Several of General Motors’ brands hang in the balance as the Detroit automaker scrambles to revise its viability plan, but the company may wait another year before it decides on the fate of Pontiac. GM has so far only decided that its Pontiac division will become a ‘niche’ brand.
GM is currently deciding on one of two directions for the Pontiac brand, but likely won’t make a ruling anytime in the near future. “The Pontiac decision is pretty low on the priority list for right now,” Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick -Pontiac- GMC , told Automotive News. “The decision we make for Pontiac is not going to be the savior for GM.”
Although the decision is still a ways off, the possibilities for Pontiac are quite intriguing. GM could reinstate Pontiac as the company’s performance division with a lineup of rear-wheel drive cars. If GM chooses the performance route, the new Pontiac would likely include a new-age Firebird Trans Am, according to Automotive News, as well as vehicles like the current G8.
The other choice is to make Pontiac into GM’s youth division. That version of Pontiac would still have a sporting flair, but would also have a strong emphasis on good fuel economy. Vehicles would sell in the $15,000 to $20,000 with coupe, sedan and wagon body styles available.
Although a Scion -esque Pontiac would probably look better to President Obama’s auto task force, we sincerely hope GM doesn’t give up easily on the possibility of an all rear-wheel drive Pontiac. The world might not need another rebadged pony car, but it sure could use some more affordable rear-wheel drive sport sedans.
