On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors

by Patrick J. Wright

During his 17 year career at General Motors, John De
Lorean was one of the automotive industry's most
controversial figures, and also one of it's most talented
and successful executives. So his resignation from GM in
April, 1973 shocked the business community. When word
leaked out that he was writing a book about life at
General Motors, with journalist J. Patrick Wright, GM
and the auto industry anxiously awaited it's arrival.
But in a jolting new move, De Lorean refused to let the
book be published saying he feared the reprisals from
GM would sink his attempts to launch a new car com-
pany. He continued to block publication of On A Clear
Day You Can See General Motors for four years.

Genres: Business

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1990

Reviews

[George Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was published in 1979, several years after it was written; I purchased this book in the early 1980s (my copy is from the 7th printing)and I never got around to reading it until now. The book was written based on John DeLorean's experiences at GM; John did not want the book published when he was trying to raise money for the DeLorean auto company, as the book names names and criticizes prominent GM executives. The dysfunctional behaviors at GM described by DeLorean are similar to the current behaviors of GM; it appears that GM has learned nothing in the last 40 years, and its culture has not changed. (I worked as a consultant at GM in the mid 1980's, and the behavior that I observed at GM during my tenure was similar to the incidents documented by DeLorean in this book.) This book is somewhat self serving, as DeLorean takes no responsibility for for any of GM's dysfunction, and blames all of his troubles on the 14th floor (the executive suite in the old GM headquarters). I agree with DeLorean's analysis that GM's dysfunctional culture resulted form Alfred Sloan's management model that requires executives with Sloan's wisdom and knowledge of operations and finance to be successful; unfortunately GM has not been able to find another Alfred Sloan. DeLorean also speaks favorably of Billy Durant, GM's founder who does not receive enough credit for GM's success in the 1920s through 1960s.

While this book provides great insights into the GM culture of the 1960w and 1970s, it gets into the technical details of some of GM engineering failures; it also uses a bit of Detroit jargon that may not register with those who have not lived there - good for car enthusiasts but possibly too much information for those who are not auto enthusiasts. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in understanding how GM failed in 2008 - 2009, and the current challenges it faces.

[Jim · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of those very few books that I was unable to force myself to finish. I tried, set it aside, then tried again several times. As I approached the 50% point and it still wasn’t clicking for me, I opted to throw in the towel.

[Austin Newberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely targeting a business-minded audience, but a fascinating insight into 'big business' and full of insights into human nature, chiefly in the areas of ego, hubris, and greed. All of these are still applicable in the modern word. Also reveals the seeds of the GM's ultimate bankruptcy, planted decades before the automotive giant fell. Writing is workman-like, but gets the job done.

[Bob Box · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in 1981. A biography about John DeLorean rise and fall at General Motors. Incisive and personal.

[Ike · Rating 4 out of 5]

One word = knowledge

[Majo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best lesson: Never sell a THEORETICAL plain-Jane Vega Chevrolet.