GM calls for higher gas taxes. What do you think of GM?
Mr. NiceGuy
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GM calls for higher gas taxes. What do you think of GM?
GM chief wants higher federal gas tax
By: Mark Tapscott
Editorial Page Editor
01/12/10 8:45 AM EST
It's International Auto Show time in Detroit, so senior executives from automakers around the world are in the Motor City this week showing off their latest wares, including concept vehicles that may or may not give hints to their future products, and making pronouncements on topics far and wide.
So you never know what to expect in the way of news from Detroit. Take, for instance, Ford's announcement yesterday that due to growing demand, it is ramping up production of two of its least fuel-efficient products, the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.
Expedition sales are up 45 percent, compared to a year ago, while Navigator sales have climbed fully 60 percent for the same period, according to Ford Americas president Mark Fields. He was quoted by Automotive News, the trade publication.
But over at Government Motors - formerly known as General Motors - one of its most gregarious and visible executives is calling for a hike in the federal gas tax.
"You either continue with inexpensive motor fuels and have to find other ways to incent the customer to buy hybrids and electric vehicles, such as the government credits," Lutz told journalists at the show yesterday, according to CNN Money. "Or the other alternative is a gradual increase in the federal fuel tax of 25 cents a year, which in my estimation would have the benefit of giving automobile companies a planning base, and giving families that own vehicles a planning base."
Lutz expressed frustration that buyers react so quickly to changes in gas prices: "Every time gas prices go back down, everybody starts buying big stuff again. Gas prices go up a buck, the big stuff is unsellable and everyone wants small cars. Go figure. It's like the collective memory is about three weeks long. We can't run a business that way."
Lutz may have an ulterior motive in calling for a federal gas tax increase. He has been a vigorous advocate within GM for the Chevrolet Volt electric plug-in that will be unveiled this fall. Making gas more expensive would tend to help sales of vehicles like the Volt because they use less gas than conventional vehicles.
Read more at the Washington Examiner: GM chief wants higher federal gas tax | Washington Examiner
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So, my question is, what do you guys think of GM now? Who in their right mind would buy from this company after this? Why would you support the control that this company has over the US government?
By: Mark Tapscott
Editorial Page Editor
01/12/10 8:45 AM EST
It's International Auto Show time in Detroit, so senior executives from automakers around the world are in the Motor City this week showing off their latest wares, including concept vehicles that may or may not give hints to their future products, and making pronouncements on topics far and wide.
So you never know what to expect in the way of news from Detroit. Take, for instance, Ford's announcement yesterday that due to growing demand, it is ramping up production of two of its least fuel-efficient products, the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.
Expedition sales are up 45 percent, compared to a year ago, while Navigator sales have climbed fully 60 percent for the same period, according to Ford Americas president Mark Fields. He was quoted by Automotive News, the trade publication.
But over at Government Motors - formerly known as General Motors - one of its most gregarious and visible executives is calling for a hike in the federal gas tax.
"You either continue with inexpensive motor fuels and have to find other ways to incent the customer to buy hybrids and electric vehicles, such as the government credits," Lutz told journalists at the show yesterday, according to CNN Money. "Or the other alternative is a gradual increase in the federal fuel tax of 25 cents a year, which in my estimation would have the benefit of giving automobile companies a planning base, and giving families that own vehicles a planning base."
Lutz expressed frustration that buyers react so quickly to changes in gas prices: "Every time gas prices go back down, everybody starts buying big stuff again. Gas prices go up a buck, the big stuff is unsellable and everyone wants small cars. Go figure. It's like the collective memory is about three weeks long. We can't run a business that way."
Lutz may have an ulterior motive in calling for a federal gas tax increase. He has been a vigorous advocate within GM for the Chevrolet Volt electric plug-in that will be unveiled this fall. Making gas more expensive would tend to help sales of vehicles like the Volt because they use less gas than conventional vehicles.
Read more at the Washington Examiner: GM chief wants higher federal gas tax | Washington Examiner
_______________
So, my question is, what do you guys think of GM now? Who in their right mind would buy from this company after this? Why would you support the control that this company has over the US government?
Mr. NiceGuy
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To sum this up for lazy fucks, GM wants to raise gas prices so that the Chevy Volt will gain popularity.
This is quite contradictory to GMs vice chairman Bob Lutz's comment in 2004, suggesting that hybrid and electric vehicles will not be popular for 20 more years. funny, huh.
This is quite contradictory to GMs vice chairman Bob Lutz's comment in 2004, suggesting that hybrid and electric vehicles will not be popular for 20 more years. funny, huh.
Not Mad
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Gas is already taxed enough. Take all the taxes off we would prob be paying about 80 or 90 cents a gallon. If they need to raise taxes a couple cents on the dollar at the pump to help stabilize the economy. To get people more interested in hybrids and more fuel efficient vehicles Im all for it. A couple cents on top of the $2.60/gal - $2.80/gal that we are paying now is still better then when we were paying $3.60/gal to $3.95/gal.
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It'd be cool if GM could manage to turn a profit without changing the laws and essentially force people to buy from them. Of course, this strategy is bad because GM's competitors will just offer a better electric/hybrid and all their whiny lobbying will still result in everyone buying from the other guy.
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Mr. NiceGuy
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Gas is already taxed enough. Take all the taxes off we would prob be paying about 80 or 90 cents a gallon. If they need to raise taxes a couple cents on the dollar at the pump to help stabilize the economy. To get people more interested in hybrids and more fuel efficient vehicles Im all for it. A couple cents on top of the $2.60/gal - $2.80/gal that we are paying now is still better then when we were paying $3.60/gal to $3.95/gal.
Fuck hybrids and electric cars, people should have a choice. No one should decide whether or not gasoline should be expensive or cheap for personal profit (besides the company producing the gasoline.)
My opinion would be different if 70% of America could actually afford these hybrids and electric cars, but have you seen the prices on those cars? It is completely unreasonable to raise prices for those who can afford it, and disregard those who cant afford a new car. They'll be stuck paying a shitload for gas, pushing the economy into an even worse state.
Considering the fuck up we have for a President, things aren't looking good.
Mr. NiceGuy
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It'd be cool if GM could manage to turn a profit without changing the laws and essentially force people to buy from them. Of course, this strategy is bad because GM's competitors will just offer a better electric/hybrid and all their whiny lobbying will still result in everyone buying from the other guy.
rocktastic
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Not Mad
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Fuck hybrids and electric cars, people should have a choice. No one should decide whether or not gasoline should be expensive or cheap for personal profit (besides the company producing the gasoline.)
My opinion would be different if 70% of America could actually afford these hybrids and electric cars, but have you seen the prices on those cars? It is completely unreasonable to raise prices for those who can afford it, and disregard those who cant afford a new car. They'll be stuck paying a shitload for gas, pushing the economy into an even worse state.
Considering the fuck up we have for a President, things aren't looking good.
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Mr. NiceGuy
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Honda and Toyota already offer and have been offering hybrids. GM wants to raise gas doesn't mean people are forced to purchase GM produced vehicles. There are plenty of 30+ mpg vehicles out there which aren't part of GM.
People do have a choice. There are plenty of Non hybrid vehicles that are very reliable and excellent in MPG.
Used Hyrbids aren't that expensive. I have looked into the Accord Hyrbid and also the Civic hybrid and they are very very affordable used.
Things were good before our current president ??
People do have a choice. There are plenty of Non hybrid vehicles that are very reliable and excellent in MPG.
Used Hyrbids aren't that expensive. I have looked into the Accord Hyrbid and also the Civic hybrid and they are very very affordable used.
Things were good before our current president ??
You said that adding a tax to promote hybrid/electric technology would be good. It isn't promoting, its forcing people to move on to less expensive cars. When prices get so high that we can't afford gas any longer, we have to buy those new cars. How in the world is this not force? How does what your saying justify GMs initial intention (to get people interested in their product.)?
EDIT:
At least we weren't being directly lied to. Just behind our backs, lol
