If it isn't Wagoner's fault (he was paid HUNDREDS of MILLIONS of dollars to "manage and oversee GM from nay years), then perhaps it is the union that has caused most of the problems.

I do not see the unions "defense" of Wagoner . . . perhaps they realize that they are ALL at fault in the economic demise of GM . . . if so, then GM should simply go through bankruptcy (7 or 11) as may be necessitated by the overall situation.

Maybe the writer is trying to read to much into this as the union may be trying to only point out inconsistencies in the actions of the Government. The union did NOT ruin GM. The union leadership did it's job of negotiating the best deal for it's members. The MANAGEMENT of the company (any union company) is ultimately responsible as they signed the union agreement. I drive GM vehicles (I own 3 at present) and have had many good cars and trucks (current is an 08 Avalanche). Americans need to buy more cars made in America (US, Canada and Mexico) with American parts.

I really doubt that wagoner was paid hundreds of millions. Don't get me wrong, as I think he was well paid, but nowhere in the realm of those in the banking and financial markets. Keep in mind that this was a big company making billions and paying good wages - from top to bottom - including the blue collar union workers. GM is not alone as none of the worlds automakers are doing especially well. Honda is making serious cuts and they are thought of as conservative. GM is a victim of itself, but that happened in 1974 and Wagoner was not around. If anything, since he was running the show the product made substantial change - mostly positive. It will take much more than a change in executives as the auto world is highly competitive and everyone in it makes a good reliable product. They also build what the public wants and this line says it all. The public wanted BIG, and big means weight which equates to less fuel economy. So good, when fuel is reasonable. Not so good when fuel goes high. Hence, they ALL have a problem as they cannot swing vehicle design and manufacture overnight. Some would argue that all should have had a small fuel efficient line all along. Well, why build a product that does not sell?
GM, Ford and Chrysler all had the same problems that brought about their current status - quality, cost and public acceptance. The U.S. auto industry's pain started with the oil embargo and they were ill prepared. They have been in catch up mode ever since.

Toyota, Nissan, Honda, BMW, Fiat are all in trouble. Honda is asking their USA workers to take 13 days off without pay and cutting production. Toyota asked the Japanese government to lend them money and Toyota is closing factories all over the world. Fiat has asked the Italian government for loan money. What part of this don't you people understand?????
Consumers are BROKE and cannot buy more of anything, that is also why they are not paying their mortgages and credit card balances either. They can't even buy a cup of coffee and Starbucks is closing 900 of their stores.
People with empty pockets cannot buy, it is that simple. It has nothing to do with now GM is managed.

Wages have absolutely nothing to do with GM's or any auto companies problems. Labor costs are only 10% of the price of any new vehicle. A $30,000 vehicle price is equal to only $3,000 for the actual labor costs. The other 90% of the price of a new vehicle is the building materials (plastic, steel, sheet metal, tires, interior fabrics, to make them Now add in the cost of owning factories such as heat, electricity, phone and computer systems, real estate taxes, building repairs. Then add in TV, magazine and radio advertising costs. Then add in the costs of buyng new tools and automated machines to produce the vehicles with, plus the costs recalls and the costs of defending themselves in law suits and hundreds of other costs such as the costs of research and designing new vehicles. GM spent $5 BILLION just to design and test their new all electric vehicle to be released next year. Labor is only 10% of the cost of new vehicles WAKE UP ALREADY.

Why is it that there has to be someone to "blame"? The REAL problem with the whole country is that MANUFACTURING is the BACKBONE of all strong countries and this country has become a "service based" economy. The THINKERS in the world are all involved in manufacturing not banking, not law. Even construction is a service. Because the USA has sold out its manufacturing base to China a communist country that makes sure its businesses cannot fail - we are not strong anymore. Ross Perot said this catastrophy was going to happen 20 years ago and I dare say that if he were elected back then this mess wouldnt be happening. Lets either resolve this mess (with HIGH tarriffs on imports from communist countries) or lets just keep arguing over who to blame - and watch the Chinese march into the country like the Germans did to France!! WAKE UP PEOPLE !!!

The truth is Wagoner had GM going in the right direction and GM would have been profitable next year until the greedy Wall streeters destroyed the economy!!

As usual, this Zac is full of crap. I don't know why I waste my time reading his articles.