GM wanted its employees to know a lot has changed since the automaker went through bankruptcy. So the company sponsored a company-wide contest, and this story is about the winner.
"They said, 'Here's a chance for the employees. Maybe you're frustrated with the ad campaign. Let's see your ideas,'" said Jim Stewart who works at the Romulus Engine Plant.
A team of engineers and managers from the Romulus Engine Plant and Warren Tech Center took on the challenge.
"We had about two weeks to put it together, so we came up with some concepts," Romulus Engine Plant employee Chad Engelhart said.
The team settled on a metaphor -- Chevy Camaro as shark.
"Got to the keys first, jumped in and volunteered to do the laborious job of driving the car," said Matt Thomas from the Romulus Engine Plant.
When an inferior car dares to take a parking spot from the Camaro, it's clearly not acceptable to the shark within.
This is the license plate used in the commercial, complete with a shark bite. They had to spin it about 30 times before they got the shot they wanted. Stewart grew up near Flushing. Engelhart is from Millington. Both are excited to know their Camaro video has put on a lot of miles.
"It went global. I personally received e-mails from people in Russia and China that work at General Motors that said they love it," Engelhart said.
Forty-seven teams entered the contest, but the Camaro-as-a-shark spot was judged the best. The team had lunch with GM Vice President Bob Lutz. The video may be reshot professionally and used as a TV commercial.
"I appreciate that the organization has given employees an opportunity to really voice their opinions and show their creativity," said Lewis Willis from the GM Warren Tech Center.
There have been 14,000 hits on the video since it was posted on Youtube. You can watch it here.
