Bob Blogs Back: GM: No plans to shed a brand. Period

Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman, has used the Fastlane Blog to discuss the events surrounding coverage of the recent “GM result and platform realignment”. He was reported as saying GM could "phase out" Pontiac or Buick if such "damaged brands" fail to improve.

In a post, Context is Everything, on GM Fastlane Blog he replies that the reports were out of context:

But I must draw a line between legitimate coverage and manipulating facts to create "news." Which is what happened when remarks I made in answer to a question at an analyst conference in New York last week were taken out of context and twisted just enough to cause panic among a lot of good people.

Many of you probably read something to the effect that "GM is considering shedding a brand." Let me say it now, for the world to hear: No, we have no plans to shed a brand. Period.
Bob Lutz – GM Vice Chairman

What I find interesting is the use of the blog to directly respond to the press. How would this have been done prior to CEO blogging?

They could issue a press release but it would have been printed, and commented on, by the press. It leaves the door open for reporters to place their own spin on the release. By replying directly on the Blog, Bob is able to state his case with no third party intervention. I doubt comments like this would be posted to the corporate website but the informal CEO Blog gives a freedom to comment directly to the reader. Using the comments feature it also allows them to reply.

This isn’t possible in the traditional media formats. It’s a powerful demonstration of how CEO Blogging can change the way a company interacts with the public.