Bailout Watch 285 (no Less): LaNeve to GM Dealers: Call Bush

Important Message Update: White House Statement
Mark LaNeve, Vice President, GM North America
12/12/2008

Dear U.S. Dealers:

Last night the United States Congress failed to reach agreement on a $14 billion emergency bridge loan in support of the domestic auto industry. Obviously, we’re very disappointed in this development. As critical a situation as this is, GM’s leadership continues to look at options to restructure and stabilize the business in this exceptionally difficult economic period.

I can’t possibly express my appreciation and pride for your participation in this effort. General Motors dealers could not have done more to show support for the loan legislation. You and your teams made thousands upon thousands of contacts with our congressional leaders. Many of you traveled to Washington to meet with your representatives personally, while others organized funds to place ads in local media. I truly believe that your voice was heard and that your efforts will impact the future outcome…

While the federal government may need to step in to prevent an immediate failure, the auto companies, their labor unions, and all other stakeholders must be prepared to make the meaningful concessions necessary to become viable.”

We are continuing to work with the Bush administration, the Obama transition team and congressional leaders for action yet this year.

It goes without saying that these are historic times for our economy and for GM. But we cannot lose sight of the fact that customers will still walk into our stores today and that we still have the best cars, trucks and crossovers we’ve ever had to sell. We have great incentives in the market and our December sales pace has been strong compared to October and November. Make no mistake that we intend to work our way through this crisis. We are aggressively managing down our cost structure while executing key product programs, such as the new Camaro, LaCrosse, and hybrid pick-ups coming soon. I’m asking you to keep a cool head and the commitment you demonstrated in speaking out to Washington. We must continue to order and sell products and satisfy customers.

Rest assured, my team is also committed to helping you to drive the business, as we have always done. As we get more information and clarity on developments, we’ll communicate them to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, it is important that you continue your great efforts by personally contacting President Bush and his administration. You can easily do this by sending an email to http://www.comments@whitehouse.gov and ask President Bush to take action now.

Mark LaNeve

Vice President
GM North America