News From the Auto Industry

With Lovejoy as the point man, a contrite GM methodically went about repairing the damage, promising miffed dealers that the auto maker would keep out of the retail end of the business. The damage control worked.

These days dealers’ complaints center, not on distrust of the auto maker as a potential retail competitor, but on getting more hot products - hardly a novel dealer gripe.

"I just had a meeting with some California dealers and they had nothing but good things to say," says Cowger. "I spend a lot of time with dealers. I ask them what we can do better. The conversations are good. If they have problems, they tell me."

Cowger says that, in retrospect, GM should not have tried to get GTOs to every Pontiac dealership because regional demands vary for the all-new vehicle with the revived nameplate.

Direct current or DC electric motors work for situations where speed needs to be controlled. DC motors have a stable and continuous current. DC motors were the first and earliest motors used. They were found, however, to not be as good at producing power over long lengths. Electric companies found using DC motors to generate electric did not work because the power was lost as the electric was transmitted. Brush DC motors use rings that conduct the current and form the magnetic drive that powers the rotor. Brushless DC motors use a switch to produce the magnetic drive that powers the rotor. Direct current motors are often found in appliances around the home.