Buick and Pontiac: Good business or just sizzle?

In a discussion describing some of GM's problems to investors, Bob Lutz stated, "Buick and Pontiac are both damaged brands that have suffered from years of harvesting with very little reinvestment." (USAToday)

I guess when you spend a billion dollars a year advertising, there isn't enough profit left over for real investments?

Bob Lutz has stated that hybrid vehicles don't make business sense, but provide nice marketing buzz.

Are the Buick and Pontiac examples of GM's good business sense or just sizzle?

Maybe they are just an example of why GM is failing America?