GM is currently investing $3bn (￡1.6bn) in new Buick and Pontiac models

　　General Motors has said it may phase out one of its weaker car brands if sales fail to meet targets.

　　The US giant’s vice chairman Bob Lutz did not say which brand might be discontinued, but described Buick and Pontiac as "damaged brands".

　　His comments come a week after falling sales prompted General Motors (GM) to announce a profit warning.

　　GM expects its earnings for 2005 to be down by as much as 80%, as it struggles to turn its fortunes around.