GMI Exclusive: GM Planning Line of Small Crossovers/Rumors Debunked

[Ming]

The Gamma II platform is the underpinning of the next-generation Aveo and other sub-compact cars within GM. That platform is said to host a line of three new crossovers within the next few years. It is said that the three will be sized similar to the Nissan Rogue and Hyundai Tucson.

First to arrive will be the Chevrolet model. It is said to arrive in late 2011. As GMI reported yesterday, the next-generation Equinox crossover is moving up in size, so it only makes sense to add a smaller crossover to compete with the Rogue.

Certainly not to be one to shoot down the prospect of any small wagons or hatchbacks from GM (cough) er, "crossovers", but how is a Gamma II / Aveo platform crossover supposed to compete with the Nissan Rogue when GM already has a "crossover smaller than an Equinox" in the HHR? Not to say it wouldn't be like the Rogue, but unless the HHR disappears or the new Crossover looks nothing like the Groove, I don't see the point in having two "Retro-Funky" crossovers. And yes, GM's own literature called the Groove "retro" (someone else questioned that before). I guess the HHR going away would make sense if the Cruze is a very different vehicle, architecturally speaking.

Anyway it goes, the more small, 4-cyl. powered...things....with decent cargo areas from GM, the better. I hope they aren't jacked up, cladded and bloated resulting in poor fuel economy just so they look like SUVs, though. It would seem to me that looking like an SUV (and sucking gas like one, even if a mini-version of one) isn't a particularly good thing these days...

Before GM targets 4WD/AWD tiny crossovers like the Suzuki SX4, they should check out the sales numbers for that vehicle (and the not-so-hot fuel economy), and just give us a really good fuel sipper with decent utility and a useable hatch/cargo space instead.

Call it a "Crossover" if they want for the marketing materials, but don't have it perform like one. The whole Faux-by-Four thing is really tiresome and out-of-touch with $4 gas, even with a 4-cyl. engine.

Looking forward to a small wagon with kick butt fuel economy from GM (not Toyota!).

[Supremus]

Ok, could somebody tell me about the future of:

- Impala
- Lucerne
- G6
- HHR
- G8

[SRX7697]

Originally Posted by CrunkedRL

Just bring the Opel Corsa here and I will be fine.

YES YES YES.

It is Chevy Beat sized, and looks much better. And it's already out there! tune up the crash testing on it and start selling.

[Hitman1970]

Couple of thoughts.

Does anyone think that new Aura was delayed to make Buick the sole choice for the new platform for at least one year?

Also, if the Cruze is as good as they say it is, it would be a great starting point for a Skylark/Skyhawk for Buick.

[tirediron]

Originally Posted by Supremus

Ok, could somebody tell me about the future of:

- Impala
- Lucerne
- G6
- HHR
- G8

Kinda what I'm saying. I think the G8 is OK for at least a few more, but as a BPG sales dude, everything we heard Tuesday was-- Chevy this, Chevy's gonna get this, until finally someone asked Lutz, what about the other divisions? And he then scrambled saying Pontiac will get a version of everything, after they said no re-badging! Of course, and typically.

[EldoFan]

Enough with the crossovers already! Good god, you think it would push GM over the edge to pump out one or two honest to goodness station wagons to provide some variety.......

[momolos]

I wanted the new Aura next year to replace my Camry.
Now I don't know what to get.....I am way too young to get a Buick and I know you all will bust chops about my Camry but it was not my choice.
This will be my first brand new car and I wanted the new Aura. I like the G8 a lot also.....but I live where it snows a lot.
Now GM may lose me as a buyer unfortunately b/c they won't offer anytning for me.

The rest of the line up is older. I know about the Malibu but I like sportier cars (again the Camry...totaly not my choice)

Any ideas for me?

[nsap]

Originally Posted by tirediron

nsap- I really do respect your opinion, as a not-a-long-timer here, why is everything GM is coming out with geared as a Chevy? Dont get me wrong, I grew up in Flint, so my dad, Grandpa, etc all worked there, but why isnt anything besides a useless El Camino G8 Truck thing, gonna be noted as a Pontiac, or a "BPG" and all tagged as Chevy? Just curious, seriously.

Well I think there are a couple reasons Chevrolet is getting a lot of product. The first being that GM is taking on a huge initiative to take Chevrolet upscale a half a notch and take it global to tackle the Toyota brand head-on. They are aggressively expanding Chevrolet into every market they can and they really do want to unify the Chevrolet lineup globally, even with the US market. So that is obviously a big reason. The second reason would be that Chevrolet is basically the bread-and-butter division. If Chevrolet isn't doing well, it does not matter how well the other divisions are doing. Chevrolet has always gotten more than everyone else for that reason alone.

[GM-Joe]

They need a couple of really cute utes for the chicks. The Vue is beginning to get some buyers, but it is even more expensive than the Civic Recreational Vehicle. GM must bring something to market that has the elevated height and is cute, at least to woman, to steal some of the crv sales.

[FenwickHockey65]

Could these compete with the cr-v and rav-4 as well? Not sure if I'm picturing the right size...

[tirediron]

Originally Posted by nsap

Well I think there are a couple reasons Chevrolet is getting a lot of product. The first being that GM is taking on a huge initiative to take Chevrolet upscale a half a notch and take it global to tackle the Toyota brand head-on. They are aggressively expanding Chevrolet into every market they can and they really do want to unify the Chevrolet lineup globally, even with the US market. So that is obviously a big reason. The second reason would be that Chevrolet is basically the bread-and-butter division. If Chevrolet isn't doing well, it does not matter how well the other divisions are doing. Chevrolet has always gotten more than everyone else for that reason alone.

Yup, I guess I needed to read kinda what I was thinking. Excellent points! I've always been a Chevy Man myself!

Thanks

[domij]

Originally Posted by nsap

I don't see why it can't build Delta II and Gamma II (Cruze, and the crossovers). The Aveo, etc. will probably continue in South Korea. Alpha will likely end up at a different plant.

There is actually a new plant in San Luis Obispo, Mexico that is underway that will build the Gamma cars, and perhaps overflow for Delta.

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

Good news on the Gamma II. Is that what the Groove (pictured) is based off of?

Also good news on the Cruze. What will be it's most logical competition?

Although, I still wonder why it needs to take 3 years for the Gamma II. 18 months for the Cruze seems OK.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66

Good news on the Gamma II. Is that what the Groove (pictured) is based off of?

Also good news on the Cruze. What will be it's most logical competition?

Although, I still wonder why it needs to take 3 years for the Gamma II. 18 months for the Cruze seems OK.

I'm not sure with this...it replaces the Cobalt, but the picture makes it look a tad big...
I'm guessing it still competes with the civic/corolla. Although, "compete" may not be the best term. 40 MPG, sweet exterior design and nice, trendy interior?
More like destroy the civic/corolla.

[Lichtronamo]

There is a Buick advertising insert in this month's Automobile (and maybe a few of the other buff books) that shows the Invicta and its interior.