Pontiac's Uncertain Future

[nadepalma]

Originally Posted by Archangel

Many people fail to even tell one from the other. Pontiac's G5 should have been a re-badged Astra, not a Cobalt.

Cobalt


G5


Two different brands, two different cars. That's how it should be. I bet sales for the Pontiac Astra would've been a lot better than the G5 sales or Saturn Astra sales. Of course, a more powerful engine would've been required. Same engine options as in the G5, with the addition of a turbocharged GXP with 275hp.

Agreed. There was one poster from Canada (can't remember who it was) who said that if the Astra was sold as a G5 hatch, it would be selling like hotcakes.

In Canada, apparently, the Pontiac badge is well regarded - while Saturn is nearly non-existant. GM should consider this if it DOES take any drastic action on Pontiac, like shuttering the brand.

But yes, I think you have a great point - just sell it here as a Pontiac instead of wasting time with Saturn.

Great chop by the way - very well done.

[nadepalma]

Originally Posted by 96_impala_ss

Olds was around since 1897 and purchased by GM in 1908. Look where they ended up.

Yes, Olds was older. And it was a shame the brand died. I was really upset at the time. But I also feel that GM made the right move in the end.

But the larger point was that I believe that Saturn doesn't stand for anything. Pontiac may have a bit of a tarnished image, but GM could revive it with little difficulty if they gave them some real attention. Saturn, however, has had a recent $3 billion revival added to the $15 BILLION GM has already spent on them. Enough is enough. IMHO, GM should pull the plug and focus those dollars on Pontiac and Buick - but that's just me.

[SCCA1995]

Originally Posted by nadepalma

But the larger point was that I believe that Saturn doesn't stand for anything. Pontiac may have a bit of a tarnished image, but GM could revive it with little difficulty if they gave them some real attention. Saturn, however, has had a recent $3 billion revival added to the $15 BILLION GM has already spent on them. Enough is enough. IMHO, GM should pull the plug and focus those dollars on Pontiac and Buick - but that's just me.

I agree totally. I think Saturn should have been closed instead of Olds. Even if that would have happened, there is no guarantee that Olds would still be here.