GM admits it flucked up big time

[me]

For all you GM defenders who refuse to admit that GM screwed themselves by refusing to recognize vehicle trends and build less SUV's and trucks and invest in other production; by building low quality cars; by building cars no one wants; and by generally mismanaging the company - here is it from the horse's mouth (or more accurately, horse's ass in the case of GM):

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081208/us_nm/us_gm_ad

"... we acknowledge we have disappointed you," the ad said. "At times we violated your trust by letting our quality fall below industry standards and our designs became lackluster."

The unsigned open letter, entitled "GM's Commitment to the American People" ran in the trade journal Automotive News, which is widely read by industry executives, lobbyists and other insiders.

In the ad, GM admits to other strategic missteps analysts and critics have said hastened its recent decline.

"We have proliferated our brands and dealer network to the point where we lost adequate focus on the core U.S. market," the ad said. "We also biased our product mix toward pick-up trucks and SUVs."

 

[Oscar Finkleheimer]

For all you GM defenders who refuse to admit that GM screwed themselves by refusing to recognize vehicle trends and build less SUV's and trucks and invest in other production; by building low quality cars; by building cars no one wants; and by generally mismanaging the company - here is it from the horse's mouth (or more accurately, horse's ass in the case of GM):

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081208/us_nm/us_gm_ad

"... we acknowledge we have disappointed you," the ad said. "At times we violated your trust by letting our quality fall below industry standards and our designs became lackluster."

The unsigned open letter, entitled "GM's Commitment to the American People" ran in the trade journal Automotive News, which is widely read by industry executives, lobbyists and other insiders.

In the ad, GM admits to other strategic missteps analysts and critics have said hastened its recent decline.

"We have proliferated our brands and dealer network to the point where we lost adequate focus on the core U.S. market," the ad said. "We also biased our product mix toward pick-up trucks and SUVs."

"unsigned open letter". Maybe from the autoworkers union?

 

[Nate Nagel]

"unsigned open letter". Maybe from the autoworkers union?

I heard on the radio today that Wagoner himself had apologized before Congress for not investing more in electric/hybrid technologies. That pisses me off... as much as I've been disappointed in GM they have done more than any other company (possible exceptions Honda and Toyota, but I'd still give the edge to GM) to try to make electric cars practical. What a spineless wanker. Don't apologize for s**t you didn't do, that just makes you look like you're begging (of course, he probably is at the "begging" point now...)

unfortunately I can't find a news link yet, but I bet it will show up shortly.

nate

 

[JoeSpareBedroom]

I heard on the radio today that Wagoner himself had apologized before Congress for not investing more in electric/hybrid technologies. That pisses me off... as much as I've been disappointed in GM they have done more than any other company (possible exceptions Honda and Toyota, but I'd still give the edge to GM) to try to make electric cars practical. What a spineless wanker. Don't apologize for s**t you didn't do, that just makes you look like you're begging (of course, he probably is at the "begging" point now...)

unfortunately I can't find a news link yet, but I bet it will show up shortly.

nate

Sounds like something from James Brown's song "Think":

"Think about the bad things
I tried not to do"

Well...I guess he did them....

 

[dbu']

I heard on the radio today that Wagoner himself had apologized before Congress for not investing more in electric/hybrid technologies. That pisses me off... as much as I've been disappointed in GM they have done more than any other company (possible exceptions Honda and Toyota, but I'd still give the edge to GM) to try to make electric cars practical. What a spineless wanker. Don't apologize for s**t you didn't do, that just makes you look like you're begging (of course, he probably is at the "begging" point now...)

unfortunately I can't find a news link yet, but I bet it will show up shortly.

nate

They are groveling for money like pigs at the trough and will say anything to get it, snort.....

 

[80 Knight]

I heard on the radio today that Wagoner himself had apologized before Congress for not investing more in electric/hybrid technologies. That pisses me off... as much as I've been disappointed in GM they have done more than any other company (possible exceptions Honda and Toyota, but I'd still give the edge to GM) to try to make electric cars practical. What a spineless wanker. Don't apologize for s**t you didn't do, that just makes you look like you're begging (of course, he probably is at the "begging" point now...)

unfortunately I can't find a news link yet, but I bet it will show up shortly.

nate

From what I see, GM is in very desperate need of the cash, and will say anything to get it. There survival (and possibly the survival of the other Big3) depends on it. What a shame that a good auto manufacture has to beg, and lie (lies that will actually hurt them) to get $35 million, when the big banks were handed $700 billion on a gold platter.

 

[Jeff (4)]

I heard on the radio today that Wagoner himself had apologized before Congress for not investing more in electric/hybrid technologies.  That pisses me off... as much as I've been disappointed in GM they have done more than any other company (possible exceptions Honda and Toyota, but I'd still give the edge to GM) to try to make electric cars practical. What a spineless wanker.  Don't apologize for s**t you didn't do, that just makes you look like you're begging (of course, he probably is at the "begging" point now...)

unfortunately I can't find a news link yet, but I bet it will show up shortly.

nate

There is far more than GM should have done besides trying to make electric cars practical. They should have figured out cost-efficient ways to make small cars (instead of importing them from Korea), implemented ways to make cars more efficient, make entry level cars that consumers would want and that would last, and improved its manufacturing capability to be more flexible.

Jeff

 

[Jeff (4)]

From what I see, GM is in very desperate need of the cash, and will say anything to get it.  There survival (and possibly the survival of the other Big3) depends on it.  What a shame that a good auto manufacture has to beg, and lie (lies that will actually hurt them) to get $35 million, when the big banks were handed $700 billion on a gold platter.

What a shame that GM and Chrysler are in a position where they will run out of money. And what a shame that the big banks were not allowed to fail or go bankrupt. In addition, the Detroit 3 should be allowed to go bankrupt. That's why we have those laws.

Jeff

 

[me]

"unsigned open letter". Maybe from the autoworkers union?

GM paid advertisement. Read the article.

 

[Nate Nagel]

There is far more than GM should have done besides trying to make electric cars practical. They should have figured out cost-efficient ways to make small cars (instead of importing them from Korea), implemented ways to make cars more efficient, make entry level cars that consumers would want and that would last, and improved its manufacturing capability to be more flexible.

I think their costs are such that they *couldn't* rely on entry-level, efficient cars to be profitable and had to try to move upmarket instead (which they failed to do.) Unfortunately moving upmarket generally means lower volume, and with their union agreements that'd be a loser too. Importing from Korea actually seems like a smart move, although I would have buddied up with Hyundai long before Daewoo, who don't have a particularly stellar record of automotive excellence.

nate

 

[Elmo P. Shagnasty]

For all you GM defenders who refuse to admit that GM screwed themselves by refusing to recognize vehicle trends and build less SUV's and trucks and invest in other production; by building low quality cars; by building cars no one wants; and by generally mismanaging the company - here is it from the horse's mouth (or more accurately, horse's ass in the case of GM):

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081208/us_nm/us_gm_ad

"... we acknowledge we have disappointed you," the ad said. "At times we violated your trust by letting our quality fall below industry standards and our designs became lackluster."

The unsigned open letter, entitled "GM's Commitment to the American People" ran in the trade journal Automotive News, which is widely read by industry executives, lobbyists and other insiders.

In the ad, GM admits to other strategic missteps analysts and critics have said hastened its recent decline.

"We have proliferated our brands and dealer network to the point where we lost adequate focus on the core U.S. market," the ad said. "We also biased our product mix toward pick-up trucks and SUVs."

blah, blah, blah.

Here's the ad they WANTED to run:

http://www.buffalobeast.com/133/bigthree.jpg

 

[80 Knight]

On Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:18:34 -0600, Oscar Finkleheimer

GM paid advertisement. Read the article.

House OKs $14B auto bill - but it's still in peril
WASHINGTON - A $14 billion rescue package for the nation's imperiled auto industry sped to approval in the U.S. House Wednesday night, but the emergency bailout was still in jeopardy from Republicans who were setting out roadblocks in the Senate.

Democrats and the Bush White House hoped for a Senate vote as early as Thursday and enactment by week's end. They argued that the loans authorized by the measure were needed to stave off disaster for the auto industry - and a crushing further blow to the reeling national economy.

The legislation, approved 237-170 by the House, would provide money within days to cash-starved General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC. Ford Motor Co., which has said it has enough to stay afloat, would also be eligible for federal aid.

Republicans were preparing a strong fight against the aid plan in the Senate, not only taking on the Democrats but standing in open revolt against their party's lame-duck president on the measure.

The Republicans want to force the companies into bankruptcy or mandate hefty concessions from autoworkers and creditors as a condition of any federal aid. They also oppose an environmental mandate that House Democrats insisted on including in the measure.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it represented "tough love" for U.S. auto companies, and "giving a chance - this one more chance - to this great industry."

The White House, struggling to sell the package to congressional Republicans, said earlier that a carmaker bankruptcy could be fatal to the auto industry and have a devastating impact on workers, families and the economy.

"We believe the legislation developed in recent days is an effective and responsible approach to deal with troubled automakers and ensure the necessary restructuring occurs," said Dana Perino, the White House press secretary.

But the measure faces a difficult road in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to advance. Rank-and-file Senate Republicans skewered the bill during a closed-door luncheon with White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten, who was dispatched to Capitol Hill to make a case for the rescue package.

Besides providing cash for the auto companies, it would create a government "car czar," to be named by President George W. Bush to dole out the loans, with the power to force the carmakers into bankruptcy next spring if they didn't cut quick deals with labor unions, creditors and others to restructure their businesses and become viable.

Behind the scenes, Senate Democratic and Republican leaders scrambled for a deal that would allow votes on the bill on Thursday. Some GOP senators were demanding votes on an alternative that would order the automakers to take specific actions to restructure - including steep wage cuts and debt restructuring - in return for any federal money.

 

[PerfectReign]

For all you GM defenders who refuse to admit that GM screwed themselves by refusing to recognize vehicle trends and build less SUV's and trucks

Something wrong with SUV's and trucks?

I'd rather have one of them than a car.

I drove a compact Maxima for a few years. Way too small.

 

[coachrose13]

For all you GM defenders who refuse to admit that GM screwed themselves by refusing to recognize vehicle trends and build less SUV's and trucks and invest in other production; by building low quality cars; by building cars no one wants; and by generally mismanaging the company - here is it from the horse's mouth (or more accurately, horse's ass in the case of GM):

Sad, sick, and disgusting.

Bad enough having to defend GM from the likes of you, now, we have to defend them from the top-brass of GM, as well.

"Vehicle trends"??????????

THF is that?????

The only "trend" is that EVERYONE, INCLUDING TOYOTA and HONDA are building LARGER vehicles.

And they are the ones that SELLS!!!!!!!!!!!

Quickly now, tell me, outside of the tax-credited supported Prius, how many cars does Toyota sell that are more fuel-effecient than American nameplates??????

What are some of their most popular vechicles????

Camry?????

Does it get better gas mileagle than similar American nameplates?????

Of course not, in many cases it gets worse gas mileage.

Is it more reliable?????

Of course not!!!!

In many cases, it is LESS reliable.

Toyota has also invested BILLIONS of dollars in its full-sized pickup truck line.

Does that sound like THEY think pick-ups are vehicles "no one wants to buy"??????

Of course not, it is the single most PROFITABLE vehicle made on the planet today, and they realize it.

And of course, our BIg Three, led by Congressional mandates tied into loans they will recieve, will hand over truck sales to the Japaneses, and they will make a fortune on the market.

All the Americans will do is lose more jobs.

As far as admitting to building "low-quality cars", they are going against what many have been arguing about for years, that GM makes a damned-good car.

I might believe them if I never owned a GM product, but having owned many of them over the years, I know this is another lie.

My GM cars have not suddenly turned to junk simply because of an ad designed to help the company beg for money.

But, I wonder about those who have never owned a GM product, but maybe were thinking about checking into it.

Does this full-page as sound like a ringing endoresment?????

Will it help sales??????

Of course not!

But, I guess I would resort to anything lies, if my family were starving to death.

 

[coachrose13]

They are groveling for money like pigs at the trough and will say anything to get it, snort.....

You hit the nail on the head!

Of course, the money the get will be at the expensne of the automobile buyer, and even more so for those working in the industry!

 

[Gosi]

Oscar Finkleheimer wrote:

You hit the nail on the head!

Of course, the money the get will be at the expensne of the automobile buyer, and even more so for those working in the industry!

It is interesting that Ford is not willing to receive money under the terms the government is offering. GM has no option but to crawl on the knees and hat in hand take the money if they are to get any. The best thing is to let them go into C11 Anything else is just plain stupid. What else is there to be expected form Bush. The question is if Bush is the most clever guy in the US?

 

[badgolferman]

What else is there to be expected form Bush.
The question is if Bush is the most clever guy in the US?

Are you saying this is Bush's fault also or are you saying Bush is smart for not going along with this?

 

[Jeff Findley]

I heard on the radio today that Wagoner himself had apologized before Congress for not investing more in electric/hybrid technologies. That pisses me off... as much as I've been disappointed in GM they have done more than any other company (possible exceptions Honda and Toyota, but I'd still give the edge to GM) to try to make electric cars practical.

Besides a few of their large SUV's, what cars do GM sell that are hybrids?

I will agree that when (if?) the Volt comes out that it ought to sell very well and will be a much needed improvement over the existing Japanese hybrids which rely far too much on their gas engines. If GM could have released the Volt earlier this year, when gas was over $4 per gallong, they would have sold every single one they rolled off the production line. A car that used zero gas for my commute to/from work, but still has a gas engine for long distance traveling, would be freaking nirvana!

Jeff

 

[Gosi]

Besides a few of their large SUV's, what cars do GM sell that are hybrids?

I will agree that when (if?) the Volt comes out that it ought to sell very well and will be a much needed improvement over the existing Japanese hybrids which rely far too much on their gas engines.  If GM could have released the Volt earlier this year, when gas was over $4 per gallong, they would have sold every single one they rolled off the production line.  A car that used zero gas for my commute to/from work, but still has a gas engine for long distance traveling, would be freaking nirvana!

Jeff

There are a lot of electrical cars coming.
The dependency on oil is going down.
Even if some places need to burn somthing to create electicity it needs not be oil. It can be coal, there are also several other methods of creating electricity in powerplants.

Chevy Volt: The future is electrifying.
The Extended-Range Electric Vehicle that is redefining the automotive world is no longer just a rumor. In fact, its propulsion system is so revolutionary, it's unlike any other vehicle or electric car that's ever been introduced. And we're making this remarkable vision a reality, so that one day you'll have the freedom to drive gas-free.

Chevy Volt is designed to move more than 75 percent of America's daily commuters without a single drop of gas.(2) That means for someone who drives less than 40 miles a day, Chevy Volt will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions.(1)

Unlike traditional electric cars, Chevy Volt has a revolutionary propulsion system that takes you beyond the power of the battery. It will use a lithium-ion battery with a gasoline-powered, range- extending engine that drives a generator to provide electric power when you drive beyond the 40-mile battery range.

Chevy Volt. Fully charged 2010.
http://www.chevrolet.com/electriccar/

http://venturebeat.com/2008/01/10/27-electric-cars-companies-ready-to-take-over-the-road/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_electric_vehicle

At 2008 fuel prices, battery powered buses are more economical than diesel or gasoline powered buses. The additional cost of the batteries is made up for[citation needed] by the low operating cost in the first half of the typical million to two million mile (three million kilometer) life of the bus. Chattanooga, Tennessee operates nine free (no fares) electric buses, which have been in operation since 1992 and have carried 11.3 million passengers and covered a distance of 1.9 million miles. They were made locally by Advanced Vehicle Systems. Two of these buses were used for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.[3][4] Wrightbus has a new a hybrid-electric driveline for the StreetCar RTV which has been developed in conjunction with the ISE Corporation of California and incorporates Siemens ELFA traction components and a Cummins ISL engine. The chassis is built to Wright Group specifications by Swiss trolleybus specialists Carosserie Hess and is powered by Valence Technology lithium phosphate batteries . Beginning in the summer of 2000, Hong Kong airport began operating a 16-passenger Mitsubishi Rosa electric shuttle bus, and in the fall of 2000, New York City began testing a 66 passenger battery powered school bus, an all electric version of the Blue-Bird TC2000.[5] A similar bus was operated in Napa Valley, California for 14 months ending in April, 2004.[6] The 2008 Beijing Olympics used a fleet of 50 electric buses, which have a range of 130 km (81 mi) with the air conditioning on. They use Lithium-ion batteries, and consume about 1 kWh/mile. The buses were designed by the Beijing Institute of Technology and built by the Jinghua Coach Co. Ltd.[7] The batteries are replaced with fully charged ones at the recharging station to allow 24 hour operation of the buses.[8]

 

[C. E. White]

So where is Toyota's apology letter for some of their mistakes? How about an admission they screwed up something on thousands of engines that lead many people to have sludge problems, or that the monster Tundra is a huge mistake. Or that they have built some of the most boring vehicles ever conceived. How about an apology for the older 4Runners that had one of the highest death rate for any vehicle ever sold in the US?

Ed