General Motors (GM) maintains an employee discount program that provides significant savings on vehicles and access to various partner benefits. The program is structured to extend these benefits to a wide range of individuals associated with current and former employees, as well as specific categories of survivors. Information regarding eligibility and access methods is released through GM’s official channels, which serve as the primary source for understanding how the program functions.
Eligibility for GM Employee Discounts
GM categorizes eligibility into three primary groups based on employment status and duration. Each group has specific rules regarding which family members may also utilize the discount.
Active and Retired Employees Active and retired GM and GM Financial employees qualify for the discount. This eligibility extends to their spouse, domestic partner, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, grandparents (including in-law and step), parents, stepparents, siblings (including full, half, and step), mother/father-in-law, sons/daughters-in-law, brothers/sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Former Employees Former hourly or salaried GM employees are divided into two tiers based on years of service: * 5 to 20 Years of Service: These individuals qualify for the discount and may support their dependent spouse and children. At the time of purchase, children must be under 21 years old or full-time students under 25. * Over 20 Years of Service: These individuals qualify and may sponsor the subsequent buyers: their spouse, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, grandparents (both in-law and step), parents, stepparents, siblings (including full, half, and step), mother-/father-in-law, sons-/daughters-in-law, brothers-/sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Widows and Widowers Widows and widowers of former GM employees qualify based on the deceased employee's years of service: * 5 to 20 Years of Service: These individuals qualify for the discount and may endorse their spouse and dependent children. Children must be under 21 years old or full-time students under 25 at the time of purchase. * Over 20 Years of Service: These individuals qualify and may sponsor their spouse, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, grandparents (including in-laws and step), parents, stepparents, siblings (full, half, and step), mother-/father-in-law, sons-/daughters-in-law, brothers-/sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Retired individuals, remaining spouses of employees, and full-time, part-time, hourly, or salaried workers are all qualified for the program.
Accessing the Discount
To obtain the GM employee discount, individuals must register on the GM Family First website. The registration process requires providing: * Name * Employee ID number * Date of birth * Birthdates and connections of qualifying family members
Upon successful registration, the user receives an authorization number. This number is presented to a participating GM dealer. The dealer uses the authorization number to calculate the discounted price for the vehicle. The discount may potentially be combined with other ongoing promotions. However, the GM employee discount cannot be combined with the College Graduate Rebate or the Military Appreciation Rebate, as these are time-sensitive promotions targeting specific demographics.
Program Limitations and Conditions
Several conditions apply to the GM employee discount: * Vehicle Restrictions: Not every vehicle qualifies for the discount. Specific models, such as the Corvette and Camaro, are excluded. * Sales Channel Restrictions: The discount is only valid at participating GM dealerships. * Funding Options: The discount applies to only a limited number of funding options. * Program Changes: The terms and conditions are subject to change by GM.
Program Reception and Industry Impact
The GM employee discount is widely regarded as one of the most generous in the automotive industry. According to a survey of GM workers, 80% expressed satisfaction with the agreement, and 60% stated they would not have purchased a GM vehicle without it. Employee feedback suggests the discount allows for the purchase of new cars that might otherwise be unaffordable.
Other businesses, including Ford and Chrysler, have adopted the GM employee discount program as a model for their own initiatives. The program has influenced broader corporate strategies regarding employee discounts, leading to increased transparency and the expansion of benefits beyond vehicles to include a range of products and services.
Partner Discounts and Perks
In addition to vehicle discounts, GM employees and eligible individuals may have access to various partner benefits. While the provided data does not specify if these are exclusively available through GM, the following discounts are listed among corporate perks: * Technology and Retail: Companies such as Google (5-15% off products), Microsoft (15-80% off), Amazon (10% off), Apple (15-25% off), and Tesla (35% off) offer employee discounts. * Travel and Services: Discounts are available from Uber (17% off rides and eats), Lyft (15% off), and Motel 6/Studio 6 (10% off for State of Kentucky Employees). * Entertainment and Software: Adobe offers 100% off, while Blizzard Entertainment offers 30% off. * Local Services: Specific regional offers, such as those for Kentucky State Parks, Lexington Luxury Limo (10% off), and Mami Monchitas Honduran Restaurant (10% off lunch), are available to state employees, though specific availability for GM employees is not detailed in the source material.
Conclusion
The GM employee discount program offers substantial savings to current and former employees and their extended families. Access is managed through the GM Family First website, which issues authorization numbers for use at participating dealerships. While the program excludes certain high-performance vehicles and specific promotional rebates, it remains a highly valued benefit. The program's structure has also served as a blueprint for other automotive manufacturers and corporations seeking to provide competitive employee benefits.