GM, Chrysler's sales suffer after bailouts

Washington Times ^ | July 6, 2009 | William Ehart

[Presbyterian Reporter]

There is a groundswell of disdain for the federal bailouts of General Motors and Chrysler, even as polls show that a growing "Buy American" sentiment is boosting sales for the only Detroit automaker that avoided bankruptcy and federal rescue - Ford. GM and Chrysler say some buyers are coming back to support them, even trading in their Mercedes for Chevrolets. But it is bailout opponents who are the most visible - and audible. Conservatives thunder that the country has taken a socialist route with President Obama at the wheel. "I won't buy a socialist car," columnist and radio talk-show host Hugh Hewitt thundered last month. Others agree - at least about GM. "Over the years, we have mostly been a General Motors family. Since GM has become Government Motors, we will never again buy a GM product," said William Crowley of Spicewood, Texas. However, Mr. Crowley already drives what some would call a "socialist car." "We libertarian-conservative Texans recently bought a Volvo after we roll-over-crashed our Chevy Suburban," he said. Volvo is owned by Ford, but made in Sweden and Belgium. It's not just conservatives who are turning away from two of the Big Three. The bailouts were opposed by most Americans, including substantial minorities of Democrats surveyed in March and June polls, according to Gallup. That could mean bipartisan support for Ford. "You could say even Obama supporters don't like [it]," said Jeremy Anwyl, chief executive officer of car-buying site Edmunds.com. "I'm not sure you can put a party label on it."

[Presbyterian Reporter]

Adam Smith and his Invisible Hand may just be giving Obama and his Government Motors the finger.

[hoosier hick]

This is news only to the people in Washington...

hh

[pnh102]

Good. Starve the UAW and the Democrat party.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

GM and Chrysler? I thought they were too big to fail? *SNORT*

You know these auto industry guys are going to take OUR money and run. A blind man could’ve seen this coming!!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Let me ammend that statement: Auto Industry UNION thugs...

[dinodino]

I would love a new Suburban but I think I’ll look at Ford and Toyota instead. No way am I buying a new GM product after this socialistic takeover crap.

[pieceofthepuzzle]

“I would love a new Suburban but I think I’ll look at Ford and Toyota instead. No way am I buying a new GM product after this socialistic takeover crap.”

That’s exactly how I feel. I’ve always liked GM products more than any other American car maker, but I cannot in good conscience support what GM has become.

[umgud]

A blind man could’ve seen this coming!!

You mean Stevie Wonder?

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Any blind man will do! Man, we’re so screwed.

[rockinqsranch]

This crap of associating cars such as Volvo mentioned in the article, and other Swedish/Euro cars with the Socialist Left is a bunch of Bullscoot IMO. We and others I know of here at FR are strong Conservatives, and we also know damned good cars when we see them.

Volvo makes a very good car with everything one wants in a car as well does Saab.

My wife and myself are Conservatives. Been members of FR since 2004, voted Republican all our lives, been members of the NRA for twenty years, and driven our Saab’s for twenty years.

We are elated that SAAB is now out of the General Motors lineup, and look forward with hope that SAAB can either make it on their own, or find a responsible partner to continue to persue the production of their fine cars that GM IMO sullied.

In this case we are pleased the Swedish Government stepped up to the plate, and hope they won’t have to play sponsor for very long before such a reliable partner takes the reins.

[Past Your Eyes]

[cayuga]

Starve the UAW and the Democrat party.

I have never fed the Democrats, and I will never again buy any vehicle made by UAW non-workers.

[TV Dinners]

I bought a Ford (for the first time in 15 years) because GM and Chrylser have plenty of my money already

[calex59]

I have a Ford Ranger, 1994, it has 168,000 miles on it, it is stil functioning and I had to replace the clutch(only because my daughter drove it for about 3 years)at 112,000 miles and the plugs at 120,000 miles(Platinum plugs, they are great). The truck burns no oil over the 3,000 miles between oil changes and runs fine. I think I am going to have to replace an O2 sensor however. That is a minor detail. I used to be a Chevy(read GM)man but no longer.

Next vehicle, ford Ranger, 2 or 4 wheel drive.

[ThE_RiPpEr.]

I was very seriously thinking about buying a new Dodge Ram. Instead I spent $1,300.00 on repairs to my 1995 Grand Cherokee with 114,000 miles on it. I figure its now good for another 100,000. Screw the UAW and the RATS. My money is not going to support their agenda.

Just check out how GM treats one of the dealerships, they are forcing to close. Shut you down and then try to go after your personal assets, just crazy.

http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/06/27/news/z01hutson.txt

[dogcaller]

General Motors and Chrysler have alienated many of their former customers when they prostituted themselves to the State. Unfortunately for them most of the Obama supporting elitists don’t buy such declasse vehicles and the Obama supporting dependent class don’t normally buy new cars of any type (although they would take them if they were given to them).

[HiTech RedNeck]

Another possibility is to buy used. Note that if you get a GM vehicle older than 2007, its OnStar will not work (whether for you or for Big Brother).

[DaveTesla]

I purchased two Fords this year.

Never owned Fords before.

Not ever buying a truck made by a company with a part owner
named Moammar Kadafi.

Dam sure am not buying a Government Motors car.

[Jet Jaguar]

Go Ford. For America.

[DaveTesla]

The F250 I just purchased was made in Tennessee.

Cant think of a nicer place to send my money.
Tennesseans are good Americans.