The problem at GM was the use of the word "Motor" within the name of each of
its divisions. If you were purchasing a Pontiac Bonneville, it was a
product of the Pontiac Motor Division. Of course, the motor better say
"Pontiac."
By the mid-80s, the "Motor" was downplayed in each division's name. I
believe that Cadillac still uses it in "Cadillac Motorcar Company."
At Ford and at Chrysler, the use of the word "Motor" was at the corporate
level, NOT division level. Ford Motor Company manufactured products under
two divisions: Ford division and the Lincoln-Mercury division. Chrysler
Motors Corporation (as it was once named) marketed products under three
brands but distributed under two: Dodge/Dodge Trucks and Chrysler-Plymouth.
By the way, this was a double-whammy to GM. Do you all remember the
commercials that Lincoln-Mercury ran around this time? Upon exiting a swank
restaurant, Couple "A" requests that the Valet to retrieve their Cadillac.
As the vehicle approaches, Couple "B" thanks the Valet for fetching their
Buick at the same time that Couple "C" states that the vehicle is actually
their Oldsmobile.
The repercussions of "Brand Management" were yet to be realized. From
market share of almost 65 percent in 1985 to 27 percent today...amazing!
-----Original Message-----
From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List
[mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Bill Watson
Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2003 12:47 PM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] Different BORING & Stroking
The problem there was that Oldsmobile was advertising these non-Olds engines
as Oldsmobile "Rocket" engines. Thus, when a buyer bought an Olds with the
assunption there was an Olds Rocket engine under the hood, they expected to
see an Olds engine. When they saw a Chev or Buick unit, they were not
impressed. At that time GM started issuing sheets with the various GM
makes and the engine manufacturers. And no more advertising Oldsmobile
Rocket engines.
Ford and Chrysler had been using the same engines in all their cars since
the 1950's but the engines were never advertised as being unique to any one
brand. Thus Ford and Chrysler never got hit with the same publicity.
Bill
Vancouver, BC
----- Original Message -----
From: Zach Collie
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2003 7:05 AM
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] Different BORING & Stroking
True, but the big "controversy" erupted in the mid-seventies, when customers
opened their hoods, say on a '76 Olds Omega (if memory serves me correctly),
and found a Buick 350. Now, there is nothing wrong with the Buick 350, I've
owned a number of them, but an "Oldsmobile guy" expects to see an Olds
engine, you know? I recall doing a tune up on a friend-of-a friend's car, a
'79 Cutlass Supreme, and was quite amazed to find a Chevy 305 where I
expected to find an Olds 350! I currently own, as a daily driver, a 1983
Olds Cutlass Supreme, which originally had an 307 Olds engine, but now has
a'72 vintage Olds 350. A number of those cars also came with Chevy 305s.
Now, I preferr the Olds engine myself---in an Oldsmobile, but my "new"
favorite "350" is in my '58 Desoto Firesweep--"B" block Mopar power all the
way, Baby! Zach--
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