Minivan's aren't what they once were, and with increasing alternatives from wagons, crossovers and SUV's, sales in the long-lived segment are declining.
Reacting to this, sources close to GM say that the American automaker will scrap plans for a next generation minivan platform which was planned for 2010.
Instead, the company will pursue the more popular and expanding crossover vehicle segment, with the launch of several mid-sized vehicles built off of their new Lambda platform. The Chevrolet brand is scheduled to receive one such crossover in 2010 to replace the Uplander minivan, while the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave will all be launched over the next few months. In the meantime, the Saturn Relay and Buick Terazza minivans are slated for the chopping block.
The Lambda platform was originally intended for premium brand vehicles and promises exceptional safety, rigidity and refinement.
Sources say that GM's product board has not yet confirmed the
cancellation of the minivan lineup, though a supplier indicated that they were told by GM on Nov. 17 that the program was being cancelled.
Fortunately, crossover vehicles do all the same tricks as a minivan, albeit without doors which are becoming less popular.
GM branded minivan sales were in the top three last year, though sales have dropped by nearly 20 percent in the segment since then.
GM seems well positioned to capitalize on the market shift, though some wonder whether companies with a single minivan model will have an easier time justifying its continued production.
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| (Photo: General Motors) |
Instead, the company will pursue the more popular and expanding crossover vehicle segment, with the launch of several mid-sized vehicles built off of their new Lambda platform. The Chevrolet brand is scheduled to receive one such crossover in 2010 to replace the Uplander minivan, while the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave will all be launched over the next few months. In the meantime, the Saturn Relay and Buick Terazza minivans are slated for the chopping block.
The Lambda platform was originally intended for premium brand vehicles and promises exceptional safety, rigidity and refinement.
Sources say that GM's product board has not yet confirmed the
 |
| (Photo: General Motors) |
Fortunately, crossover vehicles do all the same tricks as a minivan, albeit without doors which are becoming less popular.
GM branded minivan sales were in the top three last year, though sales have dropped by nearly 20 percent in the segment since then.
GM seems well positioned to capitalize on the market shift, though some wonder whether companies with a single minivan model will have an easier time justifying its continued production.