GM “Gets” Blogging

Today’s post by GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz in the company’s FastLane blog really stood out as an example of what companies can, and should, be accomplishing with their blogs.

Lutz had posted the other day that the new Cadillac BLS, “was developed specifically for European roads and drivers, and, as such, is not intended for American needs or tastes.”

Commenters pointed out that a European-style driving experience was exactly why they were turning to Audis, Mercedes and BMWs.

So Lutz corrected himself:

What I should have said is that BLS is the first of a generation of slightly smaller Cadillacs, built on the same architecture as the Saab 9-3, that, for exchange rate reasons, we can’t profitably bring to the United States. So this generation is going to be Europe-only. Our current thinking is that the next generation will be available around the world.

And you should read the well-informed, thoughtful comments he’s getting. He’s being straightforward and honest, and people are responding. No one wants GM to build cars that aren’t profitable for them. On the contrary, people are eager to help in the development process. They want to talk back to GM and they are thrilled for the opportunity the two-way blog conversation represents.

Kudos to GM for getting into the FastLane!

P.S. I could have sworn I saw a headline for a news/feature story about GM’s blogging recently, but I can’t find it. Will add a link if I come across it or if someone sends it.

UPDATE: Laurie Mayers in the comments sends in a link to the story I must have been thinking about, from Business 2.0. It’s called A Motor City Marketing Lesson