Those models for Pontiac dont say performance at all. I dont see how anyone in thier right mind would see that.

 

Which models?

 

I thought Chevrolet was one of the full lineup brands. That would mean that Chevrolet could have 1 of each, but the other brands couldn't. That doesn't mean that if Chevrolet has 1, other brands can't: Example fullsize trucks.



From this article, it seems that GM will phase out models. Wouldn't it be better (financially, politically, etc.) to cancel models immediately? It took, what, 8 years for Oldsmobile to finally die? Plymouth was killed much quicker than that.


My thoughts on Pontiac/Buick/GMC lineup:

Pontiac: Performance touring cars: G6, G8, GTO, Solstice
Buick: Near luxury cars: Lacrosse, Lucerne, Large RWD Sedan, plus Halo car(Velite)
GMC: Near luxury trucks: Minivan, Full size van, rebadged Torrent and/or Rendezvous, Yukon, Envoy, Canyon (upgraded), and Sierra.


Randy

 

Buick will be getting its make over soon. You have to understand that introducing new models on platforms that are not operational or have not been designed yet takes time (many years). You haven't seen it from Wagoner yet because he's had to spend the first few years cutting through the old Zarella cars. The current new models coming out now are a blend of Zarella and Wagoner. Zarella started the product idea and had the project rolling while Wagoner/Lutz realizing they can't stop it had to make modifications to it to try to make it less undesirable.

Be patient Buickman. The Aura, Sky, Solstice, the STS, and C6 are all items that had a Wagoner and Lutz touch to them. I am very impressed with them and making me have faith in what they can do in the future once the old Zarella plans are all finally terminated.

Buick is a niche brand that will get their day in the sun. They will get an awesome 4 models with no SUV or minivan and will be competitive in a specific market segment. Buick is a small brand compared to that of Chevrolet, so they will get around to Buick soon enough when the development money is there. I think they already have a winning Buick stretegy they're waiting to execute.

 

So the same showroom would sell two different premium RWD coupes and two different pricey RWD sedans?

I don't think you guys are gettin' it.

 

I too like this idea of GM downsizing. Long gone are the days of each brand carrying full product lines. Having 4 rebadged Equinoxes/Ventures whatever is damaging to the whole product line if you ask me.

So how will this all stack up as far as dealers following the above suggestions:

Chevy Dealers - Full Chevy Product Line
Cadillac Dealers - Full Cadillac Product Line
Pontiac/Buick/GMC Dealers - Combined = Full Product Line
Hummer???
Saab???

 

Velite is a roadster, GTO is a sports coupe. I think that is different enough.... if Velite actually is produced.

As for the two RWD sedans, perhaps the Buick could be a true "full size" where the Grand Prix or G8 would stay at it's current size. The Pontiac would be tighter handling, the Buick would be softer riding... either that or have one of the two be FWD...

 

When you say roadster...do you mean "roadster" or do you mean convertible?

Either way, Solstice and G6 Convertible....cover both of those.

 

I would agree that Solstice and/or G6 vert would cross the Velite more than the GTO...

Maybe they need a different directioon for a Buick halo.

 

This will be great. Don't forget that with Pontiac down to 4 models, they will be able to really put some resources into them, instead of wasting money on rebadging every Chevy that comes around.

 

The limiting of the range of vehicles for Pontiac and Buick is about the smartest thing I've heard out of GM in a long, long time...

I am also puzzled about the elimination of the LeSabre as a nameplate, unless it's due to the fact that a large percentage of people who knew and loved the LeSabre nameplate have now gone to meet their maker, since the average age of a Buick buyer is somewhere between "72" and "deceased".

 

That of course is the real upside.

 

Pontiac needs 5 models, IMO, to keep up with the Mazda/Nissan market.

I'm all for the G6/G8/GTO/Solstice idea...but they STILL need a competitive small car to get the young buyers in the door. Sure, Chevy is supposed to do that, but I still think an aggressive Cobalt with a supercharged engine would make a GREAT G4...look at the Mazda 3 (especially the upcoming 250+hp Mazdaspeed 3) for validity of this point...

As for the two premium RWD sedans? I'm with Darth on this one...you CAN and SHOULD have two. "Grand Prix" would be the Maxima/TL/G35 type performance sedan, while "Regal" would be the Lexus benchmark. Two different animals that could be sold under the same roof, I think...

I like where this is going, but I still think Pontiac can't be cut too short. Buick I can see bringing down to 3-4 models total, but I really think for Pontiac to truly = performance in the minds of the consumers, 5 is needed.

 

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LaNeve understands. Finally.