Test Track Losing GM Sponsorship?

[ShanPooh]

No, I was already thinking $10 million per year, not $10 million over 10 years.

Again ... these numbers are near meaningless for a company the size of GM.

Do you know what GM spends a year on healthcare expenses for their employees?

$12 billion. That's billion with a "b."

Now how's that paltry $10 million look?

How many employees does GM and its subsidiaries have, close to 1,000,000?
Not sure how it works in the auto industry, but I work for a public library and 60% of operating costs are employee related. I was a bit taken aback when I found out.
Still, when each of our 20 some-odd branches got 25 new copies of the last Harry Potter book, I thought it was a waste just for the "next big thing". When the mania calmed down a couple months later, we had 23 copies in the back room sitting on shelves and not circulating.
The whole TT thing reminds me of that in a way.
No it's really not a lot of money for big companies to do these kind of things. But when the economy is bad - people are going to be critical of companies spending money on frivolous-looking ventures, no matter how small.

Separate thought and totally my Sure a 45 minute wait in line looks impressive and people think the ride is popular because of such a line but how much of that time is waiting for the ride to actually be operational?

[KevMcNJ]

A tire blowout test would fit well in the current antilock breaking test zone.

WDW wouldnt even be able to find a tire company willing to SELL them tires for this type of attraction.

No tire co. would want that kind of association
with their product

[DizneyRox]

WDW wouldnt even be able to find a tire company willing to SELL them tires for this type of attraction.

No tire co. would want that kind of association
with their product

Again, nobody gets my joke. Anyone remember a little while back, the Bridgestone/Explorer ordeal? I'm surprised Bridgestone is still in business after that one!

[cgriff]

Anyone remember a little while back, the Bridgestone/Explorer ordeal? I'm surprised Bridgestone is still in business after that one!

I remember Dateline NBC planting explosives in the gas tank of Explorers because they were producing an investigative report about the danger of SUVs, but they couldn't seem to find one that would spontaneously explode; so, they rigged them to go boom! I'm surprised NBC is still in business after that one!

[lockedoutlogic]

I remember Dateline NBC planting explosives in the gas tank of Explorers because they were producing an investigative report about the danger of SUVs, but they couldn't seem to find one that would spontaneously explode; so, they rigged them to go boom! I'm surprised NBC is still in business after that one!

yeah....that wasn't the bridgestone thing....

If i recall....the bridgestone thing was $400 "SUV" tires (you know....for use on the rugged, offroad conditions of the New Jersey Turnpike, Florida Turnpike, and the 405) were separating from the treads and causing loss of control of the vehicles....

[GrumpyFan]

How many employees does GM and its subsidiaries have, close to 1,000,000?
Not sure how it works in the auto industry, but I work for a public library and 60% of operating costs are employee related. I was a bit taken aback when I found out.

I've heard that for GM, their employee related costs are close to 80%, which is one of the big reasons for their troubles.

[cgriff]

yeah....that wasn't the bridgestone thing....

I know... the NBC thing was much *much* worse though... I brought it up as a way of providing a sense of proportion. Some things are more outrageous than others.

[lockedoutlogic]

I know... the NBC thing was much *much* worse though... I brought it up as a way of providing a sense of proportion. Some things are more outrageous than others.

I would say that actual traffic accidents would be bigger in proportion....

Made up "news" stories have become commonplace.....there is at least 1 station (usually more than one) on your cable that does it on everystory....as a matter of policy

[cgriff]

I would say that actual traffic accidents would be bigger in proportion....

You said it yourself, the Bridgestone faulty tire problems were "accidents"; whereas the NBC thing was a conspiracy, involving planning and forethought.

[lockedoutlogic]

You said it yourself, the Bridgestone faulty tire problems were "accidents"; whereas the NBC thing was a conspiracy, involving planning and forethought.

grain of salt....actual product safety risks outweigh a fake news story that was big for 3 days....but we can agree to disagree

[Tekneek]

I've heard that for GM, their employee related costs are close to 80%, which is one of the big reasons for their troubles.

You don't think their strategy of banking on big gas guzzling vehicles, just like they did 30 years prior, played a part as well? Could the fact that their top executives make a whole lot more than most of their foreign counterparts also play a role? It is also interesting to look at the difference in pay from the average employee to the CEO, which is also much larger for the Big 3 than their foreign counterparts.

[NYdaily]

I'm sure that TT will be sticking around, even if they lose sponsorship. Disney is set to build a clone in DCA in a few years -- well, except for the whole Cars themed overlay. The ride must work for them if they want to build another.

[GothMickey]

I'm sure that TT will be sticking around, even if they lose sponsorship. Disney is set to build a clone in DCA in a few years -- well, except for the whole Cars themed overlay. The ride must work for them if they want to build another.

TT is a maintenance nightmare. There are problems with it like you wouldn't know. The new ride technology for Cars is based on TT, but better, new and improved. Without GM's cash flow to Disney, TT won't be maintained as it should be.

[GrumpyFan]

TT is a maintenance nightmare. There are problems with it like you wouldn't know. The new ride technology for Cars is based on TT, but better, new and improved.

Sounds like something a potential new sponsor could negotiate. IE, they would sign for 5-10 years and provide an initial investment of x million dollars, but want it overhauled with the newer technology. If this happens it would probably be good for both Disney as well as the new sponsor. The attraction is 10 years old, so considering the technology used, it's certainly due for some serious maintenance/upgrades.

It would be neat to see a new sponsor come in and add their touches also. Maybe add a "test lab" showcasing their new ideas for fuel efficiency and safety.

[GothMickey]

Sounds like something a potential new sponsor could negotiate. IE, they would sign for 5-10 years and provide an initial investment of x million dollars, but want it overhauled with the newer technology. If this happens it would probably be good for both Disney as well as the new sponsor. The attraction is 10 years old, so considering the technology used, it's certainly due for some serious maintenance/upgrades.

It would be neat to see a new sponsor come in and add their touches also. Maybe add a "test lab" showcasing their new ideas for fuel efficiency and safety.

It really is time to let GM walk away. They have enough issues to deal with, mainly to make sure they stay in business. A new auto company would be the right sponsor. And you are right. An infusion of 5 to 10 million bucks would help with the updating of technology and software for this ride. Although, I wouldn't be upset if a new style ride were to replace TT. Just as long as it isn't character related.

[GrumpyFan]

Not really meaning to re-stoke this fire, buuut... let the speculation continue...

The following came from an article today at La Times

Eleven weeks before the release of its expensive summer sequel "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen," the studio can't count on its key promotional partner to support a marketing blitz that helps drive mass awareness of Hollywood's big popcorn movies.

The struggling automaker, whose new Chevy Camaro is one of the stars of director Michael Bay's action film in which vehicles morph into giant robots, has sharply throttled back its contribution to the advertising campaign tied to the sequel's release June 24.

Officials from GM said the company's financial crisis prompted a change in plans. For 2007's "Transformers," GM backed a massive tie-in campaign, which even included TV commercials directed by Bay.


"We've pulled back on all of our marketing and advertising for obvious reasons, and spending is down dramatically," said Terry Rhadigan, communications director for Chevrolet, GM's biggest division. "It stands to reason that 'Transformers' would fall under that umbrella."

The timing couldn't be worse for the carmaker since its 2010 Camaro is just now rolling off assembly lines and being shipped to dealers. Rhadigan said although the relaunched Camaro was only a concept car and not available for sale when the first "Transformers" opened, its association with the film was highly beneficial. "It translated into awareness and boosted the overall image of Chevy," he said. "It's cool to be associated with a hot movie.

I'll start the speculating by saying that with GM pulling out of promoting for Transformors 2, their contract to renew TestTrack is probably in danger as well.

[caryrae]

How long could it take to know if they will or will not stop their sponsorship?

[GrumpyFan]

How long could it take to know if they will or will not stop their sponsorship?

I wouldn't look for a press release. These kinds of deals where the sponsor doesn't renew are usually not the kind of thing that gets "publicized". IF anything is mentioned, it will most likely be when/if a new sponsor signs up. IF they don't renew, you might start slowly seeing the GM images disappear and the showroom at the exit might even close, eventually. But, I would watch here on Intercot for anything like that.

[Ian]

I always find it ironic that a company says, basically, "We're not selling any cars. So we're pulling back on advertising and marketing spend."

Does that make sense to anyone????

[iDisney]

I always find it ironic that a company says, basically, "We're not selling any cars. So we're pulling back on advertising and marketing spend."

Does that make sense to anyone????

In most cases no, but I think that GM has so badly wounded their own reputation that extensive advertising right now is probably a waste of money. At least until they get back on their feet.