[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

paul8488 - in my opinion it took almost a generation, about 10-15 years for consumers to be "sold" on the Japanese product. I think it may take about as long for a return to the domestics (GM, Ford, DCX).

GM's poor image will slowly wane, as long as strong, kick-b^tt products replace outdated products.

People renting the new GM products, going to lunch in them, seeing them at the country club, in driveways, in parking lots, at stoplights will be the best advertising, and slowly give the consumer that GM is producing strong, reliable products.

Removing the image of the 1980's GM will take time. Products such as the SSR, Solstice, SRX, CTS, STS, G6, Cobalt .......should help to erase those poor memories. The Wall Street Journal has written articles on the subject.

I'm cautiously optimistic. I believe we have seen the best the Japanese have to offer. Now its' our turn !!!

I'm looking forward to having an ample staple of strong, kick-a$$ domestic products to choose from in the future, without having to worry, "did I really choose the best product?


:afro:

 

[mgescuro]

Originally posted by 3eb@Jul 1 2004, 07:35 PM

STS looks like it's going to be a solid competitor.
Plus, they hit BMW right in the core of its lineup... with a car that provides a better value than those way over-priced 5's.

actually, the caddy in the MT comparo was about the same price as the BMW 5 they had it up against. options were quite similar, and both cars came in right around $63k. both cars were V8 models. pricing on the caddy wasn't official just yet but was pretty close they said.

Not to be nitpicky or anything, but with BMW maintenance being so high, you can't say that BMW is going to be a better value long term. Even if Caddy is just a few thousand dollars cheaper or more expensive than the 5-series... it's already proven that the platform is extremely high quality.

 

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

mgescuro (others) - sure the maintenance is higher in the Beemer, but it has the blue and white logo and says "BMW" on it. It will take time for consumers to get used to a Caddillac which can compete with the best of the European performance automobiles. ( The XLR recently finsished in the top 3 amongst the best of Europe ). I mean, lets face it, has Caddillac EVER had a vehicle which could legitimately compete with Europe? It's gonna take time for consumers to get used to it.

I was impressed with my Olds Intrigue, and was as good as anything out there (Maxima/Camry/Accord) at the time it was launched (GM had it right when they designed one 'great car') but consumers were not used to (ready for?) a high quality Oldsmobile. Too bad, because the Intrigue, new Aurora, and new Bravada are real strong products.

This is all gonna take time...........how much?......yea, only time will tell, if ever......

 

[mgescuro]

Of course it's going to take time. 10 years probably... and Caddy's mid-way through it's renaissance.
THe problem with the INtrigue was that although it was a great car, and was even featured in the then blockbuster "X-FIles: THe Movie," it really didn't say much about the brand "Oldsmobile." GM's failure was not resurrecting the entire brand. It made 2 good cars and flopped with the rest and didn't market it effectively.

With Cadillac, it was given massive promotion, a few Super Bowls AND given one stellar car after another, getting rid of every stodgy model. THat's the difference. Cadillac is being revamped from the ground up. Saying "This is not your Father's Cadillac" is one thing. DOING it... is an entirely different story.

And yes... BMW's got their little logo that says quite a bit. But if you look at the price tag for what you get.... you're going to balk. Believe me... I did. And I usually don't balk at prices. THe 5-series just isn't worth it. (Even worse... the E-Class... definitley NOT worth the money and the quality troubles you get.) 3 of my friends 2 with an E320 and 1 with an E500 have stated they will never buy another Mercedes after the absolute hell they're received with the continual troubles with their E's... which includes dealers arguing with one of my friends for giving the mechanics a low evaluation score for not fixing the prblem., which "blew the mechanic's bonus." If I received service like that, I wouldn't go back either.

And seeing as my MOtor Trend magazine is late this month (Again)... I can't compare... but the MSRP for the V6 and V8 STS seems on par with my expectations.

 

[jwvrod]

This is good to see. More people will be wanting Cadillac's again.
Can you say sales gain.