GM to seek another shared Toyota model to replace Vibe
04-28-09, 07:59 AM
#1
G35x - RWD/AWD goodness
Thread Starter
GM to seek another shared Toyota model to replace Vibe
Even as it shrinks its North American product portfolio, General Motors is negotiating with Toyota Motor Corp. to determine a new GM product to be jointly produced at the automakers' 50-50 joint venture, New United Motor Manufacturing Inc.
A GM spokesman said that, if successful, the negotiations would result in a new model for one of GM's surviving brands -- Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac.
Earlier today, GM revealed that it will end production of its Pontiac line, including the Vibe crossover.
The Vibe is currently GM's sole yield from the NUMMI partnership -- meaning the Pontiac decision effectively leaves GM without a need for NUMMI as it cuts factory production plans around the country.
But Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson said GM is in talks with Toyota and NUMMI itself to determine another vehicle to be produced there.
"We're negotiating to see how best to utilize that facility going forward," Hopson said. "We're clearly not backing away from our partnership at NUMMI. There's no issue of us backing away from NUMMI."
GM and Toyota began building small cars together at the former GM plant in Fremont, Calif., in 1984. Toyota also obtains its Tacoma pickup from a separate line there.
Over the years, GM has obtained models all related to the Toyota Corolla platform.
The venture was supposed to supply the cars on a 50-50 basis to Toyota and GM, with each side receiving 100,000 to 120,000 cars a year. But in recent years, GM's take from the plant has fallen. Last year Pontiac sold 46,551 Vibes, a gain of 25 percent over 2007.
Toyota combines Matrix sales reports with the Corolla, so no data exist comparing Matrix to Vibe sales.
GM has little else in its portfolio like the Vibe. Like the Vibe, the Korean-built Chevy Aveo 5 and Pontiac G3 are five-door hatchbacks. But they are smaller than the Vibe.
"There's really nothing wrong with the Vibe," Hopson said. "Its only problem right now is that it is a Pontiac."
Asked whether the company is considering continuing production of the Vibe with a different GM badge, Hopson flatly said no.
To read more visit the AutoWeek New car news, road tests, blogs, pix and expert insight section.
A GM spokesman said that, if successful, the negotiations would result in a new model for one of GM's surviving brands -- Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac.
Earlier today, GM revealed that it will end production of its Pontiac line, including the Vibe crossover.
The Vibe is currently GM's sole yield from the NUMMI partnership -- meaning the Pontiac decision effectively leaves GM without a need for NUMMI as it cuts factory production plans around the country.
But Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson said GM is in talks with Toyota and NUMMI itself to determine another vehicle to be produced there.
"We're negotiating to see how best to utilize that facility going forward," Hopson said. "We're clearly not backing away from our partnership at NUMMI. There's no issue of us backing away from NUMMI."
GM and Toyota began building small cars together at the former GM plant in Fremont, Calif., in 1984. Toyota also obtains its Tacoma pickup from a separate line there.
Over the years, GM has obtained models all related to the Toyota Corolla platform.
The venture was supposed to supply the cars on a 50-50 basis to Toyota and GM, with each side receiving 100,000 to 120,000 cars a year. But in recent years, GM's take from the plant has fallen. Last year Pontiac sold 46,551 Vibes, a gain of 25 percent over 2007.
Toyota combines Matrix sales reports with the Corolla, so no data exist comparing Matrix to Vibe sales.
GM has little else in its portfolio like the Vibe. Like the Vibe, the Korean-built Chevy Aveo 5 and Pontiac G3 are five-door hatchbacks. But they are smaller than the Vibe.
"There's really nothing wrong with the Vibe," Hopson said. "Its only problem right now is that it is a Pontiac."
Asked whether the company is considering continuing production of the Vibe with a different GM badge, Hopson flatly said no.
To read more visit the AutoWeek New car news, road tests, blogs, pix and expert insight section.
04-28-09, 08:32 AM
#2
Lead Lap
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: MD
Posts: 4,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
last year pontiac sold 46,551 vibes, a gain of 25 percent over 2007.
there's really nothing wrong with the vibe," hopson said. "its only problem right now is that it is a pontiac."
asked whether the company is considering continuing production of the vibe with a different gm badge, hopson flatly said no.
asked whether the company is considering continuing production of the vibe with a different gm badge, hopson flatly said no.
04-28-09, 10:37 AM
#4
Lexus Champion
IMO they should make it look exactly like the Matrix....looks much better....also the Matrix doesn't have as large of blind spots to the rear like the Vibe has. (ex-Vibe owner here btw '03)
and +1 for the Chevy version....
and +1 for the Chevy version....
04-28-09, 08:32 PM
#6
If the Matrix/Vibe provides cargo room with an efficient 4-banger, GM (Chevy in particular) might take advantage of the Scion's versatility.
Toyota may not want to let the xB so easily reproduced (hell, everyone is doing it). However, the xA does need more of a following...
Toyota may not want to let the xB so easily reproduced (hell, everyone is doing it). However, the xA does need more of a following...
04-28-09, 09:30 PM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
I think its a novle idea, and will probably help introduce some new buyers to the GM/Pontiac without having to gamble on the standard American car. I think masking a Toyota car with a Pontiac grille to give consumers the false sense of reliability is a little shady and pathetic IMHO. Build your own cars GM.
They had Honda putting SUV motors in their Saturns back in the day, and now they are having the Japanese build them econo boxes. I think Toyota may be playing their potential customers into going over to the competition and being happy as well. I am sure they thought this out, but.....
They had Honda putting SUV motors in their Saturns back in the day, and now they are having the Japanese build them econo boxes. I think Toyota may be playing their potential customers into going over to the competition and being happy as well. I am sure they thought this out, but.....
Last edited by I8ABMR; 04-28-09 at 09:34 PM.
Trending Topics
04-29-09, 06:36 AM
#8
Lead Lap
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: MD
Posts: 4,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Saturn View Two Mode was expected to return #'s of 25/31 with a 260 HP DI V6. However, with Saturn getting boot (and soon) there goes that.
04-29-09, 11:15 AM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
This whole issue is redundent to me. I see it as a no-brainer. Just rebadge the Vibe as a Chevy. That way, they won't even have to retool the plant.....an important consideration with GM's need to keep costs down.
And, considering that Chevy may (?) very likely lose its truck and large SUV buisness to GMC, there should be space on the Chevy dealer lots to stock the Vibe.
And, considering that Chevy may (?) very likely lose its truck and large SUV buisness to GMC, there should be space on the Chevy dealer lots to stock the Vibe.
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-29-09 at 11:19 AM.
04-29-09, 03:25 PM
#11
Lexus Fanatic
04-29-09, 05:29 PM
#12
Pole Position
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: MD
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have to disagree, the original Vibe was much better looking than the odd-looking Matrix (Pontiac designers have since then diluted the initial attractive design).
04-29-09, 05:40 PM
#13
Lexus Champion
We had a Vibe in the family and chose it over the Matrix strictly for the exterior styling (interiors are the same). Personal preference on our part.
04-29-09, 08:13 PM
#14
haha 1sicklex beat me to it...
who what where why? Just like there was no waiting list for the EV-1 right? And only 50 people actually signed on the dot too right? Kindly omitting the fact that they had a tight screening for potential EV-1 owners.
"There's really nothing wrong with the Vibe," Hopson said. "Its only problem right now is that it is a Pontiac."
Asked whether the company is considering continuing production of the Vibe with a different GM badge, Hopson flatly said no.
Asked whether the company is considering continuing production of the Vibe with a different GM badge, Hopson flatly said no.
who what where why? Just like there was no waiting list for the EV-1 right? And only 50 people actually signed on the dot too right? Kindly omitting the fact that they had a tight screening for potential EV-1 owners.
04-29-09, 08:15 PM
#15
Moderator
