All Your Green Blog

GM's Vice Chairman, Bob Lutz got taken to task by the blogosphere and even some mainstream media for describing what he sees as fanaticism regarding global warming as a "a total crock of shit." For a company that is trying like mad to gain ground with the increasingly eco-conscious American consumer, this is quite the surly lad.

In addition to refusing to show regret for his comments, he then describes this backlash as also a "crock" in his own posting. He tried to deflect the glare by claiming that his critics should focus on forming opinions on the positive things his company is trying to do, and not on his opinions. He also pulled the ever classic "My thoughts on what has or hasn't been the cause of climate change have nothing to do with the decisions I make to advance the cause of General Motors."

Now, would you trust a vegan butcher? A mechanic who doesn't own a car? I think the stereotypical metaphor is a skinny cook. For a company whose "hugely beneficial" efforts are largely in the field of catching up with their competitors, losing money, and pushing people into retirement, this sure doesn't sound like a beacon of innovative leadership. GM stock is half what it was five years ago, and that was half of what it had been three years prior. In just over eight years, it's fallen 75%. Go figure.

Want to regain the public interest, GM? Try something new. If you want to beat the Prius, be the first American auto-manufacturer to release an economical full-electric commuter. If you got it under $25k, no matter how small and gutless, I'd be in line. You're getting beaten in your current market. Make a slight shift in your focus and hit the market from a different angle and you'll be fine. If you fail, the market will leave you behind. Innovation is rewarded, stagnation is retired. Speaking of retiring employees, why don't you start with executives that can't see the forest for the trees?

References:

• www.freep.com
• www.reuters.com
• thinkprogress.org