American car companies have got it rough, but some brands are making their way back from rock bottom (hopefully). Cars like the new Chevy Malibu has been getting a ton of positive press, and seems to have made some huge strides in both design and driving dynamics.

And then there is Pontiac. A brand that can't seem to get any traction. And you know what? I think I'm starting to understand why.

You see, Autoblog recently pointed out that, even two years after it was discontinued, the Pontiac Aztec sold 25 new units in 2007. At first glance you might think, wow, after two years they are still selling Aztecs? That's good right?

Wrong.

You have to think what that symbolizes. That means that there are Pontiac dealers out there who are still showing a car that may very well have been the lowest of low points in modern car design. In the process the dealers are reminding everyone who walks on their lot why Pontiac is struggling in the auto market. Yeah, they might have sold a few Aztecs, but how many sales did they lose by keeping those beasts sitting around, stinking up their new product line?

If your brand is in trouble, find out the cause and do what you can to correct and distance yourself from it. In Pontiac's case, they should round up every "new" Aztec that is left, pay the dealers for them, and quietly donate them to a needy organization...and then never mention the Aztec again.

You gotta lose the losers to save your brand.