Pontiac. If you read our previous reports, Pontiac was deemed as dead for some time now. GM initially denied, but today's plan is as clear as they get. "The Pontiac brand will be phased out by the end of 2010," said GM in an official release. So, goodbye 83 years of history.
Saab, Saturn, and Hummer. These three GM bad brands are out as well. Unlike Pontiac, GM plans to make money out of them and, despite the fact that the faith of the three is to be decided by the end of 2009, nothing is sure at this point. "The revised plan moves up the resolution of Saab, Saturn, and Hummer to the end of 2009, at the latest. Updates on these brands will be provided as these initiatives progress," the company stated.
Dealerships. We reported a few weeks back that GM will slash 1,700 of its dealerships across the US. That number is no longer correct, as GM will reduce "its U.S. dealer count from 6,246 in 2008 to 3,605 by the end of 2010, a reduction of 42 percent." That's 2,641 dealers nationwide, four years sooner that previously outlined in the February 17 plan.
Nameplates. As a result of Pontiac's demise and the selling of the other three brands, GM will reduce its nameplates count from 48 to 34. "GM will offer a total of 34 nameplates in 2010, a reduction of 29 percent from 48 nameplates in 2008, reflecting both the reduction in brands and continued emphasis on fewer and stronger entries."
Good brands. General Motors will focus its future business on four core brands: Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC, what the company dubs the "good brands". "This four-brand strategy will enable GM to better focus its new product development programs and provide more competitive levels of market support."
See the human cost of these measures here.
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