GM : The Situation Now - Out of Debt, But Still in the DItch

General Motors, once the pride and glory of the automaking industry, finds itself indisputebly in danger. GM maybe out of bankruptcy, but the question is raised by investors, and customers for that matter "can we trust American quality again?"

General Motors - Gold or Garbage? BESET by a skeptical market, a roaring congress, and an undying groan of disappointment, General Motors is unarguably in danger with being at only 1.15 in the market. This towering titan could boast more than 40% of all car sales in the United States, in addition, promising markets in China, and to the north, Russia. With so much potential in this American product, designers began to show an undeniable smug attitude. Such designs, the 1976 Chevy Chevette, the 1982 Camaro Iron Duke, and the 1997 GM EV1. A once, content, pleased and above all proud audience began to feel they were receiving "the cold shoulder" in quality from GM. The Camaro and the Corvette were once the muscle cars of America, but their quality dropped as well. Such bad quality led consumers to foreign markets in order to receive a properly functioning car. Like clockwork, GM's profit declined from the late 1970's, more and more loyal consumers threw their arms up in a gesture of surrender. They could not receive a fine product they once expected from the flagship of America's car manufacturers. A jump of 20-some odd years presents the consequence of such poor work. It's 2009, GM is on the verge of tumbling, with not a stable market in sight yet, presenting little to no consumers to buy their products. Not to mention the distrust; thousands refuse the idea of GM returning to its former glorious state. Of course, with any other unstable market, a financially unstable government is soon to follow. With the expendable money from the treasury near vanished, the now contemptuous congressmen are acting conservatively with the dwindling TARP funds. GM's history over the past twenty years has sparked outrage from several congress members claiming that the economy is not to blame, rather, it is irresponsible spending and mismanagement. Unfortunately, in order for any chance of funds, GM must hang their heads and accept each affront. The question has been raised many times over : "Will GM be able to turn a profit?" A good number believe that GM can indeed turn around, several vehicles, the Chevy Malibu, Impala and the revived Camaro are viewed as promising. It has been proven, GM has made strides towards quality. Nevertheless, the lifeline is up to the hands of the consumer, can they trust again in good American quality? However, there is another side. Many believe that GM has forever scarred itself in the way of quality and can never restore itself to its once greater glory. Some now, including a number of congress members, have much disdain for GM and say its new artificial, fiscal life will need to remain permanent, if it is to stay alive. GM must also face the demon it released, Toyota. During the times of the 1980's when GM was in quality decline, Toyota was easily able to step up and deliver the much needed quality. So many consumers have switched to this foreign automaker in order to ensure a quality vehicle. In order to stay in business, GM must come forward with vehicles that can combat in terms of quality superiority and fuel efficiency against Toyota and their already dominant Prius. GM has much to gain, but everything to lose.