I truly believe that unless Pontiac is revived – GM will soon see an erosion in sales to both domestic and foreign competition.
Buick and Cadillac are seeking the same market share,
GMC is the same as Chevy – yet the “rebadging” syndrome is not seen as problematic in this instance. Why not??
Chevy – however robust its sales – is seen as a poor man’s car. It will never shake that image.
Pontiac has an established genetic following – my guess is at least 25 different clubs representing thousands just itching to by a new Pontiac.
I was at a cocktail party on Friday and neighbors (all DEMS) were discussing their new car interests – whereupon they excitedly talked up the new Nissan GT-R, the Honda CR-Z, BMW X-6 and the Volvo X-60, et. al.. Not a single domestic brand entered the conversation.
Pontiac’s new charter is there for the taking – reintroduce the line to compete head to head with all these foreign hotties. With G8 they proved they could do it. Indeed if GM can’t take this initiative and MAKE IT SUCCESSFUL – how are they going to remain viable ?
Romney was right – the Government should have stayed out of it. Foreclosure would have allowed restructuring – new a labor relationship – sans unions – like the aforementioned foreign badges – and far reduced operating costs. Obama is foisting his ideology on the auto industry – the irony is that none of his limousine liberal lock-step followers will buy a Government Motors car !!
Somehow even marginal brands like Suzuki,Volvo, Scion and KIA have been able to win in the automotive battleground – so can GM – with Pontiac.
PONTIAC RUNS DEEPER !!
PS – The new lineup must all be fuel conscious – my above opinions notwithstanding – I am an environmental progressive – believe it or not.
