Pontiac !

The fact that General Motors will discontinue it's Pontiac brand as part of it's bankruptcy plan opens up some interesting options.

Pontiac harks back to the early days of the car industry and has been a popular brand for almost a hundred years. It is certain to have a loyal band of enthusiasts - and for some time one of it's models has been the Australian built Holden Commodore, rebadged as a Pontiac.

It must occur to General Motors Holden executives that the brand withdrawal might offer a chance to continue Pontiac as a limited edition model, available in the United States, Canada and the export markets, through a select small number of specialist dealers.

This would need the approval of the General Motors parent, but it would be a blessing for the Australian subsidiary - and it is said that blood is thicker than water - and a profit in Australia is still a profit for GM !

Eclusiveness is a big selling point with upmarket goods, and there seems no reason why the limited availability of a respected marque would not tap both the snob market - and at the same time satisfy those fanatical Pontiac adherents.

Such a plan might be a hopeless dream, but it could also be an opportunity to turn adversity into a gain, preserve jobs in an Australian car plant - and harness the advantage of a brand that has world recognition.

It could be a lot easier - and less costly - than trying to establish " Holden " and " Commodore " onto the world car markets !