Thursday, February 1, 2007

Cool Thinking, GM



Today's Detroit Free Press had an unusual, trendy article on General Motors in its Business section. Typically, the Business page is overloaded with automotive nonsense, and rarely do I find anything attractive. But its commentary on GM's new igotshotgun.com page is really interesting. Its a "campaign" in which GM is inviting charismatic, college-aged students to audition as the site's official spokesperson. The identified winner will be given the opportunity to document the many world events that GM sponsors, such as the upcoming Sony BMG After-Party and the Grammy Awards. Casting is done through video blog submissions.

It's good to see that GM has moved outside of its comfort zone to offer something hip, engaging, and not so GM trademarked. Too often, GM's marketing is predictably wide ranging, and not consumer driven. While GM claims that the site is geared to its new line of trucks, I don't see a real distinction. Nonetheless, it's a great interactive, viral way of experiencing the GM brand. Best thing from GM since the Apprentice GM Tahoe campaign. I believe the site was rendered by Deutsch Inc.

Oh, did I mention that Damien Fahey of MTV is repping the site as well. Check it out, what do you think?
-AK

1 comment:

Max Katsarelas said...

I don't know why you think GM is leaving their comfort zone. They are known for thinking outside the box- why do you think they are the worlds number one automaker?