wildcat

Why... every time? Don't you want C&G to be taken seriously? Don't get me started that NBC censors the vegetable commercial but has older men with the words "Viva Viagra" being sung. I do appreciate those who gave positive, constructive input. The whole time we've been having this conversation, my nose has been running like the Mississippi River after a logjam breaks. I've been home, sick, away from work for 4-1/2 days. Thank you again to those who made an effort.

pLEASE, NO "dIPLOMAT," "kAPITAN," "gENERAL," OR ANY MILITARISTIC NAMES. aND fRANK cOSTANZA [ "sEINFELD" REFERENCE ] CAN YELL "sERENITY NOW!" ON THE tv COMMERCIALS

moltar: I appreciate the fresh suggestions, but the former makes me think of Zytec (or some robotic transformer) and the latter Saigon. AFTERTHOUGHTs: bUICK "zYLETRA," bUICK "cALIBRA" AFTER AN ACTUAL oPEL

"Agila" is some model of Opel. It sounds fresh. "Vaio," I have no idea what it means; of course, I know it's Sony's name. But I just meant something new like those, rather than "Apollo," "Century," "Skylark," down memory lane.... No, please, Oldsmoboi, I associate you with a Cadillac CTS, not a Buick Apollo.

oldsmoboi: Thank you for some fresh names. Does a "Raven" come in colors other than black? I'd hate to give an auto writer the chance to make some wisecrack about Buick's rivals beat the "Rival."

I'll agree with moltar, the Riviera needs to be a 2-dr or a convert. It sounds like Buick will have plenty of future sedans (don't go overboard, GM!). oldsmoboi and northstar: I'm not judgemental at all, so don't misunderstand me. But both of you strike me a being "with it," up-to-date. You don't strike me as old-fashioned. Why in the world are you reaching back in the '60s, '70s, and '80s? If I want a Buick Apollo, I should drive to the local junkyard, 'cause that may be where they are. If I want a Buick "Agila" or "Vaio" or whatever (I don't know, I admit), I'll head to the local Buick dealer.

Remember PCS' "nice," "nicer, "nicest" explanation. Cadillac is no-holds-barred, world-class with striking, edgy design. Buick is upscale from Chevrolet, very nice, premium, not shouting to the world "look at me" but not boring either, more graceful, refined. But for the auto writers who might do some homework, that's all GM would need for them to drag up the Buick Apollo of the '70s. I think GM basically has to make a break from the past unless there's a really good reason and I see none with "Skylark," though it's the title of a nice song with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.

Aboslutely, it's going after a different buyer. The Delta II is a FWD, entry-level Buick. The Alpha, hopefully, will be the Riviera, an upscale sign of RWD (or AWD?) personal luxury.

Will you guys come back to the present? Buick Apollo... what a piece of crap. Doesn't "Reatta" mean "the rope"? I would pass on that, too; for whatever reason(s), it was not successful. You guys are smart! What are some un-unused names that you'd suggest?

ocnblu, I'm a stubborn son-of-a-gun. I'd vote "no" on "Centurion," probably because if someone says Buick "Centurion" to me, my mind can instantly picture, say, a '73 convertible. "Centurion" would have been ok for a concept (a concept, only) right at the year 2000, but that's it. [ Groucho Marx's voice ] "Opinionated, aren't I?" [ trademark Groucho eyebrow arch ]

I think using the name "Century" would be a big mistake. The most recent Century was a plain-jane, old fuddy-duddy-car, and Buick needs to make a clear and demonstrative break from it. If GM is going to use a name from Buick's past, they must be VERY selective. "Invicta," for example, would work on the proper model, because of several reasons: 1) it was last used more than 50 years ago and for such a brief time, so there basically is no one who would say, "Invicta? My grandparents had one of those." (Whereas with a Century, they could.) Also, using "Invicta" would be like GM throwing a bone to Buick loyalists such as myself. Though admittedly few would recognize the name, it would mean something to me. For others, it would have no connotation, so no problem. Which brings me to the last test: what definition(s) does the name have now? "Invicta" means invincible, powerful, a proper message for aspirational Buicks. (Again, to some people, they bring up Century = "the banker's hot rod," which doesn't resonate at all in 2009). As much as I LOVE a name such as "Wildcat," it probably isn't right for a contemporary Buick. Perhaps one way to test a name is to say "Lexus Wildcat," no that doesn't sound right. "Lexus Century," absolutely not. "Lexus Special," no, not special at all. I personally don't even like the use of "Super" (super-duper). I'm not saying Lexus is any litmus test for Buick names, but if that's the target, that kind of buyer, what is selling, what is the market. Remember, PCS said we have to forget our old, preconceived notions of Buick. Buick is going after people who want something a little nicer, have the money to pay for it, yet don't want a Cadillac. "Electra," OK I could see GM choosing it, tongue-in-cheek almost, for a "Buick Volt," especially if they continue to use electrical terms on all the variations ("Ampere," whatever). "Riviera" I feel is a classic, untarnished name that still sounds good. But there would be arguably few others that you could pull from Buick's past without resurrecting the very image you supposedly are trying to get away from. Still, had it been me, I think I would have suggested "Roadmaster" for what became "Enclave." "Roadmaster" is a powerful name, in control of the road. The name "Enclave" is ok, and most people agree, it's the vehicle that most counts. I might have used "LaCrosse" for a crossover, if it didn't have the slang reference we all know. ("LaCrosse" did have a nice, almost subtle way of a variation on "LeSabre." French le, la; sabre, cross, sword.) "Rendezvous" was ok ("where luxury and utility meet," I would have promoted), but it's too closely related to the Pontiac Aztek to use again now. (Let it go, Buickman!) Buick "Insignia"? (Better than just "Signia," the Buick concept that was sort of a ragtag Frankenstein's monster design if you ask me.) I think the ship has sailed for Buick to use "Regal"; that, to me, is a 1980s Buick. I want a 2009 or beyond model. Buick "Agila"? Sure! It's fresh, something new! )I guess that's what Bob lutz tried to do with "Lucerne," and his Swiss watch references, but it failed.) Why can't, in this era of instant and easy e-mail and texting, can't GM ask present 30 to 55-year old Buick owners for suggestions, as a starting point if nothing else. (Yes, I'd make the age cut LOL) I think any of us would be happy to try to help to the best of our ability in any way we could.

Though I think he was specifically referring to Alpha, PCS said elsewhere in this forum that GM's intentions are to (if I may paraphrase) make Chevy "nice," Buick "better," and Cadillac, the "best." A reasonable plan. You're right, FUTURE OF GM, as long as GM makes it clear what the differences are and why Buick is better and why Cadillac is best. Me, personally, I've always said that I prefer something nicer than Chevy (no wonder I like Buicks) AND that I AM willing to pay for it. Thank you, GM, for planning a smaller Buick. I'd suggest that they don't call it a Buick "Astra," since Astra is now tainted by its failure as a Saturn. Nor do I think Buick has to revive the name "Skylark" (certainly not "Skyhawk," yecch); pick something fresh, Mr. Marketer.

Isn't Alpha delayed due to a lack of money? Anyway, when and if it comes, Alpha will be RWD. A Delta II Buick is FWD, right? P.S. EDIT: See gminsidenews's homepage story, "Buick, Opel Get Chummy: Both brands may share a few models in the future...including Astra."

It's mostly speculation, but the Buick Delta II might be built by Opel in Germany and it might visually be influenced by the Riviera Concept. To read the story from Motor Authority, click here. Reuters also mentions this here.

I'm afraid to check the "serving size" :sign0200: Come to think of it... protein is part of my nutrition

That's when it's believed that Mr. Lutz will retire.

Appreciate your interest, Dodgefan, but doesn't that violate copyright, reproducing an article from elsewhere in full?

When Lutz talks, people seem to listen. So here's what he told a roundtable of journalists about the future of each of GM's brands. MICHAEL BETTENCOURT From Thursday's Globe and Mail January 22, 2009 at 12:00 AM EST DETROIT — Robert A. Lutz, GM's charismatic vice-chairman of product development, doesn't know the meaning of "no comment" — one of the reasons he's so popular with auto journalists, who are fed everything the companies want them to say about the positive aspects of their cars, but often get stonewalled when questions turn to less-flattering subjects. This is not the Lutz way: very few companies have as blunt a corporate leader willing to provide a small window into the inner workings of the company. So when Lutz declined to comment in a roundtable with journalists at the press preview of the Detroit auto show about whether a redesigned Saab 9-5 was coming out this year, the silence hung thickly in the air. The runaway commentary train that usually is Bob Lutz was locked firmly in the station. What he did provide, however, was an insider's report card on the health of all of GM's brands around the world, some of which have a future — assuming GM itself can last — and others which may not make it to the next Detroit auto show. General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz Enlarge Image ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Saab The Swedish brand may have a future past this year, but the way things are sounding from Lutz, that future won't be with GM for long. "Many of us liked Saab, and we perhaps let our emotions rule our head by letting it go on so long," he said. "Saab has never been profitable, and likely never was, so it's just a luxury we cannot afford right now." GM and Chrysler must submit plans to the U.S. federal government by Feb. 17 on how they plan to restructure themselves, which will likely include brand — as well as job — cuts, with any amendments to those plans due at the end of March. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Hummer Hummer is the least-surprising brand to get Lutz's failing grade, as it has officially been on the shopping block for the past six months, although it hasn't exactly been an easy sell. The problem with the brand is that it somehow became a poster child for the evils of the environmentally unconscionable, Lutz argued. "Every mile driven in a Hummer was another nail in the Earth's coffin, or at least that's how it was portrayed by certain groups," said Lutz. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Saturn Saturn was almost the exact opposite, with highly regarded vehicles and a modern earth-friendly vehicle fleet, but it couldn't muster up enough sales or recognition from its 400 or so North American dealers to make it work, said GM's product czar, who has presided over many Saturn debuts over the past three years. "We certainly spent the money on Saturn products," lamented Lutz, noting that the Sky roadster, which made its debut for 2006, is the oldest vehicle in that brand's lineup. Although no timing was set, it's clear that Lutz wants something done sooner rather than later. "It's got to be soon, because we have to get rid of things that aren't paying for themselves." ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** The keepers Lutz also spoke about how GM's more successful brands around the world are faring and the likely future for each. Here are the ones that remain part of GM's long-term strategy, according to Lutz, and why: Chevrolet: GM's one true mainstream global brand. Cadillac: Also a strong global brand; its sales can't match some luxury competitors, but it's profitable. Buick: More of a regional brand, but very strong in China, which GM is trying hardest to spare from product cuts. GMC: Also a regional brand, but still profitable, even if its products are close to Chevrolet trucks. Vauxhall/Opel: These European Saturns will likely keep their separate identities, Vauxhall for England, Opel for the rest of Europe. Pontiac: The G8, G6, Solstice and Solstice Coupe will remain, said Lutz, but the days of Pontiac as a mainstream brand will likely come to a close. Holden: Another regional brand, this one from Australia, but one that has integrated itself into the global product pipeline, as a source for rear-wheel-drive V-8s especially. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Lutz's boss, GM CEO Rick Wagoner, has indicated that Saturn may yet survive the coming restructuring, but no matter how many brands survive the shakeout, it will certainly be a historic year. "This is as bad as I've ever seen it," said the 76-year-old Lutz, who led Ford of Europe and Chrysler before joining GM in 2001. Government regulations imposed on the car companies have become much more stringent since he headed up Chrysler during the recession of the early 1990s, the last time U.S. sales were as low as in 2008, he said. Plus he sees a collapse of the small-car market that was doing so well in United States at the beginning of the year, thanks to lower gas prices, as American consumers start to slowly turn to trucks again. Americans buy the biggest vehicles their gas budget can afford, he said during the Detroit show. "Even at Chrysler [in the 1990s], it wasn't this bad, as the overall economy wasn't as bad, and there wasn't a credit meltdown going on at the same time (as major sales drops)."

"If we just wanted to shut it down, we could have announced that," Mark LaNeve said during the NADA convention. "Saturn may very well have a place" within GM. That's from an article in the Detroit News. LaNeve evidently commented that the study of Saturn involves about 20 options, and that GM is trying to find a way to make the brand profitable. It has lost money in all but one year since its 1990 debut. That's from an article in Automotive News.

Dave Lyons, a native of Naperville, IL, a suburb of Chicago, is one of the design team who created the new image of Buick. To read his talk with the Herald News newspaper, click here.

!!!TED!!!: Thank you for taking and sharing these photos.

Hey, I know... why don't they show it to the people to gauge their feedback, then not pay attention to them? Hey... why don't they have a contest where the public suggests names for the vehicle, then use Converj anyway? Hey... why don't they put it on sale somewhere else before it comes to the United States two years afterwards? Hey... why don't they go back-and-forth and change their minds several times, and blame it on take your pick? Hey... why doesn't Mark LaNeve say it's one of several options on the table for Saturn? Hey... why not let another manufacturer announce plans for something similar first, and it'll be out in 2010? Oh, right... they tried all that already.

Northstar: While I appreciate your input and that seems reasonable, I think we'd all agree that GM has done (or continues to do) things that don't necessarily make sense. If Saturn is "finished," why doesn't Mark LaNeve appear to know or acknowledge that? Is it all a game because of lawsuits, buyouts, etc.? Yet I think it was no less than Fritz Henderson himself who said, basically flat-out, Saturn just hasn't worked in the marketplace. Couldn't Saturn move into the B-P-G channel and be given only the "lower" end of rebadged Opels? You should know me well enough by now that I'd be perfectly fine if Buick got all the Opels (including the Agila LOL - seriously), so I'm not pushing the point for that reason. I'm just trying to follow this - has something precluded what PCS predicted? I wish we could have his response but, to my knowledge, he hasn't been around lately.

Toni: I don't understand what you mean, please. Wrong to your way of thinking or wrong factually based on an official GM statement?

Says who? Different GM officials have given different responses regarding Saturn's future. And, of course, in this forum, PCS predicted that Saturn would become part of the B-P-G channel, replacing Pontiac. Is that not still at least a possibility, if not the likely scenario?