Could it even be certified for US sale? Cost would probably go up...fair question already asked is whether brand image is of any concern to management.
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Could it even be certified for US sale? Cost would probably go up...fair question already asked is whether brand image is of any concern to management.
Pony Car: an affordable, compact, highly styled car with a sporty or performance-oriented image and an available V8.
There are so many funky cars out there these days that this Ute would fit in nicely ... a dozen years ago probably not..
as a "lifestyle" choice to compete against the Sonic VS in the 80's they where sold against the similar priced Ranger and Nissans and LOST
where as a Colorado/ Nissan are NOT 20K nicely equipped and are almost "full size" and not good on petrol compared to a car that almost gets Cruze FE not to mention CAFE "credits" towards large and in efficient Pick ups that are GM's "bread winner"
and FIAT has one that was rumoured to be a "RAM" in America possibly a DAKOTA replacement
Pony Car: an affordable, compact, highly styled car with a sporty or performance-oriented image and an available V8.
I actually kind of like it. But, whether or not there was a business case would boil down to price, fuel economy and capacity. If this could get much better real world fuel economy than other, larger pickups, have a payload/bed that usable for 'consumer' hauling duties (e.g. the run to the dump, picking up supplies at the Home Depot, carrying 'toys' like dirt bikes) and could be had for the teens, I think you might have something.
I'd say it should be able to carry around 1000 lbs, get more than 30 mpg on the highway and base at $15,000 before options.
wallus13 (01-01-2013)
This would work in Mexico and Central America, but not U.S. and Canada. I will say they should put this on ice and consider it for its next life cycle.
There is a need for a small pickup in developed countries, plus as time goes on fuel consumption will be even more important. When this vehicle is ready for developed countries, then it might work.
Current:
2007 Pontiac Grand Prix (85k+ mi.)
Sold to Dad:
1997 Saab 900 2.0 Turbo(150k+ mi.) for $1000 and agreed to help replace the transmission and clutch, now 184k+ mi.
Retired:
1987 Chevrolet Silverado 10 (retired 11/12/2007; 219,986 mi.)
Dead:
1983 Datsun 280 ZX by Nissan (146,857 mi.)
1986 Lincoln Mercury Lynx (64K mi.)
1979 Chrysler Cordoba w/ Corinthian Leather seats (130K mi.)
1976 Dodge Charger (130K mi.)
I can see and appreciate how the US could use a vehicle like this HOWEVER S. America does not have the Silverado or Sierra only the S10/Colorado so the Montana only appeals to the S. Americans who do need a bed but do not need or can afford a S10.
Here the Montana would just take sales away from the upcoming Colorado. I hope it gets the new 4.3. If so depending on how it looks and it's stance it will be my next truck
You can tell that GM really cared about the ATS from day one. If GM cared about all its vehicles that way they would truely be #1.
Past ride: 1996 Reg. Cab S10: LS1 swap, headers, painless wiring, T56 manual, with a built 10 bolt, disc brakes, locker, lowered 3 inches--SOLD TO HELP BUY HOUSE
Current ride: 02 GMC HighRider Zr2: Line-X'd rockers, lifted,33's, winch,manual NP231, & alot more. SOON TO BE SAS w/ D44's on 35's with a 5.3
This was designed by GM do Brasil? Same people as new Colorado. Colorado was a global team including from GM NA, so the Equinox face is deliberate for the Pan-American market.
Cute little lugger, if utilitarian enough could carve out a niche but I think Ausrutherford is right: it isn't a Gamma product. That doesn't mean it is no good - you would imagine if it's designed for South America, it's basic but tough and longwearing. It will also probably take just about any fuel with a smattering of petroleum product in it. Low-risk for GM to try, but it might be a few generations behind for general dynamics and refinement. Not to mention equipment levels.
I wouldn't see it impinging on a Zeta Ute, which would sell for roughly double the scratch, and the main reason for which is that it's a RWD 2-door V8 sportscar with an enormous trunk. Nor Colorado (which BTW is selling very nicely here) and is basically an even higher-capability machine in terms of carting stuff.
I could see this selling here in Canada. I personally would rather see these around than Nissan Jukes or cubes. Small engines in these kind of vehicles are absolutely fine.
I don't care much for trucks but I like this one a lot! GM might find a market for people like me that wouldn't look twice at a full size gas hog but might spring for a sporty light duty rec vehicle.
1. Would it meet our certifications? And at what cost?
2. I say, "Hello, return of the S-10 pickup". Nice 'n cheap, small, and gets the job done.
If the certification / import costs are reasonable, why not? (Other than the costs to train for repairs and stocking parts for a whole new vehicle, and competition against the new Colorado coming in 1 year)....
Current rides: 2013 Buick Verano, 2006 GTO, 2011 Dodge Durango.
Past rides: 2005 Vibe (best car I've ever owned), 2006 Odyssey (the worst vehicle I've ever owned), 2005 Envoy, 2002 Wrangler, 2002 S10, 2000 Sierra C1500, 1997 Sierra K1500 (2nd best car I've ever owned), 1996 Stratus, 1996 SW1 Saturn, 1994 Toyota Pickup (4x4 - 2nd worst car I've ever owned), 1992 Dakota, 1988 GMC Suburban, 1987 S10 Blazer, 1985 Scrambler, 1980 Tercel
Big question would GM be able to offer what amounts to a 2 seater light utility truck because even if you put a middle seat belt hard to see this carrying 3 passengers. If the answer is no then there will be pressure to add jump seats maybe a crew cab and suddenly you have Colorado/Canyon competitor so not sure. If it is an MPG issue it would make more sense to add eAssist to the new Colorado/Canyon than offering a smaller model with less utility just to get CAFE numbers up.
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