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As a man thinks, so he is. Some people are never.

November 2009

3:05 am | Categories: automotive news, gm
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zaken1 - Jun 8, 2009 11:12 pm

One of the most formidable expenses in marketing a new automobile model is developing a network of dealers. In today's economy; such a venture becomes even less likely to succeed. But Penske has a secret weapon here. He has a history of collaboration with Sears stores (where Penske automotive tools and test equipment were exclusively sold for some years). And Sears is now eager to recover their former position of leadership and respectability in the retail sales field. But what many people don't remember is that Sears has on two previous occasions ventured into distribution of new automobiles. Their first automobile was called the Sears Motor Buggy; and was sold from 1908 to 1912. Their second automobile was called the Allstate. It was manufactured by Kaiser-Frazer to Sears specifications in 1952. This car was essentially a Henry J (a small car which was sold at that time by Kaiser-Frazer dealers); with a different grille and better quality upholstery. It was sold through Sears outlet stores in ten southern and southwestern states. Only 2,363 Allstate cars were sold. So Sears is not averse to selling autos; and Penske will need a network of outlets for the cars that Saturn produces. It only makes sense for the two to develop a joint venture; using existing Sears facilties all across the U.S. That is as depression proof a scheme as could ever be hatched; especially when most of the competition is going bankrupt.

sarahsmile90 - Jun 8, 2009 1:25 pm

Penske has a knack for turning things into gold...lets hope this will be no different.

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