A survey of consumers found American automakers as among the least-liked companies. A Harris Interactive poll asking about companies that people admired found Ford (55) and GM (57) at the bottom of the list of the 60 most well-known companies, according to the Detroit News.
GM was only saved from ignominy by companies that have been accused of exorbitant profits (Haliburton and ExxonMobil) and a cable company with a reputation for poor service (Comcast). Ford and GM also saw their ratings with consumers drop further than anyone else. Japanese automakers Toyota and Honda were seen more favorably, coming in at 11 and 16 respectively.
Ford and GM have a long way to go in undoing the PR damage of massive layoffs, huge losses, and in GM's case, having its electric vehicle program skewered in film. The remedy? Produce more environmentally-friendly vehicles, stop fighting climate change legislation, and turn a profit. Either that or have Oprah give away a Focus or Malibu to every audience member for the rest of the year.
