Markethaus Musings

Ok...so, it has been fashionable to bash GM lately. I'm going to do something unusual and focus on the good stuff:

• GM has memorable brands. Everyone has heard of Cadillac, Buicks, GMC, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Saturn, Saab and Hummer
• GM has some excellent powertrains and Cadillac has successfully (in my opinion at least) made their lineup younger and more attractive with some high performance entry luxury products. I'd seriously consider them if I were looking at a 4 door entry luxury car alongside the best European and Japanese products. I am not happy about the sacrilegious abuse of Led Zeppelin, though.
  
• Saturn is still a great brand...the products could be better, but the dealer network does a great job of taking care of its customers
• GM has great dealers and reach and service capabilities unmatched by any other automaker because they are in practically every small town in America. Is this being leveraged?
  
• GM has a large base of current customers that would buy another GM, give them a chance, if they deliver the right product and stand behind it
• GM, Ford and Chrysler (DCX) might benefit from the increased focus on how screwed up our health care costs are...frankly, when Pharmaceutical sales reps make the income they do..."selling" stuff that "must" be bought, we know the system is broken.
• GM has a huge base of retirees...wouldn't it be great if those folks could somehow be leveraged to build a grass roots campaign for GM's brands? A support/advocacy network? Imagine how many retired GM engineers there are who might be willing to spend an hour or two on the phone helping a customer with a problem...

Certainly, there's more...but sometimes, it's good to think about the bright side. But please stop with the Zeppelin campaign...I grew up with Zeppelin and it's just not right. If you're not sure, check out the Led Zeppelin site and tell me if Cadillac and Zeppelin are a match. Still not sure? Ok...check out the lyrics. Ok...so, it's a great song...but what does this have to do with Cadillac? know what they were thinking..."breakthough...it will make people say...wow...Cadillac and Zeppelin. I need to go buy one now...NOT." Everytime I see it, I cringe. I will say this though...you get points for trying to change the image.

Rock And Roll
(Bonham/Jones/Page/Plant)

It's been a long time since I rock and rolled,
It's been a long time since I did the Stroll.
Ooh, let me get it back, let me get it back,
Let me get it back, baby, where I come from.
It's been a long time, been a long time,
Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time. Yes it has.

It's been a long time since the book of love,
I can't count the tears of a life with no love.
Carry me back, carry me back,
Carry me back, baby, where I come from.
It's been a long time, been a long time,
Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time.

Seems so long since we walked in the moonlight,
Making vows that just can't work right.
Open your arms, opens your arms,
Open your arms, baby, let my love come running in.
It's been a long time, been a long time,
Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time.