GM drops Test Track Sponsorship

Originally Posted By dshyates

With the problems GM is haveing this isn't a surprise.

<a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-biztesttrack04030409mar04,0,4184081.story" target="_blank">http://www.orlandosentinel.com...81.story</a>

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

Well it's not a done deal yet anyway. I think it would be bad PR for GM to continue the sponsorship though.

 

Originally Posted By The Duck

It's a shame. GM's been there since opening day. I guess Detroit's survival of the fittest will ultimately decide the fate of TT. Although "Toyota Test Track" sorta kinda rolls off the tongue (TTT) but I would much rather an American company remain.

 

Originally Posted By dshyates

My guess is since Disney has a contract for special tires through Goodyear, they may be interested.

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

Toyota is sucking wind right now also. As a matter of fact most car companys around the world are taking a hit. That's why it could be difficult to get someone to step in, and fill GM's shoes right now.

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

>> My guess is since Disney has a contract for special tires through Goodyear, they may be interested. <<

That should make for a lively post show. :-0

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

I am more concerned about what this means for Phil Holmes new Escalade ... after all if the contract goes, all those free exec cars go right along with it.

Now THAT would be tragic!

 

Originally Posted By Sport Goofy

<< ... after all if the contract goes, all those free exec cars go right along with it. >>

In other posts, you berate the corporate cars as being an extravagance and wasteful spending. Here, you insinuate that the cars are a deal through the GM sponsorship. Which is it going to be?

 

Originally Posted By SuperDry

<<< Toyota is sucking wind right now also. As a matter of fact most car companys around the world are taking a hit. That's why it could be difficult to get someone to step in, and fill GM's shoes right now. >>>

Perhaps, but Toyota did not take US gov't bailout money. GM is in a bad position, as if it renews the sponsorship, it could be accused of squandering taxpayer money, much as Wall Street was over the executive bonuses and Wells Fargo Bank was over the retreat in Las Vegas.

 

Originally Posted By dshyates

Like the political football of the "Sin Train", I can someone saying, "GM took taxpayers money are are buying a ride down at Disneyland".

 

Originally Posted By Sport Goofy

<< Perhaps, but Toyota did not take US gov't bailout money. >>

Toyota is asking for the Japanese government to bail them out as of this week.

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

>> Perhaps, but Toyota did not take US gov't bailout money. GM is in a bad position, as if it renews the sponsorship, it could be accused of squandering taxpayer money, much as Wall Street was over the executive bonuses and Wells Fargo Bank was over the retreat in Las Vegas. <<

See post#2.

 

Originally Posted By avro_imagineer

Toyota workers here are idle.

That said of my friends/neighbours/aquaintances who work at either RAV4 Assy or RX350/Matrix/Corolla Assy let's do the count

Pontiac Sunfire, Nissan Maxima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, GMC Safari, Toyota Camry, Nissan Stanza (Yes really that old, and the guy is on the RX350 line...), Acura CSX... Not too many drive Yota's. In the word of one "I'd drive a Toyota if they paid me enough to afford it"

 

Originally Posted By -em

I wondered about this today when I rode TT so doesn't suprise me but both that pre-show and gift shop are toast...

 

Originally Posted By The Duck

Just a random thought. How about Michelin Tires as a new sponsor. They already have an easily recognized animated mascot and he could make regular appearances as the newest member of the Disney character family. Or would that be selling out a wee bit too much?

 

Originally Posted By trekkeruss

I don't think Michelin would want to sponsor an attraction that uses Goodyear tires. Would they be willing to formulate tires? Dunno.

 

Originally Posted By danyoung

In a world where a 30 second spot on the Superbowl telecast costs $3 mil, $10 million really ain't that much money. And it's all out of the advertising and promotions budget, which every company has to keep working no matter how hard the times. I'm hoping GM will realize the return on investment that they get by putting their product in front of that many captive customers every year, and renew the contract in some form.

 

Originally Posted By avro_imagineer

^^ I read an article in this months Motor Trend that is kind of along the same lines of some peoples hypothesis here. GM accepted a gov't bail-out. GM has a new well over 500hp Z28, already finalized however in the midst of perception (public and government) they may not be bringing out this version of the Camara. (Not Eco Friendly enough blah blah blah). Although 10 million isn't much out of a Fortune 500's marketing/advertising kitty, public/government perception may be this is "unnecessary" spending of funds). Notwithstanding they spend more then this a month on adverts, or that 10 million doesn't really buy you too much executives. (GM really needs to get rid of all their executives caused by their Legacy division structure)

 

Originally Posted By CarolinaDisneyDad

Someone will sponsor it. It doesn't have to be a car company. Just like companies buying naming rights on sports venues.

 

Originally Posted By -em

Test Track sponsored by Geico or Allstate

or even better... sponsored by a law firm...