GM Announces New Minivans, V8 Midsize Cars, 18 to 20-Inch Wheels and New Diesel Models
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| General Motors Vice President John Middlebrook made the future product announcements. (Photo: General Motors) |
With all the excitement over SUVs people forget that the number one selling vehicle in Canada is a minivan. But, much to GM's disappointment, it's not a Chevy, Oldsmobile, GMC or Pontiac.
Maybe one of GM's upcoming Buick or Saturn vans will have the ability to upstage the Chrysler? The brands will get their chance to try in 2004, when the new models become available, according to General Motors Vice President John Middlebrook.
The luxurious Buick version will target more affluent customers while the thrifty Saturn will try to lure in young families of more moderate means.
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| Do NASCAR fans realize Chevy's civilian Monte Carlo doesn't already have a optional V8? To GM's credit neither does Ford and Dodge. But that will change with the introduction of V8 power for both the Monte Carlo coupe and Impala sedan. (Photo: General Motors) |
"There's an opportunity to win in the minivan market if you can take the (soccer mom) stigma off" with innovative designs, stated Middlebrook.
What's more, hot on the heals of the H2 SUT announcement reported yesterday, GM told all that its Chevrolet division will offer V8 engines in the Monte Carlo and Impala, but no arrival date has been confirmed.
Also without an arrival date GM announced that its full-sized vans and Suburban SUV will offer optional Duramax diesel engines. The latter will join the rest of the full-size GM sport utilities and full-size pickups in offering 20-inch wheels, while 18-inch alloy rims will be available on midsize SUVs, Cadillac models and some select Buicks.