Auto Bailout Collapses on Wages

This has been quite a semester. I learned a lot on the elements of marketing and started my blog on GM while i was discussing the auto industry. I was very surprised to read that although the U.S economy mostly relies on auto companies still, the Senate Republicans refuse $14 billion in aid after UAW's Gettelfinger balks at fast wage cuts. In addition, GM and Chrysler are hiring bankruptcy advisors. I hope that our new president will implement his promises and we will have a turning point in our economy.

http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/dec2008/db20081211_939643.htm?campaign_id=rss_daily

Emotional Branding

Last class, as we watched the persuaders i noticed that i looked on the cheerios ad in a different way. Emotional branding, was something that i paid attention for. In the Cheerios ad, there was a grendma talking with her baby grandchild and explaining him through the pieces of the cereal were the locations of his entire family. I noticed that Cheerios didn't try to deliver how the product tastes or how healthy it is, but tried to approach our emotion by giving us the feeling that cheerios connects between people.

Volkswagen's Big Bet on Tennessee

Despite the industry's travails, the German automaker expects to boost U.S. sales with its $1 billion investment in a Chattanooga factory set to make midsize cars.
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/dec2008/gb20081210_339439.htm?campaign_id=rss_daily

Amazon: Armed to Beat the Recession

Amazon.com , lets users take mobile photos of items they want to buy, store them in an online shopping cart, and purchase them whenever they want typically at a discount via the online retailer. The application, designed for Apple's iPhone, gives bargain hunters on the go a quick reference for prices and customer reviews of all the items sold by Amazon, as well as one-click purchasing. The smart consumers buy online...
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/dec2008/tc2008128_586651.htm?campaign_id=rss_daily

High-fliers Toyota, Honda are struggling, too

Toyota was supposed to clean up this fall, with its rock-steady finance arm and an ad blitz to promote 0 percent lending. Likewise, Honda, with a lineup of fuel-efficient cars, looked ready to ride out the storm. But Toyota's promotion has been a disappointment, And while Honda has surpassed 10 percent market share this year, it has staggered since September. Some Honda dealers complain that the company isn't doing enough to jump-start sales. The dealer ad associations are running the same commercials regionally.
http://www.autonews.com/article/20081208/ANA03/812080345/1078

Classic toys make a comeback for the holidays

Recent eBay survey says Barbies and board games are back on top of holiday wish lists, and a trip to the Times Square Toys "R" Us finds many kids picking out the toys that their parents once played with.

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2008/12/07/2008-12-07_classic_toys_make_a_comeback_for_the_hol.html

A New Look for McDonald's

McDonald's is starting to redesign its appearance. In the next few months we will see new packaging, new tv's, tables and chairs. Is now the right time to invest money in redesigning?

it might be, some will believe that in order to make money you need to invest money.

http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/dec2008/id2008123_918813.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_innovation+%2Bamp%3B+design

Jordan Brand Seeks 'Legendary' Status

Jordan Brand will launch new TV ads this weekend continuing its “Become Legendary” rallying cry. Eyeing the success its parent company Nike has had with “Just do it,” Jordan Brand has pledged to make a long-term commitment to the marketing message which debuted last year.The first of three new national ads, called “Simple Math” breaks on Dec.
http://www.smartbrief.com/news/aaf/storyDetails.jsp?issueid=89492070-0B1A-47FF-AA48-2B0595BBF707&copyid=AE1FD325-ABB6-457C-BFDD-FEF338063707

Coupons will help pay for digital switch

By now we've all seen the commercials, heard the radio ads, or read stories in the local newspaper: At midnight on Feb. 17, 2009, television sets across the country, including South Jersey, will only be able to receive a digital signal as television stations cease broadcasting in analog format. Every one thinks that they must buy a new tv because of the digital change, but buying a converter with the help of coupons will reduce the cost to 5$ for a converter.
http://www.thedailyjournal.com/article/20081203/OPINION02/812030340

TrueNorth Tries to Ride Long 'Tale'

TrueNorth snack brand has launched a campaign inviting consumers to submit their "TrueNorth" tales in a contest that will turn one winner's story into a TV commercial directed by actress Helen Hunt to air on the Academy Awards.The contest asks consumers to submit a written story that describes how they or someone they know is pursuing their life's passion. The most inspiring story will be produced as a 60-second commercial directed by Hunt to air on the broadcast of the 81st Academy Awards in February. The winner will also receive a cash prize of $25,000. What a great Promotion!

http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i726f0f4961487c618d82a4bf03c6be0a

The New "Melrose" Shoes by Fila, with Nina Sky

Fila announced that it has tapped New York-based Polo Grounds Music J Records artists Natalie and Nicole of Nina Sky to launch its first women's footwear initiative.

The new shoes "Melrose" campaign will be promoted by Nina Sky in order to market her music and the shoes at once. First, Fila is promoting the product for 2 subcultures, which is Hispanic and Afro American. Second, i believe that Fila could have chose a better performer which will give a broaden target market.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/East-Meets-West-With-Launch/story.aspx?guid=%7B98C6E0E4-6A2A-4A8B-8B02-1E84E8A00D25%7D

Anti-energy drink fuels concerns over marketing

First came Red Bull and Monster Energy, giving a high-octane boost to late-night parties and study sessions.
After the success of Red Bull a similar drink went out but with the opposite influence. Instead of boosting energy it will "slow your roll". I think that that this is becoming dangerous. People need to drink special drinks to have energy or to relax?

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6137842.html

Black Friday turns tragic for Wal-Mart

How crazy it may sound, Wal-Mart's Black Friday was marred when a 34-year-old employee died and three other people were treated for injuries at the opening of the store in Valley Stream, N.Y.
In addition, police officials said a pregnant woman was taken to a local hospital.
The officials said the cause of the male employee's death has not been determined.
Is it just a coincidence or that people will pay the price of their life just for attempt to buy discounted products?
http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/28/news/economy/blackfriday_walmart/index.htm

GM may cut brands, including Pontiac

Because of the cash crisis, General Motors is studying possible elimination of some of its brands, with options including Pontiac, Hummer and Saab.In addition to the storied Pontiac brand, Hummer and Saab, Bloomberg reported Wednesday that the review included the Saturn brand."There is a lot is a lot speculation about what will or won't be in the plan next week, and we are going to decline to comment on it," said company spokesman Tom Wilkinson. "We are not likely to say anything in advance of the plan."

http://www.freep.com/article/20081127/BUSINESS01/811270371

City seeks 'brand' for instant recognition

Branding exist also for places not just for products. A good example for that will be : "The Big Apple,"-everyone knows you're talking about New York City.
Other cities are also intersested in recognition in order to bring more visitors and to improve the economy. But what brand or image could say Augusta and, more specifically, downtown Augusta, in a way that's snappier than just saying the word spelled A-u-g-u-s-t-a?
The city by the same name wants to know.
About three months ago, the city formed its own Branding Committee in an effort to come up with an image, name or some other form of identity it could use in marketing and promoting the city.
"A brand or theme, ideally, identifies who we are, what it is that is special about us and what we want to become," Mayor Roger Katz said. "Through use on our Web site, in promotional materials and signage, a brand will convey who we are to the rest of the world."
http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/5644756.html

Hard times mean leaner Thanksgiving dinners

The downfall of the economy also reflect our holidays. For example, Bridget Smith and her family, Thanksgiving is going to be different this year. For one thing, they might not have a dining room table. That will increase the sales of therft stores and other used products web sites.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27791739/

The Olympic Games Effect: How Sports Marketing Builds Strong Brands

The Olympic Games draws fans from all over the world for a diverse range of reasons – be it passionate love for sports and competition, fervent nationalism, and the thrill born from uncertainty. But sporting fans are not the only ones clambering to be a part of the world’s biggest sporting event – commercial firms also have been snapping up sponsorship slots as a means to boost their organization’s profile and brand equity. I always wondered why countries want to host games on its teritory. Mainley because it helps the countrys' economics and its corporations.
http://www.huliq.com/597/73351/olympic-games-effect-how-sports-marketing-builds-strong-brands

Hoping to Sell the Emotion of Love (and Rings)

Another Corporation that dreams-Zales. The company is betting that passion trumps price in selling jewelry. While these are especially gloomy times for retailers, the company’s marketing campaign, which focuses on the emotional aspects of its products, will help it coax sales from consumers who are increasingly tightfisted. Zale, which operates more than 2,100 stores and kiosks under the Zales, Gordon’s and Piercing Pagoda names, among others, said recently that it expected earnings of about $35 million to $40 million in the 2009 fiscal year, compared with $3.7 million for fiscal 2008 and $48 million in 2007. Still, Zale’s stock is down 51 percent this year, while the Standard & Poor’s specialty retail index is down 40 percent.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/22/business/22interview.html?_r=1

The Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(R)

The annual Macy's parade is right behind the corner, and Macy's has promotional plans for the viewers in the time of the parade and the day before.
When spectators enter the inflation area at 79th Street and Columbus Avenue, they will receive fun facts and behind-the-scenes info on the giant balloons being inflated on 77th and 81st Streets. All they have to do is to turn on their bluetooth or wireless on their cell phone, and the promotional messages will come. Macy's usually has 3 million viewers on the Thanksgiving Parade so I think it this way of promotion will be very efficient.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Macys-Ace-Marketing-Promotions-Inc/story.aspx?guid=%7B43AF11A5-9737-4189-905A-83E2C9A81574%7D

Good examples of Product Dress

Black Friday sales arrive early this year

These are tough economic times, so retailers are launching their Black Friday specials weeks early to motivate budget-conscious buyers. It looks like retailers are slashing prices early this year.
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/hughes/35180

Apple's holiday not looking great, could be worse

Even Apple is experiencing hard time this holiday season while the consumers sit on their wallets.
Mac sales seem healthier thanks to Apple's latest crop of notebooks, but aren't growing as fast as they were last year. The lines for buying the Iphone are misleading.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10098613-37.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-5

Packages You Won’t Need a Saw to Open

A number of retailers and manufacturers have a gift for holiday shoppers: product packaging that will not result in lacerations and stab wounds.

The companies, including Amazon.com, Sony, Microsoft and Best Buy, have begun to create alternatives to the infuriating plastic “clamshell” packages and cruelly complex twist ties that make products like electronics and toys almost impossible for mere mortals to open without power tools.
6,000 Americans each year went to emergency rooms with injuries caused by trying to pry, stab and cut open their purchases, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

It looks like the manufactures forgot about the basic product managing, make the package be easy to open!

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/15/technology/internet/15packaging.html?bl&ex=1226984400&en=719e1c29c315aea6&ei=5087%0A

Penney, Abercrombie results add to retail fears

The holiday cheer for shopping will not be the same as the past years. Due to the loss of jobs and the economic weakness, it's pretty obvious that there will be less consuming.

Abercrombie and Penney reported that the holiday shopping craziness is something that will be hard to find and report on a sharply low profit on the current quarter.

"Consumers went into hibernation in October while concerns about the economy were at a peak," said NRF Chief Economist Rosalind Wells. "As economic uncertainty went from bad to worse, shoppers pulled back on everything but the basics to weather the storm."

http://www.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUSTRE4AD5QM20081114?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews

Lotion Packaging

As you can see on the picture above we have 2 products with different packaging. On the left, we have the simple lotion which cost 50% off. The brand is not considered to be luxury, therefore, the company had to promote the product in order for people to buy it. On the right side, we can see the luxury lotion from Chanel. There was no need for chanel to promote the product on a 50% off sale. They designed the package and made efforts for it to look attractive so it will make its target market want to buy Chanel luxury lotion.

Business travel growth expected to slow in 2009

There will be less business travels in 2009, It's not quite the death of the salesman, but growth in business travel will likely slow down significantly in 2009 as cash-strapped U.S. companies cut back on unnecessary trips by executives.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/8021041

Apple Laptops: The Hits Keep Coming

Apple is the only company that can tell its customers what to buy. As we discussed in class, Apple's customers are loyal to the brand and will not purchase anything else but Apple; although they offer only 5 types of laptops, they still control the laptops market.
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_46/b4108000282343.htm?campaign_id=rss_daily

McDonald's Sales Stay Strong

McDonald's Corp. reported an 8.2% increase in October global same-store sales, with a 5.3% gain in the U.S., and 9.8% in U.K, France and Russia. Who would believe that european countries will double the increase of the United States in sales. I guess, Americans prefer to eat at home these days.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122632357395813545.html?mod=rss_whats_news_us_business

DHL to cut 9,500 U.S. jobs

The firm will end deliveries within the U.S., but will continue shipments to other countries.
Global delivery company DHL announced Monday that it was cutting 9,500 jobs as it discontinues air and ground operations within the United States. No publications on Fedex to cut jobs, I believe that only the strong will survive.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/10/news/companies/dhl/index.htm

Layoffs hit every corner

In continuance to our discussion in class regarding the "back to basics" issue, this ad shows that there were 15,000 layoffs in the first week of November, the job market is brutal. As a result, consumers do not spend money on luxury products. To illustrate, if i knew that the company that i work for is about to fire employees, i would not purchase a luxury watch.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/07/news/economy/november_layoffs/index.htm

A Big Delivery for Whole Foods

A $425 million investment is designed to help see Whole Foods through a rough patch until consumers regain their appetite for pricey organic food .
The situation is very simple, the economic downfall is influencing on the supermarkets, but especially on organic pricey supermarket; therefore, the whole food industry "needed a hand".

http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/nov2008/pi2008116_870984.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_news+%2B+analysis

The Rise of the Super-Discounters

As the U.S. faces a serious economic downturn, many Americans are seeking out the cheapest possible option when buying necessities. Enter ultra-discounters like Dollar Tree, 99 Cents Only, and Family Dollar Stores.
Those dollar retail stores, has a rise on their stocks. This is not surprising at all, the customer is seeking for the cheaper deal not for the famous expansive brands, even when it comes to cleaning products.
http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/nov2008/pi2008115_105049.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_news+%2B+analysis

Google to Abandon Advertising Partnership With Yahoo

The Google-Yahoo! advertising agreement was officially ended today.
The agreement that was announced in June would have granted Yahoo! the use of Google’s advertisements displayed alongside search results for its own Web site, and for its publisher partner’s Web sites in the U.S. and Canada.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/technology/google-abandon-advertising-partnership-yahoo/

Starbucks to Give Free Coffee to Voters

Starbucks is giving away free coffee on Election Day to anyone who says they voted. I think this is a good way to promote both cause and product.

http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/inc/quickread/e3ifcb7b0c6e00764409c774afaa5a2780a?KeepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=310&width=600

Circuit City Plans to Close 155 Stores

Circuit City will close about 20 percent of its American stores in an effort to return to profitability.The move comes as Circuit City heads into a crucial holiday shopping season that could determine its future, amid a slowdown in consumer spending that has even the least vulnerable retailers worried.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/technology/04circuit.html?_r=1&ref=business&oref=slogin

Pacers use marketing to win back fans

The Indiana Pacers are bringing new look to their team and working on a new business strategy in order to win back the fans. As part of the new marketing strategy, discounted ticket packages are gaining popularity and other promotions are being offered. It looks like the Nicks need a new strategy as well...

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081102/SPORTS04/811020390

Yahoo! advertising deal with Google in doubt

Google and Yahoo were about to close a deal which Google will operate Yahoo's search advertising business.But talks between the two companies and a number of regulators, not least the US Department of Justice, have yet to result in any form of solution, with suggestions that Google is ready to walk away.
The deal is reliant on regulatory approval, given Googel's pre-existing 62pc monopoly in the search market, and the terms allowed for 100 days for the pair to receive the necessary approvals.
Although a final decision is not understood to have been taken by Google, if the web giant does decide to pull-out, it could be very bad news for Yahoo! chief executive Jerry Yang.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/technology/3333080/Yahoo-advertising-deal-with-Google-in-doubt.html

The Coca-Cola System Announces New Global Targets for Water Conservation and Climate Protection in Partnership with WWF

The Coca-Cola Company, in partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), have new ambitious targets to improve water efficiency and reduce carbon emissions within its system-wide operations, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and helping to conserve the world's most important freshwater basins. It looks like Coca Cola recognized the rising awareness for the world turning green, and in that way i think they will be able to market to various cultures that keep the world green.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/The-Coca-Cola-System-Announces/story.aspx?guid=%7B6B4906F9-4328-44C7-B8BC-3F82CAD35233%7D

Panicked Traders Take VW Shares on a Wild Ride

Last Tuesday, Volkswagen became the most valuable company in the world, one with a market value greater than Apple, Philip Morris and Intel combined.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/business/worldbusiness/29volkswagen.html?em

America: Still number one

United States is suffering the worst financial crisis since the great depression. Will United States lose its world financial superpower?

Nearly 1 million Americans have lost their jobs since the start of the year and a deep recession now seems unavoidable.
Plus, the government is borrowing ever more money as it attempts to stem the crisis, adding to a mushrooming national debt. Meanwhile, baby boomers are retiring, drawing huge amounts of money from Medicare and Social Security and threatening to bankrupt the federal government.
With mounting debt and fewer jobs, many American's feel their country's best days are behind it.
"America is no longer an economic superpower - it is following the path of the Romans and the British". "This country has no real future and no real leadership."

http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/29/news/economy/america_superpower/index.htm?postversion=2008102908

Fading future

Chrysler's possible merger with GM will could hurt Indiana's industrial economy.
Thousands of jobs are at stake in independent factories in Indiana that supply Chrysler with auto parts. GM wants Chrysler for its $11 billion in cash, not its plants or vehicles, so a merger would trigger plant closings.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081026/BUSINESS/810260321/1003/BUSINESS

GM's Chevrolet `Significantly' Cutting Sports Sponsorships

GM's Chevrolet brand, is reducing spending on sport sponsorships due to a down fall on sales.
Per Chevrolet, due to the economy situation chevrolet must cut on promotion.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601079&sid=a5Zjz_AUnMMQ&refer=home

Apple’s iPhone ‘firing on all cylinders’

Apple has announced that the IPhone has reached its sales goal for 2008 with 2 months extra. I guess, people are more interested in phones than cars...

http://www.macworld.com/article/136369/2008/10/iphone_bb.html

GM, Chrysler cut costs, global auto outlook dims

GM and Chrysler have started to take steps towards closing jobs and plants. In addition, automakers from Europe to Asia forecast a serious downfall in the future. Per GM, they have been forced to cut down costs more aggressively, as they are struggling for their survival. The economy has a part of it off course, but I think that GM is using the economy as an excuse for not marketing themselves properly.
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE49M2KF20081023

GM signals more cuts

GM will reduce the salary for its employees by 20% . Moreover, it even looks like GM will cut even more in the near future due to worsening sales. are we looking at great depression II?

http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/23/news/companies/gm_cuts/index.htm?postversion=2008102309

Sales In Jordan

GM sales are up by 121% in September 2008 in Jordan. In July, GM consolidated its activities in Jordan, with AbuKhader Automotive, the Cadillac, GMC and HUMMER dealer, adding Chevrolet to their portfolio. After this move GM's sales were up by 121%.

Maybe GM should invest its efforts in the middle east?

http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/Jordan/236920

GM, Chrysler aim to wrap up merger within two weeks

The automakers aim to merge both corporations in two weeks. The companies will also ask for the government's assistance in order to close the deal. It looks like the companies are desperate and trying to survive.

GM starts Camaro price at $22,995

GM has published the price for the Chevrolet Camaro. The LS model vith a V-6 engine will cost $22,995, including shipping. The 6.2 liter V-8 powered SS performance version will cost $30,995. I think that with all the economy crisis, this is not a good time to bring out the price of those 2 models.

GM to close Grand Rapids stamping plant

GM is to cut $10 billion in costs . The first step of this reduction will be shutting down the 73 year old plant in Grand rapids. That is just one of many that will be closed in the future...

http://www.freep.com/article/20081013/BUSINESS01/81013075

GM Plus Chrysler Equals Survival?

GM and Chrysler have had discussions about merging their firms into one, assuming that this will save them from going out of business. The reason they thought about the merge is because of the economic melt down that occurs these days. I think it is a bit strange, but this is the kind of acts you do when you are desperate.

http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/oct2008/db20081011_136156.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_news+%2B+analysis

GM may cut production soon

GM will probably cut production soon and will probably close plants from next week. It make a lot of sense to me, and this process should have happend 30 years ago when the gas prices went higher and GM had a downfall as well. GM ignored from it then, but now they have no choice but to close plants and cut production.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/10/business/NA-US-GM-Factories.php

Alec Baldwin's Best Scene

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-AXTx4PcKI&eurl=http://studentmailnyc2.blogspot.com

GM workers eligible for grant funds

GM workers are now eligible for funds that were awarded from the U.S department of labor.
The department of labor granted 1 million dollars in order to help workers as a result from GM canceling the second shift on local assembly plant. The intention is thoughtful, but I think that one million dollars is not enough, especially if you divide it by 800 GM employees.
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081008/NEWS05/81008022

GM official talks up new Volt at Mansfield event

Tom pyden, GM North America's vice president of communications discussed about the thought that GM put on their costumers.

The Volt is a good example that shows how GM is thinking about the needs of the consumers. But my question is: why did GM waited till Toyota will have a hybrid car? I guess GM had no choice but to think about what the costumer really needs, instead of dealing with mass production of big cars.

http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081008/BUSINESS/810080302

Gm is Cutting production in europe

GM is cutting production in europe because the company wants to make cars out of demand.
I think that this is a smart action, over production is not something that is smart to do as a conclusion from the U.S crisis.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4fff8b54-948f-11dd-953e-000077b07658.html

GM tumbles to 54-year low as overall market drops

Shares of General Motors Corp. dropped to its lowest level in more than 54 years Monday, amid a global sell off that sent the Dow Jones industrials down more than 500 points to fall below 10,000 for the first time in four years.
In morning trading, GM shares fell 58 cents, or 6.5 percent, to $8.42. They earlier dropped as low as $8.24.
That low marked the automaker's lowest share price since April 22, 1954, according to the Center for Research in Security Prices at the University of Chicago.
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/apwire/21270dbb9b76acf0f835070c78b22e77.htm

Isuzu says no to GM

General Motors is trying to sell its medium-duty truck operations first to Navistar and then Isuzu. But neither of these two has taken up the offer to buy.
Isuzu president Susumu Hosoi has stated that "There will be no such acquisition happening" from his company either, suggesting that the market for heavy-duty trucks has not yet hit the bottom.
There has been a long-standing partnership between the two companies. They have jointly built and developed the Durmax engines that are in GM most powerful full-size trucks. Why should any one be interested in medium duty trucks?

GM doesn't rule out more restructuring

General Motors Corp. said it can't rule out the need for more restructuring if the economic crisis will get worse, per GM it was vital that U.S. lawmakers pass a financial bailout to shore up confidence in the economy.
"We'll take the actions that are necessary," Fritz Henderson, the automaker's chief operating officer. I think that the situation in United States is affecting GM's production, but we must not forget that GM's crisis was before the fall of economy in United States.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D93IFTRG0.htm

Red Ribbon week

Each october different communities unite with the cause for raising a drug free generation. It is a good example for cause marketing for a non profit organization. This organization calls the citizens to stand out for the cause against drugs.
http://www.positivepromotions.com/red-ribbon-week/c/3061/g/3/

Hummer Takes H3T to the Extreme (Sports)

Hummer will promote the H3T till the end of the year while the brand will emphasize the utilities the vehicle has. The ads will show the vehicle's capability of carrying extreme sports equipment. The target market will be 75% men instead of 50%. It looks like GM is still investing their money on the wrong things.

http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/esearch/e3i5452d1396a606a413b8ce6ab9f85ae4d

JPMorgan Chase to Buy Washington Mutual

After a long struggle and seeking for a buyer Washington Mutual was sold yesterday to JPMorgan, when it was announced that the nation's largest savings and loan would be bought by an even larger rival, JPMorgan Chase .WaMu customers are not expected to see any disruption in service. The deal, brokered by federal regulators, resolves the largest bank failure in U.S. history. WaMu had $310 billion in assets. Are we entering an era that only the strongest can survive?


http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/sep2008/db20080925_760466.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_news+%2B+analysis

Promotional Piece-North Face

Our Equipment Will Survive Everything
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