Newport Beach, CA - Chief Interior Designer Alan Shepherd took me through the Rolls-Royce. Sheppard spent a lot of time talking about the dashboard, and the side door. The dashboard and side door shows no stitching,  a design first for Rolls-Royce and it gives the interior a more elegant look. Think of the difference between a swimming pool and an infinity swimming pool. Seamless.

Sheppard takes me through the history of the Spirit of Ecstasy, or as it is known in Crewe, Emily.

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 Alan Sheppard, chief interior designer, Rolls-Royce [3:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

80th International Motor Show, 2010 Geneva, Switzerland - Nick Reilly, President GM Europe, sat down with us at the 2010 Geneva motor show. Reilly talked mainly about Opel.

Opel, like the rest of the auto market, has seen a decline from its heyday of twelve percent. Reilly thinks it can claim ten percent of the market in due time.

What are the products Opel will bring out, and which products will be diesel and which will be gasoline?

How is Opel’s relationship with General Motors and Germany?

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 Nick Reilly, President GM Europe, at the 2010 Geneva motor show [4:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

80th International Motor Show, 2010 Geneva, Switzerland - Wayne Brannon, President Chevrolet Europe, 2010 Geneva motor show.

Brannon sat down with a group of journalists to talk about Chevy Europe and how it is doing.

What are the products Chevy will be bringing out for the European market?

What are the major markets for Europe?

How many of the vehicles will be diesel and how many gasoline?

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 Wayne Brannon, President Chevrolet Europe, 2010 Geneva motor show [5:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

80th International Motor Show, 2010 Geneva, Switzerland - Henry Li, General Manager for Auto Exports for BYD sat down with me at the 2010 Geneva motor show.

Li talks about the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that was recently signed by Mercedes-Benz. What type of car is it, where will it be produced and sold?

We also talked about the driving range of the battery and whether BYD held all the global patents for the battery they would be using in the cars they were bringing to the United States.

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 Henry Li, BYD, at the 2010 Geneva motor show [3:45m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

80th International Motor Show,March 2010 Geneva, Switzerland - Robert A. “Bob” Lutz is Vice Chairman at General Motors Company. For now.

We were having lunch (Gruyere fondue) at the Chalet de Gruyeres in Gruyeres, Switzerland when Bob told us he was retiring. “They’re announcing it tomorrow, but it won’t be effective till May 1st.” Anyone who knows Bob isn’t surprised that he didn’t wait till the announcement came out. It’s what we love about him.

Here is part of the interview I did with Lutz that evening.

Is Ed Whitacre the right guy for the job?

What are some of the problems inside General Motors?

Was Wagoner the right person for the job?

Did Wagoner support Lutz?

Will Whitacre support Reuss?

DETROIT – General Motors Vice Chairman Robert A. Lutz will retire effective May 1, 2010, capping a 47-year career in the global auto industry that included senior leadership positions at four of the world’s leading automakers.

Lutz, 78, rejoined GM September 1, 2001, as the head of product development, and has led the company’s resurgence in developing great cars and trucks.  He also worked at BMW, Chrysler and Ford.

“The influence Bob Lutz has had on GM’s commitment to design, build and sell the world’s best vehicles will last for years to come,” GM CEO and Chairman Ed Whitacre said.  “I, along with many other men and women in GM and throughout the industry, have greatly benefited from his passion, wisdom and guidance.”

Lutz said he decided to retire now in part because hot-selling vehicles like the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX, GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Camaro, along with the growing strength of GM’s four brands, prove that a product-focused mindset inside the company is in place for the long term.

“I can confidently say that the job I came here to do more than nine years ago is now complete – the team I have been fortunate to lead has far exceeded my expectations,” Lutz said.  “Our product lineup is as strong as it has been in GM’s history.  The perception of our products and brands is beginning to catch up with reality. And most importantly, the absolute commitment to being a product-driven company is ingrained throughout the organization – from the top down – and I am confident that, under Ed Whitacre’s leadership, the straightforward, singular focus on product will endure.”

Lutz, a GM vice chairman, was appointed senior advisor in December 2009 and will continue to provide guidance on design and key product initiatives until he retires May 1.

Watch Now:

 Flash Video [4:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

80th International Motor Show,March 2010 Geneva, Switzerland - Robert A. “Bob” Lutz is Vice Chairman at General Motors Company. For now.

We were having lunch (Gruyere fondue) at the Chalet de Gruyeres in Gruyeres, Switzerland when Bob told us he was retiring. “They’re announcing it tomorrow, but it won’t be effective till May 1st.” Anyone who knows Bob isn’t surprised that he didn’t wait till the announcement came out. It’s what we love about him.

Here is part of the interview I did with Lutz that evening.

Lutz is leaving before an IPO is coming out. Does he think they should do it now?

Lutz championed the Chevy Volt, sometimes through hostility inside General Motors. Why isn’t he staying till the Volt comes out?

Here is the press release for Lutz’s retirement from General Motors.

DETROIT – General Motors Vice Chairman Robert A. Lutz will retire effective May 1, 2010, capping a 47-year career in the global auto industry that included senior leadership positions at four of the world’s leading automakers.

Lutz, 78, rejoined GM September 1, 2001, as the head of product development, and has led the company’s resurgence in developing great cars and trucks.  He also worked at BMW, Chrysler and Ford.

“The influence Bob Lutz has had on GM’s commitment to design, build and sell the world’s best vehicles will last for years to come,” GM CEO and Chairman Ed Whitacre said.  “I, along with many other men and women in GM and throughout the industry, have greatly benefited from his passion, wisdom and guidance.”

Lutz said he decided to retire now in part because hot-selling vehicles like the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX, GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Camaro, along with the growing strength of GM’s four brands, prove that a product-focused mindset inside the company is in place for the long term.

“I can confidently say that the job I came here to do more than nine years ago is now complete – the team I have been fortunate to lead has far exceeded my expectations,” Lutz said.  “Our product lineup is as strong as it has been in GM’s history.  The perception of our products and brands is beginning to catch up with reality. And most importantly, the absolute commitment to being a product-driven company is ingrained throughout the organization – from the top down – and I am confident that, under Ed Whitacre’s leadership, the straightforward, singular focus on product will endure.”

Lutz, a GM vice chairman, was appointed senior advisor in December 2009 and will continue to provide guidance on design and key product initiatives until he retires May 1.

Watch Now:

 Flash Video [2:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

80th International Motor Show,March 2010 Geneva, Switzerland - Robert A. “Bob” Lutz is Vice Chairman at General Motors Company. For now.

We were having lunch (Gruyere fondue) at the Chalet de Gruyeres in Gruyeres, Switzerland when Bob told us he was retiring. “They’re announcing it tomorrow, but it won’t be effective till May 1st.” Anyone who knows Bob isn’t surprised that he didn’t wait till the announcement came out. It’s what we love about him.

Here is part of the interview I did with Lutz that evening.

Was Lutz asked to retire?

Were any of the recent changes inside General Motors suggestions from Lutz?

I asked Lutz to give me one other person inside General Motors that has the insight into the car business that Lutz has?

Here is the press release from General Motors on Bob Lutz’s retirement:

DETROIT – General Motors Vice Chairman Robert A. Lutz will retire effective May 1, 2010, capping a 47-year career in the global auto industry that included senior leadership positions at four of the world’s leading automakers.

Lutz, 78, rejoined GM September 1, 2001, as the head of product development, and has led the company’s resurgence in developing great cars and trucks.  He also worked at BMW, Chrysler and Ford.

“The influence Bob Lutz has had on GM’s commitment to design, build and sell the world’s best vehicles will last for years to come,” GM CEO and Chairman Ed Whitacre said.  “I, along with many other men and women in GM and throughout the industry, have greatly benefited from his passion, wisdom and guidance.”

Lutz said he decided to retire now in part because hot-selling vehicles like the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX, GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Camaro, along with the growing strength of GM’s four brands, prove that a product-focused mindset inside the company is in place for the long term.

“I can confidently say that the job I came here to do more than nine years ago is now complete – the team I have been fortunate to lead has far exceeded my expectations,” Lutz said.  “Our product lineup is as strong as it has been in GM’s history.  The perception of our products and brands is beginning to catch up with reality. And most importantly, the absolute commitment to being a product-driven company is ingrained throughout the organization – from the top down – and I am confident that, under Ed Whitacre’s leadership, the straightforward, singular focus on product will endure.”

Lutz, a GM vice chairman, was appointed senior advisor in December 2009 and will continue to provide guidance on design and key product initiatives until he retires May 1.

Watch Now:

 Flash Video [4:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

80th International Motor Show, 2010 Geneva, Switzerland- Stroll with me on the floor of the 2010 Geneva autoshow.

In the next four videos you will see:

Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta concept by Pininfarina
Alfa Romeo Pandion concept by Bertone
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Aston Martin Cygnet pre-production concept
2011 Audi A1
Audi A1 E-Tron concept
2011 Audi RS5
2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible
BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid
BMW Concept ActiveE (European debut)
2011 BMW 5 Series
BYD
Carlsson Super GT C25
Chevrolet Aveo RS (European debut)
Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Spark
Citroën DS High Rider concept
Citroën GQ
2010 Dacia Duster
DOK-ING XD concept
Ferrari 599 GTB Hybrid concept
2011 Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max (production versions)
2011 Ford Focus (European debut)
Garia LSV (Low Speed Vehicle)
2010 Hispano Suiza concept
Hyundai Tucson ix35 Concept
Hyundai i-flow diesel-electric hybrid concept
I.DE.A Institute Sofia concept
2011 Infiniti M35 Hybrid
2011 Jaguar XKR Special Edition
2011 Kia Sportage
2011 Koenigsegg Agera
Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera
2011 Lexus CT 200h
Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid concept
2011 Lotus Elise
Lotus Evora Cup
2011 Mazda Mazda5
Mercedes-Benz F800 concept
2011 Mini Countryman
2011 Mitsubishi ASX
Mitsubishi Concept cX
Nissan 370Z Roadster (European debut)
Nissan Global Compact Car
2011 Nissan Juke
2010 Nissan Navara
2010 Nissan Pathfinder
2010 Nissan Qashqai
Opel Amptera
Opel Flextreme GT/E concept
2010 Opel Meriva
2011 Pagani Zonda Tricolore
Peugeot SR1
2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S
Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid concept
2011 Porsche Cayenne
Proton Concept Car by Italdesign Giugiaro
2010 Renault MĂ©gane Convertible
2010 Renault Twingo CC
2010 Renault Wind
Rinspeed UC - (electric micro vehicle)
2011 Saab 9-4X
Tata Nano EV
Valmet Eva
2010 Volkswagen CrossPolo
2010 Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion
2011 Volkswagen Sharan
2011 Volkswagen Touareg
2011 Volvo S60

Watch Now:

 Flash Video [3:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

80th International Motor Show,March 2010 Geneva, Switzerland- Stroll with me on the floor of the 2010 Geneva autoshow.

In the next four videos you will see:

Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta concept by Pininfarina
Alfa Romeo Pandion concept by Bertone
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Aston Martin Cygnet pre-production concept
2011 Audi A1
Audi A1 E-Tron concept
2011 Audi RS5
2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible
BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid
BMW Concept ActiveE (European debut)
2011 BMW 5 Series

BYD
Carlsson Super GT C25
Chevrolet Aveo RS (European debut)
Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Spark
Citroën DS High Rider concept
Citroën GQ
2010 Dacia Duster
DOK-ING XD concept
Ferrari 599 GTB Hybrid concept
2011 Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max (production versions)
2011 Ford Focus (European debut)
Garia LSV (Low Speed Vehicle)
2010 Hispano Suiza concept
Hyundai Tucson ix35 Concept
Hyundai i-flow diesel-electric hybrid concept
I.DE.A Institute Sofia concept
2011 Infiniti M35 Hybrid
2011 Jaguar XKR Special Edition
2011 Kia Sportage
2011 Koenigsegg Agera
Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera
2011 Lexus CT 200h
Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid concept
2011 Lotus Elise
Lotus Evora Cup
2011 Mazda Mazda5
Mercedes-Benz F800 concept
2011 Mini Countryman
2011 Mitsubishi ASX
Mitsubishi Concept cX
Nissan 370Z Roadster (European debut)
Nissan Global Compact Car
2011 Nissan Juke
2010 Nissan Navara
2010 Nissan Pathfinder
2010 Nissan Qashqai
Opel Amptera
Opel Flextreme GT/E concept
2010 Opel Meriva
2011 Pagani Zonda Tricolore
Peugeot SR1
2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S
Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid concept
2011 Porsche Cayenne
Proton Concept Car by Italdesign Giugiaro
2010 Renault MĂ©gane Convertible
2010 Renault Twingo CC
2010 Renault Wind
Rinspeed UC - (electric micro vehicle)
2011 Saab 9-4X
Tata Nano EV
Valmet Eva
2010 Volkswagen CrossPolo
2010 Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion
2011 Volkswagen Sharan
2011 Volkswagen Touareg
2011 Volvo S60

Watch Now:

 Flash Video [3:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

80th International Motor Show, 2010 Geneva, Switzerland- Stroll with me on the floor of the 2010 Geneva autoshow.

Watch Now:

 Flash Video [4:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup