Ray from DetroitWonk refers to a piece in The Detroit News that takes GM to task for playing a numbers game with its recently touted "19 models that get 30 mpg or higher" marketing message. Sure, the claim is factually correct, but is GM's implied dominance in the mileage game accurate? Look closer, bids DN writer Ann Job, and you'll find the number only reflects about 30% of GM's vast product line. Toyota and Honda, with their relatively narrower range of products, could claim 55% and 60% such mileage, respectively. Of course every marketer stretches the truth in its ads, but in GM's case, shell-game messaging comes off as blind desperation to reverse what execs feel is misperception of its brands among consumers. There has got to be a better way.
The GM MPG Advertising Numbers Game [DetroitWonk]
Related:
GM Plans to Tout 2007 Vue Hybrid s Lower Price [internal]