Does anybody have to know anything anymore?

This reminds me of the commercials, “I’m no rodeo clown, but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night,” therefore I’m an instant expert, right?

As part of GM’s bankruptcy restructuring, Edward Whitacre Jr. has been installed as new chairman. Mr. Whitacre’s impressive business acumen was the clear consideration for his new position, most notably his stint at AT&T.

However, one of Mr. Whitacre’s first admissions was that he, “doesn’t know anything about cars.” “A business is a business, and I think I can learn about cars. I’m not that old, and I think the business principles are the same.”

I can assure you they’re not, Mr. Whitacre.

Cars have become a literal and metaphorical vehicle for moving money from one place to another. One of the largest expenditures for making a car is the cost of healthcare for the workers who build it. Thank you, Mexico.

In most cases, the cars we own could be kept and driven for 10-15 years or more. Sometimes they break beyond repair, but the main reason we want a new one is because we get bored. The Instant Generation has added to this, especially with the advent of Bluetooth and navigation systems. Our cars provide a measure of practicality, which differs greatly for everyone, but soon it doesn’t fit our lifestyle anymore, we’re tired of the color, or it’s not fast enough. Maybe we just crave the allure of driving a new car.

What this means then, is that cars are more than just toasters, toilets or phone service. They are an extension of oneself; a personality expressed to the world, a hierarchical class and a very clear representation of our priorities, not to mention a barometer of economic prowess.

Because the American car industry tends to treat automobiles like any other product, notable men such as Malcolm Bricklin, John Z. DeLorean, and most recently Henrik Fisker have been so overcome with passion they’ve embraced the difficult task of launching their own car companies. Despite facing the hurdles of design, engineering, build quality, manufacturing and government regulation, they strive to create a more excellent automobile. This requires someone who really loves cars.

The very last person at GM who actually cared about cars and the excitement they generate was Bob Lutz. During his years at Chrysler, the man created the Dodge Viper. He flies his own jet, smokes cigars like they’re vitamins and has giant cojones. The End.

Bob knows what compels a buyer to choose one brand over another. Nobody at GM seems to care anymore—GM is now merely a mechanism to provide jobs and a pension. Now that it’s mostly government owned, it will be forged into an economic recovery vehicle, not the world-class, industry leading juggernaut it once was. Doesn’t anybody know that GM produces cars, ones that should be significant, beautiful and appear as rolling sculpture to stir the soul? Nope. Now it’s just a place to work.

If GM is to be successful in its turnaround, it must distinguish itself and put someone in charge who is a ‘car guy’ (or gal). Someone who has passion for cars. If GM no longer employs people who understand cars, care about great styling, encourage new engineering advancements and environmentally friendly manufacturing methods, it will soon cease to exist. Enough of the rallying GM commercials telling America that everything will be okay. Putting a National Economic Policy coordinator in charge of restructuring GM’s only adds to the problem.

The Awarning is simply this: be offended. We are obligated to do better. Where have all the car enthusiasts gone? Is there anybody left? Hello?