WSJ: GM Shelves Plan to Build Chevy Crossover

[starlightmica]

Related thread: Chevy MPV spotted testing, again.



http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122175512284552785.html

General Motors Corp. has suspended plans to build a small, seven-seat crossover wagon for its Chevrolet brand in North America, and instead plans to bring another small car to the U.S. from Asia. The moves come as it continues to shuffle its product plans in a rapidly shifting U.S. market.

The canceled Chevrolet vehicle, code-named the "Delta MPV7," was originally intended to be built in Hamtramck, Mich., beginning next year, according to the auto maker's recent agreements with the United Auto Workers union. The MPV, or multi-purpose vehicle, would have been based on GM's compact-car architecture, but capable of seating seven people.

The vehicle could still be built for markets outside North America, such as Europe, where smallish MPVs are more popular. A concept version of the model -- called the Chevrolet Orlando -- will debut at the Paris auto show next month.

"That's no longer an option for us," UAW Local 22 President George McGregor, based near the Hamtramck plant, said of the Orlando. A spokesman confirmed that GM has no concrete plans to bring the model to the U.S.

[crooner214]

SO, ride the hype about this thing, and then cancel it anyway? Wait, I know, they can just rebadge the Chevrolet Aveo as a Pontiac. Oh, yeah...

I know, why don't we give Hummer an Aveo? How about Saturn? By the way, since there isn't any money to develop full-size trucks anymore, we can just build an Aveo pickup for GMC. Yeesh!

[calgaryhhr]

I thought that GM only made money on trucks and crossover and not small cars.

Screw the cross overs and small cars, give me a Malibu sized station wagon.

I keep hearing that people don't really want to buy small cars in NA. Build a nice station wagon that has interior volume the same or larger than a Vue/Equinox but it lighter and lower and with better areodynamics (which would give better fuel economy) and you could have a winner.

[chaseabryant]

Originally Posted by starlightmica

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122175512284552785.html

I can't say that I'm disappointed. I really think that a focus towards some QUALITY smaller product would be better. How many 7-passenger vehicles does GM need spread across the board right now?

-Chase

[GMusa]

Hopfully we can get that Orlando Concept as the next-gen HHR! If the Concept isnt a 7 passenger vehicle.

[chade]

I don't believe Chevy needs another small crossover vehicle. The lineup is pretty good with the HHR, Equinox, and Traverse. Keep updating those vehicles to best in class and Chevy won't have to introduce another to compete in a crowded market.

[CBECK]

Originally Posted by crooner214

SO, ride the hype about this thing, and then cancel it anyway? Wait, I know, they can just rebadge the Chevrolet Aveo as a Pontiac. Oh, yeah...

I know, why don't we give Hummer an Aveo? How about Saturn? By the way, since there isn't any money to develop full-size trucks anymore, we can just build an Aveo pickup for GMC. Yeesh!

It seems like all the other brands are the ones getting a hummer.

[Perian]

Ok - A quick thought/reaction:

My guess: GM thinks the Cruze will be a huge hit, thus:

Cobalt production stays at Lordstown and goes fleet only for the sedan, coupe remains retail.

Cruze is added to Lordstown, but additional capacity will be needed.

Hamtramck comes in perhaps as a second Cruze assembly site.

This scenario would also allow the station wagon version of the Cruze to have capacity.

[osv_alero]

Sad really sad. I thought they would have figured it out by now. Bringing the small cross-over is not just about additional sales, it is about positive marketing. The more well built small cars they offer the US customer base, the less people will associate GM with big trucks/suvs.

So are they going to run the HHR for much longer than they should?

Could we all be mistaken here. Is GM going to introduce a wagon/cross-over version of the Volt for Chevrolet or another brand? If that is the case, I say kill the Orlando for the US. Otherwise . . .

[ChevyRules]

Originally Posted by osv_alero

Sad really sad. I thought they would have figured it out by now. Bringing the small cross-over is not just about additional sales, it is about positive marketing. The more well built small cars they offer us, the more likely people will start seeing GM as the big truck/suv company.

So are they going to run the HHR for much longer than they should?

Could we all be mistaken here. Is GM going to introduce a wagon/cross-over version of the Volt for Chevrolet or another brand? If that is the case, I say kill the Orlando for the US. Otherwise . . .

Wait, what? How do small cars turn GM into a truck/suv company in the consumers eyes?

[zete]

Isn't GM building the Volt at Hamtramck? I didn't think they were planning on building anything else there but the Volt.

And who knows what GM is doing of late. And why cancel a small people mover when that'll sell better than larger ones.

[Rocket 88]

Originally Posted by Perian

Ok - A quick thought/reaction:

My guess: GM thinks the Cruze will be a huge hit, thus:

Cobalt production stays at Lordstown and goes fleet only for the sedan, coupe remains retail.

Cruze is added to Lordstown, but additional capacity will be needed.

Hamtramck comes in perhaps as a second Cruze assembly site.

This scenario would also allow the station wagon version of the Cruze to have capacity.

Makes complete sense. GM needs to be prepared for the increadible demand of a vehilce that may not move in great numbers due to an anticipated higher price point. What? I'm crazy to think GM small cars won't demand a premium price? Fair enough. Maybe we can at least agree that the Station Wagons will be a HUGE Hit.... NOT.

I think this falls under the, Geez we're low on cash pile.

[nadepalma]

Wow, I didn't see this coming.

I wonder what other small car from Asia are they considering to bring here?

[Kennyboy]

I don't believe the WSJ report for one second. They reported that GM is considering closing down Pontiac and Buick back in 2002 along with Oldsmoblie.

[robsBU08]

So I am confused, they are going to the Orlando at the Paris show, and then not sell it here in the US?