Everything posted by cire
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GM: three global brands
I think most of the reverence comes from the Zeta based products. If those products were taken away or moved to Eps II for their next generation, then I would expect a lot of that reverence to diminish. What many people fail to realize or acknowledge is that quite a bit of Holden's lineup consists of GMDAT products (4) with one Opel thrown in the mix. I sort of cringe when people say to simply align Pontiac with Holden when that move (with the exception of the Zeta products) would essentially give them the kind of products that they already complain about seeing in Pontiac's lineup (essentially the GMDAT products). I think most people actually mean that Pontiac should be aligned with Holden's Zeta based products only. Of course, this is only good until GM completely pulls the plug on Zeta.
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GM: three global brands
The Enclave and next gen LaCrosse prove that Buick can represent something besides geezer-mobiles. I think most Opel products will fit in with Buick and will help transform Buick into a cool and relevant premium division. I do agree that the next gen Corsa/Astra hatchbacks will be a tough fit for Buick though. I think these 2 products could be carried by Pontiac to help transform it into an entry premium small car brand. The other Opel products (current Insignia sedan/wagon, next gen Astra sedan/wagon, next gen Meriva, and next gen Zafira) would be good and appropriate matches for Buick. If there is a next gen Antara, it should go to GMC. As for Saturn, GM should either arrange a deal with Toyota/NUMMI to produce a three product family of compact cars for the brand once the current Corolla/Matrix/Vibe reach the end of their model cycles or GM should discontinue the brand.
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GM: three global brands
So it's basically going to be Chevrolet=Daewoo=Holden then?
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GM: three global brands
Right now, Holden seems to be aligned more with Daewoo/Chevrolet than it is with Opel. The Astra is the only Opel product in Holden's current lineup as opposed to 4 GMDAT vehicles (Barina, Viva, Epica, and Captiva). My guess would be that the upcoming small sedan that Holden will be building on its home turf will be nothing more than a Cruze/Lacetti Premiere with a Holden-esque front end treatment, model name, and badges. I have to admit that if I lived in Australia, I would prefer Holden to be aligned with Opel instead of GMDAT.
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Automotive News: GM to restructure European sales, marketing
I partially agree... I think more companies (even some of the luxury mainstays such as BMW and Mercedes) will depend on 6 cylinder or less engines in most of their future products. There will still be 8 cylinder or more engines around, but they will be very exclusive. I don't think the upcoming next gen SRX is such a bad idea. This vehicle will attract a new demographic to Cadillac. As long as GM properly designs and engineers this product to be a proper luxury vehicle that is thoroughly differentiated from other GM products, then it will help the brand more than hurt it. I have to give GM and Cadillac some credit with the upcoming SRX; they didn't take a Chevy design and simply alter the front/rear styling like Ford blatantly did with the Edge/MKX twins. My hope would be that GM continues to update/improve/develop the Sigma platform for Cadillac's CTS line. Since this may well be Cadillac's flagship model for the forseeable future, it needs to be on a RWD platform. I also hope that they stick with their plan to expand the line with a wagon and coupe. Right now I don't see a flagship sedan positioned above the CTS or a halo vehicle to be as crucial to Cadillac's image and success as much as a 3-Series/C-Class/A4 competitor. The compact car segment is the heart and volume of the luxury market and Cadillac is noticeably absent from it. If GM cancels Alpha (which I unfortunately fear that they might), then they need to develop this car on an AWD version of the Epsilon II platform (at least it might have a chance of competing squarely with the A4). The resulting car would be shorter, lighter, sportier, and more luxurious than its SWB Epsilon II platform mates as it will be competing in the luxury compact segment instead of the mainstream midsize sedan segment. As with the CTS, this car needs to be a complete series with sedan, wagon, and coupe variants. Until Cadillac can compete and firmly establish itself in the heart of the luxury market, then any attempts to sell a flagship sedan or halo vehicle will not be taken seriously. Cadillac needs to reestablish its credibility from the bottom up, not the top down. I do agree that the Escalade replacement should not be built on Lambda. My vote would be to put it on Sigma (just don't make it look like an elevated station wagon like the current Sigma based SRX). Since it would probably be Cadillac's flagship people mover, it is only proper that it be based on Sigma instead of Lambda. I don't think Cadillac needs the ESV or EXT anymore; customers for these vehicles should be directed to GMC. Cadillac should be cars and crossovers only. I could see Cadillac ready for global luxury primetime with a plug in electric hybrid series (sedan, coupe, wagon based on the Converj Concept), a compact car series (sedan, coupe, wagon; preferably based on Alpha, but will probably end up on AWD SWB Epsilon II), a complete CTS Series on Sigma (sedan, coupe, wagon), the SRX, and a larger crossover to replace the Escalade (preferably on Sigma, but will probably end up on Lambda). I also agree that Cadillac's absence from Australia is not a big deal. However, I am concerned that the brand still struggles to compete in Europe, even with the excellent CTS sedan. If Cadillac can compete with the luxury big dogs on their home turf, then it can truly be labeled as "The Standard Of The World".
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GM: three global brands
Let's see: 1) The next gen Malibu is aligned with the next gen Epica/Tosca on the SWB Epsilon II platform. I would assume that the next gen Malibu/Epica/Tosca will be about the size of the current Opel Insignia, but it will have unique styling that will emphasize interior space (instead of the coupe like roofline of the Insignia). 2) The next gen Impala is aligned with the next gen Commodore on the LWB Epsilon II platform. There won't be a next gen Holden Statesman/Caprice, so the next gen Daewoo Veritas would be aligned with this next gen LWB Epsilon II Impala/Commodore. I would assume that this next gen Impala/Commodore/Veritas will be about the size of the upcoming LWB Eps II LaCrosse. 3) Basically, Chevrolet=Holden=Daewoo depending on which market you are in. These are just predictions, but they make sense if GM is considering aligning their global products while continuing to abandon the majority of their RWD projects.
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Automotive News: GM to restructure European sales, marketing
Yeah, I know and I think it's a shame (although technically Cadillac didn't pull out, from what I understand it never appeared there in the first place). Maybe Cadillac is not quite ready for primetime as a global luxury presence (but neither is Saab; I think it is more accepted than Cadillac in Europe because it is based in an European country). If Cadillac isn't ready (which it won't be without a proper compact luxury car series), then I do hope that GM is working diligently to correct the situation. Of course, the global economic crisis isn't helping matters at all either. Maybe giving autonomy to Saab will help it make some progress in Europe. If people don't view it as just another GM outlet, then maybe it can gain some crediblity in the premium segment there (I think Cadillac should remain GM's focus in the luxury segment in North America). This is the reason why I cringed every time I saw that little chrome GM badge on GMNA products and the all encompassing corporate commercials (with every GM brand) on TV. I think it diluted the power and perception of the individual brands. Saab, Cadillac, and Buick should be viewed as something more unique and special than just members of a corporate conglomerate that also offers ordinary mainstream Chevy, Pontiac, and Saturn products. I know the commercials were designed to show the strength and diversity of GM, but I think that has definitely fallen flat in light of the recent bailout requests (whether the money is needed due to GM's incompetence or economic conditions beyond their control).
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Automotive News: GM to restructure European sales, marketing
I don't agree about Buick. I think it could be transformed into a cool and relevant premium brand with the proper products (mostly Opel based) and some cool marketing/advertising. If the current Insignia sedan/wagon and some other next gen Opel products were tailored for and built in North America (something GM dropped the ball with when they imported the current gen Saturn Astra) as Buicks (along with the Enclave and next gen LaCrosse), then the brand could be positioned for a definite renaissance and transformation. I think this is where Buick differs quite a bit from Saturn and Pontiac. Buick still has some of its traditional premium perception remaining. It's just a matter of transforming the brand's image from stodgy to cool (which could be done with modern premium products and effective marketing/advertising). Saturn started its existence as a cultlike warm and fuzzy affordable brand; this alone would make it a hard sale as a premium brand (a fact that should have been obvious to GM). Pontiac has been all over the map with its image to a point that the general public really doesn't know what Pontiac stands for except that the brand is an affordable alternative to Chevrolet; again, not something that would be easily transformed into premium material. Overall, I think it would be easier to make Buick cool and relevant in the premium segment than try to take Saturn or Pontiac upmarket. Since Buick is already established here, I also think it would take less effort and resources transforming the brand than trying to launch a little known brand such as Opel in this market. In North America and China, Buick could become what Vauxhall currently is in Great Britain, a regional outlet for Opel products. I do think Pontiac and Saturn could become effective niche players for GM if the corporation can successfully give them focused niches with corresponding products that reinforce the brands' missions.
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Automotive News: GM to restructure European sales, marketing
I agree, but it does seem a shame if GM cannot make Cadillac a true global brand. The CTS line and the SRX seem to indicate a much brighter future for the brand. For Cadillac to become "The Standard Of The World" again, it would need to be successful on a global basis (at least this fact would better back up that sort of marketing spin).
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Invicta After All?
GM could use the "Invicta" name for this car in North America as well as in Europe if they decide to rebadge it as a flagship sedan for Opel. Since "Invicta" ends in an "a", it will fit in with the naming scheme for Opel models. If "Invicta" doesn't have any questionable slang connotations in Canada (like "LaCrosse" does), then GM wouldn't have to market the same car under two different names in the U.S. and Canada (besides, "Allure" seems kind of weak and effeminate; definitely not a name worthy to grace Buick's new flagship).
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Spy Shots: GMC Terrain
Maybe GM is planning on the Orlando (Chevrolet) and next gen Zafira (possibly assigned to Buick) to serve as compact CUV products, although they belong more to the MPV segment than the CUV segment. I would really like to see GM develop something smaller and lighter than the current Captiva/Antara/Vue on the SWB Theta platform to fit under the next gen Equinox and upcoming Terrain. I think many people consider the current Vue to be in the same size class as the Equinox and Torrent although its smaller and sits on a shorter wheelbase. Maybe the next gen Captiva will experience a slight downsizing to better fit the compact CUV class.
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A Highly Simplified Analysis
Sort of like the following: 1) GM will set a deadline for selling Hummer. If the division can't be sold by that deadline, it will be discontinued. 2) Saab is either up for sale or will be withdrawn from the U.S. market. Since Saab has more acceptance in Europe than Cadillac, it may be designated as GM's sole luxury brand in that market. 3) Saturn will be discontinued once the current Aura, Outlook, Vue, and Sky reach the end of their model cycles. The next gen Astra will be assigned to another brand as will any other U.S. bound Opel models. 4) Pontiac will be discontinued once the current Vibe, Solstice, and G8 reach the end of their model cycles. Pontiac is essential to the B-P-G network because the Vibe will be the only FWD small car offering for the network until Buick receives next gen Opel small cars. OR GM is filing for bankruptcy. Neither one is desirable, but the latter of the two would definitely be a worst case scenario.
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Automotive News: GM to restructure European sales, marketing
Wow! Cadillac is not even mentioned. Has GM given up on trying to help the brand get a solid foothold in Europe?
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Montreal Autoshow: Lexus RX 450H
Yikes! This thing makes the new Nissan Murano look like a supermodel (definitely a major accomplishment). Cadillac might have made a good move by switching the next gen SRX to a FWD platform. This repulsive thing might convince some of the RX's demographic to give Cadillac another try (hopefully). Toyota has never been a style leader, but lately they seem desperate to make any kind of styling statement. The problem is that their bland tendencies have evolved into some kind of awkward hideousness.
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Citroen DS3 Inside concept
I'm not a big Citroen fan, but this is one cool looking small car. I am interested in seeing the rest of the DS line. Citroen does have a couple of cool designs that I would love to see over here in the U.S. The C5 sedan (saloon) and wagon (tourer) are quite nice looking. The C4 Picasso is a cool looking compact MPV. The rest of the Citroen line (including the bizarre looking C6 mentioned previously) doesn't really appeal to me.
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Next-gen Buick small sedan could be built by Opel
As much respect and admiration that I have for past Buick model names, I do have to agree that the "Insignia" name would be quite appropriate for Buick's North American version of the Opel Insignia (although I do think applying the "Regal" name to this car is appropriate also). There are some Buick names and monikers that sound terribly inappropriate (for Buick) or dated (for the present and future) and shouldn't be revived: "Roadmaster", "Special", "Gran Sport", "Wildcat", and "Super". I know these names are revered among Buick's enthusiasts (and I do appreciate that they are), but they just seem to be out of step with the times (and Buick's future positioning and image) to me. I also like "Park Avenue", but to me this name suggests a big land barge limo; something I think Buick is trying to distance itself from. "Centurion" sounds powerful and agressive, but I see it being applied to either a pure sports car or a large SUV (2 products that I don't think will ever be included in Buick's future product portfolio). "Somerset" sounded intriguing until I viewed the history of the name and the car that used this name; we can definitely scratch it off the list. I also liked the "Velite" name that was applied to the recent concept convertible until I looked up the name; it is associated with poor, lightly armed soldiers in the Roman military (not exactly something that exudes the prestige that Buick is aiming for). I'm sort of torn about the "Century" name; I'm not sure if it can be transformed as easily as some of the other past model names (it is also attached to a Toyota product in some markets). "Terraza" and "Rainier" are both recent model names that are probably best left in Buick history also (although I have suggested that they be used on future people mover products for the brand in some of my recent posts; maybe fresh names would be more appropriate than resurrecting either one of these names). I also think that "Lucerne" and "LaCrosse" should be dropped when the current models' life cycles are over. To me, neither of these names properly convey what Buick should be and represent a low period in the brand's history (pleasant, but hopelessly outdated and uncompetitive premium products). The upcoming LWB Eps II LaCrosse needs to receive a new name in North America (one that can be applied to both the U.S. and Canadian versions of the car) that would signal the renaissance of the brand and the flagship positioning of the vehicle.
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Next-gen Buick small sedan could be built by Opel
I really don't see anything wrong with reviving the "Skylark" name. It still sounds classy and upscale. If GM properly executes the product then I think they could transform the public's perception of the name, just like Chevy did with the "Malibu" name when the 2008 model appeared. In fact, Buick has a goldmine of past model names (as does Pontiac) that could be relevant if applied to well executed, modern products: "Invicta", "LeSabre", "Electra", "Rendezvous", "Riviera", and "Regal". I even think "Apollo" could be used if Buick were to apply it to the next gen Opel Corsa subcompact (although I still think that it and the next gen Astra 3-door/5-door should be assigned to Pontiac) or even an E-flex/Voltec product (although "Electra" could also be used for the E-flex/Voltec product); I seriously doubt that the general public will remember the brief run of the 70's version. The "Centieme" name (a Buick Concept crossover that previewed some styling cues used on the Enclave; the name is derivative of "centime", the French word for "100") could be used on some sort of people mover product (a rebadged/facelifted Antara or next gen Meriva or Zafira) or a E-flex/Voltec product in the future. Here are some suggestions for a new model name for a compact Buick sedan, however: * "Vivace": means "lively" in Italian. This name would give the car some exotic, international appeal. * "Reverie": means "daydream". Since a daydream is a "visionary fantasy... of pleasant thoughts, hopes, or ambitions"*, it would be perfect for a new compact Buick sedan. * "Calibra": As someone mentioned earlier, this is a past Opel model name that would almost be perfect for a compact Buick sedan (although it was attached to a coupe when it was used for Opel), if no one confuses it with the Dodge "Caliber". * "Mantra": "A sound, syllable, word, or group of words that are considered capable of creating transformation"* (a process that Buick is hopefully going through right now). The possibilities (much like Buick's potential) are endless. * Source: Wikipedia.
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Bob Lutz Comments on the Future of GM's Brands
+1!
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Bob Lutz Comments on the Future of GM's Brands
I agree: "Cruze" is a stupid name (although I never liked "Cobalt" either). There must be something in Chevy's backlog of model names that could have been resurrected that would be more appropriate than this. At this point, Daewoo's name ("Lacetti") for this car sounds better and much less contrived than "Cruze" (although I wouldn't recommend using the Daewoo name either). I also agree about Buick's and Pontiac's model names. There was no reason to change "Regal" to "LaCrosse" (a name they couldn't use in Canada because of it slang connotations) or "LeSabre" to "Lucerne"; the "LaCrosse" and "Lucerne" names sound much weaker than their predecessors. The fact that the upcoming LWB Eps II LaCrosse will probably become Buick's flagship sedan bothers me only because the name is not appropriate for the brand's flagship sedan (otherwise, the car is beautiful and is totally appropriate as a Buick flagship); "Invicta" or "LeSabre" would have worked just fine (I really don't think anyone would miss the "LaCrosse" and "Lucerne" model names). The G-Numeric moniker system at Pontiac is even more moronic, especially since the naming scheme is not used on all of the brand's products. Pontiac has some great names from its past that could have been used on their products that support the supposedly sporty direction (that has never been fully realized) of this brand. The only question I have is this: Was Bob directly responsible for the name changes or was it the work of some "brilliant" marketing guru?
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Opel Ampera (Volt) headed for Geneva
It's a Volt with an Opel grille treatment. I am a little disappointed. I was expecting a production version of the Flextreme Concept. It does make sense considering GM's financial situation. I suppose the money is too tight to release something with a unique design for Europe. Selling the Volt under the Opel banner (and I would assume Vauxhall for Britain) would allow GM to justify the price of the vehicle in Europe (I am assuming Chevy is considered to be more of a bargain brand in Europe while it is considered more of just a mainstream brand in the U.S.; the Volt would definitely be a harder sale there if that is the case). I have to admit that the car looks cool whether it's sporting the Chevy grille or the Opel grille. The name is totally lame though; it sounds like GM is reaching too much to merge a word with an electrical reference (Amp) with Opel's moniker system (all names ending in "A"). I think "Volt" would have been appropriate for Opel's version also, especially if the car will be an Opel/Vauxhall exclusive in Europe/Britain. The Volt name would make the vehicle stand out more from the other products offered by Opel/Vauxhall.
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All this talk of Saturn started me thinking ...
Yikes! I never liked Saturn styling until the brand was aligned with Opel, but this thing is uglier than the resulting production vehicle that surfaced at the beginning of the brand's existence (which I thought was ugly enough). I guess I need to remember that this concept was revealed in 1984 (the 80's was possibly the worst decade for car design ever!).
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LaNeve: Saturn could survive
What if GM used their Toyota connection at NUMMI to build a series of compact cars (sedan, 3-door coupe, and tall wagon) on the next gen Corolla platform for Saturn. That way, the Asian import fighting small car brand can compete in the market with cars that were actually codeveloped with an Asian company. It would return Saturn to its original purpose (fighting Asian import mainstream small cars) while still appealing to the brand's customer base (which wouldn't touch any other GM products, from what I understand).
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Detroit 2009: Chrysler 200C Concept
cire replied to Intrepidation's post in a topic in North American International Auto Show in Detroit (NAIAS)To me, it still looks like they took the Nassau and morphed it into a better looking and more production friendly form (200C). The 2 concepts don't look exactly like (especially since they are 2 different vehicle configurations), but there is an overall resemblance between the 2 that suggests that the 200C might be a progression of the Nassau. There is nothing wrong with this process. As long as the eventual production car looks more like the better looking variant (the 200C), who cares? The more obvious issue to worry about is if Chrysler actually intends on making this great looking concept (the 200C, that is) a production reality. I sincerely hope so!
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Bob Lutz Comments on the Future of GM's Brands
Shouldn't Buick be included with Opel and Vauxhall since all three brands will share Opel sourced products in the future (the only exception would be that a couple of flagship vehicles will be added to Buick's lineup: the LaCrosse and Enclave)? Buick (NA and China), Opel (Europe), and Vauxhall (Great Britain) are all regional versions of the same basic lineup (if GM follows through with aligning Buick with Opel). I still don't think there is a clear plan for Pontiac. Recent reports (some from Lutz himself) have Pontiac keeping different vehicles (the only constant deletions have been the Torrent and G8 ST). If most of GM's RWD plans and platforms are going to be discontinued or cancelled in the future, GM will need to find a different niche for Pontiac to fill (if they even really plan on keeping the brand going long term at all). Everyone keeps stating that certain products will continue, but no one indicates for how long. Given that 2 of the products (Solstice and G8) are on platforms (Kappa and Zeta) that GM doesn't seem to be committed to anymore and the other (G6) has been given a halfhearted MCE, I don't hold much hope for a long future for Pontiac based on these products. I still think the best plan for Pontiac (and its continued survival) at this point (considering GM's recent RWD phobia) would be to make the brand a sporty entry premium sub-brand in the B-P-G network. Pontiac could sell North American built versions of the next gen Corsa 3-door/5-door and Astra 3-door/5-door (it could even sell NA built versions of the next gen Tigra/Astra TwinTops if GM continues with these products/bodystyles). Buick would still get NA built versions of the current Insignia sedan, the next gen Astra sedan, a facelifted or next gen Antara, and the next gen Meriva/Zafira MPVs. Basically, Pontiac would pick up the small Opel products that don't seem to fit well with Buick's brand image. This isn't my preferred future for Pontiac, but it is one that fits in with the general direction of the B-P-G network and GM's apparent RWD phobia. There are 2 different strategies that GM could follow for Saturn: 1) After the current Vibe finishes its model cycle, maybe GM can utilize their partnership with Toyota at NUMMI to produce a family of compact vehicles off the next gen Corolla platform for Saturn to sell. The brand started its existence with a family of small vehicles (sedan, coupe, and wagon) that was supposed to appeal to Asian import shoppers. Maybe a sedan, 3-door coupe, and tall wagon (essentially the next gen Vibe) could be produced for this brand from this arrangement that would still appeal to Asian import shoppers. Basically this plan would be returning Saturn to its original mission and purpose, except that its products would be codeveloped with an actual Asian auto company this time around. Since these vehicles would overlap and compete with GM developed products for Chevrolet, there would be no need to expand Saturn into Chevy dealerships where Saturn currently has no presence. I'm assuming that most Saturn dealerships currently exist in markets where Asian imports are popular so there would be no need for further expansion of the brand. OR 2) Give Saturn some of the small vehicles developed by GMDAT. There is a rumor that GM is developing a hatchback version of the Cruze (3 and 5 door maybe?); Saturn could pick up the hatchback models (with a different grille treatment) while Chevrolet could sell the more mainstream (and higher volume) sedan model. Since Chevrolet has the upcoming LWB Theta based next gen Equinox that can be fitted with 4 or 6 cylinder engines as well as the upcoming Delta based Orlando MPV, maybe GM can give Saturn the SWB Theta based Captiva as a 4 cylinder only compact crossover offering (again with a different grille). Since Saturn is picking up specific GM developed products that won't be sold by Chevrolet, it will need to be expanded into select Chevy dealerships only in markets where Saturn currently has no market presence. Either one of these plans could work to keep Saturn going while returning the brand to something closer to its original form. I submitted a plan for Saab on another forum topic. Basically, the plan calls for the brand to be transformed into a 3 product small premium vehicle boutique brand to complement Cadillac (sort of like the relationship between Mini and BMW). Overall, I like the idea of GM designating Chevy, Buick/GMC, and Cadillac as the corporation's core brands in North America. This doesn't mean that the other brands need to necessarily be cut out of the process, they just need reimagined roles that position them as sub-brands that support the core brands (I think Saturn, Pontiac, and Saab are all worthy candidates for this type of transformation). Hummer is the only brand that doesn't seem to fit in with this view of the future. Unless the brand could be transformed into a Land Rover type of upscale SUV brand to complement Cadillac (which would then lose the Escalade, ESV, and EXT), then it needs to go.
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Saab 9-3X and 9-5 officially confirmed for 2009 rollout
Saab isn't a boutique brand. It is a sorely neglected second string luxury marquee that overlaps and competes with other GM brands (and is often overlooked in the process due to limited marketing and outdated products). I agree that Cadillac needs to be GM's priority in the luxury segment. To me, that would also mean that GM needs to quit wasting money developing the 9-5 and 9-4, products that overlap and compete with entries (Insignia/Regal and SRX, respectively) in GM's other divisions. I know the argument is that bringing these 2 products to market might eventually help GM sell Saab, but who is going to buy Saab during a credit crisis and unstable global economy (conditions that appear as though they may be around for quite some time)? I do agree with you that Cadillac lacks focus and has products in its portfolio that damage or dilute its image. The Escalade, ESV, and EXT need to go; GMC should be handling premium truck based products, not Cadillac. The DTS needs to go also; Cadillac shouldn't be selling floaty FWD land barges anymore. I would discontinue the STS too (or replace it with the Chinese market SLS); it is too close to the current CTS (which is more attractive and more in tune with the direction Cadillac should be going). The XLR should probably go too (maybe a production version of the Converj Concept would be a more appropriate for Cadillac); it hasn't sold well and Cadillac doesn't have enough equity in the luxury segment to sell such a product yet. GM should focus on expanding the CTS series (coupe and wagon); these products should already be available. I have no problem with the upcoming SRX except that it should be available as an AWD vehicle only to further differentiate it from other GM offerings. A sub-CTS series needs to be a priority; the preference would be for the series (sedan, coupe, and wagon) to be on a RWD platform (Alpha or modified Sigma), although an AWD version of the SWB Epsilon II platform may have to do if GM cancels Alpha and Sigma can't be shortened to accommodate the product. To me, a proper AWD or RWD compact series (sedan, coupe, and wagon), an expanded CTS series (sedan, coupe, and wagon), the upcoming compact SRX, a Sigma based midsize crossover (ERX?), a production version of the Converj Concept, and maybe the SLS sedan (although I think it is unnecessary at this time) would be all Cadillac needs to reestablish itself in the luxury segment. That would leave room below Cadillac for a small premium boutique vehicle lineup for Saab (a segment that Cadillac shouldn't be involved in at all).