BOB LUTZ TALKS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF PONTIAC!

July 06, 2005

The following is an interview with Bob Lutz that appears in the latest issue of Pontiac Performance magazine. (Visit www.myGMmagazine.com to sign up for a free one-year subscription.)

Q: You've often said that Pontiac is near to your heart. What is it about this brand and its image that draws you to it?
A: Its glorious history and its legitimate place in the GM brand lineup as an aggressive, performance-oriented brand, appealing to younger people who want a car or truck to be more than just transportation.

Q: Talk to us about Solstice and the impact you expect it to have on Pontiac's image. Will you buy one?
A: Let's start with the second question: Clearly, I've already placed an order for one, and very definitely intend to own a Solstice. I see Solstice as playing an image revitalization role for Pontiac, in that it's very hard to improve brand perceptions through advertising. The best way to change perceptions of a brand is through an iconic, breakthrough product like Solstice that captures everyone's attention. And I enjoy getting e-mails that say, "I never thought I would set foot in a Pontiac dealership but the Solstice is going to make me do it." That benefits the whole brand. In fact, Pontiac dealers are saying they're selling other cars because of people coming in for the Solstice, so it's already generating traffic.

Q: You were the catalyst that brought the GTO back, which was an exciting event for enthusiasts. But the reaction to the car has been mixed. How do you answer the critics?
A: Well, it was a fast program, and the only way we could get it was to adopt an existing Australian car. We never intended it to be a "retro" car; we intended it to be a modern interpretation of the GTO. It was intended to get some performance credibility back for Pontiac and get the brand back in the market with a rear-wheel-drive, great-handling, V8-powered car. It's done that. And I might add the '05 GTO is not disappointing at all. We're selling every one we can get, and we're selling many in markets where we have to break through again with Pontiac, like on the West Coast.

Q: What are your goals for GTO in the future?
A: The future is ill-defined at this point. But it is definitely safe to say Pontiac will not give up on rear-drive V8 performance.