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GM open to idea of higher fuel taxes

 
5 1,573 views Mar 18, 2009

GM CEO Rick Wagoner explained that higher fuel prices would push consumers towards purchasing a new-generation of hybrid and electric cars

GM CEO Rick Wagoner explained that higher fuel prices would push consumers towards purchasing a new-generation of hybrid and electric cars

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In a surprise turnaround, General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner has suggested that an increase on federal fuel taxes in the U.S. was an idea "worthy of consideration". Wagoner said that guaranteeing a minimum price of $4 a gallon on petrol, an idea proposed by AutoNation car dealership boss Michael Jackson, was a good way to help conserve energy and that it was “great” to see people finally discussing the option.

The auto industry, especially the Detroit 3, has vehemently opposed any hikes on federal fuel prices in the past, but with companies like GM finally focusing on building a new generation of fuel-efficient vehicles the game is starting to change. For GM, higher fuel prices would mean customers would be more inclined to buy hybrids and electric cars - the very same vehicles GM and others are spending billions of dollars on to help meet the new 35mpg CAFE regulations coming into play over the next decade.

Late last year when fuel prices spiked to more than $4 a gallon dealers started to see waiting lists on hybrids and compact cars grow exponentially, but as soon as fuel prices dropped so did the demand. With fuel prices now averaging just under $2 a gallon, hybrid cars at some of the biggest dealers in the country have been experiencing 148-day supplies, according to the Washington Post.

At least it’s good to see GM’s traditional viewpoint on fuel prices is starting to change. Incidentally, this is actually the second surprising statement from the embattled GM CEO in less than a week. On Tuesday Wagoner admitted that a pre-planned bankruptcy "could work" for the company.



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Comments (5)

  1. ma_Tornado346 avatar Tornado346 Posted: 3/18/2009 11:19pm PDT

    Wow, what an arrogant prick. Suggesting that the US consumer needs to be made to suffer so that they will buy his cars. I used to be a GM fan, have owned plenty of their vehicles in the past. FVCK them! I've purchased my last GM vehicle. If they are stupid enough to think the car buyer should be forced to pay at least $4 per gallon for gas I will do as most other Americans already are...and avoid GM's damn vehicles.
     
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  2. ma_54chevyman avatar 54chevyman Posted: 3/19/2009 7:39am PDT

    Wake up GM you drank from the cup now you say it's poison. A small tax is a nudge in the right direction coupled with a gas tax deduction for commercial trucks, to help pay to raise gas standards across the entire spectrum including airplanes. OK! However it was last summer that you said there is no such thing as global warming. You are putting GM in a strong strategic position, with your Euro alliances and cost cutting measures, but don't get political. GM Rules!!
     
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  3. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 3/19/2009 7:56am PDT

    I hate you Wagoner
     
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  4. ma_HECTOR avatar HECTOR Posted: 3/20/2009 3:36am PDT

    This dumb MoFo really doesn't know when to shut up, does he? Is there anyone out there that still thinks this moron should get taxpayer's money?
     
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  5. ma_EMan avatar EMan Posted: 3/21/2009 5:32pm PDT

    HEY MR STUPID,
    If gas is 4 $$ a gallon again we are now ready to become a 1 car family insted of 2 car family. I know a lot of people that are going to do the same. Wake up you idiot!!!!
     
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