GM to drop another brand?

“DETROIT — General Motors Corp. (GM), which issued a shock profit warning last week and has been losing market share, may phase out one of its weaker car brands if sales fail to meet projections, company Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said Wednesday.”

The two weaker brands mentioned in the press release were Pontiac and Buick.

GM decided a while back to begin phasing the Oldsmobile out gradually. Now, it appears that the automaker, recently criticized for maintaining too many brands, may cut production to another line of autos soon.

What are the ramifications?

Well, let’s say the Pontiac is given a sayonara. That would mean no more Grand Am, Grand Prix, Bonneville, Vibe, Aztek, Montana, or GTO.

Honestly, how many of you could identify all of those cars? I could pick out a Grand Am, familiar through its large numbers. The bizarre Aztek is recognizable. The recently resurrected GTO, competition to the retro Mustang, is an eye catcher.

But realistically, Pontiac could probably disappear without causing too much of a ripple.

On the other hand, Buick could never go away.

Buick, you see, is the official car of the senior citizen!

In my area, there is a nearby retirement community renowned for its plethora of slow-moving LeSabres and Park Avenues, each with a handicapped sticker hanging from the rearview mirror.

Imagine the impact on our current senior generation if Buick went kaput.

Imagine the impact on the legion of baby boomers about to enter their golden years!

So, GM, here’s hoping you don’t have to drop any more brands. But if you do, remember, there are a lot of current and soon to be old timers out there. Hands off the Buick!