General Motors Volt Blunder?

Uh oh, hope this doesn't become General Motors PR disaster: RT @FOX2News GM's 230 MPG Claim for Volt Challenged: http://bit.ly/qxgR1

Turns out the 230 Miles Per Gallon claim for the Volt is based on the EPA standard for calculating that number. The EPA uses a weird, convoluted formula based on a 51 mile test track -- and the Volt can go 40 miles on no gas at all.... So, that means the other 11 miles use just a tiny smidgen of gas and GM has extrapolated that to gallons.

This is all true and does make complete sense once you understand the math. But, does it pass the American smell test?

Be sure to link your public affairs and public policy statements - it's crucial that GM win over the hearts and minds of the American consumer and voter right now as they sit in a precarious, government owned position. Congress and the President can give them the smack down practically overnight -- just ask former CEO Rick Wagoner.

Social Media for Public Policy Advocacy - Case Study

I spoke to the annual conference of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives about my experience with social media and advocacy. Get a copy of my case study free.

The paper outlines strategies and tactics employed by the Detroit Regional Chamber as it lobbied behind funding for the ailing Detroit automotive industry. As a result of the Chamber's efforts, over 25,000 emails from all over the U.S. were sent to Washington D.C. to amplify the message.

General Motors Drives it Home

General Motors moves mountains with social media. GM "tells it like it is" at http://gmfactsandfiction.com/.

Find out more about the auto industry and contact your legislator through this targeted grassroots portal.

www.boycottalabamanow.com

Social media makes everyone a lobbyist. When a man from Michigan became fed up with Senator Shelby in Alabama, http://www.boycottalabamanow.com/ was the result. Practically overnight, this website heightened the ire of pro-Detroit activists and drove a backlash against Sen. Shelby. Amateur, but effective.

Read about the creator here: http://tinyurl.com/5mro6r

How To Save the U.S. Automotive Industry

Positive public opinion must overcome negative public skepticism in order to score a major bridge loan from Congress for the Detroit 3. Here's and example of a positive force in favor of the loans:

www.vote4biz.com
http://vote4biz.detroitchamber.com/

The Detroit Regional Chamber advocates on behalf of over 20,000 businesses in southeast Michigan. (I'm their VP of Government Relations).