolet sports cars, "Fast and very fuel efficient."
Bolded some parts that are pertinent to most of us on this board. Sounds like they're putting another car guy in Lutz's position, not a bean counter.
06-10-2009, 05:01 AM
#5
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: The Golden State
Posts: 13,711
As I've said from the start of all this (much to the chargrin of the Gloom-and-doomers), the events of the past few months have been a godsend to GM, and the new fuel economy standards will make better, lighter, cars with performance that we're used to.
No, we won't likely have 2 ton, 550 horsepower Z28s that cost over 40 grand, but personally, I don't care. My self and most all people on this thread wouldn't have one even if they were produced. But we will have the ability to buy an SS. Those will likely end up lighter, and (despite less horsepower) just as quick as the current SS while using less fuel.
No, we won't likely have 2 ton, 550 horsepower Z28s that cost over 40 grand, but personally, I don't care. My self and most all people on this thread wouldn't have one even if they were produced. But we will have the ability to buy an SS. Those will likely end up lighter, and (despite less horsepower) just as quick as the current SS while using less fuel.
06-10-2009, 05:17 PM
#7
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 3,034
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
F'n1996Z28SS
Cars For Sale
8
08-23-2023 11:19 PM
PFYC
Supporting Vendor Group Purchases and Sales
0
12-01-2014 08:08 AM
guionM
Automotive News / Industry / Future Vehicle Discussion
39
09-18-2002 01:11 PM