Quote:
Originally Posted by nsap
GMI Exclusive: GM Planning Line of Small Crossovers/Rumors Debunked
The Gamma II platform is the underpinning of the next-generation Aveo and other sub-compact cars within GM. That platform is said to host a line of three new crossovers within the next few years. It is said that the three will be sized similar to the Nissan Rogue and Hyundai Tucson. At the moment Chevrolet, Opel and Saturn are slated to get one.
First to arrive will be the Chevrolet model. It is said to arrive in late 2011. As GMI reported yesterday, the next-generation Equinox crossover is moving up in size, so it only makes sense to add a smaller crossover to compete with the Rogue. The Opel model is also suppose to arrive in the same time frame. The Saturn model will come to market sometime in 2012.
Obviously these products are a few years down the road, but at the moment they are still on. With all of the product shake-ups that are happening within GM right now, it is anyone's guess as to whether these three products will not get cut. There was talk a couple years ago that GM was planning a line of "sub-Theta" crossovers on a smaller version of the Theta platform, but those products were killed in development. These have apparently taken their place.
At the moment it sounds like they will be built at the Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant.
* Epsilon II Saturn Aura: As GMI reported weeks ago, the development on the program has been halted. We're hearing that it was due to a lack of resources for the car. So the current Aura is going to stay on "at least an additional year." For some reason we are not convinced that we have heard the entire story on the Aura saga, so STAY TUNED.  |
To me GM should only offer the Saturn Crossover here and sell the Chevrolet version ROW (rest of world) as other markets would get the planned Chevrolet and Opel models.
The same for the "next Aveo", before all of the Chevy lovers get excited - hear me out.
Saturn will only sell GAMMA platform vehicles in Chevrolet dealers in a "Scion-like" deal like Toyota does.
Why?
GM needs to find a "spot" for Saturn and what better one than the one Saturn started with - small efficient cars.
GM has to create an image of making efficient vehicles and by only offering
one "type" vehicle under
one brand it simplifies the message and make it easier for the public to understand.
Chevy has too many models; again this overabundance of "choice" is confusing to the buying public who really do not understand what makes an Aveo different than a Cobalt/Cruze.
Putting Saturn with Chevy allow's GM to "drop" the next Aveo (and G3), but keep it as an option for Chevy sales reps to "sell" to buyers they cannot sell a Cobalt/Cruze to.
Giving GAMMA to Saturn enables GM to do what Toyota does with Scion - market it as "different" and package it so the dealer can "customize" it to individual needs (raising margins).
GM can then focus on selling Delta and up models as Chevrolets, Buicks and SAAB's eliminating one brand from the Delta and Epsilon mix and boosting volumes for models it does offer. (Pontiac, GMC and Cadillac get Alpha and Zeta as "primary" platforms and the next Sky can be derived from the current Tigra but with better engines and the more aggressive Sky styling).