A famous name seems sets to be a casualty of the economic downturn, with GM likely to phases out the Pontiac brand by the end of 2010. GM executives in the United States are desperately trying to create a viable business model for the group and Pontiac it seems will not feature.

Saab, Saturn and Hummer could also go the same way, although the indications are that there are buyers prepared to take on these brands. The future of GM in Europe, in the shape of its Opel/Vauxhall operations, is also uncertain with GM USA looking to sell off its majority interest in the group.

GM’s survival plan in the USA is crucial to secure government funding and will focus on just four key brands, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. This will leave the sporty Pontiac brand, which has produced iconic cars such as the Trans-Am, out in the cold. It could also mean significant trouble for the Australian Holden brand, which has close ties with Pontiac.