Chevrolet: 100 Years of Product Innovation* Synopsis: This case examines Chevrolet's history of product innovation, branding strategy, and successful product mix in connection with its relationship to parent General Motors and its rivalry with Ford. Chevrolet has a long history of success in developing and marketing cars, trucks, and SUVs that are practical, sporty, and affordable. The brand's relationship with General Motors is both a strength and a weakness, especially in the aftermath of the federal government's financial bailout of General Motors in 2008. Government demands for improved fuel economy and ever changing customer needs and preferences will be constant challenges as Chevrolet looks toward its next 100 years. Themes: Product innovation, product mix, branding, product strategy, competition, corporate reputation, evolving technology, customer loyalty, government regulation, international marketing
General Motor's (GM) Chevrolet brand celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011. Throughout its history, Chevrolet has launched many different vehicle models, some of them widely successful and others deleted from the product mix shortly after introduction. Over the years, the company has transitioned from an American icon into a worldwide brand known for quality and durability. Despite numerous successes and failures in its history, including the recent bankruptcy and bailout of parent company GM, Chevrolet is still going strong after a century of product innovation.
A History of Product Innovation
Ironically, Chevrolet exists because of its top competitor, Ford Motor Company. William Durant founded Chevrolet in 1911 to compete head on with Ford's popular Model T. Durant had formed General Motors in 1908 but was ousted from the company three years later. To compete against Ford's single model of vehicle, Durant realized that GM would need to create