New Models Feature Dramatically Improved Interiors
WARREN, MI: To meet the demands of the Canadian market, GM will offer six versions of its "crossover sport vans" (CSVs) in 2004, including a pair specifically created for Canada.
 |
| GM will offer six versions of its "crossover sport vans" (CSVs) in 2004. (Photo: General Motors) |
All of these vehicles are essentially updated variations on the classic minivan theme, offering that segment's unmatched practicality with more of an SUV appearance, a better V6, and vastly improved interiors.
Both Canada and the U.S. will get four long-wheelbase CSVs using the 3.5-litre V6, but GM of Canada dealers will also get regular-wheelbase versions.
When the CSV models go into production in the last quarter of 2004 as 2005 models, they'll be built as Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana V6, and Saturn Relay. Uplander and Montana V6 will also come in the regular-wheelbase.
 |
| With many people more interested in SUVs than vans, the CSVs were designed to provide a solution to mixed consumer sentiments. (Photo: General Motors) |
Canada will get the two regular-wheelbase models as well because we traditionally bought about twice as many minivans as the Americans on a per capita basis, and because a lot more of the units we bought were of the regular-wheelbase variety.
The CSVs were designed to provide a solution to mixed consumer sentiments, said Anna Kretz, the vehicle line executive for front-wheel-drive trucks, during a reveal of two of the models here recently.
"We've long had good products in the mid-van segment," Kretz said of GM's minivans, "but that's no longer enough to guarantee success. Lots of our customers have moved to SUVs."