GM Deathwatch, German Edition: Cui Bono?
Germany’s industry rag Automobilwoche [sub] is running an interesting ballot. “Who do you think would profit the most if GM goes bust?” (or German words to that effect). The options are kind of odd. Only Ford, Renault/Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen are eligible. But keep in mind, Automobilwoche is a German rag. They could have asked “What if Opel would die?” But they didn’t. Do they know more than we do? 846 souls have voted so far.
Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.
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Actually, I believe that in Europe the biggest winners will be French (PSA and Renault) and FIAT. They all compete in about the same market segment as Opel and Chevy/Daewoo/Suzuki. If GM (Opel) fails it may create stigma towards "American" companies (just think what used Opel will fetch?) and this affect Ford negatively. VW is a little on expensive side, but Frenchies and FIAT are right in the sweet spot. Also, Ford is using FIAT motors and platforms to begin with, so why gamble and pay extra for an oval?
The fools! The obvious winner would be TTAC and Robert Farrago. I suppose there'd be a party followed by "what now?" -- and then the filing of "Toyota Deathwatch #1: You've got to start somewhere".
FIAT was almost broke a couple of years ago and maybe they can make the electric work in their cars but i have my doubts
Maybe we will luck out and GM will go broke allowing Saturn and Opel to spinoff and truely become a division of Opel and bringing us real Opel products and not the watered down stuff that GM tosses their way these days. I could live with a few years of "Saturn (by Opel)" on the trunklids. Then we could see the return of truly small trucks (original S-10 size), small vans, small MPVs, etc etc etc. clever products with some style.