And attending the L.A. Auto Show myself, I personally witnessed Toyota employees trying to get press materials on the new 2-Mode hybrid SUVs, while the GM rep kept stubbornly (and rightfully) insisting they were for "media only."
And just when enthusiasts were lamenting the passing of the Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged Coupe, along comes the announcement that its replacement will be a turbocharged version featuring a 260-horsepower Ecotec, straight out of the Solstice GXP and Sky Redline. Not only that, soon afterward, it will come in a sedan version as well. Way to go General!
So it's obvious that it's no longer the "big picture" items that are tripping up GM. Its the smaller details that the company sees as insignificant and trivial, that others (myself included) see as emblematic of the enduring stubborness and paternalism that still manifests itself at GM occasionally.
I have already decided that my next car will definitely have two features: an integrated in-dash navigation system, and a Bluetooth cell phone interface. Although I was initially one of the doubters that thought sat nav was "gimmicky," after using it on my wife's Acura TSX, I can attest that it has saved a lot of shouting, arguments, and time.
As far as Bluetooth, I have purchased an aftermarket plug-in adapter that manages to do a decent job for the price, but still makes you sound like you're talking into a plastic bucket to those on the other end of the conversation. At least it helps keep your hands on the road. Most of the OE integrated systems seem to work a little better.
GM currently sells exactly one car that offers both as options. The Cadillac STS. Now, if I were a 60-something executive than happened to have about $65,000 sitting around, that car might be on my shopping list. Alas, I am not, and even if I did have that level of discretionary income, I would probably buy another vehicle (no offense, Cadillac.)
I can already hear the GM fans blasting back, "Well, you can get OnStar turn-by-turn nav and phone service." True. However, both services require an exclusive contract with OnStar, and will not accommodate existing devices or services, such as Chrysler's UConnect and Ford's Sync. The OnStar phone service requires you sign up with a specific provider, and even if you're already with said provider, you still need to get an additional line for your vehicle.
So if you're willing to put up with all the terms, conditions and restrictions that come with OnStar, the service packages appear to be viable options. Ford's Sync on the other hand, helps integrate all your current devices without requiring you to sign up for new services or subscriptions. Okay, so it won't call 911 when you're in an accident, send you an E-mail update on your service schedule, or make dinner reservations.
Frankly, the only service out of those that I personally care about is accident notification, something other manufacturers offer at some level or another, and likely many more will as well in the near future.
You've probably noticed this isn't the first time I've brought up this subject. But I feel it bears repeating until GM understands that if consumers and market trends are demanding certain technologies, yet it continues to offer its own exclusive alternative requiring an additional outlay, it will continue to turn off potential customers.