Bonneville and Envoy XUV to be Canned by End of Year?

At the same time, the move to integrated franchises means that dealers will be forced to stock differently branded vehicles which

General Motors has been ramping up to phase out the Bonneville for some time, now that the Grand Prix rivals it for size. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

utilize the same platform. The Buick LeSabre, which will be replaced by the Lucerne in 2006, competes directly with the Bonneville. From a dealer's standpoint, the sales of two directly competing models could be bad news, and for GM, the removal of the Bonneville would reduce product overlap.

But the death of one model isn't a problem for Pontiac, particularly when there are several new products on their way in. The new Torrent, G6 Coupe and Convertible, and the hot, two-seat Solstice roadster will be going into production within the next six months, and should

The new Torrent, G6 Coupe (shown) and Convertible, and Solstice roadster will be going into production within the next six months. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

pick up the slack in sales should the Bonneville be cancelled.

Interestingly enough, it appears as if General Motors has been ramping up to phase out the Bonneville for some time, now that the Grand Prix rivals it for size. The midsize sedan has grown significantly, and is remarkably similar to the Bonneville both in size and in content. Aside from featuring many of the same drivetrain and luxury options as the Bonneville, the Grand Prix also received 'GXP' sports treatment for 2005. The package adds V8 power, further minimizing the differences.

Bunnell said that production of the Bonneville is secure until June, but "beyond that we are not sure yet."