GM started putting these on all of their vehicles starting with the 2006 models. GM called it a “move to link General Motors and its vehicle brands more closely”. However, a decision was made in August of 2009 to stop installing the badges on GM vehicles so they could focus more on core brands and less of a focus on the GM brand image itself.

The badge drew a lot of praise and criticism…it seemed that people either liked it or hated it. Some touted it with pride and referred to what it is officially called, the GM “Mark of Excellence”. Others had it removed from their cars before they drove them off the dealer lot.

Originally, I myself liked the badge for the most part. I left it on my 2007 Trailblazer SS as I thought it added a bit of character. However, I thought about removing the chicklet from my Camaro ever since the day I got it. As indicated by my SmoothLocks, small details can make a huge difference and anyone who knows me well also knows that I like to keep my Camaros clean and uncluttered in appearance. In the case of my 2010 Camaro, the GM chicklet just seemed out of place for me personally.

Before GM’s decision to stop installing them was made, right around 30,000 2010 Camaros made it out of the gate wearing the controversial badge.