GM Urges Dealerships To Set Up Genius Bars Like Apple Stores

General Motors Co. is asking each of its 4,300 dealers to establish a customer Connection Center, similar to the Apple store’s Genius Bar, where customers can learn more about in-vehicle technology and infotainment systems.

The voluntary move for all Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers comes ahead of next year’s roll out of embedded 4G LTE mobile Internet access in most 2015 GM vehicles it sells in the U.S. and Canada.

GM spokesman Klaus-Peter Martin said the Detroit automaker is just beginning to talk to dealers about the customer support initiative. A handout shown to dealers, which says the centers would help drive customer loyalty and retention, said that 94 percent of customers said there is a need for technology support and 57 percent said they were very or extremely likely to use the center.

TheSteve - 10/31/2013 3:28:37 PM

0 Boost

Apple has cast itself as a "premium" company. Arguably, it makes products that have outstanding aesthetic and functional design, and they charge a hefty premium for them. This model works for Apple. Their reputation as the maker of premium products was established before the Genius Bars appeared.

GM has a reputation of trying to be a jack of all trades, yet they are a master of none. Their model has resulted in the company standing on death's door, and being resurrected only through the coerced multi-billion dollar "donations" made on tax-payers' behalf by the Federal Government. Totally different business model.

(PS: For an interesting video on Apple's Genius Bars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9ZnwvyAk8k)

Agent009 - 10/31/2013 4:41:34 PM

+1 Boost

gotta find enough geniuses that work at GM dealerships though.