Automotive News, Media & Press - More unecessary expense from U.S. Automakers! Why are they so dumb?

[SOURCE] http://globalmotors.net/chrysler-closed-the-year-by-pissing-off-americans-big-time/

Most of us are much aware of the bailout of American people to GM and Chrysler. Although poll results showed that almost 60% of Americans are against the bailout, the Feds had to proceed with it as it involves alot of complications, from economics, to political legacy concerns.
And of course, memories of the Big Three Boo Boo getting their mouthfulls from politicians and Americans alike, was when they flew to Capitol Hill with private jets instead of commercial (when asking for bailout money) were still very fresh, and now Chrysler again did something wrong, really WRONG.

Having just receive their fresh off the oven $4,000,000,000 USD, the first thing Bob Nardelli did, (BEHOLD) was to spend upwards of millions in advertising value on all major newspapers to thank the American people. Now we can all imagine what sort of response this will get them.
Honestly speaking, this is somewhat baffling, how can/could/would Bob, or his PR Director not have such basic common sense to not be able to see this is just so wrong? Moreover, sending a letter addressed to all Americans to news agencies would’ve been worthwhile for newspapers would run them for free, why would they even need to do something so unnecessarily stupid and phenomenally idiotic?
Wild bet, will Chrysler receive the second round of bailout cash?

Idiots.

Not sure where you got millions of dollars as the cost of the campaign, but you did answer in your post why it was done. Advertising value. Gets Chrysler's name out there (the purpose of all advertising) and shows some humility. Not a dumb move at all. Not all the money can go to retooling. Chrysler in particular has well over 100 days supply of cars rotting in lots, no different than the last time they got a loan from the Government. They thanked people back then too, and it worked. They need to move that iron, too much cash tied up in it. Cannot just throw it away. Same thing for GM using the bridge loan to push 0% financing.

Many of those advertisements are payed for in a co-op with local car dealers. They basically split the cost. Lost of companies do this. Even the banks that got a bail out.

Not sure where you got millions of dollars as the cost of the campaign, but you did answer in your post why it was done. Advertising value. Gets Chrysler's name out there (the purpose of all advertising) and shows some humility. Not a dumb move at all. Not all the money can go to retooling. Chrysler in particular has well over 100 days supply of cars rotting in lots, no different than the last time they got a loan from the Government. They thanked people back then too, and it worked. They need to move that iron, too much cash tied up in it. Cannot just throw it away. Same thing for GM using the bridge loan to push 0% financing.Many of those advertisements are payed for in a co-op with local car dealers. They basically split the cost. Lost of companies do this. Even the banks that got a bail out.Excellent points and true.

I think it shows good character. Respecting those who are paying for your bailout. I respect that. I don't know who to blame for the rash comments towards this. Is america really 'pissed off' over this, or is it just some people already sore about the bail out picking at more dumb things to be angry about. Obviously I can't imagine "globalmotors.net" having a real weighted point of view, and honestly think that garbage they wrote is pathetic on their part. Its like poperatzi chasing down brittany spears in southpark. At some point, get real.

Hmm...a thank you note for the welfare check paid for in part by all of you...and me.

Kinda a nice start...and sadly an end. God and Spongebob both know we'll never see any kind of thanks or gratitude to any of the millions of americans getting welfare or other entitlement checks from us. I give Chrysler points for getting their name out there and thanking those paying for the loan/bailout.

Regardless its still a waste of money. They could've written a letter and get free press coverage. Shit they should've put it on their own website for free! Even if the money used to pay for the newspaper printing was from the bailout or pitched in by dealerships its still a waste of $4 Million dollars that could be used to pay employees. Dealerships could thank the people within their own advertisements. Its a waste of money and could have been avoided and done for free or along other advertisements to avoid unnecessary added costs. Its not smart and efficient any way you look at it.

While it may seem like a waste to some, look at it from a business perspective. Advertising is crucial. And even if they spent $40 Million of the bailout money, thats only 1% of the money. In the long-run, that's not too much. If by spending the 1% ($40 million) on ads, they get an additional $80-120 million in sales revenue... it's already paid off. Seems like good business to me.

Us common folk sometimes don't understand how much $4 Billion actually is compared to a few million.

And on that note, people still watch more TV than read newspapers or even browse the internet. I dont know about you, but I've never visited Chrysler's website. And I bet you good money that they'd hafta pay as much for internet ads as for TV ads.

the reason that the big three are in the mess they are now is because everyone buys into that foreign cars are better than american cars crap that the freakin media spoon feeds us everyday. maybe 15-20 years ago they were lower quality, but today they are just as good if not better. hell we've got a 92 chevy 3/4 with a 454 in it that has over 300,000 miles and I wouldnt even think twice about driving it across the country. And as far the bailout goes it is a LOAN!!! Not a handout.

sorry, just had to vent a little, getting sick of all the american car bashers out their.

Nobody here is bashing American cars. And while yes the quality gap has closed, it's still gonna take people a few years to consider buying something other than what they have been buying for the past two decades. Where the Big 3 went wrong was resting on their laurels, and not aggressively trying to get customers. They left the quality gap too big for too long, and are just now (for the most part) starting to make cars that can be put head-to-head with their foreign counterparts. The 1/2 ton and larger trucks have always been good, I will say that. But nobody can argue that the Titan and Tundra have caused GM/Ford/Dodge to tighten their game up to make sure they stay on top.

the reason that the big three are in the mess they are now is because everyone buys into that foreign cars are better than american cars crap that the freakin media spoon feeds us everyday. maybe 15-20 years ago they were lower quality, but today they are just as good if not better. hell we've got a 92 chevy 3/4 with a 454 in it that has over 300,000 miles and I wouldnt even think twice about driving it across the country. And as far the bailout goes it is a LOAN!!! Not a handout.

sorry, just had to vent a little, getting sick of all the american car bashers out their.:werd: :usa: :nod:

Nobody here is bashing American cars. And while yes the quality gap has closed, it's still gonna take people a few years to consider buying something other than what they have been buying for the past two decades. Where the Big 3 went wrong was resting on their laurels, and not aggressively trying to get customers. They left the quality gap too big for too long, and are just now (for the most part) starting to make cars that can be put head-to-head with their foreign counterparts. The 1/2 ton and larger trucks have always been good, I will say that. But nobody can argue that the Titan and Tundra have caused GM/Ford/Dodge to tighten their game up to make sure they stay on top.


I'll agree with most of that other than the fact the the Titan is a POS and will most likely be discontinued and the full size Tundra was introduced at the exact wrong time.

I don't think that the Titan is a POS at all, but it doesn't really matter for this discussion. Both of those trucks caused the Big 3 to make their trucks better.

I don't think that the Titan is a POS at all, but it doesn't really matter for this discussion. Both of those trucks caused the Big 3 to make their trucks better.

You're so unAmerican.

:lol: I'm gonna assume that was a joke.

yyyuuuppp

This is a freakin loan that MUST and WILL be paid back..!!

There are lots of Americans that need to wake up.......before our industrial base is gone forever. When its gone and our people need real help, let see how quickly our new industrial base owners (Toyota / Honda / etc) jump to our nations needs.

Which foreign owned company helped in any way, shape or form on 9/11 in New York..?? NONE OF THEM..!! Not a dime.....nada....zilcho..!! Only our real American companys stepped up.....especially GENERAL MOTORS....with money and donated vehicles!!!! The fleecing of America is underway.

IMHO.........:mad::mad::mad::mad:

This is a freakin loan that MUST and WILL be paid back..!!

There are lots of Americans that need to wake up.......before our industrial base is gone forever. When its gone and our people need real help, let see how quickly our new industrial base owners (Toyota / Honda / etc) jump to our nations needs.

Which foreign owned company helped in any way, shape or form on 9/11 in New York..?? NONE OF THEM..!! Not a dime.....nada....zilcho..!! Only our real American companys stepped up.....especially GENERAL MOTORS....with money and donated vehicles!!!! The fleecing of America is underway.

IMHO.........:mad::mad::mad::mad:

I love the Flyer!

That LS1LT1 guy is so American.Thanks dude. :thumb: :usa: :D ;)






This is a freakin loan that MUST and WILL be paid back..!!

There are lots of Americans that need to wake up.......before our industrial base is gone forever. When its gone and our people need real help, let see how quickly our new industrial base owners (Toyota / Honda / etc) jump to our nations needs.

Which foreign owned company helped in any way, shape or form on 9/11 in New York..?? NONE OF THEM..!! Not a dime.....nada....zilcho..!! Only our real American companys stepped up.....especially GENERAL MOTORS....with money and donated vehicles!!!! The fleecing of America is underway.

IMHO.........:mad::mad::mad::mad::werd: :nod:

Look at you.

I love the Flyer!

Ditto, That is one ugly looking gas hog...great timing by The Japanese once again.

Fuck Toyota and Honda's public perception its total crap. Has anyone looked at these two "green automakers" fuel economy observed stats in their Tundra V8 and Pilot V6? They are absolutely horrendous. Especially for the honda with the 6er, 15 city, 20 hwy??? Are you serious, how can people be so stupid to continue to fall for that generalization that just because these 2 automakers produce hybrids that their entire line is comprised with fuel effecient, quality vehicles?

I just don't get it... does anyone seriously want to be driving the same car for 300,000 miles? I certainly don't. None the less, as mentioned above the quality gap has been closed, and certainly GM is making world class engines, many of which are being widely received and highly decorated, that 3.6 direct injection, variable valve timing deal is mint.

Further more, America has lost its road bearing pride, you can put the largest rims in the world on your Honda, and cover it in three miles of vinyl, no one is ever going to wave to you on the road, or follow you to the gas station to discuss their love of it.

I drove around one sunday afternoon in a friends freshly restored (by me and a co-worker) 1968 SS camaro, and we couldn't make it 20 feet without someone waving, or flagging us down.

Even in my 97 Formula, I constantly have little kids waving to me, or asking their father "What kind of cool car is that?" I wouldn't trade that awesome feeling of automotive romanticism for any 300,000 mile lasting car, ever.

I agree in times far past, and in decades no longer worth mention, GM and the like distorted their images, with shabby cars, and shotty service. The Gap is closed and I no longer see any reason to purchase anything other than american.

If you are one of those faithless people who is buying a new corrola, or accord, please at least give me the corteousy of admitting it wasn't their grotesque styling, or exaggerated EPA reception that baited you in... please!

Ok I am done ranting, sorry op for using your thread as a punching bag and possibly even a midol soaked tampoon

I admit that there is definitely something to having a car people ask about and give thumbs up for and the like... but only a very small percent of the public are enthusiasts. You think somebody driving a Fusion or Malibu will get thumbs up and somebody in an Accord won't? Or that they would care to? Some people DO care about longevity. And yes, the quality gap has all-but closed, but it's still gonna take people time to forget how it was. Because it hasn't been that long.