Pontiac’s story. Pontiac
“Pontiac” (Pontiac Division), a division of the American company General Motors (“General Motors”), specializing in the production of sports cars … It is headquartered in Pontiac, Michigan.
The Pontiac family tree begins with the Pontiac Buggy Company founded in 1893 by Edward M. Murphy at Pontiac. At first, it produced carriages.
In 1907, this company, called the Oakland Motor Car Company (“Oakland Motor Car Company”), began producing automobiles. After some time, Oakland merged with General Motors.
Beginning in 1926, the company became known as the Pontiac Motor Division. In 1933, Harry Klinger became the company’s CEO, by order of which they upgraded the models with 6-cylinder engines and independent suspension.
The 1935 launch of the Pontiac Silver Streak coupe (“Pontiac Silver Streak”, literally “Silver Flash”) was so successful that the question of expanding the company rose.
In 1941, the beginning of the release of the “Torpedo” series. The release of various models of this series continued immediately after the end of the war.
The Catalina went on sale in 1950. And since 1952 the Catalina model is equipped with Hydromatic automatic transmission.
In 1953, the appearance of models with “Hardtop” bodies. Company cars begin to be equipped with power steering. In 1958, pilot production of the engine began with a mechanical fuel injection system.
In 1961 the “Tempest” model is published.
Since 1965, the Pontiac vehicle lineup has included 8 different vehicle families.
The design of the 1967 Pontiac GTO coupe has become traditional for sports cars. These cars are almost always victorious during the hectic Hollywood races. It was first released in 1937. In the same year, the start of production of the sports model “Firebird”, of the same type as the “Chevrolet Camaro”.
1971 Presentation of the compact model “Ventura”.
In 1973, the production of the “Grand Am” model began. The new generation of the model was presented in Detroit in January 1998. Available in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a two-door coupe.
Since 1974, all company vehicles have been equipped with front disc brakes.
In the late 1970s, during the energy crisis, General Motors decided to produce fuel-efficient cars with low consumption. The result in 1984 was the Pontiac Fiero sports coupe (“Pontiac Fiero”).
In the 1980s, the brand’s range included many models from miniature with a 1.8-liter engine to large saloons with a classic design with engines up to 5 liters. In 1989 appearance of the UPV “Trans Sport”.
Pontiac Bonneville, a luxury car with front-wheel drive and a transverse engine. It was first introduced in the fall of 1986, and the new generation in February 1999.
The Firebird, a sports car, was first introduced in December 1992. Available in two body styles: a three-door coupe and a two-door convertible.
In the early 1990s, there was a transition to the production of new front-wheel drive models. In 1995 the “Sunfire” model appears. In 1996 the production of the second generation UPV “Trans Sport” was launched.
The new generation of the Grand Prix model was presented in Detroit in January 1996. Available in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a two-door coupe. In 2000, this model changed somewhat.
In the spring and summer of 1996, a new generation Pontiac Montana five-door front-wheel drive minivan was introduced 1997. Minor external changes made in 2000 coincided with a change in the interior of the cabin and the appearance of new equipment.
In 2000, the Piranha Concept, a front-wheel drive four-door coupe, was introduced in Detroit. Equipped with sliding doors. The tailgate folds back, transforming the Piranha into a sporty pickup.
Currently, Pontiac, having lost its administrative independence, still plays a special role in the empire of General Motors, the department is positioned as “youthful.” The company continues to produce sports cars within the company. Sunfire, Grand Am, Grand Prix, Bonneville, and Trans Sport, loved by many motorists, continue to be produced. Launched in 2000, Aztek won the title of “most unusual” SUV in the world.
