A Name Change for General Motors?

The automaker says it isn’t in the cards, but an analyst at Morgan Stanley says he’s hearing investor support for the idea. After all, what better way to signal your company’s shift towards forward-thinking electric and autonomous mobility than a fancy rebranding?

General … Mobility?

As reported by Bloomberg, Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas wrote in a note yesterday that “several investors have asked us about the potential for a name change to accompany a radical strategic shift for the company.”

“We have no knowledge or strong opinion on a potential name change, but do not exclude the possibility of such an action being considered by GM’s leadership to help foster perception and cultural change,” he added.

In response, GM says it has no intention of changing its name. Certainly, other corporations have chosen to put a sleek new face on their business by revamping a tired old name. Usually it involves fewer letters and acronyms. Dunkin’ Donuts to Dunkin’, for example. Weight Watchers to WW, Kentucky Fried Chicken to the slimming KFC, or IHOP to IHOb … wait, maybe that last one isn’t a good example. Still, people reportedly bought more burgers after that publicity stunt.

But General Motors, usually referred to as GM, can’t really shed extraneous letters. “GM” is pretty svelte. It’s also instantly recognizable. People know what they’re dealing with; the only concern on GM’s part is telegraphing where it wants the company to go.

And if Mary Barra feels her company’s stock will really hit the big time by inserting more mobility-speak into its orbit, well, look at Ford.