GM tempting the paparazzi in Detroit
Perhaps looking to shake their conservative image, GM is calling all of their A (and maybe a few B, C and D) -list friends to help ring in the New Year at next month's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. It's all part of GM's celebrity car fashion show that they'll host along the banks of the Detroit River. No, really. "Celebrities will accompany GM vehicles as they glide down an aisle set up inside a heated tent along the Detroit River," GM said Monday. The event will take place on January 6 as a preview party before press days kick off the show on the 7th. GM used Tiger Woods effectively in L.A. for the launch of the Buick Enclave, but Ford, VW and Audi beat them at their own game with the likes of Lara Flynn Boyle, Christian Slater and Molly Simms. Even Chrysler had Jennifer Love Hewitt on hand to help intro the Sebring convertible.
But now we understand that GM was smart to hold off. ANYBODY can get celebs to show up in L.A. Frankly, stars are a dime a dozen out in LaLa Land. It's much more impressive to get them to show up in Detroit. In a tent. Along the river. In winter. On the card so far are Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Vivica A. Fox (Dancing With The Stars), supermodel Petra Nemcova, and Danny Masterson (pictured at right) from "That 70s Show," who will serve as DJ during the event.
Along with the stars, there will of course be cars. A selection of 17 GM models will be on display, including the 2006 Camaro concept, the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line, a 1951 Buick LeSabre concept and another unknown new concept. Not as impressive as GM's Oscar parties, perhaps, but it should help to kick off the Detroit show off with a bang. The invitation-only party for 1,000 is for media reps, dealers and local prominent business people. If you don't already have your invite, it's probably too late.
[Source: The Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
BCM 10:35PM (12/12/2006)
Wow! Danny Masterson? I can hardly contain my excitement
Reply
Razib Ahmed 6:06PM (12/12/2006)
A smart move by GM. GM certainly needs this image uplift. After all, 2006 was not exactly a great for the car maker. Thanks to Autoblog, we have been constantly updated about the ups and downs of GM. So, getting celebrities will surely help the company to catch some media attention. However, I feel that GM could have spent this money better if they organized this event in China. After all, China is becoming the top car market in the world very soon. So, flying some top celebrities in China or Hong Kong would become a good investment for GM.
Reply
Talis 6:21PM (12/12/2006)
I know what you're thininking Ahmed, but GM is doing well in China, so they don't need to do anything there to rock the boat. The American market is what needs help, and this is just what the doctor ordered.
Reply
Jared 9:54PM (12/12/2006)
I don't really have a problem with manufacturers using celebrities in commercials and things like that. But I have always disliked the way that they use celebrities to debut a new car at a show. It is usually a celeb that is totally unrelated to the vehicle and seems like they have no idea what they are doing.
I would rather see a nameless model, company figurehead, or race car driver next to the car rather than a big name actor or socialite who simply feels like they need more attention.
Unrelated to the article - Why do DJs always have one ear pressed against their shoulder? Just wear the frickin' headphones the correct way.
Reply
Rene Curry 11:45AM (12/13/2006)
I think GM should look at cutting it's advertising/marketing budget & staff to zero except for a core internet team. The savings has to be HUGH!
Take that savings and split it between model price reductions and the bottom line. You don't need the Tiger Woods of the world to sell a great car.
Reply
terry hodak 4:32PM (12/13/2006)
The one ear thing actually is done to seal off the ear which is listening to the next record in que. The ear left open is listening to the music playing over the loud speakers.
Why is this done?
One ear monitors the music already playing, while the other is listening to the music in que so that it can be beat-matched to flow seamlessly from the current song to the song in que.
It may look silly, but it works very well.
Reply