Quote:
Originally Posted by KMPrenger
Jim has already posted valid points, but my thoughts...
GMC makes GM money by basically being the same product with a different skin. Don't like the Chevy version so much? Well maybe the GMC is more your speed. It gives the buyer more options. I am a perfect example of this. My wife and I don't care much for the Chevy Equinox. We like what it has to offer, but looks are important to us, and in our opinion, it isn't appealing. The Terrain on the other hand is attractive, so that's what we bought. Sale goes to GM. Without the Terrain, our money would have gone into a used Lincoln. If I was in the fullsize truck market, I'd also likely buy something else over the Chevy (especially the 2019 model) but the Sierra looks nice to my eyes.
Buick is important b/c it gives GM a fantastic presence in a different market and sells well. Nuff said.
RAM/Jeep are important b/c they actually makes FCA money, which they can use to funnel toward other divisions if they so choose. Sure I guess they could dump Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM, but only if they choose to shrink their program significantly down to niche products again.
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I think I read somewhere that the Chevy versions basically account for some crazy number like 90% of the R&D costs, that is why GMC is still around it is almost pure profit, especially in the high trims.
Question on Buick though, if it is really only around for overseas why does it need to be here still?