'We're Sorry, Now Pay Up,' GM Tells US

Automaker apologizes for 'betraying' consumers, makes case for bailout

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Dec 9, 2008 3:36 AM CST

(Newser) – Remorseful General Motors paid for a full-page ad in Automotive News to tell America: "We have disappointed you." The ailing automaker admitted to manufacturing substandard and "lackluster" products, pushing SUVs on consumers, and committing to "unsustainable" union pay, reports the Washington Post. Before the ink could dry on Congress' draft aid package, GM laid out how it will use $18 billion to turn itself around.

Some embraced the rare public apology by a corporation, while others scoffed. "I find it bizarre," said an industry analyst. "Why are you spending money on this?" On the other hand, not apologizing hasn't worked well for bailed-out firms in the financial sector. "That has totally alienated people," said a marketing analyst. "People are mad as hell at the financial crowd."

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

General Motors publicly apologized for making "lackluster" products that fall below industry standards. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The ad admits GM deliberately pushed pick-up trucks and SUVs on American consumers. (AP Photo/General Motors)

GM apologized for betraying consumers and making bad products. Some called the ad a foolish waste of money. (Shutter stock)

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Talk is pretty cheap.
Action is often more telling. - Jonathan R. Cohen, a University of Florida law professor who studied
corporate apologizing

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'We're Sorry, Now Pay Up,' GM Tells US