Originally Posted by lbls1
In GM'S case I believe an element or two were missed. The first element is innovation. GM used to be seen as innovators in the automotive field. Remember these examples? The Golden Chevrolet, Corvette; Oldsmobile Toronado, Buick Riviera, Pontiac Tempest GTO, Chevelle, Gran Sport, 442. All of these examples signaled leadership in the field with innovation. Innovation in technology, design, appeal and attracxtion of the masses. This is an element that is no longer apparent in GM's products; At least in the magnitude that once was in ALL of GM.
The second element that seems to be missing is enthusiasm, in the form of excitement, lust, aspiration. Long gone from the company's portfolio are products that used to inspire all of these feelings of enthusiasm. From the innocence of Chevelle, the sense of upward mobility from Buick and Oldsmobile, the sense of achievement from Cadillac. For specific models, the mystery of desire and lust from Caprice!, Impala, Wildcat, Electra 225.
The last element missed is the sense of effortless logic and timeless style; Properly exemplified by Oldsmobile Cutlass, Buick Century, and later Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
It is the essential absence of these aspects that has GM in its predicament right now. There is little that is special with GM's portfolio, and anyone can buy products from its competitors that can match and even excel with current goals of today's car market. I am afraid that if GM continues with its current business "think" it will one day face extinction, being shut out of business, much the same way as once great businesses have now been shuttered in other markets. Think of the late, great Sears, Roebuck and Co., JCPenney, and many of their contemporaries being wiped out by competitors with better and more profitable business plans: Amazon, Costco, WalMart.
Interesting to ponder.
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