GM’s Lutz: ‘Global Warming is a Total Crock’
GM vice chairman of Global Product Development Bob Lutz, one of the top execs behind the highly anticipated Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid concept, recently told reporters that he thinks global warming is a “total crock of shit.” But also said he’s “a skeptic, not a denier.”
This latest from Lutz is certainly not shocking considering that Lutz is an executive that is used to speaking his mind. Like…
On the Union of Concerned Scientists: “I’m not sure if they are concerned,” he said. “But they are certainly not scientists.” (BW)
On the questionable environmental, energy, and economic benefits of the alternative fuel: “They make it sound like ethanol is taking food out of the mouths of babes. According to them, we’re going to have taco riots in Mexico because of ethanol.” (BW)
On Democratic proposals to raise Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) standards: “CAFE is a totally flawed strategy,” said Lutz. “It has never worked and it never will.” (BW)
On why high gasoline prices will not discourage affluent people from buying big sport utility vehicles: “Rich people don’t care.” (TH)
I do understand part of this comment of his…
“If I were dictator of America, I would gradually raise the price of gasoline by 25 cents every six months or so, until it’s more in line with gas prices in the rest of the world.”
Here in Germany we pay about $7.67 per gallon for regular fuel. When I was in Hawaii several years ago a gallon easily cost you $3.50+ per gallon. The mainland US has a sheltered wallet when the costs of gasoline are put in a global perspective.
What’s most interesting to me about his latest statement is that it came from a man who has steered GM’s focus to the development of low carbon vehicles. His latest statement just shows that GM is responding to the market or consumer demand and this is obviously not a values-based decision.
There is quite a buzz around about Lutz’ “crock” statement. Perhaps people assumed Lutz was of a different opinion on global warming or maybe it’s just the lack of tactfulness, the way in which he said it. It’s not shocking to me given the source. I’m curious, what do you think about Lutz’ comment given his involvement in the Volt?
Also see:
- Talk About a Crock at Lutz’ blog
- GM-Volt.com, the unofficial Volt site
Via EL
I think Lutz’s comment sounds very Greenwash-y to me. I chock it up to yet another company trying to put on a “green” face while bulldozing trees in the background. Maybe he’ll be more of a global warming believer when he becomes just another laid-off GM employee.
I agree, Jennifer. I think there is a big difference between being a skeptic and a denier, a distinction that doesn’t come out the way Lutz said it. I’ve been following the Volt development and, while it is an interesting concept, it is just one of many from GM and Lutz (who’s got a very long career in development behind him). One “green” car does not mean that a company is environmentally (or socially) motivated.