more on the 2009 gto and...NO firebird

[wolfdogs]

"hey bandit fred wants to kno why were doing this again?" "cuz tis never been done be4" "thats good with me and fred"

what in the sam hill r u tawkin about?

[Gary94Formula]

what in the sam hill r u tawkin about?

It's a quote from Smokey and the Bandit....

[Dave M]

the source of the problems stem from when GM stupidly created the Saturn brand .. that brand blood-sucked out all the life of the existing brands namely Oldsmobile

But I hold hope that GM knows they screwed up- At and are giving us RWD performance in 2009

I'd have to disagree with you that Saturn took sales away from Olds. Olds catered more towards the older buyer who needed affordable rides. They had soft suspensions and creature comforts. Saturn was targeted towards to young, and the new couples starting out. Saturn was targeted more towards those who would think of buying a camry/carolla or accord/civic than an olds. I think they were differentiated very well. If anything, it probably took sales from Pontiac. I don't have figures to back this up, but it just my hypothysis.

I think GM needs to differentiate the GTO and Camaro too, when they come out. They can't have one cannabalizing sales from the other, as neither is enough of a volume seller to be able to withstand that kind of sales pressure. As someone else said, it'd be good if the GTO were bigger, more luxurious, offered with a V8 only, and was seen as just a step below the Corvette. Targeted towards older people who can't affird a Corvette or who need a backseat. Much like it is now but in a better package. The Camaro could be the more affordable option, stripped down a little, lighter, smaller than the GTO, and targeted at a younger crowd.

This is where GM needs to do its homework all across its brands. Using the same platform to save costs is great, but you need to differentiate your products so one doesn't canabalize sales from the other.

Build a great vehicle, make it a better value than what your competitors are offering, and advertise it so customers know it's a better value, and you'll sell all the cars you can build. There are no secrets in this business. GM just hasn't been sticking to the formula lately, for a variety of reasons.

[Roger in Kensington]

I'm hoping Mr. Lutz is right, because along about 2010 I should FINALLY have the girls out of school and have some money to spend on things other than tuition. The concept pix of the GTO made my mouth water.

But, I want to keep my TA, too.

[wolfdogs]

I'm hoping Mr. Lutz is right, because along about 2010 I should FINALLY have the girls out of school and have some money to spend on things other than tuition. The concept pix of the GTO made my mouth water.

But, I want to keep my TA, too.

well, for now, get a bib................