GM Shrinking to 4 brands - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lunatic · 01-12-2009, 10:59 PM

GM Shrinking to 4 brands

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/o...o-four-models/

In an interview Sunday with Automotive News (sub. req'd), Troy Clarke, GM's North American president, said that General Motors will be able to make good on its promise to Congress to drastically cut costs. Clarke said that GM will now focus its "product and marketing resources" on Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC. That would leave Pontiac, Saturn, Saab and HUMMER in automotive limbo. As part of that same plan presented to lawmakers, GM said it would sell or close Saturn. And since no one has yet stepped forward with cash, the future is not at all certain for the unique brand despite what GM's marketing VP Mark LaNeve says.

In a separate interview, Bob Lutz told AN that Pontiac will also have to get by with only four models: the G8, G5, Vibe and Solstice. Or five models if you count the Solstice coupe separately as Lutz does. Shrinking the brand would complete yet another promise GM made to Congress to make Pontiac a niche brand.

**special-K** · 01-13-2009, 06:55 AM

I`m confused.Are they dropping Pontiac or shrinking it to four models?If they drop Pontiac I hope they are rebranding the G8.I wonder about Holden.

drummin89 · 01-13-2009, 08:57 AM

I've never been in a situation like this, so what happens to a vehicle warranty when they drop a make? I have a 07 Pontiac G5 with plenty of its warranty left.

rod86 · 01-13-2009, 09:18 AM

hmm very interesting... wonder if holdens included in all that? its just like any of then othe rmakes that general motors owns... nothings been mentiond bout the other international car makers they own either like daewoo, opel, vaxhaul,etc... or is it just gonna be american only makes?

**WorkinLonghorn** · 01-13-2009, 09:45 AM

Drummin89, they would have to honer your warranty. It's GM that warranties your car,not "Pontiac".

**special-K** · 01-13-2009, 11:29 AM

Warrantees are protected by consumer law.So,in the worst cae the government will cover it.Most warrantees are handled by outside companies,too.

70cstjr · 01-13-2009, 12:09 PM

you will be safe with your car the same thing happened when they dropped oldsmobile, its still able to be serviced at most any GM dealer

screwballl · 01-13-2009, 12:18 PM

I have been saying to people for years that GM just needs to reduce its brands to just 3: GMC, Chevy and Cadillac. Let everything else go. Let the Swedes buy Saab back, give the Hummer brand to the landfills (or the military as only the original HMV is worthy of any praise), and Pontiac and Olds have been pretty much a useless brand since the late 70s after the last real steel muscle cars died off.
Saturns were an off shoot of Geo for budget cars to start with that transformed into another same car/different name brand of GM.

They need Cadillac for luxury brand, GMC for professional/commercial class and Chevy for every day vehicles.

rambler · 01-13-2009, 12:22 PM

are they still trying to buy chrysler?

also I remember when they ravied about the saturn manufacting processing and "employee" ownership.. and sharing of profits.. wonder what all happend to that?

NONHOG · 01-13-2009, 12:52 PM

In a separate interview, Bob Lutz told AN that Pontiac will also have to get by with only four models: the G8, G5, Vibe and Solstice.

Hmmm Vibe is a rebadged Toyota if I'm thinking correctly .
Hard to imagine, what maybe 20 years ago Oldsmobile had the best selling car in America .
And until recently GM sold more trucks than anybody IF you add GMC and Chevy together.
Now nothing is selling . Maybe it is time to streamline ? Just hate to see all the potential job loses.

**Palf70Step** · 01-13-2009, 01:57 PM

I can't understand the Pontiac drop over Buick, but Oh well. I was surprised they kept GMC, unless it is just fior the HD section of trucks.

Of course this only pertains mostly to the US market. Opel (Saturn) will still probably thrive in Europe. Holden (Pontiac) will still thrive in Austrailia. Hummer was always a waste IMO.

What did it take 3-5 years from when they announced it before they finally dropped Olds?

I guess we will see what materializes.

big_al_71 · 01-13-2009, 02:08 PM

If you spread your self too thin you become weak and that is exactly what happened to GM.
I am glad to see them regrouping and trying to save themselves. We own a saab dealer, GMC, pontiac, buick ,toyota, hyundai and two mitsubishi we will have a bit of problems with those franchises if they choose to drop those lines thank the lord we own several japanese branded dealers to save the day.

chevyboy55 · 01-13-2009, 07:40 PM

Do people still buy Buick's? They must,I agree with Bill, I can't see dropping that over Pontiac.

Alex1 · 01-13-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I can't understand the Pontiac drop over Buick, but Oh well.

It's because they are VERY popular in China (Buick).

jeffspower · 01-13-2009, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex1

It's because they are VERY popular in China (Buick).

Yep. Buick is THE car in China. Pontiac isn't THE car anywhere, and hasn't been for decades. Even though I have owned a few Bvilles and GP's I don't favor their over the top gaudy looks. Buick has re- nailed the sophisticated, slightly sporty look they once had with cars like the 66/67 Riv and 67/68 Electra & Wildcat.

At least in my taste anyway

67ChevyRedneck · 01-13-2009, 09:35 PM

Buick is the NUMBER ONE BRAND in China. And thanks to it, wait 'till you see the sweet looking rides Buick will have in the next year or two (yep, I said that about a Buick).

Pontiac has been so brand confused it's time to die. "Where" Pontiac fits in at GM has been up in the air for far too many years. They recently dropped the G8ST and instead picked up an increadibly fugly and cheap looking G3 (AVEO REBADGE). Pontiac could survive as a performance brand with the Solstice, G8, G8ST and a sport coupe (think GTO) but apparently GM doesn't want to go that route anymore. There's no commitment at all for a next generation Solstice, nor for the G8. GM also "axed" the G8ST and the sport coupe.

What can I say about Caddy, but WOW! The way they have improved is nothing short of amazing. They have some incredible rides coming too.

Chevy/GMC need to keep introducing vehicles with the quality and appeal of the GMT900's and Malibu. I have a feeling the new Cruze will be a big hit as will the Camaro.

GMC... will stay rebadged Chevrolet trucks and SUV's.

Saturn is a damn shame that they need to keep. Saturn has a very loyal customer base and some very nice products. My wife wants a Vue as her next vehicle.

As far as warranties, I wouldn't worry. GM consolidated GMC/Buick/Pontiac into one network a year or two ago. Warranties will be honored if one brand goes away.

Hummer and Saab... it would be great if GM could keep them, but in this economic climate... BYE BYE!

**special-K** · 01-14-2009, 06:44 AM

I figured they got rid of Olds and started Saturn.Just an approach to revamp buyer`s attitude.They played down that it was a GM brand.I didn`t know for a good while.I figure that brand is right for the times with a foundation in practicality.Sure,they branched into a SUV(very practical one) and the Sporty thing lke a Solstice (also a practicle sports car).

screwballl · 01-14-2009, 02:30 PM

It is agreed that Saturn had a short but strong history... they have a website where they got started... the first prototypes were really nothing more than rebadged Buick/Olds/Chevy cars but that turned into their own Saturn specific vehicles. Then by the early 2000s they consolidated the lines and became rebadged GM cars.
I can see why it is time to drop them or sell them off now, their whole line is nothing more than rebadged Chevy/GMC cars and SUVs. The metal may be slightly modified but pretty much everything else is the same (engine, interior, frame, etc).

panhandler62 · 01-14-2009, 03:28 PM

Buicks have a very loyal following.
Saturns are not Geos.. Geos were Toyotas and Isuzus.

HeavyD · 01-15-2009, 02:16 AM

I still don't understand why they sell both Chevy and GMC 1/2 ton trucks. Only difference being badging and grilles??? No wonder they are having problems. Get rid of one.

texanidiot25 · 01-15-2009, 02:53 AM

Trim levels and platform sharing. The trickle down effect as well. Makes thing cheaper when it hits the Chevy. Biggest difference is Chevy is the lesser model more settled for budget consumers. GMC is the upper-mid level premium truck more aimed at luxury buyers. Cadillac is even a larger step up from that.

But realize this, it's also about brand image. Some GMC owners wouldn't be caught dead in a Chevy. Yes, seems silly, until you realize Acura and Lexus drivers wouldn't be caught in the lesser brand either,

01-12-2009, 10:59 PM	#1
lunatic Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: BC Posts: 929	GM Shrinking to 4 brands GM Shrinking to 4 brands http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/o...o-four-models/ In an interview Sunday with Automotive News (sub. req'd), Troy Clarke, GM's North American president, said that General Motors will be able to make good on its promise to Congress to drastically cut costs. Clarke said that GM will now focus its "product and marketing resources" on Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC. That would leave Pontiac, Saturn, Saab and HUMMER in automotive limbo. As part of that same plan presented to lawmakers, GM said it would sell or close Saturn. And since no one has yet stepped forward with cash, the future is not at all certain for the unique brand despite what GM's marketing VP Mark LaNeve says. In a separate interview, Bob Lutz told AN that Pontiac will also have to get by with only four models: the G8, G5, Vibe and Solstice. Or five models if you count the Solstice coupe separately as Lutz does. Shrinking the brand would complete yet another promise GM made to Congress to make Pontiac a niche brand.

01-13-2009, 06:55 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands I`m confused.Are they dropping Pontiac or shrinking it to four models?If they drop Pontiac I hope they are rebranding the G8.I wonder about Holden. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-13-2009, 08:57 AM	#3
drummin89 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wapwallopen Pa Posts: 412	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands I've never been in a situation like this, so what happens to a vehicle warranty when they drop a make? I have a 07 Pontiac G5 with plenty of its warranty left. __________________ Chris 52 Chevy 3600 (3/4 ton) 5 window pickup -54 235 Inline 6 w/ Fuel Injection Conversion -Clifford 2/4bbl Aluminum Intake and Headers -1/2 ton front axle swap w/ 5lug disc brake kit -CPP Power Steering Kit Various pictures of my 52 Chevy 3600 Last edited by drummin89; 01-13-2009 at 08:58 AM.

01-13-2009, 09:18 AM	#4
rod86 great southern land Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: perth - australia Posts: 6,194	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands hmm very interesting... wonder if holdens included in all that? its just like any of then othe rmakes that general motors owns... nothings been mentiond bout the other international car makers they own either like daewoo, opel, vaxhaul,etc... or is it just gonna be american only makes? __________________ rod 86 chevy c10 silverado

01-13-2009, 09:45 AM	#5
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,861	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands Drummin89, they would have to honer your warranty. It's GM that warranties your car,not "Pontiac". __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent. Last edited by WorkinLonghorn; 01-13-2009 at 09:46 AM.

01-13-2009, 11:29 AM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands Warrantees are protected by consumer law.So,in the worst cae the government will cover it.Most warrantees are handled by outside companies,too. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-13-2009, 12:09 PM	#7
70cstjr Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: laura, ohio Posts: 935	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands you will be safe with your car the same thing happened when they dropped oldsmobile, its still able to be serviced at most any GM dealer __________________ PROJECT CIRCUIT RIDER

01-13-2009, 12:18 PM	#8
screwballl Tonawanda 454 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Liquid Sunshine State Posts: 2,755	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands I have been saying to people for years that GM just needs to reduce its brands to just 3: GMC, Chevy and Cadillac. Let everything else go. Let the Swedes buy Saab back, give the Hummer brand to the landfills (or the military as only the original HMV is worthy of any praise), and Pontiac and Olds have been pretty much a useless brand since the late 70s after the last real steel muscle cars died off. Saturns were an off shoot of Geo for budget cars to start with that transformed into another same car/different name brand of GM. They need Cadillac for luxury brand, GMC for professional/commercial class and Chevy for every day vehicles. __________________ 91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! 04 Dodge Durango 5.7L Hemi 2WD, 24K miles (as of July 2011) In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. -------------------

01-13-2009, 12:22 PM	#9
rambler MOVE OVER Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Warrensburg, MO Posts: 5,470	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands are they still trying to buy chrysler? also I remember when they ravied about the saturn manufacting processing and "employee" ownership.. and sharing of profits.. wonder what all happend to that? __________________ No matter where you are..... There you are... Buckaroo Banzi

01-13-2009, 12:52 PM	#10
NONHOG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Marana, Arizona Posts: 3,416	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands In a separate interview, Bob Lutz told AN that Pontiac will also have to get by with only four models: the G8, G5, Vibe and Solstice. Hmmm Vibe is a rebadged Toyota if I'm thinking correctly . Hard to imagine, what maybe 20 years ago Oldsmobile had the best selling car in America . And until recently GM sold more trucks than anybody IF you add GMC and Chevy together. Now nothing is selling . Maybe it is time to streamline ? Just hate to see all the potential job loses. __________________ "I feel the need for speed!"... as soon as I am done with my nap.

01-13-2009, 01:57 PM	#11
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,746	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands I can't understand the Pontiac drop over Buick, but Oh well. I was surprised they kept GMC, unless it is just fior the HD section of trucks. Of course this only pertains mostly to the US market. Opel (Saturn) will still probably thrive in Europe. Holden (Pontiac) will still thrive in Austrailia. Hummer was always a waste IMO. What did it take 3-5 years from when they announced it before they finally dropped Olds? I guess we will see what materializes. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 01-13-2009 at 07:19 PM.

01-13-2009, 02:08 PM	#12
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands If you spread your self too thin you become weak and that is exactly what happened to GM. I am glad to see them regrouping and trying to save themselves. We own a saab dealer, GMC, pontiac, buick ,toyota, hyundai and two mitsubishi we will have a bit of problems with those franchises if they choose to drop those lines thank the lord we own several japanese branded dealers to save the day. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

01-13-2009, 07:40 PM	#13
chevyboy55 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kelso,Wa Posts: 3,637	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands Do people still buy Buick's? They must,I agree with Bill, I can't see dropping that over Pontiac. __________________ Great minds think alike,So do ours

01-13-2009, 09:35 PM	#16
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands Buick is the NUMBER ONE BRAND in China. And thanks to it, wait 'till you see the sweet looking rides Buick will have in the next year or two (yep, I said that about a Buick). Pontiac has been so brand confused it's time to die. "Where" Pontiac fits in at GM has been up in the air for far too many years. They recently dropped the G8ST and instead picked up an increadibly fugly and cheap looking G3 (AVEO REBADGE). Pontiac could survive as a performance brand with the Solstice, G8, G8ST and a sport coupe (think GTO) but apparently GM doesn't want to go that route anymore. There's no commitment at all for a next generation Solstice, nor for the G8. GM also "axed" the G8ST and the sport coupe. What can I say about Caddy, but WOW! The way they have improved is nothing short of amazing. They have some incredible rides coming too. Chevy/GMC need to keep introducing vehicles with the quality and appeal of the GMT900's and Malibu. I have a feeling the new Cruze will be a big hit as will the Camaro. GMC... will stay rebadged Chevrolet trucks and SUV's. Saturn is a damn shame that they need to keep. Saturn has a very loyal customer base and some very nice products. My wife wants a Vue as her next vehicle. As far as warranties, I wouldn't worry. GM consolidated GMC/Buick/Pontiac into one network a year or two ago. Warranties will be honored if one brand goes away. Hummer and Saab... it would be great if GM could keep them, but in this economic climate... BYE BYE! __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 01-14-2009 at 12:32 PM.

01-14-2009, 06:44 AM	#17
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands I figured they got rid of Olds and started Saturn.Just an approach to revamp buyer`s attitude.They played down that it was a GM brand.I didn`t know for a good while.I figure that brand is right for the times with a foundation in practicality.Sure,they branched into a SUV(very practical one) and the Sporty thing lke a Solstice (also a practicle sports car). __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~



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01-14-2009, 02:30 PM	#18
screwballl Tonawanda 454 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Liquid Sunshine State Posts: 2,755	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands It is agreed that Saturn had a short but strong history... they have a website where they got started... the first prototypes were really nothing more than rebadged Buick/Olds/Chevy cars but that turned into their own Saturn specific vehicles. Then by the early 2000s they consolidated the lines and became rebadged GM cars. I can see why it is time to drop them or sell them off now, their whole line is nothing more than rebadged Chevy/GMC cars and SUVs. The metal may be slightly modified but pretty much everything else is the same (engine, interior, frame, etc). __________________ 91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! 04 Dodge Durango 5.7L Hemi 2WD, 24K miles (as of July 2011) In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. -------------------

01-14-2009, 03:28 PM	#19
panhandler62 Java Mechanic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Martinsburg, WV Posts: 6,764	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands Buicks have a very loyal following. Saturns are not Geos.. Geos were Toyotas and Isuzus. __________________ Keith 11 Lincoln MKT -- Momma's wagon 13 G37xS -- middle age crazy car 68 C20 Fleetside -- RIP Decorating the whole town up at a cost of $27 ....

01-15-2009, 02:16 AM	#20
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,173	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands I still don't understand why they sell both Chevy and GMC 1/2 ton trucks. Only difference being badging and grilles??? No wonder they are having problems. Get rid of one. __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man"

01-15-2009, 02:53 AM	#21
texanidiot25 Eat My Rust Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 3,362	Re: GM Shrinking to 4 brands Trim levels and platform sharing. The trickle down effect as well. Makes thing cheaper when it hits the Chevy. Biggest difference is Chevy is the lesser model more settled for budget consumers. GMC is the upper-mid level premium truck more aimed at luxury buyers. Cadillac is even a larger step up from that. But realize this, it's also about brand image. Some GMC owners wouldn't be caught dead in a Chevy. Yes, seems silly, until you realize Acura and Lexus drivers wouldn't be caught in the lesser brand either,

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