| Chevrolet Aveo is GMs Inexpensive Vehicle |
2 Feb |
General Motors Chevrolet division is the brand under which the Chevrolet Aveo is marketed. It has been crafted as a subcompact automobile that is marketed not only in the United States and in the rest of North America but it is also marketed and offered globally. It has been said that this vehicle came from two vehicles which are the Daewoo Kalos and the Daewoo Gentra. The Daewoo Kalos was first produced back in 2002 and it was marketed using the Chevrolet Aveo name from 2004 up until 2006. As per the Daewoo Gentra, this vehicle came into production just last year, 2005, and plans for this vehicle are that come 2007, it will be then known as the Chevrolet Aveo.
Last year, the Chevrolet Aveos model for 2006 was introduced to the public in Shanghai. However, as per this vehicles debut in Europe, this was made possible during the Frankfurt auto show. General Motors claim that this vehicle is quite considered to be all new although one could notice that it still shares some parts with the outgoing 2005 model. It still held the same windshield, two windows, and some large sections of its body structure. It also holds a crisp and clean styling which is one of the changes that Chevrolet vehicles are sporting around.
As per the power that the Chevrolet Aveo holds, interested parties could actually choose between two engines. There is a 1.2 liter engine and a 1.4 liter engine. However, the choices does not end there for the Chevrolet Aveo. After all, the company has made sure that customers and Chevrolet Aveo owners could spruce up their cars with features and packages. As per standard equipment for the vehicle, the list includes air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and power side mirrors.
The price of the Chevrolet Aveo is not found on the high end. In fact, it is one of the cheapest cars around. Despite the fact that it is cheap, the Chevrolet Aveo is very much capable of delivering and performing well. Each passenger is given an enjoyable experience inside the cabin. Also, drivers find the Chevrolet Aveo a vehicle that is very fun to drive.
Tags: Air Conditioning, Automobile, Aveo, Body Structure, Chevrolet, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Division, Chevrolet Vehicles, Daewoo, Daewoo Gentra, Daewoo Kalos, Frankfurt Auto Show, General Motors, Liter Engine, Power Locks, Power Windows, Shanghai, Two Windows, Windows Power, WindshieldRelated posts
read comments (0)| Cadillac’s Proposed Exciting New Coupe |
13 Jan |
Automaker Cadillac has a rich tradition of building exciting, highly regarded sedans as well as coupes. However, changes made to its line up over the past decade have resulted in a fleet of vehicles that now consists exclusively of sedans, crossovers, and sport utility vehicles. Gone are the days of the super size Eldorado and the Coupe de Ville, vehicles that long stood for Cadillac quality and excess. Today, plans are underway to bring in a coupe to compete against European rivals Mercedes, Audi, and BMW. Please read on for more information about the proposed CTS derived coupe.
The proposed CTS coupe being planned by Cadillac will not be an Eldorado nor will it be an updated version of the Coupe de Ville. As a large midsize two door model, the CTS coupe will be larger than its European competitors, but vastly smaller than preceding Cadillac coupes.
A 2008 Calendar Year Introduction
Slated for an overhaul for the 2009 model year, the CTS sedan will be the basis for the new coupe, thus virtually all of the parts will be shared between the two cars with the majority of the differences showing up in the roof pillars. Cash strapped General Motors wants to produce the car badly, but they dont want to go overboard with development costs. Thus, the coupe and sedan would share an overwhelming majority of the same components.
Downsides to the New Coupe
The CTS coupe does have at least two downsides to it. First of all, the luxury coupe market isnt that large and it has been shrinking. Second of all, the CTS will be larger than its European competitors more along the lines of the biggest cars from Mercedes and BMW. This could cause confusion for buyers, especially if the CTS is aimed at smaller cars but is sized with the larger models.
Upsides to the New Coupe
On the positive side, the CTS coupe throws open an important and profitable area of the car market to Cadillac. As part of its ongoing appeal toward harnessing younger buyers, the CTS will do for Cadillac in 2008 and beyond what the Escalade did earlier in the decade: lower the average age of Cadillac owners. The younger the buyer is, the better the chance that Cadillac will have them as customers for the long haul.
GMs Money Woes Could Scuttle the Project
Of course, GMs financial woes could cast doubt on the new model even though the CTS sedan is a go. Plus, it isnt certain yet just how many coupes Cadillac would have to sell in order to turn a profit. Yet, if the car is built it could further signal GMs commitment to building cars that buyers really want, a complaint that some consumers have voiced as reasons why they have left the general behind.
The smart money says the CTS coupe will be given the green light. Cadillac needs this car and consumers want a luxury coupe to light up their world. Who better than Cadillac?
Tags: Cadillac, Calendar Year, Car Market, Coupes, Crossovers, Cts, Eldorado, European Competitors, European Rivals, General Motors, Luxury Coupe, Mercedes Audi, New Cadillac, Overwhelming Majority, Pillars, Profitable Area, Rich Tradition, Sedans, Sport Utility Vehicles, Two CarsRelated posts
| Buick: Giving the Brand Meaning |
1 Jan |
During the 1980s, Buick was a brand that successfully straddled the fine line between luxury and performance. This GM division sold big, fluffy Park Avenues and LeSabres, while also selling the luxury/sport Riviera and the Regal. It was this last model, the Regal, which stunned the automotive world by winning Grand National awards during the early 1980s. Today, all four models have been terminated in favor of newer names including the Lucerne, LaCrosse, Terrazza, Rainier, and Rendezvous, models that didnt even exist five years ago. Where is Buick headed? Will GMs troubles finally kill off the brand? Will the Buick name ever regain meaning? A lot is riding on these questions; the answers may not be as simple to utter or imagine.
GMs woes could spell Buicks demise. At least that is the thought with some experts who believe that at least two brands need to be pruned from the GM line up to save the automaker. General Motors, for their part, has said that they will stick with all of their brands; instead, the company is using this crucial time to put into place a long and painful process to remake its entire image. With plant closings, layoffs, and big losses racking up, the worlds #1 automaker cannot afford a misstep, so whatever plans the automaker has for the company must be executed flawlessly, otherwise further trouble will ensue.
Buick and Pontiac have often been cited as the two divisions being the most at risk. Neither division has a clear identity with every model built by the brands similar to models built by other GM makes. This hasnt escaped the notice of critics who have called on GM to begin dissolving the two divisions immediately.
If GMs words hold true, then Buick will stay around. In what particular form is the question, but the general has been giving us some hints in the form of the present model line up as well as at least one future model planned.
Currently, the Lucerne is being heavily marketed as it takes over the flagship role from the Park Avenue a model along with the LeSabre the Lucerne has replaced. Based on the Cadillac DTS, the car combines luxury with value to offer motorists a taste of Cadillac lavishness at a discount. Therein is the rub: is Buick underselling Cadillac or is the Lucerne simply perceived as being all that different from its up market sibling? That is hard to determine. Regardless, the Lucerne is bit more refined and less dowdy than the models it replaces. It isnt likely to captivate young folks, but probably will be more than able to keep current owners satisfied.
The LaCrosse has been well received and it, too, has replaced two Buick models when it was rolled last year: the Century and the Regal. Still, the car is based on older GM technology and competes only marginally with new models from Lexus and Toyota. Fresh styling has helped and will keep Buick faithful happy at least for the time being, but the LaCrosse hasnt won over many competitors either.
Buicks three remaining models are all variations on current GM SUV and minivan themes. There is nothing original about these models other than the Buick badge and a higher level of standard equipment than lets say, the Pontiac Aztek. Oh, yeah, the Rendezvous twin, the Aztek, was axed by GMtoo ugly!
So, there you have it: five models pared down from almost ten that were offered just a few years ago. None are completely new and none have a distinctly Buick touch to them, making Buick look as if it will, indeed, get whacked.
But that isnt what GM is saying.
Instead, we know that GM is already planning one new Buick model which, again, may replace two current models [does anyone see a theme here?] The model being planned is an all new crossover vehicle tentatively called the Enclave an AWD crossover vehicle capable of carrying six passengers over its three rows. Yes, the vehicle sounds strangely similar to the Chrysler Pacifica and it appears that the Pacifica is in Buicks crosshairs with this proposed model. Little is known about the Enclave other than that it will likely be powered by GMs new 3.6L V6, an engine lauded by car critics.
Beyond the Enclave, Buick will have to bring out newer models to replace the Lucerne and LaCrosse soon after the Enclaves anticipated 2009 model year release. Buicks chief competitors are regularly updating their platforms and an aged Lucerne or LaCrosse can only exacerbate the divisions problems. None of this will occur without significant investment by GM and a cash strapped company cannot afford to build new models.
Tags: 1980s, Buick, Demise, General Motors, Gm, Gm Division, Gms Woes, Hasnt, Last Model, Layoffs, Lucerne, Luxury Sport, Misstep, Model Line, National Awards, Park Avenues, Plant Closings, Rendezvous, Riviera, TerrazzaRelated posts
| Brand Dilution: GM’s Real Problem |
31 Dec |
Throughout General Motor’s post World War II history, the company has managed to sell various products across its entire line up, thereby offering visitors to its showrooms a wide variety of models. This custom of “brand dilution” was an acceptable practice at GM, Ford, and Chrysler for several generations, but the practice has had its pitfalls.
More…The cost of rebadging models to cross the entire GM spectrum is much more than you might think be. No, I am not talking about the price of slapping a different name on various models to market them under different brands, instead I am talking about the “cost” to the brand: the consumer’s perception that there isn’t anything uniquely sold with that brand.
I, for one, am okay with General Motors keeping all of its brands, but I would like to see the company distinguish each brand from one another. Only Saturn and Cadillac seem to have a clear identity, with Pontiac and Buick being little more than divisions carrying rebadged versions of other GM cars. Chevrolet, with its broad line up, partially escapes the brand dilution problem but it is often their models which eventually migrate to Buick and Pontiac to be sold as rebadged versions of Chevy vehicles.
Word has it that now GM’s niche division, Hummer, may also branch out. This would be unfortunate as it is the brand’s “nichieness” which gives it an edge.
Here are my suggestions for GM: Keep Cadillac going as it is; don’t mess with success. Distinguish Buick as a true “near luxury” marque…the Lucerne and LaCrosse are both good sellers, but consider bringing back the Regal…yes, you read it right to spark interest.
Pontiac needs real excitement…invest in the GTO and really make it go. Drop all minivans, SUVs, and concentrate simply on sporty models. Chevrolet absolutely needs the Camaro. Also, a potent Impala along the lines of the Dodge Charger would be a big help. Is it too much to ask for an exciting Malibu?
Saturn must keep tapping its Opel relationship in order to affordably distinguish itself from its American counterparts. The SKY is a hit, the new Aura looks hot and the upcoming VUE replacement looks like it’ll sell well.
Leave Hummer alone. Not everyone can or should be able to afford one! GMC will probably plod along as reskinned Chevys. GM could consider dropping GMC and ramping up Chevrolet trucks as the real world leader that it is.
Saab. Pity poor Saab. Neglected and almost not worth keeping. Still, if GM allowed Saab to thrive as Ford has given Volvo plenty of autonomy, then Saab could also make a difference for the general.
I doubt anyone in Auburn Hills is paying much attention to my words. For GM’s sake, I do hope that they are examining this whole brand dilution practice closely and will put something into practice to get the world’s number one automaker moving again.
Tags: Acceptable Practice, Brand Dilution, Buick, Camaro, Chevy Vehicles, Dodge Charger, General Motors, Gm Cars, Gm Ford, Gm Hummer, Gm Motor, Impala, Lucerne, Malibu, Minivans, Pitfalls, Showrooms, Sporty Models, World War Ii, World War Ii HistoryRelated posts
| 2008 Saturn VUE: Inspired by Opel |
28 Nov |
General Motors Saturn division is hard at work on building a replacement for its small SUV, the Saturn VUE. Currently based strictly on U.S. technology, the 2008 VUE is expected to be heavily based on Opel technology: Opel is General Motors principal European brand. This is good news for those who were concerned that GM would ditch the Saturn VUE. Instead, the SUV will get new life and additional support via its new relationship with Opel. While it is too early to know all the details about the upcoming Saturn VUE makeover, there are some things we do know about this revamped model.
Ever since Saturn released the first S Series models back in 1990, the company has struggled to maintain a unique identity. Neglected by parent GM, the upstart Saturn brand had to wait nearly a decade before additional vehicles were added to its line including the Saturn VUE SUV. Along with the L Series midsize cars, the three vehicle lines [ION having replace the S Series] fully comprised the Saturn line for several years. Unfortunately, none of the three models were stand out performers, so the brand suffered accordingly.
With the demise of Oldsmobile has come new life for Saturn. Now a fully integrated GM division, Saturn is getting additional vehicles to help beef up its line up. Drawing upon its highly regarded dealer network and high consumer satisfaction scores, Saturn is being quickly remade into a European style division. Saturn has Opel to thank for that.
Along with the coming Aura midsize sedan which is heavily based on an Opel design, the Saturn VUE will be based upon the Opel Antera GTC. An Antera concept has been making the rounds of auto shows across Europe and what we know about the Antera points to what we can expect to see with the VUE.
The Antera is slightly smaller in size than the current Saturn VUE; although the Antera reportedly will have only two doors, the Saturn VUE model will get four doors. Both vehicles are closer in size to the current Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V models, their chief competitors. This smaller size also permits Saturn to introduce a slightly larger 7 passenger SUV next year, the Outlook.
The 2008 Saturn VUE will feature both four and six cylinder gas powered engines. Expect both AWD and RWD to be offered. The Anteras front end will be redone to mesh with the current Saturn look. Beyond that, the VUE will likely incorporate current GM technology with upgraded safety and performance features included. A base price of around $20,000 for the FWD model is likely with fully loaded AWD versions retailing for as high as $30K.
The 2008 Saturn VUE will be built in Spring Hill, TN home of the original Saturn plant. Along with the Outlook, the Aura, the SKY roadster, the RELAY crossover, and the ION compact, new life is being breathed into Saturn thanks to Opel. This is good news for Saturn fans that have loyally supported the automaker since its inception more than 15 years ago.
Tags: 2008 Saturn Vue, Auto Shows, Consumer Satisfaction, European Style, General Motors, Gm Division, Gm Saturn, Midsize Cars, Opel Antera, Rav4, Satisfaction Scores, Saturn, Saturn Division, Saturn Line, Saturn Motors, Saturn Suv, Saturn Vue, Series Models, Toyota Rav4, Two DoorsRelated posts
| 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe: Leaning Towards Safety |
23 Nov |
The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe has been designed and crafted by Chevrolet the automobile manufacturer with family safety in mind. Just like any other vehicle from Chevrolet, the 2007 Tahoe has made it a point to be able to perform well as well as provide safety before a crash, during a crash, as well as after a crash. This vehicle comes in three trim levels that comprise of the LS, the LT, and the LTZ.
The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the first creations of General Motors as per new full size sport utility vehicles. The interior layout of this vehicle is quite symmetrical and very engaging. It also incorporates a build quality that is vastly superior to any other previous vehicles crafted by the company. The vehicle had dropped off the hard plastic trim framing controls and put in its place modern and cohesive construction that provides and exudes a more European look. The new interior holds beautiful import materials thus providing a premium-touch surface and a tasteful element in styling. As per noise, this hubbub from the road and the wind is well hidden and kept away from its passengers. It holds the capacity to absorb persistent surface degradation. The whole vehicle is very rattle-free.
As per the companys leaning towards safety, they have included several features so as to showcase their efforts in providing extreme safety during inevitable accidents, crashes, and collisions. Antilock brake systems, or also known as ABS, has been designed so as to assist in maintaining steering control. This system does this by reducing wheel lockup during hard braking on slippery surfaces. The StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System has been added in so as to improve vehicle stability especially on slick surfaces. When this feature senses that the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe is not responding to steering input, it automatically adjusts the engine torque and brake pressure at each wheel so as to assist the driver in getting the Tahoe back on track. Other safety features include Daytime Running Lamps, the OnStar system, the Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children, or LATCH, system, frontal air bags, side-impact airbags, head-curtain side air bags, and front air bags with passenger sensing system.
Other features of the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe include bumpers, power doors, black door handles, halogen fog lamps, a luggage rack with center rails, heated mirrors, a rear parking assist, 17-inch aluminum wheels, cargo mats, cargo shades for the third row, a cruise control, climate controls, an electric defogger, a remote keyless entry, an adjusted and tilt wheel steering column, a sunroof, sun visors, temperature control and a theft-deterrent system among many others.
Whether having a journey on extreme conditions or on sleepy town roads, the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe deserves excellent maintenance so as to be able for this vehicle to continuously offer the best functionality and longevity. Maintenance involves taking care of its parts as well as involving replace worn out parts. Worn out parts could jeopardize the health of the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and could pose to be a danger for its driver and passengers. Excellent and quality Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet car parts could be found at Auto Parts Discounts online store. Auto Parts Discount is one of the leading online stores where owners can get guaranteed high quality parts at low prices.
Tags: 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2007 Tahoe, Automobile Manufacturer, Chevrolet, Chevrolet Tahoe, Collisions, Crashes, Electronic Stability Control, Engine Torque, Extreme Safety, Family Safety, General Motors, Hubbub, Interior Layout, Lockup, Slick Surfaces, Slippery Surfaces, Sport Utility Vehicles, Surface Degradation, Vehicle StabilityRelated posts
| 2006 Toyota Matrix: Value Meets Fun |
23 Nov |
During the early part of this decade Toyota was examining its vehicle line up and the decision was made to build a car to entice young people who were looking for something that was small, fun to drive, and affordable. While the Corolla served faithfully in this capacity, Toyota needed something that spoke excitement. The Corolla just wasnt that kind of a car and something radically different was needed. Enter the Matrix. Based on the Corolla platform, the Matrix does what no Corolla can do: turn heads. Lets take a look at this sporty compact and see how the 2006 model stacks up.
In 2003, the Matrix was introduced to the North American market. Built in California as a joint venture with General Motors the Pontiac Vibe is its twin the Matrix is aimed toward budget conscious young people who want a car that makes a statement. To save money, the Corolla frame was used, but the Matrix stands some 3 inches taller and is 8 inches shorter than its Toyota sibling. The roof line on the Matrix is completely different too as it slopes from front to back and ends in a wedge, giving the car somewhat of a wagon look to it. This rakish appearance is what gives the Matrix its unique look as well as an extra bit of room for people and their stuff. Indeed, both driver and front passenger sit higher up, much like in a small SUV or as in a car like Chryslers PT Cruiser. With four doors and a rear lift gate, the Matrix acts more like a wagon, but its sleek exterior easily refutes that fact.
Motorists have a choice between front wheel drive and a four wheel drive versions of the car, something not offered on the Corolla. The standard motor for the Matrix is a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-I 4-cylinder engine. Mated to a five speed manual transmission, the engine turns out a respectable 126hp. For more power, there is also a higher tuned version of the same engine delivering 164hp. It gets paired with a six speed manual transmission. Four wheel drive versions of the Matrix come equipped with a 4-wheel anti-lock brake system [ABS] which is optional on 2WD models.
Gas mileage for the Matrix makes the car a motorists dream. At 30 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, the front wheel drive version of the car produces some of the best results of any non-hybrid car sold in North America. A 13 gallon fuel tank makes 400 mile trips a possibility on just one tank of gas; this is particularly good for the student who has to drive back and forth between college campus and home.
Unlike many cars of its size, the aftermarket crowd has produced a wide variety of products to help Matrix owners customize their vehicles. Hood protectors, tail light covers, polymer air dams, fog lights, hood scoops and vents, mud flaps, and paintable window covers are some of the Toyota parts and accessories pitched to youth, who are the primary owners of the Matrix.
MSRP starts at US$15,110 [CDN$17,200] with a top of the line Matrix topping out at just under US$20K to about CDN$25K.
For the entire North American market, Toyota sells nearly 100,000 Matrix per year. Not bad for a car whose origins are fairly simple but whose heart is truly sporty and youth minded.
Tags: 2003 Matrix, 2006 Toyota Matrix, Corolla, Cylinder Engine, Enter The Matrix, Excitement, Four Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive, General Motors, Joint Venture, Liter, Manual Transmission, Matrix 3, Motorists, Pontiac, Pontiac Vibe, Pt Cruiser, Sibling, Stacks, Toyota MatrixRelated posts
| 2006 Chevy Corvette: Promises of Amazement |
18 Nov |
The 2006 Chevy Corvette comes as a well balanced package in a vehicle. It has set refinement in its interior and stance as well as exuding the modern sports car feel. For the past years, the Chevy Corvette has consequently received and bagged the Car of the Year award. Starting out as rumors, the 2006 Chevy Corvette has certainly made sure that it would live and outlive the gossip running about. General Motors has made a statement that the 2006 Chevy Corvette is quickest and fastest car that the company has ever produced.
This vehicle comes with sophistication and is a high-performance machine. In many ways, the Chevy Corvette shows off its well-mannered and simply ride dynamics as well as an ultra-slick powertrain performance. Its interior is very much made from quality materials that provides a pleasant and comforting experience for those who would be riding in it. To increase down force, the Chevy Corvette will have a rear lip added to it and will also exhibit a more rounded trailing edge.
This new car has certainly benefited from its advanced hydro forming frame-rail process that was first introduced to the Chevy C5. The adding in and mounting of Magne Ride shock absorbers has proven to be an advantage for it has provided the 2006 Chevy Corvette an active handling as well as an innovative ride system. This vehicle also bears the Chevy C6 powertrain as well as other technologies that are top in its class. The vehicles engine has the capacity and capability to make 500 horsepower at around 6,200 rpm. Optional is the 7.0 liter LS7 V8 engine that is hand built.
This new vehicle would also sport several color schemes that would include white, red, and gold. As for the 2006 Chevy Corvettes exterior, it will boast a more daring look that will reflect General Motors willingness to accept risks when it comes to style and design. The 2006 Chevy Corvette will combine soft curves with machined edges. It will also show off its bold aesthetic design as well as its muscular form and shape from its chiseled front, muscular fenders and flares to its street dominating attitude. The vehicle will hold a full aluminum chassis, large brakes, carbon fiber front fenders and a magnesium engine cradle as well as a removable roof panel.
As for the 2006 Chevy Corvettes styling, the vehicle will show off great differences to its predecessors. The front end will receive a revised larger air inlet. Also added in would be a function hood scoop, new side vents, a rear lip spoiler and very unique wheels. The vehicle also lost its power passenger seat along with the electric seat bolsters. By eliminating these, the 2006 Chevy Corvette would be saving much on weight. However, what comes as standard are dual zone air conditioning, leather upholstery made in two tones, and a head up display system. Options for this vehicle include a Bose stereo, side impact airbags, a navigation system, and polished wheels.
For the original and best car on the market, nothing is befitting than the excellently crafted Chevy Corvette parts and Chevy parts at Car Parts Rush. This online store has in its stock the highest quality Chevy auto parts that will retain the Chevys driving dynamics coupled up with high technology and amazing design. Customers and visitors can simply browse at Car Parts Rushs website and they can understand why customers and Chevy enthusiasts keep coming back to Car Parts Rush for their auto body parts. Aside from that, Car Parts Rush also takes care of a the task that it has given itself providing loyalty to its customers along with providing excellent products and unequalled service.
Tags: Aesthetic Design, Amazement, C6, Car Of The Year, Chevy Corvette, Chevy Corvettes, Color Schemes, Corvette Shows, Fastest Car, Frame Rail, General Motors, Machined Edges, Performance Machine, Powertrain, Quality Materials, Rear Lip, Refinement, Shock Absorbers, Soft Curves, Trailing EdgeRelated posts
| 8 GM Brands: 1 or 2 Too Many? |
14 Nov |
Lots of folks are speculating about GMs future. If you take all the press reports at heart, you would think that General Motors is on life support. Quite frankly, the opposite is true especially when you look at the global picture. In 2005, the General sold more than 9 million cars worldwide, the first time the automaker reached that figure since 1978. Yes, U.S. auto sales are down and some are calling for GM to reduce its many brands, currently numbering 8. Who should GM let go? Or, should General Motors stick with the game plan and maintain all 8 brands?
For the record, GMs 8 brands are: Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac, Chevrolet, Saturn, GMC, Hummer, and Saab. You could take Saab out of that pack as the Swedish automaker (although fully owned by GM) builds few cars in North America. Still, GM includes Saab in its marketing schema so well keep them in for arguments sake.
Clearly, Cadillac is GMs luxury division; Chevrolet is its budget or All American division; while GMC is the truck division. Beyond that, there is much muddling of divisions, but Buick is a maker of near luxury vehicles (Cadillac lite) while Hummer is GMs specialty truck division. The Saab line is a bit confusing as it once was a true European division. Now, the make is chiefly featuring rebadged GM and Subaru vehicles with little original models to show for it. Finally, Pontiac and Saturn duplicate much of what the other divisions do, although the Saturn mystique of no haggle pricing gives the make a certain aura to it. That leaves Pontiac.
Pontiac, like the recently killed off Oldsmobile name, is probably one of the most vulnerable of the true American makes. Saturn will survive because its dealer network is tops and consumer satisfaction ranks up there with Lexus.
Ultimately, the Saab name will likely die first. Outside of the U.S., particularly in Europe, Opel is a known name and an important GM make. Word has it that some of Saabs production will shift to Germany and certain rebadged Opels will begin to sport the Saab name. Lets just say once that happens, there is little reason to continue making Saabs. Let the Saab name die with dignity. Why spoil it by selling rebadged Opels as Saabs?
Personally, I think GM should leave well enough alone with its remaining American brands. I wasnt in favor of Oldsmobiles demise and I am not in favor of killing off trusted brands. GM is retooling its operation as old models are killed off and as new or revived models step in. Look for the Chevy Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, Saturn Sky, and the Buick Enclave to help spark their respective divisions to renewed glory. Am I living a pipe dream? Maybe, but at least my imagination is going in a positive direction.
Tags: Arguments Sake, Auto Sales, Buick Pontiac, Consumer Satisfaction, Game Plan, General Motors, Gm Cars, Gm Motors, Haggle, Luxury Division, Luxury Vehicles, Million Cars, Mystique, Oldsmobile, Opels, Pontiac, Saab, Subaru Vehicles, Swedish Automaker, U S AutoRelated posts
