GM may add new SUV to Moraine production

[importedtuna]

GM may add new SUV to Moraine production
Thursday April 13
bizjournals.com

The General Motors Corp. Moraine Assembly plant could be in position to land several years of future work that could provide job security for the thousands of workers there.

GM and the IUE-CWA 798 local union representing hourly workers at the plant have reached a tentative agreement for future production of mid-size sport utility vehicles, said Nancy Sarpolis, company spokeswoman.

Union members will vote on a modification to their current agreement that creates the possibility. The contract modification does not change GM's plans to eliminate the third shift, about 1,100 positions, at Moraine.

Sarpolis said GM will present Moraine Assembly to its board of directors as a business case for continued mid-size SUV production sometime this year.

"This is a very strong first step in the process," Sarpolis said. "If the agreement is ratified, they will be in the position to build a much stronger business case."

http://biz.yahoo.com/bizj/060413/1272461.html?.v=1

GM Moraine Assembly

[Hudson]

GM will KEEP SUV production there. I don't see them ADDING any. The next generation Trailblazer and Envoy will remain there.

[jbartley]

Originally Posted by Hudson

GM will KEEP SUV production there. I don't see them ADDING any. The next generation Trailblazer and Envoy will remain there.

Yeh, the headline is misleading. these news reporters are morons.

[mbukukanyau]

Job security crap.. Move to France if you live in that sort of world

[bryce miller]

i really want to see a next generation TB and Envoy so i hope it happens

[joey]

If the Lambda models take off, do we realy need a Trailblazer and Envoy?

[rob2299usa]

Originally Posted by joey

If the Lambda models take off, do we realy need a Trailblazer and Envoy?

Some people may want to tow more but don't want a fullsize I guess.

[Xeper]

Originally Posted by rob2299usa

Some people may want to tow more but don't want a fullsize I guess.

How much of a size difference can you get between the Equinox and Trailblazer?!

[01cavalier]

Hmm, misleading headline, especially when they are still planning to cut capacity. Good that some at lest get job security...

[TahoeMikeZ71]

Well Chevy NEEDS the Trailblazer, because people want a midsize RWD suv, than a fwd crossover to fit there needs.

[Tomko]

Originally Posted by TAHOE LT

Well Chevy NEEDS the Trailblazer, because people want a midsize RWD suv, than a fwd crossover to fit there needs.

I concur.

There are those who prefer traditional body-on-frame and rear wheel drive technology in a slightly less than full size package.

[hunchman]

Originally Posted by Hudson

GM will KEEP SUV production there. I don't see them ADDING any. The next generation Trailblazer and Envoy will remain there.

....you have no idea how close the GMT360 -370 is to being scrapped in favour of a crossover design that can be rwd as well.................

[02Trailblazerls]

Originally Posted by Xeper

How much of a size difference can you get between the Equinox and Trailblazer?!

The Trailblazer tows up to 6400 lbs. The Equinox can't do half that, and runs with 105 less horses.
The Equinox also lets the Trailblazer theoratically go after the Xterra and 4runner type trucks which remain popular.

FYI: The Trailblazer was the best selling SUV in 2005- including car based, and truck based SUVs of all sizes around the world. Add the other 360 sales, and its obvious the public still loves truck based utes.

I will never buy a unitbody truck- they just don't hold up to the stress as well as the BOF trucks. Besides...Toyota, Ford, Nissan, and everyone else has similarly sized BOF trucks and Unitbody car based (road oriented) trucks and they still sell a ton of each.

[member12]

Originally Posted by joey

If the Lambda models take off, do we realy need a Trailblazer and Envoy?

Because you would leave customers like me a choice between a Nissan, Toyota, Dodge or a Ford (the important thing is that GM would be off my shopping list). The Body on frame trailblazer is very very poplular because it is somewhat capable off road and can tow a mid sized boat while being a family car the other six days a week...The Equnox and upcomming Lambdas wont' be capable off road, and I doubt they will be able to tow what the Trailblazer can- and they are likely to cost more.

Americans tow things. GM would be stupid to leave the only trucks that tow a midsized boat costing 34 grand. You can get a Trailblazer with 290 horses, low range 4x4 for around 26 grand.

GM is not stupid. This market is still here, and will likely not disappear. Something that sells 250K a year is something whose character you don't change much.

GM, and Chevrolet, should be a full line automaker. This means selling off road ready vehicles and mid sized SUVs like your competition. Or don't...Toyota will be very pleased with increase in 4x4 4runner sales.

[asim]

I am assuming it will be the next generation TB.