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Old 05-18-2010, 05:00 PM   #44
LOWDOWN
Downright Upright
 
Drives: Daily
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Cruisin'...
Posts: 4,145
Quote:
Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65 View Post
Buick was never on the chopping block due to its runaway success in China. Pontiac's fate was decided well before GM began prepping for bankruptcy.

The RS equipment package will be spread throughout the Chevrolet lineup to provide more sporty exterior styling. Next up after Camaro is Cruze RS. The next-gen Aveo is getting an RS model as well. No need for Pontiac and a whole separate division when Chevrolet can offer the same thing.
Sorry...Pontiac's VP and GM found out the morning of the cancellation press conference...and she was shocked!

Buick was saved largely for the Chinese market, where the REAL future of autoselling is...and their "Best of the Corporation" quality numbers. Their total domestic MY 2009 sales were far less than 1/2 of Pontiac's.

Pontiac's quality numbers trail Chev's, which demonstrates how much effort GM put into "saving" Pontiac. Being relegated to "fleet" status was simply GM's public display of lack of commitment...to Pontiac's Brand, its people, and, most injurious, its dedicated clientele who now find themselves "free agents"...

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-.../full/#2811040

It would be an "interesting" study to find out what % of Olds owners, circa 2001, and who have since "upgraded", are still with GM now...
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