"Tell Fritz" Web Site in Works To Boost Accessibility to GM CEO

DETROIT — "Tell Fritz," a folksy-sounding Web site dedicated to putting General Motors President and CEO Fritz Henderson in closer touch with consumers, is expected to launch sometime next week. Henderson made the announcement about the Web site during a Friday press conference, underscoring that he intends to "review and respond to input every day."

"One of the new frontiers in the auto industry will be true customer service," Henderson said. "We're committed to responding to consumer market trends."

He added: "I am personally committed to being closer and more available to consumers than ever before."

Later, GM spokesperson Mary Henige told Inside Line that "Tell Fritz" is expected to be a feature on the GM Reinvention Web site. She said Henderson may also host up to two Web chats per week on the corporate GM FastLane blog and GM Reinvention. Henige said that Henderson intends to answer questions himself and not turn the responses over to underlings.

Henderson also said that he intends to "go on the road every month" to keep in further touch with consumers. "I'll be asking members of the management team to do the same," he said. "We need to listen to the questions, ideas and concerns of the people who matter most."

Unlike some GM executives, Henderson has been noteworthy for his accessibility, albeit on such corporately controlled sites as the GM FastLane blog.

Inside Line says: If you've got something on your mind about the Chevrolet Camaro or other concerns, "Tell Fritz" may be just the ticket. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent