What GM hasn’t ruled out is the possibility that several overlapping models, especially in the SUV and pickup segments, could be dropped. An inside source has revealed to The Detroit News that GM’s operations review will result in the purging of overlapping models and a shift in emphasis to more fuel-efficient cars.
GM currently spends money developing and marketing similar vehicles under several different brands but achieves sales comparable to competitors with fewer models in the same segment, and often only a single model. Its current portfolio also includes 12 different SUV models among eight brands, and only four compact or subcompact cars that the market is demanding.
To paint a clearer picture of how muddled GM’s portfolio is, the carmaker sells four-different midsize SUVs in the same segment with the Chevrolet Traverse (pictured), Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave line of cars.
Chrysler has already revealed its own plans to reduce its ‘twin models.’ Prime examples of the failed twin scheme include the Dodge Avenger/Chrysler Sebring pair, the Jeep Liberty/Dodge Nitro, and the Chrysler Aspen/Dodge Durango. It’s not likely that Chrysler will step into the current product line to make cuts mid-cycle, but will instead change its development plans to eliminate such overlap.