GM, Chrysler's sales suffer after bailouts

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By William Ehart

"Government Motors" is driving Americans away.

There is a groundswell of disdain for the federal bailouts of General Motors and Chrysler, even as polls show that a growing "Buy American" sentiment is boosting sales for the only Detroit automaker that avoided bankruptcy and federal rescue - Ford.

GM and Chrysler say some buyers are coming back to support them, even trading in their Mercedes for Chevrolets.

But it is bailout opponents who are the most visible - and audible.

Conservatives thunder that the country has taken a socialist route with President Obama at the wheel.

"I won't buy a socialist car," columnist and radio talk-show host Hugh Hewitt thundered last month.

Others agree - at least about GM.

"Over the years, we have mostly been a General Motors family. Since GM has become Government Motors, we will never again buy a GM product," said William Crowley of Spicewood, Texas.

However, Mr. Crowley already drives what some would call a "socialist car."

"We libertarian-conservative Texans recently bought a Volvo after we roll-over-crashed our Chevy Suburban," he said. Volvo is owned by Ford, but made in Sweden and Belgium.