On GM's survival...

Now that GM has finally filed for bankruptcy reorganization, all the pundits are wondering if this time, it will work. Most talk about sales volume, economic recovery and management resolve as the key to GM resurrection. I'm skeptical and here is why... I've always been of the opinion that Detroit in general, and GM in particular, had for more than forty years, a serious product problem.

It wasn't exciting, innovative and was the main reason why masses of motorists had migrated towards Japanese, Korean and European imports. In a few words it was “the product, stupid!” Today, BMW, Honda and Toyota are leaders of their industry and mostly through innovative designs. For GM to survive and thrive, it will take the American firm to do as well or even overtake these three brands on the drafting table. Unless, I'm missing some secret information, that will be a tough one...