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One could argue that patriotism is the only thing that has kept GM afloat for the last few years. The desire of American to buy American and the romantic nostalgic idea that by buying GM, you were also tapping into the glory days of the American auto industry. The Big 3 have been in-trouble for months, but their timing is lousy. Of course, no one can predict a 40% downturn in any market, but they must have recognized tough times were ahead. Had they gone to Washington DC earlier on in 2008, they would have gotten the $25 billion, no questions asked. However, with $700 billion in bailout going to the stricken banks, there's not a lot of capacity and goodwill for giving away more tax payer dollars.

GM is now doing something it should have done long ago, gone to it's loyal buyers and ask for their support. I am not yet, talking about donations, that might be next, but getting them to pledge their support.

To do this, the company is sending out emails like this one.

Dear

You made the right choice when you put your confidence in General Motors, and we appreciate your past support. I want to assure you that we are making our best vehicles ever, and we have exciting plans for the future. But we need your help now. Simply put, we need you to join us to let Congress know that a bridge loan to help U.S. automakers also helps strengthen the U.S. economy and preserve millions of American jobs.

Despite what you may be hearing, we are not asking Congress for a bailout but rather a loan that will be repaid.

The U.S. economy is at a crossroads due to the worldwide credit crisis, and all Americans are feeling the effects of the worst economic downturn in 75 years. Despite our successful efforts to restructure, reduce costs and enhance liquidity, U.S. auto sales rely on access to credit, which is all but frozen through traditional channels.

The consequences of the domestic auto industry collapsing would far exceed the $25 billion loan needed to bridge the current crisis. According to a recent study by the Center for Automotive Research:

• One in 10 American jobs depends on U.S. automakers
• Nearly 3 million jobs are at immediate risk
• U.S. personal income could be reduced by $150 billion
• The tax revenue lost over 3 years would be more than $156 billion

Discussions are now underway in Washington, D.C., concerning loans to support U.S. carmakers. I am asking for your support in this vital effort by contacting your state representatives.

Please take a few minutes to go to www.gmfactsandfiction.com, where we have made it easy for you to contact your U.S. senators and representatives. Just click on the "I'm a Concerned American" link under the "Mobilize Now" section, and enter your name and ZIP code to send a personalized e-mail stating your support for the U.S. automotive industry.

Let me assure you that General Motors has made dramatic improvements over the last 10 years. In fact, we are leading the industry with award-winning vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu, Cadillac CTS, Buick Enclave, Pontiac G8, GMC Acadia, Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, Saturn AURA and more. We offer 18 models with an EPA estimated 30 MPG highway or better — more than Toyota or Honda. GM has 6 hybrids in market and 3 more by mid-2009. GM has closed the quality gap with the imports, and today we are putting our best quality vehicles on the road.

Please share this information with friends and family using the link on the site.

Thank you for helping keep our economy viable.

Sincerely,

Troy Clarke

The company has to create a movement to save it, but perhaps it should have started this a long time ago because perhaps they have run out of goodwill and their simply aren't now enough customers who care.






Posted by Ed Cotton