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December 11, 2005
Why GM is in dire straits: Reason #4,782
Google "General Motors" and you find an interesting theme amongst the headlines:
General Motors announces top-level shake up
Stocks slide on General Motors concerns
Toyota aims to overtake General Motors
One might think that GM is having a tough time, and might therefore try to improve its image, if not its products.
So I'm reading an article in Friday's Wall Street Journal (subscription required), "The Flashback Van," about the current crop of van conversions. The subject of the article is a GMC Savannah loaned to the writer. The article is pretty positive overall, with the author noting that the van got better mileage than many SUVs and passenger cars, as well as the fact that it handled pretty well and was a comfortable ride for long trips.
However, buried in the article is this nugget:
[C]onsumer-unfriendly elements highlight the commercial roots of large vans . . . . The double doors on each side and in back didn't always stay open as they're supposed to and bruised our legs when they unexpectedly swung shut.
GM spokesman Robert Minton says the door hinges, which are the same as on the company's commercial-model vans, "haven't been a source of complaints" from customers.
Ahem.
Is Mr. Minton aware of the fact that it is the reviewer from the Wall Street Journal complaining? That in some circles, a complaint from a person driving the vehicle -- even if only driving it on a temporary basis -- counts as a "customer complaint"? That his marvelously blithe response will soon be available for millions of affluent Americans to read?
What's wrong with GM? Absolutely nothing. It's the stupid, complaining American public with their ignorant carping that's the problem. If only they would shut up and buy American, dammit!
I hereby nominate Mr. Minton as Clueless Spokeshole of the Year.
Posted by Mike Lief at December 11, 2005 02:29 PM