GM to pull Test Track sponsorship?

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Thu, 03/05/2009 - 17:34

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GM to pull Test Track sponsorship?

New news from the Orlando Sentinel:

GM's Last Lap on Epcot's Test Track?

"A 10-year contract between Disney and GM expires this year. And GM, which lost $31billion last year and is relying on loans from the federal government to stay in business, may not be able to afford to renew the pact.

Disney and GM are negotiating new terms but have so far been unable to strike a deal. GM has indicated it wants a resolution by the end of this month."

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Thu, 03/05/2009 - 22:22

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Seems like they're going to have a hard time making the case that they need government bailout money and yet can afford to sponsor Test Track again.

Fri, 03/06/2009 - 00:03

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Just heard an NPR story that they're still confirming the need for billions of bailout bucks.

I just don't see how it would be "prudent" of them to continue sponsoring the ride.

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Fri, 03/06/2009 - 00:18

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dsoup wrote:

Seems like they're going to have a hard time making the case that they need government bailout money and yet can afford to sponsor Test Track again.

I don't agree or disagree, but you have to remember that even a company in trouble has to advertise, promote and do its daily business.

Its like when the three car company heads went to the Washington for the bailout hearings and much was made about them taking private jets. Although I agree that they should have gotten together and flown in one, if I have the President of one of America's largest companies zipping around he country trying to salvage things, I'd MUCH rather they be able to do so in a timely manner and not spend all day waiting on commercial flights, etc.

If GM manages to survive (bailout money or not), they still have to have an image as innovative (especially with the Volt comng out) and maintaining their Disney partnership could be a key part of that.

Imagine them parking a Volt at Test Track once it is available. Tens of thousands of people daily walking by, checking it out, dreaming about having one, etc.

It will be interesting to see what the final decision is, but I hope they keep the partnership.

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Fri, 03/06/2009 - 00:19

greebil

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i think GM is seriously looking at chapter 11. their "restructuring" numbers are based on really optimistic recovery times which are already proving to be unrealistic. chapter 11 doesn't mean they never return, but it could seriously help with their union obligations and their debt. i think the government is just looking at them and seeing that they're going to fail either way so there's no reason to loan them billions more before they do.

it will be a seriously concerning development for the u.s. though, because it will probably force ford into chapter 11 too. doubt very much it will be good for the stock market either.

Fri, 03/06/2009 - 17:17

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MouseTraveler wrote:

dsoup wrote:
Seems like they're going to have a hard time making the case that they need government bailout money and yet can afford to sponsor Test Track again.

I don't agree or disagree, but you have to remember that even a company in trouble has to advertise, promote and do its daily business.

Its like when the three car company heads went to the Washington for the bailout hearings and much was made about them taking private jets. Although I agree that they should have gotten together and flown in one, if I have the President of one of America's largest companies zipping around he country trying to salvage things, I'd MUCH rather they be able to do so in a timely manner and not spend all day waiting on commercial flights, etc.

If GM manages to survive (bailout money or not), they still have to have an image as innovative (especially with the Volt comng out) and maintaining their Disney partnership could be a key part of that.

Imagine them parking a Volt at Test Track once it is available. Tens of thousands of people daily walking by, checking it out, dreaming about having one, etc.

It will be interesting to see what the final decision is, but I hope they keep the partnership.

I agree that if I were a shareholder and my CEO who I'm paying millions is driving cross country in a hybrid it's not effective use of time. Equally though it's a terrible PR mistake for them.

Fri, 03/06/2009 - 17:37

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Quote:

I don't agree or disagree, but you have to remember that even a company
in trouble has to advertise, promote and do its daily business.

True, but it has to be effective advertising. I've been to WDW, I've ridden Test Track, it's one of my favorite rides...but until this news article came out, I had no idea GM sponsored it.

If I'm any example of the average (oblivious) WDW visitor, that's not a very effective use of advertising dollars.

Here's my question: Disney wouldn't do away with the ride just because GM pulls out, would they? I mean, that is one of the best and most popular rides at Epcot.

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Fri, 03/06/2009 - 17:48

marzyar

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SoloFriendly wrote:

Quote:
I don't agree or disagree, but you have to remember that even a company
in trouble has to advertise, promote and do its daily business.

True, but it has to be effective advertising. I've been to WDW, I've ridden Test Track, it's one of my favorite rides...but until this news article came out, I had no idea GM sponsored it.

If I'm any example of the average (oblivious) WDW visitor, that's not a very effective use of advertising dollars.

Here's my question: Disney wouldn't do away with the ride just because GM pulls out, would they? I mean, that is one of the best and most popular rides at Epcot.

Sorry, but I have to ask. So, what did you think the GM car show after the ride was for?

Also I always wanted to know If you could buy, or make an appointment to buy a car from the post show area?

Fri, 03/06/2009 - 17:53

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I have to say that while I knew the cars after the ride were sponsor cars, I paid very little attention to what brand they were.