General Motors Distributes Letters to Customers

In the upper right hand corner of a letter I received from General Motors, it says Troy A. Clarke, Group Vice President, President GM North America. But, why did I get a letter from the car company?

As you may know, GM is using an expedited, court-supervised process to accelerate the reinvention of our company. At the core of that reinvention is a commitment that we will put the customer first in all that we do -- starting with great cars, trucks and crossovers, and the best sales and service experience possible. We want to earn your trust in several ways, including:

Interesting opening paragraph: let us continue.

GM Dealers -- They are very much open for business and ready to meet your sales and service needs. And even though we are seeking buyers for our Saturn and Saab brands, have just announced the selection of a buyer for the HUMMER brand, and have decided to eventually phase out Pontiac, those dealerships also remain open and ready for service. The bottom line is service for GM vehicles will always be available through authorized GM retail and service facilities by GM-trained Goodwrench experts, with Genuine GM Parts on hand.

Interesting second paragraph, to say the least. Somewhat of a confirmation that Saturn and Saab are for sale, and Pontiac will be dissolved sometime in the future. As a GM customer for many years, I have never owned either a Saturn or a Saab, and could never afford a HUMMER, I am a bit confused about phasing out Pontiac.

I have owned a Firebird, a Trans Am, a Grand Am, a Sunfire and a G6 in the past: all Pontiac models. If someone were to offer me a free car, any car I would want since the beginning of automobiles, Pontiac falls in third. I would of course first pick a 2010 Camaro, followed by a 1969 Camaro, but would these favorites not be available, the G6 would be my third pick. Trans Am would fall closely behind, but the G6 is a well rounded family vehicle that still adds a little sport, and has plenty of get up and go. I just do not understand, but I am only one out of millions.

GM Vehicles -- At this, the most important moment in the history of our company, our dedication to high-quality, fuel-efficient and outstanding-value vehicles has never been greater. Purchase a new GM product, and we stand behind it with a U.S. government-backed(1), comprehensive 100,000-Mile/5-Year Powertrain Limited Warranty(2). Combined with Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation Programs, it is the Best Coverage in America. As I said before, our GM dealerships are very much open for business, and banks and credit unions are lending and continue to offer some of the best rates available to qualified buyers. To find information about GM dealerships in your area, please visit GM.com/vehicles/dealer.

Okay, I do like GM cars, but this paragraph almost sounded as if they are bragging about their bailouts. Maybe I am reading too much into my little letter, but they are flaunting the fact that they are now 'government backed'. However, maybe this will increase sales as America may feel they are protected because GM is government backed?

I also like the 'best rates available for qualified buyers'. I think the qualified buyers part is a little bit too broad, as GM has to know that the economy is horrible and more people than ever are jobless, facing repossessions, and foreclosure. I cannot foresee that their sales are going to jump overnight because they have 'best rates available for qualified buyers'. Oh if only I were qualified: oh right, I am one of the people counted in the jobless statistics for this not so joyous recession we are in.

General Motors -- For over 100 years, GM has fueled America's passion for the automobile. Propelled by the spirit and commitment of our people, we will become the New GM, a company that makes Americans proud, and one that can compete successfully with anyone in the world. All of us at GM are confident that we will emerge a leaner, stronger company for you, offering the most compelling vehicles possible from our Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac brands.

I still do not understand phasing out Pontiac. If I had to put money on a brand that GM would phase out, before the recession of course, I would have said GMC, or maybe Buick. I am sure GM will eventually become victorious in reinventing themselves, but in the time between now and then, I do not know too many that are going to be proud of them as a company.

However, as a Camaro lover, I am proud that the new 2010 Camaro has been released. I am sure I was one of the first on the mailing list that I signed up for to receive updates on the progress as the Camaro was built, however, I can not afford to buy one so that upsets me a bit.

Thank you for your interest in GM vehicles. As we move forward, I invite you to stay up to date on our promising new future by visiting GMreinvention.com.

Sincerely,
Troy A. Clarke
Group Vice President
President, GM North America

1) Governemnt-backed warranty for GM vehicles purchased from March 30 - July 31, 2009.
2) Whichever comes first. See dealer for limited warranty details. Excludes Saab.

Oh, how I love the fine print. The government backed warranty is only until the end of July while part of the warranty at least excludes Saab. Oh well, I will not be buying before July 31, 2009 anyway.

I commend GM for reaching out via mail. I received several emails from them over the last few months but I must admit I was very shocked to get a letter in traditional mail. I wish the company the best, and hey, my 1998 Tracker is falling apart if you feel the need to throw a new car at someone for some good press. (wink)