TRAVERSE CITY -- Area Pontiac dealers and owners are disappointed, but not surprised the legendary car brand is on the chopping block under a sweeping reorganization plan outlined by General Motors Corp.
Pontiac featured a wide range of styles, including muscle cars like the Trans Am and GTO and popular family vehicles such as the Bonneville and 6000, that will be phased out by next year as part of GM's restructuring that will slash 21,000 factory jobs.
One local GM dealer said he expected the automaker would trim product lines. Pontiac was a likely choice to go, he said.
"The news about Pontiac is certainly disappointing, but not all that unexpected," said Jamie Marsh, a partner in the Bill Marsh Automotive Group in Traverse City that sells the Pontiac brand.
Marsh described Pontiac as a "relatively popular brand" in northern Michigan. The all-wheel drive Vibe is a well-liked model for getting around in northern Michigan winters, he said, while the G6 is a midsize, affordable car for many motorists.
Others found a silver lining in the news. Car collector Steve McKian, of Traverse City, expects his 1968 Pontiac GTO will be more valuable now that the brand will be discontinued.
"The people that do own GTOs, they're going to hang on to them as collector cars," he said. "It's happened with any kind of a brand car. When they discontinue it, the value of it goes up because they don't make it any more."
McKian owns Car Buffs auto detailing company at 905 Woodmere Ave. He also sells auto-related collectibles like hats, bar stools and tin signs.
Pontiacs always had a "distinctive look," he said, adding that he drove a Trans Ams when he was younger.
"I'm kind of surprised they're giving up on the Pontiac aspect of it, because it has been around for a long time," he said. "It's always sad to see something like that go."
Drivers of later-model Pontiacs will be able to get their cars serviced, Marsh said. The models are similar to other GM products and parts and service for those vehicles will be available for years to come.
Marsh said it's too early to know what brand eventually will replace Pontiacs on his lot. He expects some of the void to be filled by expanded product lines from Buick and GMC.
"It is disappointing to see a car brand that's been around that long go away," Marsh said. "But if they expand (Buick) some more and expand GMC a bit, that will lessen the impact of losing Pontiac."
