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GM to phase out Pontiac?
- Thread starter shoopice
- Start date
Kindof hard when something like 70% of their sales are Chevrolets.
ttanewyork
Well-Known Member
I herd pontiac will saty on as a nitch product. I hope that means G8's, GTO's, and Firebirds. But probably not. Saturn, saab, and hummer will be sold off, or closed.
TTA976
Silver Member
My proposal to Jim Wagoner is: Sell Hummer and Saab; Close Buick; Sell Vauxhaul; Keep Chevrolet for Pick-ups, Van, and Utility type vehicles; Keep Pontiac for Sporty Sedans/Coupes; Keep Saturn for small efficient vehicles; Keep Cadillac for Upscale Luxury sedans.
Don't think he'll listen though...:dumb:
Don't think he'll listen though...:dumb:
Although none of you here feel passonate about buick it is actually a good product. In China Buick is an extremely high volume and profitable division. We had some bad years with buick, but the quality is now extremely high and the price is not much more than a chevrolet.
As far as Pontiac being joined with Chevrolet, that is wrong. Thier current push is to have chevrolet as one "distribution channel" and the Buick Pontiac-GMC as another "distribution channel". That is what they were trying to sell to congress as if Buick, Pontiac and GMC were all one brand. Of course we all know that is bull-crap since their are still dealers with one or two of those franchises without the third.
By reducing Pontiac to one or two models it is GM's attemp to further reduce it's dealer network. I had found it difficult to see why that was their goal because GM charges their dealers so much for special tools, promotional materials, and other BS charges. My only thought is that GM is concerned dealers are focusing thier competitive efforts beating their GM competition instead of competing with the other makes - just a guess. Of course that means there is someone that is using logic to make a decision which may be giving GM too much credit these days.
As far as Pontiac being joined with Chevrolet, that is wrong. Thier current push is to have chevrolet as one "distribution channel" and the Buick Pontiac-GMC as another "distribution channel". That is what they were trying to sell to congress as if Buick, Pontiac and GMC were all one brand. Of course we all know that is bull-crap since their are still dealers with one or two of those franchises without the third.
By reducing Pontiac to one or two models it is GM's attemp to further reduce it's dealer network. I had found it difficult to see why that was their goal because GM charges their dealers so much for special tools, promotional materials, and other BS charges. My only thought is that GM is concerned dealers are focusing thier competitive efforts beating their GM competition instead of competing with the other makes - just a guess. Of course that means there is someone that is using logic to make a decision which may be giving GM too much credit these days.
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It was announced a few years ago that GM would combine Buick, Pontic and GMC into one dealer network. They are just "in the process" of doing the transition. Part of this process was elimination of the full size Bonne. and going with the G5, G6, G8 lineup. Ultimately the BPG group would have alternative offerings to Chevy with some unique to each group. From what I have read, as far as the elimination of the Pontiac name, it will probly remain, but only for a couple of models.
All this is based on the company serviving. I am afraid Washington could care less if the american auto industry servives. The govt has been most antagonistic to the american auto industry for years. We'll see.
Glenn
Glenn
WS6
Stay thirsty my friends
I can see keeping Buick..not that Buick has anything to offer me, but the rest of the buying public thinks otherwise. Chevrolet? of course! Cadillac? I see their target market, but GM has got to get that Northstar powerplant straightend out. Pontiac? Has always been my favorite division. But frankly the new G series has got me scratching my head? GMC? my second favorite division and I still can't believe it outlasted Oldsmobile. It must be the bigger ( 5 ton and up) market that keeps them in.
I read that Saturn is going and that Pontiac will be stay as "build to order "only. However that would work.
I read that Saturn is going and that Pontiac will be stay as "build to order "only. However that would work.
RatFink
TORQUE
would anyone give a shit about Buick again if they built a twin turbo intercooled - alky injection (optional add on) GNX that cost around $50,000?
The same deal, you know...turn up the boost and fuel with some bolt-ons and bury a new ZR-1...
Yeah, it will never happen in this economy, but it would be very cool. I miss the 80's, Rock'n'roll sucks or is non-existant now and reality tv isn't funny.
The same deal, you know...turn up the boost and fuel with some bolt-ons and bury a new ZR-1...
Yeah, it will never happen in this economy, but it would be very cool. I miss the 80's, Rock'n'roll sucks or is non-existant now and reality tv isn't funny.
92conv
Well-Known Member
Exactly the reason they will not do away with Buick.
They did get the Northstar straightened out...by eliminating it! I don't know if you've looked really close at Cadillacs lately but they have greatly reduced is use. SRX, CTS and STS come standard with their 3.6L V6. Escalades are using the 6.2L LS based V8 so there really isn't much left using the northstar.
I really think GMC has been kept to build the Buick, Pontiac-GMC distribution channel they are looking for. Without a truck, the dealers wouldn't exactly be excited to go along with the program.
That is the first I've heard of "build to order". GM has done everything in their power to kill "build to order" in the past. They offer great incentives that aren't price protected - a consumer doesn't know if they'll get $500 or $5,000 rebate when that vehicle is delivered. They are also not offered any time frame, I've had sold orders come as fast as 3 weeks or as slow as 4 months. Pretty hard to tell the customer "it will cost sticker or less and will probably be sometime this year". You know, I've said it before and I'll say it again - GM builds excellent cars but their marketing department REALLY STINKS.
