GM to cut Hummer, Saturn, Saab
At this week's Detroit Auto Show, the buzz on GM is the planned termination (or sale, if a buyer can be found) of the Saturn, Saab, and Hummer brands. We already knew Hummer was headed for the exit, but the question was how many other nameplates would go with it? Saturn and Saab are GM's smallest divisions, and perhaps the most likely to find buyers. The Swedish government or Volkswagen could buy Saab, and either the employees, the Chinese, or an Angel could take over Saturn. Further news indicates that Pontiac will be downsized to just a few sporty models (perhaps only the G8, G6, and Solstice). But the General plans to hang onto Buick (which is selling big in China) Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC. They also plan to drop from 6,100 to 4,700 dealers in the next few years, probably by attrition. Just part of the shaking out the auto industry needs, if you ask us.
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GM's problem is that it is hurting important and coveted brands. they are selling major portions of their brands and business model to foreign competitors giving them well established dealership networks and entry into well established automotive markets.
Pontiac could be successful at importing the entire Holden line up under the Pontiac Brand.
Saturn could continue importing all of Opel's international vehicles. I would suggest saturn take the opel name and logo, but even minus that suggestion it seems a good fit.
Saturn and Pontiac would lead little to no investment from GM and will be able to import stylish international vehicles imported. cutting R&D Costs and other expensive costs.
Buick can succeed with 4-5 models and has a refreshed line up and purpose. I think they can survive.
I have stated in the past GMC should be merged with Chevrolet, retaining the chevrolet brand name to cut duplicative services.
Vauxhall could be folded into, and renamed Opel.
Daewoo could be folded into either Pontiac or Holden, drastically reducing brands and duplicative services.
I would not condone selling any of their brands or dealership networks to a foreign automaker or private equity group.
The only brand I could see GM selling is SAAB. I would prefer the company completely shutter Hummer rather than give that brand and dealer-network to another automotive group.
GM must be focused on the future and long term. strengthening these international automakers and giving them access to U.S market and dealerships they are putting themselves at a competitive disadvantage in the near future.