Lutz: What brands will stay, and why

By Michael Bettencourt, MSN Autos

Although nothing is set in stone in these turbulent times for the Detroit Three, GM's vice chairman for product Bob Lutz broke down how all of GM's brands around the world stacked up, and the likely future for each.

It's no secret that some GM brands are not likely to survive, at least in GM's hands (see related Saab, Time to Go posts). Here then are the ones that remain part of GM's long-term strategy, according to Lutz, in (my own) order of relative importance:

Chevrolet: GM's one true mainstream global brand.

Cadillac: Also a strong global brand, sales can't match some luxury competitors, but profitable.

Buick: More of a regional brand, but very strong in China, which GM is trying hardest to spare from product cuts.

GMC: Also a regional brand, but still profitable, although with little sentimental value.

Vauxhall/Opel: These European Saturns will likely keep their separate identities, Vauxhall for England, Opel for the rest of Europe.

Pontiac: the G8, G6, Solstice and Solstice Coupe will remain, said Lutz, but the days of Pontiac as a mainstream brand will likely come to a close.

Holden: Another regional brand, this one from Australia, but one which has integrated itself into the global product pipeline, as a source for rear-wheel drive V8s especially.