GM May Bring Small SUV To NA

[nsap]

PARIS -- General Motors is debating whether to develop a Toyota RAV4-sized SUV for sale in North America.

GM's deliberations are likely a response to the growing number of small unibody SUVs offered by Asian automakers. GM's smallest SUV is the Saturn Vue.

"We are currently asking ourselves how far down you can go in SUV size in the U.S. and still draw a significant market," said GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz, who was interviewed last month at the Paris auto show.

He said that GM thinks there may be room for a vehicle smaller than those developed on the Theta architecture used for the Vue. "But not as small as, say, a Suzuki," Lutz said. "Kind of RAV4-ish. Why not?"

No timetable was given for a decision, and a vehicle architecture has not been determined.

The Vue shares the Theta vehicle architecture with the larger Chevrolet Equinox. The Vue is 14.7 inches longer and 3.2 inches wider than the RAV4. The Vue's wheelbase is 8.6 inches longer.

The RAV4 tallied 73,204 U.S. sales in calendar 2003. Honda's similar-sized CR-V had nearly double that volume - 143,909. The Vue totaled 81,924 U.S. sales.

The market for RAV4-sized SUVs will get more competitive this year with the introduction of the 2005 Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage SUVs. Both of the vehicles are based on the Hyundai Elantra platform.

Additionally, the Chrysler group is developing a Jeep vehicle on a front-wheel-drive platform that will be shared with the redesigned Dodge Neon. It will debut in the 2007 or 2008 model year.

Volkswagen is expected to introduce an SUV based on the Golf in the 2008 model year. Ford Motor Co. is expected to decide by year end whether to offer a small SUV or wagonlike vehicle.

GM uses the term "architecture" to signify a set of components, performance characteristics, a common manufacturing process, range of dimensions and connecting points for key component systems.


From.Automotive News

[paul8488]

This'll do, thanks: the Chevrolet Niva (sold in Russia... not sure where else, if anywhere). I actually lament the passing of the original Tracker & Sidekick. They weren't quite as powerful or capable as the Jeep TJ, but were very nimble and generally pretty bulletproof. The most recent version was way too pricey for what you got... RAV4 prices for Samurai goods. Maybe there's no market for a sub-Jeep truck-based off-roader, but I like to think there is.

Just noticed too... the Vue outsold the RAV4 last year! Very nice! Though obviously the CRV is the one to beat. May the force be with you, Equinox.

[turbodiesel]

make sure they have fuel efficient engines esp. common rail turbodiesels

[tgagneguam]

Originally posted by Buick61@Oct 4 2004, 01:14 PM
Hopefully the S3X makes it over here.  The I5 from the Colorado would an interesting engine option.

It's funny, this is the exact vehicle I thought of when I read the above article... I wonder how it would do next to a seemingly not much larger Equinox, though it appears others in the Empire think that a slightly smaller SUV has its place. They must be thinking of something else, though, as the post above this article indicates that the 7-passenger S3X is not NA-bound.

[Rex Raider]

That Niva is hardling a cutting edge new design.

The Lada Niva (as it was formerly known) has been available for forever.
The original design (also available in Pickup and Convertible models) was very popular in Canada due to it's awesome 4wd capabilities (no joke, this thing was GREAT in the snow) and it's low price.

Last gen:

Current gen:

Niva "Concept":

[paul8488]

Ah, thanks for adding the pic Rex. I see room for something like that, though I don't see as much use for a vehicle like the S3X, since it's so close in size and mission to the Equinox and Vue (even though I really like it), aside from being another similar option (ie Pontiac). Since Hummer shouldn't reach low into entry-level off-roaders, I'd like to see a little Chevy off-road buggy. Though the article alludes to a more car-like, on-road miniUV, so I'm just dreaming.

And you're certainly right Rex... this isn't the sort of vehicle that could compete with the smallest of the small SUV's, since it surely has a harsh ride and minimal comfort level (like the Tracker). I imagine it's pretty cheap to produce though, and while crash standards and safety items would likely make it too costly to import, I still think it'd be cool. We had a Niva and, like you say, it was really awesome off-road.

[cincygoblue]

I didn't see anything in the article about off-road. I'm hoping he's referring to the S3X. Unibody like the CRV and the RAV, and much better looking than those or the Niva or the Tracker, IMO.

[samy1691]

Who gives a **** ....it will be as ugly as the rest of the lineup!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[cincygoblue]

Originally posted by samy1691@Oct 4 2004, 01:49 PM
Who gives a **** ....it will be as ugly as the rest of the lineup!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Who gives a ****? Most people on this board.

That was an intelligent comment. You don't like the S3X? You don't like the Equinox? You don't like Chevy, Pontiac, Cadillac? What do you mean? You leave so much for interpretation in your comment.

[stewacide]

The Escape/Tribute sell over 200k a year in the US and sales continue to climb, so I think Chevy' was right on to target the Equinox there (larger, v6 power, etc.). For the first time in a long time (ever?) Toyota and Honda seem to have lost controll of a segment; and one they actually created!

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

I really think they are referring to the S3X there... A perfect fit btw...

Originally posted by sniffpetrol
The Paris Show was the first appearance for re-named GM-Daewoo which will now be known as Chevrolet across Europe. "We realised that Daewoo is a badly devalued brand that means nothing to people outside of its home market," admitted a spokseman. "So it made perfect sense to replace it with Chevrolet which is a badly devalued brand that means nothing to people outside of its home market. Oh… Bollocks". Star attraction of the Chevroloo stand was the handsome S3X concept. "Look! It's name is a bit like 'sex'" spluttered a sposkenam childishly. Rumours remain that the company's next show car will be a sleek coupe concept called the 800B5.

The S3X could do well in this market, depending on the drivetrain and build quality. And price of course, GM will not do well if they tack on $9750 of incentives on this sucker. And of course what size S3X is...

[mbukukanyau]

The Ugliest Concept I ever saw. It’s a shame that the company that produces the product below, would put out a concept like the one above in the same year. If you ask me, it’s a crime against humanity(Russians) and GM is fooling no one. not me.

If you ask me, this is better



In fact I would rather the 9-7 X than the SRX for looks

[GM_Guy81]

im really curious to see a road test on the 9-7X

[keyjack5024]

I'd rather have the Saab 9-7 as well. What is odd about this is that Saab was originally suppose to get a version of the more car-like(and thus, more Saab-like) SRX. GM made the odd decision to keep the SRX a Cadillac exclusive and base the Saab 9-7 on the overused Trailblazer platform. At least Saab has done a nice job on design.

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

I remember when they sold the old Nivas, they were really great off road, and they were cheap enough to go offroad. But they had something like 68hp and got something like 17mpg on a good day...