Truck and SUV sales are so bad, in addition to closing plants, GM is delaying the redesign of its SUVs and full-sized trucks as well, focusing on more fuel efficient vehicles instead.
The new SUVs and trucks, including the Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Silverado/ GMC Sierra twins, will get redesigned after the expected update in 2012, though it’s not clear exactly when, as per a Wall Street Journal report. According to GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson, GM is “looking at the whole product portfolio” in its efforts to provide the U.S. market with more fuel-efficient cars and decreasing the number of its fuel-guzzling SUVs in its line-up. One recent such measure includes talks to sell the Hummer brand, and stop development on a new Hummer model altogether. Another unnamed brand is also reportedly being considered for the chopping block, or downright discontinuation, like Chrysler ’s Plymouth brand.
The automaker will look to bringing small, fuel-efficient cars from its Asia and Europe regions Stateside, including a new compact car to slot in below the Cobalt and powered by an advanced 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injected engine.
Ford , however, seems to be taking a totally different approach to its redesigns, shortening the life cycle of its products, with redesigns coming every three years, as evidenced by the company working on it Flex look already. The model has yet to officially hit the streets.
