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Fusion2.3H · 06-22-2008, 10:03 PM

Creating the New Pontiac Lineup PART 2 of Series
By: Fusion2.3h

When making any strategic decision on future vehicles for a marquee it is important to consider the development time involved. While many auto manufacturers claim a 24 month development time, this normally precludes 1-2 years of research and development (R&D) into the areas of marketing, preliminary engineering, and other areas. Hence, this evaluation should not be viewed as a sole strategy for Pontiac, but as a starting point for the future of Pontiac’s lineup through the 2012-2015 Model Year (MY’), being that the current product life cycle is locked in.

The Pontiac G6 (Grand Am)

For most brands one to two vehicles comprise the majority of brands sales. One often used example by product planners is the Civic and Accord which comprise over 50% of their yearly sales. In the Pontiac lineup the G6 comprises nearly 50% of it’s overall sales. Going into the next product life cycle, it will be important to build upon this foundation; these vehicles often act as an entrance for customers to the brand experience and lead them into purchasing other brand nameplates.

Traditionally, platforms were technically difficult to re-engineer to create a distinguishable vehicle. With advances in platform design and the movement of vehicle design to computer, designers have been able to improve differentiation of vehicles to the point that a Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline share no visible similarities. General Motors has also developed this technology and is able to create two separate vehicles on the same platform, greatly reducing development costs. Without having to support the Hummer and GMC brands, GM is freed into funneling money into creating a unique Pontiac G6.

In six to seven years customer’s who are purchasing a Malibu will be looking at Camrys, Accords, and Sonatas. This leaves open the Altima, Mazda6, and Legacy market in the United States and C4 in Europe, with the Aura competing against the Passat and future entrants such as Alfa Romeo. The new G6 will offer AWD and Front-wheel drive versions with the AWD systems being able to communicate over 50% of engine power to any wheel. Higher end versions of the G6 will include magnetic ride control such as the CTS-V as an option package that includes wider tires.

Technically, the G6 will offer a turning circle and steering wheel turns-to-lock below competitors. From a drivers perspective this will provide under steer through sharp turns and with the magnetic ride control it will communicate road feedback to make the driver feel they are one with the road. Combined with the Pontiac’s unique AWD system and it will be fun to drive in the Mountains on the weekend, yet with the Magnetic Ride control it will be able to be driven during commutes.

The G6 will remain available in Sedan, Coupe, Cabriolet, and will see the introduction of a Wagon for customers that need more room without sacrificing fuel economy, though further market reserach would be needed to determine demand for a Wagon in the U.S. light-vehicle market.

Competitors

2009 Mazda6

2008 Citroen C4 Coupe

2008 Subaru Legacy

2008 Nissan Altima

Design Inspiration

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

Although the design of the current G8 is uniquely Pontiac, the design can be improved upon to provide a more in your face look compared to an understated Altima, Mazda6, or Legacy. Customers looking for something unique that they can count on can trust on the Pontiac G6

Stay tuned to the next part of the Series….Pontiac G5

06-22-2008, 10:03 PM	#129 (permalink)
Fusion2.3H 1.4 Liter Turbocharged ECOTEC Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 73	Re: Pontiac Needs to Close Creating the New Pontiac Lineup PART 2 of Series By: Fusion2.3h When making any strategic decision on future vehicles for a marquee it is important to consider the development time involved. While many auto manufacturers claim a 24 month development time, this normally precludes 1-2 years of research and development (R&D) into the areas of marketing, preliminary engineering, and other areas. Hence, this evaluation should not be viewed as a sole strategy for Pontiac, but as a starting point for the future of Pontiac’s lineup through the 2012-2015 Model Year (MY’), being that the current product life cycle is locked in. The Pontiac G6 (Grand Am) For most brands one to two vehicles comprise the majority of brands sales. One often used example by product planners is the Civic and Accord which comprise over 50% of their yearly sales. In the Pontiac lineup the G6 comprises nearly 50% of it’s overall sales. Going into the next product life cycle, it will be important to build upon this foundation; these vehicles often act as an entrance for customers to the brand experience and lead them into purchasing other brand nameplates. Traditionally, platforms were technically difficult to re-engineer to create a distinguishable vehicle. With advances in platform design and the movement of vehicle design to computer, designers have been able to improve differentiation of vehicles to the point that a Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline share no visible similarities. General Motors has also developed this technology and is able to create two separate vehicles on the same platform, greatly reducing development costs. Without having to support the Hummer and GMC brands, GM is freed into funneling money into creating a unique Pontiac G6. In six to seven years customer’s who are purchasing a Malibu will be looking at Camrys, Accords, and Sonatas. This leaves open the Altima, Mazda6, and Legacy market in the United States and C4 in Europe, with the Aura competing against the Passat and future entrants such as Alfa Romeo. The new G6 will offer AWD and Front-wheel drive versions with the AWD systems being able to communicate over 50% of engine power to any wheel. Higher end versions of the G6 will include magnetic ride control such as the CTS-V as an option package that includes wider tires. Technically, the G6 will offer a turning circle and steering wheel turns-to-lock below competitors. From a drivers perspective this will provide under steer through sharp turns and with the magnetic ride control it will communicate road feedback to make the driver feel they are one with the road. Combined with the Pontiac’s unique AWD system and it will be fun to drive in the Mountains on the weekend, yet with the Magnetic Ride control it will be able to be driven during commutes. The G6 will remain available in Sedan, Coupe, Cabriolet, and will see the introduction of a Wagon for customers that need more room without sacrificing fuel economy, though further market reserach would be needed to determine demand for a Wagon in the U.S. light-vehicle market. Competitors 2009 Mazda6 2008 Citroen C4 Coupe 2008 Subaru Legacy 2008 Nissan Altima Design Inspiration 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP Although the design of the current G8 is uniquely Pontiac, the design can be improved upon to provide a more in your face look compared to an understated Altima, Mazda6, or Legacy. Customers looking for something unique that they can count on can trust on the Pontiac G6 Stay tuned to the next part of the Series….Pontiac G5 Last edited by Fusion2.3H : 06-22-2008 at 10:09 PM.