Cadillac, Buick and Chevy decisions impacted by worries abroad

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Jul 5, 2013 | 2:08 PM

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Cadillac, Buick and Chevy decisions impacted by worries abroad

Filed under: Europe, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Opel, Vauxhall

European Concerns Drive GM, But Beware Of The French Connection

GM's bid to rationalize Europe will impact the products that will be offered domestically.

It seems that Europe is defining the future of General Motors more so than its home North American market. Having axed Saturn, Pontiac and Hummer, GM has done a fairly good job of repositioning its remaining four divisions, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC. Cadillac carries the luxury banner. Chevrolet is aimed at the masses with cars and trucks along with a nod to performance thanks to Camaro and Corvette. Buick bridges the premium gap between Chevy and Cadillac, while GMC offers a hardcore work/upscale proposition.

But recent moves by GM show that many of its decisions are influenced by European competitors, as well as the company's desire to get its house in order on the other side of the Atlantic. Europe continues to bleed cash and GM's bid to rationalize those operations will have an impact on the types of products that will be offered domestically.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.