How A Frequent TTAC Commenter Nearly Became CEO Of General Motors

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Selim Bingol, GM’s PR bigshot, may not “negotiate with terrorists”, but he nearly wound up working for a terrorist sympathizer who was active on terrorist message boards: Bingol’s former client Ed Whitacre recommended the man as GM’s next leader.

Automotive News reports that Whitacre originally wanted Mark Reuss, son of a former GM exec, to become CEO. In the end, GM got Dan Akerson. So how to explain the TTAC connection?

First, a preface. TTAC is committed to providing a positive experience for the commenters, provided they adhere to the commenting policy. Furthermore, we know that plenty of our readers work in sensitive positions within the industry, and their anonimity is extremely important. However, Reuss ended up outing himself.

Reuss’ s often snarky comments fit TTAC well. Likewise, Reuss would be a perfect fit for the top job at GM. After all, what’s good for North America should be just great for GM. A youthful, knowledgeable, quick-witted Reuss definitely trumps an Akerson, who, according to Whitacre, was openly contemptuous of GM and their products – a charge commonly leveled at TTAC. Imagine that, a TTAC reader occupying the executive suite at General Motors. One can only snicker at the idea of a Manchurian Candidate or sleeper cell planted deep within GM to help undermine the evil labor unions, hard-touch plastics and Voltec R&D programs.

As the son of a former auto executive myself, I know what it’s like to visit Dad at the office and be awestruck by the magnitude and complexity of what goes into putting cool cars on the road – and the desire to fill Dad’s shoes one day, working in the greatest industry on the planet. Just remember Mark, we are not an evil monolith dedicated to bringing down the RenCen, even if your PR guru thinks so.

Reuss is young, and a frequent TTAC commenter can still be CEO. By endorsing him, we may have diminished his odds under the current regime, but there is always hope for a new one.

Care to comment, nadude?

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Buickman Buickman on Jan 24, 2013

    he hired Ebonic, that alone should tell you there is no ability to judge talent. he has lost market share steadily, and made zero change to the ridiculous marketing. this is what drives the car business and Reuss does not get it. he should be reassigned back to Australia and take Batey with him. furthermore, any high level GM executive with family members attached to NASCAR should be forbidden from approving any race car expenditures. hear me Mark, and don't bother sending your goony zone reps after dealers I'm associated with. you won't like the results bro.

  • Sunridge place Sunridge place on Jan 25, 2013

    From the sites search function, it looks like Reuss has posted a half-dozen times or so...hardly a 'frequent' commenter. The funniest was here... http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/06/chevy-beats-the-gas-prices-blues-in-india-with-lpg-ev-city-car/ Watching Ed backpeddle and apologizing for 'framing the topic in a confusing manner' was amusing.

  • SCE to AUX I've never been teased by a bumper like that one before.
  • 3SpeedAutomatic R&T could have killed the story before it was released.Now, by pulling it after the fact, they look like idiots!! What's new??
  • Master Baiter "That said, the Inflation Reduction Act apparently does run afoul of WTO rules..."Pfft. The Biden administration doesn't care about rules. The Supreme Court said they couldn't forgive student load debt; they did it anyway. Decorum and tradition says you don't prosecute former presidents; they are doing it anyway. They made the CDC suspend evictions though they had no constitutional authority to do so.
  • 1995 SC Good. To misquote Sheryl Crow "If it makes them unhappy, it can't be that bad"
  • 1995 SC The letters on the hatch aren't big enough. hard pass
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