Not just because I’m going to be on a future podcast, but Bob Knorpp just put out an episode of his Beancast on the current efforts by Detroit to turn things around. The show features Ford’s Scott Monty and GM’s Christopher Barger, both responsible for working on changing the misinformation out there regarding this current mess. (GM put out an Obama-like myth-dispelling site.) Having given both GM and Ford crap in the past for running ads that to me were disconnected from reality, I’d have to give them props for at least trying to address all that now.A few things about cars and loyalty though. First, I complained previously about Pepsi changing a logo and ad agencies when all I care about is the taste. (Basically, I hate Coke. I love Pepsi.) Second, like TV networks, notice how you could always tell one channel apart just by the look of each. An ABC sitcom just looked different than one on NBC. IT’S the same with cars: Ford, GM and Chrysler and the imports.
Each had and has their own look and feel to them, and people always seemed to connect with them that way.
I was a ‘Chevy guy’ for a long time. Friends of mine only drive Ford. Still others, they love Toyota. Cars are more than extra cupholders and MPG. People will always want better gas mileage, but that’s not the only thing. There still has to be a basic connection back to what the brand means and what the car feels like.
I can concede that they are different rides now. I drive a lot of different cars for business trips and rent everything new that comes out, so yeah, I’ve driven a Ford, a GM, A Dodge, etc. ‘lately.’ (VW, Honda and Mitsubishi too.) In three decades, I’ve also owned a Ford, GM, Chrysler, VW, Toyota, Kia and Hyundai in addition to the several automotive brands I’ve worked on. Which means what you ask. Okay, I’ll tell you: It all comes back to someone being loyal to the car they love being... the car they love.
But I wouldn’t say no to extra cup holders either.
Tags: Ford, GM, Chrysler
2 comments:
I'm sensing a recurring theme on your blog, Bill. ;-)
You raise a great point - selecting a brand is much more than comparing features or looking at numbers. There's an emotional aspect to it, and people have very emotional attachments to their cars.
Thanks for being honest about your experiences and background. I'm hesitant to ask (because in court, they say lawyers should never ask a question they don't know the answer to) - what is the car that you love?
Scott Monty
Global Digital Communications
Ford Motor Company
Scptt, thanks for stopping by my neck of the woods. The recurring theme is nothing but love, I assure you. ;-p
Right now, my 2004 Toyota Camry has been the most reliable and smoothest ride I’ve owned followed by the Jetta. But, the new Dodge Barricuda and Monte Carlo were also nice to drive this year.
(To give Ford some love, I also had a ’74 Mustang and a ’92 Escort, and have to say the Focus and Fusion I drove recently were way better rides.)
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