@Alex
Thanks for the clarification on the Buick cars in China. That fact that the popular Excelle is to be replaced with a global platform further illustrates the value of having a global vehicle. Using the Veranos and (Opel) Astras as Excelle variants for the China market is a better use of resources that will help to leverage down the manufacturing costs globally – including US manufactured Verano’s. In this way, selling in China helps the US market.
When I first heard the confirmation that Pontiac was to be closed, I felt alot like Maonalua. But, I also wanted to understand why. So, I dug deeper finding out information I’ve posted on this forum. It made me look deeper into what I valued in Pontiac. I realized what I love about Pontiac is not really applicable to the many of their cars offered in the past three decades. Pontiac stopped being truly unique when their engines were discontinued.
During Pontiacs heyday in the 60’s, they had two things that Chevrolet couldn’t replicate.
1. Their engines had a stronger and broader torque curve than the Chevrolet engines – especially on the low end where it really matters. The reason was a combination of its deck height & rod length-to-stroke ratio, the head designs that emphasized low-end torque over high end horsepower and the exhaustive camshaft research (pun intended). Chevy couldn’t duplicate it with their small or big blocks.
2. The other edge that Pontiac had over Chevrolet was a pulse on the performance youth market. Chevy didn’t have that swagger that Pontiac had. The Chevelle SS was a great car, but didn’t carry the same weight or rebellious attitude that the GTO Judge did. Pontiac was able to sell a young man’s car to young and old alike.
In today’s world, The engine edge is long gone. This loss of autonomy was the single most damaging event for Pontiac. Pontiac could no longer exist without being dependant on another GM line – namely Chevrolet due to it becoming the corporate engine. Most Pontiacs since were a Chevrolet with an arrowhead. They may have had a different style, but the sustance underneath was shared with the other car lines. That’s why Pontiac failed. They couldn’t bring anymore ‘excitement’ in performance than Chevrolet could have. If anything, Pontiac held Chevrolet back for years by corporate decisions to decontent or detune Chevy products. Doing that made GM’s bread and butter brand less desirable and competitive in the market.
Also, gas prices, the lack of disposable income in younger demographics, changes in social values and youth culture have all shifted away from the winning formula that Pontiac had. They lost the pulse on what younger people want. At this point in time, Chevrolet is just as capable at reaching youth as Pontiac was. There is no longer something that Pontiac can do that Chevrolet cannot. I have high hopes for Chevy’s passion group.
Regarding the sales attrition from Pontiac: Even though there are people like Moanalua who refuse to buy GM without a Pontiac nameplate, there are many more who are now willing to consider a newer better Chevrolet over a foreign make since it doesn’t have to ride below Pontiac’s content level or pricing constraints. Removing this sibling rivalry is a win for GM overall.
