The question of whether General Motors will continue to sponsor one of Walt Disney World's most popular attractions has the attention of the automaker's chief, but there's no sign a deal is imminent.
The future of GM's name on Test Track at Epcot was clearly on the radar of Fritz Henderson, who stopped into town last week on a post-bankruptcy, post-bailout tour to schmooze with dealers.
"Nothing to report today," he told me when I asked about the latest negotiations between the two companies. He declined to say anything further other than, "We've had a great relationship at Epcot for many years."
A Disney spokeswoman was also vague on the topic.
"We continue to have a relationship with General Motors and are having ongoing discussions about continuing this relationship in the future," said Kim Prunty.
It's believed that GM's 10-year sponsorship — for a reported cost of $100 million — expired earlier this year, and both sides are working on coming to terms on a new agreement.
My bet is that neither side wants to lose the deal, especially Disney, for which these sponsorships are huge revenue drivers.
But timing here is crucial. This one has the potential to look bad for GM and Disney. If a new sponsorship deal is inked too soon will taxpayers own a piece of Test Track? After all, it was $50 billion in federal aid that allowed GM to stay afloat.
