GM Speeding 2009 Pontiac Vibe to Production

There probably isn’t a more outdated vehicle in GM’s lineup than the Pontiac Vibe – or the Matrix for Toyota. The wagonish-hatchback was popular when it debuted way back at the beginning of the millennium, but has lost favor as numerous new hatchbacks have hit the market.

Now GM is saying it will speed up plans for the 2009 Vibe and have it in production — meaning physically being built on production lines — in early 2008 instead of later in the year. That would most likely mean spring or summer sales to the public. The Vibe will remain a sister vehicle to the next-generation Toyota Matrix, which should debut at the same time. With this kind of timetable, we expect to see the Vibe debut at one of the upcoming American auto shows in Los Angeles or Detroit.

GM Speeds ’09 Vibe to Meet Matrix Timetable (WardsAuto via GM InsideNews)

Comments

Matrix! Vibe! Wondertwins activate! Form of a mini Aztec.

HAHA...True, but MUCH sexier.

I think the new Corolla/Matrix/Vibe will debut at the same time. Corolla's always come out early.

GM has little say in when the next Vibe comes out, I am willing to bet.

Well the net corolla has been postponed. The earliest inkling of what these will be resides in the Scion xB since it is based on the new Corolla platform. If that's the case I can't wait to see the Vibe. I thought the xB (despite the styling) was a terrific vehicle. It didn't get great mileage but handled well, had great pickup, and fit a ton of stuff. If Pontiac makes an AWD version it will be heads and above a Caliber.

So any words from Toyota are they really going to be using the Blade as the Matrix replacement, or something else exclusive to US?

The Vibe is the proof that you can make a beautiful and exciting practical car for commuting and travelling.

And it is the proof that the Toyota design can be very lame when they want.

It is a pity they don't have the six speed manual anymore.

Pebbles,
The 6 speed tranny is not offered is because not many people wants it. My buddy had a really hard time trying to sell his Vibe GT back to a Pontiac dealer so that he can move out of state.

GM needs NUMMI like a fish needs a bicycle. Just let this dog die. My brother has a 2003 Vibe. He picked because all of the "Toyota" goodness inside. He also hates smarmy Toyota dealerships. He complains about lousy handling, lousy pick up, etc. Sounds like lots of boring "Toyota" goodness to me.

Why does the "Performance" brand that will sell Solstice and G8 need a rollerbrick?