If reports hold true, we may be seeing the official demise of the Pontiac. General Motors has reportedly decided to pull the plug on the classic vehicle line, a sign which clearly shows that GM is in a deep hole. General Motors is preparing to announce that the Pontiac car brand, once marketed as GM’s “Excitement division,” will be killed off, according to a source familiar with the decision.

An official announcement is expected Monday. GM spokesman Jim Hopson declined to comment on Pontiac’s fate, saying the automaker has no announcements to make at this time.

In its most recent “viability plan” – which will be updated to reflect this new brand cut – Pontiac was not named as one of GM’s four “core brands.” Those are Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac. But Pontiac was also not to be killed or sold off, as were Saturn, Saab and Hummer. Instead Pontiac was to continue on as a “niche brand” focusing on just a few models.

That was already a step down for Pontiac which, in 2008, was the third-best selling brand behind Chevrolet and GMC. That year the brand sold more than Cadillac and twice as many vehicles as Buick. Cadillac is a high-profile – and high profit – luxury brand while Buick is a hugely popular brand in China and is seen as seen as resurgent in the U.S.

Today’s Pontiac is part of GM’s Buick-Pontiac-GMC brand channel, created in 2002, with the plan being that all three brands would be sold in combined dealerships. GMC would, as always, sell trucks and SUVs, Buick would sell value-oriented luxury models and Pontiac would sell less expensive, fun-to-drive cars.

(Source) CNN

Tags: automaker, buick cadillac, buick gmc, buick pontiac, car brand, chevrolet buick, classic vehicle, gm spokesman, jim hopson, luxury brand, luxury models, pontiac car, pontiac general motors, pontiac gmc

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In a marketing move, General Motors has reportedly combine three of its most recognized brands; Buick, Pontiac and GMC into one sales and marketing channel – which means many dealers, who had one or two of the brands previously, will now sell all three under one roof. GM says each brand will play to its strengths – Buick larger, premium cars; Pontiac sportier cars; and GMC pickups, SUV’s and Crossovers. This will create a middle sales channel, between GM’s global value brand Chevrolet and its high-end luxury brand, Cadillac.

At the 2009 New York International Auto Show, GMC debuted two new models. The all-new 2010 Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV that blends bold styling with fuel efficiency and premium features. The all-new 2009 Yukon Denali Hybrid was also unveiled. A luxurious, full-size SUV that seats eight, it tows up to 5,800 pounds and achieves and estimated 21 miles per gallon in city driving, thanks to the patented 2-mode hybrid system.

The Yukon Denali Hybrid arrives in May in dealer showrooms. It joins the Yukon Hybrid and the Sierra Hybrid pickup truck in the hybrid lineup, making GMC the first manufacturer to offer three full-size hybrid models.

(Source) Press

Tags: buick pontiac, crossover suv, dealer showrooms, fuel efficiency, global value, gmc pickups, hybrid models, hybrid system, international auto show, luxury brand, marketing channel, miles per gallon, most recognized brands, new york international auto show, pickup truck, premium cars, sales and marketing, tows, yukon denali

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When you talk about luxury cars, Mercedes Benz will always be there among the top names. With the Mercedes-Benz E280, it still holds that pleasant appeal that has made this luxury brand a name to reckon with. But while it may be nearing the crossroads of its showroom aura, don’t count out this Mercedes-Benz E280 sports edition series that is expected to come out soon.

The E280’s 3-litre turbo-diesel engine musters up 140kW of power and a massive 440Nm of torque or pulling power. With the windows up and the sound system off, it’s difficult to tell that you’re driving a diesel car, except when the engine’s on the cold side.

Only then do you hear a faint far off rattle from the engine bay. Press down on the accelerator — in true Mercedes-Benz fashion you’ll need to mash it almost all the way to floor when performing overtaking maneuvers — and there’s a muted V6 growl and fist full of urge.

So while some are seeing the Mercedes-Benz as an aging brand, it still has its way of conquering cities and subduing the highways with its supple yet firm ride.

(Source) CNet

Tags: diesel car, luxury brand, luxury cars, mercedes benz e280, Mercedes-Benz, turbo diesel engine

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