Corvette Nation & Other Ramblings

With all the news about GM in all the media I feel I should , no make that compelled, to make my views known on the subject. I shall attempt to do this from a Corvette owner's viewpoint and not an economical one.

But first a disclaimer; I cannot truly express my views without letting my political and social biases impact my words. I shall attempt to stick to facts and if those from across the aisle find me leaning too far in one direction, I would appreciate hearing your rebuttal.

Many of you have asked what the government intrusion into the GM corporation means to the Corvette and the Corvette Museum . Only time will adequately answer those questions, but based on past performances from the congressional elite now in power, there are some impacts that are destined to occur. So now that you know where I am coming from, let's look at the facts.

•  General Motors got into this situation all by themselves by stupid management decisions. Not the least being the legacy costs of the unions due to total capitulation during negotiations in the good years.

•  The bailout money has given the government total control of the management team, product content, and market response.

•  The administration has stated that the company must make cars that the consumer wants. (This statement is a fact. Its veracity is not. What the government means is that GM must build cars that it wants them to build.) Consumers want trucks, SUVs, luxury and sports cars. That make up of product produced any profit car companies have enjoyed in the past.

•  The politicos in power have espoused zero emissions, zero carbon footprint, small vehicles for years and now that they have the power, we can assume these requirements will be imposed on the new GM and Chrysler vehicles.

So, based on these requirements, what kind of vehicles can we expect? Zero emissions and zero use of carbon fuels rules out any internal combustion motor. We will have to live with hybrid electric cars until the internal combustion-carbon fuel engine can be eliminated. Hydrogen is acceptable as a fuel but that is far in the future. Small means small. Look to the Fiat 500, Prius, and Volt as your standard sedan.

We can now see where this leaves performance cars like the Corvette, Camaro, Viper, Challenger, etc. Not socially acceptable. Where does this leave our hobby, our sport, our lifestyle? Gasping for air is one thought that comes to mind. However, as long as some supply of gasoline can be found (does Mad Max ring a bell?) I'm sure we will keep those we have running.

What will be the fate of the National Corvette Museum ? Fortunately, it is not supported by General Motors but by Corvette lovers like us. A large part of its income is derived from the raffles of new Corvettes which will have to be compensated for if there are no new Corvettes. Museums exist for other automobile makes that have long since ceased production, so I am sure we can keep the NCM alive if we choose to support it. Knowing the resolve of Corvette owners and enthusiasts leads me to believe we will not shyly retire into the background but fight to keep this American icon alive for future generations.

What is the ultimate goal of the congress now in control? The logical end to this nonsense will be the total death of the personal automobile with only public transportation as a means of travel.

What can we do to try to head off this fate? Write, write, write. Your senators, congressmen and the administration itself. Let them know what kind of cars we consumers want. Not what the government wants. Second, in 2010 vote for what kind of lifestyle you want. If you agree with the downsizing of personal transportation, so be it.

Save the Wave!

Paul Mariano

UPDATE : GM CEO Fritz Henderson says the Corvette is secure. He is bullish on Corvettes and says the C7 is on track. I sure hope this comes to pass but with the President firing the last CEO as a show of power, we all know who is in charge.