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GM considering switch to smaller platforms for new SUVs

GM considering switch to smaller platforms for new SUVs

Nelson Ireson June 20th, 2008 Nelson Ireson By Nelson Ireson Author June 20th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 The shift toward smaller cars and SUVs in the U.S. is getting under way, with nearly daily announcements of product reconfigurations, lay offs, plant idlings and other action designed to cut losses and adjust to the new fuel price-drive landscape of the auto market. General Motors has already announced a major restructuring, several new compact models and a renewed focus on its hybrid technology, but it's not stopping there. GM's previously all-important SUV lineup will likely shift from their current large stature to a new, smaller platform known as Lambda. Currently GM's big SUVs are built on the GMT900 architecture, with the Tahoe and GMC Yukon being two of the prime examples of the size and style. Next-generation SUVs, even the largest in the lineup, won't be so big, however. The Lambda platform is expected to take over duty as the new SUV architecture, with the move causing GM to delay the redesign of its SUV line indefinitely, or at least until the company has a clearer idea of the direction it should take, reports Automotive News. The SUV lineup had been due for a refresh in 2012. GM is quick to state that it is not abandoning the full-size segment, at least not yet. Even if the market for such vehicles shrinks considerably, GM still has plans to be in it. Such a small market would find tough competition from the luxury makers, however, since small volumes are not conducive to low prices, and companies like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Audi already have large premium SUV entries with strong reputations. There may be the beginnings of a plan of attack on the newly downsized large SUV market, however, in the statements of GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson. "We've got the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the segment, and we don't intend on giving that up to anybody," he said. "We're not giving up on the full-size truck market. We have every intention of leading it in the future, even if it's a smaller-sized market than it is today."
GM considering switch to smaller platforms for new SUVs

GM considering switch to smaller platforms for new SUVs

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The shift toward smaller cars and SUVs in the U.S. is getting under way, with nearly daily announcements of product reconfigurations, lay offs, plant idlings and other action designed to cut losses and adjust to the new fuel price-drive landscape of the auto market. General Motors has already announced a major restructuring, several new compact models and a renewed focus on its hybrid technology, but it's not stopping there. GM's previously all-important SUV lineup will likely shift from their current large stature to a new, smaller platform known as Lambda.

Currently GM's big SUVs are built on the GMT900 architecture, with the Tahoe and GMC Yukon being two of the prime examples of the size and style. Next-generation SUVs, even the largest in the lineup, won't be so big, however. The Lambda platform is expected to take over duty as the new SUV architecture, with the move causing GM to delay the redesign of its SUV line indefinitely, or at least until the company has a clearer idea of the direction it should take, reports Automotive News. The SUV lineup had been due for a refresh in 2012.

GM is quick to state that it is not abandoning the full-size segment, at least not yet. Even if the market for such vehicles shrinks considerably, GM still has plans to be in it. Such a small market would find tough competition from the luxury makers, however, since small volumes are not conducive to low prices, and companies like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Audi already have large premium SUV entries with strong reputations.

There may be the beginnings of a plan of attack on the newly downsized large SUV market, however, in the statements of GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson.

"We've got the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the segment, and we don't intend on giving that up to anybody," he said. "We're not giving up on the full-size truck market. We have every intention of leading it in the future, even if it's a smaller-sized market than it is today."

Tags: Industry, General Motors

Posted in: News, SUVs


Comments (6 total)

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  1. By NoNameDenton #1, Posted: 6/20/2008

    Just like the Explorer getting a car platform. I have an idea, more diesel engines.

  2. By Renton #2, Posted: 6/20/2008

    Considering?

    20 years too late.

  3. By chris #3, Posted: 6/21/2008

    noname.. diesel costs more than premium.. and we've already seen how few people are buying premium (yeah i realize these were also people who thought that they could "treat" their cars to the "good stuff"... but still).. so what makes you think that people will buy a diesel SUV? VW has been trying for years to get americans to buy diesel... and it hasn't ever caught on.

    renton.. if you wanted a unibody "SUV" 20 years ago.. they had them.. they were called minivans. and 20 years ago, SUV's weren't fashion accessories used by the general public for commuting... the people who used them wanted trucks with a lot of seating. and they wanted to know that if they drove diagonally across a ditch.. the body wouldn't warp.

  4. By 94 Taurus owner #4, Posted: 6/21/2008

    GMC Yukon Hybrid ,Named Ugliest Truck of the Year.

  5. By NoNameDenton #5, Posted: 6/21/2008

    Diesel ownerships pays off faster then a hybrid and gets better milage and torque, why do you think the Europeans buy so many diesels chris , do some research. By the way, VW sold every single diesel they brought over here, and the VW dealerships were screaming to get the new one here as fast as possible because it was such a good money maker.

  6. By chris #6, Posted: 6/23/2008

    my understanding is that the USA is one of the only places where diesel is actually more expensive than gasoline, and not by a small amount either. that, coupled with the bad image diesel has in the USA, and the fact that diesel engines (generally) are more expensive,... all of these things add up. I don't think diesel is an easy sell in NA. In the end it's about 20% more efficient than gasoline, but 20% more expensive per unit. why would anyone pay a premium for an engine that has the same dollar per mile figure?

    generally, when a company has a product that is in demand, they make sure they satisfy that demand. VW certainly has that capacity. why would you fail to capitalize on a product that you can produce many of? I'm sorry I just don't see many diesels around.

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