By Nick Aziz
Tuesday, Jun 6th, 2006 @ 2:36 pm

Forbes columnist Jerry Flint has written an interesting piece on the future of Pontiac, or, more specifically, rumors that it might become a rear-wheel-drive-only performance brand (see report). “Today, the front-wheel-drive Pontiac Grand Prix and G6 passenger cars are nowhere near as successful as the FWD Honda Accord and Toyota Camry,” writes Flint. “What makes GM think things would be different if Pontiac converted to an all rear-wheel-drive lineup? If all it took for success were rear-wheel-drive vehicles, Ford Motor would not have killed the Thunderbird or the Lincoln LS.” He also questions whether Pontiac can be a success without any SUVs. The Leftlane Perspective: We still think a Pontiac lineup with great styling and rear-drive would do well. Just look at the Solstice. But Mr. Flint is probably correct that Pontiac’s volume would fall. But that’s where Chevrolet and Saturn come in. Moreover, if GM can’t win by trying to imitate Honda and Toyota — i.e. boring FWD cars — then perhaps they would be best served by carving out their own path!

  

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