Does GM tap their vehicles at the auto show??

[BuddyP]

Funny thing happened while me and my fiance were setting in the Saturn Vue Redline. We were in the vehicle with the doors closed (windows were down) and she made a comment about no cup holders (the plastic insert was removed) and that there was only one DC outlet. Nobody standing near would have heard us talk at a lower voice leve. A few seconds later the Saturn rep comes over and tells us that the cup holders are removed because people would steal them and that there was another DC outlet down underneath were the cup holders would set... just got me thinking, maybe GM is listening and taking notes on what people are saying about the cars at the show? It would be a pretty good idea in the sense that they could hear peoples true thoughts vs having people tell them what they want to hear on camera or microphone. But then again maybe it was just coincidence.

Mmmmm.....

Edited January 18, 2006 by BuddyP

[Flybrian]

If this were true, then the Honda Civic, BMW X3, and Ford Freestar at Tampa last year would all have been sad.

[99camaroSS]

that would be an excellent idea for gm but is that legal?

[Drew Dowdell]

that would be an excellent idea for gm but is that legal?

All you need is a little fine print at the bottom of the ticket stub.

*"We reserve the right to record marketing data via text, audio, video or other means"

Edited January 18, 2006 by Oldsmoboi

[CARBIZ]

Don't know if it's true, but it is a good idea. Get real world input from real world people. I don't trust focus groups and market studies. Get the real deal.

[Satty]

Auto show attendees dont necessarily reflect the car buying population better than a focus group does. Short of knocking on every door in America and offering everyone a test drive, there really is no way to know what the majority wants.

[CARBIZ]

No, but when people have just sat in a Corolla, Sentra and Focus in the past hour you are getting their honest opinions.

I've gotten an earful over the years, wandering around auto shows just listening to people's reactions. It can be hilarious but informative, too.

[SingleStylish]

Much like when I sat in the Navigator when it first came out. The center console is made very cheap plastic with an even cheaper plastic hinge. When I opended it, the thing made a loud creaking noise. I turned to my girlfriend (now wife) and said "Have you experience Ford Quality (((creek))) TRY AGAIN!!!" One guy looked like he was going to lench me along with the rep answering questions...