[nadepalma]

I like the idea of combining brands into one for certain. The only thing I would worry about is if such a brand would step on the toes of Chevrolet and how that would impact the brass at GM. Chevy (and Caddy) have always been hallowed brands and am not sure if they'd go for it. However, the idea is a good one.

As for the name, perhaps something like "Warren" woul work best. Or perhaps GM could reach into their bag of un-used names and pull one out that has some signficance (Oakland? The brand that Pontiac replaced?). The GMconnection is a good thought, but would worry that it wouldn't be "marketable" in commericals, print, advertising, etc.

The idea of a sub-branding strategy is interesting too. GM kinda/Sorta did this with LaSalle, Pontiac (before it supplanted Oakland), Viking, and Marquette. These brands were "brands-between-brands" in GM's traditional divisions used to fill the gaps that existed there. But they were kinda paired with existing brands - LaSalle with Caddy, Marquette with Buick, etc. Your idea isn't the exact same thing, but certainly echoes some of it.

As for Saab, Paul it's funny you mentioned a possible future Saab/Volvo combo, cause one article I read a few years ago stated that the Swedes wanted just that. When Volvo was rumored to have been up for sale - and BMW and PSA Puegot-Citroen seemingly wanted to take the brand over - Volvo's former parent company said they'd be interested in repurcashing the brand. One article said that if Volvo AB got a hold of Volvo Cars again, they should approach GM to purchase Saab and make a "true" Swedish car company. The idea being that Saab would become a "feeder" of sorts to Volvo - and with both brands being FWD, this would make a lot of sense. Ultimately it's fantasy, but the idea was there. Kudos for picking up on it.

However, I dont think that Saab is at risk any longer. They are near break even and still have some cachet in some world markets. As GM streamlines it's product planning and engineering departments, I think that we'll see more and more coming out of Saab. I also think that Saab works well to compliment Caddy - two luxury brands: one European, one American; one "traditional/RWD" and one "sporty/FWD-based", etc. That's fine by me.

All good stuff Paul. Like to see the ideas being brought forward.