Comments

Iacocca has always had a passion for design - look at the original Mustang. And he's absolutely right about smaller generally being better at focusing on design and quality. Take PC's for example, Dell, HP, Lenovo, et. al., all tend to have lumpy, generic boxes. Then look at Apple - same components - no comparison.

In the auto world, look at what's happening to electric cars. Entrepreneurs are coming out with kick-ass speed demons that I could never imagine one of the big auto makers even developing as a concept car.

Finally, if you want to see some outstanding examples of design, quality and manufacturing innovation, visit the ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) in New York later this month. You can find some of the most brilliant examples of design for living from companies that range from very small to very large.

Posted by Andrew Hayden at May 7, 2007 10:47 AM

I think the auto industry needs someone like Lee Iacocca to send them a wake up message (or to help raise them from the dead.)

Not being in the car industry myself, I could see the train wreck coming years ago with the huge SUVs, rising gas prices and the cookie cutter approach to big vehicles. Yet the automakers kept making these monster vehicles while others were building better looking, more economical and more fun vehicles.

Design, especially with a commodity like cars, should be at the forefront of the automaker's thinking...it doesn't seem to be...even now.

Posted by Karl Kapp at May 7, 2007 1:22 PM

There is a real love hate relationship with Lido here in Michigan. Some think he saved Chrysler, others think he killed it. I think Chrysler has done the best job with design of the domestic 3. One reason is the age of the design group and willingness to risk. My experience with Ford and GM has been that one gets to be head designer based on seniority and entitlement. At Chrysler I saw a lot more youth and diversity. If you are interested in auto design and how to build a design focused company, let me recommend Jerry Hirschberg's book, Creative Priority. As former head of design at Buick and creator of Nissan Design Institute, his insight is fascinating. I personally think Lee has certainly earned his right to critique the auto industry. May he stay healthy and feisty!

Posted by Mike Neiss at May 8, 2007 6:29 AM

My - I am surprised that there are no comments on Lee's bashing of the leadership of the U.S.A. He really tears into them. I love the reason that Lee did not pursue the presidency according to him. Kissinger told him he would hate the bureaucracy that would stop him at every level, probably have a heart attack in the first year, and be assassinated by the second year. That would be enough to deture anyone! Funny how things change. Nobody did that to Harry Truman. I guess having a truthful man in the White House these days simply won't get it.

Posted by Al at May 8, 2007 9:59 AM

I recently bought a container of "Lee Iacocca's Olive Butter." Pretty good stuff...

Posted by Ryan Petersen at May 10, 2007 12:18 PM