The automaker says it isn’t in the cards, but an analyst at Morgan Stanley says he’s hearing investor support for the idea. After all, what better way to signal your company’s shift towards forward-thinking electric and autonomous mobility than a fancy rebranding?
General … Mobility?
As reported by Bloomberg, Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas wrote in a note yesterday that “several investors have asked us about the potential for a name change to accompany a radical strategic shift for the company.”
“We have no knowledge or strong opinion on a potential name change, but do not exclude the possibility of such an action being considered by GM’s leadership to help foster perception and cultural change,” he added.
In response, GM says it has no intention of changing its name. Certainly, other corporations have chosen to put a sleek new face on their business by revamping a tired old name. Usually it involves fewer letters and acronyms. Dunkin’ Donuts to Dunkin’, for example. Weight Watchers to WW, Kentucky Fried Chicken to the slimming KFC, or IHOP to IHOb … wait, maybe that last one isn’t a good example. Still, people reportedly bought more burgers after that publicity stunt.
But General Motors, usually referred to as GM, can’t really shed extraneous letters. “GM” is pretty svelte. It’s also instantly recognizable. People know what they’re dealing with; the only concern on GM’s part is telegraphing where it wants the company to go.
And if Mary Barra feels her company’s stock will really hit the big time by inserting more mobility-speak into its orbit, well, look at Ford.
If they’re going to change their name they could always go with what my Grandmother called them (GM Widow – her husband worked at the Defiance, OH foundry from the late 50s until the mid 70s when he passed) “Generous Motors.”
But she was looking at the pension and the lifetime discount on buying cars.
They could reduce to a single Chinese character: 屎
Ha!
If Google Translate is to be trusted… yep.
As one who believes the name GM and at least half its remaining brands have been irreparably poisoned by decades of poor quality and mismanagement – and, more recently, heavy Chinese influence – I actually think a name change would be rather beneficial for the company.
Also, the transition from Apple Computers to Apple.
Dare I say . . . “Guangzhou Motors”
I hope DW has trademarked that name :D
Nice work JJ.
Deadweight to the white courtesy phone…
General…Electric?
Gee, is that available?
Soon will be due to chapter 11.
Probably, apparently everything else in the company is for sale. They appear to be trying to sell every profitable division. I don’t know how they plan on functioning as a company without divisions that turn a profit, but at least their executives can get a huge paycheck for a few more years.
That’s because their goal is to get rid of anything related to electricity and become “the service company” whatever that means (no real manufactured products probably). Industry leaders like Kodak, HP, IBM and Xerox did the same thing with a great success (sarcasm).
GM may change the name who knows. Let them, i dont care. I tune them out. They make crap.
2- GM is full of themselves. GM Powertrain. I do some work for them in Pontiac. When i was told that they are no longer GM Powertrain and now Global Propulsion (and warp drive technology), I asked, are you kidding me? Seriously?
3- Did the moderator block all DeadWeight. He made me laugh. Shame he is banned to the hinterlands.
His brand of comedy had a short shelf life, and his KEYBOARD POUNDING and incessant repetition turned him into a punchline.
I almost feel like TTAC staff is trolling him with this. If so, good job, he was a net drain on the discourse here.
As for GM… God bless; changing names after 100+ years stinks of desperation.
Good points. Agreed
Sporty, I was scrolling down the comments just looking for that word: desperation. Because that’s the first thing that came to my mind reading this article.
Also, this discussion of DW being gone reminds me of Big Truck Series Review. Remember that guy? What a character. I still occasionally see videos on his YouTube channel that he’s so proud of.
Edit: oh, DW is still here. Good!
redapple you already heard everything he was capable to deliver in his lengthy diatribes. So he is simply got exhausted. You cannot deliver much if all your raison d’etre is solely based on hatred. If you miss him just read his old posts.
General Mediocrity. They won’t even need to change the logo or any tooling at the “GM” seatbelt buckle and GM badge facility, wherever that is.
Probably in China.
How could the above comment get flagged for moderation? I didn’t say *** or %*$& or F*&# Y(* or even eat (*&^ and die.
How did I get put on double secret probation?
Same for me, seemingly no trigger words at all.
A name change is unlikely at best… though they might create a new logo again, like they did back in the late 60s. GM didn’t always have that blocky font or outline.
One question: Why am I back in the “Awaiting Moderation” queue?
Because the site is having issues. Even comments from Tim, Steph, Corey, myself, etc would go to moderation. I’m trying to approve things throughout the day while IT in Downtown Canada looks for a fix.
@Adam Well that explains it !! Gee, and here I thought Robert Farrago returned, and I was back in his “Dog House”
EVERYONE IS BANT. INCLUDING ME!
Waste of money that doesn’t change anything or fool anyone. Well except for that clown at Morgan Stanley.
GenMo…..?
NEVER SO EASY!
GUANGZHOU-GUADALAJARA MOTORS LLC.
The braniacs in the SilverSilos (Barra-Reuss-Carlisle-Ammann), along with Jim Hackett and James Farley, over at The Glass House, are among the worst executives to ever exist in automotive history.
Happy New Year’s to both my allies and like-minded thinkers, and to my haters alike!
2019 is going to be a rip-roaring wild ride!!!
Oh, thank goodness!
I needed me some DW insight on this.
I will respectfully submit Rick Wagoner as the worst of the worst GM CEO. I was in the RenCEn in 2008 and was told that he had his own elevator from his personal parking floor. This way he did not have to interact with the common folk. He was, as my wife says, a douchecanoe.
All is right with the world now. Glad to hear from you DW!
Gee, um…
Why would they do that? Is General Morons already taken?
I guess having motors in the name doesn’t suit an EV brand…never mind.
Actually it does. Motors are electric. Engines are mechanical.
Danke.
You’ve hit on a neverending peeve of mine. However, it’s pointless to point it out frequently.
Thank you for the display of reading comprehension…never mind.
General Mobility? Are they making rascals now?
General Modicum.
indicative of a small quantity of a particular thing.
Buickman
Founder
GeneralWatch.com
I don’t think they returned our bail out money yet from a few years ago so in my mind still Government Motors. How about this name: “Market a car to women and college students that shuts off when they have things on their keychain (really?) at random moments thereby locking the steering, shutting of the power brakes and –here’s the big one– shutting off the airbag!! and do this for years while knowing about the problem” — Too wordy? Yeah probably.
Glossy Mediocrity.
Barra Broomsticks.
Sounds like a terrible idea… and given GM’s history I assume its already a done deal.
I’ve named a bunch of companies. Developed their trademarks and supporting corporate identity standards as well.
These firms masquerading as “branding” agencies are a farce. They’re corporate and brand identity firms. A new logo, graphic and messaging management standards, and educational kits are enough to change a brand. Why? A brand is what consumers think of you — and it’s only as good as your weakest link. That kind of work doesn’t come anywhere close to comprehensive brand management.
As for a new name for GM, I like either Team GroupThink or SquareWheel.
+1 for SquareWheel.
Genital Mundanity?
I will go the other way.
General Our V8 is Better Than Yours
or
GOVIBTY.
LS FTW
“Guangzhou Motors”–That’s a perfect name especially if GM moves more of their production to China. Deadweight should get royalties on that name.
Gotawaywith Murder
Finally, they have appropriate name – General Mob.
keep it GM but add – “A Different Kind Of EV Company” hey it worked for Saturn, for awhile anyway!
With Saturn it worked until they switched back to General Motors ways. GM won Saturn lost. It is like with Tesla except customers gave them a chance but unlike Tesla nothing had happened. Saturn ION was probably the worst car ever manufactured if to not take into account existence of Trabant in alternate reality.
What difference it makes?!
I’m for Greatly Mismanaged, but I doubt they’d go for it. But can we at least bring back those lovely GM logos they slapped on all their vehicles for awhile?
This is what you do when your brand has negative equity.
All kidding aside I doubt GM will change their name. The name and symbol are easily recognizable and it costs a lot of money to launch a new name.
GM is not any worse than Ford or FCA all have their strengths and weaknesses. I have owned several GMs and Fords and overall I have not had any real bad experiences with either. I have preferences as most people have. I cannot complain that much since I have a Chevy truck that I have owned for 20 years which I bought new.
Anyone still call it Generic Motors? Or was that a 70s-90s phenomenon?
I think if GM ever became Chinese, “General Motors” would still fit.
General Tso’s Motors!!!
Now I’m hungry. General Tso’s chicken is delicious.
Perhaps, General Mao’s…
Ahhh… So you’re really wanting to call it, “Imaginary Motors”, right DW?
(Before you respond, look up the history of “General Tso’s Chicken.”)
I”d go with PBM, since all the cars come from one parts bin.
It was with great pleasure I drove away from my CTS and the never ending cheap-@ZZ parts that made the design and good engineering a total waste of time.
Parts Bin Motors. Like Lego, but more expensive.
and I too are in a moderation queue