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As many American’s struggle to make ends meet, one of the hot topics for added expenditures is higher gas prices.  However, apparently GM, or at least its vice chairman Bob Lutz, feel that higher gas prices are a good thing.

According to this CNN Article, Lutz met with the press at the Detroit North American International Auto Show and stated that if gas was taxed at a steadily increasing rate, then both consumers and automobile manufacturers would benefit.

GM’s Corporate Greed

GM’s big offering in this years Auto Show was their new electric vehicle the Volt.  I get the impression that they are putting a ton of effort into hyping this vehicle as it’s their answer to the hybrid vehicles other manufacturers are producing.  However, this isn’t an easy sell.  While many American’s are interested in the concept, it will be hard to convince them that the Volt offers anything not already available.  In typical greedy corporate American style, it seems that Lutz wants the government to implement an increasing fuel tax to make such alternative fuel vehicles more appealing.

Essentially, the message Lutz is giving to the consumers is that their vehicle isn’t able to compete in the current marketplace, and therefore, he wants the marketplace to change — not his company’s product.  I’d like to call bull shit.  Make a product that can compete, or go home.  As a hard working, middle class American, I don’t want to foot the bill for your marketing campaign.  Lutz then goes on to say:

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.

Sadly, I have to agree with his last point. They can’t run a business that way, or apparently any other way.

Rising fuel prices could devastate many Americans

In typical big business fashion, Lutz appears blissfully unaware what his proposed tax could do to many Americans.  If gas prices increase by a dollar over the next four years, I know that my budget would have to change.  That’s not insignificant!  And the worst part of this whole thing?  The people who can’t afford the higher gas prices are the same people who can’t afford a new vehicle.  So frankly, I think the logic is a bit off.

Oh well.  At least Ford had a good showing at the Auto Show!