Cadillac Kicks General Manager To The Curb - Bob Lutz Future Now In Question

General Motors will announce another major executive shakeup in Detroit Tuesday, and it looks like former designer Bryan Nesbitt will be relieved of his duties as Cadillac general manager. Nesbitt got the job following GM's bankruptcy last year when the company slimmed down its design staff. Unlike general managers at Chevrolet and Buick-GMC, Nesbitt's duties were not tied directly to sales. Former Chevy general manager Ed Peper has been serving as Cadillac's sales general manager for the past half year.

The shakeup has major implications for Bob Lutz's future at GM. He hired Nesbitt away from Chrysler earlier last decade and made sure there was a place for the PT Cruiser designer at post-bankruptcy GM. Nesbitt's departure would indicate Lutz's role as one of three GM vice chairmen has diminished to almost nothing.



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dt32886 - 3/2/2010 4:23:43 PM

+2 Boost

It makes no sense that Cadillac's best offerings are a dressed up Denali and an entry level luxury sedan. They need an S-Class killer, without that, they might as well call themselves Oldsmobile.

91z4me - 3/2/2010 4:51:25 PM

+1 Boost

The S-class (and equivalent models) sells less than the dressed up Denali or the entry level luxury sedan. GM needs to move metal to make money. Nobody is willing to pay 100k for a Caddy sedan right now. So GM is concentrating its production to what is selling well.

It is a smart business move.

uaw_lax - 3/2/2010 6:00:57 PM

+2 Boost

Your thinking is right on the money but it takes time for GM to build up Caddys brand image. Just 3 to 5 years ago they had nothing, starting with the CTS was brilliant and now the world sees how good that car is and what caddy can do the will wont to spend more money for a more expensive and feature packed car from Caddilac.

pushrod27 - 3/2/2010 7:50:15 PM

+2 Boost

An S-Class competitor would be nice for bragging rights, but that's about it right now. There isn't enough demand for large, expensive luxury sedans for Cadillac to do that right now. MB, BMW, and Audi can do it because they sell those cars worldwide. Cadillac is only a player in the U.S., a full-size S-Class competitor would surely lose lots of money.

91z4me - 3/2/2010 4:53:16 PM

+3 Boost

FYI Nesbitt isn't being fired, he is being moved within GM to a more design oriented role. Probably a move for the best.

tango - 3/2/2010 6:14:24 PM

+4 Boost

I'm actually struggling to see how Nesbitt's position affects that of Lutz. As far as I am concerned GM still cannot do without Lutz, and frankly, why would they want to be? Say what you want about him, but he clearly has his finger on the pulse of the automotive world. He worked wonders for Chrysler's image when he was there and his presence at GM has done the same thing.

pushrod27 - 3/2/2010 7:48:20 PM

+2 Boost

Lutz brought Nesbitt over from Chrysler with him and picked him for the Cadillac job. I guess the logic is that since he's Lutz's guy, then axing him is a preliminary move to Lutz's exit, or at least a sign that Lutz doesn't have the influence in GM decision making that he used to.

uaw_lax - 3/3/2010 4:24:26 AM

+1 Boost

Lutz IS a great car man but a terrable spokesman for GM.

dt32886 - 3/2/2010 9:25:24 PM

+4 Boost

They need a flagship car on the streets to strengthen there brand cache. If Mercedes didn't have the S-Class, nobody would buy a C-Class. Buyers of the C-Class get one because of its pedigree, it's a stepping stone to the E and S-Class. Once they have to go purchase a new car again, and if they can afford it, they will go straight to the E or the S.

Most people are loyal to their brands of choice, and in Cadillac's position, where will you go after you buy a CTS? Luxury car buyers are always hoping to upgrade, and there is nowhere to go from there.

uaw_lax - 3/3/2010 4:25:58 AM

+2 Boost

I see your point. Not many will go from a CTS to an Escalade.

LACMAN - 3/3/2010 2:54:18 PM

+1 Boost

Mmm-hmm... Yup. What you guys said.