Many reports are circulating that General Motors is strongly considering “shedding” 4 of their brands; Saab, Saturn, Hummer, and Pontiac, in an attempt to return to profitability. They’ve been trying to rid themselves of Hummer for quite some time. If there were no takers when gas was expensive, one may step up now that it’s not so expensive. However, when the economy is in the tank, an SUV company whose product line starts at $30K, and screams “conspicuous consumption” is probably not a good bet to make.

It seems ironic that as they have been on Capitol Hill being told they should produce more futuristic, fuel efficient vehicles, they would consider dropping their 3 lines that are most skewed toward the small and fuel efficient. Saab makes no large vehicles. Pontiac makes a couple of larger sedans, but on the whole it tends toward small and mid sized cars. Saturn produces mostly smaller vehicles, with the 8 passenger Outlook SUV thrown in. Starting at less than $30,000, the outlook is a more value oriented alternative for those needing such a large vehicle. You’d think value would appeal to people in such restricted economic times.

A few years ago The General axed Oldsmobile and kept Buick. Once again, it seems Buick has survived corporate scrutiny, at least in the short term. As a car company that makes mostly larger cars and SUVs, you’d think Buick would be one of those GM looked to dump. After all, they’ve already dumped Tiger Woods, their spokesman aimed at shifting Buick’s image a few decades younger. Tiger was informed earlier this week that his lucrative endorsement contract would no longer be needed.

Until next time…………..

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