Update: Nov. 21, 2008 GM announced they'll sell their corporate jets, so positive behaviorial change is in the air.
I was just informed that upscale Michael's restaurant on 3rd Street in Santa Monica is the site of a GM cocktail party for the media to honor the Chevy Volt.
Timing.
GM CEO, Rick Wagoner, spent today in Washington, DC pleading with the Senate for a multi-billion dollar bailout for the Detroit auto industry.
As far as I know the Chevy Volt technology isn't perfected.
I wasn't invited to the GM party.
I was invited to the recent media briefing at UCLA about the emerging hydrogen economy, and cars like the Honda Clarity, Honda FCX, Chevy Equinox, Daimler F-cell, and Toyota Highlander.
What's up?
Sometimes I get the sense there's a great divide between the respective hydrogen fuel cell and plug-in electric hybrid economies, whereas both deserve consideration and respect.
As for leadership, GM could use new guidelines and more thoughtful PR.
The day that GM asks for billions of tax-payer dollars or face potential bankrupcy is not optimal timing to throw a party at a swanky restaurant.
Today is a solemn day for the auto industry. I personally feel sad about what's going on in Detroit and Washington.
Priorities.
I'd feel this way even if I'd been invited to the GM party, so don't think this is about spilled champagne.
This is about cutting excess and showing sensitivity in unusual times.
If you're interested, here's my friend's email and a link to Michael's.
GM is having a party for journalists to showcase the new Volt across the street from here, at Michael’s restaurant. I saw flashbulbs and had to go check it out. I asked one of the PR people why they hadn’t invited you . . . gave her your contact info for next time, and told her you’d just covered hydrogen last week. Now it’s time to cover electric, right? Also talked with a camera person and reporter from WXYZ, channel 7 in Detroit.
