You went on to name all the wonderful cars that Pontiac has in its stable in your opinion....but do you know Pontiac is the only GM division where sales have fallen during the GMS for everyone promotion? Yikes, if the product was so great there we probably wouldn't have Lutz calling Pontiac a "damaged brand", and sales figures wouldn't be in the toilet.

Buickman, you're calling for a gradual reduction in rebates. I too would like to see us rely less on rebates and more on lower MSRPs on outstanding product. Therein lies the key. But feeding off of what Darth has said, how do you know this isn't already GM's plan? Seems like a transition to me...flat rate GMS price on the '05's while lowering '06 MSRPs to prepare the public for the ween off of rebates....

 

Wait a minute, how is this wrong? Does green giant catch hell when they put a coupon in the Sunday paper for peas????????? This is in no way exerting undue influence. A dealership can simply refuse to accept to sell at GMS. Of course the dealer that does will profit.

 

Peas and cars are different. Looking at cars a base commodity like vegetables is how Zarrella got lost.

 

There's one thing I wholeheartedly agree with you on, although it sounds like for different reasons.

 

Thats a good point, but Pontiac is in transition mode. Phasing out the old and "Ugly" vehicles for sleeker more exciting products like the Soltice, and Torrent SUV. The Soltice isn't at the dealers yet and isn't included in the Emp price promo. By the time fall rolls around Pontiac will start catching up. I'm obviously an optimist, we'll see what happens. Can't wait to test drive a Soltice though!!

 

I dont agree.

 

A person's self image is not affected by the size, style, image, or desirability of the peas they consume.

 

Agree there. Dont agree that a mfg should not be able to promote, offer rebates (see above sunday paper coupon), or anything else in order to sell their product. Gm's sales tactics are not going to sink a dealership. They are still making money.

 

If your self-image is defined by the car you do or don't drive, I would suggest that your priorities are a bit skewed.

 

Have you guys ever had those peas with the little tiny onions. Thems good.

 

Hi all!

My apologies for barging in. This is the first time I've seen and read this whole thread. If I may, I would like to share my experience from the past couple days pertaining to purchasing a new car for my brother. It would seem to fit perfect in this thread.

My brother and I were bent on ordering a new Cobalt SS. I've heard quite a few good things about this car. Word does travel fast when you produce something good. After doing a little research, I was extremely confident that I was going to help purchase this car. For one, the car looks great inside and out. Second, the price was right up my alley. Third, I'm a GM fan...what more could we ask for?

Yesterday, me and my brother went to the dealership. We went inside and started looking at the showroom cars and perhaps for our prospective salesman. Twenty to twenty-five minutes later and after making eye contact with three different people (a fourth walked by, but didn't notice us...maybe?), we were still waiting for our prospective salesman. I was starting to grow impatient. A couple more minutes go buy when finally a salesman decides to meet us. Now, granted I was not in my best appearance as I was previously engaged attacking weeds in the flower bed that seemed to multiply before my own eyes. I introduced myself to the salesman and stated that I was very interested in a new Cobalt SS. And that I would like to hear some more information about this car. I was expecting to be lead to some pamphlets or some sort of paraphernalia to discuss the quality and workmanship of the car. Instead, the salesman asks, "How much money do you have?" This pushed a button. I was tempted to pull out my checkbook and show him my balance, then walk out the door. Needless to say, the rest of the visit did not go so well. And we did not buy a car yesterday. We did however stop buy a Mazda dealer today. And now, my brother is a proud owner of a new '05 Mazda 3. Its nice, but looks like a Civic...IMO.

For the thread, yes, product does play a huge factor in generating sales. So does marketing. When you produce something great and you market it correctly, then word gets around. But it also helps when you have the right people to sell the product. I personally like the Cobalt and even think the Soltice is sexy. Perhaps GM is at the beginning stages of getting back on their feet? Time will tell. You all can bash away at each other all you want, but it will not solve anything. Personally, I'm peeing in my pants waiting for a particular future car.

Thanks for your time.

 

It's sad that one person/dealership has the power to ruin a whoel buying experience.

I can't say I blame you for leaving...

I wish you'd have considered another Chevy dealership and gone after that Cobalt SS... but, frankly, you shouldn't be put on the defensive by the dealership that represents GM....

This is exactly why I wish GM had more control... because ONE bad dealership can not only lose a customer for themselves, but for OTHER GM dealerships, not to mention GM themselves.

 

Unfortunately this happens all too often. Guess what? It's marketing that lost the sale, not product.

See this Sunday's Flint Journal. Business writer Jim Miller contacted me regarding the GeneralWatch effort to improve General Motors. He asked many hard hitting questions, so the interview should be of interest.

 

The Cobalt is a new product so your argument does not apply to any discussion concerning it. Make the same argument for the current Impala, sunfire, etc.

 

Point is that the deal killer wasn't whether or not the product was new or old. The inexcusable dealer experience is what caused the salesperson, franchisee, and manufacturer to lose the sale.