The Premiere Of `GM BuyPower' Puts Customers In The Driver's Seat
15 October 1997
The Premiere Of `GM BuyPower' Puts Customers In The Driver's Seat
Launch of http://www.gmbuypower.com and 1-800-GMBUYPOWER Marks Debut of
New Consumer Service in California, Washington, Oregon and Idaho
HOLLYWOOD, Oct. 15 -- Things just got easier for people who
are shopping for and purchasing new cars and trucks, with General Motors'
launch of its benchmark "GM BuyPower(TM)" program, a comprehensive service
offered exclusively in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho starting
October 27.
"GM BuyPower" gives consumers the option of using the Interment at
http://www.gmbuypower.com or calling a toll-free telephone shopping assistance
center, 1-800-GMBUYPOWER, to conduct research, get competitive pricing
information search dealer inventories, and even get a dealers' "no-haggle best
price," virtually paving the way to purchase a new GM car or truck, anytime
and anywhere.
"'GM BuyPower' saves valuable time and streamlines the shopping and
purchasing process," said Ann Pattyn, manager of GM's Consumer Marketing
Initiative (CMI). "So, whether consumers are at home, at the office, in their
car, or on vacation, they are only a phone call or mouse click away from
valuable information and resources to help them purchase the car of their
dreams."
The GM BuyPower Difference
GM's new initiative is the first of its kind to integrate consumer-focused
services, including an extensive Internet Web site and toll-free telephone
customer assistance center, What sets "GM BuyPower" apart from similar
programs is:
* depth of information available;
* direct access to dealer inventories;
* ability to schedule a test-drive or ask a dealer to hold a specific
vehicle;
* capability to obtain a single-best price quote from a dealer.
Customers will have direct access to "GM BuyPower" dealer inventories to
locate the exact car or truck they want. Once they choose their vehicle, the
customer can schedule a test drive or ask the dealer to hold that vehicle.
They can also ask the dealer to quote a single-best price for that vehicle,
and communicate that price to them via electronic messaging, fax, or a
telephone call.
Whereas similar on-line services can direct consumers to a nearby dealer
and offer general information on vehicles, "GM BuyPower" goes a step further.
With independent data supplied from the Automotive Information Center, "GM
BuyPower" allows consumers to judge real value for themselves with "apples-to-
apples" comparisons against identically equipped vehicles in the same segment.
Plus, "GM BuyPower" is the only service that enables consumers to actually
locate the car or truck of their choice, apply for pre-approved credit from
GMAC, schedule a test drive or ask a dealer to hold a vehicle, and obtain a
price quote from the dealer all in one place.
Similarly, the "GM BuyPower" telephone customer assistance center, which
is staffed with shopping consultants who will verbally help customers move
through the shopping and buying process, is essentially identical to the
process experienced on the Web site. In addition, the "GM BuyPower" Center
will be staffed by bi-lingual personnel to accommodate Spanish-speaking
customers.
"Unlike other Internet services and manufacturer Web sites, 'GM BuyPower'
combines the power of technology, the personal touch of a shopping consultant,
and a wealth of consumer oriented resources and information that make shopping
for and buying a car easy and hassle-free," added Pattyn.
GM BuyPower On the Internet
Designed to be both informative and intuitive, http://www.gmbuypower.com is
packed with rich graphics and a user-friendly interface that lets people
easily navigate the site and get the information they need.
For research, the "GM BuyPower" Web site features detailed information on
1998 GM makes and models, including trim levels, options, gas mileage, and
other items spelled out on retail window stickers. All research conducted on
the "GM BuyPower" Web site can be saved in a special Shopping Kit for future
reference.
Once a customer has decided on the make and model - including options and
color -- that they are interested in buying, they can tap directly into dealer
inventory, schedule a test-drive, pre-qualify for financing and request a
price quote from the dealer of their choice. All of these functions are
available through a special Shopping Kit feature.
The customer can then ask to be contacted by the dealership they choose,
either by electronic messaging, fax or telephone, with that dealer's single-
best price; all that's left to do is visit the dealership, sign the paperwork,
and take delivery of their new car or truck,
1-800-GMBUYPOWER (1-800-462-897-6937)
For those who do not have Internet access, or who prefer a "high-touch,"
rather than a "high-tech" approach, the toll-free telephone shopping
assistance center allows them to gather the same research and shopping
information as the Web site, right over the telephone.
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the 1-800
number is staffed by dedicated "GM BuyPower," shopping consultants who are on
hand to answer questions and provide detailed information on GM vehicles,
competitive pricing information, dealer inventory and all the features
available on the "GM BuyPower" Web site. Plus, this service will be staffed
with bilingual operators to accommodate Spanish-speaking people; multi-lingual
capabilities are planned in the future.
Both the Web site and toll-free number will be fully operational effective
October 27; "GM BuyPower" pricing will be applied to more than 130 1998 makes
and models from GM's divisions.
The "GM BuyPower," initiative expands GM's popular "Value Pricing"
strategy -- which combines popular vehicle options, such as air conditioning,
anti-lock brakes, and air bags, into one low sticker price -- across the board
to all GM divisions, including Chevrolet, Pontiac, GMC, Oldsmobile, Buick and
Cadillac.
SOURCE General Motors
