GM to Invest in Thai Plants; New Chevy Colorado

[Htay7500]

Originally Posted by cbennie2

Probably because Thailand like the US, has a large percent of truck sales. Only difference is that in Thailand, it is an economic necessity a lot of them to have trucks since they are utilized for business especially family owned businesses. There were just as many cars as trucks on the roads in Bangkok when I was there, unlike Brazil, which had a far higher percent of cars.

Last time I went to Bangkok via Burma, pickups sell aplenty there because they aren't taxed like passenger cars(i.e. camry, corolla, accord, etc.) are. its not just GM thats doing well in the pickup market, all (toyota, ford, nissan )of them are selling quite well. not to mention, Thailand is 2nd to the US in volume of pick truck production.

[mang01]

Originally Posted by chevydlrmn

The current model is built in Shreveport, Louisiana. If there is in fact a plan for a new Colorado, it is one of the least talked about and unknown project GM is on. I wish I knew more about it.

The Colorados in Aussie are made in Thailand (with which we have a FTA); see First Drive: Holden Colorado - The New Rodeo. btw I have been wondering, is this a different truck than the Chevy Colorado in the US? It's not unknown for GM to put the same name (and badge!) on a completely different model (e.g. Holden and Pontiac Sunbirds.. original Holden Astra was a Nissan Pulsar... Nova was a Toyota Corolla in the US and Australia while also a Vauxhall version of the smaller Opel Corsa.. ); it's nearly as confusing as different badges for the same model!

[Bigbee60]

Originally Posted by chevydlrmn

The current model is built in Shreveport, Louisiana. If there is in fact a plan for a new Colorado, it is one of the least talked about and unknown project GM is on. I wish I knew more about it.

For 2009 the Colorado/Canyon gets Stabilitrac, a revised fuel economy tune in the engine computer software (+1 in EPA mileage ratings) and a new brake system to firm up the braking feel.

For 2010 the running changes will be new engines and transmissions, a revised interior (mostly dash changes - think H3 style) and a new grill and hood. The 2012 new model may fall back to 2013 or 2014 depending on how the global Colorado project develops.

The current frame, from partner Isuzu, will soldier on through the 2011 model year and a new Colorado is in the 2012 product plan as of the May product revisions.

With the current upheaval at GM, the 2010 engine changes may include a new common rail diesel in the 3 liter range as well as more variants of the Ecotec DI 4 cylinder and V-6 powerplants replacing the Atlas family.

[ColinOpseth]

Originally Posted by PontiacBixler

Bring it out here and I think you will see a small explosion of these truck sales.

I think it's front end is rather fetching.

Damn straight. That front-end looks really good.

[Copcarz]

The fuel economy for the 4-cyl Colorado is bad because it's a huge(for a 4-cyl) 2.9 liter. They need a smaller motor for better mpg.

[airbalancer]

The cash rebate in Canada on a Sierra is $5000 and the Canyon is $7000

I will still keep my 03 Sierra for another 5 years

[steinravnik]

I wonder if small trucks will get a downsizing with expensive gas. I remember a few years ago Toyota, et al were busy upsizing the trucks. If GM could make their small trucks competitive in fuel economy and interior/refinement, they would be better positioned in the marketplace.

[Ming]

Originally Posted by airbalancer

The cash rebate in Canada on a Canyon is $7000

Jeez. I'd be in a Colorado or Canyon now if the rebates for them were anywhere near as nice down here....where they are manufactured! Usually rebates hover around $1000, and the GM card allowances are equally unattractive. No wonder the dealers can't sell them / don't order them around here. There's no....incentive....

[gto4ibf]

that is a great looking colorado. Why can't that happen?

[M_RABID]

Originally Posted by steinravnik

I wonder if small trucks will get a downsizing with expensive gas.

Ooops. There it goes... Gas under $1.90/gallon for the first time this millenium!

[JimsZR2]

I was turned off when I saw pictures of the Colorado for the first time. Then I drove one and realized that the interior feels like a car and the I5 engine is a nono. I'm glad they put the 5.3 V8 in them for 2009 but I have a feeling it's a limited option. Basically the Colorado was an Izuzu correct?

I would have rather seen GM refresh the S10 with a V8 and make it safer in crash tests.

I have a ZR2 model and I have enjoyed owning it but it was designed so poorly suspension wise. Thats my only greif with this truck but man the driveline is strong!

[baby-vortec2900]

Originally Posted by Copcarz

The fuel economy for the 4-cyl Colorado is bad because it's a huge(for a 4-cyl) 2.9 liter. They need a smaller motor for better mpg.

Unless you think that 27 mpg is bad, then you are mistaken. I frequently get around 25-27mpg running on the free way with my 08 2.9 Reg Cab 2WD. And this is a consistent number over the first 10k miles so I know that it was not a fluke. 27mpg out of any truck is good in my book, far from what I would consider bad mileage. That being said, I do like the fact that the 2.9 is "huge" because its displacement and horsepower allow for quick and steady acceleration that is not always avalible out of a four banger. Do I have complaints about the Colorado, well...a few. Is either power or fuel economy among them? Hell No