1925 market segmentation price ladder of early GM brands: Cadillac, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile. (GM)
The Pontiac brand was introduced by General Motors in 1926 as the companion marque to GM’s Oakland division and shared the GM A platform, according to Wikipedia
. Purchased by General Motors in 1909, Oakland continued to produce modestly priced automobiles until 1931, when it was renamed, Pontiac.
“[The brand] was named after the famous Ottawa chief, who had also given his name to the city of Pontiac, Michigan, where the car was produced.
“Within months of its introduction, Pontiac was outselling Oakland, which was essentially a 1920s Chevrolet with a six-cylinder engine installed.
“Body styles offered included a sedan with both two and four doors, Landau Coupe, with the Sport Phaeton, Sport Landau Sedan, Sport Cabriolet and Sport Roadster.
“As a result of Pontiac’s rising sales, versus Oakland’s declining sales, Pontiac became the only companion marque to survive its parent, with Oakland ceasing production in 1932.”
The brand folded after General Motors’ Chapter 11 reorganization on Oct. 31, 2010.
