Since TTAC began, GM has never deigned to address or correct a single General Motors Death Watch. The automaker's PR department has also declined numerous invitations to post a guest editorial on this site. And there's never been a single "official" comment in the comments section by a single GM employee. Not one. And yet, of course, GM wants to be Web 2.0. We've already chronicled the half-assed attempt at e-glasnost known as gm.next.com. As the company is unwilling/unable to engage in anything remotely resembling open, honest and frank online dialogue with their critics and customers, it seems that they've shifted tack. While keeping his low profile, GM PR Supremo Steve "attitude is key to a successful career in public relations" Harris has launched a charm offensive with [relative to Edmunds, kbb, etc.] small bloggers and webslingers. And by charm offensive I mean, of course, payola. The General has taken to providing all-expenses-paid trips to the auto shows for small sites. Gaywheels.com went to Detroit on GM's dime (don't tell the AFA). Askpatty.com and automobilesdeluxe.blogspot.com are headed to the New York Auto Show at GM's expense. I'm sure there are plenty more. I call on all websites accepting GM's largesse to declare it in any and all copy generated at the show, and make sure it's included in their tax returns, and trust that they will do no such thing.
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sound was tons better! my speakers and ears say thank you!
Gentlemen:
1. Flying buttresses have air underneath them, not glass. The only new vehicles (with such poor taste) to employ these are the Chevy Avalanche and its Cadillac cousin.
2. Exhaust systems are usually spring loaded near the catalytic converters (using a flex pipe or spring loaded ball/socket connectors) so its likely that a rear ended BMW will need a new set of mufflers (or just tailpipe slipcovers) and that’s it.
Learned #2 the hard way when changing an Oxygen sensor for a friend. All that flex means I get no torque!
I post here a lot, and at some other websites…why not pay me?
GMs scared – at least I hope they have enough sense to be. By controlling the press, they can grasp at the last of their straws and sell a few more vehicles. That’ll buy ’em a little more survival time.
(Killing herself laughing!)
Hey you now have 6 listeners!
I love the podcast. Keep it funny. There’s a nice balance between facetious sarcasm and wit.
The X6 in my mind is a visual design triumph. Van Hooydonk is brilliant. Thank god they gave the BMW design job to him. He really did a great job of blending a couple roofline with SUV like interior volume, from what I can tell without having been in one.
From the standpoint of why do we need a vehicle like this, I agree it is a failure. The apparent business imperative of micro niches drives it. Who am I to say its the wrong strategy. Berkowitz, why do you think that is an invalid strategy?
“I call on all websites accepting GM’s largesse to declare it in any and all copy generated at the show, and make sure it’s included in their tax returns, and trust that they will do no such thing.”
Funny you should mention that Robert. GM made the same request.
http://automobilesdeluxe.blogspot.com/2008/03/general-invites-adl-to-new-york.html
RF,
Its pronounced
So-lo-veeeeee-ohv
Its an East German name, hence the “W’s” go to “V’s”.
In mother Russia, you will find it spelled with V’s, and sometimes B’s.
Or you can call me Capt Solo, everybody else does. $5 if you can guess my call sign (its not what you think)
Up to 8 listeners, now? No wonder it’s starting to feel crowded…