Slow Sales and Government Emissions Regulations Mark End to Two Vibe Models
With the new G6 sedan, coupe and retractable hardtop convertible selling well, the G5 (Pursuit) sedan and coupe pulling in
younger buyers and Wave a good alternative to buying used, plus the Torrent crossover SUV making new friends where the Aztek turned many potential customers off of the brand entirely, Pontiac is undergoing a metamorphosis, but all the change isn't only due to new models. Rather it will soon be caused by the elimination of some long-time regulars. Although, before Pontiac says goodbye to its Montana SV-6, if rumour about its minivan not suiting the brand's sporting image is to be believed (reportedly it will soon be replaced by a cooler crossover), the GM division will axe two trim levels of its popular Vibe crossover wagon.
Gone after the 2006 model year (at least in the U.S.), due to U.S. emissions
regulation changes, is the top-line GT, sporting Toyota's high-revving 180-horsepower 1.8-litre four-cylinder, the same as used in Toyota's fully-loaded Matrix XRS and Corolla XRS, as well as the least powerful all-wheel drive version. As it seems, only the base-level Vibe is selling well, and therefore it stays on at least throughout 2007.
"These changes would affect key structural components," Buick-Pontiac-GMC General Manager John Larson stated. "The cost of redesign is prohibitive."
While upcoming U.S. regulatory policy is tightening up, with an ultra-low emissions standard that the GT and AWD Vibes don't measure up to, you can bet
that if either model were selling well the General would find a way to make it happen, even if the engines and drivetrains used are sourced from Toyota. The fact is, out of the 64,271 Vibes sold last year, up 9.1 percent from 2004, base models accounted for the majority of sales.
Pontiac may bring back the GT and AWD versions with the next-generation Vibe, but Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson made no guarantees.
"The GT and AWD are very low-penetrating models right now," commented Hopson. "There's still a very good
possibility we'll resurrect both of those as we look at the next generation of the Vibe over the next couple of years."
The Vibe is the result of a joint GM/Toyota production facility dubbed New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) in Fremont, California. Previous to the Vibe/Matrix crossover wagon twins, the NUMMI plant built the Toyota Corolla-based Chevrolet Nova. Reports suggest that NUMMI is profitable and that dropping the GT and AWD Vibes shouldn't indicate any end to the joint relationship.
According to Hopson, Pontiac will receive approximately 45,000 2006 model year Vibes from NUMMI, before production of the 2007 base Vibe begins in July.
With the new G6 sedan, coupe and retractable hardtop convertible selling well, the G5 (Pursuit) sedan and coupe pulling in
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| Low sales and U.S. emission regulations have caused Pontiac to drop the Vibe GT (shown) and AWD models. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Gone after the 2006 model year (at least in the U.S.), due to U.S. emissions
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| The all-wheel drive Vibe was expected to pull in more crossover-type buyers, but the less expensive and more powerful base model has sold better. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
"These changes would affect key structural components," Buick-Pontiac-GMC General Manager John Larson stated. "The cost of redesign is prohibitive."
While upcoming U.S. regulatory policy is tightening up, with an ultra-low emissions standard that the GT and AWD Vibes don't measure up to, you can bet
 |
| The Vibe's tall proportions make it a functional people and cargo hauler. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Pontiac may bring back the GT and AWD versions with the next-generation Vibe, but Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson made no guarantees.
"The GT and AWD are very low-penetrating models right now," commented Hopson. "There's still a very good
 |
| The Vibe offers one of the nicest interiors in GM's small car portfolio. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
The Vibe is the result of a joint GM/Toyota production facility dubbed New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) in Fremont, California. Previous to the Vibe/Matrix crossover wagon twins, the NUMMI plant built the Toyota Corolla-based Chevrolet Nova. Reports suggest that NUMMI is profitable and that dropping the GT and AWD Vibes shouldn't indicate any end to the joint relationship.
According to Hopson, Pontiac will receive approximately 45,000 2006 model year Vibes from NUMMI, before production of the 2007 base Vibe begins in July.
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