Who owns the right to Pontiac?
The Pontiac brand, once a prominent American automobile manufacturer, is no longer in operation. The rights to the Pontiac brand are currently owned by General Motors (GM), the company that originally created and produced Pontiac vehicles.
The History of Pontiac
Pontiac was founded in 1926 as a division of GM, initially producing affordable and practical vehicles. Over the decades, Pontiac became known for its iconic muscle cars, such as the Firebird and the GTO, which gained popularity during the 1960s and 1970s. However, declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences led GM to discontinue the Pontiac brand in 2010 as part of its restructuring efforts during the Great Recession.
Ownership of the Pontiac Brand
When Pontiac was discontinued, GM retained the rights to the Pontiac brand name, logos, and intellectual property. This means that GM owns the exclusive rights to use the Pontiac name, design, and any associated trademarks or copyrights. GM can choose to revive the Pontiac brand in the future, but it has not done so as of 2025.
The discontinuation of Pontiac was a significant event in the automotive industry, as the brand had a long and storied history. However, GM's decision to retain the rights to the Pontiac brand suggests that the company may consider reviving it at some point, should market conditions and consumer demand warrant it.
What year did Chrysler buy American Motors?
1987
Chrysler agrees to acquire American Motors Corp. for some $800 million March 9, 1987, blending two of Detroit's smallest automakers and putting the famed Jeep brand under full control of a U.S. manufacturer, as France's Renault owned 46 percent of American Motors at the time.
Does the US government own General Motors?
Like any public company with a stock offering, General Motors is owned by shareholders. In the past, the U.S. government was a majority shareholder in the company (after the 2008 bailouts). However, in 2010 GM broke free from the government's yoke and was reborn in its current incarnation.
What killed Pontiac?
Facing financial problems in the late 2000s and a need to restructure, as a prequisite for a $53 billion government bailout, GM agreed to discontinue the Pontiac brand; the final Pontiac, a white G6, was assembled on January 4, 2010.
Does GM still own Buick?
Buick is owned by General Motors (GM), who also owns GMC, Cadillac, and Chevrolet. Unlike most automakers, Buick is something of a legend with a history dating back over 100 years.
Who owns the rights to Pontiac?
GM
Though both production and franchise agreements ended in 2010, Pontiac remains a registered and active trademark of GM for licensing purposes.
Why did Buick survive and not Pontiac?
While the demise of Pontiac was based on its lack of profit in the U.S. at the time, the bigger reason for it to receive the axe while Buick survived was Buick's prominence in China.
Who owns the rights to the American Motor company?
In 1979 AMC began an ill-fated joint venture with the French automaker Renault, which the following year purchased a controlling stake in AMC. In 1987 the company was purchased by the Chrysler Corporation.
Why did GM sell Pontiac?
Amid the financial crisis, General Motors needed a government bailout. Congress agreed but required the company to restructure its business and cut costs. In the end, GM decided to eliminate several brands, including Pontiac. The last car to wear the arrowhead badge was a G6, which ended production in early 2010.
Can GM bring back Pontiac?
It's unlikely. General Motors (GM) itself has shrunk from its peak in terms of size and popularity. They probably wouldn't have the resources or the market demand to justify reviving Pontiac.
Is there going to be a 2025 Firebird?
And more aerodynamic. It's not just a car it's a rolling piece of. Art. Move to the side.