GM, WH and Congress expand War on Toyota to War on Ford and the US Consumer
Despite what headlines proclaimed as a GM success with May figures of a 17% increase year over year, GM’s lackluster gains landed them in 11th position out of 15 auto manufacturers’ gains in the same period. Apparently, this simply will not do for Obama’s Government Motors. So a two pronged assault on competition has been in the works. Today, federal regulators (NHTSA) has announced they are launching an investigation into Ford for sudden acceleration after verifying three complaints. Yup… I said three complaints.
On other fronts, GM China (49% share), along with their majority venture partner SAIC, are hosting a forum at the Shanghai 2010 Auto Expo, called ” Pathway to Sustainable Mobility Forum”. They’ve also constructed a publication called Roadmap to 2030 Blue Paper, which they will not publish for public consumption until the forum’s end in October 2010.
The infamous Pelosi little ditty INRE O’healthcare, “…we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it…” comes to mind here….
But what we *do* know about this GM led “Roadmap” is this…. it is intended to change consumer behavior, forcing them into electric cars, and will use the power of government and private enterprise in order to do so.
The “Drive to 2030″: Sustainable Urban Mobility Forum series is being held in conjunction with World Expo 2010 Shanghai to address the role of business, government, urban design, energy diversity, consumer behavior, innovation, and advanced technology in creating a balanced and better future. GM and its Chinese partner, SAIC, are the joint global automobile partner of Expo 2010.Under the theme of “Drive to 2030,” they are introducing their vision of a future in which driving will be free from emissions, accidents, petroleum and congestion, as well as more enjoyable and fashionable than ever before.
The “Roadmap to 2030 Blue Paper” will draw together the thoughts of forum participants and highlight what needs to be done to make sustainable mobility a reality. GM is making individual chapters available online after the conclusion of each forum on its Expo 2010 website, www.gmexpo2010.com.
How wonderful… I can’t wait. But let’s go back first to the GM May numbers, and address a few facts that a glowing media opted to leave out of the headlines.
As I mentioned, 15 out 20 auto manufacturers enjoyed year over year gains in the May reports. Below, a snapshot from the AutoNews round up of May numbers.
Read more at floppingaces.net.
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