Quote of the Day: Mark LaNeve: Chevy Will Rise Again!
“We think in some markets Chevrolet dealers will be able to improve their sales and profitability by 20, 30, 40, even 50 percent.” GM’s vice president of U.S. sales made his promise/prediction/delusional rant to GM’s remaining bow tie-branded store owners, as reported by Automotive News [sub]. The remark comes hot on the heels of Chevy supremo Brent Dewar’s pronouncement that the U.S. new car market will grow by 15 percent next year. I suppose LaNeve reckons Chevy stores will capitalize on this fantastic rising tide. “GM expects each surviving dealership to increase sales next year by at least 25 percent over 2009.” Yes, well, will Chevy dealers’ [theoretical] sales increases match the overall market? In other words, NOW how much will they get paid? But wait, there’s more! “Over the next 18 months, GM will boost advertising spending for each division well above amounts in the first half of this year. LaNeve said advertising that starts next month will be a ‘creative breakthrough’ intended to quickly change consumer perceptions.” Hey, wasn’t Cadillac the break on through brand? And wasn’t LaNeve its head? How did that turn out, then?
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OK, what's he supposed to say - "I think business is gonna stink"? And trash Caddy if you want, but if not for LaNeve, would it have even survived GM's BK? Give credit where it's due.
LaNeve picked a song, the models had already been developed.
I'll lightly borrow what LaNeve dreamed up for Pontiac... LaNeve is Failure.
Chevy will rise again for sure. Just think of all the hillbilly rednecks who won't be able to buy Pontiacs pretty soon. They'll just buy more Camaros. And, think of all the rental car agencies who won't be able to get Pontiacs either. They'll be looking to stock up on more Malibus, Cobalts, Equinox's and Impalas. it's a win-win situation for GM.