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How Taxpayers Can Profit From the New GM

A change in the automotive paradigm would be worth more than any dividend

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 9, 2009 8:47 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Tomorrow will see the death—and rebirth—of General Motors. And with the government taking a 60% stake, it's reasonable to wonder whether taxpayers will ever see a return on their investment, writes Matthew DeBord for the Big Money on Slate. But the focus on money might be "short-sighted," he writes. The better payback will be if GM resumes its role as an industry leader, this time in the push for more efficient cars.

It's already dumped the Hummer, and the increased focus on the electric Chevy Volt bodes well. If all goes well, GM could play an instrumental role in moving the US auto industry beyond gasoline. It's no secret that the company missed the boat on hybrids, but "on mass-produced electric vehicles, the new GM may write a different story."

The Chevy Volt was first shown in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The Chevy Volt was first shown in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.   (Photo: Business Wire)
A customer walks past a Hummer and Cadillacs for sale at a General Motors dealership in Burlingame, Calif., Tuesday, June 2, 2009.
A customer walks past a Hummer and Cadillacs for sale at a General Motors dealership in Burlingame, Calif., Tuesday, June 2, 2009.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
spdavid
Jul 10, 2009 11:51 AM CDT
Truck lines converted to clean turbo diesels,Pontiac G8,a great car better than all but Camaro,retro restyled into Chevrolet Chevelle,V8's in many cars changed to turbo 6's,7/8 speed automatics,better late than never on hybrids/add some to lineup,be on cutting edge of longer life more miles per charge batteries.Electric/battery isn't enough as long as it will only go low miles between charges.Show me an electric I can drive all day.
kokuaguy
Jul 10, 2009 7:27 AM CDT
Mahalo, NotEvsie.
armywife
Jul 10, 2009 7:18 AM CDT
yeah, so let's just not even bother with efficient cars now, then; it's just too late to bother. is that what you're saying? cause that doesnt really make any sense. we needed them then and we need them now.

 
General Motors • Treasury Department • Prius • electric cars • taxpayers • Hummer • Obama administration • gasoline

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