No Ute for US

The future of the Holden Commodore-based Pontiac G8 sedan is safe despite the American company's decision to axe plans to import the Ute. Officials from both companies have confirmed reports that Pontiac won't introduce the G8 ST (Sport Truck) despite an already heavy marketing campaign for the car in the United States.

Pontiac informed dealers of the decision overnight and Holden spokesman confirmed internet reports this morning.

"Yes, we can [confirm]," says Jonathan Rose, Holden spokesman.

But Rose was quick to add that the cutback won't affect the export of the G8 sedan, which he said was an "on-going" deal with Pontiac. That was backed-up by Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson.

"It's just the ute model," Hopson says.

"Not the remainder of the G8 family.

"Of course the Elizabeth plant in Australia will continue building the G8 sedan, G8 GT and the G8 GXP which is just coming on the market right now.

"The only vehicle impacted by this decision is the ST -- the sport truck."

The decision to kill the G8 ST comes as Pontiac's parent company General Motors struggles to stay afloat amid a worsening financial crisis in the United States.

Recently released sales figures for last year saw GM down 22.9 per cent over 2007 with Pontiac down 25.3 per cent. With that in mind Pontiac is cutting back its range from six models to three or less over the next four years.

The G8 ST was always intended as a low-volume seller so it became an easily expendable model as the brand pushes for a sporty image. 

"We're taking a look at all of our vehicles and making certain that they still fit into our revised plan for the future of GM and its brands," Hopson says.

"With Pontiac focusing on being a sporty car brand, the decision was made the G8 ST just didn't fit into what Pontiac was going to be at this point.

"So that was the reason for the decision."