Topic: Pontiac: Alive and Kicking and Part of GM's Future Plans

[GXPinKC]

Pontiac:  Alive and Kicking and Part of GM's Future Plans
March 2nd, 2009

  "We've been receiving a lot of communication recently from our Pontiac dealers and owners regarding all of the negativity in the media surrounding our brand.  It seems as though everyone is getting into the spirit, reporting speculation as fact, and writing Pontiac's epitaph.

The only problem is that it's wrong.  Pontiac is alive and kicking, and we are still part of GM's future plans.

Now, we are not denying that automotive industry is hurting right now and we are all going to have to make some sacrifices to get through the worst global economic downturn in over 50 years.  GM's recent submission of a more detailed long-term viability plan to the U.S. Congress clearly spells out a number of actions we are taking to deal with that new reality, including shedding nearly 20 percent of our workforce and exploring other options for the Hummer, Saab, and Saturn brands.

But that plan also clearly focuses on the single item that will make us a success in the future - great products.  Pontiac definitely has a role to play there, although it's going to mean some changes.  And change, as we all know, can be difficult, especially when you're dealing with an 83-year old American icon.

I'll tell you up front that we don't have every detail finalized, but let's address the facts and sort out what we do know from what we're still working on.

First, very little is changing in the near term.  Pontiac will continue to offer the G5, G6, G8, Solstice and Vibe, and we're adding the economical G3.  Pontiac's top reason for purchase is "fuel economy" and we won't disappoint with four of our six entries getting over 32 miles per gallon on the highway. 

The Pontiac Torrent will be discontinued to enable the brand to "focus" on cars.  But the good news is that a new, five-passenger crossover SUV entry will soon be found at GMC ...stay tuned.

In the future, Pontiac will have fewer nameplates.  Just how many and what they will look like is still under study.

Again, we know that we don't have all of the answers right now and that can be very uncomfortable, but we refuse to let media speculation and negativity make up our minds for us.

Pontiac still has a mission in the GPG channel and it's one that a very dedicated team of engineers, marketers, and dealers is determined to complete successfully, one step at a time."

March 2nd, 2009 at 4:21 pm 

[GXPinKC]

This news picked my day up!  Pontiac is still alive.  Where will they go from here?

[Whip]

Thanks for posting this, Ron.  It is good news!

[snaponbob]

Gee .........  I wonder if Saab received a similar letter?!?!? It looks like the same sort of ra-ra that was aimed at Saturn stores and owners. The interesting aspect of all this is the monthly and annual year over year stats that were posted on the Solstice forum that showed that Pontiac division was doing less worse than one might expect to see given the talk of the end of Pontiac. All of us will know more at the end of this month about ALL the assets of GM.

So far -

1) Not a peep about Opel or Holden.
2) Saab was not given any financial support from GM or Sweden and filed bankruptcy in February.
3) GM Canada refused $4B from the Canadian government.
4) GM has stated that they will need tens of billions MORE money from the US government.

Oh well. We'll see soon.

[GTO3296]

Ron - It is great to see some glimmer of hope in these times. But I disagree with Ms Docherty about "the top reason for purchase is 'fuel economy'". PERFORMANCE has to be in there some place or the Pontiac line is doomed. Bunkie Knudsen must be rolling over in his grave!!!

[G8TR]

Any updates on this? I keep a pretty good watch on what's going on and I still see a lot of hemming and hawing about the future of Pontiac. If I can't have my Saturn then Pontiac would be the next in line for my hard earned dollars.

[amo]

The new GMC that is going to replace the Torrent called the "Terrain" if I am not mistaken is one ugly looking SUV.  GMC should just go under another GM brand name, name them Chevys.  But thats my $.02.  And as far as the Holden brand name just switch it to being a Pontiac as most of the cars are more along the lines of performance cars.

[Sly Bob]

I'm happy as a clam that GM is finally putting out vehicles that are not just badge engineered as in "why not just slap a GMC badge on the Equinox".

I for one really like the looks of the Terrain. And at 30mpg for a U.S. gallon it may well be the next vehicle in my driveway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPrLiFTkn7g

[GXPinKC]

Sly Bob, I would agree with your summary.  GM engineered this vehicle from scratch to match needs in the marketplace.  I like the rugged looks as well.  I wish my 2000 Bicentennial Lincoln Navigator with 36,000 miles would get that kind of mileage.  Going to St Louis this last weekend it got 17mpg highway.  I believe GM has a winner here!

[G8TR]

The overall looks of the new terrain are okay, the big mouth bass grill has got to go. Can't imagine buying one that looks like that. Let's see what the clones look like in the front, then they will get my consideration. The wife and I are looking for something this size as a replacement for our blazer. 

[amo]

Gryphon the funny things is that grill is the thing that set the SUV up for them.  After watching the video clip on it it grew a little bit on me but the fender flares (the other major design idea for the SUV) need to go.  The interior is very unique.  The 30 mpg is a big plus for them, looks best in the darker colors at least to me.