GM and Virgin Sign Greenwashing Agreement
As part of GM's ongoing [s]greenwashing campaign[/s] efforts to save the environment, The General has formed a partnership with one of the few companies in the world with an even greater responsibility for production of greenhouse gases: Virgin Atlantic Airways. In a splashy New York press conference [publicized via PRNewsWire], Virgin Atlantic and GM executives touted their agreement to provide fuel cell-powered Chevy Equinox limos as part of their Upper Class Limo Service. Initially, the vehicles will only be available only at LAX. If all goes well, the program will expand to The Big Apple, where Virgin customers will "experience the next generation of cars but also reduce their carbon footprint." Well, as long as they can afford the Virgin "Upper Class Experience" and ignore the energy-intensive hydrogen production techniques. In fact, the whole project serves only serves to reinforce the worst aspects of the so-called "green consumption" movement: offering immature technologies to alleviate the guilt of those who can afford to pay huge price premiums. How about focusing on reducing carbon intensive air travel or delivering cost-effective, fuel efficient vehicles across a model range?
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Mr. Niedermeyer, I think even GM knows it's a greenwashing campaign. Only the tree hugging hippies and people without intelligent thought actually believe GM's trying to save the environment. Hell, Lutz doesn't even believe GM's offsetting global warming, seeing as it's "a crock of shit." Is it just me, or is that quote written by the same guy that does Bush's speeches?
When I flew VA's "Upper Class" to London, I get Town Cars in the States and top of the line Volvo wagons at Heathrow. Getting picked up in an Equinox just made Upper Class a little less interesting for me. But the clubhouse lounges are still the best in the business and worth every penny. Greenwashing indeed. Everything about the Upper Class treatment says the Equinox is the wrong vehicle for this clientèle.
You know, when I think about it, I'd much rather get driven in a luxury Lincoln or Caddilac limo, seeing as it's something I don't get to do hardly ever. But an Equinox? I can go to the local GM dealer and drive one of those any day.
Ed, You hit this nail right on the head. This is greenwashing of the worst type.