Bob Lutz At Work: GM's 'Lab' Is A Cheap, Social Focus Group

Focus groups often yield good consumer data, but they can be costly and time-consuming. General Motors is hoping to improve matters with its new "Lab" site, which Nelson Ireson mentioned in passing a few days back. The Lab is an online focus group (i.e. a product-centered weblog), but unlike traditional focus groups, it encourages participants to interact, build relationships, and get to know one another. In short, it's a social network that harvests email addys and provides feedback -- or in Bob Lutz lingo, a marketing bonanza. Added bonus? We think it was built with WordPress, which means it was basically free. Somebody at GM is using his/her noggin. [TheLab via FastLane]