News from GM Europe

Forster Calls for Restoration of Consumer Confidence
 

October 2, 2008Print this page

General Motors Europe President Carl-Peter Forster appealed to European politicians to help restore consumer confidence in the markets. He also called for clear, European-wide environmental laws at a GM press conference at the Paris Motor Show.



“In view of the gloomy market developments in Spain, Great Britain and Germany there must be an end to the uncertainty for consumers. The high oil and energy prices are hitting the middle class to the bone,” he said.

In addition, confusion over future environmental policies in Europe paralyses purchasing decisions of European consumers and hinders auto sales, he added. Forster called for clear, transparent European-wide environmental policies and laws.



Also at the Mondial de L’Automobile 2008, GM presented the production version of its environmentally friendly Chevrolet Volt, an electric car with extended-range capability because the gasoline motor charges the electric battery.

Opel/Vauxhall announced an ecoFLEX version of its new Insignia. Thanks to its highly efficient Turbo diesel engine and an extremely low air resistance, CO₂ emissions will be well below 140g/km.

Also premiering in Paris are the compact Chevrolet Cruze and the new Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer, the sporty wagon variant of the new Opel flagship Insignia.

Forster’s speech can be found at http://www.gmeurope.info/paris08/press_opel.php

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1. Jean-Charles Jacquemin says:
   
   #1 2008-10-02 20:03 (Reply)

   Mister Forster,
   
   I cannot agree more to your speech.
   
   We, European consumers, suffer too much of national divisions, national rules, national laws that differ from places not 200 kms apart.
   
   We do not know how we shall be environmentally taxed in the next few years. So how is it possible to take rational decisions to buy durable goods like car, heating systems, homes, etc.
   
   In my country (Belgium), policy makers speak of tracking cars by GPS to tax their use of the roads, the thought of such an infringement of our individual freedom makes me hesitate to buy a new car.
   
   Moreover nothing comes from the public authorities about the fiscal aspects of the electrification of cars, except this laconic comment when asked : "We shall find something to compensate from the loss of fiscal revenues from fossil fuels". In my life, I learned to be afraid of fiscal "creativity" !
   
   And you are right to say that the European middle class is laminated. In the near future, if nothing is done, there will be no middle class at all in Europe, just a lot of poor people and a few rich.
   
   What I wish is an European wide policy of regulation which promotes the well being of the citizens by suppressing the inefficiencies of too many and and too different national, and even regional rules.
   
   Thanks for your attention.

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