Some corrections, or comments, too -
1. That "import" GTO is probably the best Pontiac *ever*. GM needs to fire their Pontiac, Chevrolet, and Buick designers and put the Aussie designers of the GTO/Holden Monaro in charge. Best interior ever put in a US-market GM, best handling in a non-Vette/non-Caddy (have to allow for the STS/CTS) US-market GM.
2. It's not their "badging" that's necessarily a problem, it's their horrible platform engineering that is. Their idea of platform engineering for US platforms is to make one chassis that's generally acceptable in terms of sizing specs, and then slap slightly different versions of sheetmetal on the outside to make the different models. Meanwhile, Nissan made one bad-@$$ platform, the FM, for the Nissan 350Z, and then made a BUNCH of different, excellent cars off that platform, some that handle and ride better than their BMW competitors! And it's almost impossible to tell that they're all the same chassis! (For the record, in the US the cars on that FM platform are the 350Z, the Infiniti FX35, FX45, G35, G35 Coupe, M35, and M45. Overseas, the Nissan Skyline V35 is also on the FM chassis.)
3. The failure to introduce new quality non-Cadillac RWD sedans is a complete mystery, especially since (if they wanted to) they could have some kick-@$$ rear wheel drive cars here in a year, courtesy of their Australian and European divisions.
4. Those "Youthful" Toyotas, aka Scions, as it turns out, are not being bought by the youth. They're being bought by soccer moms and the over-40 set.
Thanks for the details.
I agree that the GTO is an excellent vehicle. It is lamentable GM couldn't equal it at home. It is just doesn't have stand-out good looks (which I know is subjective).
After spending the bucks to engineer the excellent rear wheel drive Cadillac chassis, why not use them for selected other vehicles? An Pontiac, etc.
Mercedes' previous "E series" is the basis for Chrysler-Dodge cars; Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. Slap American style sheetmetal on a first rate chassis, and give it real power.
GM simply stands almost dead in their tracks, while the competition builds and SELLS Chrysler 300s and Ford Mustangs.
I agree with your comments on Nissan.
In my area, the kids get Honda Civic 2 door coupes, Subaru WRI/STX, etc. and hot-rod with them.
If I had a contribution, it would be a mid-sized Chevy Nomad wagon built on a Cadillac chassis. Two and four door versions, V6 and V8 power, and AWD option. Sunroof, leather, Nav, Satellite, touch-shift A/T.
If it had retro-classic styling, it would sell big, the world-over.