Why was the Pontiac Trans Am discontinued?

The Pontiac Trans Am was discontinued primarily due to the bankruptcy and subsequent dissolution of Pontiac itself in 2009. General Motors, Pontiac's parent company, decided to shutter the Pontiac brand as part of its restructuring plan during the global financial crisis. The Trans Am, along with all other Pontiac models, was a casualty of this decision. While declining sales of muscle cars in general contributed to the overall financial struggles, the brand's elimination was the direct cause of the Trans Am's discontinuation.