Jim Wangers on Pontiac's Death - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

LS1Hawk · 05-11-2009, 07:17 AM

http://blogs.automobilemag.com/65073...ent/index.html

"Then they had the crazy idea of changing the names.

If there was ever a domestic manufacturer that ever had a really good set of names it was Pontiac – Bonneville, Grand Prix, Trans Am! And then all these little boys in men’s jobs come along, and come up with insanely stupid ‘G’ names."

WildBillyT · 05-11-2009, 09:35 AM

Yup.

"Hey, I have a great idea! Let's take all of our brand recognition and **** it into the ground!"

LS1Hawk · 05-11-2009, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildBillyT

"Hey, I have a great idea! Let's take all of our brand recognition and **** it into the ground!"

Exactly. I met him 3 years ago at a GTO show and I had the same conversation with him about the "G" cars. I wish this guy still worked at GM.

Whiplash Performance · 05-11-2009, 10:34 AM

GM definitely didn't market the goat correctly. Also the goat really does handle like crap. That really did kill Pontiac with what they did with the goat.

The G thing is really stupid trying to copy all the other brands with the G thing when all the names they had were fine.

WildBillyT · 05-11-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiplash Performance

GM definitely didn't market the goat correctly. Also the goat really does handle like crap. That really did kill Pontiac with what they did with the goat.

The G thing is really stupid trying to copy all the other brands with the G thing when all the names they had were fine.

It ain't nothin but a G thing.

Actually I seem to remember that they were trying to go after BMW with the numeric designations...

69BirdX · 05-11-2009, 12:11 PM

I dont hate the G names but the oldschool names where alot better

TAdan · 05-11-2009, 01:53 PM

I agree with Mr. Wangers.

I think the "old" names were fine, it was el cheapo/plastic fantastic cars that did not live up to the nameplates.

His story about the 6000 STE is a perfect example of how corporate thinking and poor marketing has been slowly killing Pontiac for years.

The Holden based GTO was a great car that was poorly marketed.

EchoMirage · 05-11-2009, 05:43 PM

wangers was quoted saying he didnt agree with how pontiac marketed the GTO, and also said it shouldnt have been called a GTO in the first place. he knew they shouldnt have gone against BMW or marketed to those who would. thats not what pontiac was about. the only reason he backed the whole was because pontiac told him to, and paid him to.