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jckjds · 07-21-2008, 12:22 PM

Well, from a dealership perspective, it seems to be going well, but this article doesn't even touch on some of the product integration issues.

There is STILL too much overlap in product. My understanding of PBG was that it was supposed to save GM money by, essentially, condensing 3 brands into one -- which should, hypothetically, greatly reduce overlap. That has happened to some extent, but not enough.

Pontiac should be limited to 3 cars. Solstice, Alpha G6, and Zeta G8 (coupe versions could be utilized as Firebirds and GTO's.

Buick should be limited to two cars and MAYBE the Enclave. A Midsize FWD near lux car and a large FWD near lux car is all that Buick NEEDs. The Enclave could be kept around bc of its success, but with GMC providing the Truck/SUV component of the trio, this creates a little overlap. But, one overlapping vehicle isn't bad, especially when it's as well done as the Enclave.

GMC should provide all of the Trucks and SUVs for the grouping.

THAT'S IT. NO MORE G5'S AND STUPID REBADGES. These should be niche cars, not mass sellers -- that's what Chevy is for. Furthermore, Pontiac's cars should be almost identical to their Aussie counterarts to create additional savings. Honestly, with the direction Opel is headed, GM should probably go ahead and ditch Saturn and make Buick rebadged Opel's (like the new insignia instead of the so-so Lacrosse replacement, and a larger car of the same design to replace the Lucerne.

07-21-2008, 12:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
jckjds 3.8 Liter Supercharged V6 Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 536	Re: Buick, Pontiac, GMC Channel Working Well, from a dealership perspective, it seems to be going well, but this article doesn't even touch on some of the product integration issues. There is STILL too much overlap in product. My understanding of PBG was that it was supposed to save GM money by, essentially, condensing 3 brands into one -- which should, hypothetically, greatly reduce overlap. That has happened to some extent, but not enough. Pontiac should be limited to 3 cars. Solstice, Alpha G6, and Zeta G8 (coupe versions could be utilized as Firebirds and GTO's. Buick should be limited to two cars and MAYBE the Enclave. A Midsize FWD near lux car and a large FWD near lux car is all that Buick NEEDs. The Enclave could be kept around bc of its success, but with GMC providing the Truck/SUV component of the trio, this creates a little overlap. But, one overlapping vehicle isn't bad, especially when it's as well done as the Enclave. GMC should provide all of the Trucks and SUVs for the grouping. THAT'S IT. NO MORE G5'S AND STUPID REBADGES. These should be niche cars, not mass sellers -- that's what Chevy is for. Furthermore, Pontiac's cars should be almost identical to their Aussie counterarts to create additional savings. Honestly, with the direction Opel is headed, GM should probably go ahead and ditch Saturn and make Buick rebadged Opel's (like the new insignia instead of the so-so Lacrosse replacement, and a larger car of the same design to replace the Lucerne.