This is kind of crazy - but GM may be changing its logo.  It has yet to confirm this change, but it is all part of a GM rebranding session to show consumers its learner and greener.

GM logo asks, am I the next to go?

The bulk, molasses-filled, 10-ton sloth wants people to know that GM is a quick decision maker, changing to not only our needs, but the needs of the environment.  Ed Welburn, GM’s VP of design will be in charge of studyign name and logo changes.  This, to me, seems more difficult than one might originally think.  Just look at the NBA’s Washington Wizards or Charlotte Bobcats.  Heck, even throw in my Orlando Magic.  Each, I’m sure, spent countless hours and money coming up with a brandable logo and color scheme–all to come up with eh?  Even the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL ended up with a less-than desirable logo, which I wouldn’t dream of sporting on a ball cap.

The change comes with some slimming of the company, as GM looks to cut 35% of its execs, from 1,300 suits to 850 by the end of the year.  GM also plans to flatten the organization, providing better and direct communication between top and bottom (I assume).

Like a phoenix (that was given 100 bizillion dollars and 1,000 chances to get it right), GM plans to emerge victorious from the ashes.

Third Generation Toyota Prius

While there is buzz around plug-in cars, the Prius & GM’s Volt especially, automakers stress that it is not a hybrid replacement, but a subset of the current hybrid community.    Also soon to release, the 2010, 3rd Generation Prius.

John Hanson, a Toyota spokesman, wrote, “For many consumers with short commutes of 10 miles or less … a ‘Super Prius’ will be an attractive option,” he said, adding that the company thinks there could be a viable market for plug-in hybrids. “  Toyota is skeptical that the plug-in Prius will hit 100 mpg, a figure that is often thrown around amongst optimistic tree-friendlies.

As well, Toyota doesn’t want to take the spotlight off the upcoming release its new third generation Prius, which boasts 50 mpg, advanced technology and extra power.

Check out the “Harmony” TV commercial for the 2010 Toyota Prius

Back to the toaster-oven Prius—Toyota plans on making 500 plug-ins available to commercial customers and another 150 are slated for consumers.  For people with short commutes, the plug-in offers the freedom of only visiting the gas station on a monthly or bi-monthly basis – sounds nice!

>> 3rd Generation Prius press release
>> NY Times article

Offering green vehicles with better gas mileage isn’t enough, as pointed out in an article by Jim Tankersley, Tribune Newspapers. What’s the answer for hybrids…wait around for higher gas prices to push consumers?

As the article mentions, “’You will not get people to buy more fuel-efficient cars unless gas prices go up,’ said Howard Wial, a fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington who studies the auto industry.” In order for the Big 3 to capitalize with hybrids, they must expand the market with innovate design and pricing that appeals to the average consumer. This may seem impossible, as American car manufacturers look to lower manufacturing costs for regular car models.

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