Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2001 16:32:21 -0400 From: "Jeremy Brown" <Jerem43nopsamnet> Subject: Re: Saab and GMC
Milton is right about GM North America, right now the only real lines that are worth a damn are GMC (trucks), Pontiac (mid range sporty vehicals), Chevy (Trucks, Family, and sports cars) and Saturn (entry to mid line cars, specifically targeted at Japanese auto makers). In the 1970s GM and the other US car companies really dropped the ball, and more than 20 years later they are still trying to pickup the pieces. Unfortunately the GM luxury line suffered the most damage. Cadillac: The high end Caddy is a wash, the cars are only bought by senior citizens, the mafia, limo companies, and hearse manufacturers. They are trying to make it more up to date with the Catera (a re-badged Opel, I am noy sure what model) and the Escalade (A luxo SUV). The US auto press has given some praise to these two vehicles, but is only luke warm to them, and the public still hasn't really warmed up to the marque. The giant Elderado, DeVille and SeVille will all go away soon, replaced with some really interesting looking cars that have the car mags impressed, but I am personally skeptical. http://www.cadillac.com/. Oldsmobile: Mid line luxury cars This marque was the first major car manufacturer in the US at 101 years old. For many years of it exsistance, it had the reputation as an inovator. Unfortunately GM lost it in the 1980s with this line. Olds has the image of an old person's car. These cars are supposed to compete with the C-Class Mercades, Audi A-6, and Saab 9-5. The key word is "supposed", this line still reminds people of the 1950's and 60's land yachts. GM had great potential with this line, but blew it. They have several vehicles that really are nice, including the Bravada (SUV) and Alero (sports coupe), unfortunately mismanagement has rendered this line is truely dead. http://www.oldsmobile.com/ Buick: Base line luxury cars Scottish comedian Billy Connelly once joked that vomiting sounds like "BuyMyBuick". GM has some success with this marqe recently, having golf phenom Tiger Woods pushing the line. The styling of these cars has gotten better in the last few years, and may actually pull through. This marque aimed at the Audi A-4 and Saab 9-3 buyers. http://www.buick.com. I think the GM purchase of Saab is to use Saab to replace the Oldsmobile, period. In it they get a well known, well made European luxury car company, and European is what many the US market consider luxury cars to be. The Japanese realized this early on and came out with Acura and Infinity, while the US automakers just kept putting out the same luxury cars they had making for forty years, and suffered for it. GM has begun to get rid of some old beliefs about Saab (expensive to maintain and some quality issues) while keeping the feel of Saab. The US automotive press has begun to notice this, and so has the public. I look at Saab with the hope that GM treats this company like it does Saturn and lets it decide how to make its cars. If it does, I believe Saab will flourish in the marketplace, and if GM tries to micromanage the company, than Saab will be lost. That would be a true loss. I am a Snaab, and will always be. Jeremy
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