I was both amused and annoyed by a headline today: "Survey: Auto Bailout is Drag on GM Truck Sales". The article noted:
A consumer survey taken last week on behalf of the National Legal and Policy Center confirms that public disapproval of the auto bailout continues to dog General Motors, and is likely hurting pickup truck sales, a highly profitable segment of its line.
. . .
In September, GM's full-sized pickup trucks fell 8% from the same month a year ago, while Ford and Chrysler saw sales increases. The survey data tends to confirm assertions ... that many consumers in the truck buyer demographic are avoiding GM products in response to the bailout.
There's more at the link.
I'm not surprised by this in the least. The only surprise I have is that GM (and, to a certain extent, Chrysler) are still shilly-shallying around the problem, never talking about it, trying to pretend it doesn't exist or that it'll go away of its own accord.
It won't.
I said in 2009:
I shall never again buy any new Chrysler or General Motors vehicle or other product, unless and until the issues raised by their bankruptcies have been resolved in accordance with the current (i.e. today's) law of the land, and any and all benefits unjustly accruing or unfairly transferred to political stakeholders have been nullified and withdrawn forever.
I was far from alone in expressing those sentiments, and I've held to them since then. My determination to do so has only been made stronger by more recent revelations of the shenanigans that accompanied the auto industry bailout.
Many of us have long memories. I still recall the Firestone tire scandal, when that company's arrogant and self-exculpatory behavior angered many consumers. I was one of those who vowed at the time never again to buy Bridgestone or Firestone products. I've kept my promise, and will continue to do so. Why should I behave any differently towards GM and/or Chrysler?
Peter
