As I watched GM CEO Fritz Henderson's press conference this morning I was struck by a couple of his comments. (Henderson met with the media in Detroit as the company emerges from bankruptcy.)

First, Henderson said "business as usual is over" at GM. I hope so. Prior to its chapter 11 reorganization, GM was a hulking giant unable, and possibly unwilling, to change its ways. After the terrorist attacks in 2001 GM couldn't sell big sport utilities without big rebates or 0% financing. Yet, the company still clung to the segment thinking consumer sentiment would change. It didn't and things got worse last year when fuel prices soared above $4.00 a gallon. The company's commitment to making smaller cars and new technology hopefully is a move in the right direction.

Henderson is also launching a "Tell Fritz" website where consumers can write the CEO with product questions and concerns. I hope this is a sign that the company is listening to what its owners are saying. If it does, it may be able to start building vehicles that consumers want to buy. It may also help them identify and fix small problems before they become big ones.

Henderson also mentioned that GM is changing its culture. It has a new board chairman and some new board members. The company is also consolidating its auto strategy group and product board into one smaller group. Henderson said that move will cut the decision-making time in half at GM. I don't know what all of this means to the buying public, but I do know corporate cultures are difficult to change. GM's culture goes back 100 years. Can it turn on a dime? I'm not sure.

GM has it's work cut out for it. It is emerging from bankruptcy in perhaps the worst economy in 70 years. A lot is at stake. If the company fails, U.S. taxpayers will be on the hook. Analysts think Henderson has perhaps 18 months to turn GM around. Let's hope he can.