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Top 10 Turnaround Tips for GM/Ford/Chrysler - READ ONLY

161 messages,  Last post on Feb 14, 2010 at 8:26 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford

Messages Page 13 of 17

#112 of 161 Re: . [rockylee] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 09, 2006 (6:28 pm)

Replying to: rockylee (Apr 08, 2006 10:51 am)
Hybrids really aren't about gas mileage, they are about superior emissions technology. I think this is something that the marketing people have not really done a good job with, in clarifying this point to the buying public. It's not that the Prius gets 10 mpg more than the GM product, but rather that it is so much cleaner burning on the road.

#113 of 161 Re: . [Mr_Shiftright] by rockylee

Apr 09, 2006 (6:43 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 09, 2006 6:28 pm)
Agree, but when Gas is hovering around $3 bucks a gallon, MPG will be a major factor in the purchase decision if the added cost can be off-set with savings.
 
Rocky

#114 of 161 Re: . [Mr_Shiftright] by baggs32

Apr 10, 2006 (6:24 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 09, 2006 6:28 pm)
It's not that the Prius gets 10 mpg more than the GM product, but rather that it is so much cleaner burning on the road.
 
The 4.0L V6 in the 2006 Explorer is cleaner than the Accord Hybrid. Do you think people would make the switch if that aired in a commercial?

#115 of 161 Nope by stickguy

Apr 10, 2006 (6:33 am)

not many people actually buy something just because of the emissions it puts out. especially not ones buying a gas hog like an Explorer.
 
I'll wiegh in with one solution. Make better products that people actually want to buy. There are many people IMO that really would be happy to buy a domestic, if they would only give the buyer a tp quality product. Not something that is attractive only because of the rebate
 
Chrysler and the 300c and the Mustang come to mind. Of course the FS pick ups continue to chug along.
 
I would say Chrysler is doing the best with product, assuming the Caliber sells well, and the upcoming Stratus is somewhat of a home run (although I confess I have read no details about it). At least they are pushing the envelope, and adding some style.
 
Ford is next best on product, although they forgot most of the style/pizzazz/new thinking. Hopefully the 3.5l V6 is worth the wait, and helps revitalize 500 sales, which I happen to think is a great car (or has potential to be).

#116 of 161 IL Reports: Engineers Say Gasoline Engine Isn't Dead by rockylee

Apr 11, 2006 (1:58 am)

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109946
 
Rocky

#117 of 161 Re: . [rockylee] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 11, 2006 (11:22 am)

Replying to: rockylee (Apr 09, 2006 6:43 pm)
It's all about "feel good marketing" and Toyota is a lot more clever at it than the Big Three right now....

#118 of 161 my top ten CHEAP saves for GM by viggendrvr

Apr 23, 2006 (3:30 pm)

1-decide what each brand is about and stick to it for 15 year cycles. For the life of me, I can't remember what Buick, Pontiac, Chevy or Saturn represent in the market place. The Asian 3 have a two tier system. I would copy it. Meaning Honda/Acura, Toyota/Lexus and Nissan/Infiniti split the $35k mark below and above. GM could make Saturn/Cadillac its two tier system. Chevy is unique in that it is able to cross the $35k line with the Corvette. Buick becomes Caddys little brother with cloth and nav as options only. Add two tone paint, chrome 'spear', pillow soft suspension and vague steering. Buick becomes the king of float and boats. Pontiac, and SS (super sport) for Chevy, turns to pure performance a'la AMG, SRT, and M. Saturn is the Zen brand. All soft surfaces, soft touch buttons and silent latches. Even 'slow-mo' hinges and lights that fade on or off (both interior and exterior).
2-What to do with Saab, Hummer, GMC? Saab and turbo. Never sell a car without one, even in a crossover or SUV. Use aircraft terminology in place of automotive ones. Throw away the fake wood and use stainless steel or aluminum. Add gauages with information like yaw, pitch and roll, altimeter, air/fuel ration and or hp/torque. Add a real boost gauge. Call your service garage a hanger. Be the first to allow owners to download 'black box' info. Use military aircraft names for limited addition models, like the old Viggen. Hummer is perfect as a low volume brand. If it gets smaller, take over the Jeep Wranger spot in the market place. GMC should be the luxo brand to Chevy work trucks and SUVs.
3-Advertising and marketing. Fade a GM badge, no sound ot music, before and after every commercial for every brand.
4-Stop designing cars for age groups or gender and instead design with and emotion. Don't give a brand a platform if its not within that brands emotional context. Pontiac never gets a minivan, GMC are pure trucks, Saturn no sports cars.
5-Bring back the strippers. Meaning, no option, low weight cars. Big engines. Something American in flavor. Give it to Chevy as an SS badge and Pontiac.
6-Legacy costs. In print, advertising and pricing, separate the legacy cost. Give the 'true' cost of the vehicle, then state the American worker legacy fund. Let people see how the money is spent and who it is being used for.
7-Small Block Chevy. Make it a proper name and badge. Use it to slap Hemi in the face.
8-Turn GM into a 3 pronged machine: Chevy by itself; Saturn, Pontiac, Buick, GMC; and Cadillac, Hummer, Saab.

#119 of 161 con't, my top ten CHEAP saves for GM by viggendrvr

Apr 23, 2006 (5:48 pm)

9-Offer a idiotically long warranty that covers damn near everything (think: Hyundai but better...)
10-Quality vs Perception. Although the quality (as measured by jd powers and other such lists) record the number of faults a car has, these measurments do not take into account the day to day perception of build quality one encounters each day. For example: a trunk latch may not be broken but if it has huge gaps or is off center, the owner will perceive bad quality yet have a car with no reportable defects. American quality has improved ten fold over the past 10-15 years but is not recognized due to its lack of attention in build quality. Spend a few dollars and double check for fit and finish and this will pay off.

#120 of 161 Re: con't, my top ten CHEAP saves for GM [viggendrvr] by rockylee

Apr 23, 2006 (7:35 pm)

Replying to: viggendrvr (Apr 23, 2006 5:48 pm)
Hey Mr. Saab guy, I do hope the Viggen name returns.
 
I believe Saab should be a AWD, All-Weather, Gadgetology, safety, Turbocharged performance icon, brand for GM. Think Volvo/Audi.
 
Cadillac needs to be like BMW/Mercedes AMG
 
Buick needs to be a high powered cushy cruisers. Think Lexus.
 
Saturn needs to be Toyota/Honda
 
Pontiac needs to be a high performance Acura/Infiniti
 
Chevrolet needs to compete with Ford and Chrysler and make inexpensive well made entry cars.
 
GMC needs to be just Trucks/SUV's
 
Hummer is good like it is.
 
Rocky

#121 of 161 identity theft? by viggendrvr

Apr 24, 2006 (3:34 am)

first, i agree w/ your list. But isn't it strange that most of the auto brands are emulating other auto brands?
 
Saab into Subaru (turbo-AWD)
BMW into Caddy (odd exterior styling)
Caddy into BMW (sweat spot of sportiness and luxury)
Saturn into Hon/Toy (mainstream high quality cars)
Hon/Toy into anyone else (more emotion like sportiness and design)
Hummer into Jeep (taking over the old off road icon)
 
I could go on and on. Maybe automakers specialize in their own field but they need to keep customers who want soemthing else (think: Porshe and its SUV)
 
My thought: its a bad idea to tread into areas half hearted. Without total commitment (like Saab going fully AWD) it just looks like pandering to what is popular (like GMs multiple rebadge of all its SUVs, or VW building the Phaeton).
 
GM/Ford needs to go back to some American basics like HUGE affordable cars with soft rides. Buick and Mercury/Lincoln could dominate this market. Look at the 300c/Magnum/Charger. Its not just for old guys anymore.
 
ps: thnx for the thumb to the Viggen. Its really just an upscale Neon SRT4!

Messages Page 13 of 17

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