Car Guys vs. Bean Counters
Car Guys vs. Bean Counters
Robert A. Lutz
Marty Cagan
Very relevant to so many companies today. - Marty Cagan
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Car Guys vs. Bean Counters

Car Guys vs. Bean Counters: The Battle for the Soul of American Business

Robert A. Lutz
By
Robert A. Lutz
3.7
103
ratings on Goodreads

In "Car Guys vs. Bean Counters," industry titan Robert A. Lutz presents a compelling case for the revival of passion and vision in the automotive industry. Lutz, who joined General Motors in the twilight of its innovation, recounts the dramatic shift from an era when visionary 'car guys'—those driven by an unwavering dedication to design, quality, and customer satisfaction—ruled the roost, to a period dominated by 'bean counters.' These number-crunchers, with their spreadsheets and financial forecasts, prioritized cost-cutting and efficiency over creativity, leading to a sterile, uninspired product lineup that contributed to the industry's decline. Lutz's narrative is not just a critique but a personal journey through his efforts to steer General Motors back to its roots of product excellence and innovation, highlighting the transformative power of returning to a product-focused philosophy. Through a rich tapestry of anecdotes and insider insights, Lutz illustrates the battle between creativity and conservatism within one of America's flagship corporations. His tenure at General Motors, culminating in pivotal roles that helped navigate the company through bankruptcy and onto a path of recovery, serves as a testament to his philosophy. "Car Guys vs. Bean Counters" is more than a memoir or an industry case study; it's a rallying cry for businesses everywhere to embrace the ethos that passion and product quality must outweigh the mere mechanics of business management. Lutz argues convincingly that whether in the automotive sector or any other industry, success ultimately hinges on an unwavering commitment to excellence and the courage to follow one's vision. This book is a must-read for anyone aspiring to lead and innovate in the complex, competitive world of business.

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Released
2011
1 Jun
Length
256
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

Very relevant to so many companies today. - Marty Cagan
This was all competently taught by the nation’s business schools for decades—until they discovered what I’ll call the “Sense of Academic Inferiority
— Robert A. Lutz, Car Guys vs. Bean Counters

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