Comments on: Bailout Watch 220: GM Fastlane Blog vs. The New York Times

By: Landcrusher

Landcrusher — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:06:59 +0000

When you are losing an argument to a guy as weak as Friedman, you really are in trouble.

For once he has a point, show us the plan.

By: Landcrusher

Landcrusher — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:05:47 +0000

When you are losing an argument to a guy as weak as Friedman, you really are in trouble.

For once he has a point, show is the plan.

By: Raskolnikov

Raskolnikov — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:34:02 +0000

Phukk Friedman and the Friedmanistas….Steve Harris must get the REAL plan (its floating around RenCen somewhere) to D.C. and in front of the real decision makers…not some right coast schmendrick who’s favorite pastime is calling for the destruction of our country’s manufacturing base.
Hmmm…that description sounds a lot like The….nevermind.

By: 210delray

210delray — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:28:02 +0000

The list is lame, lame, lame.

As has been stated, only the first one has any real validity; the rest are all window dressing (or lipstick on a pig).

By: Conslaw

Conslaw — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:24:49 +0000

I finally figured out why no one at GM can write a real business plan. Nobody can look at GM’s financial statements without laughing and crying at the same time.

If GM came up with a business plan, it would look something like this.

By: Mr. Sparky

Mr. Sparky — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:24:34 +0000

I don’t think Mr. Friedman needs to waste the $300 to fly to the Motor City to examine the ~~lack of~~ plan. I believe this letter is ample evidence to support Mr. Friedman’s assertions. The letter does not address fundamental problems such as dealership count and brands-gone-wild. Also, if you actually have a plan (see FordMoCo), you don’t have time to get in online snit fights with journalists (maybe that’s the plan!).

By: John Horner

John Horner — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:05:49 +0000

This from April 2008:

“GM CEO’s compensation jumps 64 percent in 2007″

http://www.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUSN2534738420080425

Nobody can take anything Wagoner & Co. say seriously when they are being so well paid to do such a horrific job.

When I see Rick put up $20 million of his own money as a contribution to the GM “bridge loan” then I might start listening. But no, he wants to keep raking in ever more cash from the company and get everyone else to provide it.

By: jgh

jgh — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:59:03 +0000

I REALLY wish somebody would garner the cojones to take Wagoner and Co. to task on WTF kind of non-viable business plan supporting 8 brands is, and what possible good could come of stringing along Pontiac, Buick, GMC, and Saturn only to keep their bloated number of dealers semi-afloat. They have relentlessly dodged this subject. TTAC B&B’s are no stranger to the 2-Brand theory; business experts and even the pols are wising up to it.

So tell me… huh? Huh? [crickets]

By: Buickman

Buickman — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:48:44 +0000

funny thing is, there is a plan but Red Ink Rick isn’t at all interested in even attempting parts of Return to Greatness. therefore, he needs to go bye bye.

By: improvement_needed

improvement_needed — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:42:32 +0000

check out the comments on the fastlane blog…
a mix between gm fanboys and ttac like pessimism…

By: John Horner

John Horner — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:34:29 +0000

Why is GM so excited about the number of models which XYZ? +1 to jkross2. Nothing in that tired GM talking points bulletin looks anything like a plan.

Neither hydrogen cars nor the Volt offer the prospect of saving GM. The numbers aren’t there.

By: improvement_needed

improvement_needed — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:34:22 +0000

Very interesting…

The first point is legit – they have been on a plan to significantly reduce costs from 5+ years ago… – however, the rest is the usual blah blah blah…

What’s the difference between a cross over and a bloated wagon that has poor fuel economy???

How many different platforms does GM have that get over 30 mpg??

What’s a larger number: 100 (Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles) or 200 (Honda Clarity)??

Is a motor trend award something to be proud of??

What will be the purchase price of a volt???
What will it’s ‘true cost to own’ be, compared to say a honda civic or toyota corolla, or prius…

By: jkross22

jkross22 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:27:27 +0000

Maybe Steven doesn’t know what a plan is. Someone should tell him what a business plan looks like. He might even share it with others at RenCen.

Only at GM would one think bullet points are a business plan.

By: elloh7

elloh7 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:27:04 +0000

Do we call this spin? PR mumbo-jumbo? Koolaid? What?

Or do we just call it what it really is.. BS?

Generalismotorismaximus fecal excrement.

Has a nice ring to it..