“Black and Blue” (#1112)

Synopsis

The story of General Motors the last few years can be told in color. But not merely the Polo Greens or Steel Greys that paint a customer's new GMC Sierra. No, the colors that stamped the corporation's name in headlines around the world are the accountant's palate: red and black. And unfortunately for GM, the story of the 21st century so far has pretty much been written in red. But 2007 has been a pleasant surprise so far. The product has continued to pick up which have led to prestigious automotive awards and with it a boost in sales. The pressure is still not off but it's making the job of selling General Motors vehicles easier.

This week on Autoline Detroit, John and the panel ask GM's North American Marketing Chief, Mark LaNeve, about those sales, products and the pressure the company continues to feel as it marches toward a consistent bottom line of black. Joining John McElroy on the panel are Jean Jennings from Automobile Magazine and David Kiley from BusinessWeek.