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The Mazda5 only seats six and is less fuel efficient, but I would definitely choose it over this awkward looking box. Honda makes well engineered, competent vehicles; I just wish they would work on their styling a little more. If they would create something that looked as good as it performed, I could be easily persuaded to be a big Honda fan. Based on the sales perfromance of the Accord, Civic, Fit, and CR-V, I suppose I am in the minority on this issue. I admire the company for their engineering prowess and quality reputation, but their styling simply turns me off. As long as they are successful (and they definitely are), then I guess they shouldn't worry about it and stay the course.

Ditto. "Invicta" is the perfect name for this car. It presents a stronger visual image for the car. I can't wait to see the final production version in the showrooms. It looks like there will be brighter days ahead for the Buick Division!

I agree. I hate the practice of slapping black plastic slabs of all shapes and sizes on C-pillars to alter the appearance of the roofline (Guilty parties include the Lincoln MKZ, Hyundai Sonata, Chrysler Sebring, 2009 Mazda6). All automakers need to abolish this ridiculous and cheap looking practice immediately. Other than that, this looks to be a new and interesting design direction for the Cobalt. The current car is definitely not offensive, but it looked more like a Cavalier update instead of an all new car. A completely new styling direction is definitely overdue. I hope GM nails the details and presents the public with a truly competitive compact sedan and coupe. I would love to see Chevrolet kick some but in this segment.

They are nice toys for people that can afford them in addition to a more traditional vehicle for everyday use. I think a slightly more practical next generation Solstice should be designed for Pontiac that is 160 inches long on a 100 inch wheelbase. I think the Sky should be discontinued and Saturn should offer "TwinTop" roadster/coupe versions of their next generation Corsa (hopefully), Astra, and Aura lines. A luxury retractable hardtop version of the next generation platform could be created for Cadillac. I would love to see GM modify the Kappa platform to build a subcompact 4-seat 3-door/5-door product for Pontiac. A small sporty specialty car that is 170 inches long on a 104 inch wheelbase, powered by 1.8 and 2.4 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engines. I think this car would blow the doors off anything that Scion offers as well as give the Mini some serious competition.

I agree. I think smaller displacement, turbocharged engines would work well in Alpha (as well as hybrids and diesels). I think the 1.4 would be too small, but I do see 1.8, 2.0, and 2.4 liter engines competently, yet efficiently propelling the Alpha products. You don't need to shoehorn a V8 engine into a car to make it sporty and exciting. I agree with you that future market conditions as well as CAFE regulations will dramatically change the performance perceptions of many people. I do believe that many interesting alternatives can be created if automakers focus and motivate themselves to develop them.

I think Hummer served its short lived purpose when it rode the wave of SUV fever that engulfed our country. I do think it is worthless to GM now. The "Hummer" name is associated with excess and gas guzzling; I think that it will take a lot of effort and funds to turn around that image in the market. I think GM's resources could be better used elsewhere; I can't see them justifying the need to utilize these resources to fix a division that will be an incredibly small niche in the future auto market. If there are foreign companies interested in buying this division, I say sell it while you still can. If GM can still generate some revenue by offloading this division to someone else, then they should do it. I also think that Saab should be sold. GM could use the revenue generated by selling this division and the freedom to fix/restructure their remaining core divisions (Chevrolet, Pontiac, Saturn, GMC, Buick, Cadillac) without unnecessary distractions.

I think GM is in a unique position to use their multiple brands to offer something unique in the market and cover almost every conceivable segment in the market if it would properly utilize their resources and the potential equity of their divisions. I believe that FWD is the preferred choice as far as the mainstream, mass market is concerned, but that doesn't mean that GM should abandon offering RWD vehicles in both the affordable and luxury ends of the market. GM has the Pontiac division that is in desperate need of a major makeover/revitalization and they have access to RWD platforms that could help them increase the corporation's market share by offering something unique in the market through Pontiac (an entire division that offers affordable RWD products). Contrary to many people on this forum, I believe that Saturn, Buick and Chevrolet (except for the Camaro, Corvette and trucks/SUVs) should rely on FWD platforms for their product portfolios. Pontiac and Cadillac should be the beneficiaries of the RWD platforms to cover the affordable and luxury niche segments of the market who prefer and appreciate the capabilities and traits that RWD offers. I think GM not shoehorning a RWD product into Buick's portfolio is not a major tragedy; denying brand appropriate RWD products to the corporation's affordable performance CAR division is a crime and a disgrace (coupled with the annoying practice of providing this same division with image damaging twin nostiled Chevy clone products). Imagine how much of a youth division Pontiac could become if it could make a sporty 4-seat 3-door and 5-door subcompact car on a modified Kappa platform with a choice of a 1.8 liter turbocharged base engine or 2.4 liter turbocharged upgrade engine. I personally think this kind of product would blow the doors off anything Scion currently claims that they offer the youth market. I also think a compact Alpha based sedan, coupe, and 5-door (with the same engines as the Kappa hatchback; slightly tuned to offer more power to compensate for a larger vehicle) would be huge hits in the market. A midsize sedan and coupe based on a SWB version of the SigZeta platform merger would provide the market with sportier alternatives to the Accord/Altima sedan/coupe combos. The G8 could continue on into the future as a marginally larger sedan (about 198 inches long?) based on the LWB version of the upcoming SigZeta combo platform. Of course, the Solstice roadster/coupe would continue (its styling would be aligned with global versions sold by Opel/Vauxhall/Holden/Daewoo and it would be a platform mate to a luxury retractable hardtop version for Cadillac; the Saturn Sky would be discontinued in favor of "TwinTop" coupe versions of its Corsa, Astra, and Aura lines). Pontiac would be an alternative, niche player in the market, but at least it would not be offering products that directly compete with the more mainstream FWD based products offered by Chevrolet and Saturn (I'm hoping that Buick is repositioned as a true FWD luxury division, more of a Lincoln/Acura/Audi competitor). The division might even attract customers who would love to own a new BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti, Lexus (or even Cadillac), but can't afford the price of entry into these brands. Instead of wasting time and resources shoehorning RWD products into divisions that can properly maintain their images and customer base with FWD products, I would rather see GM use these platforms to rejuvenate their Pontiac division.

You're absolutely right. The "surprise and delight" features are present and accounted for, but they don't matter much when the exterior styling is bland or offensive and the interior has a cheap, dreary feel. This is especially true in the midsize sedan segment where there are so many competitive and well executed choices. If Chrysler LLC is really serious about fixing the midsize twins shortcomings, then I don't think either car is a total wash or lost cause. A makeover can be done in a relatively short period of time and for a lot less money than rushing out a subpar replacement. It is critical that the eventual replacement products are well executed and competitive so that the "New Chrysler" can escape the subpar performance and reputation of its past incarnations (especially the recently mismanaged and derailed period the company suffered under Daimler's reign over the company). I would truly love to see this company achieve a "Phoenix-esque" revitalization in the market.

I agree with your lineup, except that I think Buick still needs a FWD flagship sedan above the Invicta. The Lucerne might not be the big seller that the LeSabre was in the past, but I still see quite a few of them out on the road. I think that a next generation flagship will need newer, more fuel efficient engine options (most of the Lucernes that I see out and about have 3 portholes which would indicate that the smaller engine sells much better anyway), but I think this kind of product is still needed in Buick's lineup. I think there will still be a market for a comfortable, upscale FWD large sedan in the U.S., but the car will need to be more fuel efficient to fit in with the times. The car needs a beautiful Invicta-esque design and a well executed Enclave-esque premium feel to elevate Buick's status and image (this also applies to the proposed Delta compact and sub-Enclave Theta based crossover as well). I think Pontiac needs an affordable version of Alpha much worse than Buick. This car could be sold as a Pontiac in the U.S., a Holden in Australia, a Chevy in the Middle East, a Daewoo in Korea, etc. This would offset the costs of providing Pontiac with the brand appropriate product it needs to become relevant in the market again and escape its twin nostriled Chevy clone image. I think well executed, beautifully styled, appropriately premium FWD products are all Buick needs to attract attention and return the brand to prominence and relevance in the market. Pontiac suffers from a very damaged and diluted image in the market and desperately needs products with a distinctive twist and "Wow Factor" to change the public's perception of the brand and attract customers to the showroom.

I think that is what they really need and I think they know it. They have claimed that they are diligently working on replacements for their midsize sedans. However, they have to try to salvage the Sebring/Avenger until they can develop/engineer their replacements. I would rather see them make some much needed modifications to the existing products to try to buy them some time to hopefully make the replacement products class leading and truly competitive vehicles. The last thing Chrysler LLC needs to do is rush half baked new products to market that were developed under the Cerberus managed regime. The new products need to be carefully designed/engineered to show the public that the "New Chrysler" can be a serious player in the auto market. The Avenger doesn't look that bad. I think the exterior needs a little styling refinement to clean up some details and announce to the public that the car has been significantly updated/improved overall. In addition to the improvements that I previously listed for the Sebring, I would like to see Dodge add a 2.4 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine option available with a choice of a six speed manual or six speed auto transmission. The suspension might also need some tweaking to make this car's handling a little sportier. I think the Sebring would benefit from a 300-esque approach to its exterior makeover. When the black plastic slab is removed from the C-pillar, the Sebring's shape takes on a dramatic visual change. I think this shape could be combined with a 300-esque front and rear treatment to give Chrysler a more formal looking midsize sedan. If this exterior makeover is properly executed along with the other improvements mentioned previously, then Chrysler might be able to turn the Sebring into an appealing alternative choice in the midsize sedan market. Hopefully, these improvements would be enough to attract more attention and buyers to these products. The makeovers will have to be well executed and advertised to get customers to even consider/look at these vehicles. I would rather see Chrysler LLC spend some money to do this than offer superficial gimmicks such as their gas rebate promotion. Improved products will help them much more in the long run. As far as the next generation of midsize sedans, I would like to see Chrysler LLC follow the plan listed below: * Split the midsize sedans so that they are no longer platform mates. * Avenger replacement: Utilize Chrysler LLC's relationship with Nissan to develop a replacement for the Avenger on Nissan's FWD D platform that underpins the Altima and Maxima. Offer sedan and coupe versions of this car. The car would only share the platform with Nissan, the exterior/interior styling would be unique to the Dodge version. Resurrect the "Intrepid" name for this car. * Sebring replacement: There are two options that Chrysler LLC could explore to find a donor platform for the Sebring replacement. The first would be to use the SWB RWD LX platform that underpins the Challenger. The second would be to again utilize the company's relationship with Nissan to develop a replacement product on Nissan's RWD FM platform. I would rather see Chrysler stick with their own modified LX platform for a midsize product and pursue the use of Nissan's FM platform to develop a compact RWD product. Chrysler should resurrect the "Concorde" name for the midsize car and offer sedan and coupe-cabrio versions (Chrysler could use the "LeBaron" name on the compact car, which would also be available as a sedan and coupe-cabrio). * This plan would enable Chrysler LLC to offer significantly different products from Chrysler and Dodge that would further define the image and purpose of each division. It would also save development costs by either using an existing platform (Chrysler's LX) or depending on a platform that has already been developed by a partner.

I also forgot about the Holden connection in regards to platform sharing among the RWD platforms. In fact, the rebadged Holden connection might continue to work in the future in regards to the Kappa and Alpha platforms if the G8 sedan is any indication. The only problem I see with sharing designs between Holden and Pontiac in the future in my proposal would be the SWB/LWB SigZeta platform. If Pontiac and Holden were to share styling on the SigZeta products, Holden would need to downsize the next generation Commodore/Berlina/Calais (SWB Zeta=current Pontiac G8) and Statesman/Caprice (LWB Zeta=current Chinese Buick Park Avenue). Given the future outlook on fuel prices and efficiency concerns/regulations, it might be good that the next generation Statesman/Caprice shrinks to the size of the current G8/Commodore on the LWB SigZeta platform. Anyway, my proposal would make for a much more exciting Pontiac lineup than the rebadged "Pontiacized" Chevy clone lineup. Of course, it's easier to make these kind of proposed product portfolios when you don't have to take other factors (such as union contracts) into consideration; I'm sure the process is much more difficult when you add real world factors to the mix. Still, it would be awesome to see Pontiac stand out from the crowd with a lineup of affordable RWD products.

They need to work diligently to get the emergency makeovers to market. I don't think the Sebring will ever be considered a completely attractive car, but some major revisions might significantly improve its chances in the market. I know it's too expensive to change the overall shape of the vehicle, but a thorough and properly executed midcycle makeover might be sufficient enough. At the very least, they need to do the following changes: 1) Completely revise the front and rear styling of the car. 2) Remove the black plastic slab from the C-pillar. 3) Revise the door design to accomodate for the removal of the C-pillar. I would suggest making the window surround all black or body color. I would also add a chrome accent that completely surrounds this area to give the car a more polished and upscale appearance. 4) Introduce a thoroughly revised interior design that incorporates better materials and improved fit and finish. 5) Utilize more sound deadening techniques to enhance the quality feel of this car. 6) Upgrade the base powertrain combo to a 4 cylinder/6 speed auto combo. These improvements should help to make this sedan more competitive in the market. I just hope we see something similar to this from Chrysler soon. Along with some of you, I thought we would have seen some detailed info on this makeover already.

I think my overall disgust with GM regarding the Pontiac situation is their total lack of vision for the division. GM has a division that has a historical performance image and credible resources (platforms, technology, etc.) within the corporation to create something that would be unique and special in the market (especially from a U.S. automaker), yet they continue to squander the opportunity and allow this division's true potential to remain dormant. The company needs to utilize its resources to give this once proud and exciting division the makeover it truly deserves. It appears as though GM either intends to eventually eliminate this brand completely or allow it to continue on in its pathetic role as a secondary volume outlet for twin nostriled Chevrolet clone vehicles. Either proposition is a sad and pathetic finale for a division that has so much untapped potential. I thought combining Buick/Pontiac/GMC into one dealership network would allow GM to give each of these divisions a streamlined, yet focused product portfolio that would cater to their respective niche segments of the market (Although I still think Saab/Hummer should be sold, Buick should be paired with Cadillac, and Saturn should join Pontiac/GMC). This plan seems to have been broomed as far as Pontiac is concerned. GM seems to have wasted countless development dollars on platforms that seemingly will be underutilized. These platforms could have provided an incredible basis for giving Pontiac an awesome lineup as well as saving the company development money for Cadillac by giving its top tier luxury division an affordable platform mate division. If the platforms are too heavy to assist GM in meeting CAFE requirements, then invest a little time and effort in upgrading/improving/lightening them. The platforms provide a solid basis for doing this and the work has to be done for Cadillac anyway if GM intends for their top tier luxury division to continue to compete with the best European/Asian luxury brands. Why not spread out the development dollars and provide slightly decontented versions of these platforms to underpin Pontiac products? The Pontiac products could use smaller displacement turbocharged engines, hybrids, diesels, and/or other alternative fuel technology to achieve a balance between fuel economy and peppy performance (again, these options have to be developed for all of GM's products anyway; so why not use them in RWD applications for Pontiac?). It seems like the building blocks are there to give Pontiac products that would be special and unique in the market, but GM seems to be too blind or unmotivated to take advantage of these resources. Here's what a future product portfolio for Pontiac could be: * Solstice: Next generation roadster and 2-seat coupe built on improved Kappa II platform. Styling would be aligned with global versions that are sold by Opel/Vauxhall/Holden/Daewoo (Saturn would sell "TwinTop" coupe/roadster versions of the next generation Corsa/Astra/Aura to substitute for the departure of the Sky). Cadillac would receive a small luxury retractable hardtop roadster as a platform mate. A small displacement turbocharged 4 cylinder could serve as the base engine and a larger displacement turbocharged 4 cylinder could be used in sportier versions. The next generation Solstice would be about 160 inches long on a 100 inch wheelbase? * G2: Subcompact 3-door/5-door built on modified Kappa II platform. This car could be marketed as a competitor to other small specialty cars (such as Mini). Engine choices would be the same as the Solstice. Cadillac would receive a luxury subcompact product range (1-Series competitor) that would compete with similar offerings from other luxury makes (which would also make Cadillac more competitive overall in global markets where small luxury cars are established norms in the market). The G2 would be about 170 inches long on a 104 inch wheelbase? * G4: Compact sedan/coupe/convertible/5-door built on Alpha platform. Engine choices would be the same as Solstice and G2, but tuned to achieve more power to accomodate for the size difference. Cadillac would receive a 3-Series/C-Class competitor range of products as platform mates. The G4 would be about 180 inches long on a 108 inch wheelbase? * G6: Midsize sedan/coupe/convertible on SWB SigZeta platform. Engine choices would include a turbocharged large displacement 4 cylinder as the base engine, a normally aspirated direct injection V6 as an upgrade engine, and a turbocharged version of the V6 as the performance trim engine. Cadillac would receive a next generation CTS and related products (5-Series/E-Class competitors) on a luxury version of this platform. The G6 would be about 190 inches long on a 114 inch wheelbase? * G8: Large flagship sedan built on LWB SigZeta platform. Engine choices would be the same as G6, but tuned to achieve more power to accomodate for the size difference. Cadillac would receive a 7-Series/S-Class competitor flagship sedan. The G8 would be about 197 inches long on a 118 inch wheelbase? All Pontiac products would offer a two mode hybrid option with the base engine to supply buyers with an option that would give slightly more performance and significantly increased fuel efficiency. I see Saturn and Buick receiving brand specific versions of the Delta based Chevy Volt, so I don't think Pontiac or Cadillac would need this kind of product in their portfolios. With a little vision and effort from GM, Pontiac really could have the brand appropriate product portfolio it truly deserves. I know this is just a pipe dream, but it would be great to see GM tap into the dormant potential that Pontiac could provide for the corporation.

I totally agree. I thought it was bad enough when the Cobalt cloned G5 appeared in Pontiac showrooms, but this has to be hands down the lamest move GM has ever made. Saturn should have received the Corsa if GM wanted to add another subcompact vehicle to a division other than Chevrolet. At least that product fits in with Saturn's new image and position in the market (not that any of the advertising or marketing has clearly announced the division's new mission to the public). I understand GM's desire to supply Pontiac with a subcompact vehicle, but this is not the way to do it if GM ever plans on making Pontiac truly relevant in the auto market again. Why not develop a 3-door/5-door vehicle on a modified Kappa platform that could seat 4 people (5 people would be a stretch for any subcompact vehicle, no matter whether it's FWD or RWD)? Wouldn't a turbocharged 1.4 liter engine work just as well in this application? The resulting product could be called Pontiac G1 and be marketed as an affordable alternative to the BMW 1-Series or as a Mini competitor. I thought Pontiac was going to eventually be transformed into an affordable performance NICHE division that would provide the market with some alternatives to the mundane appliances that most of the market relies on to transport them on a daily basis? Except for the Solstice and G8, I really don't see that happening. With diesels, direct injection, turbocharging, hybrids, and other alternative fuel technologies being developed and utilized, you would think that GM could figure out how to give Pontiac a brand appropriate lineup of RWD vehicles that could still be fuel efficient yet somewhat sporty. The brand doesn't have to have a so called "gas guzzling V8" shoehorned into every vehicle it offers to give the brand an affordable performance aura. If the products are peppy, fun to drive, and supply the owner with an exalted sense of piloting something a little different and special, then Pontiac's brand mission would be fulfilled. If Pontiac is just going to be a dumping ground for Chevy cloned products, then I say kill it now. The sad practice of slapping twin nostril grilles on Chevrolet products and passing them off as Pontiacs is pathetic and does nothing to elevate Pontiac's image above rental car queen division. I would rather see the division die a respectable death with the Solstice and G8, than to continue to exist on life support with a showroom full of twin nostriled Chevy clone products.

I think it would be wise to sell Hummer and Saab. Then the remaining divisions could be restructured into 3 dealership networks: * Chevrolet: Mainstream, mass market, volume division. This volume division would compete against other mainstream brands like Ford, Dodge, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Suzuki and carry the largest, most diverse product portfolio. * Saturn/Pontiac/GMC: Midmarket, import focused dealer network. Saturn could carry FWD cars and MPVs based on Opel designs. Pontiac could carry RWD cars based on Holden/Opel designs. GMC could carry FWD/AWD crossovers based on actual Opel designs or Opel influenced designs. This dealer network would compete against brands that have images that are sportier, alternative, or Eurocentric such as Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Volvo, and Volkswagen. * Buick/Cadillac: Luxury dealer network. Buick would carry FWD luxury cars and FWD/AWD luxury crossovers. Cadillac would carry RWD luxury cars. This dealer network would compete against luxury brands such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, and Lincoln. I think that Chevrolet could handle the rapidly shrinking truck/SUV market on its own. Upper trim levels could provide a level of luxury for the truck based products at Chevrolet that would act as a substitute for the absence of these products at GM's other divisions. I think this plan would allow GM to completely cover the market and provide each division with a relevant image and purpose in the auto market. It would also eliminate the need to create a platform mate for every division since each division (except Chevrolet) would have a focused, streamlined product portfolio. Platform sharing would be utilized to provide products and keep development costs low, but each individual product would receive its own distinct, brand appropriate exterior/interior styling and features to properly differentiate the platform mates. The practice of badge engineering clones to supply a division with products would be completely abolished and anyone suggesting to utilize this ridiculous practice would be immediately dismissed from the corporation.

I totally agree. GM needs to seriously eliminate the practice of spinning off a version of a platform for every division. This is one major reason why the divisions have lost their brand identities in the first place. I know I'm going to get blasted again for making this comment, but here goes nothing: except for the Chevrolet Camaro, only Pontiac and Cadillac should be assigned Kappa (which I understand will possibly be a modified Alpha for the next generation?), Alpha, and Zeta (or possibly SigZeta in the future?) products. Pontiac should offer RWD cars for the affordable performance segment and Cadillac should offer RWD cars to cater to the luxury segment. Neither division should carry FWD products (no Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Theta, or Lambda based products). Saturn and Buick should only carry FWD products. Saturn's product portfolio should consist of FWD, midmarket, Eurocentric cars and MPVs. Buick's product portfolio should consist of FWD luxury cars and crossovers. Except for the Camaro and Corvette, Chevrolet's car lineup should be FWD and be positioned to appeal to the mainstream portion of the market. I don't have a problem with a FWD Chevrolet flagship sedan, as long as it has a size advantage over the midsize Malibu and has styling/features that would properly differentiate it from its midsize sibling. Buick should get a luxury version of this large front wheel drive flagship sedan with unique and properly upscale exterior/interior styling and luxury features. Saturn, in keeping with its Eurocentric image, should not have a large sedan. The midsize, Insignia based, next generation Aura should be Saturn's flagship sedan. I also think GM should sell Saab, transfer Buick to join Cadillac/Hummer in the luxury network, and combine Saturn with Pontiac/GMC in the midmarket network. I doubt this would ever happen, but it would give GM a 3 tier dealer configuration that could be focused and refined to better target specific segments of the market.

If Buick would offer a U.S. spec version of the Buick Excelle, why would it be on the RWD Alpha platform when the Chinese Excelle is a FWD car? I would think that the U.S. version (I think Regal is a good fit for this product if they properly design/engineer it to carry this moniker) would be on Delta II. A Buick version of an Alpha based sedan would seem to be priced too close to and ultimately competitive with the Cadillac version. I know I'm gonna get slammed for this statement, but I think Buick should remain GM's FWD based luxury brand. Giving Buick RWD products allows it to invade Cadillac's territory.

GM needs to be patient with the process of moving Saturn upmarket. Their initial brand persona was all about offering small, value priced vehicles. That image cannot be erased overnight. I do see a problem with the advertising/marketing of the revitalized lineup: it's too mainstream and vanilla. The marketing/advertising does absolutely nothing to distinguish Saturn from Chevrolet. The division's portfolio was aligned with the Eurocentric style of GM's Opel division, but advertised as comparable to mainstream products from Toyota (Camry) and Honda (Accord); this is Chevrolet's position and purpose in the market. If GM really wants the public to "RETHINK" Saturn's image and portfolio, then create some advertising and marketing that suggests to the public that driving a Saturn is an experience that is aspirational and inspirational. The Eurocentric roots of the revitalized lineup need to be exploited and promoted. There are two other concepts that I think GM should explore to help remake/refocus Saturn's image and market position: 1) Combine Saturn with Pontiac and GMC to create a midmarket, import focused (in image, if not in origin country of assembly) dealer network of cars and crossovers. Buick could then be repositioned as the FWD luxury arm of a Buick/Cadillac/Hummer luxury dealer network (Saab could be sold to generate revenue). Chevrolet would remain an independent mainstream dealer network with a full line of affordable cars/crossovers/trucks combined with the image enhancing Corvette and Camaro sports cars. 2) Refine the lineups of Saturn/Pontiac/GMC to reinforce each brand's image and purpose in the newly formed dealer network. Saturn would become the import flavored FWD car and MPV division. Pontiac would become the import flavored RWD car division. GMC would become the import flavored FWD/AWD crossover/SUT division. I provided a detailed lineup model below. Saturn: * Corsa: Subcompact 3-door, 5-door, wagon, and "TwinTop" roadster (Gamma II). * Astra: Compact 3-door, 5-door, sedan, wagon, and "TwinTop" coupe (Delta II). * Aura: Midsize sedan, 5-door, wagon, and "TwinTop" coupe (Epsilon II). * Meriva: Subcompact MPV (Gamma II). * Zafira: Compact MPV (Delta II). * Discontinued: Sky, Vue, Outlook Pontiac: * Solstice (or G2): Roadster and 2-seat coupe (modified Alpha?). The styling of the next generation would be aligned with global versions offered by Opel, Vauxhall, Holden, and Daewoo. A luxury retractable hardtop version would then be developed for Cadillac. * LeMans (or G4): Compact sedan, coupe, and convertible (Alpha). * Ventura (or G6): Midsize sedan, coupe, and convertible (SWB SigZeta). * Grand Prix (or G8): Large sedan, coupe, and convertible (LWB SigZeta). * Discontinued: G5, Vibe, Torrent GMC: * Envoy: Compact crossover and SUT (SWB Theta II). * Terrain: Midsize crossover and SUT (LWB Theta II). * Acadia: Large crossover and SUT (Lambda). * Discontinued: All truck based products (trucks/SUVs). This market is rapidly shrinking and Chevrolet can offer option packages to cover the truck/SUV market in the affordable and midmarket segments; Hummer would cover the luxury segment of the truck/SUV market. The 2 steps mentioned above would help with Saturn's move upmarket, give all three divisions distinct/focused identities and purposes, and give GM a solid 3 brand midmarket, import focused dealer network that doesn't contain redundant products within that network.

I agree that the "Impala" moniker can indeed be salvaged. Look at what Chevy has done with the "Malibu" name plate. Before the 2008 model arrived, I would never have equated the name "Malibu" with "desirable midsize sedan" (based on the 2 previous frumpy generations). With just one great design, Chevy salvaged the great "Malibu" name and made it relevant in the market once again. I believe they could do the same thing for the "Impala" name if they properly design/engineer/execute the vehicle. GM really does need to stop the practice of changing model names so often, especially when the names could be salvaged with great product (as much as I dislike the sterile and bland "Cobalt" name, I guess they need to stick with it when the next generation arrives; I personally would love to see them resurrect the "Monza" name for the next generation).

I say sell Saab. Even though its not in sterling shape at the moment, I still think there would be quite a few other car companies interested in buying it. It would be a win/win situation for both Saab and GM. Saab would hopefully be bought by a company that has the resources to give it the attention it needs to grow and prosper. GM would hopefully gain some seriously needed revenue from the sale and would have one less brand to cultivate and watch over. It would be silly to kill off this division; I am positive there are interested parties out there who are just waiting to purchase this Swedish jewel. Selling Saab could also help GM reconsolidate their dealer networks and further refine the lineups and images of their remaining brands. GM could create three focused dealer networks if Saab was out of the picture: 1) Chevrolet: Mainstream, Mass Market. 2) Saturn/Pontiac/GMC: Midmarket, Import Focused Network. Saturn would carry FWD Opel inspired cars and MPVs. Pontiac would carry midmarket RWD Alpha/SigZeta based cars. GMC would carry midmarket FWD/AWD crossovers. 3) Buick/Cadillac/Hummer: Luxury Network. Buick would carry FWD luxury cars and crossovers. Cadillac would carry RWD Alpha/SigZeta based luxury cars. Hummer would carry truck based luxury products. This plan would further refocus the lineups and assist in reducing redundant/competing products. For example, there are 4 Lambda products and 2 of those products can be found at the same dealer network under GM's current consolidation plan (Acadia and Enclave). Under my plan, the Outlook would be discontinued (Saturn will offer sleek Euro styled MPVs instead) and there would only be one Lambda product at each dealer network to appeal to that network's customer base (Affordable: Chevy Traverse, Midmarket: GMC Acadia, and Luxury: Buick Enclave). The same setup would work for Theta based crossovers (Affordable: Chevy Equinox, Midmarket: GMC Terrain, Luxury: Buick Rendezvous?, and Discontinued: Vue) and FWD Epsilon II based FWD midsize sedans (Affordable: Chevy Malibu, Midmarket: Saturn Aura, Luxury: Buick Invicta/LaCrosse?, and Redeveloped: Pontiac G6 midsize sedan on SWB SigZeta/Next generation G8 would move to LWB SigZeta). The Sky would be discontinued and the styling of the next generation Solstice would be aligned with the global version sold by Opel, Vauxhall, Holden, and Daewoo (Saturn would carry "TwinTop" coupe versions of their car products to compensate for the loss of the Sky); GM could then develop a retractable hardtop luxury version for Cadillac. In fact, Alpha and SigZeta would be limited to Pontiac and Cadillac only in the U.S. (the one exception would be the Chevrolet Camaro). Seven brands are still quite a bit to handle and manage in the U.S., but it could be done if executed and managed properly.

I am wondering if they will keep this version of the Impala around for fleet sales ("Impala Classic" maybe?) while they start building the next generation version on the extended LWB Epsilon II platform at another plant location for the 2010 or 2011 model year (which would either retain the "Impala" name or maybe be christened "Caprice"?). On the other hand, maybe GM believes that the fullsize sedan segment will be dormant in the future and that an affordable sedan larger than the midsize Malibu may not be needed. I can't believe they would let the Impala stay in Chevrolet's retail lineup that long without some major update. GM has lately shown a commitment to shortening the lengthy model cycles of their mainstream products; I hope that is a practice they plan to cling to in the future.

I would have to say "NO" to the resurrection of the Metro. That car really did nothing to improve the image of Chevrolet or GM. I would say yes to importing the Corsa 3-door & 5-door and Tigra "TwinTop" (could be marketed as a Corsa "TwinTop" instead to save marketing costs) with a 1.(Something) turbo 4 cylinder as Saturn models. You would get quality, fuel efficiency, and a little get-up-&-go in a great looking Eurocentric package. The Metro was very fuel efficient, but that point alone doesn't necessarily mean that it should be brought back from the dead. GM has some great products in their global arsenal that would make great fuel efficient products for the U.S. market also.

I totally agree. The Mazda3 5-door is definitely cooler than the Mazda5. I am sure there are people that need the extra utility that the Mazda5 provides though.

I think the U.S. market has finally suffered a hangover from their addiction to monstrous trucks and SUVs. Isn't it amazing what severe price hikes in fuel can do to a society that has bought into the "bigger is better" illusion for so long? I think GM and Ford are suffering now because they streamlined their focus on what was at one time an extremely profitable segment while they neglected their car segments and surrendered those segments to foreign competition. Both corporations received a severe wake up call when gas prices spiked and many people started to realize that their SUV vehicular monstrosities weren't as necessary to their lifestyles as they had been previously brainwashed to believe. It's so sad to see them playing catchup with the swift market changes, but I hope they have finally learned that they need to pay attention to all segments of the auto business to ensure long term success instead of focusing solely on the profitable flavor of the moment. I owned car products (both brand new) from each corporation during the height of SUV mania and both products presented me with nightmarish ownership experiences in addition to being glaring examples of the halfhearted development/engineering that both companies were investing in their car lines at the time.

I'm not particularly fond of the idea of rebadging any Mazda products for Ford. It's bad enough that Mazda has the Tribute (although it is experiencing an upswing in sales, I still hate the fact that it is included in Mazda's portfolio; I would rather see a more brand appropriate CX-5 crossover in the lineup) and B-Series Ford clone products in their lineup. I don't want to see Mazda or Volvo sucked into the badge engineered black hole that has cheapened Lincoln's image and rendered Mercury totally irrelevant in today's auto market. It seems like Mazda still isn't supporting this vehicle with enough marketing. I see a lot of ads for the Mazda3 (which I understand since smaller cars are becoming increasingly more popular in a fuel conscious market) and the CX-7 (which is perplexing since it is down in sales and requires premium fuel in a repressed economy). I see little advertising for the Mazda5, though. You would think that Mazda would jump on the opportunity to increase sales on a product that is experiencing an upswing in sales and also take advantage of the fact that they currently have this segment (miniMPV) almost completely to themselves (except for the Kia Rondo). Doesn't Ford build a similar vehicle on the same platform in Europe called the C-MAX? It seems to me they could import this to the U.S. to have a miniMPV type vehicle in their lineup. The one disadvantage of this would be that the C-MAX only has two rolls of seats, however (if I correctly recall).