Pontiac G8 Could Survive Post-Pontiac?

Pontiac is a dying brand and everyone knows it. It has a year left and GM has made clear (especially before the last few weeks) that it was on the chopping block and there was nothing that would keep the brand from being cut.

In the midst of all that negative press (not to mention a lack of advertising), sales of at least one Pontiac vehicle are up by huge percentages. That vehicle is the G8. Compared with May 2008, sales of the RWD sports-sedan are up 68.3 percent to 3,071 units. That's a big number, the biggest ever for the G8.

What could explain it? People finally checking out Pontiac and seeing a great product, or people who were planning to buy one and now are in a rush. Either way, sales are up. People at GM are taking notice of the new life at Pontiac. Not only do I think the sales figures have something to do with GM's change of heart on selling the brand, but also in possibly keeping the model alive for another brand.

Previously, no models were going to be carried over to another GM brand. Now GM is reportedly considering it, with General Motors' vice chairman of global product development Tom Stephens quoted as saying he knows there is still "discussions on it (the G8)". Chevrolet maybe? It would make a great new model for the brand.

It would even make a great model for Buick with some modification to the styling to bring it in line with the rest of the brand. Buick Regal GNX? Next-Generation Chevrolet Impala? The possibilities are endless. Let's hope GM does the right thing!

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