Wagoner: UAW Contract Means More Green
Speaking to Automotive News [sub], GM CEO Rick Wagoner promised his employer will plow the money saved by its new contract with the United Auto Workers (UAW) into "green products." Specifically, in the next four to ten years, GM will build more [some?] low-emitting diesels, hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles running on lithium ion batteries. "If we have a significantly profitable and cash-generating enterprise, that really opens up the opportunity to be more aggressive and take more risks." Never one to miss an opportunity not to ask GM's jeffe the hard questions surrounding the details of a major announcement, Automotive News doesn't reveal GM's strategy in the event that GM isn't "significantly profitable" and the company's cash conflagration continues. (By GM's own admission, they won't realize any major savings from the new contract for another four years.) Right. That's it. I'm going to the Detroit Auto Show to find this guy. Who's with me?
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Why not take risks? If history is any guide, even if it fails, you can still sell them to your customers.
"Right. That's it. I'm going to the Detroit Auto Show to find this guy. Who's with me?" You go, Roger....er...I mean Robert!
Count me in.
Same promises GM (and Ford) made years ago when they claimed they will be the environment automaker leader. GM's best products seem to be press releases and kool-aid. Who knows - I may not buy another GM truck in 2009 - may go with a Toyota (if they stand behind their product and not try to hide when there's defects).