Quote:
Originally Posted by jckjds
If GM cuts Pontiac in favor of Saturn, it will be the biggest mistake GM has made in a long time (and that's really saying something with this comedy of errors).
Quite frankly, one brand needs to go. Given that Saturn only has a limited number of stores and a limited sales volume (plus, little brand value due to its relatively recent creation), it is the most obvious choice. Cutting Saturn should be relatively inexpensive, and it's product portfolio could be redistributed Buick and Pontiac (whatever isn't cut altogether).
Outlook -- gone, it's the worst of the Lambdas anyway.
Vue -- Buick
Aura -- gone -- the upcoming Lacrosse is better and competes in the same category/price.
Sky -- gone -- already have the Solstice. Could make it a Chevy if GM really wants to keep 2 around.
Astra -- could be the entry level Pontiac. Performance needs to be added, but it's already available in the european model, so that's noot a big deal.
Going forward, Buick should be heavily aligned with Opel -- as Opel's new, upscale designs appear to be a perfect fit for Buick. That should reduce Buick's overhead, while allowing for a relatively complete lineup.
|
I COULD NOT AGREE MORE. THE ONLY GM BRANDS THAT WOULD BE CHEAPER TO CUT WOULD BE HUMMER AND SAAB. HUMMER IS UP FOR SALE, AND I DON'T THINK SAAB WILL BE GOING ANYWHERE SINCE IT IS BECOMING A STRONG DEVELOPMENT SOURCE FOR GM.
KILLING SATURN MAKES MOST SENSE, LESS DEALERS, LOWER COST TO DO SO AND PONTIAC HAS OUTSOLD SATURN EVERY YEAR AND HAS A BETTER IMAGE.
ONE SUGGESTION WOULD BE; If GM wants to have two cars of the Sky/Solstice, give Cadillac the Sky and upgrade the hell out of it in refinement (premium leather, power driver's seat, heated front seats, power top, high performance V6 Engine with turbo or supercharger.