The Hannity Debate
Editor’s note: A recent GM promotion on Sean Hannity’s radio program generated quite a bit of interest in the Internet community. While there has been an overwhelming positive response to this promotion, a few others have raised a concern. This is the response we posted on the web site that first raised the issue:
Okay, you have our attention!
Since the posting on your site about the Sean Hannity show, we have received hundreds of emails, phone calls, etc., with your opinions.
To clarify, we didn’t hire Mr. Hannity as a spokesperson and he is not receiving compensation from GM for thispromotion. What we are doing is running a promotion on his show where Mr. Hannity is featuring three of
our newest products every week and listeners can register to win their choice of the three vehicles.
As the head of Sales and Marketing for GM, my job is not to create political controversy but preferably to create interest in our world-class lineup of vehicles. Looks like we are doing a bit of both with this promotion.
GM is the biggest advertiser in America and to tell our story we advertise across a tremendously wide array of media trying to connect with all Americans irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations. We just want folks to experience our products.
We want to reach you on the shows you listen to. Below is my email address. Please let me know the shows where you would like to hear or see our advertising — perhaps even a similar promotion to the one
currently being run on Hannity. We may already be on many of the programs that you enjoy. If not, we will sure look at them. Also, if you are interested in hearing more about any of our new products or our business turnaround, we will be happy to address that as well.
I appreciate your views and I welcome your suggestions.
Mark LaNeve
GM Vice President Sales and Marketing
Phone number: (313) 665-1357
email address: laneve@gm.com
- Posted in Business
Mr. Langlitz (Germany)
Dear Mr. LaNeve,
what about some promotion for your US-brands over here in Europe?
I have never seen a commercial on TV about the Cadillac BLS, CTS, STS or the Corvette so far. Not even an advertisement at a newspaper. As an example, I just accidentally found a report about the Alero six years ago (at a soccer-magazine!), what was awaking my attention for that model and so I am happy I purchased it. Your products deserve more awareness over here, even more since GM wants Cadillac to play a bigger part in Europe, as I could read several times. Too many Germans still believe, only Chrysler would sell US-cars over here. GM is producing some models, which wouldn’t compete with Opel’s portfolio. So, please, go ahead.
Richard Romano
I was just on my way to my local gm dealer to look at new suv’s since my trailblazer is starting to get a little old. While listening to the radio I heard this Hannity guy spewing his hate and venom and then heard a gm car giveaway ad. I rarely listen to AM radio but wanted a traffic report. I will not after hearing you all support this guy even consider a gm branded car now which my family has been loyally purchasing for over 50 years. I sure hope you gain a lot of business from advertising on this guys show because I will tell everyone I know not to buy a car any more from gm and why. I thought I might be the only one here to feel this way until I see from above this is not just me. It is one thing to advertise in a non political environment and another to align yourselves with this. I am sad to have to do this as I have had everything from Corvettes to Trailblazers and lots in between. I will not support hate and partisianship. Nor should you under any circumstances. Guess this is one way to really make your unions happy and bust them up. Mark you would be gone in my company
Steve Greer
TO me, your comment is summed up this way:
“We are actively supporting the right wing talk show host Sean Hannity by partnering with him on a promotion, letting him decide whether “You’re a Great American.” Maybe we scewed up.
“If you are offended by this, well, tough cookies. Drop me a line and maybe we’ll throw a couple ad dollars towards a show you like.”
Dude - No wonder people are so turned off from GM cars. If your advertising experts can’t even figure out that tilting dollars towards controversial talk show hosts might create a negative reaction from others, you might need to find some new experts.
Believe it or not, I came here looking for information about the Saturn Outlook because the car interests me.
But now that I see (a) You’re giving Sean Hannity money, and (b) people are complaining about it and you’re doing NOTHING, I think I’ll just go look at used Fords or something.
I really REALLY try to buy American. I want to buy American, even though Consumer Reports tells me there is better value in Japanese cars.
You make it EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to do so. This is just one more step.
Brian Gizzi
Dear Mr. LaNeve
Sean Hannity is one of the most recognizable spokesmen of the 21st century. He is well known not only for his conservative idealism, but for his attention to detail and supporting of all things American. I am what is known in the talk radio world as a “ditto-head” which as you may or may not know is the name given to people who listen to the Rush Limbaugh (and now the Sean Hannity) radio program. the term has now given rise to a large group of people who agree with the general conservative position on many geopolitical issues.
General Motors is well aware of who is buying their products, and I think this ad campaign is by far one of the better campaigns in recent years. As the launch of the 2007 Silverardo and Sierra pickup trucks nears it is important to remember who is going to buy the majority of these trucks. Simply put, the same people who bought this class of truck 50 years ago–working “heart land” Americans who need the utility of a well built full sized pickup truck. I believe this ad will attract these Americans who may be moved toward non General Motors dealers now that Asian car makers are producing full sized light and medium consumer trucks.
I believe those who wright to you with a negative view of this ad do not truly understand the intent of this ad, or the intent of the Sean Hannity radio show. I would like to say for the record that I encourage more ads like this one who reach the people on levels other than television spots, billboards, and magazines.
If I can suggest one new ad campaign, I would like to see the old “see th USA in your Chevrolet” Dinah Shore jingle used in radio and television ads in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Seeing as many of the visual ads contain historical images this is the next logical step in my eyes.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my thoughts and I look forward to seeing new General Motors ads.
Sincerely,
Brian Gizzi
Karl
Wow, every purchase has to pass a political litmus test.
How about the foreign automobile manufacturers who employ workers with lower wages, fewer benefits, and no pensions. How’s that for politically correct?
Randy Clouse
Great give away. And what is wrong with free speech? Everyone should have a vote without being blackmailed for running a promotion.
Jon Hargrove
Karl - Have ya noticed the sales coming from those companies lately? Do you think that GM for one second would continue with the bloated UAW wage issues if they had a choice to employ workers with lower wages, fewer benefits and no pensions? There are no bleeding hearts in this business looking out for mankind or the greater good. Don’t kid yourself.
Chris C
I can guarantee that if GM offered the same promotion on left leaning talk programs, there wouldn’t be a controversy. I just find it a shame that people can’t disagree on politics without getting nasty these days.
To those of you who are offended, GM certainly doesn’t have a political agenda, they just want eyes and ears to hear about their great new products. Hannity draws millions of listeners a week. If GM were going to support a party, it certainly wouldn’t be a republican one because the current administration has given a big middle finger to the auto industry over the last two terms on issues like health care and pensions. I think demographically it was smart of GM to advertise on Hannity, as a part of that demographic is more likely to ‘buy American’ for patriotic reasons.
WHlanteigne
Mr LaNeve:
I really wish you had called and asked me if that was a good idea, I might have saved you some grief…
Frankly, I think if you wanted some positive exposure, you could have chosen a more positive media personality as a vehicle for your advertising- (less controversial like Ozzie Osbourne, for example, or Gene Simmons) more positive and uplifting like Oprah Winfrey (Oprah already has a history of giving away cars on her show, and is offensive to very, very few). In fact,”Dog, the Bounty Hunter” would probably have produced far less venoumous mail…
If you must reach out to the “stuck in the ’60s” mentality, try giving away Chevrolet station wagons- (rrr, you don’t make those any more)- SUVs, or “crossovers,” then- on “TV Land,” between reruns of “Ponderosa” and “Barnaby Jones.”
I’m going to suggest, once again, that GM produce and air at least an hour-long “infomercial” that promotes the very ideas that this blog mentions- improved quality and value of GM products, extended warranties, GM’s commitment to advanced technologies. No political idealogues, no controversial personalities, just GM cars and trucks, why they are better than ever, and why I should buy them (instead of the competition’s.)
If the term “infomercial” seems tacky, call it something else- a “GM Corporate Special Presentation,” or something. Have it hosted by a real “car guy,” like Jay Leno, maybe? And air it in prime time.
Maybe you’ll be accused of poor taste, I don’t think you’ll catch heat for being “politically biased.”
C.R.
I just hope your all at gm will find another way to promote your products in all radio fomats, not just on the Hannity Show. I know you don’t pay Mr. Hannity for this promotion, he make alot on his own. If you really want to make a statement, seperate yourself from Hannity and just do mass advertising on the radio without anyone promoting it on there show.
P.S. Keep up in improving this great company that help shape this great country and want is good for america. Keep your brands alive and make them more different and special with great quaility that you now are starting to show with each new car and truck.
Mike Stivec
Mark,
Aside from trying to overcome a legacy of mediocre products, Gm’s biggest problem is a level of provincialism that is unparalleled in modern business. Quite simply, in this case, Sean Hannity is an idiot who appeals to the lowest common denominator. GM does well with his listeners. If you guys had any clue what you were doing, you would try to approach some liberal, highly educated outlets. These are the people who do not even consider your products. Instead you further alienate them. Hope you’re happy with 24 percent of the market 80% of which comes from the midwest.
mike
how about i see something, anything, of the corvette. i know that the thing sells itself, but it would be great to see TV ads about the corvette, not only spearheading chevy, but the GM division as a whole. how about anything about the le mans victory? heck, GM should just advertise all of its current racing program success stories, from the cobalt, vette, gto, to the cts.
bosco
Dear Mr. LaNave
I listen to several talk shows. Some on the “left,”others on the “right.” In other words, I try to get both sides of the story before I make up my mind. So I find it crazy that some people on this blog would dismiss GM for running an ad on a conservative talk show. A highly popular one at that. I thought it makes a lot of sense; GM gets a lot of exposure for its’ ad dollar. Is that not what advertising is all about? Oh, I almost forgot; I am very impressed with your recent autos, the AURA is stunning at its price point. I’ll check out the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook at the Miami Auto show next week. Good to see the home team doing well.
Mike Budig
Dear Mark:
As I read the posts above, I chuckle at Mr. Romano. I would not take him to seriously, if his loyalty to GM is that thin, than you were going to loose him for one reason or another anyway. More likely, he is not a customer, and never would have been. Just an Earth First hate spewing type letting it loose here. I am a loyal GM customer, with hundreds of real purchases over the years. I am also a listener to Sean Hannity, I have heard him speak very highly of GM and am quite sure his patriotic base apprecaites your advertising. I am sure you advertise in many venues, and I will tell you this perticular one, will gain many more new sales than it looses.
Good Luck and keep it up.
Jeff
My brother really wanted a Saturn Aura, but opted for a Acura TSX due to Saturn dealer not being able to negotiate a matching price. While they are not the same car, apples and oranges, GM doesn’t command the market like it used to and you need more flexibility in your pricing model. Additionally, the training of your reps is poor. You need to make sure that your sales people know the product line to the nth degree. Time for a paradigm shift on what is expected in the market place as a total marketing package. Product, sales experience, and after sales support are the marketing keys.
You have good products, but must market them better.
John
Pay these protesters no heed. They have found a way to insert themselves into the national spotlight again.
Every American has a right to their owwn opinions. They should be respected.
I must respectfully say that I highly doubt the story of one Mr. Richard Romano above, and I would warn you to brace yourself for a barrage of similar comments on this blog in the days to come.
The statistical odds are too great that someone (a “new” GM buyer at that) would happen upon the Hannity Show (if that is what it’s called) just before he got to the GM dealer–and was thus dissuaded.
That one is too uncanny!
Many Americans support GM–left and right, and I hope this “controversy” goes away; like it should have a long time ago.
John
This is even weirder. “Mr. Romano” (above) says this:
——————–
“I thought I might be the only one here to feel this way until I see from above this is not just me.”
——————–
But there are no similar comments “above” his.
Is this blog going to be the target of an orchestrated campaign?
I am just worried that a legitimate thing like this blog–where we fans have been able to get the ear of senior GM executives–will be turned into the latest battleground in the never-ending culture wars.
“Mr. Romano”, if you are a real person, I don’t think GM has had a significant loss with you boycotting. GM is much larger than any of us–much larger than the here and now.
GM is a big part of what America is, and has been selling cars to Americans of all political stripes for ages. It’s an American institution.
GM could do without your intolerance for others.
I am respectfully asking that you take it elsewhere;
and I sincerely hope you can rise above yourself someday.
This blog has seen a myriad of comments of people who care deeply about GM and its future–and politics have been irrelevant.
I hope it remains that way and look forward to many more interactions with the Welburns, La Neves and Lutzes of this world.
Thanks for such a great blog!
Chris B
I listen to Sean Hannity and I watch his television show. And I bought not one, but *two* new GM vehicles in this past year. And I will be buying more in the coming years.
Kudos to GM for putting their advertising dollars in the right place and reaching their target audience. You can’t win over the Left Coast and other secular populations - They already drive imports because they hate America and American products. But they are a waning population, and the fact that Mr. Hannity is so successful illustrates this point. So don’t budge in this time of hysteria, GM! The disciples of Michael Moore (whose wildly unsuccessful ‘Roger and Me’ movie showed his bias and hatred of US industry) will come on strong and shrill, and they run the media, so it may appear ‘loud’. But the silent majority of us will still compare and buy your products.
Note how the silence is deafening when GM advertises in the radical-left media, even as those Prophets of Doom excoriate the US auto industry for “forcing their gas guzzling dinosaurs on us”. But put your money on a safe bet like the Sean Hannity show, and you get lots of press! Very interesting…
There’s no such thing as “bad publicity”. Even as the wackos will start their google bombs and other campaigns against you, the ultimate end to it all will be a lot of press coverage, and that’s free advertising.
The moral of the story - Your products are getting better with each model year and each new platform rollout. Pricing is competitive and the vehicles are excellent. Anyone who lets their political views get in the way of the opportunity to compare and purchase a GM product is only hurting themselves.
Paul
As the head of Sales and Marketing for GM, my job is not to create political controversy but preferably to create interest in our world-class lineup of vehicles. Looks like we are doing a bit of both with this promotion. - Mark LaNeve
Yes, it’s generating interest, but it’s generating negative interest. While perhaps a third of the voting age public abstained, the other two thirds were split down the middle, and by aligning yourself with any political ideology, you’re effectively alienating one thirds of the voting age public. That’s almost fifty million people that will never look at a GM car again if they get wind of this. Myself included.
Second, as I stated in my previous post about this, you’re playing to the perception that GM doesn’t care about the environment or fuel economy. Toyota not only sponsors PBS, but uses that to promote their hybrid vehicles. That audience are the people others go to for their perception of which cars get th best fuel economy. And they’re generally not the people who listen to and agree with Sean Hannity.
So not only are you alienating about fifty million people, you’re also showing that you don’t care about the perception that GM has poor fuel economy.
Eric M. Vest
Mark,
What is wrong with General Motors advertising on the Sean Hannity radio program? Someone must like Hannity because his program has a huge audience. General Motors sponsors many PBS programs, which seem to have a liberal bias. It is OK to sponsor PBS programs, but it is not OK to advertise on the Hannity program? This is a double standard. Free speech is an extremely important principle of our society. Apparently some people feel free speech only applies to expressing liberal ideals.
Respectfully,
Eric M. Vest
Ted
Wow, people, here’s a new concept;
Buy a car because you like the car !
Its hard enough to develop vehicles that meet a wide array of the public’s taste, much less worry about if the places you advertise will bother anyone. Anyplace GM advertises will bother someone, somewhere. People should look at the product, not try to extort a car company into their political agenda.
indi500fan
Sean Hannity is a great American. GM is a great American company. I think it’s a perfect way to merchandise great GM vehicles.
Greg
GM has the right (and the responsibility) to capture as large a market as possible.
There are, however, many conservative commentators that may been more appropriate to work with than someone as devisive as Sean Hannity that would have allowed you to reach the same demographic.
Choosing Sean Hannity to work with on this promotion was simply a mistake and perhaps you should consider correcting that mistake and working with someone else who can reach the same audience so you reduce the risk of losing sales to other demographics.
Greg
F451
Sean Hannity is but one more reason of what has gone wrong with America. And he further represents what is a growing trend of “opinionists” who provide little substance and promote bad propaganda.
GM’s affiliation with him is a show of bad, if not poor taste.
Steve
John says: Every American has a right to their owwn opinions. They should be respected.
I agree. And if GM is expressing an opinion not just by advertising, but by partnering with and making Sean Hannity their spokesman, they are expressing an opinion.
Again - it just makes it that much harder to justify giving them my money, because I don’t like Sean Hannity.
I don’t care where they advertise - - but I don’t want to drive a car that effectively has a bumper sticker on the back that says:
“I support Sean Hannity.”
Aaron
I don’t think I understand what we are arguing about here. GM is advertising a product. Great. The people that watch or listen to the program get to hear an advert. Great. The people that don’t like the show think it is wrong for GM to advertise there. Huh? I don’t know or care about Hanity, so maybe I am missing something really big here, but I doubt that a company the size of GM can realistically cherry pick every advertising oportunity. Market exposure is the point in advertising. If a car company only advertises to one demographic, they are missing the opportunity to win sales in other groups. There are more specific target audiences in this country than all the above seem to believe. There are more than just evil-conservatives and wacky-liberals. I recall that Ford took a serious bit of guff for trying to market to the gay population a while back. Don’t gay people buy cars? Do republican and democrats buy cars? I doubt that GM cares a bit who buys the cars, so long as someone buys them! GM should be getting flack over real issues, and accolades over real successes. This particular argument about where GM should be allowed to advertise seems to be just another cry from those that want the US auto industry to fail. Nothing from the big 2.5 is ever good enough. No one in this country argued and ranted when Toyota displayed the chinese lions bowing to the toyota several years back. This very culturaly insensitive advertisement should draw a lot more criticism than where an add is placed. Just like Ford, GM, DCX, Honda et. al. Toyota can make less desirable adverts. All advertising is a risk, and all of the automakers are doing whatever it is they can to sell cars. An ad may or may not be taken the way it was intended. There is rumor on the net about a very disturbing Chevrolet ad coming for the superbowl that includes a nuclear explosion. Yelling about something like that would make sense to me. The content of the message should be what people get fired up about, not where the company tries to promote the product. While I have not seen this ad, I do know there is a LOT of negative information on the internet about it. I would like to suggest that GM really think twice about how this one will be received in the global marketplace. Content and appropriatness are things that the car companies should be held accountable for, but I cannot see why placement should sway so many buyers.
Chaz
With the current and prospective sitation at GM, I’d like to see GM not be the #1 advertiser in America. There are many things GM is and should be #1, but not the #1 on wasting money on ads. GM isn’t the largest US company, it isn’t the company with the largest profits, why is outspending everyone else on ads? How much does advertising subtract from the earnings on each car you sell? Is it worth it? Yes, GM needs to market it’s products. But it needs to do so in and more cost-efficient and smarter ways. You have the data on what makes people buy cars and a GM car. Frankly, I don’t see magazine ads or newspaper ads being much of a factor. GM needs to be visible in the real world not in print. In California, GM needs to send out caravans of GM cars disguised as new purchases to show that people are buying new GM cars.
Paul
This isn’t and advertisement, this is a promotion. If GM had simply advertised on Hannity’s show, I wouldn’t have a problem with it.
But they actively sought Hannity’s cooperation, and put his name on the promotion. Would there be an uproar if this were on the Al Franken show? Probably, but it would come from the other fifty million people who oppose Franken, instead of those who oppose Hannity.
So it’s a bad move on the part of GM’s marketing team to become this closely affiliated with anyone espousing any political ideology.
John
I don’t care where they advertise - - but I don’t want to drive a car that effectively has a bumper sticker on the back that says:
“I support Sean Hannity.”
Posted by: Steve at October 3, 2006 12:31 PM
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
That is simply ridiculous Sir. Does driving a Pontiac G6 say “I support Oprah”?
Does driving a Buick say “I support Tiger Woods.”?
Quite simply, Sir, some people are too obsessed with themselves.
To Paul, who said:
“…ould there be an uproar if this were on the Al Franken show? Probably, but it would come from the other fifty million people who oppose Franken, instead of those who oppose Hannity.”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
No. There would not have been a similar uproar. There would probably have been a tidy little story in the New York Times about how advertisers are still throwing their weight behind Air America despite rumors about its demise; and how that implies that Air America is so very “influential”, since so many “influential” people listen.
People who listen to Al Franken are “too sophisticated” to be seen driving domestics anyway. They are heavy import-buyers, and have been so for a long while.
Jim MacMudo
Mark,
I find it amusing that the very folks who find GM’s advertising with Sean Hannity offensive are the very ones that have the greatest criticisms of GM products. These folks are going to buy foreign cars no matter what you (or the folks at Ford or DC) do, because they find that their vehicle purchase decisions reflect what they perceive their “values” to be — decidedly un-American.
Keep up your advertising with Sean. You’ll reach more of the true decision-makers out there than you ever could by pandering to the left-leaning hypocrites that feel some moral obligation to tell you everying you’re doing wrong, while they motor away in their Asian-made cars.
Spekkio
One more thing: is GM sure it wants to be associated with the recent Mark Foley scandal? See this: http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/03/hannity-conspiracy-video/
Brian
Jim MacMudo, you are 100% right.
Edwin
gentlemen if you do not want to get a GM vehicle say it with no excuses attached.I do not see why where a company puts its ads become a big issue.mind you there is an audiance to reach hence a company that is serious about reaching the masses will do all it can to get hold of that one consevative or liberal John.I wonder why people did not make a big deal about the time gm gave out those cars to those women at the oprah show,why not call ot gender descrimination?stop please this is a company trying to reach the intended audiance.
Steve
John: “Does driving a Buick say “I support Tiger Woods.”?”
I would imagine that GM really really hopes so, since he’s likely not doing the ads for free. If you don’t identify with Tiger Woods, you might still buy a Buick, but I’ll bet everyone on the links driving a new Lucerne has seen his commercials and at some level identifies with him. Otherwise, Buick has flushed all that cash down the toilet.
- - -
Jim Mac: “These folks are going to buy foreign cars no matter what you (or the folks at Ford or DC) do, because they find that their vehicle purchase decisions reflect what they perceive their “values” to be — decidedly un-American.”
FYI - I drive a Ford and my wife drives a Chevy. You can kiss my red white and blue bumper for calling me Un American because I don’t lobotomize myself to Hannity every day.
I’m sick of that crap.
mikesright
People, COME ON!
This is advertising. Not a political agenda. Period. End of story.
For the record, I am a liberal and hate Sean Hannity. I, however, am not SO SELFISH OR SELF-CENTERED to think that I have the only rightous view politically, or that GM should advertise ONLY on the programs I approve.
Think about how far THAT can go! What if I disapprove of sexuality, or violence, or hate certain sports, and I choose only the vehicles that don’t advertise on those programs? I would have to ride the bus! To get awareness about your product, you have to go advertise, and Sean Hannity has millions of fans to be exposed to GM products.
For those who feel differently, sorry, but don’t let the door hit your behind as you’re leaving. Maybe buying a Toyota Prius and listening to Communism America would be more suiting for you.
smarty
companies use a variety of mouthpieces. From polarizing political talking heads, to obnoxious and extravagant celebrities and sports figures. Each offensive and obnoxious in his or her own way.
How many ‘blinged-out’ vehicles appear in music videos and at award shows for the beautiful people to pass their judgement onto the rest of us? Some are offended by the opinions and actions of these spokes-persons, as some are offended by the political views of Sean Hannity.
As someoone mentioned before, Ford ad’s got them in heaps of trouble - and they made it worse by switching their stance, back and forth. It became a joke.
With such issues, someone will always be upset, because people are ignited by: sex, politics and religion.
It would be safer to choose the classy individuals ONLY to push product. People love Tiger and Oprah. You can advertise with them, and not be perceived as making a ’stand’ on expolsive political and cultural issues.
the job of marketing, in my opinion is to get people to look at the product, and want to buy it, without distractions from the mouthpiece.
So, while it is not BAD to advertise using certain people, there are better marketing choices than others.
Why not do the promotion on the Hannity and Combs tv show? At least both sides could be equally ” ______”
(Fill in the blank)
In my humble opinion.
best of luck.
Mr. Langlitz (Germany)
Of course I don’t know Sean Hannity and his show. But I think it’s inadequate to bash GM for doing promotion that way. Maybe Mr. Hannity is representing some opinions, which some people dislike (maybe me included), others might agree. So, what? The USA is a free country.
If somebody wants to boycott GM for doing promotion in co-operation with Mr. Hannity, then, why, as an example, don’t you boycott Japanese or Norwegian products, since these nations still don’t stop whaling? Believe me, if you want to get a reason not to buy a certain product or brand, you’ll find it. Basically I don’t believe, this discussion makes sense.
Paul
These folks are going to buy foreign cars no matter what you (or the folks at Ford or DC) do, because they find that their vehicle purchase decisions reflect what they perceive their “values” to be — decidedly un-American. - Jim MacMudo
I was interested in the new Saturn Astra, especially if it came with the 1.7L diesel. I was interested in it because the purchase matches my values. (That is, until GM showed that its values are not in line with mine by partnering with Sean Hannity.) It’s a small, inexpensive, well-engineered, fuel-efficient car that can run on biofuels.
And if those values are un-American, then so be it.
Oblio
Dear Mr. LaNeve,
I read in local Fort Wayne, IN newspaper today you said, “Having products like the…newly redesigned 2007 Aveo in such high demand…is gratifying.” Sadly, our nearby dealership Kelley Chevrolet refuses to stock any so far. All they have is SUV’s and Impalas. Where are the AVEOS? Do I have to buy a Hyundai since your guys can’t seem to keep ample small-car inventory on the lot?
clg
I am surprised Sean Hannity can even stay awake to do his radio and tv broadcasts! He must be up all night signing all the paychecks of the opponents of GM advertising on the Hannity Show! He looks like he may be somewhat strong but must be hiding it under his suit jacket to be able to strong arm millions of listeners into spending their paychecks at GM dealerships! Imagine how much stress could be avoided and how much energy could be saved if we turned off tv’s and/or radios when there was an advertisement for a product we liked on a program we didn’t or vice versa. Oh wait…that process is called TiVo and/or the scan button. Americans are in a shameful state if they can drive a car - foreign or domestic - drink a Starbuck’s and text message while they drive but they can’t seem to switch a radio station! Maybe a way to sell cars for GM would be to have a way to schedule your car radio/XM/TV so that you can avoid programming that you don’t like!! You don’t get to vote for Sean Hannity to be on radio or tv but by listening or not listening you may boost the advertising dollars that keeps him there, but it is YOUR CHOICE! Next time you watch the news and see Presidents, Governors, Generals and dignataries being driven somewhere, look at the vehicles they are in! Do you not think that that is advertising?? Is Republican representation to drive the American “big three” and Democratic representaion drive “big three” imports? Are you going to force the U.S. government to drive “no brand” vehicles? Maybe the car manufacturers can put black electrical tape across all of their badging like cooking show hosts have to do on ingredients in order not to promote anyone particular! Give me a break!
getalifeagain
Do people think about the Baton Death March when buying Japanese? HARDLY!
GM may advertise where it wants, when it wants if it deems it will increase sales.
Philip Tamarkin
I’m surprised and distressed that GM would choose to partner with Hannity on this promotion. It seems to me that a company trying to maintain market share would choose a spokesperson who isn’t actively polarizing and dividing their potential market. Hannity doesn’t represent my values and I try to spend my $$, if possible, with those who are of similar, or at least, neutral viewpoints. To this end, my original plan for an ‘07 Silverado will be scratched in favor of a Tundra, and my 20-year+ commitment to Chevrolet products will end.
If I were a GM shareholder, I’d be furious. This is no way to turn a company around.
Z064ever
I think it is amazing that the “new liberals,” old pinkos and communists, have convinced themslves that they are the intelligentsia. I like to hear opinion from all sides from the left, right, and middle. I have nothing against Sean Hannity,at least he is amusing, though I must say that Al Franken and Air America bore the hell out of me with their pretentiousness. I say advertise on Sean Hannity where you might get people that actually buy American, rather than the fellow travelers who buy Japanese, German, and soon to be Chinese, rather than American goods.
Mr. Langlitz (Germany)
Mr. Tamarkin,
well, and Japan isn’t representing my values, neither, so I don’t buy Japanese. But I think, personally for me, there’s absolutely nothing wrong to buy a GM-vehicle, since the USA proved as a true friend for the Germans, especially short after World War II. During the blockade in 1948 by the Soviets, thousands of innocent people in Berlin would have died without US-pilots’ help and courage. This alone is reason enough for me to buy US-products, especially a GM-car. Sometimes I really could get angry about the thanklessness, which my folks sometimes show against the USA.
joe l
Hannity, the voice of Republicans can do no wrong. GM the auto company that can do no wrong, a good match.
Aaron
Philip,
You are going to buy a Toyota truck because Hannity is being used as an advertiser? That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. Do you buy the products that movie stars reccomend? Are you a sheep or a thinking individual? Do you vote for who Susan Surandon tells you to? What makes any of these profiles qualified to make your choices? They are just public figures. If you truly wanted or needed an 07 Silverado, the Tundra is going to be a big dissapointment for you. If you truly want the Tundra, the Silverado would be a big disspointment for you. Buy the vehicle you like that best fits your needs and wants, not what your favorite radio personality says you should buy. When Oprah and GM gave away all those cars, did you rush out to buy one too? I seriously doubt it. As for the shareholder comment, if the marketing sells cars, they are not disspointed. Politics have nothing to do with it. Revenue does.
If you don’t like Hannity, reach over and change the channel.
I am going to have to listen to Mr. Hannity just to see what makes him such an issue here. He must be a serious fire-and-brimstone kind of guy to generate this much hate and discontent.
big picture guy
A fighter pilot like Bob Lutz would understand this old saying: You know you are over the target when you start receiving flak.
And that explains the vitriol from the Hannity haters.
So how about a commercial for the Chevy Suburban in which Hannity car pools with Ann Coulter, Alan Colmes, Paul Begalla, Wesley Clarke, Ariana Huffington, Bill O’Reilly, and Chris Matthews. They drive into work together yukking it up and singing along to old Motown music on the stereo. (assuming that all of those egos could fit in a Suburban..)
Humor might be GM’s best chance to stop this kerfuffle.
Jim Chicosky
Hey, what is the problem with marketing your product on a talk show. Who care’s about the political standing or viewpoint of the host of the show, it’s what sells cars that counts. Last time I checked, marketing product is what moves industry through the sale of inventory. It pays the union workers and your salaried workforce.
Not to mention, the quality gap has been bridged with your japanese counterparts. It’s perception that has to change out there in the market.
Keep up the great styling cues in your new cars!
Respectfully,
Jim Chicosky
Martin
This is pretty funny. I never heard of this Hannity (I’ve heard of Oprah), but to think that he affects why people purchase individual cars is ridiculous. Commercial purchases aside, the ONLY reason people buy one model over another is vanity: how will I look in this car, what will others think of me based on this car, etc, etc. If you folks want to go on about politics and mileage, more power to you, but you’re deluding yourselves. The decision is all about individual ego (or lack thereof). PS - It’s the Bataan Death March, not Baton. The Baton Death march sounds like a 20k relay race.
Edwin
Mark,
We may not agree with Sean Hannity, but the promotion is a good idea because he an audience that GM needs to reach.
A good promotion is one where there is a high correlation between the effectiveness of the celebrity and the target audience. So it meets the test.
The American theme is right one. GM should have all kinds of promotions. Its time to respond to the anti-american media bias. It has to start someplace.
There are many shows GM should advertise American Idol, Smallville, Falcon Beach, Dawson’s Creek, etc.
GM should have promotions with home improvement shows and stores like Lowes and Home Depot. Home improvement drives what’s left of the economy today. A Chevy/GMC display at Lowes and Home Depot might have the impact. How about a Pontiac display at Circuit City. These retailers might jump at the cooperative benefits.
Advertise Chevy/Pontiac in the Ambercromie & Fitch Catalog.
Any effective promotion is going to be criticized in some way.
The Matrix was very successful, yet GM’s adversaries tried to criticize.
A GM Disney promotion would be fantastic. So what if it is criticized.
A GM promotion in Hollywood is very effective, some would also criticize.
GM needs many bold promotions to promote American cars and trucks. Its time to wake up the American car and truck buyer.
The foreign rivals listen to GM and they copy. The phrase “genuine Toyota parts” is using GM’s sincerity. Honda thinks its important to claim they are “American Honda.”
Hyundai shows of its one plant over and over. The Foreign rivals are wanna bees.
Honda ads are simple and slow, they make one point in each. They take GM’s fanfare with an ad showing a young male staring at there product on the beach, and say “its a Honda.”
Come on. Where are the GM ads on the beach. 80 percent fo the US population lives within 150 miles of a coastline.
GM may be the number one advertiser but which ads are the most effective, whose message is heard the most clearly. At least the Hannity message is clear.
GM should advertise on MTv but that might be criticized by some. So what. It would be effective.
GM needs to reach rising professionals and suburbia that is where the GM’s message is heard the least lately.
big picture guy
The Baton Death March?
ROFLMAO!
whlanteigne
I believe the purpose of this blog is to allow GM brass the opportunity to read opinions they might not get otherwise, in order for them to make decisions to guide the corporation back to profitability (like, I dunno, maybe getting back to the core business of making large numbers of INEXPENSIVE cars). It seems to me the most valuable comments, therefore, are the most critical, not the most congratulatory. One doesn’t have to step outside GM headquarters to hear “Wow, the new Lucerne is great,” but one likely wouldn’t otherwise hear “advertising on Hannity is offensive to some people.” It’s well and good that Bob Lutz thinks the Federal gas tax needs to be raised, he has the right to his opinion, but gas for commuting makes up far less percentage of Bob’s pay than mine- in fact, a sizeable portion of my income is spent simply on transportation to get to work- gas, insurance, car maintenence and repairs, car payments. I don’t like the idea of raising any tax, the present bite is bad enough. Try living on less than $30,000 for a year, Bob, and at the end let me know how you feel about increasing gas (or any other) taxes.
Mr. Langlitz (Germany)
Mr. Romano,
if you want to be that moralistic and boycott GM for their way of promotion, where should this come to end? Nobody over here does boycott Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz or Maybach just because these brands once had been the favorites of Adolf Hitler. Even Jewish people buy German cars. And you’d like to boycott GM for this Sean Hannity-promotion? That’s ridiculous. Please, think about it.
Guy
I come from family who has never purchased anything other than a GM product. I’ve owned a Saturn for five years, serviced it solely at the dealership, and although I’ve been considering a Prius as my next car was hoping that Saturn would release their own non-Vue hybrid. I have had no complaints whatsoever with the service but I will not be spending another penny at the service dept of my Saturn dealership and they will be politely informed why.
Of course I anxiously await Ed Schultz’s component of this great car giveaway and advertising on shows like Al Franken, Randi Rhodes, and Rachel Maddow since the only radio I listen to is my local Air America affiliate. (Prior to Air America I did not listen to one minute of talk radio-and the addition of that affiliate in my city lead me to an immediate 180 degree switch from the other commercial radio stations that I was loyal to. And I do make a point to patronize the advertisers on Air America and note which local businesses are conspicuously absent (but do advertise during Hannity et al).
esmith
I just found out about this promo ,and I will not be buying another GM car again. I usually buy or lease a GM car or truck every two to three years ,but not anymore. Oh to the ones who say if this was a left-leaning person there wouldn’t be a problem. Lets find out hire Al Franken for the same promo.
anthonydewalt
mark, do you remember when they said, “proudly brought to you.” Why do you hire a spokesperson? Is this a possitive for the product? is controversy good for gm? doesn,t gm have enough pr problems? and lastly is this the best spot for a promotion? if so, good job you,re just the person to turn around gm’s great pr problems. thanks
Jim J.
With Oprah in an Impala going coast to coast, what a great time to bring back Dinah’s “see the usa in your chevrolet” That is a real fitting “retro”
Aaron
Congradulations on the promotion of GM vehicles with Sean Hannity. A great idea! He represents everything good and great about America. So does GM. No conpany has more vehicles that can burn E85 and while not the only energy solution it is the one that can be used now today with an existing automobile fueling infrastruction. Thanks! GM
AJ
First, for those who suggest that GM should “do something about this” implying that they pull the promotion, that would be impossible.
A Sweepstakes is a legal contract between the sponsor (GM) and the public. Once it is out and started, they can not legally stop the promotion.
As far as association with Hannity, Sean thinks that only Conservatives are “GREAT AMERICANS,” (and the rest are not). GM reaches a huge audience thru Sean Hannity, and if pissing off the rest of us is worth it to GM, that (like many other bad decisions) is up to them.
Michael
Mark, This whole thread is just amazing! Liberals are such whiners. Air America for what it is worth probably would not take the promotion because cars burn fossil fuels! I am a conservative and listen to Hannity and others. I have always bought GM products and will continue to do so. Al Franken is a loser and Air America is bankrupt. If GM did advertise on the station I would still buy a GM because they make a great product! Most conservatives are smart enough to seperate the two! Great job GM.
Bill Archer
While TV is the driving force for auto advertising, it is very difficult to stand out in such a competitive arena. While their target consumer has changed, It seems that the marketing strategies of the auto industry have stayed in place. I am a proud parent of five teenage children. More than likely, I will be purchasing four additional car over the next few years. While mass marketing has impact on my buying decisions, I am not alone in looking for companies that have involvement in the community. When it comes time to buy, I will go out of my way to patronize the companies that provided scholarships to local students. A regional auto company help build two new athletic fields in our city. They are the talk of the town. A cell phone company purchased equipment for football teams in underprivelaged neighborhoods. I just read that the cell company is the preferred vendor of the entire football league. The company was introduced properly and as a result, their new sign-ups are at record levels. The company went beyond the typical program ads or ads in the stadium. Their grass roots strategy has been executed perfectly. In a nutshell, people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Mary Wilmington
I was in the car with my son the other day as he was flipping through the stations and we heard this car give away promotion and it sounded great. We have been Toyota buyers for the last 30 years and we are going to be switching to GM. Plus my husband’s company will be purchasing GM cars in the future as well for the company fleet.
Great job!!!
Scott
Well, I must say that I am one of those people most are deriding. I also see that name-calling, and creating straw men to knock down is alive and well.
I drive a ‘95 Chevy Blazer that I bought new in ‘94. I have gone to the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, and have attended 7 ALMS races, rooting for the various GM products from Prototypes to Corvettes.
One of the SUVs we were looking at to replace our Blazer was the Trailblazer or Yukon. In addition, my wife and I had already decided to replace our BMW with a Corvette in a few years. Not anymore.
For those of you who say that “if it was a liberal talk show host there would be no objection”, I say BS. You would be howling. And I would be complaining too, because any talk show host who is as extreme as Hannity, who pretty much offends half the population of the country, isn’t an appropriate advertising choice. I own GM stock (probably unlike most of you posers) so I would like the company to make some intelligent decisions.
I don’t consider this advertising campaign one of them.
getalifeagain
The comment by Mary W. is refreshing among all the criticism, although I too will constructively criticize GM if I deem it necessary.
WHlanteigne
“I say advertise on Sean Hannity where you might get people that actually buy American, rather than the fellow travelers who buy Japanese, German, and soon to be Chinese, rather than American goods.” _
I might point out that those “un-American” Japanese, German, and soon-to-be-Chinese products are imported by “American” companies, such as GM- a good number of GM-branded products are now, and for many years have been “captive imports.” _
Does it really damage the US economy more by buying a “foreign” Toyota or Honda made in Indiana or Ohio than a “true American” Chevy made in Korea?
TJ Rodgers
Sean Hannity is shilling for an administration that’s getting kids killed for lies, torturing prisoners and trampling our civil rights. I’m a veteran of the Army and my brother is a veteran of the Marines, yet Hannity would call us anti-American because of our political views, just like he did true heroes, like Murtha and Kerry. I want to make clear that I support Hannity’s right to free speech. That doesn’t mean I would spend a dollar that might help continue the divisive hate he spits out.
My household is finished purchasing GM products. The lease for my vehicle is up in December - I was 100% set on purchasing the new Silverado 1500, but will change that to either the F150 or Tundra. You can be assured that I’ll be vocal about this with everyone I know too.
To pretend that purchasing time on the show with direct reads by Sean, is any different than hiring him as ’spokesperson’ is a joke. There are many neutral places to spend advertising dollars. You chose this place and it speaks volumes.
Heidi
To quote: “As the head of Sales and Marketing for GM, my job is not to create political controversy but preferably to create interest in our world-class lineup of vehicles. Looks like we are doing a bit of both with this promotion”
This is yet another example of how GM is completely out of touch with America. You wonder why sales are slumping and you have to resort to promotions on politically slanted shows to get attention? Allow me.
GM has consistently squandered every opportunity possible to connect with the American car buyer by producing something we WANT, that we can AFFORD. Instead you pump out gas guzzler after gaz guzzler, and even manage to screw up the cars you try to promote as useful. Examples?
Chevy Tracker - nice,solid little car - key word, LITTLE. Could have kept it and made it a little big bigger/longer, and it would have been a goldmine.
Equinox - Useless waste of space. Who needs an SUV with seats that don’t fold flat, and where the back cargo area is taken up by useless plastic pillars?
Torrent - perfect opportunity to correct the crap design of the Equinox. Instead you duplicated them.
Vibe - No more all AWD? Do we need another compact with just FWD?
HHR-No AWD? What are you thinking? What another wasted opportunity for a small,useful, safe economical vehicle, especially for the parts of the country that get snow.
Trailblazer - my favorite car of all time as far as function, but crap 16 mpg mileage at $3/gallon isn’t going to cut it.
Saturn Vue- nice option, but I was told it would cost more than the Trailblazer to lease. Price/budget friendly? Definitely not.
Aztek - thank god it’s gone, worst design ever. Unfortunately, there’s nothing worthwhile to replace it.
New crossovers? Where’s the advantage? The mileage is just as crappy as the SUVs.
That’s the reason that when my GMAC lease ends, I will be looking elsewhere, like Kia, Hyundai, Dodge and Jeep for a useful, A/FWD vehicle, GM just plain doesn’t get it. STILL.
PAUL
I agree with the Hannity Insanities: GM has a right to advertise wherever it wishes. And now they’re advertising on Limbaugh, too. It’s valuable to listen to these race baiters and hate mongers so that you’re aware of who their sponsors are. I’ve been pleased with my 04 Malibu. Love that remote start feature! But I will absolutely not lease or buy another GM car when my current lease is up in 10 months.
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