GM: A change of ownership is the perfect time to rebrand

Posted by Jon Schneider on June 02, 2009
Brand Strategy, Marketing, Pop Culture

Granted, this is a little tongue-in-cheek, but I thought I’d get GM off on the right foot with this whole “restructuring” thing.

How can GM show US taxpayers they are a changed company? Well, designing smart, compelling automobiles is a place to start. But, the most obvious way is to update that tired, old logo. Knowing they are a bit short of cash at the moment, I put together a few concepts for them – for free. (Attention GM: if you like what you see, we should talk.)

And what is a new logo without some meaning behind it? Seeing as how the US government now owns 60% of the auto manufacturer, the mark should reflect the same.

New GM Logo: Concept 1

New GM Logo: Concept 1

Seeing as how General Motors is now technically a stimulus project, Concept 1 gives a nod to the Recovery.gov logo. The 40/60 split creates a nice forward arrow motif, showing GM is headed in the right direction.

GM Logo : Concept 2

New GM Logo : Concept 2

The second concept uses the familiar “GM Box” as the blue field on the American flag. Giving the entire mark a forward looking perspective should align the company’s perceived new mission with the new mark.

I really do hope GM can get back on track. They are synonomous with America, baseball, and apple pie – all things I’m a fan of – and things I don’t want to go away anytime soon. That and they owe us about $50 billion smackers.

So, which one works the best? I look forward to the debate.

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6 Comments to GM: A change of ownership is the perfect time to rebrand

Siobhan
June 2, 2009

Government Made. The new GM. Hey are you going to trade in those hondas?

George Webb
June 2, 2009

Hey great idea. OK, here is a little free market research too GM. http://twitpic.com/62snk

Grant Kimball
June 2, 2009

Perhaps GM employees should start their day with a new brand-driven pledge of allegiance. Maybe something like:

I pledge allegiance
to the brand
of Government Motors of America
And to the administration
that saved our ass
One Company under Obama
Subsidized
With congressional oversight
and Keiretsu rule
for all.

Rob Wente
June 3, 2009

Worthy concepts, let’s see how the logos work on a car with a bit of psd magic.

Jon Schneider
June 3, 2009

Heheh. Thanks Rob, but I think the exisitng GM nameplates (Chevrolet, Cadillac, etc) would remain. I don’t believe the GM box ever appear on a car grill. But maybe a sweet car wrap around an Escalade?

[...] strategist Jon Schneider offers two new logo concepts for General Motors as the company looks ahead to a post-bankruptcy future. In addition to [...]

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