My
thanks to GM
Tuesday,
January 9, 2007
If not for
GM's sponsorship, I would not have attended the North
American International Auto Show, which was an absolutely
outstanding experience on many different levels. Of course
I was very thankful to see the debut of an incredible
concept, such as the Volt
electric. This is the type of car that
Hybridcarblog.com and Soultek.com exist to promote, so I
was happy to see GM becoming more serious and more real
about such vehicles - and I believe GM is dead real about
the Volt.
Just as awesome was the opportunity I was given to speak
with designers and other top level GM executives regarding
the Volt. Myself and a few other bloggers were even given
a few exclusive moments with Bob Lutz.
Quite simply, the access to information and knowledgeable
people, plus the absolutely unmatched hospitality, was a
truly unforgettable experience.
It was also mind-opening to spend time with so many
wonderful GM employees. These people believe in Detroit,
they believe in GM, and they believe American automakers
are up to the task to make the very best automobiles. Many
spoke openly of their concerns regarding global warming
and the need for better fuel efficiency. These people get
it, but getting there isn't as easy as understanding that
there is a problem.
Of course I will still be critical of GM. I'm not a fan of
Hummers and big SUVs, nor will I ever be such a fan.
Still, I'm not a fan of the way Toyota used both the LA
Auto Show and NAIAS to significantly promote its largest
truck ever. The truth is, the future for all automakers is
going to be very hard, and companies such as GM can't just
stop making cars I don't like and only make cars that
provide little, if any, profit. Besides, another automaker
would quickly fill the void left by GM.
When Hollywood makes movies criticizing the death of 100
electric cars, yet is silent regarding the death of 10's
of thousands of good paying blue collar jobs, it's time
for a little perspective. Don't a bunch of tough,
working-class Americans from Detroit matter in Hollywood?
Consequently, rather than mostly criticizing GM, I'd
rather spend more of my GM coverage on what GM is doing
right, such as the Volt, the Saab
flex-fuel hybrid, and the Saturn
Vue plug-in hybrid. These vehicles can help change
America and the more Americans that know about these
vehicles and their potential, the more pressure consumers
can put on automakers to make them and on politicians to
help fund them.
So, once again, thank you GM. Thanks for your incredible
hospitality. More important, thanks for reminding me to
focus less on problems and more on solutions.
posted
by Dahcredyns at
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