cire

Saturn shouldn't be saved; it should be converted to Opel. One of the major reasons why Saturn's revitalization effort has not been as successful as GM had planned or hoped is because the brand has no clearly defined identity. The division started life as a quirky, feel good division that offered a single "cheap and cheerful" compact model in three variations (sedan, coupe, and wagon). The brand became synonymous with inexpensive, plastic bodied small cars being peddled at dealerships that were supposed to coddle the customer with superior customer service and no haggle pricing techniques. Now Saturn is supposed to be positioned between Pontiac and Buick with a lineup of supposedly upscale Euro inspired products based on GM's Opel/Vauxhall divisions. This transformation has not been successful for a variety of reasons. First, Saturn's newly implied position is totally out of line with its former market image. Given Saturn's humble beginnings, I think it is going to be nearly impossible for GM to convert the division into an outlet for premium Euro inspired products. Second, none of the marketing or advertising for the revitalized division has made it clear to the public what Saturn's new role is supposed to be. Third, most of the lineup lacks unique features or premium content to differentiate the products from similar vehicles that can be found at Chevrolet, Pontiac, or GMC. Finally, Saturn's limited dealer base makes it difficult for the division to make a sizeable impact on the auto market. I thought Chevrolet was GM's affordable, value division? Why would GM need Saturn to cover the same part of the market? As far as affordable small cars, Chevrolet can competently handle this segment of the market. I think it would be beneficial for GM to apply some of Saturn's former customer service techniques to Chevrolet dealerships to give its affordable, volume division a warm and caring image. I think GM should have an outlet in the U.S. to offer their premium Opel based products, but Saturn is not the appropriate brand to handle this task. I really don't think Saturn has a meaningful role to play in GM's brand hierarchy anymore. It has failed in its mission to lure import buyers and I don't think it can be moved upmarket to carry Opel products in the U.S. due to the brand's past public persona. I think Saturn should come to an end when the current model cycles of the Aura, Sky, Vue, Outlook, and Astra come to an end. I would hold off on the introduction of the Insignia in the U.S. until the next generation of the Astra also makes it to market. When these two products are ready to be introduced simultaneously to the U.S. market, I would convert the division name to Opel and sell the cars under that brand name. The Astra line should be expanded to include 3-door, 5-door, sedan, wagon, and "TwinTop" coupe variants. The Insignia line should be expanded to include sedan, wagon, and "TwinTop" coupe variants. As the next generation Corsa, Meriva, and Zafira make it to market, they should be added to Opel's lineup in the U.S. (I would also like to see a midsize SWB Epsilon MPV inserted above the Zafira). The Corsa line should include 3-door, 5-door, and "TwinTop" roadster (Tigra replacement) variants. The marketing/advertising should downplay the domestic angle and emphasize Opel's European roots. Since the "Opel" name doesn't carry any brand baggage in the U.S., GM should have the opportunity to properly mold the division's image to fit the products' premium import focused origins and mission. To remedy the limited availability of the future U.S. Opel division, I would combine the division with Pontiac and GMC to create a midmarket premium dealer network. Buick would join Cadillac to form a luxury dealer network (hopefully, without Saab and Hummer). The Opel/Pontiac/GMC lineup would look like this: Opel: * Corsa: FWD Subcompact 3-door/5-door/"TwinTop" roadster (Gamma) * Astra: FWD Compact 3-door/5-door/sedan/wagon/"TwinTop" coupe (Delta) * Insignia: FWD Midsize sedan/wagon/"TwinTop" coupe (SWB Epsilon) * Meriva: FWD Subcompact MPV (Gamma) * Zafira: FWD Compact MPV (Delta) * Olympia(?): FWD Midsize MPV (SWB Epsilon) Pontiac: * Solstice: RWD roadster/2-seat coupe (NG on modified Alpha?) * G2: RWD Subcompact 2+2 3-door/5-door (modified Alpha?) * G4: RWD Compact sedan/coupe (Alpha) * G6: RWD Midsize sedan/coupe (SWB SigZeta) * G8: RWD Large sedan (LWB SigZeta) GMC: * Envoy: FWD/AWD Compact crossover/SUT (SWB Theta) * Terrain: FWD/AWD Midsize crossover/SUT (LWB Theta) * Acadia: FWD/AWD Large crossover/SUT (Lambda) * Chevrolet would be the sole truck/SUV division. GMC would carry premium crossovers and SUTs. SUTs would be exclusive to GMC. The Buick/Cadillac lineup would look like this: Buick: * Regal: FWD Compact sedan (SWB Epsilon) * Velite: FWD Compact coupe-cabrio (SWB Epsilon) * Invicta: FWD Midsize sedan (LWB Epsilon) * Riviera: FWD Midsize coupe-cabrio (LWB Epsilon) * LeSabre: FWD Large sedan (LWB Epsilon Plus) * Rendezvous: FWD/AWD Compact crossover (SWB Theta) * Centieme: FWD/AWD Midsize crossover (LWB Theta) * Enclave: FWD/AWD Large crossover (Lambda) Cadillac: * RWD Compact sedan/coupe/wagon (Alpha) * RWD Midsize sedan/coupe/wagon (SWB SigZeta) * RWD Large sedan (LWB SigZeta) * RWD Retractable hardtop roadster (modified Alpha? shared with Pontiac Solstice) * XLR: RWD Flagship retractable hardtop roadster (Corvette C7 platform) The only major glitch in the plan is what to do when a stand alone Saturn dealership is located within close proximity of a Pontiac/GMC dealership...

I always thought "Cobalt" was sort of a bland and sterile name for a car. I would prefer to see Chevy resurrect either the "Monza" or "Corvair" names for the new car (they just sound sportier and more exciting to me), but I do agree with those of you that think that retaining the "Cobalt" moniker is probably the best solution due to the name recognition factor. I also agree with those of you who dislike the "Cruze" moniker; it really does sound juvenile and ridiculous.

The only other division that they could possibly sell is Saab. Hummer and Saab are the only two brands that have enough of their own distinct identity to actually serve as assets to any other auto company that might purchase them (and Hummer is questionable considering the ever escalating cost of fuel). I don't think GM would sell Chevrolet or Cadillac (and they would be crazy to do so). Chevrolet is their mainstream, affordable, volume brand and Cadillac is their flagship luxury division. GMC products are essentially slightly upscale rebadged Chevrolet truck/SUV clones (with the exception of the Acadia, which is a slightly upscale Outlook clone); I can't imagine any other auto company being interested in a midmarket rebadged truck/SUV division with fuel prices continuing to rise (besides, it would seem silly for anyone else to sell products that are badged "GMC" other than GM). Since GMC is combined with Buick and Pontiac and the truck/SUV market has nosedived due to fuel prices, I think GM would be safe to either discontinue GMC entirely or relegate it to selling commercial fleet vehicles only (except I would like to see the Acadia salvaged and transferred to another division). Chevrolet can pretty much handle the rapidly shrinking truck/SUV retail market on its own. I still think Saturn should be converted to "Opel" when the next generation of Opel products reaches the market. I think GM would be much more successful marketing Opel as a premium Euro chic division than trying to move Saturn upmarket into that position when the division has been saddled with a "cheap & cheerful" brand image in the past. I would even downplay GM's connection to Opel in an attempt to attract buyers who would normally not shop domestic makes (I would play up Opel's European origins). I would bump Buick into a luxury dealer network with Cadillac (Buick focuses on FWD luxury cars/crossovers and Cadillac focuses on RWD luxury cars) and move the newly christened Opel into a premium midmarket dealer network with Pontiac. Opel would focus on FWD cars/MPVs/crossovers from their Euro lineup (the only exception would be transferring the Acadia over to Opel to replace the dorky Outlook). Pontiac would focus on midmarket RWD cars from GM's foreign divisions (Opel/Vauxhall/Holden). By combining Opel with Pontiac, GM would have a larger network in which to introduce U.S. buyers to the great products it offers on the other side of the Atlantic (although the U.S. versions would be assembled in North America). If GM would sell Hummer and Saab, discontinue or relegate GMC to commercial fleet vehicle sales, and convert Saturn to "Opel", GM would be left with 5 U.S. divisions that could easily be configured into 3 distinct dealer networks that could competently and more efficiently cover all segments of the U.S. auto market.

Another example of a missed opportunity for Chrysler. They made an initial splash when the LX cars were introduced and they seemed so content to ride this wave that they totally neglected to make their upcoming midsize sedans (2007 Chrysler Sebring and 2008 Dodge Avenger) competitive at all. I don't blame Chrysler for this as much as I blame the blood sucking Daimler regime that controlled Chrysler and allowed this scenario to take place. This is another huge area of opportunity for Chrysler LLC. If moving the next generation midsize Chrysler Division sedan to RWD is not a feasible choice, then I would like to see Chrysler leverage their partnership with Nissan to obtain access to their D platform to develop a replacement for the Sebring as well as the Avenger (which is a plan I would have suggested for the Avenger replacement anyway). The Avenger replacement would be a sedan/coupe combo that resurrects the "Intrepid" name and continues with the sporty ZEO Concept design cues that were initiated into the Dodge Division by the Stealth compact car proposed in my previous post. The Sebring replacement would be a sedan/wagon/coupe-cabrio combo that resurrects the "Concorde" name and continues the sleek, modern, and premium Euro-inspired design direction that the Chronos compact car introduced to the Chrysler Division. I think Nissan has proven that the D platform is flexible enough to underpin a mainstream entry (Altima) as well as a more upscale product (Maxima). The platform should prove flexible enough to differentiate the midsize entries for the sporty, yet mainstream Dodge Intrepid and its premium level Chrysler Concorde platform mate. As far as the fullsize 300 and Charger, Chrysler LLC needs to work hard to update the LX platform to be lighter and more fuel efficient. I would like to see the next gen Charger move closer stylistically to the sleek and sporty Charger R/T Concept sedan as well as further evolve the design language initiated by the Stealth compact. The 300 has effectively done the retro styled "Big, Bold, & American" look; the next generation needs to take on a sleeker, more upscale international appearance that might suggest to the buying public that it is a more aerodynamic and fuel efficiency conscious machine instead of a blocky, gas guzzlilng icon of the past. I do like the looks of the current 300 (and consider it a future classic), but the design theme has not aged well; especially in the changing market climate of perpetually rising fuel costs. I think the next generation Chrysler Division fullsize car should come in sedan and wagon forms and maybe sport a name change from "300" to either "Imperial" or even "Atlantic" maybe (actually "Atlantic" might better reinforce the international intentions of the division and the company). This company has so much untapped potential, but it will take a lot of sacrifice, commitment, and funds to make a successful and lasting turnaround. It would be great to see it happen, but I think it is a long shot pipe dream.

I think the midcycle restyle of the MKZ should include installing an EcoBoost 4 cylinder as the base engine. This would give the car a more fuel efficient base engine that would still seem more upscale than the normally aspirated 4 cylinders in the Fusion and Milan. I would also like to see a lot more exterior differentiation between the MKZ and its mainstream platform mates, but I doubt that would happen with a midcycle update. I would like to see Lincoln expand its lineup into premium compact territory as well as other segments or see Ford Corporation transform Mercury into a premium small car division that complements Lincoln with sub-MKZ/sub-MKX products. I think the best long term plan would be to let Mercury fade away when the Milan and Mariner reach the end of their product cycles (the Mountaineer and Grand Marquis could be discontinued immediately and the Sable could stop production when the redesigned Taurus comes out next year) and expand Lincoln' s product portfolio to allow it to become more of a full scale premium division. I also think Lincoln should revert back to traditional model names (the MK"?" alpha moniker system is ridiculous, meaningless, and confusing). Lincoln's future lineup could look like this: * Premiere: Compact sedan, wagon, and coupe-cabrio on the C1 platform. * Versailles: Midsize sedan, wagon, and coupe-cabrio on EUCD platform. * Continental: Large sedan on the D3 platform. * Capri: Small RWD retractable hardtop roadster on MX-5 Miata platform. * Mark IV: RWD coupe-cabrio based on an independent rear suspension version of the Mustang platform. * Sentinel: Compact crossover based on the C1 platform. * Aviator: Midsize crossover based on the EUCD platform. * Navigator: Large crossover based on the D3 platform. ****************************************************************** "volvo. 9 models and only 7000 sales. shut down the brand." - regfootball: I would rather see Ford sell Volvo instead of shutting it down. It would be financially more advantageous to sell it than discontinue the division. Volvo was an independent company when Ford bought it and I think it would be viewed as an asset by many other auto companies who hope to buy it (especially 2 particular German companies that might desire to have a premium FWD division: BMW and Mercedes). Ford could definitely use the revenue that could be generated by selling Volvo.

Exactly. Compact cars are more popular than ever before due to astronomical gas prices and all Chrysler LLC has in its arsenal to do battle in the segment are the Caliber (a tall, crossover wannabe hatchback), the Compass (a disfigured, brand damaging mistake in Jeep's lineup), the Patriot (a Jeep SUV wannabe poser, although it seems to be selling well), and the PT Cruiser (which could be kicking it right now if Chrysler would have bothered to properly redesign it on the Caliber platform). It seems Chrysler has missed out on some opportunities in the compact segment by improperly utilizing this platform I do like the overall look of the Caliber; if Chrysler would clean up some of the cheap exterior details (too much flat black plastic elements: side mirrors, door handles, roof rails) and improve/refine the interior, it would make more of an impact in the segment (maybe a midcycle restyle will bring these upgrades to market). I would like to see the next generation morph into more of a true compact crossover for the Dodge Division to properly compete against other entries in that segment. The Patriot would benefit from some of the same proposed improvements that are listed above for the Caliber as a midcycle refresh. The Compass needs to be discontinued in order to use the production capacity to bring a successor/replacement to the PT Cruiser to market for Chrysler as well as a compact sedan and coupe for Dodge. I would like to see these products designed on an improved/updated/upgraded next generation version of the Caliber/Patriot platform. I think the PT Cruiser successor should ditch the name and retro styling of the current car and evolve into a modern, sleek, Euro-inspired 3-door/5-door/coupe-cabrio that would herald a new design direction for the entire Chrysler Division. I think the "Chronos" name should be used for this edgy, trend setting new product for the Chrysler Division (which could be positioned as a premium, near luxury competitor to Acura and Lincoln if the division was given properly executed products). It would have a refined, upscale, class leading interior and would be propelled by turbocharged 1.8(base)/2.4(upgrade) liter 4 cylinders with direct injection and 6 speed automatics. The car could also offer hybrid and/or diesel engine options. I think a premium 3-door/5-door/coupe-cabrio configuration for an entry level Chrysler would enable Chrysler to be more competitive in global markets as well as allow the division to offer something unique and differentiated from its Dodge Division platform mate. (An alternative plan to the FWD Chronos would be to leverage Chrysler's partnership with Nissan to develop a small RWD sedan/wagon/coupe-cabrio on the FM platform that would resurrect the "LeBaron" name; actually, a RWD Nissan based compact product could serve as an alternative to the Chronos or a step-up product positioned above the Chronos). The Dodge division would receive a sporty sedan/coupe with design elements inspired by the Zeo Concept that would also set a new design direction for future Dodge Division car products. I think the resurrected "Stealth" name would be a perfect fit for the sporty appearance and attitude of this car. Engine choices for this car would have to be expanded compared to its Chrysler Chronos platform mate in order for this car to serve double duty as a fuel efficient mainstream compact as well as a player in the sport compact arena. Some sort of normally aspirated 4 cylinder engine (with direct injection and six speed manual and automatic transmissions) would serve as the base engine. The Chronos engine offerings could serve as upgrades on the Stealth. The interior should be well executed to become the benchmark for mainstream, volume cars in the compact segment. It would be great to see Chrysler LLC evolve into an ultra competitive, class leading car company with its compact products leading the way to the company's turnaround in a fuel efficiency conscious world market.

I agree that all 3 of the minicar concepts (Beat, Trax, and Groove) should be offered in the U.S. market. As much as many of you would like to see Pontiac get the Beat exclusively, you know it won't happen. They will give it to Chevrolet and maybe rebadge it as a Pontiac as an afterthought. I know this is negative, but I think the G8 sedan and ute (and possibly Solstice Coupe) will be the last exclusive products that Pontiac will ever receive. As far as GM increasing its small car offerings; it would be great to see Saturn be fully converted to Opel and the newly rechristened division's lineup expanded to include more of the same products that are available in Europe. The Agila, Corsa 3-door/5-door, Tigra "TwinTop", Astra "TwinTop", and next generation Meriva/Zafira MPVs would be interesting and market appropriate additions to GM's U.S. small car arsenal.

Wow! I'm impressed. Kia will actually have a mainstream compact sedan that is near the top of the segment (along with the Mazda3 and Mitsubishi Lancer) in regards to exterior styling. This would be the first Kia product that I might actually consider buying. If they give it a nice interior and a 5 or 6 speed auto transmission, they might find themselves with a fairly competitive compact sedan. Job well done on the exterior styling, Kia!

It's basically a badge engineered Nissan Frontier.

I can't really see Pontiac being positioned as a captive import division for Opel products either. I would love to see GM turn Pontiac into a RWD affordable specialty car division. I think transforming Pontiac into that kind of division suits the brand much better and allows it to be something unique in the market. As far as overall brand management, I think GM should do the following: 1) Sell Saab and Hummer. I think there would be foreign companies interested in these 2 divisions. GM needs the money that the sale of these 2 divisions could bring in and they don't need the distraction of managing these 2 low volume divisions. Both divisions existed before GM took control of them and I think they will survive if GM does not own them in the future. 2) Convert GMC to commercial fleet sale vehicles only. Chevrolet can handle the shrinking truck/SUV market on its own. 3) Combine Buick with Cadillac to form the luxury dealership network. Buick would carry FWD luxury cars and FWD/AWD crossovers. Cadillac would focus on RWD luxury cars. 4) Convert Saturn to Opel and combine it with Pontiac to form a midmarket, premium dealer network. Opel would focus on FWD premium cars/MPVs and FWD/AWD premium crossovers. Pontiac would focus on affordable RWD cars. 5) Chevy would be a stand alone dealer network for affordable mainstream products. They would carry a wide range of vehicles that would include FWD cars, FWD/AWD crossovers, trucks/SUVs, and the RWD Camaro/Corvette. This would give GM 5 manageable divisions arranged into 3 distinct dealer networks with each division being given a well defined purpose and position in GM's brand hierarchy.

I think the best case scenario would be that they have put it on hold until GM can figure out a plan to sell it under the "Opel" name in the U.S. Let's face it, Saturn has been saddled with a dorky "touchy feely/cheap and cheerful" brand image that will never represent cool, upscale Euro chic in the U.S. auto market. Opel has almost no market recognition in the U.S. (except to enthusiasts) and could be molded to represent whatever brand image GM decides to give it in the U.S (if they don't botch it up). From everything I have read about the car so far, it seems as though GM has given the Opel Insignia the proper elements to enable the car to be taken seriously in the premium car segment. Selling it here as the "Opel Insignia" would give it a fighting chance to make an impact in the premium segment here as well. If they sell it here as the next generation "Saturn Aura", customers will oppose paying a premium price tag for a Saturn product and it will be yet another failure for Saturn and GM. I think this partially explains why the Astra is not selling in the quantities that GM had projected it to sell. Customers are accustomed to going to Saturn to buy an inexpensive compact car like the ION, only to be disappointed to be asked to pay much more for a premium compact car like the Astra. The Astra defies everything that Saturn has represented since its inception. Basically, I think the transformation from Saturn to Opel needs to be a complete makeover that even includes changing the name of the division. The next generation of Opel products would be a good opportunity for GM to make the transition.

I know I'm probably in the minority on this, but I would love to see Chrysler LLC join forces with Renault/Nissan. The Dodge and Chrysler divisions could really benefit from having access to some of Nissan's platforms. Although this alternative is not as attractive as a fully independent Chrysler, this alternative would at least provide Chrysler with a fighting chance to stay alive. I think Daimler has left them in such a hopeless mess that Chrysler will never fully recover on their own. They will need some serious attention and assistance from another car company in order to survive and hopefully thrive. The advantages to Renault/Nissan would be expanded production capability and an improved opportunity to bring Renault back to the U.S. through an enlarged dealer network.

It's okay. You can tell that the profile is borrowed from the Enclave, but it is not as obvious of a rebadge job as some of the General's other offenses in their "create-a-clone" past. They did do a better job of disguising the fact that the overall profile is shared with the Enclave. I don't think a casual observer would really notice the similarity. They also gave the two vehicles their own distinct interior designs. Overall, it's an admirable effort; although I do prefer the Enclave and Acadia to this. I do rate the Traverse above the Outlook. The Outlook is kind of dorky looking and doesn't fit in well with Saturn's new image as a sleek, Euro influenced division.

The 2 SigZeta cars would have different exterior dimensions than the current Holden based Zeta cars. The next generation G8 is the car that I intended to be built on the LWB SigZeta; it would retain its role as Pontiac's flagship sedan. The next generation G8 would be about the same size it is today (about 197 inches) on a longer wheelbase (118 inches). I envisioned the SWB SigZeta as a RWD midsize replacement for the G6; the car would be about 189/190 inches long on a 114 inch wheelbase. The SWB SigZeta based G6 would fill the gap between the next generation G8 and the Alpha sedan, which will be a compact product (about 181/182 inches long on a 108 inch wheelbase) if I understand all the info that I have read about Alpha so far. This would give Pontiac a sedan to cover the compact (Alpha), midsize (SWB SigZeta G6), and large (LWB SigZeta G8) sedan segments. I think the Pontiac lineup could still be aligned with the Holden lineup. From what I understand, the current Commodore/Calais and Statesman/Caprice are not selling as well as before due to rising gas prices in Australia. Maybe lighter, downsized models with more fuel efficient engine choices would improve the cars' sales performance Down Under in addition to providing a nice 3-tier sedan lineup for Pontiac in the States (they could be sold as Chevys in the Middle East). I would build the Pontiac models in the U.S. (the Holden and Middle East Chevy models could still be built in Australia) along with their Cadillac platform mates. I viewed the modified Kappa based subcompact 5-door as more of a small specialty car than a mainstream small car (sort of a more practical 2+2 companion to the Solstice roadster/coupe). Idealistically, I would love to see it on a modified Kappa or shortened Alpha platform (about 172/173 inches long on a 104 inch wheelbase). I do understand your argument about the expenses of developing such a car on Kappa or Alpha. If GM can develop the car to sell at a reasonable premium, then I would like to see them do it. If they can't, I would rather see them drop the project. Chevy and Saturn/Opel can handle the FWD subcompact segment with the Aveo and Corsa, respectively. I agree with you that a fun FWD product could be developed, but I'm afraid that GM would take the easy way out and simply apply a twin nostriled snout to an Aveo or Corsa (and knowing GM's tendency to rebadge Chevys for Pontiac, it would turn out to be an Aveo). I've seen the proposed Aveo based G3 and it makes me want to hurl. If GM wanted to give Pontiac a FWD subcompact, I would like to see them do it right by giving the car its own unique exterior/interior design as well as more performance oriented features, powertrains, and suspension tuning. I just don't have enough faith in GM's ability to resist giving Pontiac another badge engineered Chevy clone at this point. With GM's current financial state, I realize all of this is just a pipe dream. It would be great if it could somehow become a reality.

Actually, you're right. Just changing out the current version's awkward front bumper does a lot to improve the looks (along with removing the lines in the hood) . I still hope they remove the black plastic patch from the C-pillar. If they do this, then they need to make the little blacked out section by the rear quarter window body color. I also agree that the rear end definitely needs more work than the front. Although I still think a 300-esque front/rear makeover would work better with the tall dimensions of this vehicle, I do agree with you that some exterior revisions are better than none.

I think it's a cool looking small car. I think all of Alfa's product portfolio has a cool, alternative look and appeal. It is a refreshing change from the appliance-like look of Toyota and Honda products.

This is good news. Now Lutz needs to tell us that GM has figured out a way to give Pontiac an all RWD future product portfolio. All you need is a next generation Solstice roadster/coupe, a modified Kappa subcompact 5-door, an Alpha based sedan/coupe, a SWB SigZeta sedan/coupe, and a LWB SigZeta sedan. Use turbocharged Ecotec engines of various displacements as base engines (except in the LWB SigZeta) to provide reasonable performance and decent fuel economy (along with hybrid and diesel options). Other engines (V6 and V8 in regular or turbocharged formats) could be used as performance trim upgrades. Pontiac has so much potential to be something unique and special in the U.S. market if GM worked diligently to make it happen. They have the talent and resources to give this division cars that are fun to drive and offer reasonable performance as well as decent fuel economy.

I was hoping that they would be a little more extensive with the exterior makeover of the front/rear styling. If they remove the black plastic slab from the C-pillar and revise the front/rear styling to fall more in line with the 300, then I think they could have a nice formal looking midsize sedan that would be a nice alternative to the Camry/Accord segment leaders. This new exterior look would work wonders for this car along with upgrades/improvements to the interior, powertrains, handling, features, and overall refinement. If Chrysler could diligently work to turn this "sow's ear into a silk purse", it would be one of the most incredible turnaround/salvage efforts in the auto industry. If they take the "lipstick on a pig" approach that Mitsubishi took with the 2009 Galant, then the public will assume it's business as usual at the "New Chrysler".

I say convert the division name to "Opel" when the Insignia is introduced in the U.S. "Saturn" does carry a somewhat dorky "cheap and cheerful" image which is not conducive to promoting or selling sleek, upscale, Euro chic vehicles. I say start over with the "Opel" name when the Insignia arrives. GM claims that they are going to reposition Opel as a more premium make in Europe when the next generation products (starting with the Insignia) arrive on the market. If the Insignia, Meriva Concept, and Flextreme Concept are any indications of the future stylistic direction of Opel, I think GM could turn a losing proposition (Saturn) into a lucrative situation (Opel) by changing the division name and giving the newly christened division the proper advertising/marketing to proclaim this transformation to the buying public. I also think that the future Opel should not carry crossovers. The Vue could easily be switched over to GMC ("Envoy") and the Outlook could be discontinued. The future U.S. version of Opel should offer more car products (Agila, Corsa, Meriva, Zafira) as well as more variations of their car lines (Corsa/Astra/Aura: 3-doors/5-doors/wagons/sedans/"TwinTops") to reinforce their Euro inspired image. The development money has already been spent to provide Europe with these products. Why not give the division the proper name, products, image, and marketing to give it a true fighting chance to make an impact on the U.S. market. The recent revitalization effort for Saturn was ill-conceived and haphazardly executed (although I'm glad that the U.S. got the Aura instead of the Vectra, which looks like the previous generation Malibu in sedan form; YIKES!); GM needs to get it right with the next generation of Opel products.

I think Saturn's problem is that the conversion to an Opel inspired lineup has been a misguided, partially executed effort. The products and marketing haven't been executed in a way as to suggest to the public that Saturn has been repositioned to be an upscale, Euro inspired niche division. It appears as though GM has positioned Saturn to straddle the line between a mainstream division and premium Euro division and has failed to effectively portray the division's new purpose or give it a distinctive brand image. There have been reports that GM of Europe intends to take Opel further upmarket by offering products that are built and equipped to convey to the public that the division is a distributor of true premium car products. I think GM should apply the same strategy to Saturn here in the U.S. First step would be to slowly convert the division name to Opel with the introduction of the Insignia in the U.S. (yes, it should be called "Insignia"; let's finally get the division completely aligned on both sides of the Atlantic). Saturn is saddled with a somewhat dorky "cheap & cheerful" car image and the post revitalization advertising/marketing has done essentially nothing to change that image. I think the brand needs to be rechristened as "Opel" and given a true Euro chic image to give it a fighting chance to transcend Saturn's humble, geeky origins and establish a distinctive position for Opel in the U.S. market. I would also refine the lineup. With gas prices continuing to rise, I think the newly christened Opel's focus should be on premium FWD cars and MPVs. The Vue and Outlook should be discontinued when their current model cycles are over (midmarket FWD/AWD crossovers should be offered by GMC). The next generation Sky should be refashioned into a luxury retractable hardtop roadster for Cadillac and the next generation Solstice should be stylistically aligned with the global version sold in foreign markets by Opel/Vauxhall/Holden/Daewoo. This would open Opel up to expand the variations of its car products (3-door, 5-door, sedan, wagon, "TwinTop" roadster/coupe) as well as offer Euro inspired MPVs (if the recent Meriva Concept or Flextreme Concept are indications of the stylistic direction of the next generation MPVs, then this could be quite a lucrative situation for Opel). This refinement of the lineup would go further to establish a proper Euro chic inspired image for the newly christened Opel in the U.S.

I still think they should sell Saab/Hummer and combine Buick with Cadillac to form a luxury dealer network (Buick focused on FWD luxury cars and FWD/AWD luxury crossovers; Cadillac focused on RWD luxury cars). I would then convert Saturn into Opel and combine it with Pontiac/GMC to form a midmarket, import focused dealer network. Opel would sell FWD cars and MPVs, Pontiac would sell RWD cars, and GMC would sell FWD/AWD crossovers. Chevrolet would continue as the affordable, mainstream volume division with a wide array of products including FWD cars, FWD/AWD crossovers, trucks/SUVs (Chevy could handle this shrinking segment on their own), and the RWD Camaro & Corvette. Opel, Pontiac, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac would all have smaller, focused niche portfolios. CHEVROLET: * Beat: 3-door city car. * Aveo: Subcompact 3-door/5-door/sedan on Gamma II. * Monza: Compact sedan/coupe/5-door on Delta II. * Volt: Plug in hybrid on Delta II. * Malibu: Midsize sedan on LWB Epsilon II. * Impala: Large sedan on extended LWB Epsilon II. * Camaro: Sports coupe/convertible on SWB SigZeta. * Corvette: Flagship coupe/convertible on C7 platform. * Captiva: Compact crossover on SWB Theta II. * Equinox: Midsize crossover on LWB Theta II. * Traverse: Large crossover on Lambda. * Colorado: Compact pickup truck. * Tracker: Compact SUV. Based on Colorado platform, this would be a 5-door Wrangler competitor. * Silverado: Fullsize pickup truck. * Tahoe/Suburban: Fullsize SUVs. OPEL: * Agila: 5-door city car. * Corsa: Subcompact 3-door/5-door/"TwinTop" roadster on Gamma II. * Astra: Compact 3-door/5-door/wagon/"TwinTop" coupe on Delta II. * Insignia: Midsize sedan/wagon/"TwinTop" coupe on SWB Epsilon II. * Meriva: Subcompact MPV on Gamma II. * Zafira: Compact MPV on Delta II. I think the Flextreme Concept was an actual preview of the next generation Zafira. PONTIAC: * Solstice: Roadster on 2-seat coupe on modified Alpha. * Fiero: Subcompact 3-door/5-door on modified Alpha. * LeMans: Compact sedan/coupe on Alpha. * Grand Prix: Midsize sedan/coupe on SWB SigZeta. * Bonneville: Large sedan on LWB SigZeta. GMC: * Envoy: Compact crossover on SWB Theta II. * Terrain: Midsize crossover on LWB Theta II. * Acadia: Large crossover on Lambda. BUICK: * Regal: Compact sedan on SWB Epsilon II. * Invicta: Midsize sedan on LWB Epsilon II. * LeSabre: Large sedan on extended LWB Epsilon II. * Rendezvous: Compact crossover on SWB Theta II. * Centieme: Midsize crossover on LWB Theta II. * Enclave: Large crossover on Lambda. CADILLAC: * B-Series: Compact sedan/coupe/wagon on Alpha. * C-Series: Midsize sedan/coupe/wagon on SWB SigZeta. * S-Series: Large sedan on LWB SigZeta. * XLC(?): Small retractable hardtop luxury roadster on modified Alpha. * XLR: Flagship retractable hardtop luxury roadster on C7 Corvette platform. This setup would allow less overlap and proper distribution of platform mates. It would also give each division a more distinct identity as well as allow GM to cover the entire market without needing to eliminate any of their core brands.

I think GM should sell Saab/Hummer and combine Buick with Cadillac. Buick could offer FWD luxury cars and FWD/AWD luxury crossovers. Cadillac could offer RWD luxury cars. BUICK: * Regal: Compact sedan on Delta II. * Invicta: Midsize sedan on LWB Epsilon II. * LeSabre: Large sedan on extended LWB Epsilon II. * Rendezvous: Compact crossover on SWB Theta II. * Centieme: Midsize crossover on LWB Theta II. * Enclave: Large crossover on Lambda. CADILLAC: * B-Series: Compact sedan/coupe/wagon on Alpha. * C-Series: Midsize sedan/coupe/wagon on SWB SigZeta. * STS: Large sedan on LWB SigZeta. * XLC(?): Small luxury retractable hardtop roadster based on the Pontiac Solstice platform. * XLR: Flagship luxury retractable hardtop roadster on C7 Corvette platform. I think that is all GM would need to completely cover the luxury market. I would really love to see Buick offer a Riviera coupe again, but I don't think it would really fit into this setup. I would also really like to see the Regal be built on the SWB Epsilon II platform, but it is doubtful that would happen either.

I totally agree and have said the same thing many times on this forum. Buick belongs with Cadillac in the luxury dealership network (GM could sell Saab and Hummer; Buick and Cadillac could carry the luxury channel on their own). Buick could carry FWD luxury cars and FWD/AWD crossovers. Cadillac could offer RWD luxury cars. This would leave room for GM to combine Saturn with Pontiac/GMC to form a midmarket, import focused dealer network. Saturn could carry FWD cars and MPVs, Pontiac could carry RWD cars, and GMC could carry FWD/AWD crossovers (Chevy could carry the shrinking truck market on its own). Chevrolet would be on its own as the affordable, volume division. This division would have the most diverse product portfolio consisting of FWD cars, FWD/AWD crossovers, trucks/SUVs, and 2 RWD sports coupes (Camaro and Corvette). GM may have quite a few divisions, but they could completely cover all segments of the auto market if they combined the divisions into three dealer networks (after ditching Saab and Hummer) with each division (except Chevrolet) offering a focused, niche product portfolio.

I just looked at some camouflaged pictures of this car at The Car Connection. The more I looked at them, the more I liked the looks of this car. The overall shape looks much sportier than the current Cobalt. The taillights were revealed; they have much more character than the current Cobalt. The only thing that bothered me was the black plastic slab on the C-pillar. If they were to remove it, I think this would be one nice looking compact car. That hideous slab ruins the shape and cheapens the appearance of the car (Please remove them GM, it's not too late to do this!). I can't wait to see clearer pictures of the production version of this car.

I hope so. I hate this styling practice. It makes the car look cheap instead of making the roofline more interesting or attractive. I am doubtful that it will disappear, however. If the car is out and about without any camouflage, why would they keep this small patch on the car?