Just came across a youtube video of the General Mgr. of Chevrolet speaking about the 2008 HHR SS. I couldn't believe my ears, this man should learn his facts before speaking about a new car. If you watch the video they ask him if it is the same motor thats in the Pontiac Solstice and he says yes, its a turbocharged 2.4, then he tries to explain the launch control by saying you can just punch the gas and not worry about using the clutch. He also doesn't seem to know the transmissions it comes with. I know this is an old video but please, your the general mgr. of Chey. know what your talking about first. Here is the link for those who are interested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZctJrjtW18

 

That's why he makes the big bucks....

 

There are few General Mangers of any car company that can quote every feature and option on each model.

They just over see the staffs that take care of each car.

I am amazes he got as much right as he did since he really is not a car guy.

I even heard Bill Ford screw up on many of their companies cars over the years.

There is a lot more to running a company than knowing every option on a car.

 

I once worked for a General Manager that told me "If all my managers are doing their job, I don't have anything to do. And that's why I golf so much".

 

For one, they have a "lackey" who provides them with product details. Typically not product oriented at all. Then the "big guy" tries to remember a few details to present. Personally, someone is not the sharpest pencil in the box (methinkshemarriedintothefasttrack). When Chev was promoting NCAA BB and they were giving away some award and he spoke, I had to turn down the volume or go get a refreshment.

 

You would think he could at least get the engine correct

 

You would think.

 

This is true.

A general manager is not the guy who knows everything.
He is the guy that knows how to get all the people that know everything doing their job and gets it done.

Peper is not a guy who has to know a lot on everything just a little on everything. The people under him need to know a lot on a a little but only need to know a little on a lot.

Few auto executives know as much about every single car they sell than the people who kill time on the web. Most read a card on the next car they are to talk about to get the facts right before the next press brief.

To be fair to Ed too this video was done at the intro for the SS. We even have today many here who can't tell you how to use launch control properly or even the no lift shift. Some have owned the car for over a year.

 

Well I guess I am old school, if your going to lead a team, lead by example. Ed Cole was the general mgr. of Chevy. in the late 50's, he helped design a new V-8 for chevy back then, not to mention was the driving force behind the devleopment of the Corvair. He got in the ditches and knew his stuff and eventually became the head of GM. While I agree a general mgr. doesn't have to know "everything" I do believe they should at least get right what they are saying or say nothing at all. It's called doing your homework, I guess now a days its not a requirement anymore, thats probably why where heading in the direction we are.

 

Remembering the engines and transmissions of your products are not too much to ask if you are being paid 7 digits as an executive for a manufacturer. My son knows this information, as well as many on this site, and most of us don't get paid the big bucks.