Corporations Seekout Personal Selling Sales Professionals

With the ever growing competitive nature of business combined with a slow economy, the sales area or the selling function of major corporations continues to increase in importance. Looking at the selling and sales literature in the area of marketing, it is now more important than ever for corporations to attract and retain loyal customers. Understanding how the corporate customers view the sales relationships can assist sales managers in recruiting and training salespeople who will help the company increase their share of corporate revenue and secure lifelong customers.

Breaking News

Six United States Governors have written and sent a letter to the US Treasury pleading with the Government to grant low interest rate loans too struggling US automakers. I think these 6 should take matters into their own hands rather than ask the federal government to step in. They could offer tax incentives within their own states. This is something they ask Governors have the power and authority to do.

GM to Close 2 Plants for a Week

GM will close two factories for a week to keep inventory numbers down since demand has fallen. The Detroit-Hamtramck plant will be closed Nov. 24 for a week. The factory employs 1,785 and makes the Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS sedans. A factory in Bowling Green, Ky., that makes Chevrolet Corvettes and the Cadillac XLR will be idled the week of Dec. 1. That plant employs about 900 workers. Times are tough for automotive workers.

General Motors/Chrysler Merger Update

Reports have been released that GM has asked the US govt. for help with financing the company's purchase of Chrysler LLC. It has also been reported that GM executives have asked the Treasury dept to take a ownership position in the struggling automaker.

GM Cutting back on Event Marketing

Chevrolet brand is ``significantly'' reducing spending on sports sponsorships because of falling sales and the economic slowdown.
Chevrolet will stop promotions tied to college sports and only advertise during games. The brand will also eliminate partnerships with some of the smaller sports such as skiing.
General Motors, the largest U.S. automaker, and Ford Motor Co. have reduced sports marketing as a way to cut costs amid falling sales and plummeting stock prices. U.S. auto sales slid 27 percent in September and deteriorating consumer confidence and a slowing economy may erode them further.
General Motors said last month it won't air a commercial during the Super Bowl because of its restructuring. The automaker's Buick brand has had talks with Tiger Woods about whether to continue its sponsorship of the golfer beyond 2009.

GM Stock gets Slammed!

Shares of General Motors Corp plunged sharply Friday as concerns mounted about the company's financial health. The stock was down 15% at $5.20 in recent trading as investors awaited news on the company's ongoing talks with Chrysler about a possible merger, while fears rise that GM may not have the cash to handle the current crisis. The stock is trading at its lowest levels since hitting a six-decade low of $ 4.00 two weeks ago!

Major cuts at Chrysler

Chrysler LLC CEO Robert Nardelli announced Friday that it will cut 25 per cent of its salaried work force starting next month, and the automaker warned that it will make more restructuring moves in the near future. Chrysler, which has about 18,500 white-collar workers, also will cut a quarter of its contract employees — those who work for other companies under contract with the automaker. About 5,000 workers will lose their jobs. This is the toughest time in history for US Automakers.

GM to Lay Off White Collar Workers

No one is safe in these troubled times for GM. Layoffs are now being considered for white collar executive jobs due to sluggish sales and a slowing economy. It was inevitable that the slowdown would spill over an effect even salaried workers. Now management will suffer for the years of poor decisions it has made. GM also will cut salaried worker benefits, including eliminating matching payments into 401(k) plans and further changes to be announced soon, according to the letter that was sent out company wide today.

The Damage that has been Done

With GM stock trading at $6 and change, a far cry from its highs in the 80s its time to take a look back over the last few months to see the damage that has been done. In just the last year and a half, the company has lost $57 billion dollars. That's billions folks, Wow! It looks like decades of mismanagement and poor decision making have finally caught up with the automaker. With plants closing left and right and GM possibly merging with Chrysler, some cant help but to think it all could be coming to an end soon.

Profits on Decline

In a week filled with bad news General Motors Corp. just announced that annual dealer profits could fall by 18% this year. GM executives told dealers during a meeting in Detroit last week that the dealers margins could shrink and cause profits to fall. This combined with sluggish auto sales makes for a dismal outlook for the automotive industry.

GM/Chrysler Merger getting Closer

It looks the proposed GM/CHRYSLER merger is getting closer to getting done. Details of the deal have emerged showing that GM will be buying Chrysler from New York private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management LP. Both sides have been talking for months, but the pace recently has increased. We might see a deal before the end of the month.

GM plants closings have ripple effect

A supplier to the GM plant in Janesville will begin mass layoffs Dec. 23 -- the same day GM is ending production of sports utility vehicles there. Lear Corp told the state Department of Workforce Development on Friday it will lay off 371 workers beginning on that date. Lear supplies interiors and seating systems to the GM plant at Janesville. When GM eliminated a second shift at the Janesville plant earlier this year, Lear had announced layoffs of 336 workers as of July 14.

GM trying to make plants more Green

GM engine plant Flint South is an example of what can be done to produce less waste and put less of what is left over in landfills. More than 3 percent of the waste from 44 plants like Flint South, send nothing to landfills, and use the waste to produce energy. Programs like this one at the Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan in Flint are a better option that could be expanded further, and the idea is catching on. With so many companies and consumers going green, this could be a great move for the General.

GM to join Facebook

In a move to increase popularity among young consumers GM General Motors plans launch of its online Facebook community in the next few days. I think this is a great move, Facebook is popular and more importantly its free. Which means this is one type of advertising that GM can afford.

China Sales Slide

You know its a tough economy when GM's sales drop in its strongest growing market. No not the good old USA, I'm talking about China! Vehicle sales in China fell in August and September from a year earlier, as overall demand for cars dropped in the world's second largest auto market. The rare decline for two consecutive months for GM China is not a good thing. Its GM's best performing market and the auto maker has taken advantage of explosive growth over the past several years to become one of China's most sought after brands.

Camaro Prices Released

Ok folks, today is the big day, the day we have all be waiting for. GM has just announced the prices for the 2010 Chevy Camaro. The Chevrolet's 2010 Camaro LS with a V-6 engine will carry a base sticker of $22,995, including shipping. The more powerful 6.2-liter V-8-powered SS performance version will have a base sticker price of $30,995 with shipping.
Customers can begin ordering October 13, and Production starts February 16 at General Motors' Oshawa, Ontario, assembly plant.

GM to close Grand Rapids Plant

GM officials announced Monday that it has informed its 1,520 Grand Rapids stamping employees that it plans to end production and close the plant in December 2009. The plant is known for making more than 40% of the parts for large pickups and SUVs. Since GM sales of these vehicles are slumping, so is the demand for parts. Thus the reason for the plant closing.

GM to Cut Health Coverage

On Jan. 1, 2009, GM will stop providing health care coverage for more than 100,000 retirees and their dependents and instead will add $300 to their monthly pension checks to purchase insurance on their own. The move is another effort to cut spending by GM. the company spent $3.3 billion on retiree health coverage in 2007, and with the company hurting for ash, they will do anything to reduce expenses.

The GM G Body Platform

Some of my personal favorite cars are from the GM G Body platform. These cars were made from 1978-1988 by General Motors and models were produced under all the General's brand names. Chevy, Buick, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile all had a G body platform car. Cadillac however did not. G-bodies were rear-wheel drive and were built from 1982 to 1988. However the first generation of G's actually began production in 1978 under the A-body classification. They were born when GM decided to shrink down the B body cars that were made in the mid to late 70s. I have personally owned several G bodies and my friends and I continue to collect, restore and heavily modify these (hopefully) soon to be classics. In this blog I will periodically be providing updates on my current G body projects and those of my close friends. My next project will be my 84 Monte Carlo, however my flagship project that is almost complete is my 80 Monte Carlo.

I have owned my 80 Monte since 2003 and have performed several major upgrades to her. The largest of which is a motor transplant. I swapped out the feeble stock v6 and replaced it with a 350hp v8 ZZ4 crate motor. The zz4 comes with a tire shredding 405 foot pounds of torque, on top of that I added a edlebrock pro flow fuel injection system for ultra modern performance. Power is put to the pavement through a turbo 350 transmission and then transferred into a 8.5 inch posi rear end that I took off a 87 Grand National. With a slight touch of the accelerator the tires break loose and create enough smoke for the neighborhood watch types to call the fire dept.

All shifts are performed from the cockpit via a B&M megashifter and I can keep close watch on the vitals thanks to a complete Assembly of Autometer gauges that are custom cut into the dash console. The car breaths easier thanks to a ram air intake and a custom flowmaster mandrel bent true dual exhaust system that exhales through a set of super 40 flowmasters. The car has numerous body enhancements including a custom front grill, a forward opening hood and several other neat tricks. The body lines are sharpened dramatically since all moldings, emblems, pins and holes have been shaved, filled and smooth out including the door handles, side mirrors, parking lights. Trunk and door locks were also ditched for a tighter look and are now operated via remote control. I have been working on the car for over 5 years and expect to have it completed by the summer of 09. More updates to come

Ford Rejected GM merger in July?

With the auto world buzzing about a potential merger between Chrysler and GM. word has leaked that GM executives approached Ford's top brass in July about a possible merger and the idea was shot down by Ford's executives. This story keeps getting more interesting by the moment.

GM merging with Chrysler?

In what would be the largest merger the automotive world has ever seen. GM is Rumored to be in preliminary talks with Chrysler Corp. A year or so ago, Cerberus Capital Management bought a huge stake in the Chrysler Corp. Now the street is whispering about a possible blockbuster merger between the once superpowers of the automotive world. A marriage between the largest US automaker and the #3 US automaker would mean that the combined company would out pace the current sales leader Toyota and would leave old rival Ford in the dust. Unless, of course, they decide to join the party. Hmmmmmmmmm

New Low for GM stock

With GM stock hitting a new low of $4.00, the company is now facing rumors of bankruptcy. GM executives have denied the company will be forced to file chapter 11. The company's top brass has said that the largest US automaker has other ways left to explore to raise additional capital.
Well, that's reassuring.

Could the EPA kill the Volt???

There is talk around Detroit that is the EPA is fighting with GM over the Chevy Volt. The issue is this: Is the Volt an electric car or a hybrid? How the car is defined is very important, because it signals what the total fuel-economy numbers will be.
The Volt's electric unit is designed to run 40 miles on the power from the battery pack. After that, then the internal-combustion engine starts and generates electricity to power the electric drive for what GM claims is hundreds of miles.
Unlike a hybrid like the Prius and other hybrids, which use a combination of both gas and electricity to turn the wheels, the Volt's wheels are powered only by its electric drive unit.
The EPA wants to test the Volt its own way, insisting it finishes the test with the batteries close to full charge which in turn drops the calculated fuel consumption to just under 48 mpg. A far cry from GM's claims of 100's of miles.
The problem is if the Volt goes to market with an EPA rating that is not much higher than that of can be hybrids, GM executives are worried that customers may not see the value in the car's $40,000 price.

Renaissance Center for Sale?

Well not exactly, but in a unprecedented move GM announced that its so desperate for cash that the company will try to borrow about $500 million using the Renaissance Center as collateral. The Center was paid off in May, but with funds hard to come by due to the credit crisis this move could free up some much needed working capital. And if it doesn't workout, it could cost the company its headquarters. Of course a move of this size would need approval of the board and pension, both of which could be hard to attain.

GM may close Janesville, WI Plant

Janesville General Motors plant is still open, for now. GM has been considering closing more plants due to the economic crisis and has requested several plants to submits re organization plans in a bid to not be shut down by the company. So far Janesville's has not been rejected.

Mid Engine Vette Canceled

In what I consider to be some of the more depressing news coming out of Detriot, GM has cancelled plans to produce a mid engine C7 Corvette. Chevy has long been rumored to be developing a mid-engine version of its next-gen vette, but the project has officially been put on the shelf. Even long time GM executive and car guy Bob Lutz supported the project that has mouths of Vette enthusiasts watering. With business as slow as ever, I guess the c7 is a victim of circumstance. Mid Engine cars offer incredible handling and a smooth ride at even the highest of speeds.

Citigroup cuts automakers to Sell Rating

Citigroup lowered its ratings on General Motors to sell from a hold. The brokerage firm cut Ford's target price to $2.50 from $5.50 and GM's to $6 from $12. Looks like things could be getting worse. I feel bad for all the GM employees that bought stock last week at its then 52 week low, looks the the fire sale will continue.

GM Stock Hits New Low

Shares of GM hit a new low today when the firms shares closed at $7.56 The stock is down over 80% in the past year and could continue to fall if the economy doesn't improve. Today the Dow also closed lower. Much lower, the Dow tanked 500 points and closed at under 9500 for the first time in over 4 years. Its getting ugly out there.

Chevrolet Centre to be renamed???

In a move to cut costs, GM announced that it will not be renewing its contract with the city of Youngstown, OH. to have its arena carry the Chevy name. GM’s three-year contract for the center’s naming rights expired Tuesday. The company paid $175,000 in cash per year and provided four GM vehicles a year to the city, including one driven by the Mayor. The company is scaling back its sponsorships of sporting events and at entertainment facilities strictly because of the struggling economy and sluggish sales. However in a last minute deal with local Chevy dealers, the name will remain the same. The dealers agreed on a new price and will keep the arena named after Chevy.

New Innovation from Ford

In a move to force teens to exercise safer driving habits starting next year, Ford Motor Company. will introduce a new feature aimed at giving parents more control. Including the ability to limit teen drivers' (or anyone else who borrows their car -- husband or wife) speeds to 80 miles per hour, set a maximum volume on the stereo system and program the car to sound continuous alerts if the driver takes off the seat belt.

Another GM plant closing

Yet another GM plant will be closing this year. In a sad annoucment GM informed workers at its Moraine, Ohio plant that the factory will shut down on December 23rd. Just in time for Christmas. Happy Holidays Folks!

GM trying to gain Europeon Market Share

With the launch of the Chevy Cruze being done at the Paris auto show, Chevy is making a huge push in trying to catch the eye of European motorists. They are a discriminating bunch when it comes to cars and there expectations are very high. GM is confident that he Chevy Cruze will be able to sway some new customers towards their brand.

Going Green?

Congratulations to GM. The company sold 2,000 hybrid cars for the month of September.
Its not much, but its a start. Bravo on a small step in the right direction.

Chevy Traverse to be built in Spring Hill, TN plant

GM is launching its new Chevrolet Traverse in hopes the new eight-passenger crossover will attract buyers who have since fled away from SUVs due to the gas crisis. The plant once known for building GM's Saturn brand is thrilled to stay open. The majority of the plant's workers were furloughed while the plant was updated and retooled for the new model this year. Many of them are happy to still have a job in these tough times.

September Sales Repot

GM sales fell 16% during the month of Sept. 284,300 automobiles and trucks were delivered. Even with a 16% fall GM had a better month than its rivals Ford and Chrysler.

Target Marketing for Pontiac G8

I can't remember a commercial that has got me more excited than the new Pontiac G8 commercial "Spy Hunter." Anyone who grew up in the late 80s or early 90s remembers the classic arcade game, Spy Hunter. Well GM has just released a new commercial that incorporates a Pontiac G8 into the video game. This is genius! The target market for this ad grew up playing Spy Hunter in arcades and are now young professionals whom are searching for a cool car that retails around 30k. Well here you go.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DYwmKekPTo

Employees Buying up Stock

GM employees have taken advantage of the recent downturn in the market by scooping up shares on the cheap. This has caused General Motors to suspend employee stock purchases through two 401(k) programs because workers have bought all the available shares.