who's on first?

[Pottree@domain.elided]

In a message dated 01/10/2002 4:34:09 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:


> GM has it's eye firmly on what Ford has done with Jaguar. Strong leasing 
> program, the best used car certification program in the business, and 
> quality 
> second only to Lexus. Remember Jaguar was Ford's 2nd choice, They wanted 
> Alfa 
> 1st!

In the shifting sands of the auto business, it seems that Ford is on the 
financial skids and guess what, GM is the solvent one!

How long this ratio will last is anyone's guess.  

The great thing about GM is that they have the wherewithal to do things right 
with Alfa; if only they will, they CAN.  

I repeat my original theory: it would be good (and easier) for GM to buy a 
specialty brand and built on its cache than to try to start another one from 
scratch a la Saturn, and I am sure they would like to make money selling 
those products.  BUT, the main reason they want Alfa (or something like Alfa) 
is to help build traffic in the showrooms for their bread and butter lines.  
This is all about salesmen's' "ups" -- and that is driven by powerful and 
consistent brand marketing efforts (not the dealer co-op programs that try to 
steer customers to a dealer at a particular address).

Charlie
LA, CA, USA

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