Dave Barthmuss
Dave is the Group Manager of the Western Region Communications Team, which means he serves as spokesperson for all things GM out west and oversees the team’s communications initiatives ... in other words, the buck stops at his desk.
How did you end up at GM?
I never considered myself a car guy, so if you told me 20 years ago I’d be working for General Motors, I never would have believed you (my first car was a 1968 Dodge Charger). After a short gig trying my hand as a newspaper reporter in East Lansing, I moved onto PR – starting first with a small Lansing-based PR company, then the Michigan state Senate, before finally moving to the sparkling lights of Detroit. After nine years as a hired PR agency gun working for GM in LA, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and even Warren, the General hired me to work in-house.
As the Dead song goes, “what a long, strange trip it’s been.” But it sure has been exciting and it’s nowhere near over.
What’s your claim to fame?
I was the guy who had to explain why GM stopped production and marketing of the EV1 in a movie called, Who Killed the Electric Car? Yep, now you may recall me. After that movie, I wasn’t so much famous as I was infamous. I was vilified by many in the passionate EV community.
Now, with the launch of the Chevrolet Volt, those very same people –including some from the movie - are now shaking my hand, pledging support and telling me how happy they are to see GM and Chevrolet back in the EV game. Revenge of the Electric Car? You bet!
What celeb epitomizes your alter ego?
The only difference between George Costanza and me is that I don’t celebrate Festivus ... and every now and then someone will ask if I'm "that Peter Griffin guy."
What’s on your iTunes playlist?
A lot of everything (except country). I’m a reformed Deadhead. I also like the Airplane, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, DMB, Jackie Greene, The Decemberists, Tom Petty, Bob Marley, Stevie Ray Vaughan, etc. But, there are also times I find myself listening to The Kooks or even ‘80s hair bands such as Cinderella. Did I say anything but country?
Where can we find you on a Friday night?
If I'm not letting loose at The Greek, Hollywood Bowl or Canyon Club, I'll be zoning out with some mindless entertainment - movies that don’t make me think too much. Some of my favorites include Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Night at the Roxbury, Tommy Boy, Role Models, Goodfellas, Casino … you get the idea.
What sports stripes do you wear?
Detroit – Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons, Lions. And of course Michigan State University Spartans – Sparty on! And I'm a big fan of SJSU's Sammy Spartan too (vested interest).
Top Foursquare check-in?
Whodathunk, but I’m the newly appointed Mayor of the Newbury Park Athletic Club.
What are your top three favorite cars that you’ve owned?
1. 1968 Dodge Charger (it was my first & I didn't know what I had until it was gone)
2. Tie: 1999 EV1 Gen II and 2011 Chevy Volt (two of the biggest thumbs up generators for sure)
3. 1996 Impala SS (fastest boat I ever drove)
