Camino LS6

Saw this somewhere a while back - very well executed. But, an odd project for sure.

...and perhaps push Buick into a niche unless they perform miracles with that brand.

Certainly not a waste of time, but not a done deal yet by any means. I am hopeful, but cautiously so. But I think that the days of Pontiac SUVs and rental cars are over - thankfully.

That's just an idea of GiounM's not anything from GM.

You read my mind! I was thinking about that very thing while I was snapping the shots.

Don't jinx it! :AH-HA_wink: Seriously, I hope that this is the case. Over at CZ28, GuionM suggested that GM give Holden Pontiac as a gift along with more independence. That idea made my mouth water.

We are back to a waiting game again before we really know what this means. First we will have to wait for Congress. Then for specifics from GM. Don't count any chickens yet.

Funny you should say that, the Mustang guy is looking for a tow vehicle. BTW: I love SCCA-style racing, and thanks for spreading the word!

They may get crucified over this.

Read the whole thing, pretty impressive case made. The devil will be in the details.

Very cohesive plan. I'm with FOG on the issue of Pontiac - this could be the start of something great or the beginning of the end. We may finally be rid of the albatross of Saturn.

I am truly stunned that anyone would choose Buick to remain as a US brand, it has been dead for years already. I can only see it as a sideshow at BPG dealers because China has paid for the development of a model or two. I see it as eternally a very minor player in the US market. In fact, back when Olds was killed, if someone told me that I had to choose a GM brand to kill (and that Saturn was off-limits), Buick would have been my first choice. At the time, they had three versions of bland sedan and nothing else. Sounds like we are about to see another mistake like that.

Bad, but not unexpected. The comments over there are entirely ignorant.

Glad to have you back.

Some good, some bad, some downright stupid, but not the worst take on the issue.

Perhaps. Worldwide. Not in the US Not even close, lost volume and massive expense is what you are advocating here And Toyota is now expanding its brand protfolio since maxxing out the potential of a single brand It is actually laughable that you would tap tiny Buick as having the most potential in the US, the brand is moribund other than the Enclave. Seems to me that you might be the one thinking with your heart here. Don't get me wrong, I don't advocate killing Buick, but to place all bets for the future on it is just silly.

] NO. They have talked about trying everything, that is not the same thing as actually doing it. Streamlining is necessary, yes. But not via the killing-off of brands (proven failure). As for the "me too" thing, every attempt by the domestics to "me too" has only weakened them. You must see the crucial difference between Toyota adding brands and GM killing brands. Just because they end up with the same number doesn't mean a damn thing, less brands is not a panacea for GM.

Big 3 are Primary Sources for Green and Fuel-Efficient Technologies By James E. Malackowski General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are collectively one of the world's primary sources for the research and development of green and fuel-efficient technologies. As Washington decides on aid to the ailing auto industry, top consideration should be given to the significant potential of these Big 3 technologies for stimulating economic and job growth and creating a greener and more fuel-efficient world. In fact, much of the privately funded green and energy innovation in the United States will stall or likely never come to fruition if the domestic automobile industry fails. The important global role played by the Big-3 in these fields is clarified by comparing four of their key patent portfolios with those of the other 15 largest global auto manufacturers -- emission control, mainly catalytic converters and related chemistry; fuel cells; hybrid and electric vehicles, mostly motor and battery innovation; and emerging related technologies developed by these same firms including solar, wind and other green inventions. Consider that: GM has higher average quality and newer green technology and patents than the other 14 automakers combined. Ford and GM together hold approximately a third of all green technology patents and the related value. GM has 70 percent of the patents in the emerging technology category. This domestic share increases to 85 percent if Ford is added. Ford owns 30 percent of all patents with a similar related value measure in emission control innovation. Clearly, Detroit's Big 3 manufacturers own valuable green and clean air technologies, both in an absolute sense as well as relative to their international competitors. Any long-term plan for these three corporations should focus and build upon the innovation advantages they possess. The Big-3's green technologies, for instance, can help the United States move towards further energy independence, serve as the building blocks for creating and improving alternative power plants, and increasing fuel efficiency for standard or hybrid vehicles, both of which will decrease harmful emissions. If GM, Ford or Chrysler should fail, many of these key technologies would likely be lost to the United States. Green technologies pioneered by supplier manufacturers of the automotive industry -- like battery companies -- are also likely to be lost. Indeed, the bankruptcy of any or all the Big 3 would create a historically unique opportunity for their foreign competitors to acquire a vast amount of crown jewel technology for a fraction of their true value. Our national defense would also be adversely affected. Retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark recently noted in the New York Times that Detroit's automakers are developing innovative electric motors, many with permanent magnet technology with immediate military use. And only the auto industry, with its vast purchasing power, can establish a domestic advanced battery industry. Likewise, domestic fuel cell production, with many critical military applications, depends on a vibrant auto industry. No other U.S. industry would have the private resources or an incentive to make the massive research and development investments required. If our nation ever plans to address the importance of clean technology, climate changes, and energy efficiency, the future of these proprietary technologies must be a priority in Washington, not just Detroit. Luckily, one of the key players in this decision-making is from Detroit. U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr., D-Detroit, is the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, with congressional responsibility for U.S. intellectual property legislation and oversight. Immediately after Election Day, Chairman Conyers promoted the Intellectual Property Subcommittee to his full committee, instantly elevating intellectual property matters. This important step allows him and his committee to fully explore the technology implications of any plan to save the Big 3 -- or the consequences of allowing them to fail. There is far more at stake in this debate than just the future of Detroit and the U.S. auto industry. The fate of vital green and energy intellectual properties is at risk, too. When it comes to the Big 3, it's the technology, Congress. Source - Detroit News - Dec. 2, 2008 __________________

I think it is important to realize that global branding is nothing but a marketing strategy, and just one of many possible strategies. It is not the "one true way" to get the job done. It is high time that a bit more creativity is applied to the problems at hand. No one ever "me too'd " their way to commercial success. The innovative and creative succeed. This kind of secondhand thinking has crippled the domestics for years.

"because it's important" is hardly a justification. Important how? Important why? This world is diverse in the extreme, and this "stretch pants" approach does not address that reality.

No one said it would be easy. If they can't look forward, they should just lock the door and turn out the lights now - the battle will already be lost.

Someone with real vision and dictatorial authority could get the job done. Too much groupthink. If I only had billions to play with...

Agreed, Mr. FOG. Surrender mentality at its worst.

GM has failed to even show that it is awake in that regard.