My sister-in-law works in entertainment marketing out in LA. Now that may sound like a really glamorous job, and I guess on the surface it is, but there's a ton of work and stress involved in what she does. The entertainment marketing agency she works with is quite successful, so they must have done something right somewhere along the way to have such a gleaming reputation. They have hordes of small time success stories, but their real bragging rights come from a few major contracts they've procured throughout the years. I won't name any names, let's just say they have some really impressive talent within arm's reach for those clients who are ready to pull out the big guns - and have the big bucks to do it. Ultimately, it is the magic that happens when these brands and their corresponding Hollywood talents are aligned in a marketing strategy that makes my sister-in-law's agency so successful.
Many of us have been watching, intrigued, and waiting to see what will happen with the proposed Automotive Bailout Plan and when it will all go into effect. We have watched as the news announced the loss and deferment of numerous jobs throughout the automotive industry. We have listened as the automotive giants in Detroit have explained to the government that their debts far outweigh their collateral. We have wondered, as news headlines announce the enacted steps in bailing out one of the United States? founding industries.
So what is the latest development in the Automotive Bailout Plan? Recently, a federal judge has approved the plan for General Motors to sell some of its assets to a federal-backed company. GM, along with Chrysler, was then allowed to begin making their way through federal bankruptcy court. Within 45 days of beginning their court process, both GM and Chrysler completed their processing within the bankruptcy courts.
Now, automotive giant GM has completed the necessary legal process to hand over their most valuable assets to the new company run and funded by the federal government. This new company, currently named the Vehicle Acquisition Company, will control brands including Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC. In light of their notable acquisitions, however, the company may soon be renamed the General Motors Company.
So what does this mean for us? For now, it means more waiting and watching. Other automotive companies may soon follow the example set by General Motors. Many economists already feel that this automotive bailout plan was a bad idea; they suggest that the bailout will only further weaken the automotive industry and the economy as a whole. For now, only time can tell whether this suggestion will hold true.
1) Check the fluid levels in your car: when you fill your car up with gas, take a few moments to check the fluids in your car. The minute you'll spend checking coolant is infinitely cheaper than replacing your radiator after it cracks due to lack of coolant. The same goes for engine damage done by low levels of oil, and so on.
2) Have a pre-travel tune-up: Anytime you're gearing up to hit the road, you want to make sure your car is in tip-top shape. If you have belts that are in danger of breaking in the near future, spark plugs that need replacing, brakes that are squeaking, or anything else that wants your attention, deal with it before you find yourself broken down on the highway in another state!
3) Keep an eye on your tires: You would be amazed how many people get in their cars and drive off before they realize they have a flat tire! Before you get in your car, visually check all four tires, and use a pressure gauge to check on any tires that look low. Keep your tire pressure at the appropriate psi for your vehicle at all times.
4) Carry supplies with you, especially on long journeys: if you're going to drive a long distance then you will want to be prepared to do so. Carrying coolant, oil, a patch kit for tires, and the like can save you in a pinch.
5) Stick to the suggested maintenance schedule for your vehicle: keeping up with your maintenance does require you to be willing to put money into your car at regular intervals, but can often prevent larger issues from occurring. You will, as a result, experience fewer break-downs and fewer problems that domino into larger, more expensive repairs.