|
Interesting article. Bottom line it was the fault of GM that both Olds & Pontiac failed. Yes, Pontiac could have had a future, but too little effort put into the brand too late to save it. Thankfully, China sales saved Buick.
My opinion GM needs a 3-tier lineup: Chevy on one side, Cad on one side, Buick in the middle. Pontiac could of been in the middle but was not profitable at the time of the bailout and Buick made money for GM. I can only hope some of that too late forward thinking effort that GM was considering for Pointiac will now be focused on Buick.
GM needs three brands, three price points, and each brand needs its own unique identity. Parts sharing is just good business, hopefully the day of generic styling is over. Also, each brand needs at least one 'halo' model that gets press attention even if the 'halo' model is low production and only breaks even with sales.
GM agressively markets Chevy & Cadillac brands, but in North America still does not put same effort into marketing the Buick brand.
Last observation: Last time Buick had a 'halo' model was the 1995-99 Riviera's. Low production, unique streamlined full size 2-door body style, luxury plus speed with the supercharged engines. I have a 1998 Riviera and like it as much as I like my 5th gen Camaro. Both are 2-door coupes with unique body styles, both fast. One larger, one smaller (however, my 1998 SC Riviera is 87 lbs. less than my 2011 Camaro!). One has more luxury appointments. As much as I like my Riviera, what was GM thinking? The low production Riviera's shared very few parts with other GM autos, so now finding replacement parts for my 15 year old 1998 can be difficult. Doubt in 15 years going to have issues finding replacement parts for my 2011 Camaro.
|