GM's Cusinato said the new campaign wasn't actually designed to target the oil companies but rather our dependence on oil as an energy source. GM is attempting to draw attention to its alternative energy efforts in the face of record gasoline prices and the perception that Japanese imports have made more progress in hybrid and alternative powertrains.

While we applaud GM's public awareness efforts, however flawed, the statement by Cusinato that "the commercials aren't meant to sell cars," is a blatant lie; combined with the mismanagement of this entire campaign so far, we question whether GM has the cajones to green-light an innovative marketing campaign should one present itself, and then stand behind its decision. But like a jilted lover, we'll keep waiting and hoping that something might change.
[Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

GM has been greenwashing boosting ad spending for its more fuel-efficient models since the middle of last year. But Katherine Benoit, GM corporate marketing director, claimed that although the company may have been cheating with E85, they swear they'd stopped dating, citing as proof the suspension of ads for its Flex-Fuel models — remember Live Green, Go Yellow? — partly because the fuel isn't widely available, and partly because recent reports are blaming corn-based ethanol for elements of a burgeoning global food crisis. And frankly, GM just doesn't need that kind of stress right now.

Unconfirmed reports state that a consortium of hydrogen fuel cell labs always thought GM was hot, but that they'll wait a few months to see if GM is really through with Big Oil before making a move. They don't want to end up getting the shaft like Electric did back in the '90s. [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]