AutoVerdict
Rumors are swirling that General Motors has reversed plans to sell a body-on-frame midsize SUV under the GMC brand. If true, the change in plans would mean GM will not enter what is becoming a very hot market segment.
Citing multiple unnamed sources, Muscle Cars & Trucks reports GM shelved the midsize GMC SUV program late last year during its restructuring. This is the same restructuring that closed the doors at five of GM’s North American assembly plants and called for the death of several of the company’s current passenger cars.
Of course, the restructuring also called for the death of several vehicle programs not already on the market, which is allegedly the case with the GMC SUV.
The SUV was originally rumored to be built on the next-generation variant of the 31xx platform, which will underpin the next Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickup trucks. GMC was expected to be the only GM brand to get such an SUV off the platform, with rumors it would be named the GMC Jimmy or GMC Envoy and compete with the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.
Assuming GM has killed this program, it is a bit of a baffling decision. With the return of the Bronco and robust sales of the Wrangler, it seems like a hot segment for GM to enter.
Despite the rumored death of the SUV, the next-generation Colorado and Canyon are still on.
The only thing I can think of that explains all these decisions is that GM has an aggressive roadmap for electrification and that some of the product cut will resurface as BEVs. A hardcore, BEV off-roader at a reasonable price (with solid range) could be a very interesting vehicle for GMC -- if that's what's happening.
I agree, I think the platform it’s being built on has probably changed. A wrangler was definitely spotted on the proving grounds so something is still baking in the oven that’s for sure.
The only thing I can think of that explains all these decisions is that GM has an aggressive roadmap for electrification and that some of the product cut will resurface as BEVs. A hardcore, BEV off-roader at a reasonable price (with solid range) could be a very interesting vehicle for GMC -- if that's what's happening.