GM Starting To Listen?

[nsap]

GM Starting To Listen?

It's always argued that if General Motors would just perform a simple, first-grade level learning technique they would be much better off. What is that technique? Listening. Listening to their fan-base on product-related items. Up until recently I would have been the first to say that hell would freeze over before anyone at General Motors would listen to anyone outside of their corporation or the general automotive press pool that is snuggled in with GM high-ups. Turns out, at least someone has the sense to listen to us.

GM is a company that does not like to not have complete control over things (particularly press outlets). This is exactly why you don't see Bob Lutz on GMInisidenews posting. They wouldn't have control over what is and is not posted. That is also why you don't see GM supporting GMI any; they can't control what everyone posts. However there are two views to such a situation, because I could candidly argue that with GM supporting us we would be much more courteous as to what we post; thus them having more control than they do now. Of course, they don't see it that way.

It started with the New York Auto Show a few weeks ago. GM unveiled three new mini-cars (Beat, Groove, Traxx) there. To go along with the introduction GM launched a special website for anyone to go onto and vote for their favorite mini-car. That move alone surprised me; it is unlike GM to ask for the public's input on future product. Turns out the little website generated over 870,000 votes, leaving GM somewhat speechless. "We were pretty blown away" said GM spokesperson Michael Albano in regards to the response the mini-cars received. Ironically, during the time that all those people were voting for their favorite mini, Lutz was brushing them off, calling them unlikely to make it to the U.S. Well, after the response they have gotten (from all of us good ole' GM fans) GM is rethinking them. Actually, I have heard the Beat is already a go (but that is FAR from confirmed).

Not only did the mini-cars generate some intercommunication between GM and its fans, but so did the Chinese Park Avenue. Not long after its debut Lutz posted a blog on GM's corporate blog site talking about it and how it was unlikely to come to the U.S. Well, after getting many lectures from disgruntled GM fans on the blog and a nice link to a thread here on GMI that received THOUSANDS of hits…GM is starting to consider that beautiful Park Avenue for U.S. import. Personally I like how we found out about this, by Lutz answering GMI Staff Member Ming's question that was asked by John McElroy on Autoline Detroit. If GM fans can't get GM's voluntary attention, we'll just get it involuntarily.

Here we are at another cross-road for GM to give their fans some attention. GMI just announced the Saturn Revitalization In Action feature. I suspect people within GM have looked at it. What they have thought of it is anyone's guess, but regardless, I would be amazed if they acknowledged it. If anyone would, it would be a Saturn executive (such as General Manager Jill Lajdziak). GM: we've shown you what we want Saturn to look like (and judging by the response, I'd say it's the popular opinion). The least you could do is throw your GM loyalists (the thousands of them) a bone once in awhile. Be it here, or on some other site.

So, things for GM fans are starting to look somewhat brighter. We've altered at least two product decisions; now let's see if they can respond to the RIA or something else. Let this be a lesson to all of you that are skeptical of GM; if we bark loud enough, GM will take notice.

__________________________________________________ ______

ChevroletRevived's Take:

Bravo GM for taking into account the wants and desires of it's fan base. This is something that will benefit them significantly in the future. The more interaction GM has with it's fans and customers, the more they will stay loyal to the company and become more concerned/involved with it's future. GM; we've shown you our Dream Lineup and current owners/potential buyers have responded. I look forward to an answer.

[rhvfd10]

One never can tell, but a good first sign would be if suddenly mini cars started showing up on test tracks and around Detroit. The next year will be interesting to say the least.

[PA Dweller]

I really hope GM considers the Saturn RIA, those are some amazing cars.

[paul3230]

That Astra is simply gorgeous..

[dindak]

That car would sell like hotcakes.

[FoMoCo Fan]

How about a RIA that instead of fantasy products, or perhaps, in ADDITION TO THEM, focuses on what really matter, this BUSINESS of running a company? You know, sales, marketing, all that stuff. It's not just about styling a better car, if you can't afford to sell it at a profit. Three cheers for the enthusiasm, but photoshops and fantasyland talk (like the Chinese LaCrosse going on sale this summer in the US, along side the US LaCrosse) is about as realistic as me talking about how I'm going to build a rocket to Mars.

[steve333]

I see very little sign of GM listening to anyone. If they did they would be doing more to keep the Cobalt competitive and be working harder on their small cars in general.
And why do we have to tell them the obvious? Can't GM hire a CEO with enough brainpower to see that Buick China's cars would be successful here? That a Caddy CTS Coupe should have been coming out for sale in 2008? That telescoping steering wheels should be standard across the board? That a 4 cylinder lower priced Aura would increase sales? That 6 speed autos should be standard by now? That more of their engines (preferrably all of them) should be direct injection?
Sadly I still see a slumbering Giant walking in its sleep.

[marinerbc]

Originally Posted by dindak

That car would sell like hotcakes.

If it had a Toyota emblem on it. With anything Detroit labelled....pfffttt.

[Evo69]

Excellent piece nsap and I agree with u 100%. You see GM traditionally ALWAYS kept a little distance between the consumer and themselves they usually dont want to get too close. If any of u guys have read the late Peter Drucker's book MANAGEMENT if u haven't try get a hold of it, you will see how GM did things back in their hey day and how big a monolith they were, hell there was this paranoia about the US Government taking anti trust legal action against them, that's how huge they were. Back in those days the nearest they ever got to interface with consumers were during the muscle car era scoping the Woodward Avenue scene, linking certain "hot" car dealers, and seeing what the then youth market was up to, and we all remember and still revere the great motorcars from all the GM divisions from 1965 to 1973.

Now GM is much smaller than when Peter Drucker wrote his magnificent tome, they no longer have to fret about anti trust laws breaking them into pieces, under massive pressure from all sides they have to look at what they can do just to survive. Thanks to the Internet as the new technological interface they can really LISTEN to what GM fans and consumers want. Now dont be fooled they still dont want to get too close, they are a corporate animal and we all know how corporations behave dont we. But the great GMI revitalization pieces from the likes of you NSAP, MING, CHEVROLETREVIVED, GHRANKENSTEIN, NADEPALMA have given a brand new light on things and how we GM fans would like to see GM TAKE BACK WHATS THEIRS and dont go the way of British Leyland or Nuffield Industries.

Looking at the situation its kinda sad that GM has been caught off guard by the enthusiasm of GM fans to the mini car trio and the Chinese Buick Park Avenue and to a much lesser extent the Chinese Buick Lacrosse. The PR and marketing guys should be more on the ball, they should be more aware of whats going on and current especially on the coasts, it seems they have the wrong people in the right places. GM cannot afford to be caught off guard by enthusiasm of their own friggin product much less those made by foreigners. Thanks to GMI it "seems" they are seeing the light we need to encourage them and pressure them at the same time which leads to another thing about this site. The amount of F******** GRIEFERS HERE ARE ANNOYING!!!!@$&* It seems we have been infiltrated by a bunch of Toyophiles here! Everything GM do or dont do elicits some kind of freaky vomit post from some idiot and its causing flame wars, quotes and counter quotes, and really its getting tired.

Nice work guys keep up the good work. GMI is getting some good exposure, of course with exposure you mods will have to deal with more idiot trolls than what we already got here. Good job GMI.

[relayagent]

Originally Posted by FoMoCo Fan

How about a RIA that instead of fantasy products, or perhaps, in ADDITION TO THEM, focuses on what really matter, this BUSINESS of running a company? You know, sales, marketing, all that stuff. It's not just about styling a better car, if you can't afford to sell it at a profit. Three cheers for the enthusiasm, but photoshops and fantasyland talk (like the Chinese LaCrosse going on sale this summer in the US, along side the US LaCrosse) is about as realistic as me talking about how I'm going to build a rocket to Mars.

what you are talking about is what they've been focused on for the last 25 years.. and that focus is a big reason why they are in the state they are in. i could care less about a cars marketing plan, sales strategy, margins, etc.. if i see it and i dont like it... i aint buying..simple as that. didnt ron zarella think like that? BIG MISTAKE. its all about the product. 100% about the product.

[01cavalier]

As unfortunate as it is, it can take a long time for changes to happen. GM does deserve criticism. As for the Park Avenue, GM should have ignored the dealers, I would have never refused it. At the very least GM should have put both the front and rear drive models on sale and see where they go, but GM needs to take risks.

[DuSpinnst]

GM doesn't know what it wants. Like most auto comapnies it is still all about politics.

[parakleets]

Nice job, with the Saturn concepts. I really like the "Ridgeline". Maybe GM will be the first to improve upon Honda's crossover pick-up idea. I admire the work, passion, and enthusiasm that everyone brings to this website, but I am still confused by enthusiasm for the Chinese Park Avenue. It has a great interior, and all future American Buicks should be so nice, but overall, it does not scream "Buick". With Pontiac being Holden's North American partner, it would not seem wise to dillute Pontiac's "message" with the similarly styled Park Ave. The G8 and Park are based on a Holden, which comes in two different sizes, and share many design cues. This size difference is not enough a distinction, for cars sold under multiple brands (which share showroom space). If Pontiac was a "full-line" maker of cars, then the Park Ave would make more sense as a "G10" or "Bonneville", with a Pontiac-appropriate nose and tail. I am all for GM using their international resources, and I think that they have a wise plan, so far. If specific Buicks will be designed for North America and China, that is worth the wait, rather than slapping a Buick badge on any RWD vehicle that exists in GM's universe.

[hotrod747]

Well, Pontiac has always been my most interesting GM brand, and for one that has tons of potential and even more so now as a niche brand, where is the excitement and performance they are claiming? Aside from a speckle here and there, Pontiac is pretty much show and no go. Also, why are Pontiacs starting to look so bland? Pontiac is better known for its rebel, sporty, performance image that was best displayed in it's mid- 60's to late 70's cars. If GM is listening, let's get grab some inspiration from that era, and inject some in upcoming Pontiacs. I'm waiting for a Pontiac worthy of replacing my BMW.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by FoMoCo Fan

How about a RIA that instead of fantasy products, or perhaps, in ADDITION TO THEM, focuses on what really matter, this BUSINESS of running a company? You know, sales, marketing, all that stuff. It's not just about styling a better car, if you can't afford to sell it at a profit. Three cheers for the enthusiasm, but photoshops and fantasyland talk (like the Chinese LaCrosse going on sale this summer in the US, along side the US LaCrosse) is about as realistic as me talking about how I'm going to build a rocket to Mars.

The reason GM doesn't have the funds to design such is because they neglected their product lineup for the last 30 years.

With the exception of the Switch, all of our designs are realistic. Actually, the Aura is VERY VERY close the real Epsilon II Aura. GM already has plans to make the E2 Aura, next Astra, next Corsa, and Kappa II Sky. There is most of our lineup there!