Rick Wagoner, a seasoned American businessman and former CEO of General Motors, navigated one of the most challenging periods in automotive history with resolve and determination. Faced with unprecedented economic turmoil and industry upheaval, Wagoner led GM through a period of transformation, implementing bold reforms and strategic initiatives to ensure the company's long-term viability. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation continue to shape the future of the automotive industry.

"We don't always agree on stuff, but when it's time to blow the whistle and start the game, we're not still debating."



"I remember very clearly at the first budget review having a pretty direct conversation with the head of manufacturing... We began to get huge improvements in productivity and responsiveness. I got a chance to see that firsthand."


1

"We believe in fair exchange rates and Japan doesn't practice that. They have massive U.S. dollar reserves, and they use them to intervene regularly."



"All this improvement is great, but all that does is get us in the game to play for improvements that we need in the future, so that we can be aggressive in the marketplace."



"I'm like Sergeant Schultz, I know nothing. We are trying to share ideas around the world. We don't just come up with a great idea in Brazil and ignore it in the rest of the world."



"On Friday I was in Washington for a meeting with Administration officials. In the course of that meeting, they requested that I 'step aside' as CEO of GM, and so I have."



"Ford, as I understand it, had done away with the concept of regional management, and now they've re-introduced that in Europe, so it's kind of a two-way street."

