Auto industry goes on offense in fuel debate (ads debut on Monday)

[Bozita]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060506/AUTO01/605060325

Auto industry goes on offense in fuel debate
Ads debut Monday as Congress looks at raising fuel economy rules.
David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau
May 6, 2006

WASHINGTON -- Under increasing pressure to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil, the auto industry is kicking off a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign Monday to convince Congress and the public it's doing its part -- and to lobby for better consumer access to alternative fuels.

The Alliance of Automotive Manufacturers, a trade group that represents automakers including GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, Mazda and BMW, is launching a campaign to recast the industry's image amid attacks from environmentalists and some oil companies that have chided automakers for failing to significantly improve fuel economy amid the recent run-up in gas prices.

The campaign's Web site, discoveralternatives.com, is already operating. The ads will offer a detailed look at vehicles already on the road that aren't gas guzzlers. In one spot, green tread marks appear on an empty Georgetown street with the slogan: "There goes another one."

"We want to let people know what we're doing. We know we have a lot to do, but we've already done a lot," said Gloria Bergquist, a spokeswoman for the trade group.

more...

[BeFree]

1. Well, its about time

They need to protect their image of giving us what we need. They have done so well....

We need autos that are larger than some homes, we need 0 to 60 in 2 second cars in order to beat that guy over there to the next red light. We need, above all, STYLE. Its who we are, our automobile tells the world "This is who I am, look at me!"

Damned environmentalists caused the auto industry so much grief, they ended up spending a few bucks figuring a way to keep the fumes from killing their customers. And remember forcing the companies to install air-bags? Damned enviro and human loving **holes. They cost us two dollars, damnit!

Thank gawd every car on the road averages about 15 mpg. If it were any higher just imagine the economic collapse that would be right around the corner?

[Jayhawk Lib]

2. Auto makers will supply

what the vast majority will buy not what the majority needs.

Myself personally I think that airbags, seat belts, etc should be an option. Maybe a mandatory option but an option if the consumer wants to buy it.

[VelmaD]

3. Uh...isn't "mandatory option" a contradiction...

:shrug: Either it's optional or it's mandatory...but not both.

[Jayhawk Lib]

4. You called me on that one and I did state it wrong.

Make it mandatory that the manufacturers have to offer seat belts, airbags, etc but not install them unless the buyer wants to pay for them and have them installed just like any other option.

[AndyTiedye]

7. They Don't Though. That's Why GM & Ford are On the Verge of Bankruptcy

[jwirr]

8. They are on the verge of bankruptcy BECAUSE they have

consistently ignored the real needs of our nation and it's people. If they had acted back in the 70-80s we would now have used cars that conserved on foreign fuel. Instead they continued down the road of greed and failed to compete with other nations that recognized the need for change. I fear they will go down with big oil.

[AndyTiedye]

9. The People Running Toyota Are No Less Greedy, But Not as Stupid

[BiggJawn]

5. "Doing their part..." Bee Ess!

Hey, Detroit! How come my little Ranger truck gets a whole lot less mileage than a big pimp-hawg Caddilac?

Oh, Duh, it's because I have a "light truck" and THOSE are exempt, DUH! I forgot...

"We've TRIPLED the Mileage on the new Chevy Silverado El Grande Muy Cojones model! It now get EIGHTEEN MPG!!!!"

[daleo]

6. A new advertising campaign

That will solve everything.

[DUHandle]

10. The auto industry is in the business of selling cars

and that is what this ad campaign is about.

Since gas prices are up, consumers are mad and politicians are scurrying, different advertising is needed, advertising that makes the best use of the current situation.