Buickman: Call to Action

[Buickman]

Originally Posted by member12

Buickman, you make only a few good points in that large plan that could really be put to good use.

The problems stem from poor product, high legacy cost, and crummy dealers.

But your solution mostly addresses only the marketing side of the problem. When GM brings out better product and has more forward thinkers, the rest will fall into place. If all of the dealers were as well run and offered the treatment that you stated, GM would only be a fraction of the way to recovery.

You need to address the other 500 major issues facing GM, or at least some of them. Otherwise, your plan is pretty much a pipe dream. I think more people would get their arms around it if you offered perspective from more than just your side of things.

Just some advice....do with it what you please.

appreciate the input. let me assure you that those of us on the front line know what needs to happen in order to sell more cars. today for example, we are spending the bulk of the day deciphering new programs. it's a total waste of time and energy that could be used much more productively. wish you'd take it from me that there are so many rational changes and effective improvements possible, at no cost or at reduced expense, which would impact our business immediately and substantially.

[Buickman]

Originally Posted by Uzzy

I agree. The old dealership model is not going to work for much longer. More direct sales will be come more popular.

And speaking of which, didn't Wallmart announce it was going to start selling cars sometime last year?

Walmart floated an idea that never came to fruition.

incl in the first 20 points of RTG was electronic order processing with video, email, and since written...we can now incorporate Twitter.

[Buickman]

Originally Posted by RamJet502

The damage has been done. America perceives GM as a bankrupt company which produces inferior quality cars and those perceptions are partly accurate. GM is effectively bankrupt and high wage and legacy costs force GM to cost cut on every model they make.

Its time for the totally fresh start that only bankruptcy can provide. Debt must be eliminated, unions need to be chopped off at the knees, and the business model needs a complete overhaul.

Back to the fundamentals, superior products sold at a profit.

to an unfortunate degree you have a point. the beauty of today though is that we can do RTG for FREE. the worldwide media is following us very closely. we cut ads left and right. no banners or silly Red Toe Tags. there's no logical reason in the world not to try RTG. none.

and yes the printed material has arrived again for the "new programs" remember "Deep Throat"? follow the money and discover who makes all this useless stuff. I'd be "shocked" to find out it's Pete Gerosa's cousin or Mark LaNeve's uncle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1DEG6BWgp0

[K-1]

Originally Posted by Buickman

we begin to payback what we have been buried under. we can only do this by being consistently profitable.

How is that possible when the debt-load prohibits profitability?

[K-1]

Originally Posted by Buickman

Walmart floated an idea that never came to fruition.

incl in the first 20 points of RTG was electronic order processing with video, email, and since written...we can now incorporate Twitter.

State franchise laws prohibit direct selling. Being in the biz, I can't imagine you'd stand for getting rid of those.

On Twitter, how does Facebook Lite factor into selling cars? You update your status to "I'd like an Enclave please"?

[Buickman]

Originally Posted by K-1

How is that possible when the debt-load prohibits profitability?

not to be wise, but we start selling cars and work our way out. first we must rise above fixed absorption then get out the rakes.

[Buickman]

Originally Posted by K-1

State franchise laws prohibit direct selling. Being in the biz, I can't imagine you'd stand for getting rid of those.

On Twitter, how does Facebook Lite factor into selling cars? You update your status to "I'd like an Enclave please"?

it's a few years old and some twists can be added no but to answer your question from RTG...

STEP NINETEEN: Direct Factory Communication: Imagine going to your local dealer and ordering a new vehicle. From that point on, you might receive a call from your salesman with an update as to the order status. Usually though, no contact is made until the vehicle arrives. Utilizing the internet, GM could send information directly to the customer, informing them of their order's progress at the various stages, including when the vehicle is scheduled for production, after it is actually built (including the new VIN), and the estimated shipping, and arrival, dates. This increased communication would lead to greater awareness and satisfaction, as well as anticipation.

_________________

today we could incorporate a YouTube video of the unit coming down the line, create a Facebook page for the new ride, and on and on...

[K-1]

Originally Posted by Buickman

not to be wise, but we start selling cars and work our way out. first we must rise above fixed absorption then get out the rakes.

Yes, but how? Your lack of specifics is most bothersome. Capacity is overblown, the market is half what it was a year ago, legacy costs are still devouring revenue, how will you "rise above fixed" costs?

[K-1]

Originally Posted by Buickman

it's a few years old and some twists can be added no but to answer your question from RTG...

STEP NINETEEN: Direct Factory Communication: Imagine going to your local dealer and ordering a new vehicle. From that point on, you might receive a call from your salesman with an update as to the order status. Usually though, no contact is made until the vehicle arrives. Utilizing the internet, GM could send information directly to the customer, informing them of their order's progress at the various stages, including when the vehicle is scheduled for production, after it is actually built (including the new VIN), and the estimated shipping, and arrival, dates. This increased communication would lead to greater awareness and satisfaction, as well as anticipation.

_________________

today we could incorporate a YouTube video of the unit coming down the line, create a Facebook page for the new ride, and on and on...

That's all well and good on paper (or screen), but have you considered the logistics to all of that? It certainly isn't free or even low in cost. At minimum, you'll be hosting a couple hundred thousand unique videos per month. I'm pretty sure YouTube's operating budget is more than a few dollars per year.

[RamJet502]

Originally Posted by K-1

Capacity is overblown, the market is half what it was a year ago, legacy costs are still devouring revenue, how will you "rise above fixed" costs?

There's really only one way, chapter 11.

[Buickman]

Originally Posted by K-1

Yes, but how? Your lack of specifics is most bothersome. Capacity is overblown, the market is half what it was a year ago, legacy costs are still devouring revenue, how will you "rise above fixed" costs?

ever watch a sporting event and feel the momentum change? it's Feng Shui, Chi, balance and energy. it's creating a following, changing perceptions. that leads to sales. it's psychology mixed with solid business pricinciples.

as a specific, we get rid of these hairball, goofy programs. keep it simple, easy to understand, and leave it alone. let us concentrate on selling rather than using decoder rings.

[K-1]

Originally Posted by RamJet502

There's really only one way, chapter 11.

Yeah, that's kinda what I'm getting at. He talks a big game, but the devil's in the details.

[Buickman]

Originally Posted by K-1

Yeah, that's kinda what I'm getting at. He talks a big game, but the devil's in the details.

last month Chev/Buick Birch Run up 30% in new vehicles vs LY. detail that.

[Buickman]

Originally Posted by RamJet502

There's really only one way, chapter 11.

that's ridiculous. we sell another million per year. question is how. answer is RTG.

[Buickman]

Originally Posted by K-1

That's all well and good on paper (or screen), but have you considered the logistics to all of that? It certainly isn't free or even low in cost. At minimum, you'll be hosting a couple hundred thousand unique videos per month. I'm pretty sure YouTube's operating budget is more than a few dollars per year.

you wouldn't video every unit, only sold orders. we could do it ourselves for that matter. was only talking YouTube to get point across.