Don’t Point Your Mouse to UsedCarAmbush.Com

In an attempt to be cute, GM has come out with a website promoting its certified pre-owned program at the expense of private sellers. The website is called www.UsedCarAmbush.com (link at your own peril) and it is an insult to GM and to private sellers.

The basic premise is a hidden camera captures transactions between a GM actor and private sellers – who technically become actors because they are paid for their time. The buyer then attempts to treat the transaction as if it was a GM certified deal. (Read more about GM certified at the Buick Certified Pre-Owned overview I wrote.)

Of course, the private sellers don’t go for the requests. After all, they never claimed they were offering certified pre-owned levels of service and warranties – nor were they charging the higher prices. In some cases, certified pre-owned vehicles can cost you $2500 more.

The real reason behind this campaign is GM dealers are suffering because of a dearth of new car sales and used car sales. GM is attempting to spark interest in used car sales for its dealers. However, this is a case of an elephant attacking a flea. I’d like this campaign if it targeted other manufacturers' certified pre-owned programs, dealer-certified programs, or independent used-vehicle dealers offering ‘certification.’

Photo © GM