Comment on this story Send this story to a friend Actor Rob Lowe went to Capitol Hill this week to tout plug-in hybrids and a measure sponsored by Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., that would give drivers tax breaks for converting their hybrids into plug-in models that can be recharged using a regular wall outlet.
Automakers blasted the decision to include Lowe, while none of them was invited. In his testimony, Lowe twice quoted his Sam Seaborn character from TV's "The West Wing" and said the car has improved his driving skills since he tries to get better mileage. "I have been driving this car around and I have to tell you, it did what my mother couldn't do.
It did what my driving instructor couldn't do -- it's made me a better driver," Lowe said. Markey's event got lots of publicity and drew plenty of environmentalists. One man said his group had recently raised money to send copies of the movie "Who Killed the Electric Car?
" to all 535 members of Congress and all 50 governors (at current prices, about $9,000). The documentary suggests a host of villains were behind General Motors Corp.'s decision to end its EV1 electric car program after investing more than $1 billion.
Wonder how Michigan lawmakers enjoyed the show. I like you, I really like you And the media thought UAW President Ron Gettelfinger wasn't a fan. A gaggle of quote-thirsty reporters pounced on the notoriously tight-lipped labor chief after his speech to the NAACP at its national convention this week in Detroit.
While auto company CEOs regularly make themselves available to the press, a Gettelfinger interview is a rarity -- particularly irksome to reporters in the weeks leading up to this summer's national contract talks. One journalist asked Gettelfinger to explain why he doesn't like talking to reporters. A look of shock crossed Gettelfinger's face and his jaw dropped.
"What do you mean? I have no problem with the media," he said. Apparently the question stuck with him, because after answering questions, he returned to the topic.
"I love the media," he said. "What makes you think I don't?" Then, to drive the point home, he reminded the group that, while he might not talk to them, at least one journalist in town is on his A list.
Smith if you think I have a problem with the media," he jabbed, referring to WJR's NewsTalk-760 host to whom he regularly grants one-on-ones. You can go home again Cerberus Capital Management LP sees value in Detroit automakers -- or at least in Chrysler. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that the New York-based private equity firm's chairman, John Snow, has an appreciation for the barrel-aged, bold taste of Vernors ginger ale.
treasury secretary and Toledo native was in town this week for an appearance before the Detroit Economic Club. He couldn't stop gushing when he spotted the green can so familiar to Midwesterners on a table outside a conference room at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester. "Vernors!
" exclaimed Snow to his private equity cohorts, who watched with bemusement. "This stuff is so good. I used to drink this all the time," Snow prattled on while holding the unopened can.
"This is what I was telling you about. You have to try this." Snow should have plenty of opportunities to continue his walk down memory lane.
The private equity firm is expected to close its deal to purchase Chrysler from DaimlerChrysler AG this quarter.
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