Topic: GM to Kill Saturn; Most of Pontiac: Kappa Future Uncertain

[Ben L]

This doesn't bode well . . .     

http://jalopnik.com/5155377/gm-to-officially-kill-saturn-brand-most-of-pontiac

http://delawareonline.com/article/20090217/BUSINESS/90217050

[Sly Bob]

Really nothing we didn't know already. The report Tuesday was short on details as to time frames and plants that are expected to close.

[GXPinKC]

Yes, Sly Bob nothing in stone yet but it does not look good for the future of the Kappa, as all you have to do is look at the fact that GM has a 401-day supply of the Sky and a 323-day supply of the Solstice in inventory.  The industry average today is about 118 days; an ideal for automakers is 60 days.  Also, as reported the plant is not centrally located and shipping from Delaware to other destinations is probably higher.  If it was between a plant in the midwest and one in Delaware, by the mere reason of shipping, the one in the midwest would probably get the nod.  It doesn't look good.

[sol_man]

Rather than have multiple brands carrying the same type of vehicle (like the SUVs) they should all be labeled as GM but be allowed to be sold & services by any of the existing dealers.  Then leave just a few niche models to keep them diversified.

 

[SHEZOOMM]

We are in a real traffic jam
GXPinKC, where did you find the inventory figures...?.
 

[GXPinKC]

SHEZOOMM, I got the figures from the Ben L post above.

http://delawareonline.com/article/20090217/BUSINESS/90217050

[Jimmyo]

Rather than have multiple brands carrying the same type of vehicle (like the SUVs) they should all be labeled as GM but be allowed to be sold & services by any of the existing dealers.  Then leave just a few niche models to keep them diversified.

 

They have been labeling them all GM.  A lot of us have been removing the GM chicklet (or zit as some people call it) because we thought it detracted from the looks of our cars. 

[GXPinKC]

So correct, jimmyo.  I can remember threads on at least two forums of this being done by some members.  My stance was always the same.  Having owned many GM vehicles I would never think of removing the "chiclet" or GM badge as some others have done.  Now, is it not curious that in effect, the badge may become extinct, for other reasons?

[chuckdoc]

I removed the badge (chicklet), not because I did not want to advertise GM, but I clean my car close to daily and the sponge and microfiber towels kept getting stuck on the emblem.   Also it looked like it did not belong.  A square on a car that consisted of gentile sensual curves.

[DeepBlueGXP]

[sol_man]

   ditto

I was talking about the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Saturn has one and probably Pontiac does too but they are all the same.  Rather than have to keep some unique parts for each vehicle if they were all idential the dealerships could remain open and you'd have more places to get your car serviced.  IMO