'Stop whining'; GM's Wagoner sees a new boom coming, challenges critics of his incentive strategy.(General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner)(Cover Story)

Byline: Dave Guilford

Saying that the industry is on the verge of a golden age, General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner declared he has had enough of critics who claim his use of incentives is hurting the industry.

``I say it's time to stop whining and play the game,'' Wagoner told an industry audience on the eve of the National Automobile Dealers Association convention here. ``Looking at GM, we're going to do what's best for us.''

Citing his company's gains in profits and market share last year, Wagoner added: ``What I know is that GM's strategy is working very well for us. So guess what? This year we're going to keep pushing.''

But Wagoner also …