Yesterday we took a poll on whether GM-Volt.com readers supported a GM bailout. Of 1035 respondents, 72% indicated they supported it.
Below is my letter to the US Government endorsing a rapid institution of the aid package.
Please initial below as a comment to this post if you are a US citizen and agree with the letter. You should also print the letter and fax it to your Senators and Representatives.
11/14/2008
Dear President Bush, Members of Congress, and Secretary Paulson:
The US automakers are on the brink of collapse. Partly from past failures and the forces of free market competition, they had been left in a difficult but quite possibly solvable financial situation.
The destructive and overwhelming force of illiquidity stemming from massive mortgage defaults, however, has rapidly crushed any chance of a self-induced recovery.
General Motors’ upcoming Chevy Volt represents the future of this country. The ability to drive without gasoline and on US-produced electricity will usher in a fantastic new era of petroleum independence and a vast enterprise of related green technologies, including the critical field of advanced battery production.
As unpalatable as the notion of corporate federal bailouts are for you, me, and many Americans, there appears to be no alternative.
Allowing the US automotive industry to die on the vine in the coming weeks will weaken our country severely, wreak terrible suffering on millions of Americans, and result in the loss of hundreds of billions of dollars of revenue. So too may it imperil our chances for an energy independent future.
I am a public advocate of electrification of the automobile and founder of the grassroots site GM-Volt.com. On my site there are over 45,000 Americans and other citizens of the world who are on a demonstrative waiting list for this electric car. We are the tip of the iceberg. There will be millions of such cars built and sold over the coming decades. This technological leadership should and must be driven by a US company.
We endorse that without delay the Government grant the immediate release of adequate loans, in addition to the low cost retooling loans already signed into law, for direct aid of the three US automakers, GM, Chrysler, and Ford.
Yours truly,
Lyle J. Dennis, MD
Founder, GM-Volt.com
And the Undersigned Citizens
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:46 am)Lyle always makes good on taking initiative. Way to go, let’s hope this helps!
Even in Southern Illinois, I am represented by articulate, involved public servants. They and all congresspeople I’ve met will each be getting a copy of this letter!
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:51 am)Lyle you’ve got the support of all. Keep going. The Internal Medicine community supports you too. Bruce
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:08 am)Not only will you be credited with bringing the volt to fruition but possibly also saving the big 3. I can only imagine how your patients feel about you.
Although I must say that a large portion of the 73% wanted conditions put on that bailout.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:20 am)RB
In paragraph 2, “self-induced” might be changed to “self-financed”
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:23 am)jpk
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:26 am)Great Letter!
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:26 am)Please help get GM back on it’s feet. I want my Chevy Volt! cam
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:27 am)If you build it we will buy it.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:27 am)GM is lying about the prospect of Volt, they should be let go and restructure using chapter 11.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:28 am)America must move toward electrification of transportation, both people and freight. We must at the same time grow our manufacturing job market (not allow further collapse). We as a country cannot allow our automobile and supporting industries to fail. There are no reasonable alternatives. National security and our economy are intimately linked to both.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:29 am)FJG Save GM and Ford and Chrysler
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:34 am)The funds must be used for Volt development electrification of transportation ONLY!
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:37 am)Please, save the Electric Car for the second and last time !
Some help from the government is rushing to save the company.
To support the banks is good, So too, is to save hundreds of thousands of jobs is equally. A bit of will at the end of a mandate would correct a few mistakes in the past…
Thank you !
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:39 am)E. S.
I AGREE WITH THIS LETTER
I AM A CITIZEN OF THE U S A
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:45 am)Volt is the real hope for the company – if the Volt is stopped – company should go into Chapter 11. Currently the company is only afloat now due to booming market in China. Spinoff the Volt and see if it can stand. Keep Malibu and Camero and make them PHEV. “I am a public advocate of electrification of the automobile and founder of the grassroots site GM-Volt.com.” PHEVs that look nice — sell IF they are reasonably priced.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:50 am)R.C.
I agree with this statement.
I have always been a US citizen.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:53 am)ags
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:55 am)JOK. Painful – yes. Necessary – yes.
We have already lost four of the largest financial institutions in this country. Let’s not lose our auto manufacturers as well.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:56 am)Traditionally I am also against government interventions / bailouts in the free market, but I also agree that it is unavoidable right now. As a country, we need to force Detroit to make cars that will allow us to be free of fossil fuels, and the Chevy Volt is at the forefront of this effort. IT IS A NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUE perhaps unlike any we have ever faced.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:56 am)I support bailout loans
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:57 am)Let’s hope that Congress realizes how important it is that the Volt actually be produced. it would be the leading edge of Obama’s “green economy” – the retooling of the American industrial base to provide 5 million new jobs. I’m really worried that the Bush administration just doesn’t care… will the Repubs be upset if the “green revolution” fails? Has “W” even ever heard of the Volt? I think not…
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:58 am)Agreed – but the industry needs some fundamental change……GAD
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:58 am)RGS
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:59 am)This car could be more effective on the war on terror then any of our bombs.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:59 am)pb
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:01 am)Let’s all bailout the auto industry. The same industry that can’t compete because it continues to build inferior cars. Then in 5 years we can see it go under. What’s the point other than prolonging the inevitable. Besides, how many of us can afford the Volt at 40K? Let’s get some people in there that can actually turn the industry around.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:02 am)As a US citizen I fully concur with the above letter. – PAT (aka nasaman)
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:03 am)MJK
Go Volt!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:05 am)Yes I want to give my full support to the Chevy Volt. It is important to give full support to US automakers. I came to this country and all my cars had been made in the USA. This will continue for the rest of my life…
Thank you
Al Vazquez
FAMA Magazine
Director.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:08 am)Yes I like to help GM keep the Chevy Volt and all the good cars they have plan for the future.. This is a 100 year old company and it will be a 200 year old company.. please give the help now…
Ileana Muniz
FAMA
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:09 am)What happened to “bancrupcy is not an option”. They dont need govt welfare..get the genious to solve the problem and stick to his word!
If he doesnt stick to his word on the bankrupcy issue, what makes you think he will stick to his word on the “volt”.
Buy a tesla…better car, better performance, and AVAILABLE. Funny how a couple of guys in california can START an entire car company from scratch and bring a product online faster than GM can. ,
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:11 am)CGM
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:12 am)Welcome the Union of the American Socialists Republics. Bush tells the world that capitalism isn’t the cause of our current economic difficulty while promoting the nationalization of business in America. Oh Brave New World and Double Speak. We can’t have it both ways. Our highly paid, futuristic, and responsible management class needs cleansing. I’d like to have a Volt, but it may need to be built by Toyota.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:12 am)JAN — As a U.S. citizen I agree with the above letter.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:13 am)TLK
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:15 am)We cannot let the American Auto Industry fail. I am an American.
Edward Ellyatt
Edward Ellyatt, Sr
Roberta Ellyatt
Mary Louise Ellyatt
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:15 am)I agree, I am and always have been a proud American Citizen
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:16 am)The survival of the Volt – and the lower-cost vehicles that should inevitably result – should be the basis of ANY bailout by the Feds. The future is not in Hummers, massive SUVs and 10mpg trucks. There’s a reason GM is in trouble. The Volt is the key to its survival.
-1
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:17 am)MTR
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:18 am)BPB
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:20 am)DDB, nice work Lyle. Off to my Congressmen.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:21 am)The turn in the market is effecting all companies, not just the big ones. Bailout plans at this point appear to be required, however, i feel that they need to strict loans for specific endeavors that will keep companies afloat in the future. Such as, Chevy and the Volt. It needs to be understood that the bailout is not free cash, it is a loan from the government… from the tax paying citizens of this country, and it needs to be paid back. Bailouts with allocations for executives and frivolous spending will only bury us further.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:23 am)MAC
I endorse this message, and I am an American citizen.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:27 am)M.A.G.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:27 am)PBO
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:28 am)DKK
I endorse this message, and I am an American Citizen
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:29 am)James Rose
I agree
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:29 am)I endorse this message and I am an American Citizen.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:30 am)The Government caused a lot of this with all of the regulations now I see it only fit they help to bail them out I am all for electric cars and other mode transportation so much so I build my own I could not wait
Please help America become strong again !
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:30 am)No to the bailout. Let capitalism do its job. There are other American-made electric vehicles in the works (Aptera)…..
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:31 am)The US auto industry,”although I believe has been poorly mananged for many years” must be saved.The economic ramifications of failure are to severe for our economy at this time to endure.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:31 am)I have a Honda Civie Hybrid and I have bought Japanese cars for years to get what I wanted but wasn’t provided by American cars. I want to buy an American car!
Just when there is a car I want (Volt), the rug is getting pulled out from under us. Let’s help out our auto industry which seems to finally be taking the right course.
JA – American citizen
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:31 am)TMZ – We need to recreate the strong American automobile company. The Volt is the pinnacle of American engineering.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:33 am)Hehe I’m not a US citizen, but gently suggest that if you really want off oil, then the CAFE standards should be raised to the point where ONLY Volt type vehicles can be offered for sale.
It also has the advantage of resetting the playing field and increasing the possibility of a return on taxpayer dollars, or at least getting some of them back.
Lyle, when you first started this site, bet you never thought you would be championing GM’s very survival. Funny how life works out.
Finally, Lyle, How about pushing for a ride in a mule now? We can then have another Volt related thread. We really need a pick-me-up right about now.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:33 am)RIH
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:35 am)JES, As much as changes need to be made in the auto industry of this country, I endorse this message and support whatever means available to help save the million plus jobs at stake
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:36 am)I AM A AMERICAN TOO…. When GM bought the Hummer from Chrysler I totally thought it was a STUPID move. Whoever thought it was a GREAT move… FIRE THEM..NOW. Energy is the big concern for me, we are the most wasteful nation on earth and the Hummer is a PIG. I have never owned anything but GM, I drive a Bonneville bought new in 2003. 108000 miles with no problems, great mileage (some trips over 34 MPG) driving habits are important:-) I do support keeping GM alive with a LOAN.. But they need a real shake up in upper management if I ran my businesses like they do I would have closed my doors long ago on STUPIDITY… And NO BONUSES for running GM into the red… FIRE THEM.. LONG LIVE THE VOLT..BUT BUILD IT HERE… SORRY I AM VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS MESS… Bill
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:37 am)Bail out is at the expense of the American people. Bail out dosnt mean print money for free and give it to them. Although it is a shame and terrible for any US jobs to be lost, this bail out is just a band aid for a mortal bleeding wound. Using our tax payer money to pay for the many years of mistakes, poor quality, bad design, and lack of market needs or awareness in my opinion is not the answer.
Again GM prices the Volt car for too much money. They also dont specify what the MPG is when the batteries are exausted. To get only 40 miles on batteries is not enough, when other companies have batteries to drive longer.
Maybe the auto business doesnt work with unions that demand too much for workers that are not as productive as they can be. I am an American and ashamed that Japan makes more sense, and a more reliable product for a better price, consistantly.
Maybe the US auto industry is due to learn a lesson? When we make mistakes in our jobs or our own businesses do we get bailed out from the tax payers? US auto makers don’t need money they need a complete re-tooling at their own expense even if US workers are laid off. A lesson must be learned here for once and for all.
Sorry to say this since I know the effects of the jobs lost and proud to be American too.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:37 am)I agree with most of Lyle’s 3rd paragraph:
“[Electric transportation] represents the future of this country. The ability to drive without gasoline and on US-produced electricity will usher in a fantastic new era of petroleum independence and a vast enterprise of related green technologies, including the critical field of advanced battery production.”
However, I’ve replaced the low range, high cost Volt with “electric transportation” in general. In that regard:
http://www.aptera.com/
Has the Volt beat in every way, in my opinion.
If American industries can’t make goods Americans want to buy (GM, other auto makers) they should go bankrupt and be replaced, thats what makes America great. Government handouts to industries basically pay the industries without them having to make sales. It’s theft from the taxpayers. “Buy our goods, or we’ll take your tax dollars.” Is that how it works now? That’s not the America I love. With all these bailouts, I should just learn Chinese and be socialist, at the least, they aren’t lying about what they are.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:38 am)This is an excellent letter. But addressed as it is, it won’t do much good. Every person who reads this should cut and paste it into a word document and then send a copy to his or her own US Senators and Representative, as well as to Secretary Paulson, President Bush and President-elect Obama. One letter won’t make a difference. Thousands will!
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:38 am)The Volt is important,,, it is the first mass produced unlimited range electric,, not just another incremental improvement. I support a bridge loan if the UAW (GM employees) also take part by reducing their cash burn rate for the duration of the loan. That is standard in these situations and I’m very suprised it’s not on the table.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:38 am)I urge Congress to save and protect (I know: It’s a dirty word) the U.S. Auto Industry. Protect the Volt! “Free” trade has broken us. Now is the time to go back to policies that worked for the United States of America and stop pandering to reckless profiteers, the anti-American champions of white-knuckle globalization. They are leading us down the primrose path to manufacturing impotence and disaster!
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:40 am)RWD
Haymarket, VA
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:41 am)I have always respected Lyle for what he is doing but never so much as I do now. It is a hard situation but I think in the end, this is for the best. I’m no big union fan, but regardless, they are Americans. As such, I’d rather see a bailout to help Americans than worry about if they are union or not. Better a rate cut than no job at all. GM-Volt.com has spoken…I hope the politicians are listening…
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:41 am)Agree. DRS
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:41 am)DSC
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:45 am)JMC
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:45 am)I do not.
In todays New York Times, David Brooks writes “If ever the market has rendered a just verdict, it is the one rendered on G.M. and Chrysler.”
Somewhere in GM’s bloated corporate suites, are some people capable of gutting the company, and saving the spirit of GM. They will never get the chance if you bail out the failures on the board and in the executive suites.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:46 am)As a US citizen, I support this letter with the stipulation that takers of this bailout be required to offer a viable plug in electric vehicle which is affordable to the masses. NO PLUG, NO SALE!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:46 am)Agreed.
My grandfather retired from Oldsmobile and though I would hate to see his benefits cut, it may be necessary to allow GM to continue to operate.
CPA
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:47 am)They need support
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:48 am)WLZ
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:48 am)RMJ Save the Volt
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:49 am)I am a US citizen and an Army veteran. We as a nation need this type of new technology to regain our foothold in the world economy. We need the VOLT! NOW!
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:49 am)I would only sign this, if the dollars were restricted to alternate energy powered vehicals. This letter give the power to use the money to the car manufactures who have fallen behind in technology on their own regard. They will just do the same if the money is not restricted for specific use.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:50 am)The article on page A13 of The Wall Street Journal(11/14/08) show an easily doable fit in to our national electric grid system. Savings from reduced imports of foreign oil, and reduction in carbon footprint as a result of 78% of commuters that drive less than 40 mile to and from work every day, would be a marked economic boost for this country.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:52 am)Well written letter. I support the Chevy Volt and hope the government will, too. I am a U.S. citizen.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:52 am)I would change from “the automotive industry is on the brink of collapse” to “GM, Ford and Chrysler” or “American automakers are on the brink of collapse”.
The truth is that mainly foreign auto makers are doing alright and expanding business here actually.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:53 am)Gotta do whatcha gotta do….thanks Lyle
I’m cutting, pasting and mailing…
I am CJM … and I am a US citizen… and I approve this message.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:53 am)Lets save the Volt and not let it be the next EV1! What a mistake that would be. We need the Volt NOW! Fuel prices WILL soar again and we have got to get off of foreign oil. Build the Volt AND drill in the U.S. Use our coastline, I’m in total favor of it and I’m a citizen and a US army vet. Thank you.
(in NC)
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:54 am)Probably should have demanded that GM resume production of the EV1 as part of any bailout, or at least the S-10 Electric in this letter.
http://oilfreenow.blogspot,com
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:54 am)I agree and I am a citizen of the United States of America. We mustn’t allow the move to EV’s and plug-ins to fail this time or we will see more oil induced economic downturns in the future.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:56 am)Please don’t let there be a sequel of “who killed the electric car?” with the title “Why did the US government kill the electric car?”
JBC
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:58 am)Dear President Bush, Members of Congress, and Secretary Paulson:
I agree 100% with Lyle J. Dennis that your administration does its best to prevent the bankruptcy of GM, on its last days in Washington before the new administration assumes its position.
I also agree 100% with Secretary Paulson that any federal aid must be accompanied by a plan to put the ailing companies on a path toward long-term viability. I feel GM has that plan in their development and production intent for the Volt and E-Flex technology.
Here are a few conditions that should be considered until loan is repaid.
1. No “cash or stock” bonus or incentives pay for anyone working for GM.
2. No increase in Executive or Management headcount.
3. No salary increases.
4. Salary Cap. No salary over $100k/year for any Executive i.e. President, CEO, CFO, and VP’s.
5. Salary Cap. No salary over $65k/year for any Management and non-Management positions.
6. 80% of the loan is directly used to get the Volt, E-Flex & alternative fuel technology for sale in show rooms.
7. Discontinue production on the 10 least desirable vehicle models and replace with Volt, E-Flex & alternative fuel technology vehicles.
The Government is in the unique position to help these great companies get back in the black for the sake of the countries prosperity.
Thanks,
Nelson from the State of New Jersey
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:01 am)Being a Belgian citizen, I cannot sign the letter but I thank the USA for having welcomed me a long time ago as a student, and I sincerely wish that the crisis will be overcome in one way or another so that the economic stress for the US people could be reduced.
I also consider myself as a world citizen and know that individual actions may have important impacts on the wellness and the life of the citizens of other nations.
So if I may symbolically show my approval of Lyle’s letter, I do it now.
NPNS, JC
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:02 am)Part of an article that I agree with, and very timely for today’s subject.:
The real challenge is to think of U.S. automaker woes as an opportunity instead of as a disaster. The auto industry occupies a critical position, not just in the U.S. economy, but also in the struggle to cope with climate change and the energy crisis. The government has immense leverage right now to force the Big Three to make progress on multiple fronts and should not be afraid to use it.
Barack Obama has spoken many times of his ambitious plans to steer the U.S. toward a future where Americans are driving fuel-efficient cars that run on renewable energy. If the government is going to bail out the auto industry, it should do so only with the explicit requirement that the Big Three accelerate down that road as fast as they can. A Manhattan Project-scale plan to move the U.S. into an energy-sustainable future should start with a restructuring of the automotive industry. It’s time to think big.
Democrats should be crafting a plan that provides an economic stimulus and restructures the automotive industry in support of cutting back on fossil fuel production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a big job, but in two months something could likely be concocted that would be ready to go on Jan. 21.
It’s time to seize the day.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/otherviews/1276746,CST-EDT-open13b.article
LJGTVWOTR
No Plug, No Sale.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:02 am)RAH
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:02 am)Excellent letter!
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:03 am)If the automakers fail many other things will follow suit including a much needed car like the Volt.
But rather then giving the automakers carte blanche and just handing them the money like Paulson did with the banks why not give them a few stipulations as only the government can do as representives of the people?
To start let’s require the automakers to spend a large percent on alternative energy cars like the Volt. And also require them to increase their budgets for high tech energy storage and solar electricity to be used in our vehicles.
And require a change in management and the board of directors! Force them to fire at least 60% of management and directors. You’ll see how fast things change for the better when we the people get involved.
This is OUR money WE will be handing the automakers, let’s get SOME voice in how they spend it!
Concerned Citizen,
Tony S.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:03 am)Lets me realistic. GM is not worth saving. I don’t think the government should interfere, but if they REALLY want to own an auto company, the government should buy Toyota, not GM.
Don’t kid yourself, if the volt is worth saving, then someone will buy it and bring it to market. But the fact is that Toyota and Honda are probably already building a better “volt” as we speak. GM is a lost cause.
If you still love GM, take hope in this – they will go bankrupt, and then come out of bankruptcy a much leaner and meaner company, more suited to compete for the future.
Stop trying to force your fellow citizens to bail out this or any other company. Let the free market work.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:04 am)We need to support U.S. manufacturing. Congress must act to save the automotive industry. No single industry is more important to our economy than automotive.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:05 am)I vote yes. MDR
#1800 and waiting in Fort Lauderdale, Fl
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:05 am)I have owned and operated vehicles manufactured by the three vehicle companies in th US. I have also owned and operated vehicles manufactured by companies outside the US. My current evaluation is that the US manufacturers are now producing vehicles that compare favorably with non US manufacturers. I currently own three US made vehicles and one non US made vehicle. I have placed my hope for my next vehicle on the Chevy Volt. The US MUST remain competitive in the world market, and by all means the Chevy Volt should not be lost to this severe economic downturn.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:05 am)Great letter Lyle. Let’s keep the Volt alive!
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:08 am)I would rather see us bail out GM than AIG! I vote YES. HH Texas
+1
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:08 am)We cannot let the Big Three auto makers go under, but as a condition for the financial aid, the Big THree should be prepared to conduct tough negotiations with unions to stabilize the industry.
SMV, American citizen
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:08 am)Agreed.
DBK
Tolland, CT
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:08 am)I am an 18 year old student who worries for the future of not only the auto industry and GM but for the future of America and what we will be if our government is unwilling to help us move forward. I am further worried when the government allows for money to be spent paying bank guru salaries but is unwilling to support the research into the alternative fuel technology in the transportation industry and the much smaller salaries made by the autoworker. My wish is for the government to put in the money for the auto industry like they did for the banking industry.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:09 am)If you build it the money will come…
Your business model is broken and your reckless designs are for the oil companies are bad for our planet and you want me (US) to invest (bailout)? Try this on for size…failure is an option which GM has refused to acknowledge over the last 20yrs. I say no to the bailout GM should experience the pain of failure which hopefully will result in leaning experience and a new beginning. Oh and as for the Volt…Please, spare me the funnies…the Volt is yet another sad attempt at trying to save a bad marriage between your Co. and the consumer. If you were serious about your addiction to oil you would have poured your heart and $ soul $ into your recovery (new innovations) and offer products to the masses (available to all demographics).
Good-bye GM it hasn’t been real and that’s your problem.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:10 am)i agree completely with lyle’s letter and the big3 need govt. help. save the volt= save the future!
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:10 am)PMB
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:11 am)I want a Volt and I think a bailout might be needed, but it won’t last unless some restructuring happens soon. Yes, the auto industry is in dire straights. Yes, the outo industry is a big part of the health and strength of our economy. Yes, I view the Volt as a hugely important step toward mass production of cleaner, more energy efficient, transportation. A vibrant auto industry is good for the US and less use of oil overall means less dependance on foreign oil (good for lots of reasons). All that said, I still would want to see some sort of restructuring of GM if they get bailout money. The economy may be pushing them over the edge, but the rest of the story is that they are on the edge because they need to retool both the salaried and hourly workforce costs to survive long term.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:11 am)Sorry Lyle, I can NOT support socialist redistribution and central planning over the Constitution.
When federal bureaucrats override market forces and choose winners and losers, we ALL lose!
Why? REAL free market competition reduces costs and spurs innovation. Central planning kills competition which destroys innovation and increases costs for everyone. It was central planning through the CRA (and fiat currency) that caused this problem and you think MORE is the answer??? Doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result is INSAINITY. Look at what it did to the Soviets!
If GM (or any other corporation) is so poorly run that they face bankruptcy, then just throwing MORE money at it will only encourage malfeasance. You need only look to the financial bailout for proof as they are keeping the money for themselves. GM need to be bankrupted and liquidated so room is made in the market for better run companies with products that the market WANTS to buy.
Sometimes even lions become old and weak. When this happens, they need to die and feed the next generation. The circle of life happens in business too. It’s only natural.
Artificial life like what you propose always leads to destruction and pain.
Did you ever see the movie Frankenstein’s Monster? That abomination was GM (or any other company) under federal central planning.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:13 am)Jake West
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:14 am)/Signed
I hope this does get to the right people we need this to transpire.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:16 am)Costa Rica here saying “We are in the deal too!” You have my full support and a handful’s too down here in Costa Rica, Central America. We want electricity to drive us to work!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:20 am)maybe an electric Hummer……… if I was a dumb ass and made overpriced gas guzzlers I would thow myself on the sword…………
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:20 am)Adam Brooks
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:21 am)Electric cars will be our future. At least GM is ahead of the pack on this and should be bailed out.
We need GM, the volt and more of these electric and Hybrid cars.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:22 am)Thanks for writing this letter, Lyle. I concur with it.—JES
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:22 am)We cannot allow the US auto industry to collapse
DWR
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:23 am)Help GM with a loan and continuing access to low cost financing. Require GM to pay back all funds within 2 years and during that time require GM to make low cost loans to consumers.
GM is worth more support than other companines who do not have an electric car in production.
Dr. Jordan
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:23 am)I think it may be to late to try and save much of our way of life. We are out of money. The government is going to print a bunch more to get things going again. If you want to see where all of our money has gone take a look at CBS news this morning. We even built them an indoor ski resort. We have traded our souls for oil.
The Volt may help but not at $45,000. JMHO GM has let this go on long enough so that they can now make the big bucks. They dug the hole now let them get out of it.
Take Care
Arch
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:24 am)If the Japanese auto industry were in financial distress, would it’s government help? I think we all know the answer to this question. This answer is no different for the US.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:25 am)You have my full support.
LS
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:25 am)Keep the dream alive! -JJJ
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:26 am)mdm
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:27 am)Sorry. No more governmant bail outs. Enough is enough! I, too, want to see GM succeed with the Chevy Volt, but in a capitalist, free market. The American people, and that includes “Corporate America”, need to stop sucking at the teat of government once and for all!
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:29 am)Chevrolet and all of GM have been building cars for years that I have not been interested in buying! The VOLT is the first exception to this trend (other than the Corvette). Why have you been sooooo slow to make this new electric car technology available? Your bad choices over many years are what has made you vulnerable to this economic downturn! I can not support socialist redistribution and the federal government getting into the automotive industry!
Sorry Lyle!
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:29 am)GM is guilty of corporate arrogance. All the GM workers should be rescued but GM should be thrown on the ash heap of history. They ignored their customers, scoffed at building quality into their cars and committed the cardinal sin of capitalism, operating without public consent of their owners, the stockholders.
Why should a company be given billions of dollars of taxpayer’s money for flunking their final in Capitalism 101?
The mills of the gods grind slowly but they grind exceedingly fine.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:30 am)As one who grew up in Northern Ohio, I have witnessed the demise of the US Auto Industry and it’s affect on the working class. If the government can bail out the banks it can certainly help GM through these difficult times. Ken.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:32 am)You are all assuming one thing here: That funds that are part of a bailout of GM will be put toward the Volt.
Don’t count on it.
If GM gets this bailout, it would have to be mandated as a condition of the bailout for the Volt to continue. Otherwise, Chevy will use it’s money in other areas which are currently far more profitable. The Volt is still a couple of years away and may offer little profit for GM in the short-term.
I DO NOT support this bailout UNLESS Volt development and production is MANDATED by its terms.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:33 am)In short – yes. But, I don’t thinks that simply throwing money at the car makers is going to truely help them in the long run. On the other hand, helping them to develop and promote cars like the Volt will help everyone.
Tom Tribble
Merrimac, Ma.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:34 am)As much as I would love to have a electric car in my driveway like the volt, the fact is GM and the other American car companys have a labor and executive work force that is way over paid and this means the company can not compete with other car companys like Toyota. the facts are here; http://www.npr.org/news/specials/gmvstoyota/
Average Labor Cost per U.S. Hourly Worker
GM vs Toyota
$73.73 / $48.00
Health Care Costs per Vehicle in 2004
GM vs Toyota
$1525.00 / $201.00
Profitability per Vehicle
GM vs Toyota
Loses $2,331 per vehicle / Makes $1,488 per vehicle
Quite simply we cannot compete with all the labor and executive salary overhead so there is no choice but to let the free market work and let the bloated companys fail. The same will happen to the rest of Americas companys if the unions are alowed in! And yes I am a prowd American citizen too.
Rick G.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:35 am)This is what I was trying to say…thanks Tim! The loss would be painful but necessary for new and improved growth.
“Sorry Lyle, I can NOT support socialist redistribution and central planning over the Constitution.
When federal bureaucrats override market forces and choose winners and losers, we ALL lose!
Why? REAL free market competition reduces costs and spurs innovation. Central planning kills competition which destroys innovation and increases costs for everyone. It was central planning through the CRA (and fiat currency) that caused this problem and you think MORE is the answer??? Doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result is INSAINITY. Look at what it did to the Soviets!
If GM (or any other corporation) is so poorly run that they face bankruptcy, then just throwing MORE money at it will only encourage malfeasance. You need only look to the financial bailout for proof as they are keeping the money for themselves. GM need to be bankrupted and liquidated so room is made in the market for better run companies with products that the market WANTS to buy.
Sometimes even lions become old and weak. When this happens, they need to die and feed the next generation. The circle of life happens in business too. It’s only natural.
Artificial life like what you propose always leads to destruction and pain.
Did you ever see the movie Frankenstein’s Monster? That abomination was GM (or any other company) under federal central planning.”
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:36 am)whoa… I like the volt, but TOTALLY DISAGREE with taking handouts from the government to make it happen. That is disgusting. If you can’t make it on your own, too bad, but someone else will.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:38 am)I work for a major US steel maker and although the amount of steel in every car is continually shrinking, this country’s economy is very dependent on the auto industry. The big three need to reshape their companies for survival and the US government needs to step in and provide finacial support. We did it for Chrysler years ago. Let’s get on with it!
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:39 am)Over the last 30 years, I have bought many GM products. The last ones have had 0 defects. I wanted an EV1, but they gave up?? We cannot lose the Volt, or the new hybrids. Cheap oil once again threatens the emergence of the new economy, the oil shock cycle repeats itself. When will we learn that cheap oil is just as dangerous as expensive oil. My friends loose jobs as GM plants close in Ontairo due to high gas prices, and now we see investments in clean energy being stalled because they cannot compete with cheap oil. We all know that as soon as demand rebounds, oil will once again become expensive, and unless we develop new energy solutions, we will once again fall prey to it. How ironic that the Volt is threatened by the same fuel that killed other GM products like the Hummer and the Camaro. An I am not even talking about climate change. So, yes they should bail out Detroit,(with the condition that the Volt and other hybrid projects are fasttracked) and they should throw up a heavy tarrif on imported oil to fund the bailout. This would be a more politically acceptable solution than a gas tax, as it would be directed at the “offshore” oil sheiks and their friends at Exxon rather than the consumer at the pump, but would increase the competitiveness of the volt and other clean technoligies. It would also favor the continued development of local oil supply. Thx
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:41 am)http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,24652946-643,00.html
Take Care
Arch
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:41 am)I agree with writer #57.
I would support assistance to the “Big 3″ ONLY if it is coupled with a directive to STOP building big, wasteful vehicles. Yes, those do provide a wider profit margin, but at horrible consequences. If we let the government bail them out, it just rewards their stupidity, and corporate greed.
Maybe spin off the Volt, retaining none of the GM management. Let the other companies step up to the plate or disappear.
The foreign (VW, Toyota, etc.) are no better, by the way. The Tundra, etc. are energy pigs.
Ted in Washington
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:43 am)TJK
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:43 am)I’m all for the Volt 100%, but govt handouts wont save GM in the long run. It will only delay what must be done for a 2 or three years. GM needs to restructure, renegotiate its contracts with the UAW and scrape off a lot of dead weight if they can pass the test of time. This talk of a bailout is only clouding the issue and costing GM precious time that could be spent fixing its broken company.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:43 am)If we let this vehicle die because of the economic crisis I fear the progression of our country becoming a self supportive leader in the world will stop. Not only do we need to keep our own producers alive in our own country we need to let them take the lead in the next generation of vehicles to bring the US consumer back to buying US produced goods thus refueling our own economy. If we need to raise taxes to fix many of our problems then tax foreign companies and let our own florish.
KEEP THE US FUTURE ALIVE WITH THE VOLT!!!
You have my support. JG
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:44 am)The problems with the auto industry have been due to a managment that worshiped built in obsolence. I’d like to see the government buy the auto companies and use them to develope the job and products needed to turn this economy around.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:45 am)You didnt include conditions that GM should have if given the bailout……. so far 75 percent of us voted that way…… Im guessing your on of the 20 percent that voted for just yes……
@125, the constuition is already gone, just read the patriot act that is going to be put into law in 2009…… anyways, what is so bad about socailist countries?
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:46 am)I’m conflicted here. SInce I think the market is a more efficient problem-solver, and any bail-out will not solve the underlying issues behind GM’s losses, bankruptcy protection is far better than bail-out. However, the Volt is an issue of National Security as anything reducing our dependence on petroleum becomes a national imperative. Therefore, I say Yes to Bail-out with Union and Executive give-backs.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:46 am)It is an urgency of national defense that the American manufacturing capacity be preserved. That means, shipyards, steel mills, refineries, electronics, the works. Letting the Big 3 sink would be a fatal step in the wrong direction. Or is the plan to ask China to sell us some tanks when we’re going to have a war?
PS: The Volt is the most sensible response to the looming “Axis of Oil”. Don’t drop this ball, guys.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:46 am)Your leaders at GM have been greedy fools not seeing the future.
The volt shoud have been out when the toyto prius came out several years ago.. chevy would be on top of the market now. But NO the gready leaders of the company were busy sucking off money from the company and building big gas sucking hogs that they are stuck with now .. and what will they have out for sale in 09 and 2010?? mpr of the same thing. Yes the volt is a good thing and I would love to have one.so why dont they get it going and get it out this year. ? I know we here in the USA can make cars that will get over the 55mpg that the toyta get. I have one now and love it. and if chevy will get off their bohunkus and get the thing in production and stop crying about what fools they have been and begging for handouts. they will be back top of the market.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:47 am)While generally opposing bail-outs, the Volt and GM in general are too important to let die. While you’re at it bring Japan to the bargaining table to bring about truly fair trade. Open their markets to our products or we won’t open our markets to their products. It’s about time we started treating others as they have treated us. Imagine the indignation if we stopped them from unloading (dumping) their vehicles on our shores.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:48 am)RHL
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:49 am)MLG
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:50 am)Bail out the auto makers with the stipulation that they switch their fleets to plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. Do this and the Volt will be the first in a long line of successful cars.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:51 am)Be sure to have some oversight!
Bring in some new management who won’t run the company into the ground
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:52 am)WLZ A prayer to God would help.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:53 am)A very cool car is not reason enough for the Government to step in and ‘bail out’ GM. GM made it’s bed, it can lie in it.
In other words.. they put their money in $50k+ Hummers / Escalades / etc and now they can’t give ‘em away.
Sucks to be you, GM.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:53 am)I agree. We desperately need this car. I stand behind you 100% and will forward this letter to whoever necessary.
ABC
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:54 am)The only way to become free from terrorist is to stop paying them for their oil! Volt is freedom!
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:55 am)I’m Brad, American cititzen, and I approve Lyle’s message.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:56 am)Get rid of the unions and their problems will be solved!
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:56 am)From a Canadian newspaper:
With all three Detroit-based automakers in dire straits and seeking a Washington bailout, the moment finally has arrived for a radical reinvention of America’s domestically owned auto industry. Which means letting the Detroit Three reorganize under bankruptcy protection, from which several smaller, more nimble and competitive firms would emerge, no longer prisoner to Detroit’s hidebound, century-old decision-making traditions.
To bail out Detroit is not to rescue the U.S. auto industry, despite how the CEOs of General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC continue to misrepresent the federal bailout they seek.
For more than two decades, there have been two U.S. auto sectors. There is the familiar Detroit Three (no longer the Big Three), which are corporate cripples after decades of mismanagement.
And there are the much healthier U.S. operations of Asian and European automakers that employ millions of Americans turning out Hondas, Toyotas and BMWs, sooner or later to be joined by Chinese and Indian makers. The foreign-based firms already operate 16 vehicle assembly plants and dozens of parts plants from Alabama to Ohio to Ontario.
Led by GM, Detroit is again a holdout against progress, arguing for the continuation of a failed status quo, just as it resisted everything from today’s life-saving three-point seatbelts to fuel-efficiency standards to the devastating (to Detroit) recent shift in consumer demand to small cars from gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles and heavy trucks.
Detroit arguably stands alone in chronically failing to “get it” since its laudable introduction of enclosed passenger cabins and automatic transmissions before most of today’s motorists were born.
One way or another, Detroit has been cosseted by taxpayers and motorists since the ill-fated Chrysler bailout of 1979; followed by the Reagan-era “voluntary” quotas imposed on imports, which did not deter American consumers from paying the resulting higher prices for better-built Hondas and Toyotas; followed by repeated abeyance or postponements of fuel-efficiency standards the feds sought to impose on Detroit.
The ill-fated 1979 Chrysler bailout, which secured that company’s viability for just two decades, signalled the larger GM and Ford that they also were “too big to fail” and needn’t abandon their complacent ways. The import quotas inspired first the Asian rivals and later the Europeans to leapfrog that barrier by making in America most of the vehicles they sell in America. And granting Detroit leave from onerous fuel-efficiency standards enabled the foreign-based competition to gain a competitive advantage by complying with or exceeding the U.S. mandates.
Detroit’s sense of exceptionalism has not diminished.
Rick Wagoner, GM’s chief executive, was on Capitol Hill last Thursday making a pitch for taxpayer assistance in financing its proposed merger with Chrysler – this after Detroit had secured in September $25 billion (U.S.) in federal funds to finance development of fuel-efficient vehicles.
Yes, you read that correctly. Developing products necessary to ensure their future, as foreign-based firms have long since done with their own money, is something Detroit has to be paid public money to do.
At a moment when Washington is trying to come up with the scratch to keep imperilled homeowners from losing their homes, the Detroit makers further propose that the additional bailout funds they seek – a rumoured $10 billion in GM’s case – be carved out of the $700 billion bank bailout fund that U.S. lawmakers rightly criticize for failing to provide for homeowners as well as Wall Street banks and brokerages.
As if chutzpah weren’t enough – GM’s finance arm, GMAC LLC, which has lost $9.1 billion in the past two years as a mortgage-lending enabler in the historic collapse of the U.S. housing market – Detroit is also stooping to coercion.
GM has lost an almost incomprehensible $70 billion (U.S.) since the end of 2004, while the U.S. economy was still healthy, and yesterday reported a $2.5-billion third-quarter loss.
Barack Obama backer Roger Altman, the former Clinton-era Treasury official forced to quit under an ethical cloud, and now a top adviser to GM in its merger talks with Chrysler, warned the Obama economic team publicly last week that the collapse of any of the Detroit Three “would be a difficult way for a new administration” to take office.
Reading from the same scare-tactics script, John Snow, a mediocre if generously compensated CEO of U.S. rail giant CSX before becoming George W. Bush’s second, invisible, Treasury secretary, and now chair of Chrysler owner Cerberus Capital Management LP, told CNBC that Washington must ensure “that a vital industry like autos, which is such a big part of the overall economy, doesn’t lead us into a deeper and harsher downturn.”
Any bailout of GM, enabling it to purchase Chrysler, would be a bailout of the short-sighted dealmakers at private-equity firm Cerberus in their exquisitely ill-timed bet on Chrysler in buying the firm from Daimler AG last year, only to see Chrysler’s fortunes further plummet after the deal.
Detroit has been a significant destroyer of jobs and shareholder value for the past decade, and sporadically in decades past, as well. Worse, its sclerotic decision-making has helped hold America back from technological leadership in one of the world’s major industries.
As the cockpit of capitalism, banking is an essential service whose seize-up this September required a bailout by global governments. The auto sector is not as important, and the Detroit Three no longer account for more than a fraction of that sector.
And the latest straw GM is grasping at, a combination with Chrysler, proves again how lacking in smarts is the existing troika of Detroit CEOs. A GM already burdened with too many brands (eight) merged with Chrysler’s three brands would require a years-long shedding of jobs and closing of excess plant capacity in search of the “synergies” that former Chrysler owner Daimler found so elusive in its sorry nine-year-long ownership of the firm.
If an Obama who last week pledged to make aid to Detroit a top priority is serious about change, he will rule out a Detroit bailout. Or he and Congress will effectively nationalize Detroit, deploying a team of experts to preside over the dismantling of these firms that for generations have lacked the managerial acuity of founders William Durant and Alfred Sloan of GM, Henry Ford and Walter P. Chrysler.
David Olive, Toronto Star
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:57 am)Build the Volt. This auto would vault GM forward financially AND technologically.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:57 am)I support the GM Volt
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:57 am)TAS
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:57 am)Ok but the current board needs to go.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:57 am)DHH
I have generated all of my home energy by solar panels for 7 years and am ready to go 100% off oil when I can purchase the Volt.
Do not let foreign automakers take over the industry.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:57 am)JS. I approve of this message.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:57 am)Whoooooaa now, I want to save the Volt, not the pathetic GM management.
Can’t sign.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:01 am)Lyle,
Thank you for taking the time to compose this letter for us.
I am a US citizen and endorse your letter.
WSR
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:02 am)I agree with 130! Very basic. Save the volt and adopt the AMERICAN ENEGY POLICY of T Boone Pickens. Then change in our pockets wont be PENNIES! We will lead the way agin for the world to see America as that bright SHINEY NATION THAT WE ARE! Our Grandchildren will agin have a future! THIS IS A BIG DEAL!
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:03 am)Please add my name to the petition, a U.S. citizen. I support the U.S. government investment in the survival of our auto industry, the backbone of this nation’s economy, with the use of everything at its disposal (such as loans, tax credits, and an energy-wise development grant). The Tesla is an expensive protype, currently priced at $150K, in limited production, and proving viability of a mass-produced Volt. Only GM can use its experience, facilities, and labor force together to bring the cost to an affordable price range with dependable reliability for its consumers. GM has been working to solve the fuel and pollution crises for decades and is on the verge of a major production breakthrough for this new millenia with the Volt. If Washington and consumers can make up their minds about which fuel-type vehicle it wants mass produced, and Government keeps energy policy consistent long enough, GM can deliver. Retooling a plant for production is no small matter and cannot be done on a whim or in rapid revolutions without major cost repercusions. When considering the purchase of a foreign-owned manufactured vehicle, one should remember that their workers aren’t exclusively American, aren’t paid American benefits, and those spent dollars don’t significantly feed back into our economy. GM functions well within its very broad parameters and should be supported by all Americans in every way possible.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:03 am)As painful as it is, we must support our automobile manufacturers and help them move the industry to alternative energy vehicle’s. We can not let foreign nations take over our auto industry.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:04 am)I didn’t see a link to sign this letter, so I guess I agree to sign with this comment.
Yes, I AGREE
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:06 am)We need to stop relying on oil.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:06 am)Lyle Dennis, MD
You wrote a very articulate argument for the GM volt. I do not think this translates into a similar argument to support a dying industry.
If we can decode the genome and put a man on the moon, we have the genius to develop fossil fuel independent modes of transportation.
I submit that we support a government bailout specifically targeted for such technologies. The gasoline automobile is an extinct species that should have been off the road years ago.
If one of the “big3″ can’t do it, I propose a government issued vehicle made in the USA by the USA with profits for the USA, not some auto executive. Call it “US Volt”.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:09 am)I support government help for the auto industry.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:09 am)Yes, I agree that the auto industry should be granted the assistance.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:11 am)Yes, I agree that the auto industry should be granted the assistance.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:13 am)Help GM, so they can make the Volt more affordable, so people who really need these type of cars can afford them. The average person can’t afford a $30,000 car. We need it in the low $20s or even lower.
We need more gas saving cars under $20,000!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:13 am)AB
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:13 am)Those that are against this loan to the auto companies see it as a very good time to force the auto workers to take less pay. One has only to look at the increase in pay for middle class during the last 20 years to see where this is going. There has been none. Our only hope is the fact that we, the middle class, outnumber the elitists whose incomes have zoomed upward since 1980. So at the polls remember those that voted against assisting our auto companies.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:14 am)All of you who agree with the bailout are drinking the poison coolaid of communism!!!!
Forgive them Father for they know not what they do!!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:14 am)Make the bailout happen and contingent on intelligent fuel efficient car design and manufacture, commitment to alternative fuel vehicles, and save the VOLT !
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:15 am)If ever there was a moment to step in and help, now is the time. How about allowing people to charge their Volt at night for a reduced rate and give a boost to the utility companies that have excess capacity at night anyways. Everyone can use a little help now and then.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:16 am)Let’s get the auto ndustry the help it needs to stay in business, but let’s also make sure that any government assistance forces them to built the eco-friendly fleet that will help make us energy independent.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:16 am)MAH
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:17 am)150:
No offense, but excuse me if I take a reporter’s grasp of the situation with a huge grain of salt when he believes GMAC is still GM’s finance arm.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:18 am)I support government help for the auto industry.
Lyle, thank you for taking the time to compose this letter.
I am a US citizen and endorse your letter.
DMR
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:19 am)NO!
If GM files chpt 13 restructuring bankruptcy…it does not mean the end of the Volt….but it does allow GM (an Ford, Chrysler) to get the monkey called the UAW off their back. A federal bailout will simply allow the ‘status quo’ to continue. GM management needs to be free of the shackles they have had around their ankle for so many years now. Here is the opportunity to free themselves of it.
What we should be doing, is encouraging GM to continue the Volt program in lieu of the falling oil prices. They should not be lulled into complacency and return to a ‘cheap oil’ mentaility. It has burned us ALL 3 times now since the 70′s..and there is NOTHING pointing that this won’t happen again. Oil producing nations got a taste of some serious cash flow from $100-$140 barrel oil…and they aren’t going to sit by and watch that disappear.
Save the VOLT and you secure GM’s future. You don’t need a bailout to do that.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:20 am)I’m onboard, but with major conditions!!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:20 am)Not only am I ready to buy an all electric automobile, I plan to purchase solar panels to charge it.
JB
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:20 am)I love the idea of the Volt and hope to be one of the first owners – but I can not support a bail-out of a company that can not figure out how to make themselves profitable. There really is no excuse. Running a business profitably is not that hard to do – regardless of what is happening with banking. If GM can not figure out how to do it then they deserve to go under. Another company (that is healthy) will step in and purchase all their assets and take the company over. Yes some employees will loose their jobs but the healthier company will need workers too to keep production going (and they will). In the long run allowing a poorly run company to go out of business is the best thing. This way companies that are well run and are profitable will rise to the top and we are not rewarding bad behavior.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:22 am)JMZ
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:22 am)Communism, Socialism, Facism, Dictatorship …… They are all forms of government. In some way or shape each one of those governments have been present in our government since its creation. Our goal needs to be to keep them all in check. At this time just like in 1929 there needs to be a drift towards government assistance. Once we are out of the problems we can drift away in another direction.
I’m not for the bailouts but do agree there needs to be some government intervention.
#171, your method is purely to scare people, If you can’t strengthen the economy of the free world then its more likely extremes of other goverments (communism, facism, etc) will start spreading.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:22 am)RP
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:23 am)ECS
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:23 am)Although I’m a big Volt enthusiast, over the past few weeks I’ve become more opposed to bailout programs of this nature. I think the problems in the auto industry (and the country in general) won’t be fixed by low interest loans at the expense of taxpayers. The hurt that these companies are feeling is part of what drives us to take action to prevent things like this from happening again. It’s time to restructure, reassess what impact Unions have had the American auto industry, downsize/cosolidate where necessary, redesign the whole processes of how people buy cars, eliminate the haggle/negotiate process that allows dealers to take advantage of buyers, etc. There’s plenty out there to fix before we just start handing over money for them to continue bad practices. Here’s the crux of the situation . . . the mortgage crisis began by giving loans to home buyers that couldn’t afford to pay them back. Does it make sense now that we should give loans to struggling businesses that afterwards may still go bankrupt anyway? I’m afraid to say that this would only put our country in a deeper and bigger mess.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:24 am)I think if a bailout is awarded during this economic crisis, it should be to the auto industry. The Volt will help pull the U.S. from oil dependency and also help positively impact the environment. Aside from all the politics, its a no brainer if you ask me.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:24 am)Save the Volt…America wants this car
cdh
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:24 am)I support government help for the auto industry.
Especially if it is going to independicize us from foriegn oil.
I support this as long as it is going to the funding for the manufacturing of the cars and not a 7 million dollar vacation for the CEO
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:25 am)CAS
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:26 am)Signed, Jaime Hood. Please save the Volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:26 am)MOR
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:28 am)I support government action to keep the volt project alive and on target at GM.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:29 am)Sorry Doc, but I can’t line up behind the wording in your memo. I DO agree that some assistance should be set up to help the automakers through this temporary problem, but there has to be concrete requirements on both the companies and the UAW to come to agreement on a solid future.
I personally believe that Chapter 11 provides that avenue without the doom and gloom most predict. I would have them go that route, and then, once a good plan is in place, would use the credit line to assist them execute that recovery plan.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:30 am)Is GM going to become a one car automotive company? Most of what I read here is build the Volt and all will be OK!! They were just given $25 billion and are going after more. What has GM done different than they did last year, 5 years ago or 10 years age? Not much as far as the energy problem. I have owned 4 GM vehicles since 1996 and still have 2. I can buy the Toyota Priius for $24,195.00 and get 48mpg city and 45mpg hiway. I have wondered for a long time why the US auto industry with their great engineers havent done this years ago. I am retired and watch what I buy, but I still can’t see buying a car that can’t be upgraded. The battery pack is always the excuse for not putting the Volt into production. Put a high mpg Volt out and make some money. Then when you get the battery problem worked out produce an upgraded vehicle. Bailing out the American Auto Industry has a lot of pluses but until upper managemnet looks around and changes years of Same Old Style of running a business why would anthing change. The down trend in sales has been coming on for quite a while but fuel inefficient vehicles seem to have been like the Muscle Cars of the 60′s, 70′s & 80′s. Wake up and look around GM,Ford & Chrysler. The VW Bug was the first hint of things to come. I vote no until the auto industry shows that they can produce vehicles to meet todays needs. I don’t think the Volt alone is the answer.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:31 am)JEL
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:31 am)I am all for saving these companies, but I am also not opposed to letting these companies go to Chapter 11. The leadership at GM has been there a long time, and I believe they are partly to blame for the mess they are in now, and should see some turnover. I do not believe that GM filing chapter 11 will keep the Volt from being produced, it’ll just clean house of the less than effective leaders that haven’t been living up to their jobs or paychecks…
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:31 am)Some industries become so integral and essential to the functioning of our society, that they may require greater regulation, and in this case tax-payer assistance in order to sustain for the common good. However, as in post #84 – any “bailout” plan, should come with measurable and enforceable restrictions and requirements as part of it. We should not just cut a check…our tax dollars should not be used for paying giant salaries to Lutz and the other senior people there…as much as I respect them and their personal success – if we (taxpayers) are going to feel some pain (by sending them our dollars) then they need to feel a little pain as well. Not just a twist of numbers by corporate accounting function, but actual sacrifice….they are already multi-millionaires…they don’t need to take millions more from taxpayers in salaries, bonuses, and golden parachutes. And the workers unions should not be hammering them for more benefits, days off, sick days, pay raises, free hams at Christmas, new desks, etc…..if we’re going to save their ass, then everybody needs to chip in and help. The use of the money should be closely monitored, and only used for absolutely essential operations and getting the Volt (and other alt-energy cars) into production. Yes, we need to help them survive…but they need to tighten their budget belt all the way, and also have a plan on how they are going to get “back in the black” in the near future. We can’t just keep on bailing them out, anytime they run low on cash…
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:32 am)I support plugged-in electric vehicles development.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:33 am)TSK: GM is pioneering Americas energy independence with the Volt. I urge you to provide government support in this time when the corporation is suffering from the effects of weakness in the credit markets.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:33 am)Electric is the answer.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:33 am)Lyle,
I am a US citizen and I agree with this letter.
Thanks so much for doing this. The Volt is a major game changer. The 700B$ for the bail out is very high. However, that’s about how much we send abroad EACH YEAR for foreign oil.
An American company building the Volt is extremely important to the future of the US.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:35 am)PLEASE READ!
http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/WEEKEND-READ-Saving-Detroit-LD6AN?OpenDocument&src=sph
Take Care
Arch
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:35 am)With the price of a barrel of oil plummeting, it would be all to easy to forget about energy efficient and electric vehicles (it has happened before). The US auto industry has the potential to make the most efficient vehicles ever put on the road. Lets “bail them out” with strings attached that they must continue deploying more efficient and electric vehicles. I know we want ours!
Signed,
Bill LaBine
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:35 am)LS
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:36 am)Lyle,
I fully concur with your letter to the President, Congress and Secretary Paulson. I fully support the government assitance for a loan to the auto industry. This industry is vital to the enhancement of our country’s auto technoloy, and the effort GM is undertaking to develop an electric car is admirable.
A US citizen,
Eli
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:36 am)For decades GM and the other big 3 have been in bed with big oil and produced nothing but gas guzzlers. They have made their bed, now they need to lay in it. I’d say “NO BAILOUT” except that King Paulsen has bailed out all his wall street pals with taxpayer money when they should have gone down the tubes for their greedy actions.
So now we are left with a bigger problem than allowing the big 3 to die because they refused to make fuel efficient cars. Let them die and 2.5million workers lose their jobs. Bail them out and reward irresponsible behavior.
I think the Chevy Volt is critical to removing our dependance on foreign oil and leading the world in ‘green’ technology, however I don’t agree with the principal of bailouts.
One solution would be for GM to splinter the Volt program into it’s own company (like Hummer) and for the taxpayers to INVEST in this company as voting stockholders. This would be a fair and responsible action.
We all know this is not what will happen. King Paulsen will spend more money bailing out the big 3 because he has the $ and there’s no oversight.
So GM/Ford/Dodge, just go cry to King Paulsen and he’ll give you more $. After all, what’s another hundred billion to him? He’s out of office in 60 days and won’t have to worry about the repercussions. You all will OWE him favors.
I say save the Volt, but do it responsibly. NO TO BAILOUTS!
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:37 am)We can’t allow any of our Big 3 auto manufacturers to go under. We’ve relied too long on the products provided from overseas companies and it has come back to bite us in the rear. The Volt should give us the ability to take back a part of the American pride in manufacturing and at the same time help to reduce our dependence on foreign energy. Allowing any of the Big 3 to falter would be bad for the consumer because fewer American products will require fewer American jobs and more of our financial assets will be funneled overseas to make up for the reduced competition here. I fully support the government’s move to save the auto industry but it should ultimately be paid back by these companies and not allow the tax payer to suffer the consequences in the long run.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:37 am)The technology in the volt is the right way to go. As much distaste as I have for this loan, please support the loan package to GM.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:37 am)I only buy GM vehicles. I am patiently waiting for my Volt. The talking heads want us glued to their info-tainment. Let’s keep the pressure on our government. It is time for our nation to be open minded, creative and on task. Best wishes!
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:37 am)As much as I want to see the Volt become a reality, I don’t share your support for a bail out of the big 3. Should GM faulter, it is their doing. For the past decade when the Japanese automakers have made progress, GM and Ford have used their money to fight progress by fighting legislation that would force all automakers to build more efficient cars. If we bail them out now, we would be forgiving them for refusing to build more fuel efficient vehicles. I cannot support that.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:38 am)RW
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:39 am)The US Big 3 have been generous to labor. The auto companies mangements for whatever reasons did not or could not change to compete with the imports after the oil shock of the 1970′s and they went in the direction of big SUV’s. Even when times were good the Big 3 did not make profits in line with the foreign auto companies and now with the terible auto market they are bleeding to death.
The government should step:
1. Make loans and grants to the auto industry.
2. Make a corporation income tax holiday for the auto industry for at least 5 years.
3. Renegotiate all labor contracts on behalf of the unions and the manufacturers to a fair and reasonable basis as exists in the non domestic manufacturing plants.
4. After the above 3 steps demand that the foreign producers in US give same benefits to their workers.
5. Imported autos should be subject to a normalization tax that goes into affect after 5 years based on comparison of US environmental and labor culture to the import country enviorment and labor culture with the tax bringing the import system up to or down to US basis.
Henry
4.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:40 am)DH
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:40 am)Lyle, I concur.
Thank you for getting this started.
=D~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~NPNS Voltarian
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:41 am)I am an American citizen & fully agree with the content of this letter.
JV, Georgetown, TX
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:43 am)D.J.L.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:43 am)DS. I am a US citizen and I support the GM govt loans. Come on, congress is giving 700b to a bunch of crooked bankers. GM actually makes something and pays their workers good wages. My 2006 buick has been a great car.
Dave
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:44 am)KMH
I am an american citizen, and I approve this message!
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:44 am)Don’t let this die as the japanese car makers are sure to bring their’s out first if the Volt goes away!
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:45 am)JLC
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:45 am)i think the auto industry needs all the help it can muster to change the way we move. a national/government mandate is exactly what’s needed. additionally, the government involvement would be essential in making the concept cars truly affordable. 25k to 30kis not really affordable. we need to be plugin/hybrid now. not tomorrow.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:45 am)Good job Lyle! Keep up the advocacy to get the Volt built. While I am a big believer in free market theory, the big three have ignored the country’s need to break free of imported oil for far too long. The hopeful success of the Volt should lead to improvements in every other vehicle. (I long for the day when I can get the pickup truck that runs clean too.) That being said, I hope any aid is tied directly to furthering the goal of energy independence. I encourage Congress to act swiftly and with clear direction. (They should follow it up with infrastructure improvements making it economically feasible for mass distribution of alternative fuels.)
Keep up the good work.
-RSJ
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:46 am)We need to save the BIG 3 automakers! They are the backbone of our economy and our country! As for the volt, it is the flagship of future transportation…Save the VOLT! Save our JOBS.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:46 am)I support this initiative.
Sean O’Reilly
President & CEO
Auriga Distribution Group
Redbrazil.com
Riverinthesky.com
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:46 am)ALO
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:46 am)SGF.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:47 am)Yes I support this! GM needs the money to revamp its business and survive
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:48 am)I am 100% opposed to the letter and any bailout of GM, Ford or CrapCo. Any “aid” that is given will be an open-ended commitment to the automakers that lasts years, if not decades. It will treat symptoms, not problems, and is an ineffective means of dealing with their problems.
Chapter 11 is the most effective means of assisting the automakers, even though they’ll fight it tooth and nail. If they had the foresight (which they don’t) to use it, they could streamline their dealer network, get out from under onerous health care, pension and wage rate commitments, close unprofitable divisions and get rid of some incompetent management, starting with Rick Wagoner.
If Detroit gets one dime of bailout money, I’ll never buy another car from any of the recipients.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:48 am)You know my family has really been hit hard the last few years with rising prices. We’ve barely been able to keep our head above water and it’s looking bleak. What about a bail out for me? If a private corp. cannot stay in business because it cannot afford to, then let the market decide……let’em go under. If I cannot keep up on all my payments then I’m in the dark, in the cold, no cable, and eventually no house. Government has NO business meddling in the affairs of private business!
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:49 am)The people deserve an affordable, reliable, green car. Let’s not let this effort die.
MHK
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:50 am)We Reap What We Sow (6:7-9)
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:50 am)RJB
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:50 am)I support saving GM and the Chevrolet Volt. This car represents the future of the automotive industry in the United States.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:50 am)I endorse this message and I am an American Citizen.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:51 am)Finally someone who makes some sense… SEE BELOW…
I would only add one thing. Bring back the same results you had with THE EV1. It got 150 MILES on a single CHARGE and that was 10 YEARS AGO. Part of the Bail out should be to hold the car to those standards… ENOUGH with the oil dependence!!!
SAVE THE reall electric car the EVolt1
Dear President Bush, Members of Congress, and Secretary Paulson:
I agree 100% with Lyle J. Dennis that your administration does its best to prevent the bankruptcy of GM, on its last days in Washington before the new administration assumes its position.
I also agree 100% with Secretary Paulson that any federal aid must be accompanied by a plan to put the ailing companies on a path toward long-term viability. I feel GM has that plan in their development and production intent for the Volt and E-Flex technology.
Here are a few conditions that should be considered until loan is repaid.
1. No “cash or stock” bonus or incentives pay for anyone working for GM.
2. No increase in Executive or Management headcount.
3. No salary increases.
4. Salary Cap. No salary over $100k/year for any Executive i.e. President, CEO, CFO, and VP’s.
5. Salary Cap. No salary over $65k/year for any Management and non-Management positions.
6. 80% of the loan is directly used to get the Volt, E-Flex & alternative fuel technology for sale in show rooms.
7. Discontinue production on the 10 least desirable vehicle models and replace with Volt, E-Flex & alternative fuel technology vehicles.
The Government is in the unique position to help these great companies get back in the black for the sake of the countries prosperity.
Thanks,
Nelson from the State of New Jersey
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:51 am)You people just don’t get it. GM does know it but will not tell you.
New car sales are down 7 million. Yes, 7 million less cars sold this year.
People are not buying new cars. People are keeping their older cars for longer periods. People cannot afford new cars. With little equity or no equity in their homes; banks will not finance new car loans.
GM has to RESTRUCTURE. Every car company has to restructure. If it means Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to fix their problems. So be it.
GM has to trim the fat. Sell the dealerships that are not profitable, kill half of their production of cars because PEOPLE ARE NOT BUYING. Trim the salaries like all companies do that are losing money. Re-negotiate every employment contract. All this can be done under bankruptcy protection. This doesn’t mean the death of GM. It means FIXING GM. It means GM will become smaller, leaner, stronger and eventually profitable again in quick order. Bailing out GM will just prolong a slow death because I will say again… People are not buying new cars! GM will continue to burn through 7 billion or more a quarter and all the bailout money will be gone within 1 year.
Every American is expected to watch their own finances. People have to learn to live with less money. GM should be expected to do the same. This didn’t happen over night. GM has seen the numbers for the last couple of years.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:52 am)jb
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:52 am)Bail-out is not the solution. GM has a team of failed management team leading the company to the dead end. Adding another team of rarely successful government bureaucrats in doing business will result in nothing. I think GM should split up and let the dead business units fail and sell off the asset, then fund the hopeful operation, Volt included, if they truly believe it. If they are half ass about Volt, it is not going to be a good car either. Moreover, Energy department is quietly supplying 25B (yes, B for Billion!!!) to the auto industry already. (It is not part of 700 billion bail-out passed in the Finance department.) I am certain Volt can tap very much into that fund.
No, I do not support the bailout of a dinosaur company and waste resource to put it on life support for a limited time. When it is aged, it is destined to die. It is just matter of time. The bailout money will just be used to extend management salary payout. This is not the first time we face this situation.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:52 am)PK
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:52 am)I absolutely agree. Everyone that lives in this country owes GM and the other auto companies money when they post losses. Of course that doesn’t work the other way around… but no matter. Because they need it, we taxpayers should give it. That’s a great model for legislating income redistribution, eh?
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:53 am)Please save the Chevy Volt and not let our auto industry go in default. If you let Toyota, Honda lead the way in alternative fuel autos you will put the US in a national security risk position. Do want our military to rely on Toyota for auto parts? Would you like HUMMER PARTS MADE IN CHINA!!!? We are not Americans if we let other countries buy our country away from us. I am proud to be an American and US Army Veteran and it would be awfully nice if I could work for an American company in my own country!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:53 am)I’m not a bailout fan. I was especially miffed at the bank bailouts. Now we all (US Taxpayer) own a bunch of banks with no assets.Nice.
If we are going to buy anything, let’s cherry pick what we want. Buy profitable businesses. Buy parts you like. Buy Jeep from Chrystler. Buy up the Volt tech. Buy a truck company.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:53 am)I just returned from a trip to Italy where I noticed their cars were powered with small super high efficient clean diesels engines with almost double the fuel mileage of the Prius some of these cars were made by the big 3 in US. They allready know how to make them so let then fail if they refuse to sell them here.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:53 am)We have a conundrum. On one hand GM has consistently ignored emerging trends to focus on profits, shareholders and executives. On the other hand, they are making a valiant attempt to (finally) be environmentally responsible (albeit 2 years from now….) Fuel prices will soar, this car is needed in some shape or form…. but is the proper management in place to make it happen, bailout or not?
I strongly support the Volt, but I’m having a harder time supporting the subsidizing of an industry that turns a blind eye to the world until it wants money from us. Temper your arrogance, cut your management salaries and bonuses and maybe I’ll feel differently.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:53 am)I support this message.
JH
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:53 am)LET GM DIE- YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE! I’LL BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA – YOU HAVE LET ME DOWN!
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:53 am)As a citizen of the United States of America, I fully support this letter. The Chevy Volt is the most sensible project to come out of Detroit in a long time and should be supported by us all.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:54 am)I wish it was a level playing field for our industries but it isn’t.
While I do not support Government bailouts I support our need to maintain our industrial base more.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:54 am)MRL
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:54 am)I endorse the message and I am proud to be an American!
JAB.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:55 am)SW!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:55 am)AJB
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:56 am)Great letter! Our economy cannot afford for the big three auto manufacturers to go under. Let’s hope and pray that the government will find a way to support this industry until it can get back on its own “two feet”. – VE
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:56 am)As a citizen of the United States, I fully support this letter. The Chevy Volt is the most imaginative project to come out of Detroit in a very long time and deserves more recognition than it has received.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:56 am)I support this letter to our nation’s leaders. GM, as well as Ford and Chrysler, need the money help keep the U.S.A.’s automotive industries afloat..
CJS
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:56 am)We need the volt.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:57 am)I think they need a bailout and that bailout is “Bankruptcy” go visit there and reorganize and take the time to fix what is wrong with your company.
I am buying a Toyota or Honda there cars have a better track record than GM and Ford. Although they are not without their faults.
1) Big deal an electric car wow not new idea.
2) Stop pandering to the unions, you pay them will let them fund their own retirement it called SS.
3) Health care your on your own.
4) The unions must go they are a destructive means to control the companies profits.
5) You make shitty cars.
6) Your dealers are a bunch of rippoffs the whole lot of them.
7) How many people were maimed and killed using your product.
10) If you don’t reorganize you are just prolonging the obvious death of GM.
And by the way make sure when you do this take a big pay cut.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:57 am)cml
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:59 am)Oil-independent and clean energy transportation are an absolute must for America and the world. Government must support the electric car. However, supporting a marauding car industry that in their own greed cannot see contingencies of even the near future is a huge mistake. It would validate poor judgment, greed, and putting the interests of a few above those of all Americans. The government should bail out ONLY with a strict mandate to produce zero-emission, oil-independent vehicles. Needless to say that new managements need to be put into place as well.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:59 am)To President Bush: Bolt to support the Volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:00 am)Lyle – Thank you for your drive to get the Volt on the road. I am a US citizen and support this letter. Our government needs to support GM with funding to get the Volt into the hands of the general public.
JPE
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:00 am)ALQ
I agree and I dont want to see the end of the Big three and the Volt.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:00 am)RH
I believe that it’s far more important to save this industry than the help we already gave to the wall street fatcats who got us into this mess…
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:01 am)ml
Build it! America needs the Chevy Volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:02 am)One more thing – I think its great we live in a country where you can vote to take my money and give it to your favorite company. Bonus points for making it seem patriotic. Democracy it is, but freedom it ain’t.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:03 am)Well said Lyle, but I tend to agree with those who say restructuring through bankruptcy may be the only LONG TERM solution. Perhaps after they go through a restructuring they would be eligible for some sort of hand out to help them get back on their feet faster. Obviously there would have to be some sort of standard that would have to be met before said handout could be given to GM. Who and how would that restructuring standard be determined by? Wiser folks than me.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:03 am)I support the letter.
I am a US Green Card holder (and resident and US tax payer).
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:03 am)I am planning on purchasing a Volt, when one is available. If a Volt is not available, I wll buy an electric or a hybrid from Honda. I would rather purchase from GM.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:03 am)DEB. We need the volt ASAP. Also need to allow fuel effecient vehicles into USA that are already in production in other country’s built by the big 3. We need to waive the current regulations that keep these vehicles out of the US.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:06 am)I endorse the message, it is well put. I feel it is critical for the Volt to launch. We need to stay competitive with other makers. It would be devistating if Volt does not launch, than electric cars would only be bought from foreign makers, we may as well sell the U.S to the highest bidder.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:07 am)I fully support this letter.
CH
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:09 am)electric and air powered vehicles are the only hope for our auto industry’s future. We MUST stop looking in the past for petroleum based solutions and lead the way forward.
Government assistance “bail out” if you will, should stipulate that any car maker taking government funds must produce clean vehicles in order to get any money.
I am a US citizen and Florida resident.
thank you
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:10 am)Rid the U.S. of its dependency on foreign oil.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:11 am)I think that support is definately needed to keep our auto makers strong. To think of the job loss and devastation to all of the families if they no longer had their jobs, is unthinkable. I think that decisive measures are absolutley necessary. Thank you for taking the initiative to implore our leaders to support their own. We are America, the greatest nation on earth, we can not let our brothers and sisters down.
Gilbert, Arizona
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:11 am)I believe that the VOLT represents a critical step in both energy independence and in insuring the renewal of the US auto industry. In the past, the taxpayer has stepped up an helped out the Auto industy. Given the enormous challenges, I think we should do this again!
Sincerelu,
Stewart ib Boston, MA
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:11 am)The Volt is another important breakthrough in reducing our reliance on foreign oil.
It is trully of Nation Strategic Interest that we move foreward with the Volt.
Most of the so called “alternativees” are years away, so we cannot afford to lose one that may actully happen. Al Gore’s posturing is of no consequence, but the Volt is!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:11 am)I am committed to buying a Volt when it comes out. That’s my donation to the salvation of GM.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:11 am)I agree with you Lyle, the Volt should be a high priority for the government to support. Invest in US technology instead of throwing money at AIG and banks!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:12 am)what the heck… fire up the presses, print off a few more hundred billion and pass it around. Why not, it’s what we are best at.
I’d like to see electric cars as much as the next guy… but the ‘bail everybody out’ approach while corporate execs take huge salaries is not going to fix anything.
We need to hold the people that are running these companies into the ground accountable…. not hand them billions more to mismanage.
-JK
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:12 am)First off, only asking those who support the letter to sign is to ignore the previous post which showed the multiple free market approaches that are just as good. I ask all politicians to read those posts as well.
I support the Volt and everything it stands for as an Americna citizen. I support drilling and development our own energy resources so not to send our money to our enemies and ‘friends’.
I do NOT support giving my tax payer money to bailout a bloated GM (or Ford or whoever) who weren’t doing when times were good. Why? because they are a public company. If I want to support them, I would buy stock.
I do NOT support this because a good portion of the money will actually come from a foreign country or just printing more money. We are spending money we don’t have since you our politicians refuse to downsize government to pay for your mistakes that started all this.
I will only partially support this IF government spending was cut to match the bailout size over a short amount of time. Bush asking for the Columiba trade agreement is nothing. He should force you to let his judge appointments a floor vote in the Senate before he lets this bailout through.
This whole situation is sickening, and the way our elected leaders have handled this is worse.
AME
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:12 am)Post 266. RTS.
Brilliantly simple and brilliantly said.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:12 am)As an American citizen I support the letter. With any loan however should come the requirement to buy American for all components such as batteries.
Norm
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:13 am)Well put, Lyle!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:13 am)Lyle,
I am an American citizen and I agree with the letter you wrote.
My wife currently has a 2008 Hybrid Camry (which we LOVE) and I will be buying a Volt for myself the minute they hit the lots. I am a little worried that they won’t be offered in Texas, in which case my plan is to drive to LA and purchase one from a dealer there.
-David
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:14 am)People keep saying “bailout.” I guess a low-interest government loan is somewhat of a bailout. If all goes well, we get paid back our principal and some interest. The only thing we lose is the difference between government rates and market rates – but we stop massive economic upheaval. If all doesn’t go well, hopefully the government loan will be structured with some collateral as part of the deal. So, we would get something back that way. Make the Volt program the collateral.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:16 am)PHEV (plug-in hybrids) is a big opportunity to decrease oil consumption. We need to support all efforts in making this a economical reality for Middle Class families. Also we need to invest in Mass Transit. I support loans to Auto Industry with oversight towards producing PHEV’s in next few years.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:16 am)Please save the Chevy Volt and not let our auto industry go in default. If you let Toyota, Honda lead the way in alternative fuel autos you will put the US in a national security risk position.
___________________________________
Too late. They are already leading the way. Ford will soon be upping the ante. How exactly will their assistance to immediately reduce our oil dependency put us at risk?
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:16 am)Loan, DON’T GIVE GM money! Stipulate that it should only be used to continue the most innovative vehicle on the planet, the Volt. And make them get rid of all the perks that the nut-turners have that have made the U.S. auto industry non-competitive.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:17 am)I support you Lyle! I hope they do make the Volt available in TEXAS!!
Dawn
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:17 am)I believe the public needs to change too, not just the auto (or banking) industry. Asian auto makers are no longer the best quality. In fact they are losing ground. But due to their lies in advertising, they still hold the minds of Americans with incorrect statements and twisted facts. US autos are now becoming even better than Asian autos. Get the word out! People need to stop relying on TV to give them the ideas they use for purchasing. It’s become so deep in brain washing, that even magazines that review cars are seemingly difficult to change to the reality of what our country’s auto makers are making today. The World has changed. It’s so much better to be an American today than it ever has. I know there’s a lot of folks that will disagree with that statement, but we need to stop for a second and realize what we DO have, not what may be missing. If you want to find things missing, look for the absence of the problems that plauged the US auto makers in years past. Most of them are gone, and any US auto maker today can meet, and sometimes beat any foreign competition, hands down.
There is nothing wrong with loving our country and the products it produces. Nothing wrong with that at all.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:18 am)I totally agree with your letter…………thank you.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:18 am)JM Shultz
Portland Oregon
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:18 am)Save GM and the Volt – but only if regulation comes with the money. No company should be saved to make fuel guzzling muscle cars. They must make hybrids or all electric plug in vehicles.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:19 am)My Final Remarks:
It is obvious that most Americans don’t know that there are cars that GM and Ford Make overseas that far surpass any autos they make here.
Why don’t they just make those here?
By the way how are you going to make the electricity to charge these cars. (Wind Farms LOL) most so-called green dudes do not even the downside to these monsters.
1) They are killing thousands of “Birds” and that is a Fact.
2) The are Killing millions of insects. [they are part of the green system]
3) I find most Green Freaks do not even know what the heck they are talking about.
4) Every action and has a positive or negative reaction, I do not trust GM, Ford, Chrysler they are a bunch of cry babies and are going to screw you the American People.
You just got screwed by the Government Rep and Dems alike we are in this debacle because of the fraud, deceit, lies, theft by the Schmucks in office.
And Baby there is more to come.
Let me give you a few names: AIG, LEHMAN BROTHERS, BEAR STEARNS, WASHINGTON MUTUAL AND MANY MORE.
LAST but not least: Fannie and Freddie the best screw of all they cooked the books and were protected by the Dems and the Rep. did nothing about the scam and CEO walked away with a COOL 80 MILLIONS BUCKS.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
So in everything one must consider the end.
ps: There was a time when I thought the American people were “STUPID” however “Stupid” is to intelligent for them.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:19 am)Agree – Give GM some of the bailout dollars. They directly make a physical product, as opposed to second-hand stock brokers, insurance companies, etc.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:19 am)People, please open your eyes. In effect, what you are saying is:
“The bailout of Wall Street worked so well, let’s do it again with the auto industry.”
[eyecross]
What happens when the Federal Government is forced to file Chapter 11, because it can’t make the interest payments on its loans?
Best regards,
D’Artagnon
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:21 am)SWD
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:21 am)We NEED the Chevy Volt — and soon! While the US Auto industry needs to assume responsibility for their errors, the credit crunch is not allowing consumers who wish to make smart choices purchase vehicles unless they have the full cash price. This isn’t the auto industry’s fault at all, but they are sure suffering from it. I agree with Lyle’s letter and request that the US Govt take immediate action!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:21 am)Loan, DON’T GIVE GM money! Stipulate that it should only be used to continue the most innovative vehicle on the planet, the Volt.
__________________________________
How long will it take before enough profit comes from Volt to be able to pay back that loan?
Also, remember that Volt is just 1 vehicle. Spreading the technology to other sizes & types of vehicle will take many, many years.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:22 am)Greg Baden
Pittsburgh, PA
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:22 am)as much as I am for the Volt, I am against the government bailout. the fed will not bailout small business(which emploue almost 20% of the usa workforce. by giving money to the automakers all they are are doing is REWARDING poor performance.
If we perform poorly in our jobs we don’t a raise, whay should we reward those who can’t put out a good products. I dno’t hear Toyota, Honda, Hundai, KIA, bwm, benz, ect, asking for bailout money. WHY, they produce quality products. that are on the cutting edge.
Detroit is dead. pull em off life support…
FWIW My family owns a Buick Pontiac, GMC Cadillac Dealership in DE…So I know on the forefront if GM folds, we will have to lay-off about 100 people…
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:22 am)The Volt as a technology could be one of the greatest achievements the world will know going into the next century. I urge our Government to have the vision to see this. We need to invest in these new technologies that not only serve as a solution to our dependence on oil, but engage many well trained employees.
Frank Deras
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:22 am)Please.
KT
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:23 am)Re: “Partly from past failures and the forces of free market competition, they had been left in a difficult but quite possibly solvable financial situation.”
Right! Unions have no part in GM’s pending failure? Get real!
Spin the Chevy Volt off into a non-union subsidiary and then address financial aid.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:25 am)NI
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:26 am)this whole thing is kind of sad. All those shouting LET’S BAIL THEM OUT, are doing so because it doesn’t feel like it’s REAL money. If we changed the premise to “All those who are willing to send $1,000 of their own money to GM/Ford etc. to help them out”, how many of you would still be shouting “LETS DO IT!”. Yeah, I thought so….
This is REAL MONEY people… your children, and grand children will be paying this back.
STOP SPENDING WHAT WE DON’T HAVE.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:26 am)1. An American competitor to the overwhelmingly successful Prius
2. A huge step towards reducing our dependance on foreign oil.
3. A huge step towards reducing our carbon footprint.
4. A huge step towards helping the average american family avoid the achilles heel that is gas prices.
There’s nothing about this car that isn’t important.
I’m Jeff Briggs and I approve this message.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:27 am)One condition, to get money GM must show public (investors) a WORKING VOLT PROTOTYPE. So far there is no direct evidence that this technology is even possible. I have no problems with EV only mode, but the charge sustaining mode has not been demonstrated so far with 50 mpg efficiency. Otherwise they are in the same category with EESTOR.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:27 am)dpr. I’m fully in support.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:28 am)#295 Edward, Please check your wind turbine “facts” they are misguided at best. What is with the 4th fact? Does that have anything to do with wind turbines at all? Did you say they kill insects? Please tell me you are joking. Sounds like you get your information down at the local pub. Oh, in your “Stupid” insult please use “too” instead of “to”. It just sounds so stupid when you make that simple English grammar mistake. Thanks!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:29 am)For a neat new product go to:
http://www.zaplex.com
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:30 am)we can not let part of what makes our country great disappear
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:30 am)[...] seeing the Volt concept in January 2007, Dennis launched GM-Volt.com. Ever since then he and his readers have been [...]
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:31 am)If this was 1985 I probably wouldn’t be writing this. Stung by The American cars nobody wants to forget my family and friends drove Datsuns and Nissans with great success. 20 years Later and having given the Big 3 a chance again back in the late 90′s I can happily say we are a converted to an extended GM and Chrysler Family with no more Nissans and only one Mazda in sight. I was looking forward to the Volt or possibly even a 2010 Cruze to commute and allow me to keep my Silverado as a work truck. I can vouch from personal experience as a former Honda salesperson that GM is very different then they used to be and I would happily compare my real world quality with my GM vehicle to many of those Honda owners I know and the results might surprise you. The big three still matter heavily to the success of this country and to all of our futures. If even one goes to foreign owners (again) or fails how many hundreds of thousands of lives would change instantly? That’s not the kind of Change the country was voting for this election but it could certainly create a lot of change Next Election…
SK
Lorain, OH
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:31 am)I’m all for saving the Volt, but I’m against another Billion-Dollar handout from the taxpayers. GM was losing huge sums of money long before the current financial crisis. What makes anyone think more money is going to fix those problems?
The idea I think is best, and one we have heard here on GM-Volt.com, is for the government to guarantee loans to GM while it goes through Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. That would allow GM at least a fighting chance of streamlining their operations and bringing the game-changing Volt to market.
I believe in Capitalism…we should seriously question if one company or one vehicle, as important and desirable as the Volt is, is worth the price of socialism in America.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:32 am)Help save GM and the Chevy Volt…!!!
America = Innovation…!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:32 am)We can’t let out American car business fail. Its big Mortgage companies that got us in to this mess lets let them fail. I don’t agree with bailing out a company that made BAD business decision and lent money to families that had no job, no down payment, and low credit scores.
We can thank former President Clinton for pressuring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to comprise their standards in money lending.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:33 am)WEM.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:34 am)I agree with Jeff Briggs who wrote:
1. An American competitor to the overwhelmingly successful Prius
2. A huge step towards reducing our dependance on foreign oil.
3. A huge step towards reducing our carbon footprint.
4. A huge step towards helping the average american family avoid the achilles heel that is gas prices.
There’s nothing about this car that isn’t important.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:35 am)Letters Sent!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:36 am)The people that run these companies into the ground hold Ivy League MBA’s and/or union cards. I am not at all in favor of providing funds to GM, Ford, Chrysler OR the UAW (again), HOWEVER… the Volt has made tremendous strides in the correct direction. If any funds are given, Congress should consider the Silicon Valley automakers such as Tesla, or AC Propulsion. They are not alone… electric cars ARE being produced by manufacturers not beholdin’ to unions or oil, foreign or domestic.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:37 am)Save GM and the Volt. The Japanese car makers have had indirect support from the Japanese government for years. This has been done through the agressive manipulation of the Yen. It is about time for America to start protecting its most important industry. As an outsider (Canadian), I cannot understand why a country would not want to support and protect their own. This love affair with “all things Toyota” is crazy.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:37 am)Buy a tesla…better car, better performance, and AVAILABLE. Funny how a couple of guys in california can START an entire car company from scratch and bring a product online faster than GM can. ,
Tesla costs $100k and seats 2, goes 150 miles.
Volt will cost under $40k seat 4, and go 300 miles.
Why is it surprising that a car 10 times as cost effective takes a little longer to develop?
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:37 am)KJS
I am a US Citizen.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:37 am)I support the Chevy Volt concept.
More focus on weight reduction on the vehicle would help
a lot… Not just the hybrid drive. Let’s get more recyclable plastic, aluminum and magnesium on this vehicle. The government should mandate and enforce more stringent weight targets, along with the fuel economy. This might even keep away some of the competitors.
Lightweight materials are a simple solution for the environment.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:37 am)Save the Volt!!
WTH
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:38 am)I support you, and get rid of all those unions that are driving up the costs of labor
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:38 am)I’m weighing in that the Volt is the future of the majority of our personal transportation needs and must make it to market. Many of our off-shore competitors are government subsidized which stacks the deck against us. So please help and don’t let this amazing vehicle program get cancelled!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:40 am)“Now, unions claim they simply want “working” families to make livable wages. But Dr. Mark J. Perry, a professor of economics and finance in the School of Management at the Flint campus of the University of Michigan, calculates the average compensation for employees of the Big Three auto companies at $73 an hour. The U.S. employees of Toyota are at $48 — a 52 percent differential.”
David Harsanyi – Denver Post
Now you know: GM is non-competitive! Spin off the Chevy Volt into a non-union company. Then consider aid for the Volt only.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:40 am)While I am hesitant about bailouts, I do support some form of bailout for the American auto industry.
People of all political stripes correctly state that we are dependent upon foreign oil. No thinking person disagrees with that statement.
If the American auto industry collapses, we will then also become dependent upon the foreign auto industry.
Autos in other countries are largely a luxury item. In the U.S., they are a necessity, and again, no sane, thinking person can argue this. Our society has developed in such a way that independence and the automobile are a necessity, not a luxury.
To be sure, many love to indulge themselves in over sized, over priced, over accessorized SUVs, but it does appear that the age of the Armored Personnel Carrier commuter car is coming to an end. However, it does not change the facts.
Americans need cars. Unless we are prepared to bulldoze the suburbs and forcibly relocate people to condos in the high rise buildings of large cities, we are going to continue to need cars for probably the next couple of decades and likely well into the 22nd century.
We cannot grow and develop better technology, better cars, cleaner fuel sources, et al. without growth, development and most importantly jobs. No cars equals no jobs. No jobs means in desperation people burn trash, wood, and anything else they can find which will only exacerbate our climates problems.
Cars are the way forward. Period. With the exception of downtown NYC and Chicago, or Luddites in remote cabins, one all but cannot exist without a car.
Without the American auto industry, the economy and the environment will suffer. To be sure, the auto industry must agree to aggressive change in what they produce. The unions will balk, and they will have to give in on many of their demands for the car industry to survive. Layoffs are likely. Displacement is likely. Pay cuts are very possible. These and other tough choices are the only way to saving the American auto industry and American autoworker jobs.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:40 am)I fully support this petition, with the provision that the Big Three be required to produce both plug-in hybrids as well as fully electric automobiles. At this critical juncture in American history, where both our financial and commercial systems are under stress and more than 70% of our petroleum resources are being procured from unstable countries or countries hostile to Western ideals, we must produce automobiles and trucks that use a minimum of petroleum and a maximum of energy we create ourselves.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:41 am)the car should’ve been out by now. you wasted so much money advertising the volt’s ‘coming.’ you should’ve used that money to get it ready when you first introduced it. why should we bail out your bad business decisions? act like men instead of a bunch of whining wimps.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:41 am)I can not get behind this bill as long as $25 billion is earmarked for UAW pensions. In my mind, the UAW is largely responsible for the demise of the big 3.
Consider this:
Average total compensation of big 3 auto workers $72 / hour.
Average total compensation for Toyota (Right to work states) $48 / hour.
As long as the UAW is gouging the big 3 they will continue to fail and this bailout is sending good money after bad.
I will only agree to this if part of the deal is releasing the big 3 from their unfair union obligations.
I want the Volt as much as the next guy, but this extortion must end.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:41 am)DCP
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:42 am)[...] Immediately after originally seeing the Volt concept in January 2007, Dennis launched GM-Volt.com. Ever since then he and his readers have been cheerleaders for GM’s extended-range EV. Dennis [...]
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:42 am)I agree that this is very important for our automobiles to begin the transition away from fossil fuels.
RCH
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:42 am)I “endorse that without delay the Government grant the immediate release of adequate loans, in addition to the low cost retooling loans already signed into law, for direct aid of the three US automakers, GM, Chrysler, and Ford.”
We have no choice. If we allow Detroit to fail, one in 10 jobs will be lost which would push the country into a true depression (20% unemployment). From the Detroit News: “We estimate that GM will end 2008 with just $13.3 (billion) of gross cash, and expect GM to fall below its $11-14 (billion) minimum cash needs,” in the first quarter of 2009 … (Rod Lache of Deutsche Bank said) “Of the four broad options for government assistance for GM, we believe that political pressure to protect taxpayers may lead to a solution similar to the 1979 Chrysler bailout, which was accompanied by concessions from debt holders, labor, suppliers and management.’”
Hopefully Congress will structure the deal wisely so that we can rehabilitate Detroit and make money for the tax payer which is what happened with Chrysler in 1979.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:42 am)The big three bailout is necessary for the recovery of our economy. An amazing amount of people will be out of work and will only create a greater slow down of spending and manufacturing.
Without manufacturing in this country, we are guaranteed to spin into a depression. We don’t need to bail out the credit companies that got us in this mess. We’ll only create another credit bubble.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:43 am)M. Kotchevar
US Citizen
Minnesota
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:43 am)Hugues Marceau,
Montréal, Québec
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:43 am)While I support the development of the Volt and other alternate energy transportation, I DO NOT support any bail out of ANY business. Since the bailout was announced, we now are seeing the greed of the businesses that will benefit from it, and are seeing greet and arrogance of these companies. I’m old enough to remember when the auto industry was warned about the quality of their product, and totally ignored the warning. Now they are seeing the result of them ignoring the warning and how their arrogance has put them into the situation they find themselves today. Why wasn’t innovations such as the Volt developed sooner, while the competition paid attention and came out with automobiles such as the SmartCar and Prius?
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:43 am)I’ve been looking forward to this car ever since I saw it last year at the Los Angeles car show. The Volt is a big step in our vehicles of the future and I would certainly hope that it would not drop along the wayside in these tough economic times. Support GM! Support American auto makers! Dale Miller
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:44 am)Who bails me out?.
CEO’s are the biggest ripoff artist, I say don’t buy another car, until they return all the money they took.
Drive your old car for 10 years and teach them a lesson.
And next year they will need another bail out?
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:45 am)Bailout is not going to save GM. It is only going to prolong it’s suffering. The company is not viable in it’s current form. All viable parts must be separated and then supported with longterm loans, all dead parts must be allowed to RIP. Workers from those SUV making factories need to be retrained ASAP to make something useful (batteries, wind turbines, nuclear reactors, solar panels etc).
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:45 am)More then ever, this is the time to move forward with alternative fuel vehicles. Please consider requiring that federal assistance include requirements for maintaining development of the Volt and other alternative fuel vehicles.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:45 am)everyone here is retarded. this will make ZERO impact. good luck folks, take me off the list.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:45 am)In the poll I said no for the bailout.
Today I am printing this letter and sending it to my senators and congressmen.
The reason is because I support Lyle Dennis and I support the Chevy Volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:46 am)BRB
GO Volt! Save GM!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:46 am)FMG
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:47 am)NEP Noel Park
DDP Diana Park
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:47 am)GM sabotaged their own electric technology in the 90′s. They, and the other auto makers, made poor development decisions for the last 2 decades that made them completely uncompetitive with progressive foreign auto makers. Certainly this will be a devastating lesson for America, but we are going to have to suffer through it. No bailouts for mismanaged companies. This is the equivalent of placing a band aid on a bleeding artery. It won’t work.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:47 am)I agree.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:47 am)David Sylvestre,
Carleton (Québec) Canada
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:50 am)The more I think about this the more It becomes reality:
This is a change, Its a change away from Big Oil control to government control, and hopefully govenment control is just temporary and completely removes the control of Big Oil from the automakers.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:50 am)GMc
Downingtown, PA
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:52 am)To hell with irresponsible bankers and Wall St. Help real American workers, don’t let the Auto Industry fail.
Zachary Rhoades
Falls Church, VA
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:52 am)PRR – I’m a citizen of the USA and agree with Lyle’s well written letter.
And a note to all the posters above who think GM is worthless and inferior and not worthy of a bailout…
The Japanese people have been bailing our their auto industry for 50 years, except they refer to it as “support” and “patriotism”. Today’s GM product line (with the exception of the Prius) compares quite well with Toyota in terms of guarantee, reliability, features, mileage, and cost. Please stop comparing today’s Toyotas with GM cars of 20 years ago. It’s really starting to piss me off.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:52 am)I just figured out how to end the “Auto Problem!”
END THE STUPID DRUG WAR, THAT IS 150 BILLION WASTED DOLLARS EVERY YEAR.
FREE ALL THE NON-VIOLENT DRUG USERS.
THEN CLOSE THE DRUG PRISONS, FIRE THE COPS WE DON’T NEED. FIRE THE JUDGES, THE PRISON GUARDS, DISBAND THE D.E.A THEY ARE A WASTE OF MONEY.
LEGALIZE POT SO WE CAN BAIL OUT FRITO LAY AND ALL THE OTHER FAST FOOD JOINTS.
DECRIMINALIZE ALL DRUGS LAWS SO THE GANGS CAN’T MAKE MONEY AND ALL THE TERRORIST AROUND THE WORLD THAT USE DRUGS AS A CURRENCY.
This my friends is the way to go, save 150 billion and bailout all the students that have loans. and then give the rest of the funds to GM, FORD CHRYSLER.
THIS MAKES SENSE.
AND USE THE GRASS TO MAKE BIO-DIESEL
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:53 am)For the first time in 30 years, GM is finally on the right track with providing a vehicle to the motoring public which gives us both realiable clean transportation while reducing dependence on foreign oil. It’s seems “criminal” to allow GM to fail, while giving billions of taxpayer dollars to the crooks and thiefs in the finance industry which got us to this point in the first place. Slap the AIG execs and the bank execs in prison and help out one of the cornerstones of American industry and manufacturing! Save the VOLT !!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:55 am)Yes, sometimes in a free market, albeit very infrequently, government must act to insulate against the greater harm. This is in fact one of those times. PLEASE act quickly to shore up our hemorrhaging auto industry which will in turn preserve American jobs and help stabilize this volatile economy. We can not afford to loose this sector! I wholeheartedly agree with Lyle’s letter and support this action. Having said this I would be remiss if I did not ask for certain conditions attached to these funds the most important being no money toward executive compensation. In large part they are culpable for this current crisis.
~JLG
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:55 am)ALP
Go Volt
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:55 am)I just wrote a personal note to my Senator.
My wife and I are planning to buy the Chevy Volt.
It is the future, invented, created, designed and to be manufactured in the USA, soon to be copied in the Pacific Rim.
Thank you, Lyle.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:55 am)GM and the other two have resisted innovation more than drive it. Those that build, sell and buy their cars have suffered from their bad management decisions. I support using taxpayer funds to bail out Detroit provided that management is paid at the same wages as line workers until the companies return to profitability. They must build products that use domestic energy, not to profit OPEC. If they don’t accept those terms, fire them.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:56 am)Save the volt! In a world with high gas prices and depleting oil reserves we need this car more than ever to pave the way to fuel independence. It’s a smart move to save the Volt, America.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:56 am)We can not lose the Chevy Volt.
I’m driving a 2006 (woefully inadequate) Toyota Prius.
I plan on buying a Chevy Volt the moment it’s available.
Most of us can not afford a Tesla Roadster ($100K).
Find a way to insure that GM puts the Chevy Volt in show rooms on schedule. Ford needs to get their Edge with HySeries Drive to market as well. Please don’t let these cars of future fade away.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:56 am)“”"If GM files chpt 13 restructuring bankruptcy…it does not mean the end of the Volt….but it does allow GM (an Ford, Chrysler) to get the monkey called the UAW off their back. “”"
I do not see this happening under an Obama administration. The unions will be made whole. In other words, no job losses even though fewer cars are sold, no wage cuts even though wages are excessive, and ditto for benefits.
The govt will transfer billions to the automakers, but most will end up being passed on to union workers, union leaders, and the union treasury.
The end result will be a huge success from the point of view of the govt. Car companies as uncompetitive as ever, but billions transferred to political supporters of the administration., resulting in big donations in the next election cycle.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:59 am)If GM can’t fix UNION problem and get rid of the UNION, it just does not make sense to save GM.
American shipping lines have bought out by foreign invester long time ago so its rail road. Here come to auto industry.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:59 am)I strongly support the Chevy Volt.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:00 pm)Without immediate aid to this industry and with unemployment now depleated it would be catistrophic to the economy. we as american citizens need to push this through now or the US will be in another “Great depression” with possibly worse effects.
I whole heartedly endorse the assistance package .
CP
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:01 pm)I was born and raised in Ohio near Lordstown GM plant. I have friends that have worked there and retired from GM. The automobile drives our economy and if American auto companies fail to survive or economy will be controlled by foreign companies ever worse then they are today. I have purchased 2 Fords and 3 GM’s in my lifetime and with your help I will never buy a vehicle with a foreign name on it.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:01 pm)J.C. I agree totally!
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:01 pm)I have never purchased a new car in my life and have been driving for 40 years. This is one that I will buy! Please help however you can. Thankyou
William J. Braymen DDS
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:02 pm)Why would you, a GM representative, call for not only an across the board bailout of GM, but also call to rescue your competitors: Ford and the privately owned Chrysler? Yes, the “industry” is all in the same boat, but a private company like Chrysler deserves nothing from taxpayer dollars especially when they hire former CEO of Home Depot, Robert Nardelli, who ran the company into the ground and before leaving took home a digusting compensation package of $200 million. This makes me think of the current state of the domestic airline industry, they aren’t really competing for top quality and service, they are competing for government handouts. An “industry” is put on life-support and then expectations are devestatingly low; eveyone loses in America, except for shareholders and the ruling class.
When was the Prius released for sale in the U.S.? The Volt is not even out yet. Maybe that’s your problem.
What was the name of GM’s first plug-in, no gas at all, electric car?
IT WAS CALLED THE EV-1.
When did the Saturn division of GM start production on the electric car?
1996!
You idiots had a working electric car with a 2nd gen. battery range of 160 miles, the waiting list was huge, you could of sold a lot of cars, and GM killed the EV-1.
late 2008 and GM has nothing in electric plug-in and the Volt design is still inferior. Too little, too late.
Ford, Chrysler, and especially GM at this point deserve none of my taxpayer dollars.
All the “auto-industry” will do is take the tax money and still shut down factories and slash jobs.
I was excited about the Volt, was on the waiting list. Now I am waiting for Detroit to finish what has been an agonizingly slow death so we can all get on with our lives and remove the corporate parasites from our society.
Matthew Ankney
St. Louis, Missouri
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:02 pm)MVC – Agreed.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:03 pm)I support the idea of saving the Chevy Volt and developing the technology behind it in the good old USA. However, a great deal of GM’s problems are due to poor managerial decisions at the top. So I recommend we grant the loans, if Waggoner steps aside, and the other CEOs work for $1 a year like Iacocca did. Now there was a man who talked the talk and walked the walk. Yes, perhaps its time for the reliable old American Taxpayer to drag GM, Ford and Chrysler kicking and screaming across the finish line of success. What an embarassment it must be to corporate leaders to have to go hat in hand to the American Taxpayer and admit they screwed up.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:04 pm)NO BODY IS LISTENING WHERE IS THE MONEY COMING FROM.
I HOPE THESE PEOPLE THAT WANT TO BAILOUT THE AUTO INDUSTRY THEY PAY FOR DON’T FORCE ME TO PAY FOR YOUR MISTAKE.
TAKE UP A COLLECTION FOR THEM AND BECOME A SHAREHOLDER THE STOCK IS AT 3 BUCKS.
IT’S ELECTRICITY WHERE ARE YOU GENIUS’ GETTING THE POWER FROM AIR?
LOL
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:04 pm)This Country needs more energy efficient automobiles and I believe the Chevy Volt could be just what we need. Please help Chevrolet/GM stay afloat to make this dream become a reality…Thanks sincerely,
Scott Arbuckle Cedar Creek Texas
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:05 pm)Someone way up in the first quarter of the list here stated, “I buy japanese cars…. blah blah I want to buy an american car…. blah blah… we finaly have an american option, and the rug is getting pulled out from underneath us” (umm.. not really an exact quote)
we aren’t getting any rug pulled out from anywhere, years ago the people ag GM decided they didn’t want a rug, they wanted mud and big rocks…. while japan was developeing the prius, and the civic hybreds, gm was trying to make the military humvee a luxury class vehicle. when congrats it worked. and now no one can afford luxury anything…
will this list affect an auto industry bailout? I don’t know.
Will a big check from the government help the auto industry? I doubt it.
You need to think…. do you understand? THINK!!! I have three kids. that makes it a family of FIVE! how is a prius going to help me? how will the volt help me? I need a big car. THINK… I know it can be done. The french have a car that seats 5 and runs on a tank of compressed air. why can’t we do that???
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:08 pm)“Now, unions claim they simply want “working” families to make livable wages. But Dr. Mark J. Perry, a professor of economics and finance in the School of Management at the Flint campus of the University of Michigan, calculates the average compensation for employees of the Big Three auto companies at $73 an hour. The U.S. employees of Toyota are at $48 — a 52 percent differential.”
David Harsanyi – Denver Post
This is a great example of the type of post which makes this site great. It provides concrete information, the info addresses the central issue of GM viability, and a source is cited for any who doubt.
Some of the other posters seem to think we care about whether they and their relatives drive US cars or imports, but your own personal experiences dont usually advance the discussion.
Other posters have nothing more to say than US auto executives are stupid because they pay $72/hr, but cannot offer the same product at the same price as the Japanese who pay $42/hr.
Logic and relevant facts, please.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:08 pm)I hope that the Volt can be put into production and help the U.S. become more energy independent.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:08 pm)BJC
Tallahassee, FL
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:09 pm)Now is not the time to let a company fail, especially when that company is loosing billions trying to bring a product to market that will change the game. The cost of the government covering GM’s retirement benefits and medical benefits are going to be much larger than bailout assistance. I endorse an assistance package which requires the money to be used to further the companies in a positive way, which would include helping them with the continuation of good medical care for their employees.
JF
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:09 pm)NO BAILOUT!
The arrogance of the Unions and Upper Management has created this mess.
Sow to the wind and reap the whirl wind.
GM needs a good house cleaning from top to bottom and perhaps then it might be worth saving.
I know of one case where $100k is paid to a worker to drive a forklift.
This company needs an enema not a bailout
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:09 pm)ejm
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:09 pm)Not a U.S. citizen but I approve this message. Volt is the key to GM survival and U.S. government should help Detroit 3. Plug-in hybrids will go mainstream in 2-3 years.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:10 pm)Go Go Go..
FL
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:11 pm)You have my support. JM
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:11 pm)Let’s save the Volt and ditch the SUVs. I don’t want to perpetuate the dying business model of “let’s see how big and inefficient we can make a vehicle so that Americans can feel powerful and self-important while driving like jerks”. Let’s turn this whole business around as we bail it out. Enough is enough.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:11 pm)The concept is great and I would expect this type of car to be our future of transportation, I have always been a GM fan, but this project is like all the others. They always make big promises and delivery great looking concepts, but they never deliver, just like this bait-and-switch design.
Now the “Toyota’s” of the world will take the great idea and actually delivery it, where GM will only talk about.
This country MUST get back to being great, that means following through.
Yes, we must have this kind of transportation for our future.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:12 pm)http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/cars-transportation/dean-kamen-deka-revolt-electric-car-stirling-461108
Take Care
Arch
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:12 pm)100% American Made!!!!!! Please Save the Big 3
CJC
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:14 pm)GM is on a roll, producing cars I finally want to buy. But the game changer is the Volt which will be a big step in our countries’ goal of oil independence and the reduction of greenhouse gasses. I support the bailout of at least GM on these grounds.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:14 pm)WRJ
I agree with this letter
I am a US citizen
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:16 pm)I think that GM should also be held to put the E-Flex system in ALL models of their vehicles in order to be given any of our tax money. This would ensure the US takes the lead on transportation innovation and not leave it up to Toyota or Honda to be the first to production plug in hybrid vehicles. GM had the EV1 electric car with a gas generator range extender in the late 90′s early 2000′s. If they would have just went to production with it instead of picking them all up from leasee’s driveways and crushing and shredding them, GM would NOT be in this mess. They would by now already have tens of different EV and plug in hybrid models to choose from. Not to mention how much innovation would have already been in place by today. It’s like GM said, it’s too soon for electric cars. Let’s stay on all gasoline for now until we really need to go all electric.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:16 pm)SCG, Vietnam veteran, and I guess I’m not quite sure that I understand about free enterprise, what is free?
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:16 pm)I agree with the above letter. SRT
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:16 pm)The U.S. used to be a manufacturing power. We created the best airplanes, cars, phones, computers. We have allowed manufacturing to die in favor of “financial services”. Looks what has happened to the U.S. when our primary export “financial services” was recognized as not quite AAA grade, but in reality bundled trash? Bundling trash together in a package does not make it AAA grade. The U.S. needs to continue to manufacture and export. if GM, Ford, and Chrysler succumb to a problem in the financial services sector, it will be a disaster for our entire country, not just the U.S. car industry. If you can put $140 Billion into AIG when they sold insurance without reserves, for trash that had no value, You can certainly save General Motors, when they fell victim to the fraud.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:16 pm)Yes Save the Volt DWR
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:16 pm)JB
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:17 pm)If the Volt is going to cost $40,000 – skip it and build a better Prius for $25,000 or less. Just like the banks, if we have to invest public money to keep them afloat – and I think we do, then “we the people” become part owners of GM (and Ford and Chrysler), get seats on the board of directors and get to call some of the shots: minimum fuel economy standards by category not by CAFE (passenger cars, light trucks/SUVs, heavy trucks) and mandate their increase over time as was successfully done when fuel economy standards were first mandated over 20 years ago. Mandate recyclability and reduced use of materials that don’t contribute to vehicle efficiency but consume materials and energy to produce such as: body cladding, spoilers, etc., and less ‘badge engineering’.
And if we want our industries to survive for the longer haul let’s get on with having single payer national health insurance to make car makers and all industries more competitive in the world market, reduce health care costs (which is money that would be freed up to spend on goods and services) and make financial ruin as a result of health problems an event that no longer confronts ordinary Americans.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:18 pm)G.E.S.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:20 pm)The Volt is the future transportation of The United States of America and around the world. The US Government needs absolutely to make the loans available to the auto industry with the condition that alternative fuel and electric vehicles such as the Volt are produced and sold in the US. The Government would show it’s wisest decision in the last 100 years to buy Volt vehicles for military bases around the world and for use by government officials across the country. State governments would save billions of taxpayers dollars as well by doing the same thing. Solar recharging stations such as those in use by the City of Miami could charge the cars for free, allowing tax dollars to be allocated to better use. Citizens would jump on the chance to follow suit, and our addiction to foreign oil producers would be broken. This would not end the world economy, but make it stronger. The demand for manufacturers of the cars, batteries, solar charging equipment would provide jobs around the world. The United States of America has lead the world in energy, the time to step out and do it again is now.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:20 pm)This is exactly the boost the the auto industry needs. Save the VOLT!!!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:20 pm)To let the volt project die would be a terrible injustice to the very thing this country needs to break free of the foriegn shackles of oil the US has been wearing. Contrary to uninformed people, GM has been investing and developing the technolgy with other manufactures of the items it will take to make this possible for several years now. To let it fail at a time when this cutting edge product is ready for production and the benefits it will hold not only for the consumer but the country and the enviroment would only constitute another failure at the goverment level to move history forward in a positive fashion.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:21 pm)People need to understand that this country has already lost a large portion of its manufacturing base and to let a major automotive manufacturer disappear is unthinkable. The trickle down effect or repercussions of the collapse of GM will cause a disastrous effect on this countries already unstable economic climate. People who think we can live as a pure service providing society are sadly mistaken and any country that does not have a strong economy and manufacturing base can not sustain military superiority.
I support an aid package but shutter at the possibility of government having ownership stake in a company. Limits need to be applied as to the number of shares the government will purchase for this aid package.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:21 pm)I completely agree. Please save the Volt! -JLB (lifetime U.S. citizen)
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:21 pm)BWS
I support a conditional restructuring loan.
US citizen
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:22 pm)Save the jobs (except for the Board and the senior executives). The three companies need about $50 billion. Take the money out of the $140 BILLION tax giveaway buried in 5 sentences within the Bank Bailout. Wells Fargo and Citi don’t need or deserve any giveaways – certainly not one of that size!!- but Paulson and the bank lobby found a way. President Bush — if you have any decency — REPEAL the $140 Giveaway and save our skilled labor force.
See this link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/09/AR2008110902155.html?wpisrc=newsletter
Washington Post November 10, 2008
The financial world was fixated on Capitol Hill as Congress battled over the Bush administration’s request for a $700 billion bailout of the banking industry. In the midst of this late-September drama,the Treasury Department issued a five-sentence notice that attracted almost no public attention. But corporate tax lawyers quickly realized the enormous implications of the document: Administration officials had just given American banks a windfall of as much as $140 billion. The sweeping change to two decades of tax policy escaped the notice of lawmakers for several days, as they remained consumed with the controversial bailout bill. When they found out, some legislators were furious. Some congressional staff members have privately concluded that the notice was illegal. But they have worried that saying so publicly could unravel several recent bank mergers made possible by the change and send the economy into an even deeper tailspin.
“Did the Treasury Department have the authority to do this? I think almost every tax expert would agree that the answer is no,” said George K. Yin, the former chief of staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation, the nonpartisan congressional authority on taxes. “They basically repealed a 22-year-old law that Congress passed as a backdoor way of providing aid to banks.”
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:22 pm)Save the Volt only. Not necessarily the rest of the company.
Art Smith
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:22 pm)I hate to say it, but they need bailed out, but all loans should pay for the return of the EV1, Ford Ranger EV and any other vehicle that ran on electricity. OR, all three need to get their act together and loans can only pay for electric cars or some percentage breakdown:
90% for electric car to be released by April 2009 and 10% for those gas using monsters that no one wants.
I agree no pay increases and force the unions to do a real job, like go in and demand no more gas suckers that get less than 30 miles to the gallon – that includes trucks and vans!
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:23 pm)AN
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:24 pm)Good thinking Richard. Voting my money to pay your auto company deficit is just like voting for my money to pay for your hospital bills. Given that collectivism and income redistribution have worked so fantastically well in the past, I think it’s high time we start doing that here.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:24 pm)RAG — Rite on Lyle!
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:25 pm)I fully support the use of Federal Funds to encourge development of alternate cars such as the Chevy Volt
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:25 pm)The Volt is just the beginning of becoming truly energy indepedent. This project MUST be saved. IF we can bail out Lehman Bros while they take a half million spa weekend with our (taxpayers) money, surely we can help the auto industry.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:25 pm)Count my voice. We need the bailout of we still have hope for American manufacturing.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:27 pm)I am in favor of saving the auto industry and am prepared to pay a bit of tax money to do it. This does not imply that I favor saving investor equity, or the existing executives who were there when the industry was brought to this situation. Government policy over these last many years has brought this industry to this situation. As a citizen and a voter, I am in part responsible for putting people in place who made such poor decisions on trade, taxation, civil litigation etc. which brought us to the dire point we are in today. I do not know if we can dig our way out, but I am certain that by destroying even more domestic manufacturing, we will only make our situation much worse, widening our trade deficit and reducing our gross domestic product.
I can agree with your letter however and indicate so by digitally signing by typing my name here. Richard E. Hagen
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:28 pm)The Volt should be saved.
Marco Irmer.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:28 pm)We cant leave the development of our energy efficient cars to everyone else. Save the Auto industry.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:28 pm)We need this car and cars like it! We MUST get off foreign oil!!!
Please count me in on this.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:29 pm)As much as I want the Volt, I think these companies need to handle their own problems. I didn’t want the $700 billion bailout, and I don’t think anyone else should receive one either. Get rid of income tax and let us decide what we want to spend our money on. If we were only charged taxes on what we purchase rather than being double taxed, more people might actually be able to pay their mortgages and then we might even be able to afford new cars!
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:30 pm)This is the begining of our country building our energy independence legacy. Please keep the plan alive and move it forward. We need this technology and we need this car. We need to support our American made companies and our fellow American’s pensions with in our country’s auto industry.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:30 pm)unfortunately you people who oppose the bailout down understand the economics of the situation. Of course the Bail-out is bad, but trust me as a college Economics student the alternative is much worse!! First the gov’t is not throwing this money away they will get it back as they have in the past bailouts. Second if we don’t stimulate our economy we will ALL be in a lot of hurt, we have to do it! A similar type of stimulus could have helped avoid the great depression, unfortunately we didn’t know enough about economics back then to understand that, but we do understand it now!!!
Trust me, listen to economists on this one, not the local congressman who doesn’t have any economics background!! I’m in DD
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:31 pm)save the industry and save 3 million jobs… sounds like necessity to me.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:31 pm)While the thought of GM struggling and the Volt project failing breaks my heart, I just don’t know if another bailout is the right idea. Before the first round of bailouts were issued everyone in the media was talking about how necessary such an action was. AFTER the bailouts, we watched as some top executives of the bailed out companies essentially took the money and ran, and then everyone started saying what a mistake the bailouts were. Now, considering the fact that this letter addresses the current president instead of the president-elect, my personal view is that this cry for help smacks of “me too,” in that GM appears to be trying to get a piece of that bailout pie before it’s taken off the table. Now this may be a bit spiteful of me, but considering how many people I heard talking about “socialism” and how if Obama was elected we would all become communists, I refuse to support another bailout that will help an ailing business with tax dollars. Not because I think it’s a bad idea, but because all those people out there who want to call reasonable men terrorists and communists when they suggest the nation chips in to keep things running need to see that a free market has no safety nets and it’s not the country’s responsibility when it falls flat on its face. Sorry, but I vote no.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:31 pm)GM should have done the Volt 5 or 10 years ago! Now it may be one of the few assets that can be spun off to a better future. Let the rest of it go! I vote no.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:31 pm)I would like to see this car hit production so Im all for the bail out. Im also a Canadian so I don’t really care where bush puts his money.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:32 pm)I am a US citizen and I support this letter.
The future of our country is at stake, we can’t afford to lose this opportunity…
HAB
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:33 pm)The purpose of bankruptcy is to allow companies to restructure. I think we should allow GM and the other American auto companies to take advantage of this good feature of our system, and that we should NOT prop them up in their current form.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:34 pm)The Volt, and all future E-Flex vehicles must be brought to market. None of the import companies is even willing to consider such a ground breaking technology.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:34 pm)Public companies including the auto industry have been turned into making more money and increasing their stock values by Wall Street.
So instead of keeping up with the changing world, new technology that will give us better mileage cars the industry has been forced to just keep pumping out product that the Oil Companies want so they can sell more energy.
Well it finally caught up with us and the other car companies that are not under this same pressure have built what was needed.
The U.S. at this time, can not afford to let this industry go down, so step up to the plate government and and write the check and help save one of the only manufacturing industries we have left in the U.S
Everyone is guilty, but we do not have a choice!!!
Maybe all of the greedy will get it right for a while or go down with the rest of us.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:35 pm)the ENERGY infrastructure of the entire U.S. needs rework and the Volt is symbolic of the changing commuting need of our populace…keep it alive and all other energy system initiatives that bail out the entire nation’s economy. I want a Volt to show my family, my friends, my community and my state (MI) what is possible. Clean energy for the future strength of the U.S. and a better world. jp
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:35 pm)GM goes – so goes the rest of the stock market, only this time it’s 2 – 3 times as bad as lehman. DOW will probably see 5000 if GM goes bankrupt as the domino effect is much larger. GM must be saved.
Saving GM costs what, 25 – 50 billion, even 100…not so bad, compared to -
GM goes bankrupt – market will drop another 30%, erasing several trillion dollars, millions of jobs, and many more companies to go bankrupt, kick starting a ‘GREATEST DEPRESSION’.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:36 pm)CJF
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:37 pm)Although I feel that GM is THE premier example of the intense corruption of corporate America and egregiously poor management, I feel that the vehicle architecture of the Volt is our only hope to transform America into a fossil fuel free nation. I encourage the government to not save GM, but save the Volt. Please enact legislation to force GM to spin off the portion of their enterprise related to the Volt development/production in the event of a bankruptcy. However, please stipulate that there must be entirely new management over this new entity. People such as Bob Lutz (GM VP AND ONE OF THE ‘GOODEST’ OL’ BOYS) that still haven’t admitted that FOSSILE FUELS ARE A MAJOR CASUE OF GLOBAL WARMING, need to be purged. With his lack of vision, I think he is better suited for running a McDonald’s restaurant, not being at the reins of one in a hundred American workers. Email me sometime Bob, I’d love to talk with you; my email is heyyouda@gmail.com.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:37 pm)Even though I’m a Canadian citizen, I would be so pissed if this financial crisis eliminates all chances of electric cars coming onto the road.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:37 pm)CONCERNED CHEVROLET DEALER AGREES WITH LETTER!
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:37 pm)dak
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:38 pm)KM
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:39 pm)I fully support the Volt. I hope GM first will ask everyone with a stake in this to order a Volt and place a deposit. If 2.5 million people paid a deposit of $1,000 that would equal the 25 billion current amount and launch the Volt with a guaranteed customer base. And what if 25 million people got the message? 250 billion. Let’s get to work and build them. William
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:39 pm)Please rescue this concept for a fuel efficient automobile even if GM falls to the free market. This country and this planet need this kind of forward thinking!
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:39 pm)Cutting our ties to foreign oil is one thing government must do now. GM has made great progress with the Volt and it may be the key to their long term viability. If GM does go under, someone will have to buy out the Volt arm of GM and continue development for the country’s sake. This car has to survive.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:39 pm)I do not agree with bailing out the whole of GM. Lots of fat cats and retirees with benifits I will never see will benefit from my tax dollars.
How about if any bailout is specifically directed at the programs that GM needs to survive into the future and cut the fat. A new mean, green and lean GM would be a good thing.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:40 pm)BG
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:41 pm)Our country needs this car, our economy needs this car, it will be the springboard to better and better technologies “down the road”. Please don’t let this technology and this vehicle become the sole domain of Japanese, Chinese, and European auto industries.
Albert O’Connor
Florida
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:42 pm)I am distressed at the poor corporate decisions of the auto industry with respect to including efficiency, safety, and sustainability into their product lines in the past. In the case of the GM-Volt, however, there is a forward thrust into a shift of the US from foreign based oil infrastructure to home based electrical infrastructure and transportation energy efficiency.
It is clear that if the US is to be a leader in the transition from oil based transportation to electric vehicles, the GM-Volt is a big forward step and should be supported by us, the Government.
Dana Vance, PE-EE
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:42 pm)I also agree with this statement, and I am a USA citizen. I already have solar panels in my yard, and I’d love to charge up my own car with clean power!
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:44 pm)In this case the majority is wrong. This is only a short term band aid and is only temporarily saving labor unions and their votes. The American auto industry will ultimately have to go through a reorganization, Chapter 11 or otherwise, and restructure labor contracts and other costs. This is part of the system, part of capitalism and the economy and what makes our country strong. Without this process short term pain for a few will become long term pain for all. The Volt will survive because it is good technology. GM will survive if it is a good company with good management. Free markets are not the problem, government is the problem. Your letter and government’s most likely bailout will prolong the pain and reduce our standard of living.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:44 pm)America needs a solid car industry!! The automobile industry is inherent with the american dream.
We have to bail out the automobile industry!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:45 pm)We need to support US electric car technology. Keep our money and jobs here. PLEASE
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:45 pm)I am a citizen of the United States of America and agree with the above letter.
Our contry’s national defense depends on a viable automobile industry. Like imported energy, we cannot afford to have our military vehicles manufactured by a coutry that may not have our best interests in mind during an an emergency.
As a retired military officer I’ve had the opportunity to experience cars and trucks manufactured all over the world.The quality of U.S. vehicles is world class. However, they retain a legacy perception of poor quality, such that American car buyers mostly see the historical stigma. Once the stigma is overcome, Americans will enjoy purchasing an car “Made in America”. And, the capital and profits stays in the USA.
The automobile business is burdened by union demands that have accreted over time. They are mired in legacy overhead costs which contributes to their diminished competiveness.
If there is some method to take care of the retirees and sustain the automakers, save them.
CAPT Bill Whittenberg, USN (ret)
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:45 pm)Awesome Job! I support the letter 100%! They need to keep the auto industry alive since they love to send jobs overseas anyhow, they can deal with the repercussions of those actions.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:45 pm)RAS
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:45 pm)if all three were not in trouble I would be against it. Yes, save
These three but put heavy rrstrictions on them.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:46 pm)I support the above letter and am an American Citizen
JCI
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:46 pm)Yes, please save the Volt!!! Please bail out GM.
GM and the Volt are our best chance to reduce our oil dependence and stop sending money to countries that want to destroy us.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:46 pm)I agree — RAS
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:46 pm)Any handout of money without fundamental structural reform and cost cutting ( read cutting pension and labor costs) will simply postpone the inevitible. GM needs to restucture.
They need to take whoever cancelled the EV-1 and shoot them. They need to get over the not invented here syndrome and build what we need.
If they don’t get their act together they deserve to fail.
Buy Aptera GM. Build their car too.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:46 pm)PFH
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:48 pm)It’s time to stop being penny-wise and pound foolish. This car makes sense! For our economy, our environment and our future. Please don’t kill the electric car again!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:50 pm)I recommend that the US auto industry should be bailed out with one major contingency. Stop the production on all gas guzzlers and limit bailout funds to developing ONLY electric and hybrid vehicles. The Chevy Volt is a step in the right direction.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:50 pm)We truly need the Volt and all the associated technological advancements that will come along with it. Our country needs to begin electrifying our cars and trucks and kick our dirty fossil fuel habbit. The Volt is the first step to getting the junkie off the gasoline “fix”!
I support a federal bail out of the US auto industry, but only one with strict oversight and controls on how the money is used.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:50 pm)Regarding our energy problems, cars like the Volt are integral to the solution. We must support the Volt and its development.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:50 pm)Please save the Volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:50 pm)Absolutely. Even though oil per barrel and gas per gallon has dramatically dropped in the last month – does not mean we should stop funding for other technologies – the VOLT being one of those. Let’s stop dependence on oil and go the true alternative route.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:51 pm)this is a must in our nations efforts to move forward with cleaning our enviorment and elliminating the need for forgein oil.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:52 pm)I am with you Lyle please count me in. The Volt is just too good of a vehicle to let it go away.
Rich
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:52 pm)I am against ceo pay for poor performance, I am aginst corporate welfare, the volt must be saved as a issue of national security and freedom from outside control.Whatever it takes- excluding golden parachutes for thieves.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:52 pm)JJN, Swansea MA
During June 2008 I purchased a 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT and I’m very happy with the decision. I commute 98 miles / day and like the balance of power / gas mileage. I’m actually getting better fuel economy than what was on the sticker. I’m averaging 31mpg with the commute to work, to top it off the car is solid and GM did a great job. I’m also very excited about the Chevy Volt, in fact my plan is to trade in my wife’s Toyota when we purchase the Chevy Volt. I think a Federal infusion of money should have some stipulations. Encourage EV,HEV product development, Discourage the development of vehicles that achieve less than 25mpg.
Maybe a vehicle’s state tax should have the MPG factored in. If someone owns a vehicle that gets over 27mpg, then they should get a 30% discount on their vehicle taxes. If someone owns a vehicle that gets > 20mpg then they should have a vehicle tax surcharge.
I am not sold 100% on any bailout actually. Why? That’s not how a free market economy works. We should allow the failed banks to fall, the surviving banks will buy up the good assets. Maybe the auto market will shakeup and consolidate a little. What’s wrong with Pontiac, Chevy, Buick, and GMC consolidating ? Ford and Mercury Consolidating? Chrysler and Dodge consolidating? I don’t see anything wrong with that. I do feel that a foreign entity buying an American company is wrong though.
If I loose my job and spend all my savings for a year paying my mortgage and then fall into foreclosure would the government bail me out? No. I’d loose my house, my wife’s car, and my car!
One short term solution could be if someone is short on cash and can’t pay the mortgage or car payment, let them pay the interest.
If you pay just the interest the lending entity won’t loose money, they will earn more in the long run and the lendee will be able to keep their house or car. To me this solution does not sound socialistic. Feds bailing out banks and other entities with tax dollars is socialistic. The very fact that I’m on the hook for over $7k in tax dollars for the Bailout has got me thinking about possible reverse emigration. Maybe visit the country from where my Great Grandparents came from or my wife’s parents origin and try to make
a go of it there. At least I won’t be on the hook for $7k. Heck, I can heat my house for 3 years with that money.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:53 pm)I think that GM should make the Volt and bring out a full lineup of fuel efficient vehicles. I agree with a bailout that makes assurances that the loan will only go to fund developments of new RE-EVs and smaller fuel efficient vehicles.
I believe that there should be stipulations in any package that the money should not fund executive or share holders’ pay or developments on large vehicles (Even if these vehicles are “Hybrids”; a “Hybrid” Tahoe does not cut it unless it too can go 40 miles on electric alone in my book.)
On a personal note, the only way that I would ever consider buying a GM, or Ford or Crystler product is if it was an EV or RE-EV.
While I am on this soap box, EV2 anyone or am I alone?
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:53 pm)It is the $78 an hour that the workers are getting paid that is killing these companies. Toyota pays their workers $48 an hour and they are making it go. Get rid of the unions, pay the employees $30 an hour (still a lot if you ask me) and start over. I, for one, don’t want the Government to spend my tax money on a business. Call it a loan if you want but something at GM needs to change. I own a small business, 3 GM cars and one Dodge, work 55 hours a week, make less then $10 an hour and pay more taxes then you can imagine. Where is my “bailout”? Let me flip my business loan to 2% like they will get and I will be on easy street.
A little bitter.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:55 pm)MIW
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:55 pm)Flawed poll, flawed results! In software engineering we call it “junk in, junk out”.
No more bail outs! And unlike Lyle’s very biased push poll assumption, it’s not “give them a bail out or let them fail”… chapter 11 is NOT failure! It would not mean the end of 3M jobs! Yes, some job losses, but job losses that should occur bail out or not… and chapter 11 is more likely to result in job losses where they are really needed… ie. upper management (executives), and without their golden parachutes, which is what you are paying for with a taxpayer “bail out”!
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:55 pm)Hell yes, save the Volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:55 pm)We all may feel a little pain during the change from gas powered autos to electric (and other means), but think of them as birthing pains that we must endure to free ourselves from our dependence on oil. Once the technology matures takes hold, it will improve geometrically and we will all be better off in the long run.
Spend the $ on the big 3 now (with restrictions of course), and invest in the new technology that will make America, and most of the rest of the world, a better place.
RTC
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:55 pm)i agree. we need to support the development of energy and fuel efficiency.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:56 pm)I agree with the intention of this letter and the need to keep automotive production in North America. How the North American auto industry and its share holders have failed to respond to a changing marketplace and environmental concerns is nothing short of criminal negligence. The writing has been on the wall for decades.
As a parent would respond to their college aged son or daughter after learning they blew the entire years educational budget for college in the first three months, and is now looking for additional funds to bail out their year, taxpayers as would the parents deserve complete disclosure of the actions and behaviors that led to this catastrophe.
If you are looking for a bailout GM,Ford, Chrysler the taxpayer has the right to see all the books and know all the details – Who killed the GM electric car? Really? Who bled off profits and refused to look beyond the present moment to design and plan for sustainable development and growth. If you what Mom’s and Dad’s all over America to bail you out for your reckless and bad behavior you have got to get really truthful about your past misdeeds.
It is only by these actions of taking responsibility and rebuilding a relationship with those for whom you have shown complete disregard can you hope to reestablish trust .
I wish you well – please do what anyone needs to do to reestablish trust,
because none exist at this time and it would be foolhardy to think we would blindly had over additional funds at this time of crippling economic conditions – to possibly have you through another frat party with the money.
Let me know what you think
Allan Mac Neil
allanmacneil@gmail.com
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:56 pm)We need companies that make STUFF, not shuffle money. The fall of several world powers was preceeded by a move from manufacturing to finance, and now we’re on our way.
We need to LEAD the world in technology development such as the Volt so we can sell our stuff to the world, not buy stuff from everybody else. Sooner or later they may not want to lend us any more money and then we won’t be able to get stuff.
GM is looking for a LOAN not a bailout. It will very likely be paid back unlike the money spent buying the toxic waste of the finance industry.
One million jobs, making REAL STUFF are in danger of being lost. I think as investments go, this one is needed. HELP SAVE OUR COUNTRY not a few rich folk.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:56 pm)I will send a letter to my Congress people.
The situation the “Big Three” is in (unfortunately) appears to be fitting given the dirty tactics the car industry has heaped on the American public for the past 70 years, i.e. elimination of the Trolley/Train-Public Transit system in the west coast, the dirty tricks to eliminate Tucker Autos, steadfast refusal to be a leader in safety/environmental concerns for the auto, etc.
If the Big Three survives, all supervisors who got these companies in “Second Place” position to Toyota should be FIRED! (GM could not do any worse than the position they are in now)
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:57 pm)If we save GM, Ford and Chrysler, then things have to change. What drove the big three down in the ground was goverment laws and the unions. I don’t begrudge the workers to have a union to prevent worker abuse, but I do have a problem when the union benefits wipe the businesses off their feet. A bail out will not do a damn thing unless the union agrees to give up alot of what they gained. When Toyota and Honda pay around 38 dollars an hour with wages and benefits and the big three pay out 75-80 dollars per hour, they will never bounce back. The American auto worker had a fairly good run, but the party is over. If you want a job, you will have to give up the golden parachute. Toyota, Honda, and others will always have the advantage; plus they have great products. These companies can’t afford to pay out so much to their workers when their product ISN’T SELLING. I will only say yes to the bail out if the government gets off the back of Detroit and the UAW wake up and work with the big three. If they don’t, then the bail-out will only postpone the death of the American auto industry. I hope GM survives so I can buy the VOLT. I have no intention to buy another new vehicle until the Volt comes out.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:57 pm)I’m sorry but the bailout is not going to save jobs. As for the volt it is a great concept but in actuality that is why free markets are so great. There are quite a few fledgling green car companies out there that can and will take the void of the big three. These fledgling car companies are green companies focusing on only electric/phev models. They represent the future and to keep throwing money and companies who have been in the pockets of big oil is a travesty. Let new companies emerge who have always been 100% focused on green energy not these companies who hire people and let them sit in a shed for a paycheck (forbes article) This new mantra of “let the government pay for it” is ridiculous. Who in the hell is going to bail out the government?
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:58 pm)I disagree. As much as I like the Volt (will probably buy one if the make it to production), I do not want or expect the goverment to bail out badly run companies. The more companies the government has it’s hands in, the less control those companies have to determine their futures. Capitalism (i.e. survival of the economic fittest) should remain the basis for the economy of the United States of America.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:58 pm)Excellent letter. I agree with every word.
CYZ
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:58 pm)SAve the Volt!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:59 pm)Add me to the list.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:59 pm)I sold Toyota at a not so proud time of my life. Over the years, I have learned the value of a domestic product and the opportunities it provides us as a country. Without our major corporations, what is America? Ask yourself what image would we like to portray to the rest of the world. Third world countries are without major corporations. I think I’ve said enough. Please assist GM in any shape, form, or fashion so that we can help to keep our American image strong, proud, and dominant. What happens to the weak and the meek? They get picked on, don’t let it happen to us.
Nov 14th, 2008 (12:59 pm)NO TO BAILOUT.
Electric cars were in existence in the US back in the 50′s and 60′s–why did GM not follow up on this then? OIL GREED. This plea is coming *4 decades late*–GM should have been doing something about this instead of feeding greed for oil for 40 years. Why wait till NOW??
I still say NO BAILOUTS. GM should have been on this longgggg before now.
Too late. Learn to think ahead. If individuals have to troubleshoot for crises, then corporations should, too.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:00 pm)I think it is even more important to bail out the auto industry than Wall Street. At least the auto industry produces a real tangible product people can use and benefit from. Wall Street’s work product generates what? Yes help the auto industry like the government did for Chrysler years ago. If Detroit fails the next car you buy will have to be foreign.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:00 pm)Bail out General Motors, I want a Volt.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:01 pm)GASIII
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:02 pm)SWB
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:02 pm)You have my support for Gov’t backed funding (“bailout”) for GM.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:02 pm)save the volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:02 pm)Ideally, we should ask the Feds to guarantee loans to consumers for US auto purchases in addition to shoring up the US automakers near-term cash flow. [notice US mentioned twice?] I have been and remain deeply disturbed by my fellow US citizens’ reluctance to ‘buy American.’ Product quality and offering is at or above par with foreign automakers’ products. Let’s pump our hard earned cash back into our own economy for a change. Keep my name on the list to purchase the Volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:03 pm)GM needs to restructure and cut the unions loose, before the government gives them anything.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:03 pm)Make it happen. We continue to need change.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:04 pm)Yes! Save the auto industry! They support millions of American jobs! C’mon!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:04 pm)I agree. MJG
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:05 pm)I have already lost my job due to the economic impact with General Motors and I am still interested in the Volt. Our government knows and understand the impact the auto industry will have on our economy. To do nothing is setting us up for failure. As if we need any more disaster effects to our country.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:05 pm)UAB
I’ll say this as many times as I have to. This is how all cars have to be built.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:05 pm)Yes, If your bailing out execs who have done nothing but help themselves on Wall Street, bail out the Auto Industry which will create thousands of jobs, help ensure we are on the right track and keep us from destroying the earth!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:06 pm)Save the Volt…
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:06 pm)SBG
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:06 pm)Not to worry, with the number of individuals wanting the car it would be best to have the Japanese build it. It will be built in the South East and employee american workers so at least we can have some employment at home retained. GM was a nice company and possibly when they do a chapter 11 and reorganize their company, if they can, it will resume producing products that the global market place will purchase.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:06 pm)Save the Volt.
The average employee at GM does NOT make $78/hour.
Each employee costs the company $78/hour. This number includes insurance, benefits, etc…
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:07 pm)With 1 in 13 paychecks in america tied to the big three automakers in this country in one way or another, I think it would be in great national interest to keep them around. No matter how many “green jobs” will be created with the new government, it wount be close to the impact of 1 in 13 paychecks going away, it will impact your business too. Hell we bailed out AIG (yet again this week) and they are going on vacaitons and hunting trips still.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:07 pm)Yes, I want 2 Volts but if the government gets involved it should be to fund a new company that makes only the Volt (not the rest of the unwanted GM line) and the new company should not be burdened with $75/hour employees that should be paid $40/hour and the Volt should not be saddled with $2,500 per unit in pension costs for employees who no longer work. Bailing out all of GM for the Volt is a HUGE mistake.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:07 pm)I support the initiative to help the new program such as Volt survive through the financial crisis.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:07 pm)Here’s my vote – save the volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:07 pm)I support the bail-out, but only on the condition that all contracts between the “big three” and the UAW be dissolved. Furthermore, no monies shall be directed to the UAW or any active members. The unions have virtually destroyed the American automakers.
TRS
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:08 pm)If they want a bailout – They better bail us out as well when the VOLT comes out. I’m very upset by the fact the GM waited until the Feds gave a hint at how much they would subsidize the VOLT (around $7500) in tax breaks to come up with the final price tag (around $40000). Shame on you GM – Shame on you GM … The excuse is always the same blablabla… unexpected cost of this and that…BS.
People want CD players and A/C blablaba … $5000 …. I say BS.
Windshield wippers…blablabla … $5000…. I say BS. GM cut the crap. You (GM) never had us in mind with EV technology… you always think about $$$ first and your board of directors. You want the american people to “bail you out”… well, very easy.
Make a statement today in the media … like this:
“We GM will provide the new EV technology for the American People for $27500″…the “Feds will reimburse $7500″… you get the car for around $20000″….”We are making this car available at this price and losing $10000 on each one of them ….because it’s the right american thing to do”…”Everyone is trying to save money and GM wants to be part the solution and not killing another EV car”.
Yes, make a “mea culpa” statement….and tell me that you are going to suffer as well as us for a while…. Well, how do you make money… in the long run. Other industries have done that….look at Sony with there PS3. They lost $200 to $300 dollars for each unit they sold in the beginning to attract the market. Now they make money or “Profit” (your favorite word) by selling more and more units.
At $40000 who are you marketing this car to… please …tell me.
No me, not my family, not my neighbors… who then… tell me GM?!
Think about this – If you sell this car for $40000 how is going to buy it. The people that don’t care about gas prices…. with their H2 and H3 and so on. Greed took you to this stage… by building crap quality cars and pickups and SUV that resemble a starving pig for gas…. stop. Become what you are meant to be. As our great leader “President Elect Obama” said:
… “We are who we have been waiting for”…
GM please be part of the solution and tell me why should I sell my Subaru and why should I convice my neighbors to sell there Prius.
Peace out,….
Just someone who thought that for once this could be possible…
… until that day you can take my name off the waiting list….
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:09 pm)My vote is YES, let’s invest in ourselves.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:09 pm)Save the Volt
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:10 pm)We have to keep the industry in America. We have the techology….keep it going.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:10 pm)The Volt is GM’s greatest hope for future success, but more than that it is America’s first step toward reducing our dependence upon foreign oil and environmental responsibility.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:11 pm)Sorry to do another post, but John McElroy on his Autoline Daily report stated that European Manufacturers are following the development of the “bailout” closely and that it may violate World Trade agreements if not carried out correctly.
This could get us into a tariff war nobody wants.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:12 pm)Unions are not the problem 496 Cal – poor auto products are…
The Volt is one of a few great solutions for Consumer/GM needs.
Support the Volt! Support the Employee Free Choice Act!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:12 pm)Yes. Rebuild GM and launch the Volt
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:12 pm)The executives and managers get paid too much. The Autoworkers get paid too much.
If they all agree to a 50% cut in pay, bonuses, options…etc., then bail them out.
Otherwise, since they’ve screwed up one of the most successful industries in the history of the country, flush them .
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:12 pm)This is the most interesting development project to come out of our Detroit automakers in years. We need to support it.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:14 pm)Take a hundred billion from the $400+ billion dollar/year Pentagon budget and use it to fund MANY important things, including auto-industry retooling for cars like the VOLT, children’s education, healthcare. Convert from a military-heavy economy by spreading some of the huge amount of money spent on the Pentagon to things that benefit the American people — core is our auto industry. Give our money back to fund things we need, not war machines. $300 billion left for the Pentagon is plenty. Russia only spends $70 billion a year on military. China spends less than $10 billion.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:15 pm)Enough of this financial wacka-mole. Stop throwing money at badly managed companies that keep popping up. Let GM go into bankruptcy, restructure labor contracts, purge looser product lines, and cut back to forward thinking products – one truck, one van, one mid-size, one economy sized car. All should be hybrid and fuel cell ready.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:15 pm)VOTE for VOLT!! Oh yeah, these economic incentives are offered as loans – not grants. A loan requires repayment – in case anyone forgot.
It is shocking to have to pay for negligence.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:17 pm)Government need to realize that current crisis is due to international trade and where goods are being manufactured. It is not entirely due to any company (broadly – however CEO’s have racked in billions). Today everything is manufactured abroad, hence people are loosing/have lost jobs. Without jobs, who is going to buy a car or a house? Who is going to lend money to unemployed? Bailout is only going to delay the fallout. It can only be used as urgent fix. BRING BACK JOBS AND RETAIN WHAT IS LEFT!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:17 pm)i am a us citizen and i agree with this letter
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:17 pm)MLA
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:17 pm)Rather than just hand over piles of cash to a GM that is bloated with so many legacy and irrelevant product lines, shouldn’t any deal be structured so the funds go directly to the vehicles that have a hope of success? Why not spin off the GM-Volt to a new company… Volt… and leverage the knowledge, experience, and economy of scale of GM but give the car a chance of success without the boat anchors dragging off its bumper. Can you say Escalade? Suburban, Envoy, Hummer?
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:17 pm)I fully endorse this letter. I for one am going to purchase a volt, be it 1st,2nd, or 3rd generation, and show my support to the American auto industry and my father’s employer.
Philip Smith
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:19 pm)BCW
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:20 pm)mwb
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:21 pm)I am an American citizen. I support a bailout with conditions.
The automakers and the unions must sit down and adjust the hourly wage and benefits given to employees.
The automakers must reinstate existing retirement agreements with those employees already retired. They put their time in and deserve what they earned. Reductions should be made within the current ranks.
The salary and bonuses given to top management must be reduced to a reasonable level. It’s obvious they haven’t been doing their jobs or their companies wouldn’t be in this mess.
If automakers and unions cannot agree on these reductions in current expenses then they deserve the fate they have created for themselves.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:21 pm)I agree with this letter. HGR
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:21 pm)Handing over a bunch of money in the hopes that the Volt will see the light of day is using a shotgun to kill a housefly. HUGE strings need to be attached to this money. We shouldn’t just toss it out there and have the automakers still spend millions on gasoline SUV advertising. Pure EVs must be made. Not promised – MADE. Give up on Hydrogen, and make cars that we can drive TODAY. Only give the automakers help if they are also forced to build what society needs. If we hinge all hopes on one model – the Volt – while giving out billions to the big three, are we really spending our money wisely?
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:21 pm)ADS
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:22 pm)RKK
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:22 pm)I fully support this letter. Alternative fuel vehicles are going to be mainstream and the American auto industry must survive to make these vehicles and compete with foreign manufacturers.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:22 pm)I am very passionate about energy independent and I truly believe GM-volt is a great step in that direction. I expect this product to revolutinze the personal transport which hasn’t seen any fundamental change ever since the invention..
I support this initiative.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:23 pm)Save the Volt
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:25 pm)As an owner of a PRIUS, I am considering the VOLT. I want a PHEV auto. I am a US citizen
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:25 pm)Bring back the old EV car from the 90′s. Yes… the one they killed.
Old technology … right.. it should be cheap.
I don’t give a crap for a $40000 car with nice looks and fancy lights and so on…. BECAUSE I cannot afford it…. GM Wake up.
I can afford $20000 … but never $40000…. as well as my friends and neighbors.
It’s all about “PROFIT” even when they are dying they can only think about $$$$
I only feel sorry for all the workers that put their heart and soul into the 3 Big Ones… and now they are at the risk of losing their jobs. Mostly because of Greed and Incompetence and the CEO’s and Board of Directors….
Good luck and good night.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:25 pm)If there is a “bailout”, then GM should produce ONLY the volt and vehicles based on this technology. Scrap the rest of the junk.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:25 pm)Please save these companies they are the life blood of our nation. Without auto america there is only walkie america and “LIfe sucks without an american car!”
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:26 pm)Please save the Volt! They are taking steps to move the market forward. Thanks!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:26 pm)I wholeheartedly support whatever government support is required to support and save the U.S. auto industry during the current financial crisis. These are the companies that have played leading roles in helping to build, defend, move, and shape America. They simply cannot be allowed to fail. Despite serious past management errors, GM, Ford, and Chrysler are now focused on the right products for a greener, more fuel efficient, less foreign-energy dependent, made-in-the-USA future. Now is not the time to deny them the bridge assistance needed to complete this reinvention.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:26 pm)[...] is in peril. Please consider helping by signing the letter to the US government at this link: GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric Car Site
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:26 pm)I support this request.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:26 pm)I Completely Disagree. Let them die, they got into this mess and if they can’t survive it shame on them. This isn’t worth it. And just because GM fails that doesn’t mean Ford would fail. Maybe 2 go away, and get replaced by new companies.
Just because a company has been around for a long time doesn’t automatically mean that it should be around for ever.
An DAMN all of you short sighted fools for consistently supporting government bail outs. It’s our money, but we don’t expect politicians to be responsible so why do we think politicians will make private businesses act responsibly.
This sickens me.
The Volt is only a good idea if the markets demand it, most of you visiting would buy a Volt no matter what.
If it doesn’t appeal to more than just a niche market, and you bail out a company and force it to make a good product that the market isn’t ready for, then you will just have to bail the company out again.
GM is dead, let it die, and bring about something new.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:27 pm)Distasteful as “bailouts” are, GM’s, Chrysler’s and Ford’s electric vehicle platforms must go forward. These maunfacturers are the only ones that can bring the volume and consistancy to this general effort. I will buy and drive an electric vehicle when they become available. I want to buy one made in America. I support the use of government funds to ensure this option.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:27 pm)Bail them out ONLY if they commit to phasing out SUVs, commit to more fuel efficiency standards to be met in a fixed timeframe and commit to green tech like Chevy Volt.
The exec and the governing boards of these companies should be fired/dissolved and re-instituted, compensation of execs tied to performance and meeting benchmarks on their commitments above. UAW workers need to comeback to the negotiating table to find ways to reduce the burden of outstanding commitments, future benefits and make the auto industry robust and competitive with other major players.
If they can agree to ALL of the above they should be bailed out, else they DESERVE to fail.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:27 pm)EVERYONE, PLEASE GO BACK AND READ POST #150
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:28 pm)We need the Volt. I’m excited about buying one for a commuter vehicle that will not burn any gasoline. I am confident that this vehicle is a step in the right direction to providing energy independence for America. As battery technology improves and the range increases, it will be even more attractive.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:28 pm)I work in the auto industry. This bailout may save my job. Please do it.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:28 pm)EJH
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:29 pm)I support this
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:29 pm)Not a bailout, I think, but new legislation to subsidize the production of alternative energy vehicles and subsidizing the automobile industry to retool the infrastructure necessary to move forward with the research and development of these American made cars is a great idea. Our automotive industry is a powerful driver of the American Economy and American jobs, and is strategically key to achieving energy independence. No prospective American auto-makers have the capability or industry experience to replace the necessary infrastructure that GM, Ford, and Dodge already have. I believe that if a company or corporation is too big to fail, it is too big to exist, and the corporate CEOs have done this to themselves. However, our American auto industry is too critical to our future green economy to be allowed to fail right now. We need GM, we need the Chevy Volt, we need green cars, and we need jobs! Legislation to subsidize the industry over the next ten years, with spending restricted to alternative energy development is what we need, and we need it now.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:30 pm)Keep an integral part of the US economy alive.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:30 pm)DO IT………..
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:31 pm)Distasteful as “bailouts” are, and foregoing the real conversation as to how we arrived at this sickening juncture, GM’s, Chrysler’s and Ford’s electric vehicle platforms must go forward. These maunfacturers are the only ones that can bring the volume and consistancy to this general effort. I will buy and drive an electric vehicle when they become available. I want to buy one made in America. I support the use of government funds to ensure this option.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:31 pm)Back in 2000, all 3 American car manufacturers set out on a quest to develop hybrid and electric technology cars. The result of that quest determined that they couldn’t figure out how to make a profit on smaller, cheaper cars and their full size pickups and SUV’s were the cash cows for them. The unions have crippled the car industry for the American market and this is why they are in the mess they are in. Don’t forget that a multi-billion loan was given to Chrysler many years ago and although it was paid back, they are back at the table begging for more money. Didn’t they learn anything?
When the unions give up their greedy ways, where hundreds of dollars in the price of a vehicle goes directly to union workers for their benefits and we have to pay more for the product, it is my belief that a $25 billion bail out is not the solution. Let them file chapter 11, restructure, get rid of the unions, and we’ll all see how profitable they can become.
I would love to see the VOLT come into production, but it also should have been available when Toyota introduced the Prius and Honda brought out the Hybrid Civic. If you compare the cost of the VOLT to the new Honda Insight it will take a decade to recover the cost of the VOLT if you travel over 40 miles per day and the additional cost of electricity needed to charge up the VOLT.
Let’s hope that the automakers can figure out their monetary problems without burdening the tax payers. The cry babies in the financial markets and banking sector are sucking up all of our cash reserves anyway. How much more do we have to bail out more ill run industries or companies?
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:31 pm)#24 Brad says – This car could be more effective on the war on terror then any of our bombs.
Think about that. This should be considered part of the war.
DRK
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:32 pm)With GM in such trouble the Chevy Volt will be the saving grace if GM can get it to market. If I was running things I would have every available person from the CEO to the janitor working on bring the Volt to market. After the Volt, the first electric sports car then the first electric truck followed by success for General Motors. It is clear that GM cannot compete in its current state. They need something new, innovative and affordable.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:32 pm)Now is the perfect opportunity to marry the ideas of fuel efficient cars with new alternative fuel infrastructure (ie natural gas, electric). GM can be a large part of the solution.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:32 pm)Presently drive a Honda Odyssey and was eagerly anticipating the introduction of the Volt as a second alternative for my family of four. I live in Michigan but do not work in the automobile industry. That being said, we must save the American automobile industry. Industry has saved this country more than once. The ability to harness an in-place means of mass production was crucial to winning the second world war. Our domestic manufacturing ability has much more to do with its share of GNP – it has to do with our security infrastructure as well.
AIG – a service industry – gets 150 billion and jets off for high price tag luxury resorts. AIG never produced anything. GM – synonymous with capitalism – must be preserved. To allow the fall of GM is to concede the demise of capitalism to the rest of the world.
Very Truly Yours,
Dennis
Bath, Michigan
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:33 pm)It is imperative we do whatever it takes to keep projects like the Volt afloat. For the sake of the American auto industry as a whole.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:33 pm)Please help GM.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:33 pm)I was dreaming for generation to drive once an electric automobile made in the USA.
Pleaae don’t kill it….I am 72 years old but still have dreams of a bright future for Detroit the way it was once !
Robert
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:33 pm)GM is responsible for destroying alternate energy long ago, played like a puppet by big oil. screw GM let them die.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:33 pm)Lets keep movbing forward
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:34 pm)We need this industry to survive so that everyone else can survive. Please please approve the financial package to GM so that innovators get some encouragement to invent something new out of box.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:34 pm)The government needs to do something about higher fuel efficiency standards. What good are the standards without car manufacturers? I don’t care if the Volt is the only vehicle made by GM, just as long as it gets MADE and sets the new standard. The US needs to start leading again.
-NB
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:35 pm)I am a voting US citizen and support a loan to keep innovative development continuing, such as the Volt. The big three may not deserve the help, but we need to support the innovation that will drive the future.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:35 pm)I agree. I hope to buy a Volt as soon as it is available.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:35 pm)I support the Volt and need for Federal dollars to help the big three at this time.
Like mike Borden said: “This is the most interesting development project to come out of our Detroit automakers in years. We need to support it.” I want to buy one as soon as it comes out. If the car is reliable and priced right, GM will have a home run on its hands.
(Of course, I’m a taxpayer, like it matters ..)
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:35 pm)It’s a matter of national security to reduce our dependency on oil in favor of electricity generated from whatever source, backed up by rolling generator engines that run on whatever liquid fuel or fuel cell.
The volt is right on that critical path.
Go out and Volt!
RWS
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:36 pm)AJ
I want a Volt, they cannot kill it.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:36 pm)Yes, please!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:36 pm)JLS, thanks for taking the initiative!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:36 pm)#359 says – I just figured out how to end the “Auto Problem!”
END THE STUPID DRUG WAR, THAT IS 150 BILLION WASTED DOLLARS EVERY YEAR.
FREE ALL THE NON-VIOLENT DRUG USERS.
THEN CLOSE THE DRUG PRISONS, FIRE THE COPS WE DON’T NEED. FIRE THE JUDGES, THE PRISON GUARDS, DISBAND THE D.E.A THEY ARE A WASTE OF MONEY.
LEGALIZE POT SO WE CAN BAIL OUT FRITO LAY AND ALL THE OTHER FAST FOOD JOINTS.
DECRIMINALIZE ALL DRUGS LAWS SO THE GANGS CAN’T MAKE MONEY AND ALL THE TERRORIST AROUND THE WORLD THAT USE DRUGS AS A CURRENCY.
This my friends is the way to go, save 150 billion and bailout all the students that have loans. and then give the rest of the funds to GM, FORD CHRYSLER.
THIS MAKES SENSE.
AND USE THE GRASS TO MAKE BIO-DIESEL
______________________________________
This really isn’t that bad of an idea.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:36 pm)Keep on keepin on!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:37 pm)I want my Volt! Out of a sense of responsiblity to do my part in reducing American dependence on foreign oil, I have vowed not to replace my used car with a new one until the Chevy Volt is available. I know that I am not alone. I have been waiting for two years and I will willingly wait another one and a half with the promise of an electric vehicle. However, if our legislature does not save GM, I will wait until hell freezes over before investing in another big ticket item in America. Moreover, I will continue voting for change until all of the bums have been thrown out. Save GM! Save our economy! Save my future car!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:38 pm)The Volt may be the only way out of the red for GM!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:39 pm)Give taxpayers the money to pay off their mortgages, there will be an ‘economic recovery’ like the world has never seen, and there will be no more ‘mortgage crisis.’
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:40 pm)This is a revolution that we cannot afford to let fail. We must do whatever it takes to save the volt. It is only the beginning!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:41 pm)Would any of this be necassary if they did not CRUSH the EV-1???
The profits dictated the cancellation of the electric car, now they will cancel GM.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:41 pm)I’m on the fence about this. None of the Big 3 deserve our help. They’ve gotten themselves into this mess by being greedy and working for the quick profit, not what’s good for America or it’s consumers. If it were other companies, small businesses that wouldn’t put such a burden on the economy by their collapse this would never be considered. It would be billed as their inability to conduct good business. Because of their level of greed and ignorance to market changes, they absolutely deserve to go out of business. But because they are so big and far reaching, they must be bailed out to avoid collapsing the economy. I don’t know, right now I just can’t bring myself to support them. The volt, it’s technology and what it represents will come again, even if it’s from another company. The current state of affairs demands it. But if we bail out GM and the other members of the Big 3, the same companies conducting the same bad business practices will remain to possibly and almost surely put us, our economy and our country at risk again in the future. Avoiding this is much more important to me than ensuring the life of the volt.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:42 pm)We need the Volt for a less polluted, secure transportation method in case of a Depression. I do not want to walk to work if gas rises again and the economy collapses. Economies will cease to exist without efficient transportation methods.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:42 pm)A simple way to get some cash for GM would be to start taking down payments for the Volt and get the Volt out by the end of next year!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:43 pm)Actually Josh, the rights to the EV1 technology were sold to Texaco who promptly crushed every one in an Arizona desert. It is safe to say that alternative energy cars were destroyed by a combination of Texaco and the California State Government.
We as people learned nothing from the energy crisis of the 70s. Please don’t let history repeat itself. Germany saved their auto manufacturing plants because they understand the importance of manufacturing.
Congress, George W., and Obama – Please save GM. Since gas prices are down 50%, go ahead and lay some additional use tax on petrol to make it happen.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:43 pm)SWB
I AGREE WITH THIS LETTER
I AM A CITIZEN OF THE U S A
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:44 pm)Is GM not the same company that not only discontinued this initiaive years ago but shamelessly crushed and buried the concept. Yes I want to see the Volt or similar cars on the road, but one must never loose sight of the fact that GM is the same company that brought us Escalades and Hummers. Unfortunately the big three collectively represent an economic canary in the coal mine in the minds of most Americans. As such it is virtually essential that tax dollars are used to keep them on life support. I would however, hope that any bail out package is conditional on exective compensation caps. Perhaps Bob Lutz and the wife could get by with just one helicopter.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:44 pm)I’m not a citizen, but a resident worker from Canada…and I’m dying to have that car…it fits perfectly for my lifestyle…I may even give up my BMW 335i hard top convertible for this thing…come on GM…stay alive!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:44 pm)BN – Newcastle WA.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:46 pm)I agree that government support for retooling and design of electric cars is essential. I also think that the idle car factories should be retooled for fabrication of solar panels, batteries , electric infrastructure and nuclear reactor compontents would be a good area for government support.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:46 pm)It’s such a shame that years ago our car manufacturers could not have seen the writing on the wall and have been in the forefront of electric and hybrid.
But we foolishly thought that gasoline would last and last and why should we,the bigshot nation, have to change our ways.
I support giving money to the car companies…but ONLY with conditions. The heck with hydrogen. We will not have an infrastructure for that for years. We can do GOOD hybrid and electric.
I am sick of seeing hybrid cars that get “35 mpg highway”. WHAT A JOKE!!!!! We all know that the oil companies and car manurfacturers are in bed together!
So…how about a car that gets 60mpg? I KNOW that this country can do anything they put their minds to. As we geared our companies to product tanks and guns for WWII ,so we can gear to produce clean cars.
By the way,who is going to lead the way in producing a 4 seater electric. All the smart cars I have seen around are two seaters.
Arlene
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:46 pm)I support the bailout – reluctantly. It should have some major strings attached:
1 Break the UAW stranglehold. Plenty of Americans will do those jobs for 2/3 the money.
2 Funds to be used for PHEV/EV vehicle development only.
3 A gas tax/surcharge on any conventional engine car/truck. Split it 50/50 to fund RE and fix social security.
4 We need a much more distributed electric grid model to deal with the the energy shift. We need a national net metering policy like Germany to encourage RE.
If it wasn’t for the Volt I’d say let ‘em sink. They made this mess by fighting the CAFE standards and cranking out trucks and SUV’s.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:47 pm)I want my tax money to help support the smaller companies that have been seriously developing electric car technology – Think, Tesla, or companies that specialize in conversion – not GM that seems to use the VOLT just as green propaganda.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:48 pm)Socialism will save the planet and build the electric car. Get it done. Thank You.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:48 pm)The only intelligent way to go is via Chapter 7 reorganization. This is called Capitalism. GM could possibly survive as a new stronger more efficient company and thus negotiate realistic contracts with it’s unions. If not then bye bye. It worked for many airlines. Nobody bailed teem out. This is not a Socialist country (yet).
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:48 pm)America and the world need this car. Don’t let the Japanese continue to have the dominant position on technology. Please save GM!!
BC
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:48 pm)It would be an American Shame if the Volt could not get off the ground.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:49 pm)BDB, Please Help GM Survive.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:49 pm)Personally, I do not support most bailouts, especially for financial institutions that continually make bad investment decisions. That said, I do believe in investing money in industries that produce products that promote conservation, energy efficiency and green technologies.
If monies are given to GM / Chevy and the other manufacturers, I would like this money earmarked for the green projects (plug-in electrics, hybrids, etc) and have there be tight oversight as to the use of the monies.
Energy efficient autos/trucks should have been the focus from the 1980s on… and the squandering of battery technology, the EV-1 and other ideas is a sin.
GM: Streamline, cut old debt, downsize and become more efficient. We need you and you need us. Use the money responsibly and product a Volt that I can buy for under $25k.
Thank you…
-cd
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:49 pm)The only GM brand that matters is Chevy
Build a new car company around the Chevy brand, and make sure that the first product this new company delivers is the Volt, on time and at a great price.
The Chevy brand is deeply rooted in middle America and is an extension of national civic pride.
Don’t miss this opportunity. It won’t come again
JD
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:49 pm)It is of the utmost urgency that we, as a nation, move expeditiously forward in creating cars that use other sources of energy other than fossil fuel. We need to reclaim our leadership position in the auto industry. There is absolutely No excuse why Toyota and Honda are the front runners in Hybrid Tech, while American Automakers continue to hemorrhage money due to poor sales in an ever changing, eco-friendlier market.
The Chevy Volt is a great step in the right direction and I am looking forward to seeing other brilliant things come from this American car maker.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:49 pm)The volt is an important milestone and must be saved. Bailing out the auto makers is shameful, an the other hand we must not allow the collapse of this industry which will have far reaching and very negative affect to our economy. Do not provide the executive any of the bail out money for bonuses.
Save the Volt !
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:49 pm)Please save the GM and the Volt. America needs it.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:49 pm)We have fought too hard as a nation to give up now. I am an American and I endorse this message.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:50 pm)The volt is an important milestone and must be saved. Bailing out the auto makers is shameful, an the other hand we must not allow the collapse of this industry which will have far reaching and very negative affect to our economy. Do not provide the executives any of the bail out money for bonuses.
Save the Volt !
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:50 pm)I am both a proud American and a logical one. Certainly, I think that the Volt is an important step in our evolution to rid ourselves of the list of negative ramifications of our dependence on oil and particularly, foreign oil. But let me get this straight, we are talking about using 30 BILLION dollars to rescue a company that cannot survive in the market because the make products that a majority of people do not want to buy, have extremely poor management practices (way overpaid and very underperforming) and have allowed themselves to be shackled by incredibly high labor costs that make competing with other manufacturers (in right to work states or on foreign soil) such as Toyota, BMW, etc. And this is all so we can get the Volt which they had delayed and delayed (Who Killed The Electric Car?) and then rushed into production at the last possible second after their failed practices bankrupted a company with more cash stockpiled than any other company in the Fortune 100? Are we CRAZY? I did not sign up to have my taxes used to bail out the US auto industry for being stupid!
Don’t you think that the spirit that made our country great and produced the original founders of Ford, GM and the like, means that someone would be happy to BUY the Volt production from GM and make a product that is higher quality, produced at less cost and more accessible for ALL AMERICANS to buy? GM can take the money and use it to pay down their bloated expenses.
Why is it that GOVERNMENT is the solution? What happens when Government BAILS them out, owns a chunk, controls the company (can you say USSR?) and then has to RAISE CORPORATE TAX RATES and PErSONAL TAX RATES to pay off the spiraling debt they created for this?
For our entire history those that failed – failed. There was a penalty for being stupid. Good companies and fair prices resulted from the survivors of the market and our products were the best in the world. Taxes were low. THE USA NOW HAS THE SECOND HIGHEST CORP TAX RATE IN THE WORLD. Think it did when GM and Ford were founded? Nope. Let GM deal with GM, not the government. I love the VOLT concept. I know entrepreneurs that would be happy to step in and take over this project. You guys supporting a 50 BILLION bailout and telling these execs that there is no consequence for their actions simply to “save the Volt” is insane. What about Tesla? Are we going to bail them out too? They are not exactly profitable. Who decides? Tax incentives, sure. Reducing their costs to operate? Understandable. But throwing our money at them for what amounts to either Government ownership or zero interest loans is ludicrous. Have you not read the headlines this week about ZERO OVERSIGHT of the 300 BILLION TARPA funds that already went out? Or that treasury will not release how they spent $2.0 TRILLION in zero interest loans?
It is about time we deal with the fact that this country is already broke. Treasure has “loaned” (zero effective interest) $2.0B dollars that are non-TARP related. Congress is now buying up companies with $700B and we are about to pass a $450B new stimulus package on top of it all. We are running a record deficit of over $2.0 TRILLION next year. We have unfunded social security (remember their is no trust fund – thanks CONgress) liabilities, Medicare and Medicaid to the tune of over $42 TRILLION dollars coming due in 10 years. WHO IS GOING TO PAY ALL THIS? HAVE ANY OF YOU BAILOUT SUPPORTERS DONE THE MATH?
We all love the Volt. But come on people. Wake up. And when this bailout goes through, and they continue to fail in the market, who picks up the tab the next time? What industry is the next we are going to bail out WITH MONEY WE DO NOT HAVE. Didn’t debt get us here to begin with? And why isn’t the UAW stepping up here if their jobs are so important? Take cuts like the airline industry employees did. Get the company competitive. Work to get American manufacturing building quality products that people will want to buy. But they are silent.
It is sad that we think that to save the Volt, we have to bailout the madness of a company called GM that KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR.
If you want the BIG G (government) to do anything, how about making them sell the Volt in bankruptcy court? Great payback for what they did with the NmH battery patent from EV1.
We Americans have such short memories these days. I hug trees too. But I also know to continually look around the trunk and see the logic and dollars and sense. (sp intended). To love an idea to the point you forget everything else, is financial suicide. Just ask the thousands of entrepreneurs that failed in the market but loved their concepts.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:50 pm)Anyone ask what percent of the Volt would be built in America?
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:50 pm)GM and others have indeed used greed to lead their company, and now because of that have been left behind by foreign car makers who invested in the good times in a diversification of their fleet. Bail outs are a crock of doodoo. I want an electric car very much, but I do not want to bail out companies when they become obsolete. Oil as energy is on the way out, and we do not need to do anything to slow that, only to help it be phased out as a source. No bail out vote from me, sorry GM. Mabye you should not have shelved the EV-1.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:51 pm)TP
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:52 pm)Please save GM, the Volt, and all other technologies like it. My children and all others need it and to be rid of as much carbon as possible
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:53 pm)dont you realize that oil directly funds terrorist activities in the world?
volt is the answer to energy independence.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:53 pm)We’ve just accepted socialization of our economy and now we’re going to start socializing our auto industry? If the “Big Three” had adapted as our foreign competitors have done instead of clinging to outdated management and technologies, they wouldn’t have this problem. Let them fail – let capitalism prevail. Small US companies who aren’t bound by the stricture of failed automotive policies can purchase what’s left of these companies to help pay their debts. The airline industry recently went through a spate of bankruptcies and all of those companies are now set to report profits in a year where fuel prices nearly crippled our transportation economy.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:53 pm)72% support it. Wonder how many are shareholders? The other 28% probably work for the bailed out financial industry.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:54 pm)SDC — I agree with this letter, maybe it will help by having us all sign this and get some action going to save the jobs and the millions of people and jobs this will effect if they go bankrupt.
I also say that why don’t we all agree to invest $500 or more ourselves in GM and help them raise some capital at the same time invest in a great car of the future!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:54 pm)D.M.T.
The Volt and GM in general needs to be saved right now.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:54 pm)SAVE THE VOLT AND GM
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:54 pm)I plan on purchasing a Volt as soon as one becomes available. The future of the automobile industry depends upon plug-in vehicles. Don’t imperil the economic future of the automobile industry…again.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:54 pm)I’ll leave this one up to Obama but personally I’m not convinced bankruptcy and reorganization is a bad thing for DumbA**es like Lutz
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:54 pm)i endorse this message save thevolt i want tobuy one if i am lucky enought we are chevy chevy stands for american dont let one of our best american signatures go keep the money in the united states this is america and chevy is america
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:56 pm)Put me in charge.
I will (not necessarily in this order)
1) Fire upper management with Bob Lutz being the exception.
2) Sell/Drop all brands except Caddy, Chevy, GMC (Saturn?)
3) Put a new team in place. One that is not from the car sector.
4) Push for entire line to be E-REV by 2020.
5) File Chapter 11 and ask for low interest loan for the turnaround.
6) Discuss new terms with UAW (think “The Bush Doctrine”)
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:56 pm)I am a big supporter of the Chevy Volt and clean technology but I strongly disagree the government should get involved. If we provide the US car manufacturers with billions of dollars it will allow them to continue on their merry way without addressing the root cause. These companies have agreed to unrealistic union demands for decades and are now paying the price. The labor that goes into the US made cars cost $40 per hour more than foreign competitors. This will not be addressed if we continue to hand these companies taxpayer dollars. If they want to avoid bankruptcy they should cut costs until they are leaner and more competitive.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:57 pm)If foreign auto firms get electric cars and plug in hybrids to market first, then GM really will be finished.
Save the Volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:57 pm)I agree in principle with a narrowly defined closely regulated package that is combined with Ch 11 reorganization to insure profitability going forward or not a dime. MG
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:57 pm)The Japanese worked quickly and aggressively to corner the hybrid market, but have delayed when it comes to plug-in hybrids. Let’s not miss this opportunity to lead the world in this important technology.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:58 pm)Agreed
The Volt should be built and produced in America. But the Volt should be removed from GM completely. The Volt should become a Separate American Entity with US Govt. Backing. The Volt should not be sold to another Foreign company and stay fully owned and built in USA.
If this project is not moved, then I do not agree with this bailout plan for GM. The funds they would received from a bailout will be used by GM for something else and the Volt would not get much.
How many times have we seen these things happen over the years with car companies.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:58 pm)mwr
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:58 pm)Agree with helping them through their problems, but with strings. Like many others have voiced, the money should be used to develop green technology, like the Volt. Their main liabilities resulted from poor business judgement. Help them remain liquid, but require them to support a product line that will contribute to a coherent energy policy in this country.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:59 pm)I feel that it is imperative, even at the expense of all other products, that GM proceed at the fastest possible pace to bring the Chevy Volt to mass production.
The Volt, more than any other automotive product, has the potrential to transform the autumotive industry, provide the ailing automobile market with a product that will have an enormous, instant response, stimulate other automakers to develop competitive products to supply the gigantic market created by the Volt, put enormous pressure on oil companies to diversify away from petroleum into clean methods of electric energy production, and most of all put forth a product that can be pivotal in reversing the recession of the U. S. economy!
The Volt is crucially mandatory to the future of the U. S. Auto Industry, to the future of the American economy, and indeed, the future of America!
Build and produce the Volt as soon as it is humanly possible!
I personally pledge to buy three for personal use of my family and sell ten more to friends and associates! There are millions more that will join me – I will put the story on over 100 Internet blogs. GM can be saved, and the Volt and the trans-electrics that will follow can and will save General Motors!
Even if you never build another Chevy truck or SUV — BUILD AND MASS PRODUCE THE VOLT! NOW!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:59 pm)“”"I submit that we support a government bailout specifically targeted for such technologies. The gasoline automobile is an extinct species that should have been off the road years ago.
If one of the “big3″ can’t do it, I propose a government issued vehicle made in the USA by the USA with profits for the USA, not some auto executive. Call it “US Volt”.”"”
The gas auto is not dying or extinct. The Volt is a gas auto which has almost all of the parts of a conventional gas auto, with an electric propulsion system added on top. To continue to supply millions of these per year to consumer, you need companies with the facilities and know-how to do this.
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:59 pm)I am anxiously awaiting the Volt, it will cut our dependance on foreign oil and help cut back on pollution. This is something that CANNOT be put on hold!
Nov 14th, 2008 (1:59 pm)I will be more than happy to buy the volt if the UAW makes some serious concessions. the unions have single handedly destroyed our ability to compete in this global world and have created their own demise.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:00 pm)What a great high tech car? Give Tesla a billion to ramp up and build a mass production facility. Look at what they have on the street now and what’s planned. Expensive only due to no mass production.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:00 pm)Unfortunately a bailout of U.S. Automakers is the last thing that would “guarantee” innovation, when in fact it could grandfather the inefficiency of two generations of inertia getting the right vehicles into hands of US citizens. Just like the “bailout” of banks, where the banks turned out to simply hoard cash and acquire weaker cousins, while lining the pockets of the rich CEO’s that helped create the mortgage crisis — simply bailing out the automakers would likely just extend and delay their ultimate demise. The only “bail-out” that makes sense is for government to bail out from the socialization of U.S. capital markets, since the natural order is that unsuccessful ventures that can not adapt and evolve should die. Socializing U.S. enterprise is not the solution for a sustainable future. I think sadly, that automakers should file for bankruptcy protection, and that would be best since it would throw off the yoke of the Automakers Union which is what would really be getting bailed out by taxpayers. 50 years of cushy deals helping featherbed the workplace needs to be unwound however nasty the short term ramifications are. U.S. taxpayers can not continue to subsidize the failures of investment bankers and industrialists who made unsustainable decisions. A sound innovation like VOLT will survive if it fills an important need in the marketplace as I believe it does. SUVs, 350 HP pickups, and perhaps the Corvette and Viper supercars may fall, but maybe not if enthusiasts support them in the sales room. Time will tell. While politicians yakk about free markets, we must observe like a wake, their erosion with unhealthy and unsustainable subsidies that doom their future. What ever happened to capitalism? I think it died on the way to Washington — land of the lobbyist and home of the bureau-mench.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:00 pm)Save the Volt, reduce our dependency on foreign oil!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:01 pm)While I support your effort and will sign your letter I think the auto industry is more interested in being rewarded for being short sighted and has no real interest in reform.
My opinion is that a bailout will only reinforce the belief that no matter how stupid the management policy is they will always be able to keep on doing the same old things that have gotten them in trouble time and time again.
The industry and the country needs vehicles like the Volt and I hope Chevy does the right thing for once.
I’m holding out hope that they will…
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:01 pm)I am a citizen of the USA. I agree wiht this letter.
DLK
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:01 pm)I many ways, the auto industry deserves to fail. If it were not for the impact on jobs and the economy, I would say let them fail. I’m sure that what would emerge from the ashes would be much much better.
Having said that, the government may be able to influence some change in the auto industry by placing conditions the aid package. We must have fossil fuel free cars. Since car companies are coming to beg, help them by funding alternative fuel vehicles only… Enough of the gas guzzling SUVs already.
Also, it seems like only GM is developing an EV– am I wrong? What are Ford and Chrysler doing?
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:02 pm)What are we waiting for!
Build this thing…we had it once before, we can do it again….this time for keeps!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:02 pm)—Save the VOLT! —–,
It’s the only GM future product to SAVE the company.
Start mass production as soon as possible and get them to the Showrooms… NOW …..
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:02 pm)I agree with the need to keep the American Auto Industry strong. The GM-Volt is the step in the right direction. Just as we bailed out Chrysler a couple of decades ago, we should make loans available to keep GM moving in the right direction.
Let’s also work on getting renewable energy here at home and kiss our energy dependancy goodbye.
Paul
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:03 pm)Jobs, good paying jobs are needed, now. WE cannot afford to not help out as long as there is a good potentail return on investment wiht a congressional oversite. Accountability is amust.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:03 pm)Absolutely not! It has been said well by others before me… there is no reason that the government should bailout poorly performing companies.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:04 pm)We need these cars and technology to move away from foreign oil dependence, help the environment, grow our economy and lead the world into new ways of transportation.
I hate the idea of corporate bailouts, but a loan is a loan, is there any other VC institution besides the federal reserve that can make this one???????????????
I want a VOLT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:04 pm)I’m for the volt and for a bailout with conditions.
Mike Dolan Fliss
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:04 pm)We need the Volt and we need GM and Ford more than we needed AIG. Please support our workers now.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:05 pm)The big 3 have ignored the American consumer and our needs for decades by not giving us what we wanted when we wanted it – an electric plug in car in the 90′s. They kept producing gas guzzlers because it was good for them. And now, they want us to bail them out for their greed, insensitivity, and mis-management and are making us feel guilty if we don’t do it. This is America; you make your breaks – if you screw up you pay the price. Give us service and what we want and we’ll support your product. Bail out the car companies? Let me think about that for a minute. Hell no.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:05 pm)I only support a bailout to the extent that the money is earmarked for the development/production of alternative energy vehicles like the Volt. If the money is spent just keeping GM afloat for a few months it’s good money after bad. Tie this to our future not our past or let GM go the way of the buggy whip manufacturers.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:05 pm)We can’t let this vehicle slip away but, GM and all the auto makers must show they can get moving in the right direction after they receive this help.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:05 pm)For years I purchased Toyota for my family mainly due to the quality and dependability I demanded in my vehicles. Now that American car companies are finally taking things seriously and producing vehicles that not only compete with but are better than their foreign counterparts new products we CANNOT ALLOW THEM TO FAIL! This is the time when WE HAVE TO STAND UP AS A COUNTRY and tell the world enough is enough! We must SUPPORT OUR OWN INTERESTS and that can start with supporting all of our fellow citizens working so hard to produce the best vehicles in the world right here in the United States. KEEP THE VOLT ALIVE!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:06 pm)I have put almost 17,000 miles on my ’08 Cobalt since May 26, 2008, so imagine how much less gas I could have used if I had a car such as the Volt. Keeping the possibility of eliminating the demand on foreign oil and the volatility of it can only benefit all driving Americans, from the Cobalts and up.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:06 pm)I am from Canyon Country, CA and I support any help GM can get in making sure the VOLT comes to consumers in 2010.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:07 pm)We need American cars like the Volt concept, not more of the same from Detroit.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:08 pm)Save the GM VOLT!! It’s the only car I would buy from GM and would save jobs and be on the cutting edge of technology. Now is he time to lay the foundation for the Future.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:09 pm)I am from California and I support GM in the production of the VOLT and hope that I have the opportunity to purchase one in 2010.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:09 pm)Please don’t let the volt be an after thought
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:10 pm)And by the way – one of GM’s biggest problems is not management, it’s the union labor they hire. The health care and pension costs they musy pay compared to companies like Toyota are exhorbitant. It adds about $2000 to the price of a car. This has to be fixed or theyll never be competitive. One way to fix it, by the way, is to go into Chapter 11 and come out with restructured contracts that are competitive with the rest of the world. Time to suck it up America – you’re competing with other folks in the world that will work for much less than we do. Time to deal with that fact.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:10 pm)Save the VOLT! In these times of economic turmoil, this is what we need to help stop our reliance on the oil industry! If anything, this should be given MORE support than anything else.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:10 pm)Al #598
Socialism will save the planet and build the electric car. Get it done. Thank You.
——————————————————————–
I take it you are hoping for a range extended Trabant?
Socialism is incapable of innovating. This is fact, not opinion, because you cannot cite a single product that was invented, developed and brought to mass acceptance under socialism, unless it was copied from the capitalists who did it first.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:11 pm)I just bough a Cobalt it is a great car. I have always bought american. We need to save these jobs with a loan package.One in 10 jobs are tied to the auto industry. The big 3 will pay the money back with interest. From a social point of view, even if G.M. is not providing a return on investment, it is still providing a lot of good jobs. Do we really want to loose more american jobs to other countries.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:12 pm)GRD
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:12 pm)Please save the Volt and GM, our future and our childrens future depends on it!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:12 pm)Yes to $25B in LOANS…I don’t consider a loan a “bailout”. The money should earmarked for the development of high efficiency vehicles such as the Volt.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:13 pm)ASP. Keep the technology, it is required.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:13 pm)You know, you the Federal Government owe us, the public, big time. You turned a blind eye towards the hedge funds as they looted the country and proceeded to drive the price of oil to nearly $150./ brl and then wonder why the domestic auto makers have their backs against the wall? Come on! It obviously takes time and money to retool the capital intensive auto industry. You, the government are bailing out the Financial industry and protecting their virtual profits. How about a little for the real world. You know, that place where you used to live and the real people still live? We need jobs, good jobs. And we need companies like GM which has been part of the backbone for the middle class. The future is with a retooled GM and fuel efficient cars like the Chevy Volt. Government, get on board. The country needs the Volt now!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:14 pm)i support the bail out, as long as
you guys build car that give us, a lot of mile per gallon
and competitive with foreign cars, also
we can cut the the imported oil, i travel a lot
and in many countries that you gas instead of
gasoline.
why not here?
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:14 pm)While I find it hard to feel sympathy for a large mega-corp that consistantly underestimated the sophistication of it’s target market and took the easy money instead of investing in the future, we need to start thinking long range here. Not helping the auto industry would be another burden on an economy already on the brink of collapse. At some point we have to decide what future we want and how we’re going to get there. The electric car is a good start in the right direction. It will stimulate the green energy market with demand for materials and people with training. It will be a step in the right direction toward freeing us from dependency on foreign oil and the public wants it! Give them (GM) the help they need with provisions that compell them to get the Volt to market asap.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:14 pm)We need GM. My ’01 Yukon has 216,000 miles on it and is running strong. American craftsmanship is strong and vital to our economy. Save the Volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:14 pm)If a team of management is chosen from this site and Rick goes away and the UAW goes away then I support it.
Conditions met first, money second.
VM US Citizen
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:14 pm)The Vlt may save GM jusat as the minivan saved Chrysler. As in that case, the taxpayers should get their money back.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:15 pm)Lyle,
While I think what you’ve done in creating the GM Volt site is commendable I think asking for support of a bailout for GM and the Big 3 is misplaced.
Am I American…you bet! Do I support American companies…you bet! Do I support American companies that have outdated business models and produce poorly designed vehicles…no chance!
This is your website and you are free to do with it what you wish. However, if you think bailing out a failed company to save 1 model of car from 1 automaker is the price…there are plenty of other companies out there that are well-suited to building a better vehicle (and I might note…many are doing it now).
Just my 2 cents.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:15 pm)After reading most of the posts I can see why Obama won the election, I fought communism in two wars to try to keep it out of the US, Korea and Nam but it looks like its getting started here now, and there’s nothing I can do about it anymore, its really frustrating
I want the Volt too but this is not the way to get it
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:15 pm)Ole EV Guy says if the volt effort turns out to be another EV1 fiasco I will never buy another GM product!!!
Bail them out.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:16 pm)RGS
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:16 pm)The VOLT is the future for America and must be released to the public. If gas prices can go sky high during the summer and plunge just months later, when will they decide that they need to go sky high again? I don’t want to be involved with buying gas anymore.
SAVE THE VOLT!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:17 pm)I like the concept of the Chevy Volt. Too bad the opportunity to market electric cars did not start with the EV1. GM would have been on top of the world by now. Too many corporate blunders and greed have caused today’s peril. In the early days mass transit was destroyed by GM with the Yellow Bus Company. Look at the documentary “Taken for a Ride” and the story is told. Then later the crushing of the EV1s when people begged for a cleaner more efficient solution (“Who Killed the Electric Car”). They say in life, what goes around comes around.
Still, it is my opionion a company can be forgiven for their past mistakes as what needs to be done is to save the world from destruction by greenhouse gases. Let’s all try our best and move on.
The government bailout can be in a form of a loan based on profits. When GM becomes solvent again with profits, have the loan paid back. Allow a time frame of 7 years for this loan to become due. I think let’s not take money from the people again. Let each company be responsible for their actions!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:17 pm)Yes, we need good energy efficient American-made cars, so we need the Volt.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:18 pm)I have been looking forward to the Volt for years now. We need to save GM and the Volt.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:19 pm)I agree.
Armando
Madison, WI
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:20 pm)Half of the bailout $ go to pay for ungodly pension and medical plans shoved down the throats of the manufacturers by the unions. They need to go Chapter 11 and break the unions in order to have any chance at long term survival.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:20 pm)Save GM!!!!!!, Save the VOLT!!!!!! Save AMERICA!!!!!!
We need this car, the less money we spend on gas the more money we spend to support or economy.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:20 pm)I AGREE WITH THIS LETTER
I AM A CITIZEN OF THE U S A
AND I WANT MY VOLT
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:22 pm)I agree wholeheartedly with this letter from Dr. Dennis. Keeping the Volt going is probably the most strategic reason for keeping GM going. Once built it will be symbol of American ingenuity and a savior for the US car industry and our ability to save the planet for the future.
Dr. Allen V. R. Schiano
Irvine, California
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:23 pm)I agree with Lyle, but feel that ALL parties must give/take as part of the bailout – -particularly the Big 3 and UAW. The Gov’t must insist on Green-performance indicators for the money invested, i.e. assurances that the dollars will be spent on green tech like the Volt, not more gas guzzlers — now that the price of oil has cratered, there will be tendencies to return to bad old habits and public funding must NOT be used to support bad habits.
The UAW must adapt to the times and give the auto manufacturers the same work-rule flexibility that overseas auto manufacturers have at their (non-union) operations in North America, and give up their ridiculously expensive fringe benefits like healthcare with no deductibles and co-pays – like the rest of America already has done. They must also lose the benefit of receiving up to one-year severence pay following a layoff. This ain’t West Germany or the Soviet Union, and they need a dose of reality. The only way the Big 3 will survive is to invest intelligently while enjoying a more level playing field vis-s-vis foreign competitors.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:23 pm)#586 Tins
I’m not on the fence, but I agree with your comments.
I also, don’t believe GM should be business as usual, until they are back on their feet.
As I wrote earlier, the Bail Out should have heavy strings attached:
“Last year (2006), Toyota’s top 37 executives earned a combined $21.6 million in salary and bonuses, At Honda, the top 21 earned $11.1 million, combined, in salary and bonuses, SEC filings show.”
No more multi million $ salaries / bonuses, whatever. Follow the Japanese management philosophy, but lower still.
Also, the unions must go. The situation being Bail Out, we need people who’s goals and alliances are with company management (you know, like the kinds of things you say in the job interview) Again, follow the Japanese pay structure in this country, which is non-union, but should be slightly less.
Again, above is until GM gets on it’s feet and no longer requiring welfare money.
Do I want the Volt / E-Flex to survive, ABSOLUTELY! It should remain an American treasure.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:24 pm)As a resident of Michigan, I’ve seen firsthand what a downturn in the auto industry can do to a town and a state. I would hate to see the ramifications of what a collapse would do to our country. I see other posts that call this “communism” or at least “socialism”. What US auto-makers are requesting is low interest loans that will eventually be paid back to the government. That’s much more than what the banks are willing to offer, or even AIG who has used our money to fund corporate outings. Give the US auto-makers the bailout.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:24 pm)I firmly believe for years the American auto makers ignored what people asked for, and not until the Japanese improved their products did people switch from buying American to buying foreign cars. The U.S. car manufacturers were asleep at the switch form then till now and finally “get it”! The Government seems to operate the same way, SO WAKE UP and structure a loan package with conditional oversight so what’s left doesn’t collapse! I’m Mad as Hell and not going to take it anymore!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:24 pm)I agree with this letter – I’m a US Citizen.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:24 pm)It is time we take responsibility for so many of our problems. Get on GMs waiting list for the VOLT. Support American Manufacturing. Tax the pants off foreign competition. The VOLT could revolutionize the world we live in. Don’t let them go under!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:24 pm)I agree.
Brett
San Diego, CA
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:25 pm)You can’t do this to us, we need the volt because it’s very energy-efficient. If you don’t make the volt, Chevy may not survive. The Volt is the future of America and can control these gas prices, please make the right decision, make the volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:26 pm)I support the development of the Volt.
I also believe that management practices of US automakers have been terrible and they are largely to blame for this mess.
Any assistance should result in letting go of all current management and a Federal takeover for a limited time. American automakers have been operating on a system of full subsidy for sales since well before 9/11 and it has finally caught up to them.
Support Federal money for retooling and replace management, otherwise; bankruptcy is a good lesson teacher.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:27 pm)The US Auto Industry is too important to this country and it’s culture to stand by and watch it die. If insurance companies are worthy of our investments, why not one of our cornerstone industries?
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:27 pm)I AGREE WITH THIS LETTER
I AM A CITIZEN OF THE U S A
I believe that the electric car i.e. Volt is necessary for America’s independence from oil.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:27 pm)Save the Volt, save the economy.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:28 pm)GM requires a top-down shake up. A culture of self-preservation versus one of innovation has brought this giant to its knees. All upper and middle management must go. The management structure must become more horizontal, decentralized, and a culture of aggressive innovation must permeate the entire company from the bottom up.
I support bailing out only the advanced projects and the newest platforms.
C. A. Rodriguez
Sunnyvale, CA
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:28 pm)I am a US Citizen
I need my Volt
We need the Volt
GM Needs the Volt
USA needs the volt
Lets get the Volt
Please help us break the oil addiction
and stop the great losses
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:28 pm)As a citizen and lifelong resident of the State of Michigan, I strongly support federal help for the auto industry. Michigan was one of the first states to truly feel the current economic crisis and our housing prices began to fall before most other states. I am truly afraid of what will happen to this state and to all of my friends and family in the state if the auto industry collapses. Please help us!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:28 pm)If there was one shining light for the USA, this could be one of them.
The USA auto industry is behind the rest of the world in creating efficient vehicles. Let’s give them a chance!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:30 pm)GM has had bailouts before that they are liable for. If what they are producing is really an asset then another company will purchase it out. Toyota and Honda produce cars domestically which employ Americans and seemt o be doing quite good at it.
The overpaid unions are killing the auto industry with its $65 per hour labor rate. Many workers are not even working since there is nothing to produce, but yet their union contracts stipulates they are going to get paid anyway.
Go figure that auto unions are a large contributors to the Democrats and the Democrats want to save it.
Bailout after Bailout for this company will not work!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:30 pm)Let’s help our own for a change. The US is in trouble financially and we should dig down and do what it takes, no matter our philosophies.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:31 pm)I fully agree with providing assistance to the auto industry at this time of real crises regardless of the cause. It’s in the country’s best interest to assist. Stern measures to correct the deficiencies and abuses within the industry MUST be a part of the bailout. It will have to be a value-added to the Gov’t loan package from the taxpayers and not a Big Corp dole. None of that AIG and other fat cat foolishness with ridiculous golden parachute payouts after wrecking their respective companies and irreperably damaging shareholders. Personal financial liability and hard jail time for the arrogant thieves at top..of which there are so many… comes to mind. No overpriced health spas and green fees for the fat cats. If they need to regroup that’s what their offices are for. Finally, the country desparately needs to focus on alternate forms of energy and oil conservation. To nip projects of such hefty strategic value like the Volt is highly self-defeating and we’ll feel it in the short, intermediate and long term.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:31 pm)Save GM, but GM also needs to restructure to compete in the World economy!
Toss the Unions OUT before it’s to late! Simplify your product line and eliminate the duplication of products. Say goodbye to Pontiac, Buick and GMC which will consolidate strengths of Chevy, Cadillac & Saturn. God Bless the USA!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:32 pm)To allow another major US industry to be lost would be a tragedy of the greatest proportion. Clearly, the US auto industry, along with most of the rest of us, have had our collective heads in the sand for far too long. Nonetheless, every effort must be made to save and rejuvenate this key industry if we are to remain among the major industrial power.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:33 pm)The country badly needs vehicles like this one.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:33 pm)It is critical that plug in hybrids be brought to market. Any effort the government can have in assisting this effort is critical to reducing our dependency on foreign oil
Bailouts should be earmarked to these critical projects only
Michael Patterson
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:34 pm)This is what we need to start on the road towards American energy independence. Vehicles like the Volt need to be built and built in the United States by an American company.
Kevin,
Wasilla, AK
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:35 pm)Is there any way to just bail out the volt? The rest of GM is garbage.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:35 pm)I fully support help for the auto industry.
AC
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:35 pm)THe government should indeed provide assistance to the industry, with the caveat that the government should require the industry to change directions in a fashion that will support future economic growth and energy independence. Fortunately, the Volt does meets those goals.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:36 pm)If GM goes Bankrupt, it will NOT stop operations. Just be debt restructuring. AND, they already have $20B in loans guaranteed for just these type of vehicles. The government cannot step in for every business that’s having trouble financially. The government should GET OUT OF THE WAY and provide incentives. Encourage the Government to give loans DIRECTLY to hybrid and plug-in vehicles and then give rebates to those that by them to the tune of $10K. THAT will spur a new set of sales and change of driving habits.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:36 pm)What if GM is not around when Transformers 2 hits theatres? Why would alien robots become vintage cars and trucks?
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:37 pm)While I did vote no on the previous poll because I am concerned about the precedent this might set and the risk of the country decending into socialism, I do think the Volt is an important solution to our energy demands and national security. Under other circumstances, I would rather see them file bankruptcy and work it out themselves like everyone else.
I would like to see very strict rules attached to the use of the money. First of all, that it is a LOAN and not a handout. I believe this is what it is already considered. The money should be used for the Volt or other “green technology” only. Most importantly, no CEOs or even union workers getting “phat” pay will their company is on life support from the government at taxpayer expense. I would want this to be a one time thing due to the special circumstance. Otherwise, we can and will expect many other companies/organisations/cities/states/individuals all standing there with their hands out saying “you gave them money, why not me?”
I support the LOAN for GM to produce the volt or other “green technology”
MJB
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:38 pm)If we don’t save the auto industry, then what happens to the trade deficit then? The government could spurn auto sales by offering ongoing down payment vouchers in an amount equal to payments going to GM workers who no longer work for the company until those obligations are fulfilled. Those down payment vouchers could be repaid as a deferred loan by the big 3 if they survive. That will level the playing field with foreign manufacturers for now. I plan to buy a Volt, not out of need, but I appreciate all that it symbolizes.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:40 pm)I dont agree with some of the issues discussed in your letter.
Yes… we need a plug-in hybrid or ev to help us with our dependency on foreign oil / politics / war
Yes … we also need it for the future of our environment and conservation of the planet.
But make no mistake, Big 3 is in trouble because of managment failure to vouch for the manufacture of more fuel efficient cars, as they are in collution with Government lobbyist and Big Oil interests…
Yes to a bailout but only IF the workforce and unions are protected and if management is resturctured for incompetence and contempt for the american people.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:40 pm)JARB – I fully support this measure.
What I don’t understand is how the banks are getting nearly unlimited bailouts with no strings attached to prop up useless mortgage securities and yet these auto manufacturers, who are providing jobs to our citizens, are likely to be denied a bailout, even with a government stake in the companies (which I don’t think is a bad idea until management is restructured). What the hell have these investment banks done for our country except facilitate the looting of our public resources for the gain of a very few??
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:41 pm)KC
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:42 pm)Downsize and rename GM.
____________________________
I support an American company which builds Volt vehicles in America with American workers.
America needs to build the Volt and STOP sending young men to fight in the Arab Oil War.
____________________________
Don’t give ALL our tax dollars to GM.
Save SOME for the Obama health and education plan.
DAK (California)
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:42 pm)What type of economy do we plan to leave behind?
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:42 pm)Von Strasser #610
Hard to disagree with most of your post but don’t be fooled by our “nominal” corporate tax rates. 65% of the 500 largest companies in the US have not paid a penny in Federal Income tax over the past five years. This is due to all of the loop holds and legitimate deductions. As a matter of fact, Uncle Sam could eliminate all corporate taxes in this country and it would not have much of an impact on total revenue.
Same could be said of the Capital Gains tax. It generates very little income for the US Government and that too could be eliminated without much harm. These are more political issues than financial.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:43 pm)This is Jan Rombaut from Belgium, i am glad to support the
initiative for building these state of the art E-REV cars, those product are what the world needs if we want to seriously do something about the environment.
Kind Regards
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:43 pm)I agree with you Lyle and encourage the government to support this innovative technology. This next step is exactly what Americans need to be more green and help reduce or eliminate harmful carbon emissions. I’m 100% for it and I can’t wait for the GM Volt to be released!
Thank you for your efforts!
Charlene F.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:43 pm)I agree, GM is a huge part of our county and our economic stability. The technologies that are being developed right now are too important to lose. Save GM, save the Volt, and this will help save us all!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:43 pm)Our country needs to promote and support the electrification of transportation. I agree that the major car manufacturers should not be allowed to fail at this crucial time, but I do think any financial help should be coupled with complete overhauls in those companies thinking and their products. No more gas guzzlers, period. We must have electric cars and hyrids for the health of our economy and our planet, and we must act on the fact that finally weaning ourselves from oil for domestic transportation is in the best interest of our national security.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:44 pm)JDN
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:45 pm)Yes, the Volt is the future, the needed future, the needed future for this country.
Built in America by an American company that doesn’t rely on foreign oil.
It ain’t rocket science, the benefits are obvious.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:45 pm)In 2001, when the airline industry needed financial help, the US
Government was there to offer it. In 2008, when Wall Street’s mess came crashing down around us, the US Government was there with a bailout. Now, the Auto industry needs help, not only to save the economy from deeper troubles, but to save the environment and indeed the future of transportation and breathable air on this planet. And yet US Government aid is nowhere to be found. Why is that?
I implore the Government to heed the warnings of the Auto industry and the letter above and to TAKE ACTION to prevent the potentially catastrophic loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs at a time when unemployment is already at levels not seen in the past 16 years.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:45 pm)GM should not abandon the development of the Volt. It would be a major blow to the development of electric cars. We are at a pivotal point in time where our dependance on oil has been tested again and this time we have seen that the future of fossil fuels is not guaranteed and affects the economy in many ways. We must move forward and develop electric cars AND other alternative fuel cars to help us ween off our dependacy to oil. We need to limit the production and importation of foreign cars to help the US car makers to stay in business. Why should the American companies and economy suffer while foreign companies continue to thrive because of special treatment imposed by the US goverment during a time when such competition was more appropriate and didn’t threaten to hurt our economy?
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:47 pm)JMM
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:47 pm)Our country has precious few manufacturing companies left to support our labor work force and that can compete in the world marketplace. The automotive industry gives the USA an opportunity to really compete in the world, and provides a large base of employment in this important industry. The economics of a failed US auto industry are devasting! GM is investing resources in the very critical area of alternate energy, and can help sustain the USA as a world power by being successful and competitive in this arena. We need the govt. to help the industry and buy some time to recover world leadership in auto manufacturing. GM can do it, so please help them.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:47 pm)i am in full agreement with this statement and its goals.
J.L.
Albuquerque, NM
11/15/2008
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:49 pm)Americans need a car that they can identify with that contributes to a cleaner earth, fuel efficient, and resonates with “Made in America.” What better statement can be made that that of the Chevrolet Volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:50 pm)Do not let the Volt die. You can not kill the future!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:50 pm)I agree about the Volt – but why bail-out Ford and Chrysler (again!)?
To be sure, this is a bailout for a company with executives who were too short-sighted to just build better cars in the first place, a company run by marketing strategy instead of product engineering. It’s never been about the extra $1,000 or so per car that can be attributed to unions, it’s been about car quality. The excellent Malibu and Cadillac CTS are indeed great – but probably too late to convince Toyota drivers that US cars are even worth considering.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:50 pm)I am a U.S. citizen and support the letter so long as all of the car industries move towards electic vehicles and better fuel economy with existing hydrocarbon operated vehicles.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:52 pm)Car industry should get this bail out. However, all the management that misallocated and misspent should be FIRED or REPLACED and not more multi-million dollar bonuses. Without that, I am happy to buy Japanese Hybrids and screw the multi-milliondollar executives.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:52 pm)MCS
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:55 pm)Save GM, save the
Volt and save America
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:55 pm)I need the electric Volt-GM car; and I need GM. I hope you will help them produce an electric-car future. If it enables you to pass financial help for GM, why not require them to use such funds primarily to further green car development.
– Dr. Jim
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:55 pm)[...] in January 2007, Dennis launched GM-Volt.com. Ever since then he and his readers have been [...]
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:55 pm)It makes NO sense to (attempt…) to bail out a boat that has a big hole in the hull. No matter how much or how long you bail, the boat will still sink, eventually.
GM has two very large holes in its hull: One is at the GM Executive level; the other is at the Union Boss level.
I don’t blame the workers themselves. They were assured by “Business Agents” that a person could make a good living doing something that the world simply no longer values at that level.
Those agents were lying in return for a big bite of the worker’s salaries. It is quite possible that if you gave the workers all the money that the Union Bosses take from them then they could, indeed, be competitive globally and still bring home enough bacon to feed their families. Toyota workers in America do this every day, without Union Bosses.
In any event, as it stands now, a good old-fashioned Chapter 11 Reorganization is exactly the strong medicine GM needs. Cancel every union contract and dissolve every unearned golden parachute. In short, start over from square one.
Present the CREDITORS (remember them?) a sustainable plan going forward and they will buy off on it; even it means just pennies on the dollar. This is exactly the relief the “GM entity” needs to develop/produce the Volt profitably, both now and in the future.
And yes, this does mean that every SHAREHOLDER (who is secretly hoping to sell their now-worthless GM stock to some “bigger fool” immediately after a bailout but before the ship eventually sinks) does indeed lose everything they ever paid to Merrill Lynch et al…
Too bad. I simply can not feel too sorry for people who lose their money voluntarily. The stock that GM’s “shareholders” now hold was largely USED stock when they bought it. It was stock that GM sold to Merrill Lynch et al many, many years ago, and which Merrill Lynch has re-bought and resold AT A PROFIT many, many times since.
If Americans would finally wake up to the fact that brokerage firms LIE when they tell people that they are “investing in America” when they buy USED stock then both these so-called investors in particular and the economy in general would be much better for it.
People buy USED stock for one reason and one reason only: They hope that someone will buy it from them someday for even more then they bought it for. That’s called speculation. The short name for speculation is gambling.
Gamblers don’t share what they win with the rest of us, and accordingly the rest of us should not have to subsidize what they lose.
If you actually bought stock in GM thinking you were investing in GM then I am sorry, you believed a LIE that somebody at Merrill Lynch told you. You were merely gambling, and you have lost the bet. Now take your losses and stop hoping/begging that someone else will come in and pay your tab for you.
Only a reorganized GM can and will produce the Chevy Volt long term. Reorganization doesn’t need a bailout; it needs a society strong enough to endure the pain that failure causes, and smart enough to not do it all again, ever.
Perhaps if the reorganization hurts the guilty and the naive enough then unions bosses will stop sucking good companies dry from the bottom, executives will stop sucking them dry from the top, and Wall Street brokerage firms will finally be seen as the casino’s that they truly are and have always been.
Long live the Volt Tribrid. Let the Ouch begin!
-Tomo
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:55 pm)I support the automaker bailout. We need American cars here not only for our jobs now and future but because we cannot let the foreign countries control our future with the foriegn oil. I don’t believe there is a better quality vechicle than American made. GM FORD AND CHRYSLER are the backbone of the US.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:57 pm)SC
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:57 pm)I am one of the many who have now lost their job in the auto industry. PLEASE do us all a favor. new technology and help the economy, Do the bailout and save our jobs, save on fuel,and save GM and the Volt
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:57 pm)Pleae don’t let US automakers fail! Guarantee loans to ensure that they have enough cash to operate. The investment will be paid back many times over.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:57 pm)I want my car already!!!!!! Don’t let GM die!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:58 pm)BJR
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:59 pm)The Volt is, without a doubt, the prototype for a vehicle capable of DRASTICALLY reducing our country’s foreign oil demands. Many people (most?) travel fewer than 40 miles to and from work each day and to go shopping, etc. If everyone owned one of these vehicles, we might be able to meet all of our country’s gasoline needs with our own domestic production.
I won’t disagree with the notion that the US auto industry has screwed up many things over the years, but the Volt (and similar vehicles that will follow) will offer a chance to advance energy independence faster than possibly any other technology.
I’m not convinced we should bail out all 3 automakers, or even that we should necessarily bail out GM unconditionally — but we need to find a way to save the Volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:59 pm)I fully agree that the U.S. should provide a loan to GM to prevent bankruptcy, and should stipulate that GM also agree to complete the design and release of the VOLT as part of their commitment for the loan.
Nov 14th, 2008 (2:59 pm)AB
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:00 pm)While I am a big supporter of the Volt, I am nervous about another bailout. In this case it is because the auto industry in this country has had ample time, opportunity, and information to turn itself around. How long has the Prius been around and how many thousands of people have purchased it (as well as other hybrids)? How could Detroit not figure out that gas-guzzling mega cars were not going to last? The only way I would be in favor of a bailout is if all top management is either fired or put on a plan, their salaries are greatly reduced, and innovative and visionary people take their place who can produce the kinds of vehicles that people actually want.
The many workers that depend on Detroit can adapt to the new type of auto maker. If not, the government can invest the bailout money to retrain workers for the many STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) jobs that we are currently importing workers to do.
It’s an tough situation. I’m pro American products, but not pro protecting industries that are just plain stupid. How about if we just fund the Volt?
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:00 pm)Another case of too little too late from GM
How about another BONUS or GOLDEN PARACHUTE for top exec’s for being so greedy.
Let them go bust and Toyota can take them over.
No Unions just GOOD cars.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:02 pm)Save the Volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:02 pm)I wrote in the thread for the introduction of the production pictures of the VOLT that they shouldn’t have changed it…WRONG move and that they get moving on the launch IMMEDIATELY! The biggest reason for the collapse is greed, incompetance, cronie’isum, the demand for high priced yes men, cut costs no matter the impact, general management, unions…..Look it, no one wants to see the Big 3 go down especially GM. I do believe there is a coming boom for the auto industry with new innovation…assuming they (banks, government, beaurocrats, greedy rich…) don’t break the middle class first. Good luck everyone, I am prepared for whatever comes my way to the best of my ability. Think about family, your kids, your spouse…stay positive and believe that if you show up every day and give er…then you will help someone else…who will then help someone else…and so on!
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:02 pm)BSM
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:03 pm)I was excited about the volt when it was going to be a everyone’s car. Now with a expected price of around $40,000 it becomes only for the elites….I think that we should allow GM to brankrupt….then bail them out after they have agreements from the unions to be able to close plants, reasonable medical coverage etc…..Then GM might be able to compete with Toyota….As long as GM have the horrible union contracts I am against bailing them out…..
As long as the union demand on jobs for live (which we all would like) and medical coverage that is way above the national average (again also would be nice to have) then there is no way to save GM…….
The free market must be allow to work…
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:05 pm)It looks like this may become the most commented upon post in the history of GM-Volt.com. I hope so.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:08 pm)we need to invest in techology like this to rebuild our country with new technology and energy souces.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:08 pm)Oh wow, the mix of feelings I have:
1. Oil MUST die, exactly how I don’t really care.
2. Maybe GM really does need a bullet to the head? It might be the most healthy for our economy in the long run (I think).
3. I want a Volt and I want GM to be profitable, not just ‘in business’
4. I’m a fiscal conservative who believes the free market will fix this, and we can not act like the Japanese and focus on saving jobs at the expense of the economy.
5. I’m now a stock holder in GM.
6. Allah has not yet revealed the correct path to me.
So…. I say let them almost die, then when they’re in chapter 11 the government could step in with a bailout plan and a list of demands, and let the judge decide.
death to oil
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:10 pm)Please watch this…
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-6351825321073919380&ei=ztQdSZOzEY6I_QGz98TvBg&q=l%27histoire+des+choses&hl=fr
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:10 pm)I would like Volt to succeed and be the norm for our next generation of cars. It’s a win-win
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:12 pm)I believe that the only way to bail out GM over other companies is to tie this into the Volt and the USAs need to be more energy independent. If money is supplied to GM and it is directly linked to a buyer’s incentive to purchase the Volt, then the entire country will benefit from reducing energy dependence.
Otherwise, we run the risk of pouring money into a bottomless well of sectors that are doing poorly. Let us remember that Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai are not asking for help. You have to ask why they can do this and manufacture cars with our workers!!!! Let’s not bail out companies that are not selling what we want to drive. Just my 2 cents (whoops only 1 cent left!).
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:13 pm)We need to help GM stay in business. If this is what it takes, so be it. Ford and Chrysler have shown no initiative to work on electric cars, so let them go out of business. GM had it right once and screwed it up. Let’s give them a chance to make it right again with the Volt.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:14 pm)766 comments and none from Statik. My guess is he isn’t interested in commenting when it may be viewed as supporting a bailout according to the number of replies.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:19 pm)Get rid of all the GM execs.
THEN YOU CAN ASK FOR MY SUPPORT TO SIGN THIS “LETTER”.
Are you guys “crazy”!
You (the letter supporters) see all blind by this radical, tree hanging wannabe idea that we must put up with all their crap in order to achieve energy independence.
GUYS… don’t support this letter without accountability.
Sending money to this “losers” won’t solve our problems.
No one wants an EV car more then I do! Remember this are the same people that destroyed our dream in the 90′s with the EV-1.
Why would they do anything different this time? Please tell me?
Don’t be so blind by an ideal. If you want to save Detroit…..
DEMAND NEW LEADERSHIP……. DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY…. before you send more MONEY into their pockets.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:19 pm)GM definitely needs this bailout. I hate bailouts however this one is necessary to the United States ENERGY INDEPENDENT FUTURE. We need this vehicle for our children’s future. The money should go to re-tooling efforts to mass produce vehicles like this. SAVE THE VOLT!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:19 pm)I agree. It’s our tax dollars, let us decide.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:20 pm)The Volt is a great concept with styling to match. Any thought of a bail out should contain provisions for the actual production of this vehicle.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:21 pm)It’s time for the big oil companies to take their hands OUT of what Americans decide to drive. With all the record profits that these bastards make off of our backs, they can afford to let the Chevy Volt be produced. If the production of this car is squelched, we as Americans will know the TRUE reason why….and Mr. Bush will know the reason why (oil man) And shame on him and the rest of the oil lobby. But more shame on the American people if we stand for it !!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:22 pm)Completing the Volt project should be a requirement of any bailout. That would help GM (and the economy), as well as the environment.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:23 pm)GM has gone broke selling huge gas guzzler – maybe this shows the way forward … smaller fuel efficient cars. Toyota don’t seem to be having problems – why? Maybe it is because they are building smaller fuel efficient cars.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:23 pm)This is an important national security issue. We must lessen our dependence on foreign oil from regimes that threaten our democracy and develop new technologies that will lessen our reliance on terrorist regimes.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:24 pm)BTT
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:26 pm)Time to go electric!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:27 pm)Vehicles that run on alternative fuels are a necessity for our new economy and for us to gain independence over foreign oil. The volt, being an electric vehicle, could be charged by solar, wind, hydro, clean coal and/or nuclear! WE NEED THIS TYPE OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY sooner than later!
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:27 pm)Full support for this program is imperative for self-sufficiency from imported oil. We need to stop relying from other countries to support our energy consumption.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:28 pm)build it and I’ll put it in my driveway
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:30 pm)As a US citizen I fully concur with the above letter. – DWW (aka dwwbkw).
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:30 pm)This is a transportation revolution. The real purpose for government is to assist in the development of significant changes to economies and life pursuits. Electrification is the most important decision we will make in our life times.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:32 pm)No other country in the world would let a major industry such as this dissappear. We need to support our domestic auto companies to stay a first tier economy.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:34 pm)NO WAY should our tax money go to bailing out GM with the excuse that they will build the Volt!
GM has no interest in building another EV. They think its just a publicity thing to give them a “Green” image.
While I’ll buy a Volt in a heartbeat, I will not pre-pay, nor do I want my tax money propping up a company that doesn’t really want to build an EV.
Government money should go to Tesla, Aptera, Commuter Cars or one of the other American companies that really does want to make an EV, that needs the money as badly as GM, and doesn’t have a track record of taking money for such things and then wasting it.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:36 pm)HERE-HERE!
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:36 pm)Return to #763 This is the real problem.
TANK’S
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:41 pm)I agree the chevy volt if anything should be protected since its advancements would have americans tremendous amount of money on gas. AWB
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:41 pm)As much as out of touch management and legislators making sure the big three did not have to face competetive, mileage, or environmental concerns has caused this problem, I lay the lion’s share at the feet of the labor unions. They were started to make working conditions safe and provide a fair share of the company’s revenue as pay and benefits. Well, they have ridden this horse until it is about dead. When do the wages come down to be in line with competition? None of the big three will ever be competetive until labor and legacy costs are brought in line with other automakers who are are building here in the US. I’ll eat beans and rice for a long time before I agree to give GM, Ford, or Chrysler another dollar of taxpayer money. Let them live or die by free enterprise.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:41 pm)We need this car as a step towards a sustainable energy economy – please help GM keep it in the line-up!
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:42 pm)The big oil companies are killing us and made crooks out of our government. Now that it all has backfired we are the ones who will really suffer from it. The least they can do is fix this mess without involving us or our money and jobs.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:44 pm)We are a non-profit and really need the GM Volt as an electric vehicle in order to save money. PLEASE!!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:46 pm)IPS, Totally agree!
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:47 pm)While I am loathe to add yet another fortune 500 company to the list of charities receiving my tax dollars and those of my children and very possibly my grand children. I still believe that ‘what is good for GM is good for America’ … even if their current management team are a gang of fools who got themselves into this mess through greed and entropy. So I say give them a final life line and a few billion tax dollars to dig themselves out of the hole. But ONLY if they change their ways and guarantee mass production and SALE of the VOLT, as I will NOT lease a VOLT! I still remember ‘who killed the electric car’!
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:47 pm)I have not purchased an American car for more than 20 years. My first new car was an Oldsmobile Starfire, which was a lousy car. Nissan and Toyota have received my business since. The Chevy Volt represents the best and last opportunity for an American auto manufacturer to recapture my interest and my dollars. If Congress lets this opportunity to renew the American auto industry pass by say a prayer for us all.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:47 pm)Please build the VOLT and we will buy it.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:47 pm)The government should help to keep the Volt a viabale alternative to the consumers.Require the car company to open thier books and sign over part ownership until funds are paid back, also demand ALL parts and labor be 100% usa.They would sell millions.My family is ready for two!!Let’s get off fossil fuels………
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:50 pm)The first electric car got killed, undeservedly, we now need an electric more than ever. Don’t let it die!
ACW
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:50 pm)I feel bad for the U.S auto makers but they had it coming! GM had the EV-1 in 1996, a perfect electric car and they killed it selling the battery patent rights to Chevron. killing the project and crushing all 400 test lease vehicles but a couple. their short sighted snob attitude killed themselves. See the video “WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR”. GM has always had the attitude , If we build it you’ll buy it, in stead of what do you want. GM is not alone in this. Both other American manufactures have this attitude, and now it’s come back to bite them in the ass. They kiss big Oil’s ass. Now live with it! Or stop big oil and get back to a 100% Electric vehicle like the S-10 pickup the built, or Toyota’s RAV-EV or Ford’s EV vehicles.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:50 pm)I support the Volt even though I doubt that I will be able to afford it. I would like to see GM put this technology in a less expensive body for the rest of us.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:50 pm)Yes, I agree…but first the chairmen of the Big 3 should be kicked in the seat of their pants for dragging their feet for their complete lack of foresight on shifting markets
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:54 pm)Hey, Lyle:
So long as you are asking Volt enthusiasts to increase their taxes in order to save GM’s executives, unions and shareholders why not tell all of us all how much GM stock (number of shares and cost basis) you personally own and stand to lose?
Without the bailout, if the Volt is truly viable, either Toyota, Honda (or hey, perhaps even a group of American investors!) will buy it at the GM bankruptcy “sale”.
From that point forward, the Volt’s new owners can and will produce it cheaper and better than the current GM ever could/would.
With the bailout, the Volt’s future simply remains in the hands of Union Bosses and the GM’s current Executives. This has not proven to be a winning team. Sooner or later, the Volt will languish and die.
After all, the Volt will not be the only extended range electric on the market for very long. If the Malibu can’t compete with the Camry, what makes you think the Volt will be able to compete with Toyota’s first Tribrid?
In short, your letter isn’t about saving the Volt, it is about excusing bad and foolish behavior, perhaps even your own.
So again, aside from losing the joy of being GM’s “Mr. Volt”, what do you stand to lose FINANCIALLY from your poor bet on GM’s stock?
I think Volt enthusiasts have a right to know at least that much before they sign your “Dear Mom, Please send Money” letter.
-Tomo
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:54 pm)CRT
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:55 pm)GM needs to survive and needs to be restructured.
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:56 pm)Good Lord! we need choices of Electric Cars. I am holding on to my 10 yr old Buick just waiting for an Electric car on the market.
Let’s not kill the Electric Car AGAIN!
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:56 pm)MPD
“The government should help to keep the Volt a viable alternative to the consumers.Require the car company to open their books and sign over part ownership until funds are paid back, also demand ALL parts and labor be 100% usa.They would sell millions.My family is ready for two!!Let’s get off fossil fuels………” -Orlando Escobar
I agree
Nov 14th, 2008 (3:57 pm)I agree that we need to go electric. However, I also think that if a bailout is needed then the CEO should forfit any and all increases of pay. They should not get rich at the American taxpayer expense.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:01 pm)Americans have been brainwashed into believing foreign autos are somehow better than those produced by our own citizens. Buying a japanese/korean/german/etc. auto takes money out of the US economy and is now coming back to bite us all. It’s time to put our money where our mouths are and buy only US companies’ autos! Tomo’s comments appear focused on the same old reasoning the rest of the world uses to keep Americans supporting other countries’ economies at the expense of our own.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:02 pm)UNION WAGES of $70/hr is what killed GM. Toyota’s factory in the South pays $40/hr. LET’S BE CLEAR….a 40 hour work week on GM Union Wages is $2800. This cost is passed on to the consumer.
$2800 for unskilled UNION labor and WE are supposed to bail out GM…..forget that….GM isn’t paying my mortgage!
CONSOLIDATE the Big Three…..Move forward with the VOLT………Renegotiate with the Union because no jobs = no union.
The only people who want this bailout are GM employees and those of you who have a large portion of you IRA in GM.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:02 pm)It seems the Volt is the answer to alot of issue we are now facing. If this project were to be killed it sets us back 10 years. Now more than ever with GM needing to be rescued, the Volt is a brilliant idea thats need to come to fruition. This car and cars like it need to be produced to keep the US in the auto industry and help save our economy.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:06 pm)I agree with the letter. because at this point I don’t see an alternative to helping our domestic car makers. We need the Volt for the recovery. This will help keep import oil prices where they should be, low, and give some real competition to the Asian imported cars.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:07 pm)I support development of the Volt and protecting the jobs of Americans as much as reasonably possible. I don’t support a blind bailout though. The industry has done nothing to improve the gas mileage, pollution problems, and sustainability of car and trucks at least not without having their arm twisted. They duck regulations whenever they can. They spend billions on advertising and remodeling their cars to look prettier.
A bailout is great if it is used to create an affordable efficient clean sustainable car for the future. I hope the volt is that car. But I’d rather see these car giants burn and watch innovative companies like Tesla rise from the ashes then just throw money at the problem and watch it turn into corporate bonuses. If you want the gov’t to hand out cash, give a few billion to Tesla and similar companies and you’ll see the electric car we all should have. Why should a failing business get free money and successful new ones not get money to invest?
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:08 pm)S. Cline
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:08 pm)My fear is what will replace what is lost if we don’t do this. I agree with the letter.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:09 pm)i agree, we need this to start taking steps forward from our dependency on overseas petroleum
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:11 pm)Hi Lyle & company,
What an intense thread.
____________________________
President Bush signed the $700 billion loan program.
President Obama will have trouble paying for his health, education, and rebuilding of infrastructure plans because the Bush administration has already spent the money.
Then, in four years, the Republicans will say, “See, the Democrats promise everything but can’t deliver. Vote us back in”.
This is what this bail out is about.
Let the flow of goods and services work it’s way through the supply and demand of the Volt.
=D~
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:14 pm)The Volt represents where this industry should have been years ago. A bail-out should REQUIRE the introduction of plug in vehicles like the Volt. I have felt that the oil industry and the auto industry have been in bed together for years creating an environment only favorable to the corporations. Now while Exxon is posting billions of dollars in PROFIT per quarter the auto industry is posting billions in losses. It is time to divorce your partner and build the vehicles that help the environment and get us off the dependency for foreign oil. If the bail-out will make this happen, keep our folks employed and watched carefully for mismanagement, then I am in favor.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:14 pm)I agree – this is an extremely painful time – but the U.S. auto industry needs to be preserved not just for Detroit, nor just the U.S. – they are global and the disastrous effects caused from their failure would be felt worldwide.
AND – we NEED the Volt!
MLB
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:15 pm)Remember the saying, “As goes GM, so goes the country”? Well, now this is even more true, given the investment and progress GM has made with the Volt. You can be certain, Toyota and many other foreign car manufacturers will take a big sigh of relief if GM fails, not just because they will have a huge competitor out of their way, but because they will not have to face the Volt. How could letting this happen be good for the country? And, while it is so essential to invest in products that help free us from foreign oil, abandoning GM would have a huge negative impact on the forward progress we could make in out critical need for energy independence.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:15 pm)I AGREE WITH THIS LETTER
I AM A CITIZEN OF THE U S A
AND I WANT MY VOLT
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:16 pm)The United States, as well as the rest of the world needs cars like the volt to get us out of this addiction to oil and dependence on other countries. I think most of us know that many of the these oil producing countries would just as soon see our country fail. I’ve noticed sales are up with the big SUVs now that the price of gas is down. Some people just don’t get it. If GM goes so will a whole lot of other companies and thousands, (millions?) will lose their jobs. If more people lose their jobs more lose the ability to make their house payments. We shouldn’t have to rely on the government to help with our house payments. It doesn’t take much forsight to see that if GM fails it will be a big catastrophe for an awful lot of people. Maybe GM needs to clean up its act and become a more efficiently run auto company, but this is one failure that should not be allowed to happen!
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:18 pm)We need this car. We need to end being dependent on foreign oil. Our ancestors that made the first car took no time in getting the car developed quickly. what happened to us that we now take so long to roll things out? Wouldn’t you lawmakers like to get to work without a drop of gas for the first 40 miles. I am the voice of the working poor consumer. We NEED this car on the market and others like it. In fact….Trucks should use this technology too. I defy someone to put this technology in transportation trucks. You can make history.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:18 pm)I agree with the idea – but can’t imagine how much money it will take to really help GM. They need to work with the unions or bust them out. And before anyone hands them a dime require the CEO COO and VP of GM to submit letters explaining why their salaries and compensation add up to OVER $25 Million dollars a year !! And then require them to earn no more than 5% of the companies net earnings!
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Nov 14th, 2008 (4:18 pm)The VOLT is the best idea GM has come up with in this century. The only thing better is it it was available with a fuel cell. Bring on the VOLT.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:19 pm)I’m not American, so I guess I’m not supposed to post here?
(Oops!)
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:21 pm)SAVE THE VOLT!
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:22 pm)I am hanging on, waiting for my next new car, which will be the volt. We can hardly wait to be the “first on our block”. We are holding our place in line like a treasure to the next generation of cars.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:23 pm)We must support our domestic cars. Government should be taxing imports heavily to give our domestics a strong advantage!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:23 pm)PLEASE save the Volt, I am 44,689th on the waiting list. In these horrible economic times I am driving a 1996 Chevy Camaro with 177,000+ miles on it which still gets 32mpg or more highway, American cars do last and get good gas mileage. Abandoning the Volt would be the exact opposite of us getting us free from foreign oil.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:25 pm)Can we afford to lose millions of jobs? Save AIG and not the Auto industry? Come on now, save GM already!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:25 pm)Save the electric car!
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:25 pm)GM made a terrible mistake, in my opinion, when they discontinued and subsequently destroyed the EV 1 project. Had they held to that track some years ago, we as Americans could possibly be leading the world now in plug in vehicle production. Let’s not fail again. I agree with the bailout of the “Big 3″ auto companies, with conditions, that they immediately retool plants to begin again the plug in EV program, and continue with the Chevy Volt. JCD
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:26 pm)Let them die!!! We can build better by starting over. Check out the Aptera (Aptera.com). Americans can do better. We are innovative enough. We should not have to pay for the corrupt inefficiencies and promises that will inevitably be broken. They saw what was coming down the line for 15 years (when was the first Prious built?). This was their decision.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:26 pm)Hey, the bottom line is this…whether or not the U.S. government helps the auto industry through this economic crisis with loans, if GM WANTS to survive, they need to FOCUS on developing alternative energy automobiles. Same old petroleum-burning models, regardless of the price of fuel this month = bankrupt Big 3. Wake up Detroit!
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:27 pm)I fully support energy independence and this car should be subsidized for anyone who want to buy it.. and that too would keep money in the country and be better than a bail out!
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:28 pm)Save the auto industry!
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:31 pm)Gee I already own GM stock and a GMC and Corvette. Guess I could buy a new car or truck anyway.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:32 pm)Great initiative by Dennis that enjoys tremendous grassroot support! This is NOT about bailing out the auto industry. It is about supporting a nascent transformation of the auto industry.
Chevy Volt is NOT a dream. It represents the shape of things to come, a new GM, a transformed auto industry, and most important, a central piece of a new attainable energy policy and strategy that will positively reduce our reliance on oil.
It would be a sad day if this American-originated leadership in auto engineering is not given the political and financial support it richly deserves and critically needs.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:34 pm)Great letter Lyle, thank you. The collapse of the ‘Big 3′ would be absolutely devastating to this country. The direct consequences would be very painful, but it would also destroy what little consumer confidence remains. Personally, I can’t stand the thought of not being able to by an American car.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:36 pm)Save this …
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:38 pm)Hey Lyle…for a future thread.
Q> What vehicle (s) do you currently own?
Let’s see who is interested in the Volt.
=D~
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:38 pm)Yes I agree, we do need to save the VOLT…!!!! It may be our only chance to have a car like this…
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:40 pm)Fully support the production of the GM Volt……..
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:41 pm)I am in full support of renewable energy industries which help strengthen our country’s independence from foreign oil and set a foundation for a sustainable future. I implore the US government to consider the negative impact it would have on the future of electric, hybrid, and biodiesel vehicles if it does not support the auto industry’s at this crucial time. Vehicles like the Chevy Volt need to be encouraged to reach the US consumers. Yet with the auto industry imploding on itself the availability and continued research of such vehicles would be greatly delay. So, please considering helping the auto industry from collapsing with the aid of some sort of stimulus package. Thank you for your time and consideration, ~ Carla Engalla
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:44 pm)I support, and recommend gov’t funding, if necessary, to maintain development of the Volt. I might also recommend doing it in the form of a loan, or a percentage-of-sales requirement, for said product.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:44 pm)hi Voltik #841,
“…save the VOLT…!!!! It may be our only chance to have a car like this…”
__________________________________________
The world will not end on a YES or a NO vote this coming Wednesday.
=D~
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:45 pm)Let’s keep this going people!
LCD from New York
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:46 pm)I strongly support this request.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:47 pm)It is the economy folks. People need shelter and food before a new car. However, if we let the auto mfgs. die, we will not only lose them but will also also lose all the supporting industries as well. These industries all provide the means for the food and shelter. It is a chicken and egg issue, but we need to insist that if we bail big auto out, that they become lean and mean and do what is right for America as well as what is right for themselves.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:48 pm)Dear Goverment,
please save the GM and the Volt, its our last hope to bring GM back to the world marked!
Without GM, American will die… Dont let that happend!
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:49 pm)now is not the time to kill of something that can help .
yes they should be saved only if they make this car .
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:50 pm)#767 Gsned57
My guess is that statik (Canadian) is honoring Lyle’s request for US citizens to weigh in.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:52 pm)Don’t let the auto industry die because of your banking regulatory failures. Remember, so goes GM so goes America!
-Kevin
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:53 pm)If GM fails to build this vehicle then they deserve to fail. If they had started this 10 years ago instead of bigger and bigger SUV’s they would not be in this bind. I live 5 miles from the Hummer plant in Arlington-Grand Prairie Texas. It is disgusting that they have been so short-sighted as to have followed the industry vice forming the industry needs. If they build this vehicle I will replace my Prius or Civic hybrid with it. I do not want to condone poor decisions by helping them through conditions they could have been immune .
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:55 pm)Please do not kill the Chevy Volt. Now more than ever we need to further decrease our need on foreign oil. This could be the design that can bring a ‘new’ Chevrolet in to the new millennium. I still remain committed to purchasing a Volt as soon as they are commercially availible.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:55 pm)I concurr.
Nov 14th, 2008 (4:55 pm)Not that many of you will ever scroll down to read this, but i want to voice my opinion non-the-less.
Im a US citizen. Not that it matters. This is a worldly issue. And we all inhabit the same twirling rock in space. So, GM stop thinking small. Think about what it is the world is telling you. Lets go electric, option our cars with solar panels, even better hampster treadmills in the trunk-whatever. Get it done and quit wasting my time and the worlds time with Gas guzzling hummers! The only hummer I want isnt the kind found wasting space in your car lots.
This bailout smells like socializm.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:00 pm)The U.S. Top Three need to be backed up to save their existance! With that said, Uncle Sam needs to mandate that the Top Three shift their focus to fuel effeciency and require all of them to build a line-up of all electric cars. Once the public is given electric cars as an option to buy off the showroom floor, you will see a drastic swing of buyers converting from gasoline to electric! Not only will electric cars save us from sticker shock at the pump, but ideally, there will be 99% less maintenance to be performed on these cars as well! Let’s lead the world in electrification!
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:02 pm)Electric cars are America’s future. We need to save them not kill them yet AGAIN….especially now that they are at last becoming viable.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:03 pm)Corporations need to be accountable for the things they do, however, the economy falling as it has is not the fault of the corporations but of greedy capital spending. The war needs to be resolved and America needs to rebuild internally. Therefore, lets take the first step in getting our key United States corporations back on track. I’d rather see taxes go to GM then some greedy politician. Yes, GM should’ve not built all of those SUV’s and gas guzzlers, but they weren’t the only ones doing it and at one time, society was buying them like crazy! Bailout GM, produce the Volt, and see what lies in the future!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:04 pm)I agree w/ this letter. The Volt is our opportunity to take leadership in what will be the future.
You should also set up a Soapbox Alert on congress.org that will make it easy for people on here to send messages to their senators and representative.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:06 pm)Sad to say, I have not purchased an America car in over ten years. Given the recent political changes more greener cars I have vowed to now purchase American. Save the American car and jobs!
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:08 pm)I agree. Save the Volt! It’s not just the auto companies it’s the suppliers of parts, the folks who have to truck this stuff to the various factories, the dealerships. GM will not survive bankruptcy and neither will the Volt.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:09 pm)Lyle,
Congratulations, your initiative is getting this post in first place in the number of comments in less than 12 hours.
Perhaps by the end of the day it will become the first in absolute value, I must say I admire your sense of the common good and I’m proud to be in the first thousand who have signed the waiting list.
This success shows how much such a car as the Volt is needed.
NPNS,
JC
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:09 pm)GM should not be bailed out. It should either file for bankruptcy like the rest of us have to do, or if the government deems that it is “too big to fail” it should be nationalized. NO FREE PUBLIC MONEY WITHOUT PUBLIC OWNERSHIP!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:10 pm)sadly, I agree. the alternatives are worse.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:12 pm)Même les gens de l’extérieur des US sont concernés par la volts.
Cette voiture seras exporté et achetée par un conducteur vert.
En conséquent appuyer la Volts est appuyer l’avenir des terriens.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:15 pm)I am saving money to buy this car. don’t let it get swept under the rug as the winds of change are ushered in
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:18 pm)I am sorry but GM has always been behind the 8 ball. Why is America always 5 Years Behind the curve. Its your own fault GM Get you ——– together.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:18 pm)I am a US citizen, my parents immigrated in the 50′s by way of my father serving in the US Army (ret.).
I believe we should save the Volt’s purpose but not without conditions like matching funds and reorganization. GM exec’s could funnel some of their large bonus’ to help complete this project. They could also unleash their designers and engineering talent to produce a truly revolutionary car. It would be better to provide incentives or subsidize buyers who can’t afford the car not more money that finds it’s way into executives pockets. Give the Volt organization autonomy to operate and grow like a hungry start-up.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:19 pm)#865 Guy Levasseur Says
Même les gens de l’extérieur des US sont concernés par la volts.
Cette voiture seras exporté et achetée par un conducteur vert.
En conséquent appuyer la Volts est appuyer l’avenir des terriens.
Translation?
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:21 pm)It is sad to admit, but I have purchased only one American car in my 55 years. I have now vowed to purchase only American cars in the future. This decision is based on our poor economy and the prospect of American workers losing their jobs. Importantly, I have been inspired by recent political changes and hopefully a change to more fuel efficient car. Please help our auto industry.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:21 pm)I’ve put a deposit on 2 GM Volts. I think a bailout for the automakers make sense if they are forced to change their current business model.
A bankruptcy doesn’t make sense as nobody will buy a car from a company that has filed. Let’s save the jobs and make them look different both Management and Union.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:22 pm)Too late! Get help for the workers but let GM fail. Maybe they will learn to build QUALITY into their cars. I bought them for years until I got tired of paying repair bills. From about 1985 on their quality went down the toilet. They are arrogant. Let the system work. Capitalism doesn;t work that way. Corporate arrogance is a fatal disease.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:24 pm)Guy #865
Content de voir qu’un autre francophone participe à la discussion, nous avons besoin de contributeurs pour participer au blog de GMEurope : Driving conversations : si vous vous en sentez l’envie, … Il faut soutenir GM Europe pour qu’ils produisent comme annoncé une OPEL électrique pour au plus tard 2011. Merci pour votre attention.
JC
NPNS, “pas de prise, pas de vente”
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:27 pm)This country must have an electric car to wean us off of imported oil. The Volt is that car. If the taxpayers must assist GM in order to realize this goal then our elected representatives owe it to all of us to vote to spend our money to accomplish this.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:30 pm)Save the Volt! Save the US auto companies, or US will loose the edge and competition to Japanese market. Don’t let this happen, and save 2.5 million workers feeding their families while taking us to an oil-free future. This is not just about saving the big 3 in US, this about doing something for the environment, for the future.
A few words to the GM and other US auto company execs: Please find it in your heart to go over your policies and make some sacrifices yourselves. Set an example. Don’t be like the AIG execs, taking vacations with bailout money. Please take this as a lesson, and secure our future by being financially responsible. America depends on strong leadership, be a part of it.
I am in the waiting list, and I am saving money for this car – I would hate to see it disappear. It is the right step for a better future for us, and our kids!
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:32 pm)We all know that Japan and Korea Governments through tariffs and other restrictions only allow a very small number of auto imports into their country. These Governments actually do something to keep their products sold within their own country and keep out the competition. In these times, we need to protect our fellow countryman and keep out foreign products so that we can continue to live the life that our parents and grandparents enjoyed. What ever happened to Nationalism and loving our own country??
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:32 pm)I want my taxpayer dollars to go to the support of GM. America needs an American made Chevy Volt! SPT
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:32 pm)Terrorists are probably sitting back thinking “we don’t need to do anything, they are screwing themselves”. We need GM and the Volt to survive. Although not the same GM as now. If we lose GM and that manufacturing capability it’s just a little farther down the crapper we are sliding.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:33 pm)I WORK FOR A CHEVROLET DEALER AND WE APPRECIATE WHAT ALL OF YOU ARE DOING TO SUPPORT THE AUTO INDUSTRY. THANKS
JOHN SCALLORN
COVERT CHEVROLET
BASTROP TX
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:35 pm)A bailout which includes some re-organization and redefining of their basic manufacturing and distribution models sounds like the only viable option due to that industry’s huge impact on the American economy.
We should not pour money into organizations that have huge inefficiencies and let them operate as they always have. They need to demonstrate their sincere desire to re-think their businesses from top to bottom. Old labor contracts should go and be replaced by a workforce that is incentivized from top to bottom. Every employee should be a stock holder and a stake holder.
Also,this bailout should be in the form of LOANS like the old Chrysler bailout. Taxpayers are to be paid back when the company returns to profitability.
So I would say a qualified “yes”.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:35 pm)The government should help as they created this problem through the way they allowed Fredie Mac and Fannie Mae to be managed.
If even onel of the US Automotive companies goes down it would send a ripple effect through the ecomony that would result in millions of jobs lost and hurt retirees who had nothing to do with this.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:37 pm)I support the bailout of GM…….I tavel on the road 50,000 thousand miles each year in sales……many of the reps in our company are looking at this car for the future………
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:38 pm)Let’s give them the money to retool, but demand accountability. The gas hog is dead, let’s quit making them and instead let GM lead the way to a better mode of transportation.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:39 pm)Now, let’s look at history and see if there is anything we can use that was a success and use it to help us out now. Well, there is from World War II. When the United States needed an all terrain vehicle to use oversees by the Army, a call went out for designs to be submitted. After evaluating the entries the Jeep was born. We needed so many of them that the design was given to many different manufactures to build the exact same vehicle. This way any parts would work on any Jeep no matter who built it. Now, what if we do the same thing with the main parts of the electric car (Like the Volt) but allow the different car companies to come up with there own body style? We will have electric vehicles that would not cost $40,000 but closer to $20,000 and still have competition and a large selection. As improvements are made all will benefit, including the development of better batteries.
This would help ALL of the U.S. auto manufactures with there finical problems and put electric cars on the street more quickly. This will helping with our oil dependence and make the car less expensive so more Americans can afford them.
Let’s look at what would be done. The American auto companies are hearting right now. They all need a shot in the arm and they are going to get a bail out. So if they art going to get help the all need to agree to work together on this project. So here is how it could work. They would all share there technology then design a universal frame which houses the motor, the drive train, wheels & tires, the generator engine, steering and batteries. This universal frame would be used by all companies. By doing it this way the biggest expense is spread out and the start up costs will be less per unit. Each car company would design there own body style and options. This will open the market to competition. Each car company saves money and time and they get an electric vehicle on the market quickly. The government should offer a tax break or a rebate to all that buy an electric car.
Everyone wins and the demand on oil in reduced as well as emissions.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:40 pm)This is a sad day in the history of the USA. I have heard time and again how the US Automakers make crap cars. Yet I have always purchased new cars and get rid of them at about 150,000 miles. The Mercury Gran Marquis I am currently driving is going to have 1/4 of a million miles on it in five thousand more miles. So how crappy is that. Americans don’t take care of their cars and then they want to blame the car makers. I’m not sure GM or Ford could survive bankruptsey or not but I don’t want to take that chance. I would rather put my tax dollars into the car companies than into the hands of those scumbags on Wallstreet. I would rather put my tax dollars into the cars manufactures than spend it on helping people in Arabia who hate our guts. Now, just as were going to get a car like the Volt we are about to see the car manufactures implode. Go figure.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:42 pm)Please save the Volt!
JWC
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:42 pm)The US Government should invest in our auto industry so that we can regain control of the auto market and the tens of thousands of jobs that will be lost due to closing of manufactures, automotive dealers, repair facilities, and after market product manufactures. Why wouldn’t US Government want to invest in our own heritage and economic infrastructure? After all, we are spending 10 Billion a day in Iraq. Also, we need to get away from oil dependency and GM is making monumental strides to produce those products, and we need the govenmental aid to make it happen. Let’s invest in our own economy!
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:43 pm)hi dkuda01 #878,
“Terrorists are probably sitting back thinking “we don’t need to do anything, they are screwing themselves”.”
____________________________________
Let terrorists think what they want to think. An Arab Oil War will be unnecessary once EV’s and EREV’s catch on.
The U.S.A. will come out of the financial dip with flying colors. Just stick to working hard and doing the right thing. And always be a good example to the young.
Employees of the former GM will be rehired by a restructured non-union Volt Motors or E-Motors. This is destiny.
BTW: Have you noticed? The youth of today are doing a great job. Working hard and displaying respect for others.
=D~
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:43 pm)Dear President Bush,
You have been a naughty boy these past eight years, and you’ve created quite a mess. If I was your mother, I’d make you clean up your mess before you leave, or I’d spank you silly.
I believe that you would like to deliver the coup-de-grace to organized labor before leaving office by refusing monetary help to the Big Three. The UAW is a bone that is stuck in the Republican party’s craw, and you would like to do to the UAW as your predecessor Ronald Reagan did to PATCO (air traffic controllers union) years ago. By letting the Big Three go bankrupt, you will have killed-off the UAW. For shame, George, for shame.
General Motors has a wonderful upcoming vehicle in the Chevy Volt. Mr. Bush, if you would like to salvage any semblance of your reputation, please help to keep G.M. alive, and please help them to bring the Volt to market. I pray that the Volt will be a huge success, and that it will usher in a new era of ceasing America’s dependence on foreign oil. I know that this will have a negative impact on your buddies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, but you’ll still have your Texas oil friends, and there’ll still be plenty of demand for Texas oil and Wyoming natural gas (for Cheney). Don’t be such an obstinate sass, and free-up some of that $700B Paulson Financial Freebie Fiasco fund to keep the domestic auto industry afloat until better times, so that folks like me can have an opportunity to buy a Chevy Volt. Thanks, and don’t let the White House door hit you in the you-know-what when you leave in January (none-too-soon).
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:45 pm)KAD
St. Louis, MO
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:46 pm)Yesterday I voted yes with conditions. My wife and I signed off on this letter today. Previously, in response to the kind comment of RB, I confessed that I am terribly conflicted by all of this.
I love Chevrolet, and do not want it to fail. I want the Volt to succeed. I want US workers to have jobs. I want corporate profits to flow to US firms, and be put back into our econommy. On the other hand, I don’t want to reward and encourage bad management, and I believe that shoveling billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money into business as usual would be totally counter productive.
Therefore I offer the following. Any loans or investments by the US government should be conditioned on a complete, top to bottom, reorganization of any of the companies receiving same. I mean management, product lines, and labor.
I would propose forming the best available panel of experts, sort of the present day equivalents of Peter Drucker and Charles Deming. They should sit all of the players around the table and say, “Look guys, we are going to have a long term plan where all of you do what has to be done to insure the long term success of this enterprise, or you aren’t going to get a nickel.” Replace management as necessary. Renegotiate union contracts as necessary. Change product line as necessary. If all of you are not willing to do so, then deal with the problems and the consequences without our help.
If there has to be some sort of interim, very short, period of time while all of this is finalized, then have any disbursement of funds rigidly controlled by the same panel. Do not, repeat not, place any multi-billion checks into the hands of the present system.
If they want public money, they are going to have to accept public supervision. Period.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:47 pm)GFG
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:48 pm)Sorry I don’t support the bailout. Spinoff the Volt as a separate company or subsidiary. The American automakers got here by perpetuating poor quality.
Why did GM kill the original Electric Car and market it as ‘you don’t really want an electric car, do ya’?
Let the unions bail them out, who also contributed to the mess they’re in. Reduce the historical benefits and discontinue the anticompetitive practices now.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:48 pm)We’ve owned several cars in our lifetime, all but one has been GM, no complaints! I support the US car companies and the Volt effort! Alot of excellent comments precede me so I won’t repeat. I would rather help the car companies than some others…
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:50 pm)Although I lean toward free-market fundamentalism, I would also like our government to consider the U.S. auto industry for economic rescue just like our financial institutions, because of the great promise the GM Volt holds for both US energy security and environmental health (not to mention the deepening of the current financial crisis should these giants fail).
I would prefer rescue funds be tied to conditions that address the structural weaknesses of the big 3, if that can be managed short of bankruptcy. It is unwise to ask taskpayers to fund a rescue while ignoring management faults. I hate to say it–I’m from Michigan and my dad is a GM pensioner–but non-competitive union wages are crippling US automakers. We’ll just be throwing taxpayers’ money away if these businesses are rescued without addressing fundamental flaws. ljb
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:51 pm)Lyle:
I agree with your letter and hope our government will react quickly. A blood transfusion does nothing for a corpse ..
Jerry
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:52 pm)I’ve been waiting for the volt to make my first US car purchase since the 1980′s. Let’s get on with it!
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:52 pm)#888 Dave K. says:
hi dkuda01 #878,
“Terrorists are probably sitting back thinking “we don’t need to do anything, they are screwing themselves”.”
____________________________________
Let terrorists think what they want to think. An Arab Oil War will be unnecessary once EV’s and EREV’s catch on.
The U.S.A. will come out of the financial dip with flying colors. Just stick to working hard and doing the right thing. And always be a good example to the young.
Employees of the former GM will be rehired by a restructured non-union Volt Motors or E-Motors. This is destiny.
—————————————————————
I like the way you think. You’re right, a war will be unnecessary when EV’s and EREV’s catch on, but if GM is allowed to fail it may be longer before they do catch on.
I do work hard and I wish more people would try to be a good example for the young. They are one day going to inherit all of this.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:52 pm)P.S.
As I have said before, there is one bright spot in the management of these outfits that should be remembered. Jim Press recently left Toyota to go to work for Chrysler, God knows why. His record at Toyota speaks for itself. As to Mr. Nardelli, I can certainly curb my enthusiasm, but Press is the real deal. He could be a real asset to the sort of effort I suggested above.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:53 pm)I am a US citizen and agree with the above letter.
Please use the control that comes with bailout money to force all automakers to manufacture the absolute maximum number of plug-in hybrids ASAP – not at a comfortable pace for them, but at an emergency pace, just as they converted at the start of World War II.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:54 pm)My wife ,myself, both of our fathers,and my brother in-law, have worked for GM for a combined150 years.Our jobs were/are, production worker,skilled tradesmen,financial analyst,and designer.We are proud of the work we have done,and are ready to help our corporation,and our country rebuild it’s financial and manufacturing base.We need Help!
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:55 pm)I also agree WE NEED TO PRODUCE THESE HYBRIDS ASAP!
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:56 pm)The Big 3 should not be bailed out. The government should NOT be gaining control over our economy. This lies in the laps of the UAW and government regulations for fuel efficiency.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:56 pm)I am very supportive of the GM Chevy Volt and am on the waiting list hoping to be one of the first to get one. Please assist one of the largest companies in this industry to overcome this financial turmoil and bring us the Volt. The Volt would be our 8th GM vehicle purchase. You should put the money where it should go and stop the rhetoric.
TMC
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:57 pm)I’m a future Volt owner (hopefully) and the son of a retired GM employee. I hope D.C. can provide the financial help needed to weather this economic period.
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:57 pm)I recently went to the Miami Car Show. I immediately ran over to the Chevy people and asked to see the Chevy Volt. The said that it was not there because “it wasn’t in production yet”. I said WHAT? This is the most exciting automobile that has been developed in a long time and they don’t even have a model to show? Something is fishy!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (5:58 pm)MRZ
Agree to the letter, born in the USA and have owned GM cars for over 35 years.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:01 pm)Save the Volt, help GM save itself, but also rein in the unions that are part of GM’s poison.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:02 pm)Pls save GM Volt and Auto Industry as its key to countrys success.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:03 pm)CAE
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:03 pm)Wow, bailouts abundant, what happened to good old hard work and failure when you don’t do what you need to in a timely manner. My clients fire me or just don’t call again for work! I want the best technology electric car, yes. I sold my Prius because Toyota lied to me about the milage. Chevy get the dust out of your head, you are not making what made you great in the first place, a fair priced quality car with the top technology available. You shot for profit margins all these years and sold us the crap, we are all tired of crapy cars. I bought the 2008 Cobalt, it only gets 23-25 mpg, when the similar honda’s and toyota’s are getting 30+ mpgs. I am not happy with the lack of integrity with US automakers. Pull back the curtain Mr. GM wizard of OZ, you can fool us and yourselves right down the toilet. Get back in the fight with your own money, not mine, and work to sell the US a real car that saves us money and beats the competions hands down if you want to make profits. NO BAIL OUTS! NO SOCIALISM! The big boys who created this economic crash, knew exactly what they were doing, don’t be fooled. Look who is buying all depressed priced land, houses, businesses!!! Wake up America. Let’s put the planet first and pull all the closeted technologies in production; lots of inventions are patented and shelved because people in power want to make profits. We could all have solar already, nope the power companies don’t want to give up a penny. We could have high mpg cars but the oil companies don’t want to give up any dollars. Greed makes us all suffer. Re-Volt. PGM
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:05 pm)I don’t think this letter belongs here. Save the entire US car industry and people will continue to buy ICE powered cars and continue to destroy the planet. Currently the US car industry does not produce a single vehicle that doesn’t rely completely on oil. The only part of the entire US industry that is relevant to this website is the part that is bringing the Volt to market.
I am not saying that all the thousands of people employed by the entire automotive industry should not be cared for properly and respectfully (and by government help if necessary) but it is nothing to do with the Volt or this website.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:05 pm)MWL
US CITIZEN. I SUPPORT HELPING THE BIG THREE COMPETE AGAINST UNFAIR TRADE AND FEED OPEC SOME CRUDE SAND SOUP! YUM!
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:06 pm)Reorganize and keep products of his type that have a future.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:07 pm)The Volt in white…
http://garfwod.250free.com/Photos/volt_white.jpg
=D~
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:08 pm)JA
The Volt is exactly what the country needs. Make it happen!
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:10 pm)I am planning on purchasing a Volt, when one is available. A more aggressive move toward non-polluting, non-foreign oil propelled vehicles should certainly be a part of the new economy that must emerge. The Volt is a very important move in that direction. Save the Chevy Volt!
Seamus Kennedy
Portland OR
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:11 pm)Thanks for getting the ball rolling for the normal folks to get their voices heard. Hopefully the powers that be will take notice!
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:12 pm)You cannot allow General Motors to fail; the results will be disastrous.
TDW
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:12 pm)Save it yourselves , you dummies. Stop showing people these edgy and exotic looking concept cars, pumping up consumer expectations and handing us a pile of crap that looks like a warmed over Cavalier. Furthermore for you concerned folks on Capitol Hill, SNAP OUT OF IT! Give the more to the general populus! Money flows upward. Give the people the boost, not more WELFARE FOR KAZILLIONAIRES!
You want to loosen up credit? Rescue the people in need, save our homes, give substaintial “Stimulus” to the base consumer and you’ll see domestic cars of all brands skyrocket in sales, as a matter of fact all aspects of commerce will improve. You cant scare the crap out of people about losing their jobs, homes, health benefits and expect to dump billions into corporations to fix the economy. As expected these businesses have no interest in loosening credit, moreover theyre taking that money and buying assets of other banks and businesses all the while having PLATINUM Parachute parties. Meanwhile us on “Main St” get to spiral down into the abyss. The solution is painfully simple. SAVE THE CITIZENS and you save yourselves! I love America and American cars but I will NEVER buy another one if this travestry upon the American public is purportrated.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:13 pm)Although I strongly support the Volt and feel the govt should “loan” the big 3 monies for a bailout, we all have to do our part and that includes many of the overpd ceos at most of the largest natl corps, including auto makers. I know some people who work at the GM Arl Tx plant and they make upwards of $25 per hr, time and a half, have excellent benefits, ins and holidays…….everyone needs to learn to “share the wealth”. I am an acct by trade and these unionized people don’t work any harder than the min wage guy out there…..I don’t have med ins or a 401K, so it’s hard to feel sorry. I also know a woman who worked ONE MONTH, “hurt her hand” (looked fine to me), got total disability and now draws almost $800 a week for THE REST OF HER LIFE?????????? PLEASE…….I DO THINK MOST AMERICANS WANT TO SAVE THE CAR COS BUT WE ARE ALL SICK OF BEING “HAVE NOTS”, WELL, MOST OF US ANYWAY. This may not be the reponse you were looking for not the forum to air my grievances, by the way I drive gm, will buy a volt and also own gm stock and gmac has my house financed!!!! While I’m on my soapbox, where’s the forum that gripes about $7 million a day that the us spends on the WAR???????????????? Don’t know where I heard that but…………Anyway, yes govt, help GM, Ford and Chrylser, and while you are at it, HELP US ALL TO HELP OURSELVES, THANX
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:13 pm)Ummm….
If nobody has made the realization yet, the Volt will NOT end our dependency on oil. It still has an ICE in it. It’s just going to help “Ween” us off the oil from the drug dealer OPEC.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:13 pm)I own 4 GM vehicles:
- 2008 Chevy HHR – over 30MPG
- 2000 Pontiac Grandam GT Ram Air – Sweet highway car. Not bad MPG
- 1999 Chevy S10 – 125,000 miles no problems.
- 1965 Pontiac GTO – Just for fun
I do agree however that the 80′s and 90′s GM’s sucked. They are much better now. They just need to concentrate on fuel efficient vehicles, especially the Volt if they get bailed out.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:15 pm)Please, if this new administration can do anything right let it be saving the Volt. Our country has fallen so far behind with the foregin competition taking over the race. I can’t imagine what our country would be like without our auto industry.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:16 pm)Let’s look forward, not continue to take steps backward. We’ve needed a U.S. Electric Car and other energy-efficient cars for some time. GM goofed in scrapping the original electric car, but they have come to their senses. PLEASE SAVE GMC !!
B. Ochoa
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:16 pm)Please save the Chevy Volt.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:18 pm)If you build it we will buy it.
Electric car is exactly what the futur needs
I’m a world citizen
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:19 pm)Volt desktop wallpaper…
http://garfwod.250free.com/Photos/volt%2009-26%20023.jpg
=D~
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:20 pm)RCR
don’t let the Chevrolet Volt be another EV1
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:22 pm)psc
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:22 pm)As much as I want the GM Volt, I do not support capitalist gains and socialist bailouts. Though I would prefer bailing out GM over the banks, it’s still not an endorsement.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:22 pm)They just need to concentrate on fuel efficient vehicles, especially the Volt if they get bailed out.
_______________________________
3.8 Million vehicles purchased in the US last year came from GM.
How much of the bailout money should be spent on Volt, especially considering what else needs to be delivered in the meantime?
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:25 pm)This is probably one of the best project to save the planet
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:25 pm)i am a united states citizen, and we need this car on the market,we need something that runs onelectricity instead of gas. we need to be independent and take care of us before we can take care of any other country thats how we got into this trouble,please help out our automakers so thry can in turn invent this product and put it out there for us to buy, i want this product as soon as it hits the market, thanks, delisa
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:26 pm)Comrades, thank you for bringing communism to the US, we have been trying for many years now but with your help it’s finally getting here
soon we will be coming for your guns, and then your clildren
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:30 pm)WTG PGM – I almost agree. Paying automakers to make crappy cars that I wont buy is stupid. Volt barely registers with me as acceptable because the battery bank is so small. Why with Lion batteries with insane amounts of energy density compared to Lead Acid batteries the Volt has the same range as the first generation EV1 – which used Lead Acid batteries before switching to NiMH batteries and doubling the range is beyond me. Go ask Tesla Motors – they are making do with off the shelf Lion batteries because they dont have the capital to manufacture custom Lion batteries on a scale large enough to make them cost effective and they still manage to get 200+ miles per charge
I propose that American auto companies be given the loans but on condition.
1. No golden parachutes for executives.
2. Money to be used for electric cars only – min range 100 miles per charge prior to generators or plug-in being required.
3. Automakers accepting the loans must agree to sell these vehicles in all states.
4. Automakers must produce electric vehicles within one year of the loan – for crying out loud bring back the EV1 and use Lion this time.
5. Automakers must account for all loans given and what the money is being used for.
6. Automakers must repay the loans once they are profitable – with interest (if 28% is good enough for my credit cards its good enough for them).
7. Automakers must agree on a standerdized battery system – same as they did for the lead acid battery.
Ask Lee Iacocca – I think hes the only CEO to ever actually payback a government “loan”.
In fact forget the big automakers and their mismanagement.
Better idea – loan a few billion to Tesla with the same conditions – that should finally get the “whitestar” idea out to the public in record time at a low cost.
Dont mind me – Im bitter – I have been waiting for my electric Rav since 1998 when I first heard about it and started asking dealers in New England about it – still waiting for that call. =-)
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:31 pm)#932 john1701a says:
3.8 Million vehicles purchased in the US last year came from GM.
How much of the bailout money should be spent on Volt, especially considering what else needs to be delivered in the meantime?
—————————————————————————-
Most of it. This is the technology that can change things. I drive 46 miles round trip commute. The ICE would kick in for 6 miles a day. That will save quite a bit of gas for me. If you can get milions of these built it will be huge.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:36 pm)If you build it we will buy it… Keep the Volt alive!
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:36 pm)Letters should be written to the legislative branch of the government through our representatives, not to the executive branch. We all have a voice in Washington, and it is not Mr. Bush (nor will it be Mr. Obama).
All GM needs to do is tell America how much they are paying their executives and higher ups. Anyone in Michigan been to Meadow Brook Hall?
GM executives run the company into the ground while living in their mansions and flying their personal jets and helicopters. If a bailout does happen, all executives should be fired and replaced. No point in rewarding these people with more money at my expense.
I say let companies that make bad decisions fail. I would rather the government bail out the suppliers after GM falls than bail out GM. That’s what the argument is, isn’t it? If GM fails, the suppliers would fail, and then it would have a chain reaction to the other two.
I don’t care what logo is slapped on the front grille, as long as an EREV is working.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:37 pm)It looks as if GM is going in the right direction finally. I intend on purchasing a Volt. I’m in agreement with this letter.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:42 pm)@E. Steeves
That sounds like the EV-1
They built it…it was bought (leased really)
Then it got crushed by the builder.
Doesn’t sound too promising anymore.
BU I STILL WANT ONE!
I’ll buy the Prototype if I have to!
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:44 pm)Aw man this doesn’t good….
http://www.kcra.com/news/17983325/detail.html
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:45 pm)It sounds very little like the EV-1.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:45 pm)The auto industry does not deserve or warrant any bailout. The management has been so inept and self-serving that we find the industry is in total disarray. All the money from a federal bailout will be wasted as the history of the auto industry will be repeated again and the auto industry will fail in the future. Bankruptcy and a new management team is the only way to save jobs for the auto workers.
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:47 pm)I whole-heartedly believe that the VOLT and vehicles like it are our future, but I think that unless GM begins managing themselves better and also offers the VOLT at a reasonable and affordable price, they should not be given a handout. There has to be a system of checks and balances. Otherwise, I will be paying for this bailout with my taxes and then be asked to hand over a bunch more money to buy this car. I really want to see this car come out, but maybe the current state of GM’s finances is of their own doing, and they should get themselves out of it.
ALEXANDER WILLIAMS
IOWA
Nov 14th, 2008 (6:49 pm)I agree with #939, it has to be controlled. If Govie gets involved, all executives and their salaries should be cut out, because they didn’t get the job done. No more golden parachutes for those who have created the problem. The money needs to be heavily monitored, not given in the form of a blank check. I obviously want to see the Volt come to fruition, but at what cost. It started at $20-25K, now $40K, isn’t the growing cost of production offsetting the annual cost of fuel, especially when compared to that of the Prius? Yes, the answer is yes. Yes, there is still the idea that a cleaner car is much better for the environment, but lets be realistic, it needs to be appropriately priced to compete with alternatives….hybrids.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:01 pm)Most comments for any GM-Volt.com post ever. Well done Lyle. Well done bloggers. It’s all good. How about 1000 comments???
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:07 pm)[...] Immediately after originally seeing the Volt concept in January 2007, Dennis launched GM-Volt.com. Ever since then he and his readers have been cheerleaders for GM’s extended-range EV. Dennis [...]
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:11 pm)This is my first comment on gm-volt, but I am a regular reader, and a vocal volt supporter.
I am in favor of government help for the US auto companies. We can’t let American business die because of foolish mistakes and unyielding adherence to an un-proven and probably wrong free market ideology. The government needs to lead and this is a great opportunity for them to do so.
Benjamin Ochoa
UH Law Center JD Candidate 2010
Houston, TX
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:14 pm)STOP PAYING FOR THOSE BANKERS BONUSES AND MANICURES! DO SOMETHING FOR THE AUTO INDUSTRY FAST!
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:14 pm)If the bailout is good enough for the predatory usury bankers, then the auto industry should be saved too.
How about giving a $3000 dollar a year tax credit for three years to anyone who buys a GM, Ford, or Chrysler product in the next three years? I could use a bailout too!
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:16 pm)Preston Tucker had a dream to build a futuristic car. Then the government closed his auto plant and immediately all his engineering advances dedicated to improving automobiles evaporated instantly. This revered ghost has come back with a vengeance and a warning to the government: “Do not let the America Auto Industry Die”!.
The VOLT is the beginning of a new era . Finally a car US citizens can rally behind and wave the ‘BUILT IN AMERICA’ flag. It would be sinful to let a century of venerable automotive heritage disappear because of a few maladroit, $#*&% corporate executives in the mortgage lending industry and a handful of ‘Blame the other guy’ congressmen.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:18 pm)Excellent article regarding EV’s and the possible support that could come from electric utilities to help the big 3 survive.
http://progressnet/portal/news/article.aspx?id=99776
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:19 pm)PLEASE SAVE THE VOLT. Maybe the top 3 automakers will have to somehow consolidate, but we need various types of electric and hybrid cars.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:20 pm)Obviously the US auto industry cannot be allowed to die. But all three require different solutions.
Ford is in the best shape and may need some money to continue.
GM is a cluster F*#@! of a mismanaged mess. The CEO has pulled down over 100 million while in control of GM. He makes over 14 million a year (This is more than the top 10 executives of Toyota combined….you tell me who has done a better job). He has also led GM to lose 10% of the US market share in his 8 years of control. Neither him nor the other executives and board of directors have taken a pay cut for their poor job performance (while all of the other white and blue collar workers have). These people have no integrity (0 big and fat NONE). They need to be complete replaced before any government aid.
Chrysler should not receive any aid until they are sold to a company that actually plans on continuing in the auto business. They are currently owned by Cerberus (the three headed dog from hell private equity firm….misspelled I’m sure). Cerberus is good for billions of dollars but has no intention of fixing Chrysler, only stripping them for a fast buck.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:21 pm)We fully intend to buy a Volt.
The only way the gov. should ‘bail-out’ any company is to demand, insist, legislate that:
1. NO CEOs is racking in more than $400,000 per year.
2. there are no bonus’ for the greedy CEOs.
3. there be a substantial TAX-CREDIT for buying an USA made vehicle…this will get people buying USA made, again!
4. all autos must have 40 MPG by 2010…this is NOT impossible.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:22 pm)My name is derek treonze, I am a young driver about to get my license, i was anxiously awaiting the gm volt as my car of choice as a means to save money on gasoline in case it ever reaches the heights that it did. My family also has large amounts invested in chevy’s stock. GM, much like Ford, and Microsoft is one of the great American companies that has been around for decades and is essential to the American economy. Unlike Ford, however, GM has wholeheartedly embraced alternative fuel technology as a way to bring American automobiles into the future. As far as I’m concerned, I would aid the company that is doing it’s best to make America energy indepenent and right now that’s GM. If this warning is not heeded America will lose one if it’s last great companies and America’s presence in the economic market will make one step closer to becoming a thing of the past.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:23 pm)No government bailout. If you think the management in the auto industry is bad just wait until the feds step in. GM should go chapter 11 and sell the Volt program to Tesla.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:25 pm)C.K.R.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:26 pm)Oh yes, please… let’s give the Auto industry millions so that they can pay their ‘golden parachutes’ just as the other buyout appears to be doing.
Look… we need to save the auto industry obviously. It would be a complete meltdown of our economy to not do that. However, there should be strict stipulations on how the money is to be used… and putting it into a car that GM is going to sell for 40K which I’m willing to bet that nearly every single person signing this petition can’t afford anyway… isn’t the right way.
Why is it that Toyota and Honda can make affordable – fuel efficient – automobiles and we here in America struggle so hard with this concept.
I was all for the Volt when it was first discussed.. and talked about as a 20-30K car.. which still even at my salary (which is in the 80K range) would have been difficult to reach… but approaching 40K or more… is ridiculous.
Every manager and person in charge at GM and Ford and Chrysler need to be fired right now. Replace them with people that really want to help and make a difference, cap their pay, cap their bonuses, make it to where the American people will recoup most of the taxes we’ll be paying for this buyout and then we should be for it.
To be for it just because you want a 40K car on the market is ridiculous. The same people are still in charge and there is nothing that says they will come through anyway.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:27 pm)Our government has supported the decline of American industry by increased taxes and allowing foreign imports from countries cutting taxes on their industries. It’s time they support us at the expense of other countries. Fair trade is equal trade, not one way.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:27 pm)I agree with the letter – GBS
Somewhere I hope the word “an affordable” car appears – Having a Volt at $30,000 plus with our without a rebate is not going to be the every-mans car.
I will still buy a GM product (always do) just so I keep the folks employed.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:27 pm)Let us not forget that for every one domestic auto job there are 10 spin-off jobs in this country-we’re talking 3 million American manufacturing jobs.We’ve already lost SEVEN MILLION manufacturing jobs in the last 8 years.
Let us not forget that this is NOT a bailout-it IS a loan.
Let us attach requirements with this loan.
GM,Ford,and Chrysler have contributed more to the United States in the last 50 years than the foreign “transplants” ever will.
Let’s go America,let your voice be heard! We’ve let far too many jobs leave this country-support your fellow American manufacturers,chances are,there’s a auto related employee living on your street!
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:28 pm)11/14/08 1901 hours EST
WASHINGTON – Struggling to keep alive a government bailout of the troubled auto industry, key supporters offered concessions Friday — including reducing its $25 billion size.
Alan Reuther, the United Auto Workers union’s legislative director, said one option under consideration was a smaller, more targeted amount of funding “that would get the companies through to March.” He said the union was “open to discussing various options like that. There’s a need for immediate action.”
=D~
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:28 pm)I support the chevy volt and the hydrogen car. GM and the U.A.W need to make compromises or a truck load of money won’t save the automobile industry. Foreign car manufacturers produce vehicles $1600 dollars cheaper per each vehicle. They don’t have to pay health insurance or high salaries. Nonunion car manufactuers are doing well in the southeastern part of the United States. Lets be sensible and stop the greed
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:28 pm)Save the Cheerleader Save the World.
Save GM Save the Country.
Save Chevrolet Save the VOLT!
and PLEASE buy American (Canada is ok too)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFY5w1rbOwk
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:29 pm)My wife can’t wait for the chevy volt to hopefully come out!!!!!!!!!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:31 pm)#966 Since they already saved the cheerleader, I guess GM is next.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:31 pm)AG
Have you saw gasoline drop from over $4.00 a gallon to less than $2.00 a gallon in a matter of weeks?
The government can’t print enough money to give the banks and the banks can’t raise interest rates high enough to try and vacuum up every last penny. All to keep prices artificially high because they rigged the market by allowing those without any cash to bid up the market.
Now the government and the oil evil want to kill the serious moves GM and others are making towards gasoline free transportation before they have a chance to come to market.
They want us dependent on oil and they want us dependent on centralized energy distribution because the want us dependent on them. We all know God likes to feel needed.
If GM and the other automakers don’t get the needed government loans to tide them in their transition over; I will take all my money out of the market and start contributing to Democrats. I will start volunteering to help Democratic campaigns and I will sure as hell never vote for a Republican again. You can bet the movement that got Obama elected will be joined by many others like me. Just elected this year? 6 years won’t be long enough to engineer your escape.
The genie is out of the bottle. Oil is on the way out. We will have our freedom.
You can take THAT to the bank.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:32 pm)WHY NOT TAX CREDITS FOR PURCHASING AN AMERICAN MADE VEHICLE instead of BAILING OUT THE GREEDY CEOs?!?
Since we don’t put tarifs or taxes on foreign made products…how about a TAX INCENTIVE for American made products…get manufacturing back on American soil!!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:34 pm)I am an United States citizen and I emphatically agree with this statement.
DEA
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:37 pm)I support the Volt and all other fuel efficient new and green technology cars, but……. we can’t keep bailing out the auto industry everytime the economy goes through bad times. Let GM go into Chapter 11 if need be. The Volt will still be built because it will be their only hope to survive. Many of the airlines have gone through Chapter 11 and emerged stronger company’s.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:38 pm)I am ready and able to purchase a Volt, maybe 2. Don’t let this opportunity to lead the world in green technology slip out of our country’s grasp. We are the innovators of the world, not the followers.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:40 pm)I want my Volt.
And sign this letter with my initials,
BMW
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:42 pm)@Dave K
Nothing against you or your comment…
But the Union really should have ZERO say into anything that happens. If the business makes money the Union Feeds on it. If they dont, the Union continues to leech off of it. Whatever is decided, the Union should live with whatever is accepted or go to hell.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:42 pm)You know what all these bonus checks the greedy bastards on Wall Street will be colllecting from this bailout,they should be required as part of their package to purchase one or two US autos
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:48 pm)The Volt represents the hope of a U.S. based green-alternative automobile, perhaps the pioneer for many such models that could revitalize the entire industry. I fully support its production and research, and it is my hope that all U.S. automakers have the opportunity to develop automobiles that put the U.S. at the forefront of technological advancement.
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:52 pm)We can’t let e-cars be killed once again. They are essential to our progression in the next decades and they are a logical first step.
AC
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:52 pm)I don’t agree with any bailout! GM had their chance with the ev1. If the government is to help these companies survive, then maybe they should invest in the R&D of alternative fuel vehicles, and give higher tax credits to those in need of these type of vehicles. Invest in the GM volt project, and nothing more….
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:53 pm)We have to stand up a make this Country strong again. Please help us do this by supporting the 3 big autoamkers!
Nov 14th, 2008 (7:55 pm)Arch #203
Should be required reading for Government considering a bailout of this industry.
I repeat the link; long way to go back for it!
http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/WEEKEND-READ-Saving-Detroit-LD6AN?OpenDocument&src=sph
Nearly 1000 posts, red button topic.
As part of the conditions I would recommend amending CAFE to 35mpg by 2015 and 45mpg by 2020.
E-REV’s are the way of the future, push now. Push hard.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:00 pm)I fully support the making of the Volt & have my name on the waiting list!
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:01 pm)Please COPY and FAX to your Congressman
Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX,
As you are aware of GM, Ford and Chrysler are experiencing a severe financial crisis caused by the spiking gas prices and the recession.
I support a 25-50 billion dollar low interest Government Loan to GM, Ford and Chrysler.
Another idea would be to add a $500 – $2000 TAX CREDIT for those that buy cars from GM, Ford and Chrysler for the next year to the new Economic Stimulus Package. This will help offset the amount of money required from government loans, encourage people to go out and buy cars and it will persuade those in the market to buy American cars not foreign ones.
As a loyal American I have always tried to buy American made products whenever possible, especially when their value is as good as or better than foreign products.
Could you please encourage more Americans to stop relying on the government and per our USA Stimulus Rules- Get MMAD!
Try to buy a product Made by an AMERICAN corporation.
Try to buy a product Made in AMERICA.
Try to buy a product Assembled in AMERICA
Try to buy a product Designed in AMERICA
For example the new Chevy Malibu is regarded as the best midsize car with better gas mileage then both Toyota and Honda yet some peoples perception is not the reality and they will not even consider or test drive a Malibu. http://www.chevrolet.com/2009malibu/
As previously stated above the more Americans that buy GM, Ford or Chrysler vehicles rather than Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen, etc the less money will be required for government loans with the added benefit of Americans getting a better car and a better value for their money.
This is a win-win situation.
Also if there is a new stimulus package can something like this be printed on the checks: “We encourage this money to be used on products made in the USA or services rendered by fellow Americans so that this will help our economy the most as intended”
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:03 pm)Lyle,
Awesome job on keeping this dialogue going. No doubt comments on both sides – and I don’t think any of us want to live in a socialist society. BUT, at this point, I don’t believe we have any viable alternatives to a government backed LOAN to the Domestic AutoMakers.
There is plenty of blame to go around, but that will have to wait. TIMING is critical as a govenment backed LOAN will provide liquidity and restore confidence in these companies. Nothing will resolve the automakers issues like sales, and the first step is restoring consumer confidence that has been shaken by talk of bankrupcy.
Thank you,
LK3
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:03 pm)You’ll use the tax payer’s money to pay for AIG’s top brass to have a $400,000 + “weekend get-away” but you won’t save or help the US autos. Your party was voted out of Wastington by most of the country and do think we don’t have ideas to make you “Bush” and all your budddy’s answer for how bad you and your party mess up the US of A. Can’t you do something right? Or are you going to just sit there the way you did when the twin towers in NY was hit. Oh I’m sorry It’s not an oil Co that needs help. Just Like your dad your a scum-bagg that works for the Mid. East and could care less about your “Fellow Americans”. To hell with you Bush!!! Do your dam job and help the US autos before we all have to drive or buy a car with out a “Made in USA” tag. Your as un-american as “Made in China” you trader.
I sign the letter above with “WCT”
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:10 pm)We will miss an enormous opportunity if the Volt is not built ASAP.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:10 pm)Please help America’s automakers become competitive. Ford, GM and Chrysler have spent the last several years updating their product lines and improving their business practices. They are all poised to bring a number of smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles to the market soon; GM in particular has a tremendous opportunity with the Volt in moving American drivers away from a petroleum-based transportation economy. However, these companies could easily lose all the progress they have made if they are allowed to fail.
Our country needs to fix our mode of transportation, and this will be much more difficult without the years of expertise held in trust by America’s automakers. While the world’s ecosystem is suffering, so is our country’s economy. Without the jobs created by manufacturing cars in America, we will be exporting our citizens’ dollars overseas in order to import automobiles at additional cost to the environment.
The government bailout of Chrysler in the 1970s-1980s provides a template for protecting taxpayers while using our money to provide emergency funding for a car manufacturer. Now is the right time to move America’s transportation system forward, and we need Ford, Chrysler and GM to be funded and operational in order to keep moving forward. Please help keep America’s automakers in business.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:12 pm)I fully support the Chevy Volt and alll of the alternative fuel vehicles. Keep them going in America!!!!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:12 pm)Bailout only if the union is voided.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:13 pm)Im for it!
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:14 pm)When the Saudis (Not what I really want to call them) build a ski resort in the middle of the FREAKING desert, is a wake up call that they are getting too much money for their stinking oil. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER NEW CAR UNLESS IS ELECTRIC, AND IT’S MADE IN AMERICA. WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!!! LET’S PUT THE OIL INDUSTRY BACK TO REALITY AND CUT THEIR GREED.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:15 pm)GM must focus on altenative fuels, cut wasteful spending, fruitless ventures and institute salary caps. I am waiting for my volt and support giving the big three bailouts with conditions that the moneys be well “oversighted.” I used to work for GM and went through the seventies and eighties and thought they would learn then…but no. At any rate, I was going places at GM then, and became disillusioned with the dog and pony shows and became a psychologist. I have never regreted it. I want my VOLT> and I won’t support foreign oil any longer. No matter how low gas gets, lets not go back the gluttony of oil guzzling.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:15 pm)I noticed that some on here would rather buy a foreign made car then buy a car made by a union in the U.S. All I got to say is I hope we can buy foreign made bullets, armor, tanks, helicopters, planes, trucks, ammunition if and when we need it to defend freedom. Japanese, China and South Korean factories are not the reason we won WWII. It was because of GM, FORD and CHRYSLER. Not buying American because your Anti-Union is basically being Un-American. In many cases American Cars and Trucks are equal if not better in quality than all others. Don’t believe me look at the reviews. They have really changed quality starting in the late 1990′s.
Go GM! Go Volt!
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:16 pm)mjh
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:17 pm)I Can’t wait to see The GM Volt out on the street saving our planet. The auto manufacturers have problems and need our help.What’s the matter George no friends working in the auto industry. The auto industry is the only industry we should be helping. The housing industry is in perils because of speculation. we need to help some of the families that are truly losing there homes. I dont see that happening. The stock market and it’s band of pirates masquerading as financial planners is nothing more than legalized gambling. Good riddens, Why help them skim all the fat off our retirement plans any more. Our retirement money should be in long term conservative in for the long haul investments only. Maybe retirement money should be backing the mortgage market and other lending which would be secure if someone didnt give a different band of pirates a map highlighting the treasure. The financial system in this country will never be right again until that is the case believe me I am right.This would keep day traders and pirates acting as financial planners away from my hard earned dollars. The auto industry has long been the back bone of this country why don’t you help take the load off there back . you need to take a good look at what should be our countries priorities for once instead of your own.
thanks
my apologies for any mis spelling, you get my point.
Gus
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:20 pm)985 William Turner
Dam is spelled damn
Trader is spelled traitor.
When calling people names and asking them if they can do anything right, you will sound more intelligent when you spell the important words correctly.
Now, as far as your point is concerned, Bush is a complete idiot and he will be gone January 20. I hope he is brought up on war charges for starting the war in Iraq.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:21 pm)We need this car and many like it to support a new automotive market. It’s time for this new technology to be the norm.
I welcome the change.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:22 pm)Look folks…. The Volt is a sell out of the original concept so I am not much interested in it anymore. The big American Three have been scuttled by unions and piss poor management. We might as well throw those billions into a hole in the ground and set it on fire. THe best thing that can happen to the Three are to file bankruptcy, shed the unions, and rebuild themselves as a leaner and more effecient industry. Take some cues from the Japanese Three. Their labor burden is about 60% of the American companies which is why they can sell the Prius for 21K and GM builds a Prius (Volt) that will be 40K. It is simple economics. You can’t be building cars today to pay for yesterdays workers. GM must shed the retirees, the union, and become more in tune to customer demand.
As for William Turner….. Get off the Bush bashing you dumb#@$. do your homework and you will see that the problems we are having right now are the result of the administration of the 1990′s. If you want a “Made in the USA” tag on your car buy a Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Huyndai…etc. GM, Ford, and Chrysler have been building cars in Mexico and Canada since the 80′s while the Japanese were localizing to the southeast. I have been working in the Auto business for 18 years and the Big Three have done this to themselves with the help of the unions. Bush had nothing to do with it.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:25 pm)998 says,
Bush had nothing to do with it
———
Perhaps, but he is still an idiot.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:25 pm)Number 1000 !
Congrats Lyle. You first 1000 comment thread. This is very important and there are a lot of differing points of view on this one. Good luck with your letter.
-Rashiid.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:26 pm)I wholeheartedly support the Volt. However, GM and the other American auto manufacturers are getting what they deserve for continuing to ignore the obvious need to cut fossil fuel consumption. Instead, all we got were gas guzzlers pushed upon us unless we opted to buy smart from the international community. Ignorance should not be bailed out.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:27 pm)As an American, we can not just stand by and not help the big three auto companies. If we lose this industry this country will surely go down the drain. It is our largest industry and we got to hold on to it. If we can not do this then we won’t be able to hold on the remaining industries. Sure the big three made mistakes but our government didn’t do much in preventing unfair trade practices. Now with the workers wages cut in half with much reduced benefits, and with all the great new products being readied for 2010, it is time for GM to get over this bad financial time and start making money once again. As a precondition for the government loan, the jobs bank has got to go.
Thanks Lyle for writing this letter. I back it up 100%
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:29 pm)JD. I agree with this letter.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:30 pm)This car MUST be built.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:31 pm)Gsned57 Says:
November 14th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
766 comments and none from Statik. My guess is he isn’t interested in commenting when it may be viewed as supporting a bailout according to the number of replies
**************************************************************
Probably because he is not American.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:33 pm)I agree. I am tired of using oll and am ready for an electric car. How about we support america for once instead of foreign aid? Michele
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:34 pm)The industry (and North America) needs this car and other “green” initiatives … give consumers what they want and they will buy it regardless of the economic climate (simple rule of supply and demand)!!!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:36 pm)DMP. Agree, but the bailout must be tied to conditions that US automakers, GM in particular, produce energy efficient, low-environmental impact vehicles such as the Volt. Subsidize the bailout, in part, by raising the tax on gasoline, thus incentivizing Americans to drive less often and, when they do, to choose more fuel efficient vehicles or car-sharing programs. For short trips, walk, ride your bike, or take the train or bus where they are available. We’ll all be healthier, breathe easier, and get out from under the thumb of repressive but oil-rich foreign governments.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:42 pm)Dear Lyle,
I think you and the rest of management should resign immediately for getting my company (stockholder) in such rotten condition. Did you see where gas prices went….and you bring out a new Hummer?? File for bankruptcy and let’s get some intelligent management running the place.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:42 pm)NZDavid @ 981
One problem with CAFE – it makes ZERO business sense in an environment of $2.50 gasoline. When gas hit $5/gallon last Spring, EVERY auto company began scrambling to cut production of trucks and increase production of cars. They all raised incentives to get consumers to buy trucks and lowered the incentives they had been offering on cars. The problem with Manufacturer supported incentives is that they all happen AFTER the vehicle has been built. Instead, our government can lay the groudwork for directing consumer demand BEFORE a vehicle is built. How?
CAFE is one of the reasons that GM, Ford, and Chrysler are in such dire straights. Our Government has some fault is the current state of the domestic auto industry and granting an urgently needed loan is just the first step.
I suggest SCRAPPING CAFE altogether. Yes, get rid of it. Next, replace it with tax incentives for consumers who elect to purchase fuel efficient vehicles. Phase them out over time understanding that a manufacturer will have higher development costs to bring new technology to market and thus may need to charge more for the technology at start of production (same as cell phone – Apple iPhone???) Here’s an example:
ELECTRIC POWER capable of going 40+ miles on electric only:
2009 through 2011 – $7,500 consumer tax credit for purchase
2012 through 2013 – $5,000 consumer tax credit for purchase
2014 through 2015 – $2,500 consumer tax credit for purchase
ELECTRIC POWER capable of going 60+ miles on electric only:
2009 through 2011 – $10,000 consumer tax credit for purchase
2012 through 2013 – $7,500 consumer tax credit for purchase
2014 through 2015 – $5,000 consumer tax credit for purchase
2016 through 2020 – $2,500 consumer tax credit for purchase
ELECTRIC POWER capable of going 100+ miles on electric only:
2009 through 2011 – $15,000 consumer tax credit for purchase
2012 through 2013 – $10,000 consumer tax credit for purchase
2014 through 2015 – $7,500 consumer tax credit for purchase
2016 through 2020 – $5,000 consumer tax credit for purchase
Now for Petroleum Powered Vehicles (ICE’s):
Government EPA Rating of 30+ Highway MPG with minimum of 85% Domestic Content (as measured on Marooney Label):
2008 through 2009 – $2,500 consumer tax credit
2010 through 2011 – $1,500 consumer tax credit
Government EPA Rating of 40+ Highway MPG with minimum of 85% Domestic Content (as measured on Marooney Label):
2008 through 2009 – $5,000 consumer tax credit
2010 through 2011 – $2,500 consumer tax credit
2012 through 2015 – $1,500 consumer tax credit
Government EPA Rating of 50+ Highway MPG with minimum of 85% Domestic Content (as measured on Marooney Label):
2008 through 2009 – $7,500 consumer tax credit
2010 through 2011 – $5,000 consumer tax credit
2012 through 2015 – $2,500 consumer tax credit
2016 through 2020 – $1,500 consumer tax credit
Also, as much as I dislike taxes, I have to say it is time for a FEDERAL GASOLINE TAX to set a floor for gasoline prices. We saw consumer behavior overreact to fuel economy when gas prices hit $5/gallon. Now look at the sales statistics with gas back at $2.50/gallon. GM’s lowest days supply of inventory is on full-size pickups and SUV’s. Their highest days supply is on small cars. Consumers have short-term memory – they are back buying trucks. Set-up a tax code that places a $3.50/gallon floor and taxes fuel at 10% over that. The money raised goes directly into our alternative fuel infrastructure – creating the network of distribution points for alt fuels, hydrogen, electric power, etc. – and to reduce the national debt.
Pass this legislation and you’ll see a WAVE of new fuel efficient product hit the market. The government has had it WRONG – you drive technology advancement by creating DEMAND.
All tax incentives MUST be based on production in North America – we need to protect our jobs – which in turns protects our tax base – which in turn protects our country. Everyone wins. Message to Washington: Just Do It.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:43 pm)I support some type of assistance – please consider the following:
1.) GM is not in the condtion that is in because of bad product or bad management. Fundamentally, it gets down to overall rules of capitalism and fair trade or a level playing field (or lack thereof). For instance – due to the nature of Japanese government and the Japanese financial model, Toyota CAN invest for 10 years in the Prius before they get one penny return on investment. GM, Ford, and Chrysler (operating in the USA/pure capitalistic model) can not even invest one or two years in a project w/o a return on investment. The shareholders/Wall St. demand short term ROI, hence the only way to survive is to build/sell as many Escalades as you can! When the market goes south for Escalades, look what then happens.
2.) GM builds world class cars (CTS, Corvette, Malibu, Silverado, etc.) – they are now doing their job!
3.) A strong domestic auto industry brings so much (economical) technology and goods (smaller LCD’s, etc.) to the rest of our industries and markets. This makes other industries and products innovative and cost effective, and spurs economic growth.
Please pass this on to anyone who can help influence this decision and thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Craig Packard
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:45 pm)@brad 993
“bullets, armor, tanks, helicopters, planes, trucks, ammunition”
bullets: Made by anyone really…
Armour: Made bu US Steel or other composite alloy manufacturers…
Tanks: Builder is now BAE…
Helicopters: Made by Boeing
Planes: by Locheed Martin, Boeing or Pratt & Whitney…
Trucks: Atruck is a truck is atruck. Wouldn’t be funny to kick Japans ass with their trucks?
Ammunition: See bullets….
So where in the phul is GM involved here? Get your facts straight moron. Quit living in the WWII age and catch up. You American company is already manufacturing outside the US. Why don’t you address that first idiot.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:47 pm)If GM, FORD and what’s left of Chrysler would build the right cars they would not need a bailout. The Government (your) money should only be used for building cars that are hybrid, electric or perform at 30 mpg or above. If they want to continue to biuld gas hogs let them do it without MY money!
Buying Toyota today
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:49 pm)The Chevy Volt must be saved. I support the bail out however, GM plans must be closely examined to ascertain that there is a real chance that they can be saved. If not, then there is no point to it.
Nov 14th, 2008 (8:56 pm)GM certainly deserves federal help, conditioned that they use the money to convert their fleet to alternative fuels and hybrids. The Chevy Volt is a huge step in the right direction for GM, and a big reason that I would support helping them at this time. I am anxious to acquire a Volt, and support a GM bailout so long as they are required to use the money to get the Volt and other alt fuel vehicles to market ASAP and in all 50 states. We need this new technology NOW.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:00 pm)@Linda Atkins
We needed this tech YESTERDAY!
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:01 pm)1010 Steve Thompson Says:
Dear Lyle,
I think you and the rest of management should resign immediately for getting my company (stockholder) in such rotten condition. Did you see where gas prices went….and you bring out a new Hummer?? File for bankruptcy and let’s get some intelligent management running the place.
===================
Steve, You don’t come here often, do you?
If you did, you would know that Lyle is not part of GM. He is a medical doctor promoting the Volt. He wants off of oil. He is not paid by GM to run this site and has no control over the development of the Volt. He is a good guy and does not deserve you attacking him. He is not part of GM management.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:04 pm)This is my prediction on this matter…
If GM cannot survive till January 20th they are dead. I highly doubt the Senate will pass a Bailout to GM especially after the Dems will have one less member when Obama resigns from the Senate before a new one is choosen. And even if it does there is a good chance Bush will Veto it.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:07 pm)volt. do it.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:08 pm)Mr Bush, Members of Congress .. I concur with the statements posted here. Please act with sound judgement.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:10 pm)This letter expresses my feelings on this matter also. MJ
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:12 pm)You know, has anyone here even considered the ramifications of an electric car? I think it would be great to not use a drop of petroleum, but where do you think the dollars to maintain the highway infrastructure would come from? with around $.40 per gallon of fuel going to road maintenance where will those dollars come from if we all drive electric? Increase income tax? Electricity tax? Automobile tax for life of vehicle? Gasoline tax is the one fair tax we have because those who drive support the system. Those who don’t drive are free from the system. Electric cars are also much more simple to build and maintain. Which means we need fewer mechanics, parts stores etc. There is a huge industry that is built around the ICE (internal combustion engine) that will crumble and will ripple into the economy. We don’t need to bail out the current auto industry, it is too broken. We need to fund NEW companies that can build the future vehicles without the crippling stipulations that are o the current ones. Contrary to what many here have written the Japanese do not have any unfair advantages in this. They pay the same price for steel, rubber, glass and leather. The one area they save inn is labor. Most of the Japanese companies have a labor burden of $50/hr compared to $75/hr for the American Three.
If all of you really want to bail someone out, bail me out. I pay my wife and children too much, I don’t manage well enough and I have too much debt and credit. I am all American and am even a veteren. Anyone willing to fund my bailout? Didn’t think so.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:12 pm)I will buy the VOLT and an extra battery. Do not make the
battery difficult to pop in and out. If you make that difficult,
then I’ll pass you by.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:13 pm)Please support GM and their extensive effort to produce the Volt. I am ready to buy…………I want red, please.
kws
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:16 pm)What a colossal waste of hard-earned money. GM has had so many chances to make good products and failed. We should save the World more anguish by just shutting down GM. Sell off its assets and let Americans go to work for self respecting corporations that want to fill the void with decent cars. Unions need not apply.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:17 pm)I can’t believe people are still comparing the Volt with the Aptera and Tesla. Tesla is a pure electric two seat sports car toy at least twice the cost and no range extension. OK,you can go Miles per charge but you can’t go 500 miles in one day. That and they’re already having delivery delays and reduction in work force. Aptera is a two seat three wheeled car not even in production yet and initially only available in So-CAL. I occasionally use my car for pick up and deliveries. While aptera might be a great commute to work deal, I’m not in So-CAL and the items I pick up and deliver are larger than pizzas and won’t fit in the thing.
Volt is big enough for passengers and cargo. For short grocery and commuter trips uses no gasoline. On longer trips it’s no more range limited than a regular car and if you never plug it in, it still gets about 50mpg.
I’ve no problem with loans to the domestic car companies they actually make products. Loans, not bailouts. Government did this for Chrysler back in the 70s or 80s and Chrysler paid the money back. The financial sector plays money games and creates exotic investments based on smoke and mirrors. So the taxpayer has to take over their bad investments? There’s got to be more pain felt be the heads of these corporations that lost billions. Bonuses? Why because the company is doing so well? How about what companies tell the worker bees in this situation? Sorry we don’t have any money for bonuses this year.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:18 pm)Please support American car makers! We have lost enough to overseas competition and oil barons!
The Volt will set us free!
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:21 pm)Woah! This is the longest list of posts I have ever seen here at GM-Volt dot com.
Personally, I voted yes, with conditions. Rick Wagoner is still an insufferable ass (see the interview a few articles back on this site), and should be put on a very short leash. I have little doubt the same arrogance permeates throughout GM’s executive’s, hence the need for government oversight during the bailout.
However, don’t forget that the same big 3 that produce cars in peacetime also produce tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other battle vehicles in wartime. Losing the big 3 would cause a huge hole in the US ability to go to war if necessary. They are necessary to our national security – something AIG simply cannot claim.
BTW, if you read these posts from #1 all the way to this one in one shot, you have waaaay too much time on your hands, buddy. Shave, take a bath, go out, and have a beer or two. The surgeon general says too much GM-Volt dot com can be bad for your health and worse for your social life.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:28 pm)save American cars
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:29 pm)CWPIII
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:36 pm)The Volt is the future of hope for the US economy and the environment. Don’t let it die now.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:36 pm)I agree with Lyle J. Dennis’s letter but only if the bailout money is used to manufacture the Chevy Volt and other ultra high efficient cars like it but the CEO’s must take a major salary cut and no bonuses for executives or employees!
If GM and the other 2 US Car Company CEO’s where more responsible they would have been selling EV1 electric cars and others like it in mass quantities and they would have been sitting pretty right now but instead they ignored the lessons they learned in the gas crisis of the mid 1970′s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:37 pm)I beg of you not to cancel this car! I am on the list t purchase one!
I can’t see paying the multibillionaire OIL CEO’s e mortgage for them! Thanks Steve.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:38 pm)Mr Bush, Members of Congress, Mr Obama .. I concur with the statements posted here. Please act with sound judgment. The US Auto industry is one of the backbones of American business. The Volt is the opportunity to bring GM back from the edge of extinction.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:38 pm)DK
I do support federal assistance, as long as it is in conjuction with restructuring of debt, labor, and management so that the corporation will have a reasonable expectation of long term success. The aid must also be contingent with a real commitment to expand production and develope new fuel efficient vehicles.
For a more literate and complete rationalization see http://www.slate.com/id/2204582/?gt1=38001
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:40 pm)Wake up and SMELL THE COFFEE. GM goes the way of so many others? Busch, Enron (different but….) We need American companies and continiued compitition. I BUY AMERICAN Every Time I can and I would love a Volt-except I would like a metalic blue one.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:41 pm)I agree with this letter.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:43 pm)This car is possible a world beater, certainly a worlds first and may change the balance of power away from the oil producers and the horrific pollution pumped into our atmosphere every day.
I am not an American citizen, but I want to see this car work and demonstrate its potential. Save this car!!!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:51 pm)jlt
The Volt should be saved: Good for U.S. auto industry, Good for fuel efficiency standards, Good for environmental reasons, Good for domestic job market..it’s worth the effort and investment to re-tool our GM plants for this sort of venture. There will be a good return on the investment but we need to support the concept and SOON.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:54 pm)The Volt and this technology is the only hope the United States has in keeping our leadership in inovation. We all want to rid ourselves of foreign oil and their hooks in our lives and the Volt is the first shot to be leveled at these non sympathetic foreign governments. Don’t let this die because of a short lived drop in oil prices we have to get off of this source of energy once and for all.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:56 pm)Let common sense prevail. Continue the Volt.
R.M.Y.
Nov 14th, 2008 (9:59 pm)1011 Leok
I like your scheme, but how realistic is it to get a universal gasoline tax introduced?
Personally, since we want off gasoline (1023 John S), how about a one cent per mile road tax for small vehicles. Two cent per mile road tax for medium sized vehicles, and three cents per mile for large vehicles. Motorbikes and BEV’s free. This would pay for the, ahem, loan. lol. After BEV’s make a serious inroad into the fleet they can pay the road tax as well. Simple.
Increasing CAFE is an ‘easy’ do and doesn’t involve taking money off voters.
Make the penalties for non compliance serious and it will happen.
The Grump, it took about 5-6 gos to read them all. OK Take your point will go shopping now hehe.
/must get life.
Regards
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:04 pm)Chevrolet has the best fuel saving platform that any company has promised to bring to production. If you are sincere about wanting fuel efficient cars, you will not let this program die.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:11 pm)As soon as I saw concept photos of the Chevy Volt I decided I will own one someday. Keep the Chevy Volt alive!
TWND
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:14 pm)Failure to save the US auto industry would probably lead to a depression. Not something anyone should want.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:14 pm)Get it done people. it’s not a bailout!!!!! It’s a loan!
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:14 pm)I agree with the statement by Lyle. I don’t like corporate welfare anymore than private welfare, but I don’t wee a way out without some help. A loan, not a grant. Secured by assets. First in line if there is c11 or c7. That way there is a zero loss. And please, Please, PLEASE will someone bitchslap the next auto exec that says we build big cars because Americans want big cars. Please! The Americans that want big cars are now what, less than half the car buying public. The big 2.8 (props to Statik), by saying that are literally saying, “We are not interested in the larger slice of the small car buying piece of pie, we want an ever bigger slice of the shrinking bigger car buying piece of the pie.” Change now or die. And death is at your door knocking…
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:15 pm)Though the Big Three brought much of this upon themselves by continuing to produce fuel inefficient vehicles and fighting government mpg mandates, they’re certainly not the only ones at fault, and they at least are making an effort to completely reinvent themselves. Failure of any of the Big Three would severely stricken the country, but having to rely exclusively on foreign automakers to supply our vehicles is one, huge nail in our coffin of “lost self-governance.” It will be one more too from foreign nations to leverage our decisions.
I, like the majority of Americans grit, my teeth with each company bailout. But this one has to happen. And why not go to the original “pushers” that got us hooked on gas guzzlers? Take part of the windfall in profits from the US petroleum industry and use it to bail out the US automakers. The petroleum industry still seems reticent to take on the drastic re-imagining the Big Three are embracing in reducing our dependency on oil – especially when their lobbyists keep running TV ads on “drill here, drill now.” That won’t save us as there’s only so much oil – period – and even less “easy to reach” oil and we won’t even see relief from new drilling until the mid 2010’s at best.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:17 pm)JEA
JLA
American citizens
Small town Ohio
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:21 pm)I am an American citizen, and an active duty military member. My job is safe no matter how bad the economy crumbles so my suggestion here cannot be viewed as self-serving. I believe the fastest way to get the economy fixed plus save Detroit is to get people spending money instead of hoarding it. DO NOT give money directly to GM (or AIG, Citibank, etc, etc…), but rather make a 10% down payment for any American who buys a made-in-the-US vehicle between now and this time next year. For those who don’t already know, this would include several Toyota and other foreign model names because they have factories in the USA. This plan would automatically multiply the bailout dollars by 10x because 90% of the money would come from people, not the government. It would also sell out every car dealer lot in America, thereby causing a huge ripple effect of economic recovery. Taxes would be collected, insurance would be bought, auto makers would be back to work, banks would be lending again, people who benefited from the first wave of income would start eating in restaurants and buying clothes, and the entire nation’s economy would start back on an upward climb!
The real beauty here is that GM, Chrysler, and Ford recover by doing business, not by getting welfare.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:30 pm)Here’s a fly in the possible bailout ointment… The EU is saying that if the US assists the American auto industry, it will be tantamount to unfair trade practices and they may be forced to impose new tariffs on exported American automobiles…in other words…start a trade war. That will certainly muddy the waters some for a potential bailout.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:31 pm)This has been a fun day. Problem is that most people do not know the history behind all of this. Try this!
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/09/priustoric—-g.html
GM is NOT new to this game. They just let it ride.
Take Care
Arch
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:34 pm)MBJ
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:38 pm)DG
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:41 pm)We agree. We have a Prius by default, but we plan to trade it on a Volt. Please keep the American car companies alive long enough to allow them to rehabilitate themselves.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:43 pm)I would love a condition on this bailout that specifies not another hummer will be produced. I saw a billboard today for the new hummer/truck and it made me sick to my stomach. However, I support the bill irrespective of continued hummer production.
-KJL, Ph.D.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:44 pm)Please support the Auto Industry at this pivotal time where the furture will be bright it you our government helps.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:46 pm)Please save the volt
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:49 pm)I’m a US citizen living abroad. Help the domestic auto industry save itself by encouraging people to buy the products made by GM, Ford, or Chrysler with gov’t financed rebates. Rebates will encourage people to buy domestic. This will keep companies solvent. Will keep people in the auto and other industries that make parts (& etc.) used by that auto industry employed.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:49 pm)JRG I am generally opposed to this kind of bailout, but the GM Volt is something special, in the same way that the Prius is special to Toyota. The entire country needs this kind of car. The bailout money should have conditions on it that require intensive development on the Volt AND the scrapping of all low-mileage models. If GM is going to take public money, then they must have the public interest in mind.
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:50 pm)We all know that GM, and Ford are where they are because they make terrible cars; however we need to save them not because of the investors or the owner’s of this big companies. We need to save them because they are true American icons and the fact that lots of people will loose their jobs.
Lets give GM and Ford a loan and lets save the VOLT
Thanks
Nov 14th, 2008 (10:55 pm)TLA
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:05 pm)The automakers should get the loan but with concessions from the unions.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:08 pm)Absolutely. GM made America a strong, middle-class centered nation. Let’s return the favor in time of need.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:09 pm)As an American Citizen, my name is Mark Frank and I support this message!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:11 pm)President Bush, President-Elect Obama, Members of Congress:
I am a U.S. citizen, taxpayer, consumer and concerned about the future of our planet and our life style. I gave up my Cadillac only two years ago and now drive a Civic Hybrid. I’ll consider purchasing a VOLT, but I am also considering purchasing a Phoenix all electric vehicle or a Scion Xbox electric conversion. President Bush you have seen these all electric and Hybrid Electric cars in person. You know they are available today. We need federal support to get them off the drawing board. Sen. Obama, we need federal support to make these vehicles available at under $25,000 so Joe Plumber can afford them.
I support the base proposition voiced here that the U.S. government assist the U.S. big three automakers by funding a loan support program dedicated to ensuring the U.S. manufacturer’s long term continuation of production. I echo the sentiment that the loan be based upon directives requiring senior executive salary freezes and prohibition of bonus and would add – until the loan is paid off. Any such loan should also require the immediate production release of all of the electric vehicles they already have developed and then parked. Vehicles like the EV1 and others that died due to lack of marketability. The loan should also provide federal development funding for the U.S. battery manufacturers providing power units for electric or hybrid electric vehicles.
I support an alternative highway transportation funding scheme based upon odometer readings from one year to the next. We already have to report those miles driven readings in order to claim business use and depreciation. Take it one step further and charge a road tax for high efficiency vehicles equivalent to one half the road tax on fossil fuels for the national average CAFE MPG. In that way each that use the roads pay in relationship to their use and when our citizens buy twice as many EV’s and other high efficiency vehicles such funding would replace the dwindling support funding now being experienced because the smart U.S. citizen is attempting to drive as efficiently as possible, whether that is in revised driving habits, or the use of more efficient vehicles.
Our country has the technological skills to put an all electric vehicle on the road now. There are a number of street corner mechanics doing it right here in Kansas. But unlike the local conversions, a marketable EV must be capable of carrying at least five passengers and baggage non-stop at 70 mph for 200 miles and be rechargeable within two to three hours on a standard 110 volt 15 amp outlet.
I support a consumer tax credit given to those who purchase electric or hybrid electric vehicles incrementally increased with the efficiency of the vehicle but not to be paid out by the government, but to be held by the IRS for the citizen to use against the aforementioned odometer or mileage tax. That tax credit should be allowable for the same length of time as the auto maker’s loan term at a minimum.
In reality heavy hauling will need to continue using petroleum for some years yet although Europe and England already have all electric delivery trucks on the road today. And we will not be able to get some people out of their gas guzzlers. But by continuing the taxes on fossil fuels those who still consume that fuel will continue to pay road tax support into the National Highway system.
Your immediate action is even more necessary for the big three than it was for the mortgage loan industry.
Your service to our country is deeply appreciated.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:12 pm)A few simple facts for those posting as if stuck in the 1970s
- GM has absolved itself of all Healthcare responsibilities. The union now holds the bill.
- GM has unbridled from prior wages. The new tier system has all new employees under wages less than non-union shops.
- GM is building the Volt which if successful will become the starting point to forego exporting nearly 700 billion dollars a year to Oil barons. As a 20 year Air Force veteran, I’m hopeful for that point alone.
Absolutely help GM. GM and the UAW are responsible for generating over 750,000,000,000.00 in tax revenue to our government and over $2,000,000,000,000.00 in auto sales during her time.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:12 pm)Save the company, give them the money with requirements they PRODUCE hybrid and electric cars, can’t lobby the CAFE or safety standards, and change the corporate culture to build cars in the best interest of the country.
Who killed the electric car? 10 years later we are promised 1,000 Volts a year. Production has to be realistic, GM.
LCE
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:13 pm)F. W.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:16 pm)LOAN only and they must use it for EV development. The UAW must take a big back seat. Volt should be NG and electric, not gas and electric. I am 38someK on the waiting list and hope that the Volt will be produced. Took a look at the Aptera, who are you kidding it’s a nice car, but how do you throw 3 kids, groceries, golf clubs, snow board…………No, the Volt type of trans vehicle is the way to go. We have a great wind farm here in Wisconsin and I hope that T. Boone can muster up some coin to start building. We had NG vehicles back in the 60′s because I remember working on them in our Chevy dealership in Horicon, WI We should do that now with home outlets for refilling. Thanks Lyle.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:22 pm)The Volt and what it represents should be what America does for the whole of the auto industry so we can truely be energy independent. Now is the time to place a line in the sand and stand firm, for America!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:26 pm)Those of you arguing that GM should receive tax payer money having the Volt in mind are setting yourselves to a hard wakening.
A car being sold for more than $35K will not do much good for the US. Wake up guys.
Even if GM receives such $25 or $50 bil., we have less than 50% chances that money could help them thrive. I do not believe that it will.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:29 pm)To Jake Blazsek:
Jake, you do not buy a foreign vehicle. May others think like you. That is one reason that GM and other US auto-makers have failed miserably. It is called competition. US cars are inferior and that is a reality. I drive a nice German car simply because it is better than the American ones. It is hard to hear that, but that is reality.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:34 pm)I support The auto industry Bailout but with 1 Major condition. The Chevy Volt or a similar automobile produced By us automakers Must Be Priced Under $20 K.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:36 pm)MAH
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:40 pm)Do not let the Chevy Volt die. If it were in production 2 years ago, GM would be soaring, not sinking. Expedite development & production and let’s REALLY develop energy independence.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:40 pm)LB
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:41 pm)Please picture the internal combustion engine, the hundreds of parts splashing in oil and exploding gasoline at thousands of RPM’s.
A wonderful product for a hundred years. But now we must move on. Now picture an electric motor with its low end torque requiring virtually no transmission, not even for reverse. And best of all no gasoline for the most of the average driver’s day. As battery technology grows the distance between charging times will become greater and greater. Even if we have oil coming out of our yards, electric motors for propulsion of our vehichles make much better sense from many many different points of view. America should lead the world with this technology.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:43 pm)From what I read, GM needs at least $12 billion to shut down selected factories. It sounds like in orde to make a difference, it would need to be $50 billion in help.
I am willing to bet money on this:
Unless somehow the government subisidises the Volt, what is unlikely, in this current economic crisis, how many people can be paying $450/month on car (assuming sold at $36K after taxes).
Guys, if you want to see another electric car, you do not need to wait for the Volt. Wait to see the Tesla, which is way nicer. What Tesla and the VOlt have in common? Either cannot be accessible by the majority of Americans.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:43 pm)The Volt will definitely be my next car, and I firmly believe that if enough are produced, they will make a tremendous impact on energy costs as well as the quality of our air.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:47 pm)As much as I don’t like my taxes going up, we need to loan these companies the money to get thier act together and get these cars of the future built. No bonuses, no fancy spa crap. Go to work, get it done, just like I and millions of other Americans do every day. I have satisfaction in getting my job done well. I couldn’t sleep at night knowing that I was doing a shitty job, then taking a bonus. Its time for the domestic manufacters to get lean and mean, no bull*hit this time.
This is serious this time. If we lose any one of these companies, what is left? More realistic figure that most people don’t buy is the 15 to 20 million people globally that would actually lose thier job if these companies go out fo existence. Factories, executives, suppliers, the local Walmart, you can go all the way down the line, its bad, bad. Even Toyota, Honda, and Hundai would be hurt(sounds wierd) because they buy thier parts from factories here, and overseas, that were forced to close because of slowdowns. Save them, we can’t afford not to!!!! I am a proud American citizen!!!
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:53 pm)Guys, assuming the money is lend to GM – that is the easy part. Then assuming that GM management reduces salary of executives drastically, dismisses Mr. Wagoner then starting selling the Volt mid 2010. How long is going to take for GM to profit from the Volt or similar cars? Honestly, that is a great car I want to buy one, too. However, sales will be slow for a new technology sold at > $35K. I would say that at that pace, it would take at least four years for GM to see profits from the Volt.
I think we should bailout the Big 3 with $100 bil. instead.
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:55 pm)Give me a break. We need to do this …save GM, Ford, Chrysler..We are looking at Millions of Jobs, Billions of $ to be spent on the economy and This is SO VERY important..We spend billions on foreigners and pork lets keep some jobs here! D
Nov 14th, 2008 (11:58 pm)Funds used only to redirect Gm into future electric and “green” projects. Let’s help them make america the “Green” car leader it can be. Keep the VOLT alive we are waiting…. Speed it up even..
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:03 am)Laura, comments appreciated. Nonetheless, a major, pacesetter rather than a niche player is more likely to break the staggering oil addiction in this country. This country is exporting $700,000,000,000.00 dollars a year to Oil Barons, and as part of my career in service to this nation, I helped protect the Oil Highways for them. I proudly served with wonderful men and women – yet for a wastedful 20 year mission. Study 9/11 – all fingers point to our exported dollars flowing there through oil financing terrorism that spreads everyday.
Offensive to no one I hope, but this bailout, unlike the bank bailout to Paulsen’s Goldman Sachs clan, is a no brainer. GM builds here, pays taxes here, generates decent, although low nowaday, salaries for Americans. The rest of the world doesn’t hesitate to set up their market to take our jobs. Don’t let this one slip by. Bring the Volt home.
GM is a pacesetter even today for the other companies. Look at the Toyota Tundra – where did that idea come from. Look at nary all the foreign cars, made in socialist, high-wage countries in many cases, and the one defining definition I find is how their government’s support their industries – especially Japan, South Korea, Britain, Germany, France, and up and coming China (now the biggest buyer of the Buick brand). All insist on manufacturing there – except AMERICA of course. We’ll sign every garbage free trade deal under the sign in the name of “Free” markets (yet the fine print shows how we’ve been screwed.
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:04 am)In the old good days, America used to manufacture 45% of the world’s products. Now, it is only 10%.
Why can’t we keep jobs here anymore?
There is just one reason:salaries are much higher here than in many and many foreign countries. It is a reality. How can we change that?
Option 1) Increase salaries overseas and make them level off with the American salary. Is that possible? Unlikely, since employers learned that outsourcing returns investment when labor is spread in many nations, thus spreading the concentration of demand for each country.
Option 2) Decrease salaries in America. I am sorry to tell you that the market is correcting itself now. I am concerned that my six figure income may suffer, but that is a realtiy.
I think that if you want to see manufacturing jobs returning to the old and good America, we will have likely combination of the two factors above.
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:12 am)I am a born US citizen, and I have read the letter and agree that we need to drive 95% or better electric vehicles. I will spend up to $46K for the Chevrolet Volt with a 10 year warranty like the Toyota Prius. Please stick with the R&D for this vehicle.
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:13 am)Thanks for the kind remarks, jbfalaska.
Not being sarcastic, but Toyota lauched Tundra trying to imitate GM F-250;that was a bad idea though, give that Toyota also took a hit on sales for trucks!
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:18 am)I wish GM Ford and Chrysler well.
They all have been working very hard to produce good quality products and its showing.
I greatly support the Bailout and the US government absolutely should help them and less money should be spent in Iraq and banks. Without industry we have no way to keep our way of living as high as it is.
GM has made this country what it is today.
I am an American business owner and we all need to support American industry.
http://www.eisemann-theater.com
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:19 am)I am a US permanent resident (I hope that you could change requirements to support you to US permanent residents as well!).
I support the bailout with the following conditions:
1. GM or government must offer the Volt at less than $20K.
2. GM CEO must go. Employees and CEO cannot make more than $100k/year,
3. End of special interests and Unions.
I am afraid that option 1) above could bring GM to brankuptcy by itself, but heck, I am PRO AMERICAN! This is America. Let’s try, and blow it up in the process if necessary like we many times we do!
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:20 am)My wife and I both fully support the Volt plug-in electric car. Please take whatever actions are necessary to see that this car becomes a reality. Ecology, economics, national security, et cetera – too many things are at risk to not help the American automobile industry.
American cars are getting better too! We drive a six year old Buick Regal, never had a bit of trouble, however, we’re waiting for a Volt.
Thank you,
M/M D.M. Johnson
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:26 am)I have a plan!!!!!
All of you who want to bail out GM run out TOMORROW and buy the most expensive car from them that you can possibly afford. Finance it through GMAC and they will not need a bail out. Buy a Corvette, buy a Hummer, buy a Caddy! If GM sold a half million cars in the next month they would be out of trouble for a few years.
WANT TO SAVE GM, GO BUY A CAR!
Don’t expect the rest of us to pony up to save a company that we don’t want to. I would rather give the money to an American entrepeneur to start a new car company from scratch. Invest that money in battery technology, fuel cell technology, and other technologies that are a better return on investment.
Laura, you really don’t know much about cars do you. I can see that you have bought into the “German Excellence” propaganda that has overtaken the yuppies and wannabees. Take this from an automotive engineer, total cost of ownership for European cars is 35-60% greater than comparable American and Japanese cars.
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:30 am)Hi folks from the US. I am personally suffering from the economy woes. I wish the American automakers in the US recover from this bad event. I am not a US citizen.
I do think that it is fair that your country grant special funds to American companies only. That is unfair competition you know. I want to see whether Honda, Toyota and other more competent manufacturers will take that to the international body to examine whether that the US government should be allowed to go ahead with such behavior. I think that if loans are available, that should also be made to all automakers in the US regardless country of origin. For less than that, Bombardier, Boeing vs. Airbus, etc started nasty international trade battles along with the world trade international authorities. Just a heads up that this looks smelly.
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:34 am)The S&P futures are down for the Monday open (-46). The reason being, $100 billion is being pulled from our 401k mutual funds a month.
Here’s the good news. This market downturn doesn’t need to happen. A “sky is falling” mind set is the cause of it.
The foolish people who bought $600,000 homes with no way to make a $4000 payment, eat, and drive to work, got what they deserve. And they are now blaming the lenders. It’s unbelievable what people will sign on to.
The rest of us need to look at the lower gas pump prices, and all the good things we have, and move forward. I personally am not in pain. My market investment is down about 20k. So what? It will be back in time.
The $100 billion a month that the public has pulled from the 401k funds hasn’t evaporated.
Few people are spending much this quarter. The money is still here in CD’s and bonds. And 1/2 of it will eventually return to the market.
________________________________
Lyle (“just a regular guy”) is doing a good job here at gm-volt. My guess is that he dedicates 12-15 hours a day toward this effort.
I’m in favor of Lyle placing a PayPal site maintenance donation button at the top right of this page. If Lyle picks up $10,000 or $20,000 from it, then good for him.
PayPal donation is very common. I donate $10 to another site (monthly) for computer time cost. And the updating of equipment (server cost).
=D~
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:35 am)We don’t “NEED” to do this. Get off the trough. If your company can’t compete honestly in the market then the solution is NOT to take MY money. Reap what you’ve sewn like grown-ups, stop whining to us taxpayers that we “need” you. We don’t.
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:37 am)Actually – this is pretty silly.
Seems like most people want to “loan” billions of dollars to the auto companies who have been pumping out crappy products and all of which made the choice to kill the electric car (you have seen the movie by now…right?) Just so they can buy a car that has the same range as a first gen EV-1 which was released 10+ years ago with a bult-in ICE range extender for more money than is practical in this economy.
These guys should stop thinking luxury E-cars and start thinking more along the lines of a VW bug – maybe a slightly bigger smart car or something….keep it under $19K and plan on a minimum of 100K units year 1 – they have been burning money for the last year anyways….if the ramp up costs are high and they gotta take a 5K loss on each car then they gotta bite the bullet and just do it to get their inventory and manufacturing moving. They will make up for it in the next few years when the cost of production comes down (assuming they design a basic design and stick to it to keep re-tooling down to a minimum)
Actually – what am I even thinking?!?!?
THEY killed the electric car in the first place – and it was a GOOD one not a glorified golf cart. They brought this on themselves so they should stop their whining – if they go down in flames then so be it – they traded tomorrows solution for todays quick buck (back in 2000) so they should go bankrupt and deal with it. The only tragedy there would be whats left of the american jobs going down with it – but hey you know they would just continue moving more of those overseas until there are none left in the country anyways…..
I felt the same way about the bank bailout and look how well thats been workin for us….
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:39 am)GO VOLT! YES WE CAN!
I have to say that the commenters here who say that auto workers make too much money make me physically ill. My uncle who worked at Ford for 35 years did not “make too much money”. He lost his hearing and one lung due to the working conditions. Have YOU ever worked for one day on a factory floor? I’ll forgive you, for you know not what you say. “Cut the unions loose”???? – so your sons and daughters can work in toxic workplaces, make pathetic wages and die young for the sake of a “Dear Leader” like they do in communist countries? I don’t think so. You have as much vision as the “tax and spend” idiots we just threw out of office. Have you no national pride? Take your anti-middle-class-American attitude and your support for hedge fund managers with their $1 billion earnings and execs who score $200 million “golden parachutes” and get on a plane to Beijing. Leave America to the patriots, workers, and inventors who built the country. I know one of the guys working on the Volt right now. He is the hope of America. You are the dead weight! We need to reward American inventiveness, LOAN (not “bail”) the money and get paid back, and have our new Harvard-educated President (who had way better than a “C” average) supply some guidance to our auto companies on behalf of us – the citizen lenders. The commenter who mentioned that the Pentagon gets “too much money” is correct. We throw away $10 billion per month on bribing terrorists and dismembering our kids in Iraq but we can’t loan $25 billion to our country’s largest and most prestigious industry? – WHAT??? – We have made far worse financial investments. We paid the “gestapo” mercenaries Blackwater Security $200 billion in Iraq and what did they do for us? They lost 190,000 weapons and used incompetent tactics that got our kids shot. Wall Street, war, 28 years of Reagan-maniac deregulation and nothing “trickling down” have brought us to this point. If you don’t want to support America’s revival, marinate yourself in fear and watch Fox News on your one-way flight to China. Buh-bye! SUPPORT GM AND THE VOLT! IF BUSH CAAAAAN’T, BARACK SURE CAN! YES WE CAN! USA!
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:41 am)John, man, I do understand LOTS ABOUT CARS. Read my proof:That is so true that I drive a red, beautiful Audi Turbo Quattro, manual 6 speed. At night, the cabin looks like a jet
Yes, it may cost more, but do you have anything like that made by our American makers? Give me one and I can buy one today since it is time to get a new one. By the way, I am just waiting to see the VW Polo coming at $15K so I can buy one for my commuting needs. If they bring the diesel version of the Polo, that thing delivers 70mgp TDI.
I would like to clarify two things before going to bed tonight:
1. I am the number one interested in oil indepedence. I think the Volt is a good start. So it is the Tesla. The ThinkCity that people are saying are going to be imported in 2010 and it cost less than $20K. The problem I have is that I think that the rationale of lending billions of dollars to GM mainly because of the Volt is seriously flawed. It is flawed because if the Volt does not return profit to GM within three years or so, the company simply goes down with or without the Volt. If the car is not developed at viable cost, the failure remains. That’s all.
2. I totally agree with your argument. Those people so interested in saving GM and sacrifice my tax payer money, go tomorrow to a dealer and buy the best GM vehicle you can. Go ahead with your patriotism but please do not burn my money.
Now, serious
John S. Says:
Laura, you really don’t know much about cars do you. I
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:43 am)I leased a Ford Truck 5 years ago and explained to the dealer that I would not renew after 2 years if Ford didn’t have a common rail diesel option. Wow, what a concept. A mid sized pickup with an efficient 30MPG power plant. Still today, 5 years later I can’t purchase the mid sized pickup I want from any of the US manufacturers. Yes, I know maybe next year. Now these same manufacturers that will not listen to the customer need money from our Government to retool and create fuel efficient vehicles. Somehow this just doesn’t make sense.
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:44 am)Hi, please give the money only to the Volt project not GM, we don’t need the gas cars.
Thank you
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:52 am)The Volt must live!
JMS
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:03 am)It would be perfect to keep the Volt plant only and shut down the rest.
Answer this now:
Who in this forum believes that can happen? I do not think GM would accept that, because obviously they want to survive as a company.
Why don’t we send a letter to the government supporting that idea only since that is what this noble forum is about? I will support and sign that too. Let me know.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:07 am)hi John S. #1093
“WANT TO SAVE GM, GO BUY A CAR!”
__________________________________
Very few of us here need a car RIGHT NOW.
A byproduct of our economic downturn will be lower prices. I expect ridiculously low prices on goods and services. This is how supply and demand works. And is why the government should really stay out of the way of it.
2009 is going to be an interesting year. We’re starting at rock bottom in many areas. I view this as opportunity and potential.
2010 will be a great year. The Arab Oil War will be behind us. And Volt sales will begin(?).
I have worked along side Arabs here in Southern California. The largest Iranian settlement outside of Iran is in Southern California. They are just like you and I. They have kids and the day-to-day costs of life. They play tennis and they run to sandwich shops for lunch break. And they have hope that tomorrow will be better than yesterday.
BTW: The largest Chinese settlement outside of China is in Northern California.
=D~
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:09 am)No bailout! GM can survive on its own. The Volt is a great project, but do we really need to hand out money to the automakers? I think just about all the GM cars are overpriced right now. Why should the taxpayer help a company that has overcharged the US consumer for years? I want to buy a Volt and am on the waiting list but the $40K price being floated around by GM people makes me sick. The Volt will become just another overpriced GM car at $40K each. Thanks, but no thanks.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:12 am)Dave K.
” I expect ridiculously low prices on goods and services”
===============
True. The bad news is with that, it comes potential salary decrease and higher unemployment, too. Unless you are rich or retired, chances are you won’t be laughing that much when goods price fall.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:16 am)hi Laura #1106,
“… chances are you won’t be laughing that much when goods price fall.”
_______________________________
It’s not a joke, it’s reality. As I have mentioned in two prior posts. I lost my oil related job 5 years ago. I found a new job at 55% of my former salary. I work hard and work OT nearly each week. I was called in for emergency OT yesterday to deal with the fire here in Santa Barbara. This was my 13th work shift in a row. Tonight is my one night off, then back to the salt mines.
I have made 3 trips to the gym this week on top of the long work hours. This is what it is going to take to survive this economic downturn.
=D~
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:20 am)Laura -
Before you go to bed, grab a copy of Consumers Reports and add two things to your extensive car “knowledge”:
1. Your “piece – of – #&*!” Audi has a repair record rivaling only that of the Chevy Astro. It sucks. What are you doin’ spending your hard-earned, coveted dollars on a pathetic depreciating asset like that?
2. Read up on the more satisfying and reliably engineered Cadillac CTS and Lincoln MKZ. As they say, when you turn these cars on , they might return the favor …. and give a return on your almighty tax dollar.
I never have been so happy than to give up my rattle-trap Honda-made vehicle for a solid GM-made luxury car. But driving these cars Laura, you and I don’t really care about our oil independence do we? Come on, we are just all wrapped up in our Narcissistic Personality Disorder aren’t we? Ni-Night!
Sweet Crude Dreams -JT
ps. I know it’s you Laura … Laura Ingraham, right? I’m hot for your show.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:23 am)It is not a joke. The marketing is trying to adjust itself, decreasing salaries (especially those inflated, ridiculuous million dollar CEO packages). The problem is that people are trying to keep the illusion and the dream alive. What happens if the Volt initiative is successful? After two years without bringing profit, do you think Nissan, Toyota and Honda are going to be watching that? They would launch a very similar version but using their other competencies when building car. Again, a non profitable GM would be fighting for its life – but at that time with billions of dollars already burned by the tax payer. Ahhg.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:28 am)Oh, JT, Bad boy
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:29 am)JT, I did read the consumer reports by the way before buying the A4. It is true that the 2004 or older resulted in many repairs given issues with engine and transmission problems. Then reports for the 2005 and newer are considerably more positive.
It is true that so far I have had some problems, but the manufacturing warranty is great, and it covers all costs, including regular oil maintenance.
The car gives me 33mpg on the highway. So it tells right there I do care with fuel consumption – but I like to have fun while driving and comfort too. Plus, it snows a lot where I live and the car suspension is something that Ford and GM have never mastered in a fun car. The car size is ideal.and it looks modern, sleak, youth. I do not like big, bulky cars.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:32 am)Green jobs are the future and the volt is the beginning of the revolution towards energy independence. These bailouts stink. I think most of us agree. That being said, I think there’s too much at stake with this product. This is the real beginning of energy independence (it’s a decent size step in the right direction).
It’s now or never folks. We won’t get another chance at being the leaders on this technology. Toyota and Honda can’t be too far behind.
KL
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:36 am)@Jerry 1098
“Have YOU ever worked for one day on a factory floor?”
Yes, 10 years to be precise. See my previous post dumbas$. (http://gm-volt.com/2008/11/13/poll-should-the-us-government-give-emergency-loans-to-gm/)
The great GM…
To all those who keep pan handling the “Buy American” or be patriotic for the auto industry that is an icon of the American people. You are complete blithering idiots. Let’s debuff your great GM and it’s patriotism to YOU/US, the American people. Hit the links below…
GM Hybrid in China
http://www.manufacturing.net/News-GM-China-Hybrid.aspx?menuid=272
GM Ships jobs out of us
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/employment/2004-03-23-gm-outsource_x.htm
GM Plant in India
http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1525&Itemid=2
GM Opens Plant in Russia
http://www.manufacturing.net/News-General-Motors-Opens-First-Russian-Plant.aspx?menuid=248
A couple may be old but the point is this, your “Great American icon of your peoplehood” has deserted you and gave you a big fat black eye. Just like an uneducated battered wife you continue to support the negative aspect of your existance and ask others to do the same, then ask “may I have another” by suggesting the rest of the American people as well as their children who will inherit this, to bail your assailant (GM) out.
I can go into my Ford Explorer right now (Yes I did buy American) and take snapshots of any given part to prove it’s origin is NOT AMerican. All US Auto manufacturers only need to meet an X% to claim this. It is not possible to make claim of a 100% “American made” auto. Quit your bitching about those who did not buy American
The Union…
The Union had it’s good points in the area of safety. Most have been ironed out 15 years ago. Safety is now priority one even in non Union plants. My gripe is not that someone got paid more than the other. It’s the pay per performance. See my previous post in the other thread (http://gm-volt.com/2008/11/13/poll-should-the-us-government-give-emergency-loans-to-gm/). The links provided are perfect examples on how the Union made it more “Viable” to manufacture out of the US. It was for cheaper labor. That’s right, it was easier to train non english speaking humans to do the exact thing an American employee does for a fraction of the cost. That’s your Union at work. So thank the Union for BLOATED paycheck because now there will soon be no Union. Self destruction. Just like a prasite that leaches on the host, it will eventually suck it to death.
So for all you number counters out ther, lets do the math. GM Get the $25Billion LOAN. Yes I agrre it’s a loan at this point. Now EVERYBODY knows the Volt will not generate income/revenue for at least 4 years. By then GM will be dead. Now, knowing that this LOAN does not need to have the first payment till the end of 5 years, how much money will they pay US back? How can it be possible to pay anything back with negative cash flow by design? That’s right, it’s all gone. And you want to bnail out this abusive husband of yours (GM) who beat the sh1t out you.
Obama….
He won’t be able to fix sh1t. Bad enough he can’t pass federal security or CIA background checks. His primary campaign contributers (ok biggest) was the UAW. Talk about special interest. But suere, yeah, lets help the leaches that sucked “Great American Icon” to death. That makes a lot of sense. I voted for the other guy but I wish Obama a big good luck.
Tesla…
This a specialty car. Not for the mainstream public or “Joe the plumber”. He’d have to mortgage his home to be able to afford half that car. Or maybe not because he may be “Upsidedown” on his mortgage because of the housing crissis. I’m getting tired of hearing Tesla here. Nobody can afford one in this forum.
You fuk1n “Bail out GM” morons make no GOD DAMN sense. You have the facts, Get a clue!
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:48 am)hi Laura #1109,
Thanks for your views.
I am surprised the Japanese manufactures are dragging an anchor on the EREV formula. One has even announced, “It won’t work”. GM should be jumping for joy.
http://garfwod.250free.com/Photos/volt_black.jpg
Yes we can?
=D~
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:49 am)I am a firm believer in future energy independance. I worked in the energy field 35 years and support of projects for change are greatly needed to sustaiin our way of life and prosperity
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:51 am)I agree with Lyle and am a strong supporter of alternative energy vehicles which is the first step that American consumers can make to move away from our dependence on foreign oil. If America is truly going to lead the world in new technology for automobiles, we need a vehicle like the Chevy Volt to lead the way. The three main American automanufacturers need to make these type of vehicles to survive, it is in our national interest to make these companies viable and ready to manufacturer the cars of tommorrow with electric, hydrogen or CNG as the main driving force. In support of Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, we need a bold, aggressive, forward thinking program like FDR’s “New Deal” that will inject the necessary support for these foundations of our nation.
Let these manufacturers be the cornerstone of our nation’s new multi-prong attack on our economic crisis. Americans are craving to support Americans, allow us to buy vehicles made here powered by energy made here. Put Americans back to work in the heartland of our great nation. We will all need to pull together with your leadership in Washington D.C. to move forward in this journey to true American independence.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:52 am)Green jobs are the future and the volt is the beginning of the revolution towards energy independence.
_________________________________
Beginning? So… none of the existing hybrids or even EV1 had any influence? Reality is that GM didn’t diversify. It’s that simple.
A product like Volt addresses the high-end of efficiency and Two-Mode the low-end. Problem is, those are both expensive extremes. There is nothing available in the middle.
No goal was ever set to deliver a 50 MPG vehicle priced in the low 20′s.
That is a major market totally overlooked… something they should have been preparing to sell millions of to sustain the business with. Instead, they have nothing for those consumers to buy. Isn’t delivering something for them (which results in new green jobs) what most of the the bailout money should be spent on?
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:52 am)Let the Government buy a controlling interest in the Volt project. and get experts from wherever thet can find them to head the project. I built an electric car which my daughter drives to work daily. I believe the electric car is important for our economic recovery,environmental clean up and energy independence initiative.
Leonard Portner, M.D.
Honolulu, HI
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:53 am)The GM Volt’s success is as a matter of national and global concern. Please help to insure its success.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:57 am)I am fully committed to the GM Chevy Volt. I have been a GM customer for decades. The United States needs GM, Ford and Chrysler. This is a LOAN…. which is different than the money recently handed over to the banks. When things get better, it will be repaid the same as Chrysler’s past loan.
We need to turn America around. We need to keep jobs and the money spent for as many cars as possible in this country. We need to be able to be proud of our products. That is the only way to grow our economy and remain independent. Return Pride to the automobile industry!!
We need the Volt NOW… just as soon as possible. We also need GM to bring it to the market.
Let’s put our shoulder behind this and give it the boost it needs!!! Fund GM, Ford and Chrysler before 12/31/08!!!
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:59 am)Let GM live or die, but let the free market make this decision.
The future belongs to smaller, more advanced carmakers like Tesla Motors. Accept the past, support the future.
Derek
Nov 15th, 2008 (2:01 am)hi john1701a #1117,
GM has a dealer inventory problem now. The cars on the lot cost $20,000 each to build. They cost $25,000 each to buy. But, they are not moving right now.
This equals a short term loss on the books. The money is still there, just tied up in inventory.
The Volt will cost $35,000 each to build. And (probably) $38,000 each to buy (minus $7500 tax credit). So although GM won’t be making a HUGE profit, they will be sustaining operations. This is what GM is asking for now. To be able to sustain operations.
I’m going to be at the dealership to see the first 3 Volt arrive on the transport. I’m not going to BS with the dealer. I am going to talk “buy”.
=D~
Nov 15th, 2008 (2:03 am)1118 Leonard Portner
Congrats on converting your daughters car! I wish I had the skills to do that but if there’s no mice or keyboard attached, I’m screwed.
lol…..
Nov 15th, 2008 (2:08 am)SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California’s generous offering of holidays for state workers — the equivalent of nearly three work weeks — is among the items Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is looking to trim to help counter a mounting budget deficit.
Lincoln’s Birthday and Columbus Day would get the ax under a proposal the governor’s administration estimates will save $114 million during this fiscal year and the next one starting in July.
“We think it’s not so painful to give up a couple of holidays,” said Mike Genest, Schwarzenegger’s finance director.
Union leaders are resisting the move, but California isn’t the only state looking to save money by cutting back on paid days off.
_______________________
Arnold, you’re the man!
=D~
Nov 15th, 2008 (2:23 am)Too many burnouts around here. I can’t take the WE CAN’T CRAP – To all the BitterSh1tters, get down with this…..
REFUSE TO BE BURNT OUT
Noli In spiritu Convueri aaahh
Refuse to be burnt out
Refuse to be burnt out
Refuse to be burnt out
Some people slip
on that ladder
Hang by the rungs
for twenty years.
Some people turn their backs
on their dreams,
become a tory like Robert Suthey.
Refuse to be burnt out
Ay yah know, some people fake a burnout.
Rubbing themselves with charcoal,
bitterly bickering bittershitters
Cursing fate,
when lunch is late
But the saddest are not the burnouts but the burnups,
a stomach full of blood,
an overburdened liver,
a shotgun in the face,
and 20 years of grief
for those who love them in the flames.
Noli In spiritu Convueri aaahh
Throw your leaflets
on that river,
while the eagle
pecks your liver.
So long Zabo,
So long Al,
So long Harry Feinlight,
Friends of mine who died much too young from being a little bit excessive
and compulsive in behaviour, ay yay yi
The answer is not to be laid back,
not to be cynical,
not to be hesitant,
not to be shy,
not to be uninformed,
not to be beaten down,
not to be isolated,
not to be frightened,
not to be threatened,
and not to be co-opted,
and not to be lied to.
Noli In spiritu Convueri aaahh
Refuse to be burnt out
Refuse to be burnt out
Refuse to be burnt out
—Ed Sanders, American Poet
“I always do this poem, ’cause you can always and always be idealistic. Idealistic and working for a better world when your like 18, 20, 21; working on homeless shelters, or working for national health care, or working for political campaigns, or working to protect and save the wetlands, or to protect a species or to help people in need. But the real test is how long you keep it up, and what’ll you be doing when your 50 or 60 or 40. Or what will you tell your children to do. This is a poem about that. And it has Latin in it, called: Noli in spiritu convueri. Noli, “do not”. In spiritu, “in your soul”. Convueri, “be combusted or burnt up”. Basically…. Refuse to be burnt out.”
—Ed Sanders
Nov 15th, 2008 (2:27 am)T.A.R.P. Troubled Assets Relief Program
T.W.E.R.P. Troubled Workers Erasure Reserved Pensions
=D~
Nov 15th, 2008 (2:29 am)@Dave K
Getting rid of Colunbus Day?!?!?!
Get rid of Caesar Chavez, not the discoverer of our Country!
Well, Amerigo Vespucci did but that’s another story….
Don’t forget the 1 day a month furlough too.
Union leaders are funny. They’ll scream for money eventhough there is no money…..lol….
Fuckin Union. It’s like saying “You need to keep employing eventhough there’s no incoming source….”…
Hey wait a minute, that sounds like the UAW too!
Nov 15th, 2008 (2:50 am)We are now in the right direction. We have leadership. We know the answer to the oil problem. The Cevy Volt is the best start in that direction using our good old American ingineuity. We can’t give up on ourselves. We must focus and be deliberate in our actions. Now is the time to invest in our energy future. Congress and Mr. President, you have dug us this hole, now make the patriotic move and use OUR MONEY to get us back on course. Give GM OUR DOLLARS!
Nov 15th, 2008 (2:52 am)CEL
Nov 15th, 2008 (2:53 am)MJD
Nov 15th, 2008 (2:56 am)The Volt looks good in BMW blue…
http://garfwod.250free.com/Photos/volt_blue.jpg
At current gas pump prices… this car will roll 40 miles for $1. And 100 miles for just $5.
GM: The price of steel and other building materials is now very low. Catch this opportunity to build the Volt now. Or at least contract at these bargain prices.
=D~
Nov 15th, 2008 (3:31 am)ok, if this is a low interest loan, i guess i’m in. but, i am confused as to why gm can’t just file chapter 11 and restructure?
but, again, ok on a low interest Loan…
or maybe, this is all (the great depression) part of the larger plan/picture and we should just accept it. as senator obama’s pastor said many of times “god damn america”, no doubt he would have to mean the incoming president as well?
Nov 15th, 2008 (3:33 am)BOSTON (AP) — Fidelity Investments will eliminate 1,700 jobs early next year in a second round of cuts at the nation’s largest mutual fund company, which has seen its money management fees decline along with the markets.
Combined with 1,300 cuts that Fidelity announced last week, the second round disclosed Friday will eliminate about 7 percent of the company’s work force of about 44,400, said Anne Crowley, a spokeswoman for Boston-based Fidelity.
=D~
Nov 15th, 2008 (3:40 am)hi the real james #1132,
“senator obama’s pastor said many of times “god damn america” , no doubt he would have to mean the incoming president as well?”
_____________________________________
Bombastic?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvMbeVQj6Lw
=D~
Nov 15th, 2008 (3:44 am)JKJ
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:01 am)hey, just stopped back to say that my “the great depression” statement was sarcasm, lol…
ah, good old dave k., i’m so glad i don’t come here that often any longer. but, try these on for size:
http://www.google.com/search?client=opera&rls=en&q=barack+obama+denounces+pastor&sourceid=opera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&client=opera&rls=en&hs=CQw&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=barack+obama%27s+pastor&spell=1
it may have been fox news in the begining, but even obama jumped on it later, lol…
if anyone wants to reply, fine, but i won’t be back to see it. it’s just too much of a time waster. : D
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:05 am)- Reuters, Thursday, August 10, 2006
General Motors Corp. on Thursday said it would build a revived version of the Camaro muscle car to go on sale in early 2009.
Chief Executive Rick Wagoner confirmed that plans had won final approval in a speech Thursday at an industry conference in Traverse City, Michigan
The new rear-wheel-drive Camaro will be available with either V-6 or V-8 engine and with the choice of manual or automatic transmission, GM said.
“We intend to make the all-new Camaro relevant to younger buyers while retaining its appeal to current fans,” Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper said in a statement.
GM did not announce pricing for the new Camaro, but Peper noted that the car’s appeal in its previous versions had been based on a sticker price that put it “within the reach of many new-car buyers.”
GM built nearly 4.8 million Camaros between 1967 and 2002, when the car was scrapped.
=D~
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:07 am)We need this Car that is part of our future!
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:09 am)hi the real james #1136,
“hey, just stopped back to say that my “the great depression” statement was sarcasm, lol…”
______________________________________
This isn’t the time or place for hate Obama posts.
=D~
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:11 am)This car is our answer.
To solve our dependence on foreign oil.
To save our planet’s environment.
To jump start this dwindling motor company.
This is one of the very best solutions I have ever seen to truly make a difference.
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:19 am)February 19th, 2007
Ed Peper on Volt and Camaro
The Chevrolet Volt “…is not hype…we’re going to get there…,” says Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper at the Chicago Auto Show. Peper talks optimistically about plans to develop the Volt concept vehicle into a production vehicle during an interview with Matt Kelly of Podtech.net. Peper also explains why he thinks customers are going to be surprised by the affordability of the stylish next generation Chevrolet Camaro.
=D~
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:27 am)Did you know that a Chevy Cobalt XFE gets better mileage than a Toy Cor
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm
Go out and buy a COBALT XFE TODAY at a RED TAG Price of under 13k
$15670 Base MSRP
$15192 Red Tag MSRP
-$1000 Lease To Purchase Cash
-$1500 Customer Cash
$12692 Your Price After Applicable Offers
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE
Regular Gasoline
25
City
30
Combined
37
Hwy
2009 Toyota Corolla
Regular Gasoline
22
City
25
Combined
30
Hwy
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:40 am)RBH
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:45 am)A final comment before signing off for the day….
CEO Rick and Union Workers,
Don’t miss this opportunity to announce severe exec pay cuts with large benefit reductions for hourly workers.
___________________________________
We here at GM see a strong future ahead. Our product line is World Class and with the addition of our Delta platform EREV models, we see significant energy savings for America. The introduction of reduced fossil fuel burning vehicles will also have a meaningful impact on foreign policy and security issues. Here at GM, both executive pay and hourly benefits for employees have been severely adjusted to fulfill our promise to deliver these products to America and the rest of the world.
Thank you for buying American cars from GM.
Sincerely,
CEO Rick
God Bless America
=D~
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:53 am)this country NEEDS this car!!!!!!! use your heads-
Nov 15th, 2008 (5:09 am)Break GM in pieces! Bail out Volt, Cobalt and other cars that have a FUTURE. Let the rest FAIL!
Nov 15th, 2008 (5:13 am)URGENT
Please FAX your Senators today and tell them you support the 25 billion dollar loan ASAP!
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gA2mr12dJLiWM1QN59MYfpM9OQfwD94F94HO0
Nov 15th, 2008 (5:27 am)I support a bailout for the auto industry. This is also a perfect opportunity for the government to support cars like the volt and push the big 3, whom have recently started the trend in earnest, more towards less fuel dependance. We invented the car lets get back to leading the world in this industry as well.
DCW
Nov 15th, 2008 (6:32 am)Our government needs to support a bailout for the auto industry. It is time to back the jobs for American working class. This is the time to put our support into developing alternative fuel automobiles. We as a nation need to step forward and not just support the companies that have used the money to throw parties for their high paying employees AIG has abused the bail out money they have been given. It is time the government put their support behind the automakers and especially those who are so close to production for alternative fuel solutions. The electric car is being developed elsewhere. We need to keep the Volt on track for 2010 production.
Nov 15th, 2008 (6:52 am)I’m not an US citizen so I don’t have a say here but this is far too important to leave with you friends. I don’t care what happens to the rest of GM but if initiatives like the Volt is not supported I’m afraid the US has no future in the car industrie. The US should invite the rest of the world to join forces on this.
Norwegian Volt enthusiast
(PS Norway has plenty of oil money)
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:13 am)I fully support the continuation of projects that introduce vehicles such as the Volt to the American consumer. Any bailout should carry with it the highest of interest rates with stock ownership by the American government. Significantly decrease or completely shut down large SUV and pick-up truck production. Also, the government’s bailout plan should be less of a cash influx and more of a commitment to support the Volt by replacing their vehicles with it. Just some thoughts. Keep the Volt!
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:19 am)I support the federal bailout of the American auto industry.
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:29 am)I am a US citizen and I agree with this letter.
J.E.
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:40 am)I will support this bail out (LOAN) only if every NUT-BOLT-BATTERY-is made here in the USA… I am a REPUBLICAN..but for one damn time can’t we get past political BS and pull together? I did not support Obama, but I am pulling for him to do a good job. I hope he reconsiders his capitol gains (pulling out of the market)and corporate tax plans(jobs leaving USA)… Disguising the real truth IT IS STILL TAXING THE WORKING PEOPLE..And there are fewer and fewer of us???? Get people working in the energy field now including the “VOLT”. I am sick of our “DO GOODERS” worrying about the rest of the world. A weak USA can’t help ourselves or anyone else!!!!! Bill
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:44 am)All for it keep the Volt on track this is the best thing GM can do for itself and the American People! DC
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:47 am)And GM killed the EV1, hope this teaches them a lesson.
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:48 am)Sorry Lyle I cannot support this bailout, or any other bailout.
It will not solve anything long term, and will only worsen our long term problems.
When do you stop with bailouts? What about a company of 10 persons, should they qualify for a bailout? No? Well how about 100? No? Well how about 1000?….. There can be no equality in bailouts, thats why I adamantly say NO to bailouts
Lets reshuffle the auto industry deck, and let the cards lay where they will.
PS: I was really hoping to see Statiks take on this subject, but I think I know what he would say.
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:51 am)I am ready to buy, and the Volt is my car. I am a United States Citizen and support this letter.
W.R.A.
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:53 am)The Volt will cost $35,000 each to build. And (probably) $38,000 each to buy (minus $7500 tax credit). So although GM won’t be making a HUGE profit, they will be sustaining operations. This is what GM is asking for now. To be able to sustain operations.
__________________________________________
Operations cannot be sustained from so few vehicles. Best case-scenario 3 years from now is what? 100,000? That simply doesn’t make any sense from an automaker that normally sells 3.8 Million vehicles each year here. What the heck will the other vehicles be?
Something else must be delivered soon. It must be a vehicle type people will buy lots of. That’s what a bulk of the bailout support should be used for.
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:53 am)I agree, we need to save the auto industry, too many folks will be without work it we don’t. We do need to get rid of the union stranglehold, however; blue collar workers can’t and should not make $70 or more an hour. If we can bail out the crooks on wallstreet, then we certainly should bail out TRUE/HONEST american workers. These are truly scary times. Can you say…worldwide depression?
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:53 am)Save the Volt and keep our place as a world leader in the “new and improved” automobile industry.
K.M.
Texas
Nov 15th, 2008 (8:09 am)I agree!! -KG
Nov 15th, 2008 (8:32 am)In support. – JJT
Nov 15th, 2008 (8:34 am)Save the volt, we are one of the many families with financial stability… who are looking forward to purchasing!
Nov 15th, 2008 (8:39 am)I am sorry to say that, bu the news just below is the living example on why I think GM should not get loans from funds we do not have. How in the world can a company at this point time, even wasting its time talking a horrible revival of Camaro? For God Sake even if you tell me that there is a certain demand for a Camaro, don’t you realize that the company invests time, money and effort on something from the past instead of focusing its energy in something for the future? Honestly, GM does not get it. It wants to continue to be the icon of those bulky, excessive American cars which dominated American roads in the 60′s.
Yes, put a request to keep only plants for the GM Volt and electrical cars – and that is it. I doubt they would accept that, but that is the only way I could support giving money we do not have to GM and others.
Nov 15th, 2008 (8:43 am)I am a U.S. citizen and believe that this is a must to help our economy turn around, especially if fuel efficient vehicles, such as the Volt, are a mandated item as part of the financial assistance.
Nov 15th, 2008 (8:59 am)I agree with this letter, however, I would like to see COLA limit to include light-weight trucks (i.e. SUVs) along with other disincentives for manufacturing/buying gas-guzzling vehicles like the Hummer, Expedition, Suburban, etc.
This letter implies that GM specifically and the US auto industry in general is now leading the auto industry towards responsible, green and energy independent manufacturing by fostering improved gas milage through electrification of the auto industry.
Unfortunately, the GM Volt is the sole example of this such leadership. GM should agree to provide such leadership within its own organization, its customer and to the US government through lobbying efforts.
JMS.
Nov 15th, 2008 (9:09 am)We also need a program to convert existing cars and trucks to electric rather than expect everyone in america to shell out 40 Grand for a brand new electric .
Nov 15th, 2008 (9:12 am)I think a small truck (such as the ford electric ranger) would be extremely popular as there is not a truck in existance that get out of the mid 20,s for MPG. Cars however anr available that get up to 60 MPG.
RPS
Nov 15th, 2008 (9:19 am)A nation of sheep have spoken.
Gov’t schools work well when it comes to programming children into remaining dependant children for life. These children NEED a big brother to take care of them cradle to grave and they are either ignorant of or could care less about the TRUE Freedom requires Responsibility promise of the Constitutional Republic.
Welcome to the Legislative Democracy/Mobocracy where ANYTHING is possible and NO ONE HAS RIGHTS that the mob can’t take by popular vote.
May it rot in hell where it was spawned!
Nov 15th, 2008 (9:24 am)Saving the Volt is a crucial step in the right direction. Saving jobs and moving towards alternative fuel vehicles is what we need. This will help all of us in the short and the long run.
When people opposing “bail-outs” will start understand that we are ALL together in this. It is a big difference between a company failing in a so-so economy and a big number of failures or gigantic failures in a falling economy. We need to put a break on loosing jobs rapidly. Everybody’s job, either employed or self-employed, depends on other people having jobs too.
Nov 15th, 2008 (9:34 am)Do we want to save GM or save the Volt and similiar programs?
Nov 15th, 2008 (9:44 am)I agree.
Nov 15th, 2008 (9:54 am)I am an American citizen and I support the loan to GM as was given to Chrysler in th early 1980s. This is a national security issue to get us of oil and the Volt concept is one of the means to do it. National security should be the priority to that end. Volt is only a symbol. It will take 20 to 30 years for the Volt to have a major impact replacing 200 million existing vehicles. The loan should be tied to a requirement for GM,Ford to provide
a more effective interim solution to this problem by producing flex fuel conversion kits for existing vehicles. The government needs to provide additional incentives to the public to first make this conversion then followed by the electrification of transportation. While these two approaches appear at cross-purposes to succeed in reducing foreign oil dependence, we need both short term (flex fuel for existing cars where possible) and long term (Volt.)
If national security regarding this issue is of interest to you go to the SetAmericaFree website.
LP
Nov 15th, 2008 (9:56 am)I’m a US citizen,
R. C.
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:01 am)I agree.
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:04 am)A choice must be made.
Do we actively allow a source of millions of jobs, thousands of patents, and hundreds of innovations to die?
If you look at it that way, the answer is NO. Try this one on for size though.
Do we allow a company to die that has ignored market demands for decades, maintained a contentious and unprofitable relationship with its workforce, and watched its self get passed by by competition?
Said this way the answer is YES.
Unfortunately for the world GM has bankrupt its self. Unless you want the US to turn toward a Soviet, Cuban, or Chinese style of government we have to let the market take what it wants from GM, including the VOLT. In chapter 11, or chapter 7 the VOLT program will continue after it is sold off to a company that has positive cash flow and the management to sustain it.
Most of GM is useless from a positive cash generation stand point, which is the whole premise on running a business. Let those portions die, the VOLT, Vette, CTS, Holden, and a few other pieces of GM will survive. But we must not let them continue to run a bad business and get away with it.
Dominick
Detroit native
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:05 am)This vehicle needs to become a reality and it needs to happen sooner than later. If Government Funds will speed up the process of bringing the Volt to market please make it so.
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:05 am)Hey, Here’s an idea for Americans. STOP BUYING FOREIGN VEHICLES!! and the American auto industries; Start producing dependable, reliable, affordable vehicles with top of the line warrenties. It is all in vain unless coorporate greed is not eliminated! not only from the auto industries but from all of America’s major coorporations.
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:13 am)If a bail-out plan is given to automakers with the stipulation that funds will be used to develop more fuel efficient vechicules or those using alternatives to gasoline, I’m all for it -ALV
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:15 am)The volt has my full support, I would buy and use one in a heart beat, This smacks at our sovereignty as a county and our national security, We cannot lose our manufacturing base!
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:25 am)This is a must. Lets learn from our mistakes by having better vehicles to compete with foreign competition. This is also a must because we need to stop sending our dollars to the middle east. Use the funds for volt electrification only.
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:27 am)The refrain is always, “Cut spending… except for this one little thing we really need…”. The test of your love for your country is not whether you’ll make the tough choices about other peoples programs, but also the one’s that have a net positive impact on you personally. I for one don’t want to mortgage my children’s future for a car, or a few hundred thousand job changes, or a few months head-start on the electrification of the automobile. Besides, this letter won’t make a difference. As long as the Dem-Publicans are in office the union interest’s will be served at the expense of us all, and GM will be held out of bankruptcy.
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:28 am)Save the volt. It is our future. However, let the automotive companies file for bankruptcy like the airlines to reorganize and get their business practices together. Stop bailing out the losers! And while I am on my high horse, wake up America. We use to be a strong confident nation. Unfortunately, we have grown week with our minds and support of America’s products. Stand by your country or lose it.
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:37 am)DCL
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:37 am)please save the volt
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:52 am)Our American Dream is crumbling,
But we can all stand up and support our country,especially the automotive industry on these desperate times. We must join Hand in Hand.
Never forget the donations after 911 from the big three.
ACT KNOW visit http://gmfactsandfiction.com/
Call your local representative and have them support our ECONOMY!
Believe in our country,LIFE,LIBERTY,PURSUIT, and HAPPINESS..
and the dream will be strong and the VOLT will come!!!!!
ACT KNOW , Before this dream of the GM-VOLT is history.
Nov 15th, 2008 (11:01 am)Given the choice…bail out the financial institutions or GM…I vote GM as they create more jobs. Also consider…have you heard of any 80 million bonus for a GM exec? Not likely. So what’s the deal with Fannie, Freddie and Merrill? (and who’s looking into this?)
We don’t have a financial credit crisis in this country…we have a jobs crisis. If you are willing to work and have a job…you would not have a credit issue.
Bottom line…I want to be a 24 Volt company some day…I cannot buy them if you don’t make them. I support GM and the US automakers.
fran@commercialcomfort.com
Nov 15th, 2008 (11:02 am)Please help the AMERICAN auto industry it doesn’t have to be a hand out of money just help with the money that would have to be paid back to the goverment. Will get through these tough times with AMERICAN know how!!!
Nov 15th, 2008 (11:04 am)I am a US Citizen and I support this letter because my mom really wants this car.
MDH
Nov 15th, 2008 (11:04 am)I agree. Send the letter out!
Nov 15th, 2008 (11:12 am)Save the Volt, the Malibu and anything else that gets 30 or more MPG. Keep the truck fleet but kill the SUVs.
The Volt is the death knell for the Middle East oil barons! Pull the troops home and give the oil sheiks the finger.
Nov 15th, 2008 (11:17 am)US CIT.,Way over 18,
I say give them the loan with the condition the 3 will do a major overhaul of the way they do business. If you can’t move quick enough in the automotive market place, your gone. Period! End of story. If GM, Chryser, or Ford don’t do something, I can just as well flush a couple of thousand dollar bills down the crapper. LIKE THERE WOULD BE A DIFFERANCE?
Status Quo is no longer an option.
Nov 15th, 2008 (11:21 am)I agree, We bailed out Chrysler when Lee I. was in charge, we are bailing out freddy may etc, I think that a bail out would be a good investment, when the auto companies begin to repay the bail out, also just because gas prices are down, the enviro stills needs to be taken into account, SAVE THE Air, SAVE THE VOLT
Nov 15th, 2008 (11:21 am)I’m french and I agree too.What a pity…
Nov 15th, 2008 (11:47 am)I agree that the auto industry needs help but I think it should come with some strings attached. Make use of the technology that is already available and force them to put these types of energy efficient models on the market.
Nov 15th, 2008 (11:50 am)I’m not always in favor of bailing out business with Gov. funds, but I think the Volt has the potential to turn a lot of things around. The biggest being petroleum dependancy.
Nov 15th, 2008 (11:55 am)DCB
If any of the big three go under, there will be a devastating effect on the US economy as a whole (which would theoretically require significantly more money to restore than just to loan the money now and let them take care of the mess). This isn’t just about brand loyalty. This is about our great country’s economical well being. Although it doesn’t seem like it’s very well now, it could be so much worse, and I pray it doesn’t happen.
The Japanese government backs up Toyota, Nissan etc.. Why not us?
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:07 pm)I do NOT think a bailout for GM is a good idea. It’s time for our so-called leaders and ‘captains of industry’ to realize the errors of their ways and for the rest of us to go on about our business. I don’t see anyone rushing to save the corner grocer, or the independent hardware store that had the best customer service in the neighborhood. Too bad that the Volt might be a victim of mismanagement, but I’m sure there will be other alternatives some time later. Sorry, but this isn’t a perfect world, and we need to take our medicine if we expect to survive.
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:20 pm)1200 comments!!!!! Hats off to Dr. Dennis and GM-Volt.com bloggers. You are the best.
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:26 pm)I agree with the bailout and I am Canadian. I just want my Volt!
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:27 pm)fm
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:29 pm)John S. I have an idea for you! Go be the “entrepreneur that starts a car company from scratch” and on, and on. You make it sound so easy. Yes you can! Now back to reality of where the statement will be “yes, we can”.
My opinion is less about greening the world than protecting America and saving our standard of living. After serving 20 years with the Air Force, with nearly all missions aimed directly at protecting the oil highway for Robber Oil Barons of the MIddle-East, a change is of course needed. The industry chief to change is auto. Our oilmen in the White House did a lot in the background to assure the Barons and ensure we Americans remain oil addicted through an oil-based, military-based protection of the Oligopoly supply system of Oil. If you believe oil is free-market, study this more fully – OPEC wasn’t built to compete. Exxon enjoys a quiet partnership with OPEC pricing. We Americans are surviving, and for now, keeping our standard of living through the illusion of borrowed oil dollars and vast debt due in large part to oil.
As a military member, and my wife also retired US Air Force, both realize on the path we are today, our young men and women now serving will be dying again in the Middle-East, trading American blood for Middle-East oil. Only in the future with increasingly better financed villains supporting terrorism with petro and in many cases Saudi dollars (a.k.a., sent over from Americans driving fuel -based cars).
IT’S TIME TO MOVE AWAY FROM Middle-East oil, and support American sources of energy. CHEVY VOLT: American-made, AMERICAN-FUELED.
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:30 pm)I hope that the Volt will be available and that I can drive one of these cars that do not pollute the environment, nor depend on foreign oil. I would like to see these cars manufactured in plants with human hands, rather than thrown together with robots and machinery building the cars. Maybe that’s a step backward to some but I think it would be good for America and an American Company.
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:37 pm)Save GM. This is a no brainer from an economics stand point for our country. Personally, I like the Switzerland approach which subsidizes half the cost of hybrids to avoid the expense to their country of middle-east oil. No wonder they have a higher standard of living. In many respects they deal with macroeconomics rather than feel good mircoeconomics. Something our country also does time to time.
For me, my plan is to buy two Chevy Volts if that day does arrive and the Volts roll off the assembly line.
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:40 pm)If the Volt is built, I will even trade in my Toyota Prius for it.
While we are at it, bailing out GM, why don’t we get UAW involved in management. They couldn’t do worse than the current management.
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:40 pm)Generally speaking, I am against Government Bailouts. Big business has been negligent and foolish and deserve to fail. However, I feel that temporary help is now needed to preserve the automotive industry. I say, temporary help, in the form of government loans and gaurantees to keep the industry alive. Finally, I want my Volt to become a reality which I am waiting patiently for.
Nov 15th, 2008 (12:41 pm)The survival of GM becomes critical (incl. burning-through $2 billion, per month) in the next month or two, before a Democrat takes over. If GM can be saved .. short-term or long-term .. then the Volt should be a strong consideration, in a bail-out package. .. Thus, it’s pretty urgent that the lame-duck President AND Congress agree to a stopgap measure, including Volt prospects, very soon. Thanks!
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:02 pm)You all should prepare yourselves to be working serving Freedom Fries to French tourists if the auto industry doesn’t get these loans now!
If you think you’re too smart to be doing that kind of work, think again; there were plenty of people smarter, harder working, and stronger than you that were homeless and jobless during the depression. And in those days the morals, community, and family support were much stronger. You’ll be eaten alive.
Now practice after me:
“Would you like Freedom Fries with that?”
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:03 pm)It is my hope that the Volt will be the catalyst for an American revolution in the auto industry. Let’s cut off our dependence on foreign oil, clean up our air, and start sending our cars overseas to spur the American economy into the next century!!
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:07 pm)Please save the Volt! If it takes bailout loans to do it, then by all means, I support bailout.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:12 pm)Save the Volt!
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:19 pm)We must support the continued manufacture of automobiles in this country, especially plug-in hybrids like the volt.
I strongly support loaning GM, Ford and Chrysler money to help them through the current financial crisis. I do believe that there should be some conditions for loaning them significant sums of money or buying preferred shares of stock. There should be a focus on plug-in hybrids and energy efficient cars.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:23 pm)Saving the Volt will create new jobs, stimulate the economy, reduce our dependence on oil, and will improve our air. Please ensure this car goes into production.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:23 pm)Bail out money for switching the infrastructure of the automobile industry to alternate fuel powered cars is imperative to the auto industry’s survival. Chevy Volt is a must!
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:26 pm)Bailout the Big Three but with stipulations that the Gvt hold at least two seats on each Board to oversee expanditures, executive compensions be dramatically reduced, and golden parachutes be eliminated. From a disgruntled autoworker and union member who is sick and tired of being blamed for CEO’s greed and incompetance.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:29 pm)Bailout the Big Three but with stipulations that the Government hold at least two seats on each Board to oversee expenditures, executive compensations be dramatically reduced, and golden parachutes eliminated. From a disgruntled autoworker and union member who is sick and tired of being blamed for CEO greed and incompetence.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:33 pm)I want the Volt because we Americans can no longer allow the oil industry to make record quarter profits and allow $4.00/gallon gas to ever happen again. The whole economy is based on oil and allowing gas to go over $4.00 a gallon made the domino effect throughout the whole economy. Do I feed my kids or do I drive to work? If I do not drive to work then I can not feed my kids so then do I pay my mortgage or do I pay my bills. If I do not pay my mortgage or bills then that means I can no longer go out and shop or go out to eat at a restaurant. Basically the domino effect everyone has been dealing with since the $4.00/gallon happened. We Americans need to stick together and make it known that we need battery powered vehicles not only for a better greener world but also to stop the big oil industry from destroying America and the foundation of our economy. I want the Volt and I wanted it yesterday.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:34 pm)I support immediate and adequate aid for America’s automakers, with provisions to minimize American job losses. I also support making auto loans more available and any necessary protections to ensure our country’s auto industry survives.
Our domestic auto industry is far too important and too far-reaching to our country’s living-wage employment for any of the Big 3 automakers to be allowed to fail.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:34 pm)MAMR
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:40 pm)EJL
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:42 pm)I support this; lets all buy a volt!!!
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:44 pm)I support this letter!
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:46 pm)I am number 18,000 plus on the 1st waiting list. Good thing I did not preorder the Chevy Volt. I say let GM go into Chapter 11, restructure, retool auto plants and fire all inefficient management. Please help us to be competitive in the world market so we that we are not working for China (a commonness country) or Japan. I am a US Army Veteran and I was willing to die for our freedom. Where is our freedom if we loose all our jobs to other counties? Is this the thanks I get for serving my country? Republicans… BS!! If less government is better, what the hell are we paying you for… to sit on your ass and watch the world go by?
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:49 pm)SAVE the Volt, save the world. Excuse my english Mr. Bush but i’m french Canadian. The Volt will be the U turn point for GM. This Volt will launch GM to higher sky and you know why. This will be the very first (or almost) hybride vehicule who will resist the time. Go geen to save the Volt projet is a step to save world from an ecological disaster. By the same time, your investment will save the Volt (read here GM) and the environment. 1 for 2 is a good deal, no?
Thanks to make this possible.
A French Canadian citizen.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:51 pm)If there were ever a good reason for a bail-out using hard-earned American taxpayers money, the GM Volt is it!!! I’ve been driving my ’97 Wrangler for over 10 years now, but I’m waiting for the Volt to come out so I can get one. Imagine, driving back and forth to work not using a single drop of gas.
Nov 15th, 2008 (1:53 pm)M.L.L.
I support this letter.
Nov 15th, 2008 (2:10 pm)Losing millions of jobs will cause the financial crisis and the economy do become worse. We’ve given billions to companies like AIG that are using it for questional buyouts of other banks and trips for their executives.
Unlike the banking industry, the auto industry could use the money to save millions of jobs for the American people.
Shane Miller
Nov 15th, 2008 (2:15 pm)I anxiously await the arrival of the Chevy Volt and the statement of American technical might it represents. Please help save a million U.S. manufacturing jobs.
Dave Kostin
Nov 15th, 2008 (2:54 pm)Dear Mr. President;
Let me first start off by telling you a short story. When I was young, my favorite story was the story of King Aurther and Camelot. Now that I am grown my favorite story is that of The American Revolution.
I am sorely and very sadly disappointed in our government and ashamed of you all. I love my country. My father is a Disabled Vietnam Veteren, my Uncle worked in Michigan in a GM plant for 30 some years, I am a small buisiness owner ( I own a small fleet of semi’s) I live nowhere near Chicago, in Southern Illinois. My trucks haul car parts. So I am feeling the strain all the way around.
I strongly feel that we should bail out the automakers.
Your big bailout for AIG and others sent them on an expensive vacations! Who did that help? Not the middleclass that is for sure!
The auto industry supplies jobs to millions of american middleclass people. It also supplies jobs to the truck drivers. It is a very simple formula: Save GM = Save the Volt = Help Save the American Middle Class = Help Save the World.
Sincerely,
Traci M. Carter
Southern Illinois
Nov 15th, 2008 (3:05 pm)I agree with a bail out package for the American auto makers. Their contribution to the U.S. economy is to great to lose. The Chevy Volt will usher in a new era of American development and dominance in the global market and must be saved!
Nov 15th, 2008 (3:06 pm)I am strongly in favor of this letter and the future success of the Chevy Volt and the advantages it will have for the US Automotive Industry as well as to the American people.
Nov 15th, 2008 (3:19 pm)Yes, get us the Volt! Make it fast!
Nov 15th, 2008 (3:21 pm)Think of the auto industry as part of national defense. There are too many jobs that depend on auto makers.
Nov 15th, 2008 (3:32 pm)“What is good for GM, is good for the country”
I want the Volt- NOT a Prius-et al- Help out GM-it is the right thing to do.
Nov 15th, 2008 (3:40 pm)Hey, here’s an idea! Instead of the government taking our tax money (and our children’s and grandchildren’s), why don’t we just get Michael Jackson and his buddies to put together another fund-raiser/song/tour deal. That way, we could support the economy by buying the new song/tickets/associated merchandise, helping businesses across America, and the money raised could be given to support the auto industry. Shoot…I can hear it now… “We are the World, We want our Volt…”
Nov 15th, 2008 (3:48 pm)Please support GM and the Volt. GM has been a good stewart of the US economy and nation in many ways over the past 100 years. GM helped defend our nation in its time of need, arming us during the great wars. The least the government can do, after allowing years of poor foreign trade policies such as dumping of auto’s in our nation, is to offer GM a low interest loan in order to get through the tuff times, which GM did not create.
Nov 15th, 2008 (3:58 pm)Stop giving money away and let american business work. Give a tax break for electric cars so people can start making them here. Don’t give money to banks instad make 4% loans to american families for homes after all The us owns fannie and freddy anyway.
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:19 pm)GM should not receive a public bailout unless they commit to acting in the public good and demonstrate the funds will be paid back. That means, at a minimum, the following 2 prerequisites should be insisted on before GM gets another dime:
1) That GM commit to developing the Volt and other clean vehicles that reduce our dependence on foreign oil, rather than aggravate it; and
2) That GM submit a restructuring plan that places them on the road to financial solvency.
Remember, long before the current economic meltdown, GM pulled the plug on their electric vehicle program, and had lobbied hard to kill the EV mandate in CA. Partly as a result, GM became over-reliant on SUV sales for their profits, and were well on their way to bankruptcy long before the Real Estate market blew up Wall Street.
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:28 pm)Automotive industry is a backbone of North American progress. GM leads the way in all innovations, including all electric cars (back in 70′s and today). Help GM and others trough the tough time as GM helped in the past
We, consumers, will buy Volt and other innovative American products
Stop relaying on cheap, low quality Chinese products, produced by slave labour and get back to fruits of labour of our great nation.
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:31 pm)I want the volt, so let them make it!
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:46 pm)I am a US citizen and favor the bailout. In past times, the government has subsidized farmers which helped them survive free market surprises. most recently, the government has susidized the aircraft industry to develop quiet airplanes and to develop low smoke emissions in jet engines. These programs have resulted in great success that would not have ocurred if the industry had to foot the bill alone.
It is not necessarily the kiss of death for the free market system. However; if taxpayers are footing the bill for part of the development of the Volt, then this technology should be public domain. Why not let the other domestic auto companies share in this breakthrough, for the benefit of all US citizens.
Nov 15th, 2008 (4:58 pm)A bailout is not enough.
As the government is incurring risk in sinking money in companies headed for bankrupt status (due to making hugely inefficient cars), the gov’t should be considered co-owners and dictate some stipulations:
1. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE)
…of 35 MPG in 4 years
…of 50 MPG in 10 years
..of 80 MPG in 20 years
2. No salaries of any corporate employee over $250,000
3. No single vehicle sold can have lower than 25 MPH avg in 3 years.
4. Federal regulations to take all vehicles with less than 30 MPG off the road (via inspection/certification) starting in 3 years.
5. Immediate taxation of 50 cents per gallon to fund hydrogen based fuel cell development
Nov 15th, 2008 (6:02 pm)I absolutely agree with this letter!
I am a US Citizen
rjb
Nov 15th, 2008 (6:08 pm)I believe in the Volt and I believe in GM. Lets save the Volt and America’s car makers and suppliers and workers ant etc and etc and etc. We cannot afford to put the millions of people out of work that a catastrophe like the failure of GM would cause
Nov 15th, 2008 (6:15 pm)I also believe in the Volt and I believe in GM. Lets save the Volt and America’s car makers and suppliers and workers ant etc and etc and etc. We cannot afford to put the millions of people out of work that a catastrophe like the failure of GM.
Nov 15th, 2008 (6:24 pm)I am a US Citizen and I approve this letter
Nov 15th, 2008 (6:44 pm)We must have some electric cars made! I am a US citizen and approve this letter
Nov 15th, 2008 (6:46 pm)If I don’t get my Volt I will re-Volt.
Nov 15th, 2008 (6:55 pm)I agree with this letter – provide the Big 3 with bridge loans so they can survive this credit crisis and lead the world’s electric car market. Early mover advantage is always the key, and GM is clearly out in front.
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:04 pm)If GM were serious about the Volt they would be looking at US Patent 7,251,118
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:12 pm)Rescue the Big Three with conditions towards improving reliability and efficiency.
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:14 pm)Is GM too Big to Let Fail?
(Let me say at the outset I am truly sorry for those who have lost their jobs or are facing the possibility of a job loss, whether at GM or any other firm. I have been there, as have most people at one time or another.)
I wrote in 2004 that GM was essentially bankrupt. They owed more in pension obligations than it seemed likely they would be able to pay, without major restructuring of the union contracts. I was not alone in such an assessment, although there were not many of us. Now that assessment is common wisdom.
Bloomberg today cites sources that claim a collapse of GM would cost taxpayers $200 billion if the company were forced to liquidate. The projections also called for the loss of “millions” of auto-related jobs. GM, Ford, and Chrysler employ 240,000. They provide healthcare to 2 million, pension benefits to 775,000. Another 5 million jobs are directly related to the three auto companies. GM has 6,000 dealerships which employ 344,000 people. According to a recent study by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), if the domestic automakers cut output and employment by 50 percent, nearly 2.5 million jobs would be lost and governments would lose $108 billion in revenue over three years. (Edd Snyder at Roadtrip blog)
How did we get to a place where the market cap of GM is a mere $1.8 billion and its stock price has dropped from $87 in early 1999 to $3.10 today? (See chart below.) Where Rod Lache of Deutsche Bank has a “price target” of zero for GM? “Even if GM succeeds in averting a bankruptcy, we believe that the company’s future path is likely to be bankruptcy-like,” Lache wrote.
The litany of reasons is long. At the top of the list are union contracts which mandate high costs and pension plans which cannot be met. Then there is the problem of many years of poorly designed cars, although they are now getting their act together. We can also discuss poor management and bloated costs, like paying multiple thousands of workers who are not actually working. GM is structured for the 50% market share they used to command, whereas now they only have 20%.
Wilbur Ross, a well-known multi-billionaire investor, was on CNBC saying that allowing GM to go bankrupt would throw the country into what sounded like a depression. Of course, he does have an auto parts company which supplies GM; so he, as my Dad would say, does have a dog in that hunt.
Ross said that we as a nation are to blame for GM’s problems (I am not making this up) because we do not have a national industrial policy. The US allowed other automotive companies to build plants in states that had lower labor costs, and that is the reason GM is uncompetitive. GM pays an average of $33 an hour, and those selfish other companies pay a mere $19 plus a host of benefits.
Ross evidently believes that because some states have lower taxes and right to work laws, that it is the responsibility of the taxpayer to give GM a certain type of immortality rather than suggest GM deal with its problems directly. I assume that Ross also sides with the French when they suggest that Ireland should raise taxes so they will not have to compete with Ireland for business. Such thinking is nonsense and is also unconstitutional.
Let’s all acknowledge that having GM go bankrupt would not be a good thing. But it is not the end of the US automotive industry, nor even of GM. Let’s think about what a GM bankruptcy might look like. In a bankruptcy, the debt holders line up to come up with a restructuring plan so that they can maximize the return of their loans or obligations. The shareholders get wiped out, but with GM down over 95%, that has largely been accomplished. That process has happened with airlines, steel companies, and tens of thousand of other companies. It is called creative destruction.
First, let’s understand that the real owners of GM are the pension plans, as I wrote in 2004. They are the entities with the largest obligations and the most to lose. They are the biggest stakeholders in a successful GM. Giving them the responsibility for making a new, leaner, meaner GM with realistic union contracts would be rational; otherwise they would lose most of what they have.
Factories need to be closed. Auto sales are down to 11 million cars a year, the lowest since 1982, which was the last major recession. Automotive companies sold cars at such low prices in the last few years that sales went to 16 million a year. But the cars that have been sold will last for a long time. Few people are going to buy a new car when the old one is working fine, especially in a recession and a Muddle Through economy. Further, does GM really need eight automotive lines, some of which have been losing money for years?
A restructured GM with realistic costs could be quite competitive. They have some great cars. I drive one. It is four years old and so good I am likely to drive it for at least another four.
At some point after the restructuring, the pension plans could float the stock on the market and get some real value. If actual pensions need to be adjusted, then so be it. While that is sad for the GM pensioners, is it any sadder than for Delta or United Airlines or steel company pensioners who saw their benefits go down? For the vast majority of Americans, no one guarantees their full retirement. Why should auto trade unions be any different?
Taxpayers in one form or another are going to have to pay something. Unemployment costs, increased contributions to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, job training, relocation, and other costs will be borne. So, it is in our interest to get involved so as to minimize our costs, as well as help preserve as many jobs as possible.
Sadly, I think it is likely that a Democratic majority next year will quickly pass a bailout that will not solve any of the longer-term problems. Obama evidently wants to appoint an “automotive czar;” and the name being floated is the very liberal Michigan former Representative David Bonior, whose anti-trade and pro-union positions are well known. This is appointing the fox to guard the hen house. It is not a recipe for the restructuring that is needed.
The bailout for GM is a bailout for the trade unions and management (who not coincidentally both made large contributions to the Democratic Party and candidates). US consumers are simply going to buy fewer cars in the future. That is a fact. Spending $50 billion does not address that reality. That $50 billion can be better spent by helping workers who lose their jobs. Without serious reforms a bailout will simply postpone the problem, and there will be a need for more money in a few years. And do we think that the management which got GM into the current mess is the group to bring them out?
And as to the argument that “We bailed out Wall Street, so why not GM?” it doesn’t hold water. What we did and are doing is to try and keep the financial system functioning, so we don’t see the world economy simply shut down. But don’t tell the 125,000 people who have lost jobs on Wall Street that it was a bailout. That number is likely to go to 200,000. No one thinks that a restructured GM would see anywhere close to half that number of job losses.
Do we protect Circuit City? Sun just announced plans to lay off 6,000 workers. Where is their bailout? Citibank announced 10,000 further job cuts today. This is a recession. And sadly that means a lot of jobs are going to be lost. GM workers should have no more right to their jobs than a Sun or Citibank or Circuit City worker.
Posted from John Mauldin’s Weekly epnewsletter
Also this:
Bust finally reaches technology industry
By Ashlee Vance Published: November 15, 2008
The technology industry, which resisted the global economy’s growing weakness over the last year as customers kept buying laptops and iPhones, has finally succumbed to the slowdown.
In the span of just a few weeks, orders for both business and consumer technology products have collapsed, and technology companies have begun laying off workers. The plunge is so severe that some executives are comparing it with the dot-com bust in 2001, when hundreds of companies disappeared and Silicon Valley lost nearly one-fifth of its jobs.
October “was like turning a switch,” said Robert Barbera, chief economist at the Investment Technology Group, a research and trading firm. “Everything pretty much shut down.”
“We have never seen anything like this in history,” said William Coleman 3rd, a Silicon Valley veteran who founded the software maker BEA Systems and is now chief executive at Cassatt, a startup.
Best Buy, the leading U.S. electronics retailer, declared this week that “rapid, seismic changes in consumer behavior” had fostered the worst conditions in its 42-year history, and its main rival, Circuit City Stores, filed for bankruptcy protection. Nokia, the world’s largest maker of cellphones, predicted Friday that global sales of handsets would fall in 2009, which would be only the second decline ever.
Technology giants like Intel, which makes chips for personal computers and servers, and Cisco Systems, which makes network equipment, warned that revenue was plummeting at rates last seen in 2001.
Dozens of startups, from the messaging service Twitter to the electric-car maker Tesla Motors, have been slicing staff members as they prepare for a slow economy.
And on Friday, Sun Microsystems, a leading maker of computers used by financial services companies, announced that it would lay off as many as 6,000 employees, or 18 percent of its work force.
These are ALL real AMERICAN JOBS WE ARE TAlKING ABOUT. Will you selfish “I want a VOLT NOW” types that only think of YOUR VOLT, and not of the economy, our children inheriting this horrible mess, etc., also bail out these companies as well? Where does it all end if we don’t let the market deal with it and instead, use OUR DOLLARS (not some magical government, “I have no idea where they get the money” dollars). How will it ever be paid? intead of your irrational LUST for the VOLT, instead of for the concept of getting us all off oil with a manufacturer that cares, demonstrated competency in the market and sells a car built well and priced right, why don’t you think about this all for a moment? ENOUGH.
We ALL WANT A VOLT. But come on, THINK! Let’s use the dollars to help Amercian workers through their troubling times and get back to work at a new post-BK GM that makes sense in today’s market.
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:39 pm)I’m a voting citizen and I want the opportunity to buy an American made electric car. SOON!
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:39 pm)FAX to all 100 Senators
http://www.theorator.com/senate.html
Dear President Bush, Members of Congress, and Secretary Paulson:
BOLD##########
I support the $25B low interest government loan to GM, Ford and Chrysler, in addition to the $25B low cost retooling loans already signed into law.
BOLD##########
The US automakers are on the brink of collapse. Partly from past failures and the forces of free market competition, they had been left in a difficult but quite possibly solvable financial situation.
The destructive and overwhelming force of illiquidity stemming from massive mortgage defaults, however, has rapidly crushed any chance of a self-induced recovery.
General Motors’ upcoming Chevy Volt represents the future of this country. The ability to drive without gasoline and on US-produced electricity will usher in a fantastic new era of petroleum independence and a vast enterprise of related green technologies, including the critical field of advanced battery production.
As unpalatable as the notion of corporate federal bailouts are for you, me, and many Americans, there appears to be no alternative.
Allowing the US automotive industry to die on the vine in the coming weeks will weaken our country severely, wreak terrible suffering on millions of Americans, and result in the loss of hundreds of billions of dollars of revenue. So too may it imperil our chances for an energy independent future.
I am a public advocate of electrification of the automobile and founder of the grassroots site GM-Volt.com. On my site there are over 45,000 Americans and other citizens of the world who are on a demonstrative waiting list for this electric car. We are the tip of the iceberg. There will be millions of such cars built and sold over the coming decades. This technological leadership should and must be driven by a US company.
We endorse that without delay the Government grant the immediate release of adequate loans, in addition to the low cost retooling loans already signed into law, for direct aid of the three US automakers, GM, Chrysler, and Ford.
Yours truly,
BOLD##########
Registered Voter who will not vote for anyone in the next election who does not support or votes against the loan to GM, Ford and Chrysler.
BOLD#########
GM-Volt.com, and the 45,000 on the Chevy VOLT waiting List
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:40 pm)While I do not find the bailout of any private industry to be palatable, and am unconvinced of the wisdom of bailing out GM, I do agree that the Chevy volt represents a valuable piece of in process research and development that deserves to be preserved no matte what happens to the parent company and urge the government to take whatever steps are necessary to preserve the future of this program.
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:42 pm)You build it and we will buy it, dont stop pushing forward
Nov 15th, 2008 (7:58 pm)If GM is thinking of selling the Volt at $35,000 or so, then forget the bailout and let them sink of swim by themselves. I would rather get the honda insight coming out next spring for $20,000 then. However if GM gets serious, and do what it takes to sell it at $25,000 max, then count me in. But don’t play the old game of selling a bare bones for $25,000 and the next step up for $35,000. Just produce them all the same, one price, and mass produce it. Only option is the color. Otherwise some other auto manufacturer will do so.
Nov 15th, 2008 (8:12 pm)I support the bailout, GO GM GO VOLT
Nov 15th, 2008 (8:16 pm)We need a strong domestic automobile industry that supports national goals of energy independence and environmental sustainability. I support loans and government financial support for US automobile manufacturers, as long as they are willing to restructure and refocus their new product developments to meet these goals. Any recipient of government financial support should agree to new government standards for higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions to advance these goals.
Nov 15th, 2008 (8:26 pm)Lyle,
I support your letter to our government leaders. The future of GM and other US car makers is to create the next generation of transportation. The Volt concept vehicle must become a production vehicle. The US must free it self from the dependancy on Oil (import or domestic sources) to drive it’s transportation system.
Go Volt! ,Go GM! Go America! Build it and I will Buy it and so will others. This the real way to get out of the Auto Crisis!
Nov 15th, 2008 (8:39 pm)I don’t know if a 25 to 50 billion bailout will save GM or just prolong the inevitable. I do know that electric cars are the future. We have to get away from oil dependence for much of our transportation. I also know that things cannot continue the way they are at GM. The good old days are gone. It’s going to be painful. I’m talking about salary cuts across the board and other major concessions. I think GM makes good vehicles. And I remember in college learning that a business is stagnant if it doesn’t sell more widgets this year than it did last year. That’s ancient thinking because it only worked when there was no competition. I also agree with Obama’s statement that he does not want to hear that we cannot make vehicles just as good or better than Japan, Korea, etc. We have the best minds the best universities, and the best creativity in the world. Who invented CPU chips, the Internet, and the IPOD. While it might be true that Japan does not have to deal with unions and therefore their labor costs are lower but the money they pay their CEOs is lower too. I even read once that the head of Mercedes Benz only makes 200K per year. I don’t know how true that is but the big 3 executives wouldn’t even get out of bed for that kind of money. Good, they can stay in bed and while we find someone who is more interested in designing and building a viable competitive product then these executives who get paid whether they produce or not. We are trying to hold on to excess when we should be trying to live more simply.
My gut reaction is to say bail GM out provided they restructure and pay it back.
Nov 15th, 2008 (8:50 pm)Please support the automobile industry if they only use the funds to manufacture the Volt and other electric cars. We MUST decrease our dependence on oil. This should be in the form of a loan to be paid back to the US government. I personally plan to buy one of the Volts. I’m really looking forward to owning one.
Nov 15th, 2008 (8:56 pm)I strongly endorse the proposal of a federal aid package for the auto industry as a critical action not only for the health of the auto industry and the Michigan economy, but for the overall American economy as well.
Simcha-Yitzchak Lerner
Oak Park, MI
Nov 15th, 2008 (9:37 pm)I do not agree with bailing out most companies, but when the government helps cause the problem they should help fix them.
If GM, Ford and Chrysler go under so will Volvo, Saab, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Daewoo, Holden and many more as well as all of the suppliers of parts and manufacturing equiment, and lets not forget all of the people that work selling and repairing your vehicles at the dealerships.
This would cause world wide unemployment unmatched since the 1930′s.
This would also effect the US military, do we really want to depend on Toyota or Volkswagen to build the vehicles that our troops depend on.
John Rullo
Denver, CO
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:10 pm)HAS
Strongly support aid for our US automakers and opening trade barriers to international trade for GM, Ford and Chrysler. I think volt and the electric car is a game changer and want to see the big 3 taking the international lead on this
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:20 pm)I’m not a US citizen, but I’m pushing my Canadian reps to support the GM-volt project and plug-in manufacture in general, and a good chunk of GM operations are located here in Ontario. I can’t believe that billions upon billions of taxpayer’s money can go straight into the pockets of the pigmen and their boyz on Wall Street, yet we can’t cough up a little bridge loan to get this history-making project to market…man-o-man are the politicians gonna get tarred and feathered for their idiocy on this one if they don’t do anything!!!
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:28 pm)The US Auto industry currently is responsible for about 10% of all American jobs. A failure would be a disaster for a very large number of Americans. We need to rejuvenate this industry with innovation and manufacture within American borders. If we could put a man on the moon in a decade, we can build an affordable and practical electric car in four years! As a US citizen, I am rather apprehensive about the state of our economy. The Auto industry must not be left out in the cold! Help America thrive again!
Nov 15th, 2008 (10:37 pm)I support a LOAN to GM so that they can stay in business and continue to develop the VOLT and other electric vehicles. – MLH
Nov 15th, 2008 (11:33 pm)I support a loan (to be paid back) to the American Auto Industry for the sole purpose of producing American vehicles like the Volt. The legacy costs of the auto industry would be best served by eliminating them through a reorganization under bankruptcy. Thank You for letting me speak!
Nov 16th, 2008 (12:51 am)I’m sorry but I do not support such legislation. Our government has taxed us to death and is now bailing out all the corporations who have fed upon greed and selfishness. The power of the automotive industry, its lobbyists, and its strength to sway Congress to vote in legislation to keep electric cars, solar powered cars and other alternative energy automobiles has been clear for decades since the 1970s. All of these things would have been done were it not for the power of General Motors and all of the automakers and their lobbyists from Detroit. This is a free market. I’m tried of “bailouts.” Our country will recover on what capitalism is meant to be and that is supply and demand. Other companies will begin producing Electric Cars, Solar Powered Cards, and other non-gasoline cosuming vehicles. Just because GM was the first American company to try since the 1970s doesn’t mean another won’t or won’t do it better, cheaper or faster. Government bailouts essentially make our free market a socialist market.
This is wrong. The financial bailout was wrong and an automotive industry bailout would be wrong too. I refuse to support it. You want to bail something out? Just quit taxing the crap out of the American people, do your job and let the people who cheat, steal and thrive off greed suffer the consquences. The automotive industry should suffer for its continuance of producing gas guzzling cars and making our country dependent on foreign oil. A bailout only rewards them for 35 years of lobbyists making sure new technologies were developed.
Believe in the American spirit,and believe that someone will create an electric car or whatever type of transportation that is not foreign oil dependent. But DO NOT support government bailouts. This is NOT the American way. And I refuse to suppor such a bill.
Those of you who support this are entirely wrong. The correction in the economy must run its course naturally. A bailout is only artificially fixing a problem and it will only delay the inevitable while lining the pockets of more corrupt people, officials, government policymakers and automatkers with our tax dollars.
I DO NOT suport this type of legislation. And None of you should either! Use your brain and quit pushing the panic button like 99 percent of Americans are doing. We are an embarrassment to the world. Straighten up. We need to hold ourselves accountable and deal with those actions appropriately.
A Free and Fair Market is the only way.
Nov 16th, 2008 (1:45 am)SAVE THE VOLT!!!! you have my support and the support of many people I know.
Nov 16th, 2008 (2:40 am)Stand up and fight for your Country!
If you are in the market for a new car go out and buy one from GM,Ford or Chrysler.
Cobalt
Malibu,Malibu Hybrid
Tahoe 2-mode Hybrid
Edge
Escape Hybrid
Traverse
Chrysler Dodge Minivans
Etc
Help offset the need for Loans.
Nov 16th, 2008 (3:12 am)While the American auto industry needs to reduce capacity, it should be a structured process. We have two options. Option one is to support the bailout and secure the right size industrial capacity to be globally competitive, which will still be painful and mean fewer industry and industry related jobs. Option two is standing by and observing the American auto industry collapse resulting in the majority of the industry and related service industries leaving our shores. In this scenario, our standard of living will decrease, while the standard of living of nations where our global competitors locate their industries or deposit and invest their profits will increase. I choose option one. We should finance it with funds we currently dispense to the UN.
Nov 16th, 2008 (3:22 am)Save the Volt!!!!!!!!!!! You mean we should throw our money toward a car and company that that up to this point doesn’t even work? Has yet to proven, has shown us time and time again their unbridled commitment to building gas guzzling crap for the sake of corp. greed with absolutely NO CONCERN for the outcome! CHRIST, you melonheads have a future in Washington! Your argument would have one believe that successful automotive design is merely luck or by accident, that great companies become great by some cosmic intervention! What the hell are you people smoking? Toyota’s place in thie automobile industry did not rise from CHANCE, but well thought out careful decisions by people sitting in places of power within the walls of these companies. These are the forward thinking individuals who have forced American car companies to build BETTER CARS IN THE FIRST PLACE!!! Do you really believe they won’t build a car like the volt that actually works? LET GM file for bankrupcy and dig themselves out like Decent Hardworking Americans do Day in and Day out. THIS IS GM’s RESPONSIBILITY NOT OURS!!! …………….. LEAD OR GET OUT OF THE WAY.
Nov 16th, 2008 (3:25 am)Nice letter —
idg
Nov 16th, 2008 (4:16 am)I agree we now need such governmental help, but it must include strings to insure rapid electrification of light vehicles. Remember that the auto companies brought much of their problems upon themselves by ignoring years, if not decades, of indications (though not from the feds, which is all they listened to) about coming oil shortages, as well as climate change — and not only built heavy, fuel-inefficient SUVs, etc, but heavily promoted them until they comprised over 50% of sales; and successfully lobbied congress to avoid increases to CAFE standards that would have leveled the playing field while greatly reducing our present and future fuel, economy, national security, and climate problems!
Nov 16th, 2008 (5:55 am)Hoorah!!! American for American…Give a Military Man an American car..Made in America..Fueled by AMERICA!!! Lets do something worth while for once..Forget the banks…and that upper 10% of the population…Help our Economy by saving the Jobs of our Automakers growing our Tech sector by retooling loans so we can go electric and grow our self sufficent engergy needs!
Nov 16th, 2008 (8:00 am)This has to be done!!!! Don’t let this the Volt fall as the EV1 did. Piss on big oil.
Nov 16th, 2008 (8:55 am)Don’t let this die! I’d sell my Jap car for a Volt!
Nov 16th, 2008 (9:21 am)The patent I mentioned yesterday above reduces the battery(or, in this case ceramic capacitor cost) from about $8,000 to, perhaps $500. Think about the consequences and viability of the Volt in that case.
Nov 16th, 2008 (10:02 am)It would be a shame if the Volt never comes to market. The cooperation and innovation so far give me hope for the future. I am on the waiting list.
GM can not go under. I believe they finally understand that they can no longer rely on selling big trucks.
Of course based upon past evidence any financial package must be monitored.
Nov 16th, 2008 (10:02 am)Let’s get this country turned around with an electric car for the masses. The government needs to help with this bail out so that we can rid ourselves of foreign oil once and for all. Great letter!
Nov 16th, 2008 (10:44 am)I would like to see the gov. give low interest loans to the 3 auto manufactures. I think most people who want to see them fail have forgotten why sales have dropped so much. Bad mortgages, Adjustable Rate Mortgages. People unable to pay because of losing jobs due to outsourcing. Credit tightening. Loss of consumer confidence. And our old friends the oil companies. 4 dollar a gallon gasoline. This is the second time they have screwed the country. I think the gov. should take away the oil subsides and give them to the auto industry. People have referenced an NPR article. Gm vs Toyota. Average labor cost. GM: 73.73 to Toyota 48 dollars on hour. How can that be. In the same article the avg. hourly salary difference is gm: 31.35 to toyota: 27 per hour. How does 4.35 difference (avg hourly salary) equal 73.73 to 48 = 25.73 (Avg labor cost) dollar difference. It looks like the management is to blame not the union workers. Maybe the people who think union labor is too expensive. Should look at the big picture. I guess everyone is ok with ceo compensation in the USA. Take a look at Forbes.com http://www.forbes.com/2008/04/30/ceo-pay-compensation-lead-bestbosses08-cx-sd_0430ceo_land.html Lehman Bros 5 yr pay 354.03 million. Last years pay 71.9 million. I would like to see our country come together. And solve the problem of foreign oil usage! Electric, bio fuels, solar. Its just a matter of how soon we see 4 dollar a gallon gasoline again!!!
Nov 16th, 2008 (10:50 am)I believe that the GM Volt will be a successful line for GM and will be a stepping stone to future successes. GM has laid out several milestones in its quest to become oil independent. I believe we need to support them in their efforts otherwise foreign markets will get the jobs that N.A. needs.
I endorse the letter above.
KH
Nov 16th, 2008 (10:51 am)Save the Volt!
Nov 16th, 2008 (11:07 am)NO BAILOUTS… Have the auto industry dump the unions which bleed them dry as well as us by making vehicles so expensive so they can pay someone $60 an hour to count screws.. say not to bailouts (If you fail why should I pay for you) and no to unions.. not paid enough.. look for another job. then maybe just maybe GM will be competetive.
Nov 16th, 2008 (11:56 am)Kick out the imports, save the Volt.
Nov 16th, 2008 (12:02 pm)I would support investment (purchase of company stock) directly ties to producing alternative energy vehicles ONLY. There is no reason the Big 3 (or GM in this case) cannot produce well made gas engined cars. The competition seems to be doing this very well and assembly is in the US (Honda, BMW, others).
As Americans, we need to move into a new economy – for transportation and our security it must be free of oil based systems for propulsion. Give my a hydrogen or electric vehicle now and I will gladly purchase it. The technology is already there.
Nov 16th, 2008 (12:14 pm)Although one might argue that Ford, GM, and Chrysler should file Chapter 11, the ramifications of this for our economy could contribute to an economic sprial toward a second great depression. The government should act now to help avoid this possibility.
Nov 16th, 2008 (12:15 pm)The technology is avail for us to be able to reduce our dependence on oil rich nations that dont have our best interests in mind. As a national security issue I believe alternate means of transportation should be persued with all possible dilligence. The auto industy is the canary in the mines of the US economy and allowing it to fail would cripple us. The manufacturing of autos in the US not only provides jobs, but if we have to go to foriegn countries for our manufactured goods like tanks, semi-trucks for our armed forces, etc, who knows if the countries we have to depend on to get these things will sell them to us. Our popularity in the international community is fluid and who knows what the source nations we are depending on for our troops will want to help us in the future.
Nov 16th, 2008 (12:30 pm)Personal Background
When we needed a replacement second car in 2003, we purchased a new Honda Civic Hybrid.
Commitment
With the effects of global warming upon us, although the Civic is performing flawlessly, we recently purchased a new 2008 Toyota Prius to replace the Honda. The reason we purchased the Prius is that there is now a supplemental lithium-ion battery kit now commercially available to convert the standard Prius to a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). All-in we invested $35k to buy and convert the Prius, which was converted on Halloween.
Real World PHEV Performance
With the conversion I have been getting 120 mpg on the 25 mile round trip commute from Sausalito to my office in downtown San Francisco. The car is working quite well, drives as a normal car and coupled with our home solar PV system, we are recharging the car for “free”.
Challenge to America
We chose to not wait for the Volt and bought the Prius as a stand-in and also as evidence of our personal resolve to do everything within our power now to reduce our carbon footprint.
We would prefer to own an American-made PHEV, and are proving the economics of PHEVs today. Please fund the Volt.
Nov 16th, 2008 (12:31 pm)Okay……………again, let’s move past all the bickering and keep our Auto Industry alive. In fact, how can possibly consider not helping when there are so many Americans at risk. I want the Volt and I want more of my friends and family to go back to work – immediately.
Nov 16th, 2008 (12:45 pm)I need this.
You need this.
We need this.
America needs this.
The world needs this.
MD
Nov 16th, 2008 (12:59 pm)Keep the Chevy Volt alive! I agree with the GM bailout!!! DS
Nov 16th, 2008 (1:07 pm)Let’s get this car on the road now, it’s something we need and maybe what is needed for GM to help get started on the road to recovery,
but in the mean time, with the GM stocks so low maybe its time that we help GM by buying shares of GM. as of friday the stock was $3.01.
I’m thinking of buying 1000 shares of GM for a total of $3010.00
Ford is also down and could use our help, they are at $1.80 per share.
I’m also thinking of buying 1000 shares of Ford for a total of $1080
If 100 or 1000 people bought 1000 shares of each it could help save the two car companies
Nov 16th, 2008 (1:23 pm)We should already be driving the Volt, let’s not let them (lame duck government, oil companies, etc…) continue to ignore the people for whom this car was designed for; human beings that have to pay for their own gas in order to exist! We need to keep their hands out of our pockets.
Nov 16th, 2008 (1:54 pm)Keep the GM Volt alive by whatever means necessary. The Volt is currently the tip of the arrow in EV which gives the US the lead in this technology. The country should preserve this resource.
Nov 16th, 2008 (1:55 pm)The cummulative economic and environmental benefits of plug-in hybrids are staggering. Do not squander this historic opportunity.
Nov 16th, 2008 (2:18 pm)If there is one thing this country needs to invest in, it is the electrification of our passenger vehicle fleet. The Chevy Volt is leading the way and it would be detrimental to the future of this country for it not to succeed.
Nov 16th, 2008 (2:29 pm)Lyle I agree
Doug Moon
Nov 16th, 2008 (2:47 pm)I’d prefer to not bail out any companies however, the alternative is not a good scenario. GM is finally on track with the Volt. We must support this technology and US manufacturers. Save GM but ensure their R&D is focused on battery and alternative fuels.
I persoanally cannot wait to purchase a US made Volt.
DCR
Nov 16th, 2008 (3:08 pm)I am planning to purchase the Chevy Volt; I know fuel prices will rise again and again. It is imperative that we support this effort be GM. I also don’t support a bailout unless the company restructures. Giving the big 3 a bailout will only postpone what has to be done. Re-negotiation of contracts to labor rates that are inline with the other auto manufactures is required.
Nov 16th, 2008 (3:11 pm)I support the bailout as a loan to the companies. Americas future depends on having a manufacturing base in this country. It will be terrible for the economy at this point. Please support this plan and keep the Chevy volt on track. I’m tired of sending my hard earned cash overseas to fuel my vehicle.
An American who has always bought American cars and believes in this country.
Nov 16th, 2008 (3:33 pm)I give it two thumbs up!
Nov 16th, 2008 (4:13 pm)I believe a better alternative to the bailout would be the un-unionizing of the auto industry. Each U.S. car has about $4500 going to labor costs while Asian car makers only spend about $700 on labor. Unions have long served their intended purpose and are now depriving our auto industry of exercising its full potential and competing more successfully in a global scale.
I support the president’s stance against extreme overregulation of the auto industry and I also believe congress has the best intention in mind in trying to save our car makers with the bailout program. However, I feel that a more permanent solution is in the best interest of all Americans.
Nov 16th, 2008 (5:24 pm)While I’m looking forward to the Volt, it’s with a big grain of salt: it has been a long time since GM has had a vehicle trustworthy enough to be a purchase consideration; they had a chance with the EV1, and it’s their short sightedness that has them in the position they’re in now. Ford has been better in reliability lately (IMHO), but they managed to screw up the Escape Hybrid as well, and I’ve been kicking myself for not holding out for the Highlander as I intended ever since I got it. Much as I want a Volt, I’ll wait to see how it actually performs before I actually get one. Frankly, I think it’s time to let the dinosaurs die. It’s the employees that need to be bailed out, not the companies. Guarantee unemployment and retraining benefits for a couple of years and let the unions provide additional support for the people they bureaucrated out of a job.
Nov 16th, 2008 (6:48 pm)I am an Australian and I can tell you that the US needs to show strong leadership on alternative forms of energy for both cars and general populace use throw as much money as you can at saving jobs and encouraging new environmental technologies as this will pay huge dividends at the end of the day for all of us..
Nov 16th, 2008 (6:58 pm)We need these new innovations to move forward and rise above the energy crisis. If you build it, we’ll buy it. Simple.
Nov 16th, 2008 (7:51 pm)Save it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Save it now!
Nov 16th, 2008 (7:53 pm)we need the volt
This nation needs all of the alternative energy sources that we can muster.
jwp
Nov 16th, 2008 (8:39 pm)I agree in total with this statement and second it!
When i can buy a vehicle that is propolsed by electricity i will, i only hope it is built in the USA. Please support our domestic automakers!
Jonathan A. Phillips
JP
Nov 16th, 2008 (8:47 pm)JS
Nov 16th, 2008 (8:57 pm)Save the Banks, Save AIG, Save the Credit Card companies, Save Detroit. Whats next. Sear’s , JC Pennys, The furniture Companies, Joe The Plumber? Were is it going to end. We needed to save the banks, I agree. We are a nation that is already over our heads in debt. We cannot afford to pay back any more bailouts. It is regrettable but we need let let the chips fall as they may and start over again.
Nov 16th, 2008 (9:02 pm)The federal government should give a large tax credit to each person who puts a Volt on the road. Maybe each person should pony up a quarter of that now, let the fed pony up a quarter and in two years we do the same with the other half…… say $10k total.
ONLY the VOLT! no funds go toward any other effort, not CEOs, not Hummers, not debt service.
Or nobody will ever drive one.
I’m a citizen,
revolt
rj
Nov 16th, 2008 (9:21 pm)SAVE THE VOLT! SAVE GM! But make GM a LEAN…MEAN ENERGY EFFICIENT CAR MAKIN MACHINE! AMERICA FIRST!
Nov 16th, 2008 (10:05 pm)I don’t like government bailouts at all for any industry, but if that is truly what has to happen to ensure the Chevy Volt makes it to the marketplace, then I will hesitatingly, grudgingly add my voice to the chorus. Congress, President Bush, Secretary Paulson: help GM so GM can give the American public the Volt! It is the future of personal ground travel in this country. Thanks.
Nov 16th, 2008 (10:34 pm)Please save the auto companies who are on the brink of creating the technology of the future, which releases the hold foreign energy sources have on our lives and economy.
Nov 16th, 2008 (11:15 pm)Thanks so much for helping take initiative on this issue and to not let the Volt suffer the fate of the EV-1.
Nov 16th, 2008 (11:57 pm)I add my support to this letter. The three automaker, GM in particular, have come a long way in the last five years. The cars & trucks are the best they have ever built, and are finally competitive with imports. Tremendous cost-cutting has been going on, and even the UAW has made some concessions to help profitability. Many of these cost improvements come will occur in 2010, but this credit crisis has jeopardized them from ever seeing the light of day. Many consumers who want to buy a new vehicle cannot currently get financing unless they have a credit score of 700 or better — only 30% of the American public has a score this good. Even Toyota is feeling the pinch — it is not something caused by “bloated, overpaid” companies. The US automakers need help in reaching 2010 intact — they will be much better off then. Help them hang in there!
Nov 17th, 2008 (12:46 am)Please, please, please, support the GM Volt.
I am a U.S. Citizen.
I always vote.
I am on the waiting list to buy three GM Volts.
One for my wife, one for myself, one for my retired Father.
God bless you.
Nov 17th, 2008 (6:22 am)Yes, Yes, Yes, I add my voice to this curios and my endorse 100% to the GM-Volt project. We need this environment car NOW. Please Dear President don’t cut our opportunity the help the environment and the USA economic crisis. This is a Win-Win Negotiation. I am on the waiting list to buy two GM Volts.
SP. MBA
Nov 17th, 2008 (6:36 am)Although I firmly believe the US auto Industry is certainly responsible for its down fall. I believe the bail out is criticle is saving American jobs and ensuring that one our greatest Industries is sustainable. However I believe that Senior management at the big 3 should be terminated and retooling implemented as a condition of aquiring the bail out money, along with Green technology.
SAVE THE VOLT!
Nov 17th, 2008 (6:48 am)I would like to add my name to this letter! GM and the rest of the domestic Auto Industry desperately needs the governments help!
To the Bush Administration: Please set aside your feelings for the unions, and please allow the auto industry to survive, my job along with millions of other jobs depend on it!!
Ryan
Safety Engineer
General Motors
Nov 17th, 2008 (7:16 am)Save the Volt, We needs these kind of vehicle to get our FREEDOM from THE OIL CARTEL!!!!!!!
Nov 17th, 2008 (7:57 am)The government should support the Auto Industry right now. Banks are not the only consideration. I do however believe it should be done with oversight and conditions.
Nov 17th, 2008 (8:12 am)I agree and support the bailout loans
Nov 17th, 2008 (8:48 am)The reason the big three are failing is that many of you will not buy their products. This anti-American car snobbery is part of what brought the big three down. It was also caused by huge labor burdens that has fork-lift drivers making $100k a year. They should go into chapter 11 and restructure, including union contracts. Some kind of loans as part of that process is ok by me. The Volt will survive especially if they keep the price low. Other popular models will also survive. But Americans have to buy them. Otherwise you can keep buying Hondas and Toyotas and buy THEIR electric car. I think ultimately they will get over a hundred billion. Not so bad if you are part of the soon-to-be 48% of workers who don’t pay any taxes. But no worries the ‘rich’ will get it.
Nov 17th, 2008 (8:57 am)BWD,
Chevy is on the brink of many new “green” technologies in their cars. We can not let this just dry up and dissapear, especially to a big american company like this one. If GM closes shop, that just means more American dollars will be headed overseas.
I WANT MY VOLT!!
Nov 17th, 2008 (9:03 am)Please provide the necessary funds to save the Big 3 immediately.
this could be fundamentally more important to the economy than the housing market if they are allowed to collapse.
MPI
Nov 17th, 2008 (9:17 am)Please take this VERY seriously, help prevent an economic and ecological disaster. Ignore the politics and do the right thing! Help the Detroit 3. I refer to you Tom Friedman’s Hot, Flat, and Crowded. You may not agree with his politics, but he is on target with the significance of the overall ecological/economic/sociologic implications of not greating sustainable transportation.
Nov 17th, 2008 (9:21 am)yeah give em some money – REP
Nov 17th, 2008 (9:22 am)DPP
Nov 17th, 2008 (9:56 am)Lyle.
Great letter, Don’t forget the arsenal of democracy our auto plants are used for when the country needs it.
Thanks Dane DeRush
Nov 17th, 2008 (10:08 am)Not for bailouts or socialism, but the government borrowing money or buying warrants for the big 3 automobile makers is essentially for all us. I support the US Government loaning or buying warrants in General Motors and Ford.
Nov 17th, 2008 (10:14 am)KDM
Nov 17th, 2008 (10:22 am)I agree the Volt and other similar auto technologies should be saved and further developed. They are the best hope we have for a clean and sustainable transportation future. I fully support a bailout of the auto industry as long as the funds are used to re-tool for electric drive, plug-in hybrid and other “Green” vehicle technologies. The existing fleet of gas hogs should be abandoned for the dead end that they are.
I have driven home built EV conversions. Except for range their performance is amazing! I know that things will only get better once these things take off and people find out what they have been missing. Think of all the time wasted waiting in long lines at the gas pump! I’d much rather be able to re-fill overnight at home!!!
Nov 17th, 2008 (10:43 am)I am a GM employee, and have watched this remarkable company reinvent itself over the last 10 years. GM could have taken the easy way out, and walked away from its obligations; instead it has tried to do the right thing by everyone. Over the last 2 years, GM has dealt with Delphi’s bankruptcy, strikes from American Axle, excess capacity, and developed very creative solutions to legacy costs that keep workers’ benefits largely intact. In other words, it has done the right thing. (At the same time its developed the largest selection of Flex Fuel, Hybrid and 30+ MPG gas vehicles available from anyone.) Now that we are on the brink of recovery, the Wall Street meltdown has thrown one last obstacle in our path; it’s now impossible for customers to get car loans! GM isn’t asking for a bailout, just a bridge loan to get around the current economic mess.
Nov 17th, 2008 (11:40 am)MCC
Nov 17th, 2008 (11:50 am)I support a loan to keep the USA auto industry alive but not w/o major conditions.
Like – direct funding of the Volt; removal of the management team that got the industry into such trouble;elimination of all lobbying by the industry; a neutral oversight party;concessions by labor unions and banks;elimination of dividends until loan is paid back;taxpayer first place on debtor list…..so the form letter doesn’t cut it.
Fred
Nov 17th, 2008 (12:02 pm)Letting our largest automakers fail would allow millions (if not billions) of American Dollars spent on R&D to be wasted or sold to foreign corporations at fire-sale prices. Free markets or not, do you really want large amounts of our technology sent overseas? It would be a deadly blow to American manufacturing, labor, and technology just to simply let our largest auto manufacturers disappear. What exactly would we prove?
I don’t know if total support for the principals of unbridled free market economics is really worth the devastating consequences to our businesses and technology.
Nov 17th, 2008 (12:02 pm)gsm
- In support
Nov 17th, 2008 (12:30 pm)Bailouts for technology that saves the planet and employs citizens: not for fatcats making over a quarter million dollars….a month!
Nov 17th, 2008 (12:44 pm)SJB
In support!
Though, I wish the letter mentioned a designated percent of the funds go to plug-in hybrid or electric cars…Otherwise we may have another 1999 disappearance of battery-driven related cars..
Nov 17th, 2008 (1:02 pm)KRY
I am a US citizen
Nov 17th, 2008 (1:13 pm)The Volt is a step in the right direction. Please help GM stay afloat.
Nov 17th, 2008 (2:10 pm)Ok, guys, I now understand the bailout situation. You will do banks, but not the auto industry. This is because you WANT TO Bankrupt them. That way you can discard unions, and keep the Volt project on the back burner as long as possible. Not a good thing!
Get the Volt out there! I’m tired of driving 20th century technology in the 21st.
cheers,
Nov 17th, 2008 (2:13 pm)Lyle – I support your position. Perhaps bailout money going to GM could be written so as to guarantee the Volt
Nov 17th, 2008 (2:24 pm)Don’t despair Volt fans, the Japanese automakers will build it and build it better sooner or later. This car is and always was fantasy for GM anyhow. They can’t even make money at building ICE vehicles. What makes anyone think they can sell this thing and make money at it…
Nov 17th, 2008 (2:32 pm)I signed on five months ago to the GM waiting list for a VOLT .
Take the time to learn about the mileage range using battery
power and the use of gas to recharge the battery …
AMAZING driving range ! and it IS AMERICAN MADE
Invest the $$ now and reap the rewards for years ! !
another U.S. citizen for VOLT
Nov 17th, 2008 (2:50 pm)I support GM. If we do not take action now, these kind of projects will never be a reality. I agree with most of you folks “bailout money going to GM could be written so as to guarantee the Volt”
Nov 17th, 2008 (3:08 pm)I think they have to play by the same rules as the rest of us. If you don’t manage, you have to file bankruptcy and start over. They should’ve been working on more fuel efficient cars years ago, instead of sitting on their laurels and raking in the cash. Today, most Japanese cars out perform them, get better mpg ratings, and offer better reliability. It’s sad to say that the European cars of today provide a much nicer fit and finish over their American counterparts. Henry Ford and others would roll over in their graves to see how the powers that be at GM and Ford have failed to move forward and produce truly inspiring cars and trucks for both tree huggers and driving enthusiasts. The Volt is a great idea, but it almost comes across as too little too late. Get with the program GM, and solve your own problems they way Henry Ford solved his problems, HARD WORK. I know it’s a new concept, but give it a try. I’m starting to wonder who is worse, the GM CEO’s or the gas company CEO’s.
Nov 17th, 2008 (3:31 pm)Look to the future and see what your grand kids will be forced to live like if we sit around and do nothing. Release us from fosil fuel !!!!
Nov 17th, 2008 (3:36 pm)We need GM to complete the development of the Volt. We need to become energy independent and this is one way of getting there. I support lending money to GM (not a bailout) with conditions which are lower pay for execs and a cutback in Union benefits. Management, workers, and retirees need to give a little!
Nov 17th, 2008 (3:59 pm)We don’t need a second “who killed the electric car” documentary. Invest in alternate motive technologies that are both feasible and renewable.
Nov 17th, 2008 (5:04 pm)SAVE THE VOLT! I support this letter.
Nov 17th, 2008 (5:19 pm)This must be done or the world as we know it and like it will change for the worse. That is unless you are in China.
Nov 17th, 2008 (5:21 pm)I support this letter.
Nov 17th, 2008 (5:21 pm)Please support American companies with products like the Volt. I plan to buy one.
R. J. F. Jr.
Nov 17th, 2008 (6:30 pm)Let the oil companies bail out the big 3 automakers. The two industries are dependent on each other, and God knows Big Oil has enough money to make it happen. I want the choice of an electric car, but only if corporations show some responsibility and help themselves.
Nov 17th, 2008 (6:30 pm)I don’t care how many letters you write to our elected officials. If this car comes out at $40,000 dollars GM will only sell about 45,000 units. I am in agreement with help for the automakers only because of the millions of jobs that depend on them. The problems with GM are tied to the billions of dollars going to the pension funds and health benefits for all their retirees. Where do you think all that money is going to come from? You guessed it. Remember that car you were going to buy (I think it’s called the Volt) When the gov’t finishes using your money for all these bailouts you won’t be able to afford the tires for that car.
Nov 17th, 2008 (7:10 pm)MOBILIZE!
Online
http://gmfactsandfiction.com/
And or call
1-866-927-2233
Thanks for supporting America, GM, Ford and Chrysler.
Also please forward to fellow Americans.
Nov 17th, 2008 (7:15 pm)http://shelby.senate.gov/public/
He is AGAINST the loans to the BIG 3
He supports foreign companies NOT his own Country.
Please call or e-mail him to tell him you SUPPORT THE LOANS!
THANKS
Nov 17th, 2008 (7:24 pm)Chapter 11 restructuring for GM is a better solution than a bailout – but in any case, GM should continue to pursue initiatives like the Volt and other efficiency improvements and hybrid technologies, which will be demanded by customers.
Nov 17th, 2008 (7:27 pm)I agree. We desperately need this car. I stand behind you 100% and will forward this letter to whomever necessary.
Spend the money and speed up production of the Volt, while shutting down the poor selling car models. Slim down GM to say, just Caddy and Chevy, get rid of Pontiac fat and the such.
Nov 17th, 2008 (7:44 pm)AEC
Nov 17th, 2008 (8:14 pm)cjs
Nov 17th, 2008 (9:21 pm)I will buy the volt the day it comes out! Save this revolutionary car!
Nov 17th, 2008 (9:24 pm)Any “bailout” should be contingent on UAW concessions regarding wage, benefits, and working conditions–get rid of the featherbedding union stewards, adopt a “no work-no pay” workplace with pay and benefits comparable to other occupations requiring the same amount of education, experience and training. These in addition to management pay and “bennys” also reflecting the current economic situation of the auto companies.
Nov 17th, 2008 (9:36 pm)If we are going to be consistent with the bailout we have to realize that saving certain companys in this country is imperative to our economic well being and ultimately our nations security. Large airlines and automobile companys are just as important to our country as the banking system is. Obviuosly this should not be a free card but needs to have measureable changes that have to be imposed on these companys. Please save one of the last true areas of american culture and vote to approve a Big 3 bailout.
Nov 17th, 2008 (11:06 pm)Stand up and fight for your Country!
________________________________
Some of us have been for 8 years now… watching GM race in the wrong direction as they mocked hybrids, claiming hybrids were a terrible business choice. Now it is obvious that was dead wrong. Investing in the future should have been a high priority all along.
The reign of engine-only vehicles is coming to an end, and it’s being replaced by a variety of different designs using batteries. The plug-in type will not be dominant for a number of years still. What will be sold in the meantime is a question which should be answered immediately. What will be targeted for the mainstream, those millions of vehicle purchases our economy depends on each year?
The bailout/loan money must come with a commitment, something very clear… much better than the vague intentions we’ve had from the Big-3 so far. Set solid goals of quantity & price. None of the ever-changing nonsense anymore… since it will be taxpayer dollars they’ll be spending now.
Clearly tell us what to expect and be willing to accept the consequences of failing to meet those stated goals. Defining deliverables for 2009, 2010, and 2011 to measure progress is what the fight is about now.
Nov 17th, 2008 (11:49 pm)I support GM and the Chevrolet Volt. They should be awarded low interest loans by the Federal Government!
Nov 18th, 2008 (1:21 am)Given the speed at which the federal government is throwing money at the financial crisis, the average taxpayer, never mind member of Congress, might not be faulted for losing track. CNBC, however, has been paying very close attention and keeping a running tally of actual spending as well as the commitments involved.
Try $4.28 trillion dollars. That’s $4,284,500,000,000 and more than what was spent on WW II, if adjusted for inflation, based on our computations from a variety of estimates and sources*.
This is insanity. You will bankrupt the entire USA bailing out everyone. All so you can have a volt in your garage. Ruin our children’s futures by enslaving them to pay back our debt. They won’t have the money to buy one of these insanely priced $40k VOLTs that GM could have been making for over a decade now… and didn’t they used to get about 120 miles per charge (EV1)?
Don’t think. Don’t concern yourselves with debt. It just sounds so nice and “fair” to say we are saving jobs and using american technology with the VOLT. I cannot beleive what our country has become. You supporters are more than happy to create an impossible to pay debt for our children so you can say you drive a VOLT today!
How about waiting for the next nimble, cost-effecient company to build a better car than the VOLT, getting 200 miles per charge and making a real difference? No, that wouldn’t satisfy you because like all spoiled children, you have to have it now… no matter what it costs our children’s financial future.
Don’t hand me the pipedream that magically these companies are going to start turning a profit and pay all that money back. GM is burning over $2.0 billion in losses per quarter. Do you think that magically just goes away because the VOLT shows up “sometime” in 2010? Do you do any thinking, any research before parotting “I WANT MY VOLT?”
I didn’t think so.
This Country has become downright embarrassing. France has a better sense of individual responsibility than we do anymore. Your children deserve what you are going to give them. Mine don’t.
Nov 18th, 2008 (6:48 am)I am saving up for my Volt and want to see it succeed. But I am torn. The U.S. has the most generous Chapter 11 in the world and while it may do GM some good – could the Volt and all R&D for that matter survive Chapter 11?
Nov 18th, 2008 (6:55 am)1. America needs to maintain it’s industrial base. Period. We need to have some part of our economy that makes something real.
2. America’s cities and suburbs probably cannot exist in their current form without the personal automobile.
3. Peak Oil is real. We will not run out of oil tomorrow, but if you Google it up, and look at **long-term** statistics and trends, you will clearly see that within 5-7 years, world oil production rates will be most likely be in irreversible decline.
We must see the VOLT’s technology as a stratgic asset. To maintain American life as we know it, we must begin producing cars like the VOLT. And if we are to have any kind of economy, some of the companies that make them should be based in America.
To save the VOLT, GM must be helped through this difficult time.
Nov 18th, 2008 (9:12 am)Save the volt and make sure its an affordable car, if its too expensive, the public wont buy it in these financial situations! Help the American car companies get away from the unions that are destroying them, foreign car companies can build a cheaper car since they don’t have to deal with the unions.
I was really looking forward to the volt and hope GM can come through this catastrophe!
Nov 18th, 2008 (9:56 am)I support a bailout. Most other countries support their big companies. Is it GM’s fault that people can’t get auto loans because some a-holes in the financial markets screwed everything up by giving out home loans to people that couldn’t afford them?? Now were in the economic times that were in.. Let me guess, they’re the ones that told OPEC to cut production and raise oil prices through the roof. We also blame them for producing gas guzzlers. Last time I checked they have the most efficient SUV and trucks and guess what they sold the crap out of them a few years ago before the gas prices went thru the roof. Why wouldn’t you build things that you sold the hell out of!!!! If I could sell the hell out of a pet rock, I would!!! Give them a loan and they’ll pay ya back in full. GM will change with the market and become a financial powerhouse in the future. Volt is the future. Yes, $30k is expensive but look at plasma tvs were expensive at first. The price will come down as production and battery technology advances ramp up! Believe in America.
Nov 18th, 2008 (10:35 am)Go Volt ! Go GM !
No to Chapter 11
Wake up US Government and help out our automakers now !!!
RAP
Nov 18th, 2008 (11:00 am)Hmmm… Maybe GM shouldn’t have nixed the EV1???
I say let the greedy bastards collapse!!! they deserve it!!!
They had there chance and they let greed take over!!
Let someone else more deserving create a good electric car.
I’ve decided that I’m not buying anything from GM ever again!
I don’t trust them.
Nov 18th, 2008 (12:20 pm)I do not appreciate the game of brinksmanship that our auto executives are playing now. Their recurring short-sightedness have brought this crisis upon themselves (such as Ford scrapping Volvo’s plug-in-hybrid program back in the 1990′s as soon as they closed on that acquisition, and GM’s ditching the EV-1 but buying Hummer, and Chrysler installing its voracious Hemi engine in all of its products).
I want to see the Volt – it is the type of product GM and the other two can achieve success with, although frankly, they needed to get products like this to market half a decade ago.
Separately, I think GM should be broken apart and its pieces made to compete with each other again. Let them sell off divisions to raise their operating capital. Try firing a few people at the top too, and maybe relocate their HQ away from the incestuous, self-congratulating nest they’ve created for themselves.
Ironic that those who screamed hardest about the welfare safety net for individuals don’t seem to have a problem asking for corporate welfare. Makes me sick! I also think we’re being played – GM is shopping around the world for government handouts – Opel (GM in Germany) just asked for loan guarantees from the German govt.
Any liquidity support to these companies should come with some major strings attached, and upside for the US taxpayer beyond saving jobs (which I fear will be downsized anyway after they get any money).
I want to see accountability like we in small business deal with every day.
Nov 18th, 2008 (1:16 pm)Hi!
Maybe the GM made mistakes, BUT I’d rather blame those banks, that generated this WORLD COLLAPSE of economy. Companies like GM moves the economy and they more deserve some help from the goverment instead of the banks!!!
They will not do the same mistakes again and with projects like the VOLT, OUR FUTURE WILL BE CLEARER!!!
GO VOLT!!!
BELA from Budapest, Hungary (EUROPE)
We need your work also on the other side of the World!!!
Nov 18th, 2008 (1:58 pm)CAL – Not that I like all the money the feds are throwing around, I just cannot swallow the idea of losing more manufacturing capabilities from the US.
Chris
Nov 18th, 2008 (2:29 pm)The time is NOW to help/push U.S. automakers into the new green economy. Please help support the development and mainstreaming of electric cars made by U.S. companies with U.S. made batteries powered by electricity from U.S. produced wind and/or solar power.
Nov 18th, 2008 (2:56 pm)Keep the Volt alive. We need this car and we need our automotive industry. Washington needs to WAKE UP!
Nov 18th, 2008 (2:57 pm)Yes – FIGHT FOR YOUR RENEWAL OF OUR COUNTRY!
We are beginning a renewal. Join it -or- sit on your butt, be bitter about the EV1, buy a foreign car, shop for poisonous chinese communist crap at WalMart, watch FOX NEWS Hannity hate speech, fantasize that Obama is a muslim, marinate in fear, and follow “Dear Leader” Murdoch with your one-way ticket to China. Please go or at least get out of the way. We will soon have serious adults in charge in Washington. The “charge it and spend people” are voted out.
And please listen …
- IT’S A LOAN with OVERSIGHT not “throwing/bailing” money
- PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY would be cleaning up the mess we have made in voting for little boy bush and pulling up our industries by the bootstraps vs. throwing up our hands in bankruptcy and surrendering to Toyota.
- GM HAS IMPROVED -10-year warranty, good repair records &mpg
( I bought GM after 15 years of tin-can Hondas and I love it.)
- EV1 IS A CUTE TOY FROM THE PAST. GET OVER IT.
- LITTLE START-UPS ARE NOT GOING TO MAKE THE GREAT AMERICAN ELECTRIC CAR. THE $110K Tesla Roadster designer admitted on 60 Minutes that hewr couldn’t do it and he is trying to hire Detroit talent like crazy.
- Congress’ NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE will revitalize US industry and save $billions. The US health system ranks LAST of 19 industrialized nations. If Clinton’s health plan hadn’t been blocked by the Gingrich-Bunch16 years ago, the automakers wouldn’t be in this mess now.
Some of us want to back leaders and industry who are moving forward with vision and are ready to rebuild America after it’s been driven into a ditch with Reagan-Bushism. Gov. Swartzenegger is getting on board today!
Do or say something positive or at least get out of the way. Some of us still believe AMERICA CAN AND WILL. Your lazy, grid-locked, negative, anti-American ranting and refusal to listen to the folks with facts in this conversation do not help.
Nov 18th, 2008 (4:15 pm)Please, save the volt. This car would revive our auto industry.
Nov 18th, 2008 (4:20 pm)GM should have prioritized the Volt much earlier. Pumping more money into the current management, union and business model is a waste!
Bankruptcy is only way to restructure the business model, purge incompetant executive management and have leverage to deal with the union.
Nov 18th, 2008 (4:24 pm)We need the volt. Our government must back infrastructure improvements to complement future electric vehicle needs. Buy American!
Nov 18th, 2008 (4:45 pm)#688 – George K
I think your right on the money. I’m reluctantly off the fence now. Financially I’m ticked about the side I’m on but it has become all too obvious how damaging it would be to our country if Detroit were to fail. I have an article I’d like people to read about the bailout and would LOVE to know how everyone feels about it. Feel free to leave a comment for me here or at the article:
http://digistenz.blogspot.com/2008/11/why-we-shouldnt-bail-out-american.html
from the site:
http://digistenz.blogspot.com/
Nov 18th, 2008 (5:04 pm)Way to go. I support this letter.
Nov 18th, 2008 (5:30 pm)1. If America is going to lower its dependency on foreign oil it needs a car industry geared to produce cars that will assist in achieving that goal.
2. If America wants to reduce its national debt importing more cars will make that difficult.
3. If the auto industry needs the money they must agree to terms like lower emissions and more PHEV’s.
Nov 18th, 2008 (5:58 pm)I am a US Citizen, and I agree 100%.
KF
Nov 18th, 2008 (6:59 pm)I support the development and sale of the Chevy Volt.
rp
Nov 18th, 2008 (7:38 pm)totaly agree, I support the project…..”be green”……from México
México supports GM-Volt
Nov 18th, 2008 (7:46 pm)“SAVE OUR PLANET”….”SALVEN NUESTRO PLANETA”……..GO VOLT.. WE WANT VOLTS IN MEXICO..¡¡¡
Nov 18th, 2008 (8:55 pm)This loan/handouts to the the big three needs to be pushed, the USA needs to lead the way to the future of the auto industry.
Nov 18th, 2008 (10:33 pm)I have worked in the Government for 14 years and I know if they want something to happen it will happen no matter the cost. I also know that if they want it to fade away they will pay for it to fade, and fade fast, no matter the cost. But will the government be able to make money on this, I say yes. Through investments now and investing in this, it is the future. My approval has always been 100%.
Nov 19th, 2008 (3:17 am)I am opposed to the bailout. Fcuk you USA.
KF
Nov 19th, 2008 (3:42 am)I disagree with Allen Greenspan (He was right the 1st time about the free hand of the market), I believe the free hand of the market is just playing its role. “What goes up, must come down”, we have been living in incredible economy in the past. I think there should of been more oversite, not regulating. Therefore I think most of the so called bailouts will not make a difference to most. However this project must not be overlooked, energy independece is becomming more and more of a national security matter. We are losing the battle of economic warfare, it is time to retaliate. Just as our policy towards terrorists (In my humble opinion, price gouging is an act of economic terror), “we do not negociate with terrorists”. Lets show the world, We will not put up with this type of economic hostility and become independent of energy!
Nov 19th, 2008 (4:12 am)I agree with saving the Volt – but not the rest of GM. The handwriting has been on the wall even before GM produced the Hummer – yet they went ahead. I wouldn’t trust a cent of my tax dollars to a company with such lack of forsight. The Volt is an excellent initiative – the right way to save it may be bankrupcy for GM and the strongest elements only will survive.. Perhaps then we will see the Opel Flex in this country. GM does much more intellegent things in other countries. US management must go with their dinasours.
Nov 19th, 2008 (11:10 am)This country needs the electric car. Bail the Chev Volt.
Nov 19th, 2008 (11:21 am)I am a US citizen, I support the Volt and and agree with the letter.
JC
Nov 19th, 2008 (1:10 pm)I am a US Citizen, I support the Chevy Volt , Save GM, Ford and Chrysler. The innovation has started
Thes companies can be world leaders in green car itechnology if directed by Government
Nov 19th, 2008 (1:47 pm)President Bush the most incompetant president in the history of the United States and the Repubilcan party ran our country, manufactoring infrastructure and economy into the ground with their corrupt ethics and business policies. It’s only fair that the government should step in and save the auto industry. If we lose the auto industry by not bailing it out, the United States will follow in the footsteps once great Roman Empire into KAOS.
Nov 19th, 2008 (4:34 pm)Hey Gary Seymour – Go suck a lemon. Why don’t you send some of your money to the car companies. I don’t want my tax dollars bailing out private industry. The Bush administration had nothing at all to do with the poor management and administration of these incompetent car companies. You are just another knee-jerk liberal willing to give other people’s money away. Put your money where your mouth is and send the car companies some money yourself.
Nov 19th, 2008 (5:39 pm)I disagree with your letter.
Check out:
http://www.voxeu.org/index.php?q=node/2574
and yes, I am a US Citizen.
Nov 19th, 2008 (8:24 pm)GM takes care of their American Workers and should not be penalized for it. The Government should attempt to revive the industry through these turbulent times. The billions in tax revenue missed out on jobs lost, might even be more than the $25Billion to begin with. One can argue Ch 11 keeps jobs, but I disagree when talking about GM. Ch 11 for GM would soon turn to Ch 7 shortly after. It would be ugly. I support this message.
Nov 19th, 2008 (9:28 pm)The automotive industry is an American manufacturing icon that needs to be preserved. GM, Ford, and Chrysler employ directly and indirectly 7 to 10 million Americans. Employment that continues to support the nation. The loans to support the industry through the crisis need to be passed by our governmental leaders before any of the big three fail due to the current credit crisis. Put aside partisan agendas and support the working class of this country. The automakers aren’t asking for the hand outs given to the investment organizations but request a loan to weather the storm. Dealerships and suppliers employ millions reaching across every state, city, and county in our nation. This is not just a Detroit issue. All Americans need this support and the continuation of nationwide employment the loans will provide. Pass the needed legislation to support the entire automotive industry. Thank you for the opportunity to voice my concerns.
Nov 19th, 2008 (9:53 pm)Bring back the EV-1
Forgot the flash – forgot the chrome – give me a safe, efficient electric car for under $19k
Is that really so hard?!?!??!
Nov 19th, 2008 (11:44 pm)I cant believe the crap thats coming out of the CEO’s mouth when they all went begging for the money.
They claim to be victims of the “world economic state”
No – you take lousy products designed to need an endless supply of parts and services and sell them for stinkin amounts of money then stick it to us via your credit depts – all the while doing everything you can to make them as fuel inefficient as possible.
Like Microsoft holding back the development of effective computing products for years – you have held back the development of great innovative products that would run faster, safer and cleaner with your old boys network – which you have somewhat effectively sold to the public under the guise of being a great American institution.
Well – its all falling apart now and who is paying for it?
Not the executives – its the auto workers and the endless chain of companies who rely on your products requiring extensive repair over the years.
I hope you burn as fast as the money you have been burning for years so we can transition to a better economic model.
Step aside – let the REAL American innovators take over – and YES the government should be giving low interest loans to the next great round of innovators.
Nov 20th, 2008 (12:30 am)I support helping our Auto Industry – why should we only help the banking industry?
We need our Auto Industry!
Nov 20th, 2008 (1:36 am)I believe a bailout could be given, but only for the Volt, Phoenix and any other electric or partial electric that has 50% or more of its power from electric. Since national security is so important, the car could be part of the power grid and prevent rolling blackouts and would fit in to a wind and solar power future where baseload is not as constant as natural gas and coal plants. What happened to all the profit from SUV’s or the tax breaks for the Hummers? Hummers use alot of gas and someone did the numbers and figured that each tax break for a Hummer would pay for itself in gas tax.
The same could be done for electric cars. Instead of a gas tax, make a half cent per kw electric tax on coal power and natural gas and pave the way for an alternate funding source for the interstate highway system.
I am for long term cures, not quick fixes. The Volt is a great start.
Nov 20th, 2008 (7:44 am)I support the bailout/loan to the auto industry. If they are left to fail and all those people lose their jobs, who do you think is going to be paying all that unemployment? If we don’t bail them out now we’ll just be paying for it later.
And yes I’m a US citizen.
Nov 20th, 2008 (11:46 am)The auto industry is the All American industry. The big threee are just about to hit their stride in producing high quality, fuel efficient autos. The Chevy Volt must be one of them!
This is a better investment than in the crooked banking industry!
Nov 20th, 2008 (2:05 pm)Hey Jimmie Biggs
As far as your comment about me being another knee-jerk liberal. I am a Repubublican at heart and have always voted for Repubican Presidents until this last election. Anyway you slice it or dice it President Bush and the Repubican party have done to this country what Terrorists have only been dreaming about for years and that being running this country into the ground. Mccain and the Rupublican party where responsible in the awarding of the Airforce tanker contract to Airbus over Boeing costing many thousands of American jobs. Imagine that , an airforce plane built by a French owned company with so many Americans out of work. The government has almost destroyed our industrial base . They owe it to the people to bail out the auto companies for the mess they allowed and encouraged to happen. So Jimmie Biggs you know what you can go suck and kiss!
Nov 20th, 2008 (2:31 pm)>>The auto industry is the All American industry. The big threee are >>just about to hit their stride in producing high quality, fuel efficient >>autos. The Chevy Volt must be one of them!
>>This is a better investment than in the crooked banking industry!
Hit their stride?!??!!??!
Have you been living in a cave?
They have exported most of their jobs – continue to do so at a breakneck pace and their cars are gas hogs.
None of their 2008 or 2009 models even come close to my 1995 Escort Station wagon which has room for 5 tons of cargo space and get 32–>38 MPG depending on my driving habits (yes I track my mileage on a notepad). Its not a very cool ride but thats not the point – the point is that it is relatively efficient and points to how the car companies are igoing backward not forward.
The Volt is a carrot they are dangling in front of the government and the public – just like the EV1 – They dont want to make it – they may be forced to and they may even be forced to sell them rather than lease them – but its all smoke and mirrors to keep their butts planted in their mansions and their luxury jets. They will come up with a lot of excuses and stall tactics to keep any real progress on green alternatives.
For the record – there is a garage in my area that specifically converts cars to electric – I dont have the money to work with these guys but if I did I would. They are telling me that they can convert my car to do highway speeds with 40 miles range – thats 40 miles you can count on about 15 you cant but depending on your driving habits you may get a little more out of it.
They are doing this with a car designed to use gas and what kind of batteries……LEAD ACID!
And Chevy with all their experience and supposedly millions of dollars sunk into R&D simply cant get more than 40 mile range using Lithium Batteries?!?! Thats a complete lie because the EV1 did that with Lead Acid – and twice that with Nickel Metal Hydride batteries.
Japanese arent much better – the plug-in prius they said was technically not feasible when they released the Prius – when some individuals converted the Prius to plug-in and started getting 100mpg they scratched their heads and said….gee can we take a look at that? Give me a BREAK!!!! ALL of the car companies are in on this farce but American car companies are the worst of the lot.
They are every bit as bad as the oil barons they pander to.
No money for you!
Nov 20th, 2008 (3:06 pm)The idea of a GM (and/or Ford + Chrysler) bail-out is a tricky one. On the one hand, it’s impossible to believe the USA can continue as a world power in the long-term without a domestic (and domestically owned) auto industry.
On the other hand, it’s decades of bad decisions that have led to this current state. While Japanese, Korean, and even (oddly enough) German automakers have had a focus on technology for the next 5-10 years, we have been lucky enough to see Detroit plan well for the next 5-10 months.
Now, this is a Volt list, and I strongly believe in the Volt concept. Until I bought a Prius in 2003, I had owned only American cars, though they had often been something of a compromise. The Prius was just what I wanted, and there was nothing close to an American answer. The Volt would solve my problem.. I would buy one in a heartbeat, as long as it’s somewhat affordable (under $40,000… I know the cost tradeoffs, and I’m willing to invest in order to have clean power… I’m on 100% renewable electric here in Jersey).
But is it too little, too late? Because this is just the beginning. It took six years and two model revisions to get the Prius into mass production, and time beyond that for Toyota to propagate that technology to other models. If GM doesn’t have at least some of the vehicles consumers actually want today, tossing them a few stacks of billion-dollar notes is likely to be throwing good money after bad.
I would want to see the bail-out done as an intelligent business decision, not a knee-jerk political one. Ok, perhaps I’m dreaming, but if there are people at GM who would really put the health of the company before the decadance of management. This means:
- Fire most of the current management. The old-boys responsible for most of the bad decisions need to be gone, period.
- Remaining high-level managers are paid entirely based on profits. There are NO non-performance, non-profit based bonuses.
- All top level corporate perks are gone… no jets, no country clubs, none of it. The company needs to run like a startup… before they get Angel money or an IPO.
- All projects not critical for the company’s future are cancelled. That means this money isn’t spent on a three year project to make a slightly different version of the Hummer H2 or even the Chevette.
- On the tail of that last one.. any company interested in a bail-out needs to submit a painfully detailed report on just how the money they are requesting will save the company, including all of their cost savings measures… which must already be implemented. If they cannot show that it will, they will not get the money. Period.
- The UAW have to do their part as well… they are not the root of the problem, but they can’t become a part of it, either.
Nov 20th, 2008 (7:04 pm)I won’t live in fear. I can’t believe we would spend tens of billions of dollars, probably open ended, to prop up GM. Just looking at the numbers, GM has 15.9 billion cash with operating cash flow of -5.79 billion, Toyota has 26 billion in cash with 29.22 billion in cash flow by comparison. The current capitalization of stock for GM is less than 2 billion dollars. It is 79 billion for Toyota. Ford is in much better shape than GM. Would anyone loan tens of billions to a company they could buy outright for less than 2 billion, then eliminate the poor performers and restructure the company and UAW contracts? Do we really think the government can figure out how to do that? If the tax payers got 10% interest on the 25B, they could have bought the entire company in less than a year on interest alone. You could give away over 600,000 Volts for 25B. I may not be able to afford to eat, have a roof over my head, or pay my electric bill, but I hope I get the first free nationalized Volt. The Volt by itself, a 40k car, will not save GM in this financial climate.
I think chapter 11 for GM is the best option for the country, and hopefully some of the big 3 manufacturing capacity will survive with new and efficient leadership. If not, liquidate domestically, so that new US companies will have a competitive opportunity to emerge and replace the losers. Maybe we will have a Ford Volt. I am sure companies like Tesla and Fisker would love a 25 billion dollar open ended loan, and they have more passionate and efficient leadership.
Also, instead of giving billions to the big three, we could give billions in low interest loans and/or tax credits to DIYers or small companies who build or convert cars to electric using domestic resources, especially domestic battery systems. Credits and loans could also be given to companies that build electric cars or hybrids with over 50 mpg built in the US. I am converting a 99 Porsche that will go 100 miles on a charge and will cost less than 40k to convert. It should be finished within the next few months, well before I can get my hands on the new nationalized Volt, all without a dime from the taxpayers of the US.
Nov 20th, 2008 (10:05 pm)GM is closer to the electric solution automotive than any other manufacturer at this time. Don’t let this crucial piece of technology and stimulus for our ailing economy be dropped and eventually carried forward by a foreign manufacturer.
If you leave it to DIYers like the previous poster suggests, the roads will be full of dangerous, unregulated, unmaintainable junk. Building a car that meets federal regulations and will run for years is not an easy thing to do – if it was Tesla would have lots of competition. Remember when the head of Tesla swore a couple of years ago that he would never have anyone with ‘Detroit’ on their resume working for him? Guess what – he found out it was a lot harder building a street-legal mass production car than writing software in silicon valley, and he now has lots of ex-Detroiters on staff.
The Big 3 are making lots of good vehicles today. Pull your heads out of the ’80 and actually look at them, read the reviews, check out the JD Power surveys – quality is right up there with the competition. The new Chevrolet Malibu is rated higher than either the Camry or Accord. The Volt will be a large step past the Prius, and that is exactly what we need now – next generation vehicles to decrease our dependence on foreign oil. The Volt is almost ready for production, give GM the bridge loan (it’s a loan – not a bailout like the banks) so they can get it on the road in 2010.
Nov 21st, 2008 (8:21 am)Like it or not… I don’t….
Fact: A very similar situation occured in the 20′s, Gov’t decided not to intervene…
Soup kitchen anyone?
Nov 21st, 2008 (8:32 am)I endorse the GM-Volt.com Letter to the U.S. Government by Dr. Lyle Dennis. I am one of many Americans who support the linkage of oil independence, environmental sustainability, national security and economic justice. The Chevy Volt represents an initial step in the direction of transformation for the U.S. and the world in creating a green and viable future.
Nov 21st, 2008 (9:42 am)I am a US citizen.
Thank you Bill Meessen & Lyle Dennis … I couldn’t have said it any better … we’ve got to keep the GM Volt initiative alive and on (or ahead of) schedule. If this takes a stimulus package or loan guarentee … then so be it.
Nov 21st, 2008 (9:44 am)I endorse the GM-Volt.com Letter to the U.S. Government.
I support a “LOAN” with a major re-structure and True up for benefits. What a wonderful life that must be.
Clean it all up and move on, in a modern business model.
Nov 21st, 2008 (1:30 pm)Hey Dave@1417
You of all people should know that Corporate execs would never agree to those kind of conditions. Did Commodore care when they lived high off the hog and sunk the company (setting PC computing back 20 years by allowing Microsoft and PC manufacturers as a near monopoly IMHO). Do you think they cared about Commodore and all the hard work you guys put into the products? Not in the least….
Big 3 – same mindset – bigger scale.
Nov 21st, 2008 (1:51 pm)I support it.
1. Jobs-Economy
2. They are changing and there are many other factors that are putting them in peril besides poor management (credit liquidity for one).
3. Strategic importance. I’m not a hawk, but as a nation we’ll need an in-house auto industry if we’re ever in a situation where we suddenly need to make a bunch of tanks.
MSR.
Nov 21st, 2008 (1:56 pm)doug@1419
You think the Malibu at 22/30 MPG is good?
You think that DIYers have a magic wand to side-step the safety inspections that every state must have in order to put the car on the road?
Of course Tesla is going to have little competition – I have no illusions about how much money it takes to actually get a car in production that satisfies all the demands the government and consumers put on them – the idea that Tesla had of starting with high end and working their way down to low end models as capital increased seemed impractical to me but so far it seems to be working.
If making an electric car were easy or cheap we would all be doing it.
Thats not the point – the point is it has been done already – 10+ years ago when they developed the EV-1. They abandoned that little project and in fact spent millions fighting courts so they could take them OFF the road and start building hummers.
The only reason they built the EV-1 was to satisfy Californias laws and as soon as they got a repeal all that EV talk went straight into the crusher along with the EV-1s.
Volt – same deal.
They are telling us they are going to make this thing for $30k….oh wait $40k….100K units first year…no make that 20K units….and its all smoke and mirrors so they can get us to hold on for another year of sales – then another – then another……
If the big 3 go down in flames this is not the end of the world – its simply the beginning of a new chapter in the American economy – yeah it will be hard to start a new car company and Tesla might drop the ball but sooner or later some new companies will figure out how to fill the void left behind and we will have some real American car companies that actually listen to the consumers.
Nov 22nd, 2008 (4:23 am)Give them a loan,allow them to merge or use it,as they see fit.
Nov 22nd, 2008 (11:16 am)We need the Volt, clean coal, more renewable energy and we need a strong domestic auto industry and energy independence.
Will the new Congress take up the call to action? We need action not more talk and wishful dreaming or at the end of this next administration we’ll be importing 70% of our oil. We need electrics, electric everything.
Nov 22nd, 2008 (2:08 pm)I 100% support it!!!
Nov 24th, 2008 (6:42 pm)I find it hilarious how many folks here think that GM, a company who can’t even run a viable business building conventional ICE cars, will somehow miraculously build this. Sorry folks, this car will be dead within 1 year. GM will not even be around as we know it in 2010. So for those of you claiming to be saving up for what will undoubtedly be an overpriced POS, you all will just have to wait until Toyota or Honda build an EV of their own. I imagine it will be out by 2010, just in time to outsell this POS should GM still exist (unlikely).
Nov 24th, 2008 (6:55 pm)the government has always been involved in helping the market. the devil is in the details. foreign governments have assuredly been supporting their most cutting edge industries for decades, while our government throws bones at new ideas. high tech an exception: no way, its so heavily supported by govt research etc, its not even funny. its time for us as a nation to begin to choose what business we want tu support, and do it in a big way. i am utterly convinced that plug in hybrids will be essential technology, and some of the best and brightest (amory lovins for example) agree. so we need to help gm stay afloat so they can use their industrial scale facilities to bring this car to market asap. any other businesses suffering, that have demonstrably good ideas? bring them on. businesses suffering that have no good ideas? give them some, and tell them they will get money if they pursue them. is this socialism? no, but its no different than oil industry subsidies or subsidies to agribusiness. does the govt support benefit the 1. people of this country (working people 2. the environment 3. our economy. if so, do it.
Nov 25th, 2008 (11:26 am)Please save GM and the Volt. We should have built this car 20 years ago. Auto industries in other countries are finally playing catch up with us on this technology. Please save the US auto industry and the Volt with the proposed bail out.
Nov 29th, 2008 (4:05 am)“Who killed the electric car?” watch it let GM and Ford burn and die and execute the CEOs
Dec 4th, 2008 (2:50 pm)I decided I would support the bailout completly if the CARB initiatives were federally mandated across the country starting in 2009.
Wouldnt that be interesting…..one White house Administation fought to defeat the ZEV initiative in California mandating a segment of the cars sold be zero or near zero emission vehicles and a new administration comes in and fights for a re-instatement on a federal level.
Let the consumers decide by making a even playing field – you want to sell ICE cars in the US? Fine – then for every ICE model you sell give us a option that is priced competitively.
I wonder if Apple would be interested in buying up one of the car companies – they know how to appeal to consumers, environmentally friendly, and (at least when they made puters in the US) they were pretty reliable.
hmm….iCar anyone?
Dec 17th, 2008 (10:46 pm)Get rid of the UAW, then maybe the company will begin to make a profit. Also, maybe consider building something with 100% US parts and 100% US labor.
Dec 20th, 2008 (2:36 pm)Amen Al – dissolve the UAW – replace the execs and put ahefty fine on anyone outsourcing – 100% US Parts cast in the US. 100% US Labor sounds good.
Jan 3rd, 2009 (10:33 pm)[...] Happened? Dr. Lyle J. Dennis today asked readers of his GM-Volt.com enthusiast site to sign a petition asking the Bush Administration to bail out [...]
May 29th, 2009 (4:42 pm)My question Lyle is, as an old member of the GM family I don’t ever remember having the opportunity to voice my opinion as to how, what and to anything else concerning GM operation(s). Now my opinion is important as to, should the tax payers give what “Adequate Loans” !!! to GM, for what?
Yes! I would love to see GM back on their feet and doing a great business and I believe the Volt is a revoltutionary product however, I don’t trust the GM capatalistic application on how to spend the money.
I would have a better feeling if the Executives with the Union mix would have made things work with their own smarts at work instead of, well!!!! We can all see were all you smart guys have taken us now.
You will get your “Bail-Out” and you will file for Chapter 11 and the Government will probably get you out of Bankburst, but that doesn’t assure any of us Americans that there is enough smarts at GM to continue the VOLT campaign. I see a lot of talk about the Volt but that is just about all I see.
Get a good Volt out in the public. Let us see the damn thing and feel it, drive it and get to like it. We will buy it if it is any good and I believe it will be providing you build it by sticking to the orginal reciept.
+1
Jun 30th, 2009 (7:30 am)Well as my handle indicates I’m all for the electric car better fuel economy or better yet no gas ran cars..What I do hate is the UNIONS in Chevrolet that has put this company in the toilet…To go out and pay what they have to all the employees is ridiculous and the CEO’s pieces of $H!T..To also go out on the big vacation trips using company plans for leisure.. GM (Chevrolet) should not be bailed out!!! The GOV is not in the car making business it is in the governing [or lack thereof]…Yes the US would suffer greatly by unemployment but US made it once before although I wouldn’t like to see it come to that ever again, but the gov. needs to stay out of auto making and try to stay in governing… As this is my whole point to this post…
Aug 2nd, 2009 (12:48 am)[...] GM-Volt.com Letter to the US Government | GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt … [...]
-1
Aug 14th, 2009 (12:17 pm)@70MPG Insighter
If you don’t like America you can just Geeettttt Ouuutttt!!
+1
Aug 14th, 2009 (1:15 pm)OK so your telling me that it is ok for our government to give all the auto industry all this money so that they can make a 40 thousand dollar car that no middle class american can afford that has a family just for the sake of have a car that was funded by the us government thats what going wrong with this nation now everybody is all ok with the government spending money as we as adults will never see the affect of it but what about our kids and our kids kids. What kind of future are we giving to them. With me this is not ok and it should be ok with any of you. We all should be MAD instead of being all laddy da over a 230MPG car that cost well over 40 plus thousand car with that price tag I can go out and get 50 70 MPG insights…COME ON AMERICA WAKE UP!!!!!! and see what it is you are doing to your kids future.