Severe operating challenges still confront GM, including mix, pricing and market-share pressures plus a tough macro outlook as consumers face rising interest rates and energy costs.

We think such a move would not occur if prospects for traction on the turnaround plan were tighter. The management change comes at an inopportune time given the challenges ... and severe stresses on the North American business, some of which will likely require longer term attention.

I make my own surprises and I'm always surprised to see what I do, to see it when it's finished and the biggest challenge is once I finish it, it's not a failure. It's not a flop.

I like challenge. I like to be put into a situation which I haven't done before. Something new presents itself and I see if I can somehow finagle it into making a work of art out of it.