DETROIT GM's leader adds 'chairman' to titles, says focus is same

He already has been calling the shots as president.
DETROIT (AP) -- As the new chairman of General Motors Corp., Rick Wagoner says he'll keep his focus on enhancing quality and producing must-have vehicles, areas that analysts say have improved in recent years.
Wagoner, already president and chief executive at the world's largest automaker, was elected Tuesday to take over the additional position of chairman next spring.
"My priorities are clear," he said. "We'll continue to bring out 'gotta have' products, compete aggressively in the marketplace and drive quality and cost improvements."
Wagoner will become chairman May 1 to succeed Jack Smith, who said in June he would retire after more than seven years in the post.
Wagoner, 49, has been president and CEO for two years and was president and chief operating officer from 1998 through 2000. He was executive vice president and president of GM North America from 1994 through 1998, and became a GM director in 1998.
'Perfect leader'
"Rick is the perfect leader for General Motors going forward," said Smith, who has been chairman since Jan. 1, 1996, and held the offices of CEO from 1992 though 2000 and president from 1992 through 1998.
Industry analysts said the move was expected and that Wagoner already had replaced Smith as GM's chief signal caller.
"I don't think it's going to mean very much for the company in practical terms," said David Healy, an analyst with Burnham Securities Inc. "Jack Smith was already semi-retired, and Wagoner's been calling the shots for a couple of years anyway."
Focus on product
Greg Salchow, an analyst with Raymond James & amp; Associates, said the company's course of late has been consistent with Wagoner's philosophy of focusing on product rather than marketing.
GM said this month that it would revamp its entire midsize car lineup over the next three years, which comes partly in response to the automaker's emphasis on truck development in recent years.
It also reflects the influence of GM product development czar Bob Lutz, who as vice chairman of the former Chrysler Corp. encouraged designers to create radical and popular vehicles like the PT Cruiser, Dodge Viper and Plymouth Prowler.
Since arriving at GM in September 2001, Lutz has ordered an all-new design for the Buick Regal and ordered changes for the Pontiac Grand Am and Cadillac STS.
"I think the company's recent direction is the one you're going to see in the future," Salchow said.