You're Not Wrong Paul Mack; You're Just An Asshole
We catch some flack around here for [allegedly] taking the fight to Detroit a little harder than patriotism demands. But compared to the latest spleen-venting by Chicago Tribune scribe Paul Mack, we're about as critical as a golden retriever puppy on benzodiazepines. Mack's thesis: "GM has traded in its navy blue suits and wingtip shoes for tie-dyed shirts and sandals, and is betting its future on the eco-trifecta of fuel efficiency, flex-fuel capability and electric motors. It is unclear whether the makeover is more than skin-deep, but history provides ample room for skepticism." So we're all on the same page right? Er, no. Because when you're criticizing GM, the very least you can do is stick to the facts re: its doomedness. After all, there are so many. So when Mack pooh-poohs the Volt program because critics have "argued" that the EV1 was DOA to "prove CARB wrong," he's trotting out the worst possible argument when so many better ones exist. And rather than criticizing GM's dependence on ethanol based on the fuel's inherent inefficiencies, he wrongly argues that America is "devoid of an ethanol infrastructure." And adding insults to weak criticism, Mack fills logic gaps with ad hominem put-downs. Calling GM's 30mpg mileage claims "the stuff of dreams for men like George Jetson," Mack says the Japanese automakers achieved the 30mpg goal in the 1970s. Which must mean he'd rather drive a Mk. 1 Accord than "the 2009 Chevy Malibu-now with Betamax!" By feeding his readers invective and insults rather than the truth, Mack has passed on a "teachable moment." Like Walter from the Big Lebowski, he's not wrong… he's just an asshole.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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My co-worker drives a new Malibu as a company car. He gets 22mpg on a good day (90% HW). Yep, I'll take that 1st Gen Accord now please.
To those of you who said they'd rather drive a first-gen Accord than a 2009 Malibu -- really? The first gen Accord was the size of today's Civic, with a 1.6L, 68-HP engine and manual transmission; it burned leaded fuel and had almost no emissions equipment. I'm a GM employee and admit I am biased. But really, go test drive a new Malibu before you continue to badmouth my company. I drive a Malibu and get 27 MPG all-around; 33 on the highway. Things have changed at GM -- we are a progressive, innovative company delivering great new products. Outside of the US, we're enjoying record sales, solid financial results and a proven track record of quality. Help me out here: how do we get Americans to give us a fair shake?
Several of the current GM sedans ARE really nice. Take this from a repeat Honda and VW customer. I'd ding them though on their bulkiness. I'm sure that the focus groups advised GM to build a bulky vehicle - they prob think these cars look brawny or strong. I think they just look fat. Dunno what it is about GM vehicles but even the small vehicles look bulky. I prefer the leaner looks of the import compacts. All of this is moot b/c since gas dropped 20 cents here in the last week, the SUVs and trucks will be back on the road in droves... VBG! I hope America takes the recent $4 gas to be a warning shot from the global economy. I don't expect America to really change though. Thing smight improve for the short term and we'll forget it all and be right back in the hot seat the next time. One thing is for sure - China and India are not sleeping giants - they are all fired up. We'll be competiting with them for fuel and raw materials forever.