Rallying to GM's Side in Dark Times: What can we do?

[Ming]

Rallying to GM's Side in Dark Times: What can we do?
Commentary by Ming
www.gminsidenews.com

In these days of negative news articles about General Motors coming from every media source, it can be easy to feel like we have no say in the General's fortunes. The anonymous mass of humanity known as the "buying public" makes up its mind to buy GM cars or not, and we're helpless to do anything but watch, right?

I don't think so.

Support for a political candidate starts at the grass roots, even for an embattled candidate with low campaign funds and media-hyped "scandals" galore. That enthusiasm and loyalty is what can get a politician through the rough patches. The "Vote Adams" sign in a neighbor's yard can be the slight nudge that tips a voter one way or another. Little things like that - multiply that single sign by 500 - can really add up.

Similarly, I think there are things that we as GM fans (assuming that you are a GM fan) can do to help our favorite car company. The action taken could be as simple as bringing up a good GM car when a friend says he's looking. When everyone around him is telling him to buy an Accord and you tell him to consider an Impala instead - and back it up with specs and pricing - that can mean something.

There are a multitude of other ways to back GM up in its time of need. The following are some ideas I came up with. With a little effort, together, we might be able to turn all of this media negativity on its head:

Get the word out and let your enthusiasm be known - There are plenty of places around the Web where you can make your own "free" blog, such as BLOGGER. This may seem like a statement of the obvious, but creating buzz around the web for GM's cars in many cases depends on fans like us. I strongly believe that enthusiasm for modern GM cars - cars GM is selling right now - is needed most of all. There are plenty of fan sites for old F-bodies and muscle cars of the 1960s. The (over)exposure that GM muscle cars of 30 plus years ago get in movies, TV, music and video games is what has led to this idea that has surfaced in movies like 2Fast 2Furious that has modern Import brand cars competing against GM cars that haven't been sold new since before many of us were born. If you think GM has a great car that the Automotive Media "experts" are ignoring - something that's flying under their radar just because its a GM, then write about it where others can read it. Maybe your favorite GM vehicle is only available when ordered specially, like a GMC Canyon 2WD SLE-3 ZQ8 Sport I-5, or a Pontiac G6 GTP Coupe with manual 6-speed. Web publishing a fan forum, blog, or personal website for your favorite GM car is where grassroots support and enthusiasm begins. Maybe its not just performance that interests you. Perhaps you are all excited (like me) at the prospect of E-85 Ethanol, and GM's 31mpg Impala Flex Fuel V6 appeals to you. Or, if you're just into specs and seeing things accurately represented, you can contribute to sites like Wikipedia, and get those OHV 3.5LVVT specs out there for all to see. Finally, if you're just too lazy to do anything like that, and if you've been a long time lurker here, then post at GMI or our "sister" sites like NewAgeGTO.com (see the bar at the top of your browser window for more) and let your thoughts be known to the rest of us!



Show off your GM vehicle - Have a nice GM vehicle? Let the rest of us see it! Document it digitally for all time by taking some good photos and sharing. If you need to host your photos there are any number of quick, easy and free ways such as Imageshack available out there now. I've gotten so used to hosting photos it takes me about 30 seconds to do it and use the img tag here to add a photo to my posts. And while we're on the subject, I think it does a disservice to GM fans everywhere when you let months of grime build up on your GM car, making it look like a Domestic beater. Take some pride in your ride, clean it up, and show it off in our Garage Discussion forum.



Follow GM motorsports and root for your favorite - Do you like the Pontiac GTO? Then show up at that local SCCA or Drifting event and represent your fellow GM fans! Follow your favorite driver / car and write them into a Blog. Take photos of live races and contribute to the community. Last but not least, join in the discussion HERE.



Support GM's best efforts when you buy - Of course the most obvious way to support GM is to buy a car or truck. Not all of us can afford to do that on an annual basis, or even every few years. But one thing we CAN do is to focus on buying the best examples of GM's engineering within our budget range. Of course, it goes without saying that these tough days are not the time for a true GM supporter to go out and buy a Nissan just because it has nicer taillights or you think your girlfriend and neighbors will approve. No matter how things go, I want to be able to say that, as a fan, I was there for GM. That said, I'm not going to buy a half-baked effort from the General, and I don't think you should either. If the styling is poor, the interior a mess, or the engine a throwback to 1994, stay clear of it. Buying a car with serious flaws "just to buy GM" is not going to get them on the right track. Even if it is only one purchase, the numbers add up. Force your dealer to order that Flex Fuel Impala or the navigation option on your favorite GMC if the dealer doesn't have any in stock. Don't settle for mediocre GM product at your price point - demand the best when you buy and GM will have reason to keep producing it.



Personalize and customize your ride - Nothing says "blah" more than a silver, beige or gray base sedan that blends in to the mall parking lot. No, I'm not saying you need to Pimp your Ride with a neon underbody kit and spinner rims. Rather, at the point where you buy your GM car - choose that option that sets it apart visually from the other mall fare. Get the optional chrome wheels, or fog lights, or special suspension package. Or, if you have a "blah" GM car already, then put a little effort into your next tire change beyond going for the cheapest tires at Wal-Mart. Maybe get a tasteful set of wheels to replace your steel wheels with the plastic hubcaps. Swap out those old yellow halogen lightbulbs with something nicer and more modern looking when one side goes out. Its the details that say whether or not you like what you're driving.



Display your enthusiasm - Who made the rule that at work you can only display photos and models of exotic Italian and German cars (maybe a classic Corvette)? Is it to win the approval of your peers? To show that you aspire to one day own a car more expensive than your home? Get that 2005 Pontiac GTO Millen Drift car Diecast or another modern GM favorite and put it on your desk for all to see. Maybe something brash like a 2006 Silverado. Take the best photo of your car or truck and have it professionally printed and framed or put on your coffee mug at a printing outlet like Snapfish so not only can you can look back at your GM ride with fond memories years from now, but others can see right now how much you like your GM vehicle, too. Go to the GM Photo Store and order something big and nice. Who knows, maybe some of that enthusiasm will rub off on those Import fans around you.



Finally: Tell us what you're going to do! - Whatever you decide to do, let us know right here, and link us to whatever it is, be it a blog, photos, or something you bought to display. It doesn't have to be something I've listed here, of course. I'm just one guy with a few ideas. Maybe you've already done something significant, and want to share. Building enthusiasm for GM products is not the job of a handful of enthusiasts or even GM Marketing Whiz Kids, and certainly can't be left up to the guys at Car & Driver or Motor Trend. It depends on an effort from all of us. So, what's it gonna be?

[montess2k]

Let's See

Support GM by buying there Products, Check
Show off your rides digitally and post pics. Check
By Mods. to "trick out" your rides. Check
Show off the cars at shows/events Check
Join Clubs and discuss fellow GM vehicles Check

I deserve a free Camaro, for being a GM poster boy LOL,
Oh Yeah save up for new Camaro Check.
Joe

[SHOWMAN]

well i have some people i know in the t-shirt business and well they can put something up even if it comes out "cheesy". I was thinking along the lines of "buy a chevy win at the show" kinda of dill but you do have a point it is our duty to put out a good word in our american society.

[delmarjohn]

I have done my part I oown a 2003 cts ,a2006 sts,and soon to own a buick raineir or GMC envoy ....I am trading my cts for a new sts or srx .....but more importantly I engage people in conversation about my cars and if so inclined talk about the competition.....rain sensing windshield wipers had them on my 2001 aurora......lexus is touting them now etc...On star ...well you know what I mean

[delmarjohn]

how abotu part of the final four 100years running

[dindak]

I wish I could help again but we have already bought and leased 3 GM vehicles in the past 6 years. We are all tapped out for another 2 year at least.

We keep our vehicles clean and always looking sharp. I always recommend GM to those who ask. Not much else I can do. GM has to keep doing it's part by building better/more attractive cars and trucks like the Solstice and the new Tahoe.

[LAMRONH]

Force top brass to read these boards for at least one hour per day. If they do not take our excellent suggestions, they have to fire themselves!!

[ScottS]

Or we could all become design engineers and volunteer 80 hours per week....

[asim]

Those are really good points/ideas.

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

When I talked with the guy at the Camaro exhibit at the NAIAS, I got the impression that GM "insiders" may frequent this site, and care about what we say. I never mentioned GMI in name, it was more something unsaid that I picked up from him. As guys on competitor enthusiast sites have mentioned when they visit GMI is how critical we are of the 'General. We are not gonna lie to the 'General.

The were a few wallpapers on this site of the Solstice and other products. I had a couple people walk into my cube at work to discuss something, and they saw my wallpaper of the Solstice, they were like, "What is that?" I think maybe more wallpapers on this site may help change perceptions. I'll search around the web and see if there are some tools I can use to create some wallpapers. Then maybe I can post them here.

I made some posts on a Toyota site of the most recent J.D. Power rankings. Many of them now have a different perception of Buick, and other US brands. The site does not seem to have the traffic of GMI however. I think many were surprised to see the Euros so far down the list. Of course, Toyota guys hype CR, and we hype J.D. Power.

I've got a GMInideNews.com window sticker on my Z28. Maybe some cooler stickers to place on our cars and get some people to check out this site and the new products coming out.

Bottom line. It's GM's job to create strong products. I think we are seeing that. Don't change a thing . You are on the rigth track.The Solstice will help change the "perception" of Pontiac. But the Solstice needs to be followed up with other, more high-production awesome products. The G6 and G6 coupe are cool. A Zeta-based Pontiac G8 could offer consumers alternatives to the Maxima, Acura and Infiniti. Pontiac and Infiniti in the same sentence? You bet, kid.

I think import consumers are waiting for Detroit to offer "sexy" RWD. I think they'll drop their import like a hot rock. i know there is some excitement about the Challenger and Camaro.

A Zeta-based "heritage" cued Impala could do wonders. The 'Newsweek' article from last week has me stoked. Chevelle? Buick GNX? Pontiac G8?

I think some "tasty bodies" sitting on the Zeta could woo many consumers out of the "sporty" imports. Theres a big difference between "sporty" and "performance". The Eclipse is "sporty". My 4th gen Z28 is "performance".

[LI CADILLAC]

Convince others to buy their cars!!!!!!!!

[BlackCadillac]

I'm 34 and i have a 2005 STS and no matter who gets in my car - i'm always acting like a GM salesman and selling the car on it's looks, features and most of all price (although i got my during the employee discount sale hence the amazing lease rate). After 6 months OF WORK i finally got a friend to buy their own 2006 CTS. Every sale helps!!!

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

Originally Posted by LI CADILLAC

Convince others to buy their cars!!!!!!!!

Only GM can do that. Strong products is the best advertisement. When you got people flocking to your showrooms to buy your products, that is the answer. GM is on the right track... Don't change a thing.... "Subtle Heritage"....With a mix of modern, ala Cadillac....

Getting these awsome products out into the market is the key. Slowly consumers will warm to 'em. It took Toyota and Honda about 2 decades to establish themselves. As I've been saying for some time now, it's gonna take Detroit maybe just as long. Many consumers DO wanna return, or in many cases buy Detroit for the FIRST TIME. For others, it's gonna take a quite abit to pry them from their favorite import.

We can't convince them. Only product can do that. I'm liking what I'm seeing and hearing..... "Warm style".

[impala02]

Originally Posted by Ming

Rallying to GM's Side in Dark Times: What can we do?
Commentary by Ming
www.gminsidenews.com


Personalize and customize your ride - Nothing says "blah" more than a silver, beige or gray base sedan that blends in to the mall parking lot. No, I'm not saying you need to Pimp your Ride with a neon underbody kit and spinner rims. I'm talking either at the point where you buy your GM car - choose that option that sets it apart visually from the other mall fare. Get the optional chrome wheels, or fog lights, or special suspension package. If you have a "blah" GM car already, then put a little effort into your next tire change beyond going for the cheapest tires at Wal-Mart. Maybe get a tasteful set of wheels to replace your steel wheels with the plastic hubcaps. Swap out those old yellow halogen lightbulbs with something nicer and more modern looking when one side goes out. Its the details that say whether or not you like what you're driving.

I jsut replaced the stock Goodyears on my Impala with a set of BF Goodrich Traction TAs. While most people won't notice them, I think they dress the car up nicely and they hold the road really well.

I try to do my part by recommending suitable GM alternatives to import leaning people. The key here is not to defend GM blindly and on all accounts. That only makes you sound foolish. Their entire lineup is not perfect, but neither are most competitors'.

I also try to dispell the myths and negative perceptions about GM whenever possible. These myths include "GM only builds gas guzzlers" and "GM doesn't build anything reliable."

I also like to throw in subtle little statements during conversation such as, "Hey, did you see the new Corvette? It's got over 500HP and gets 26 MPG." or "How is it that the Honda Ridgeline gets about the same gas mileage as a full size Chevy V8 pickup?"

[driver]

Buy stock in GM.