Anyone read the Wallstreet Journal today? 1/7/05, check the "marketplace" section
tell me everyone saw this?? Unbelievable.... Talks about how "GM dispatched security experts to the Texas home of a corvette enthusiast".. I would scan and post, but I am unable to right now...
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EB/M.Red, Slammed 2in., OEM Chromies, Daily Driver, (F1 street tires, 100% stock trim), Born 3/2002
Last edited by ElectronZ06 : 01-07-2005 at 10:04 AM.
I know this is old news, but to see it in the Journal, was funny. I was talking to another broker at my office (who is not a car guy). And he could not believe the story..
Frankly, I can understand how GM is upset about the violation of the press embargo. In another lifetime, I was responsible for new product roll-out on a worldwide basis, and am intimately familiar with embargoes, stock press photos, etc. We would spend a small fortune on press functions in order to introduce the new product in the proper light and market position. Had any magazine or newspaper violated the embargo, they would have not only been on my s**t list, they would have been off the invitation list. Imagine how much fun it would have been for a motorcycle enthusiast rag to NOT have been invited to the initial press intro of the GSXR series of Suzukis in Japan because they dishonored a previous embargo. The other OEMs would have taken notice (or been called and warned) and probably also kept said magazine at arm's length. I don't think I would have sent goons to RC45's door, but we would have had a serious meeting with the magazine editor and publisher. Thank God all of my work pre-dated the Internet, and print media lead times were long. Sure was fun though!
I am surprised - pleasantly so - that our Z06 has attracted so much attention in the press. Clearly the spy photos and the "unauthorized articles / press" that GM did not like has added to the buzz.
But let's face it - for a car that only sees a few thousand units sold this is pretty remarkable coverage and buzz. Certainly thanks to us wacko, obsessed and crazy owners - we've escalated this to almost cult status.
Like Robsan I've had experience (good and bad) with trying to keep some things quiet. I co-founded USWEB and we didn't want the start-up competition knowing exactly what we were up too...but the management team we put together was creating a buzz. Damn if it didn't leak out and force us to change some strategies...no doubt similar to what GM has been thinking / doing.
However, in my opinion, this has been an incredible PR boost for the car and for GM. After all, ain't too often a very small distributed model like the ZO6, this web site and an individual owner get such play!
I think this may go down inside GM marketing as a "loss, no wait..win....somewhat pissed, but happy..oh what the hell..event!
NOW...let's hope this new bugger is well built, reliable and as good as it appears to be.
KGC
p.s. almost time to stop the price guestimates...and win the best damn hex wrench set ever
I am surprised - pleasantly so - that our Z06 has attracted so much attention in the press. Clearly the spy photos and the "unauthorized articles / press" that GM did not like has added to the buzz.
But let's face it - for a car that only sees a few thousand units sold this is pretty remarkable coverage and buzz. Certainly thanks to us wacko, obsessed and crazy owners - we've escalated this to almost cult status.
Like Robsan I've had experience (good and bad) with trying to keep some things quiet. I co-founded USWEB and we didn't want the start-up competition knowing exactly what we were up too...but the management team we put together was creating a buzz. Damn if it didn't leak out and force us to change some strategies...no doubt similar to what GM has been thinking / doing.
However, in my opinion, this has been an incredible PR boost for the car and for GM. After all, ain't too often a very small distributed model like the ZO6, this web site and an individual owner get such play!
I think this may go down inside GM marketing as a "loss, no wait..win....somewhat pissed, but happy..oh what the hell..event!
NOW...let's hope this new bugger is well built, reliable and as good as it appears to be.
KGC
p.s. almost time to stop the price guestimates...and win the best damn hex wrench set ever
I am not surprised. Personally, I think they did it on purpose. I have been a (go ahead, flame away) Mustang man (until I saw the new Z06). I had pics of the 2005 GT 4 months before release. They don't gain anything by hiding it. Look at the press and hype the early release got. I know I am pumped and seriously thinking Z06. It is just too hard to ignore.
I am not surprised. Personally, I think they did it on purpose. I have been a (go ahead, flame away) Mustang man (until I saw the new Z06). I had pics of the 2005 GT 4 months before release. They don't gain anything by hiding it. Look at the press and hype the early release got. I know I am pumped and seriously thinking Z06. It is just too hard to ignore.
It is always better to control a release and event than to let it run away. Any press is (usually) good press, but controlled press is preferable. The pent up demand for a car like the C6 Z06 feeds frenzy; releasing the car in a dramatic fashion is better than what we've seen. It's a great car with a less than stellar introduction, no fault to GM. I really do not believe they "leaked" this intro; if they did, they need serious PR consultation.
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