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GM: No Replacement for Pontiac Vibe

The discontinuing of the Pontiac Vibe alter this year will leave GM's spot in the New United Motor Manufacturing (NUMMI) venture with Toyota empty, as the Americans say they have no clue with what to replace the Vibe in the factory's production queue.

According to Troy Clarke, GM's president of North American operations, the company is still continuing discussions with Toyota, despite the Japanese already expressing their willingness to operate alone the California facility. Still, up to this point, no alternative vehicles are in sight.

"We have been in discussions with Toyota with regards to potential future products that we could receive from the joint venture," Clarke was quoted as saying by the Autonews. "I'll just be honest with you: so far we have not figured out a product that fits the needs of NUMMI, Toyota nor ourselves."

In the beginning of the month, Toyota expressed their interest in buying the NUMMI operations, should such an opportunity arise. The news was confirmed by Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe, who said he hopes to preserve the 25 year long partnership.

"We can continue by taking over GM's share or quit the California production project," as Toyota spokesman Hideaki Homma said at the time. As for GM's bankruptcy, the Japanese manufacturer expressed its support by saying: "We hope that this development will stabilize General Motors' business and lead to the competitive health of the entire industry."

GM hasn't decided yet on what to do with its NUMMI share. "We are going to continue the discussions with them and remain open," GM's president said. "Again, they have been great partners to us in the venture and so that dialogue continues."
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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