Trailblazer may blaze its last trail ahead of HUMMER replacement
Analyst Rebecca Lindland from Global Insight Inc. is going on the record saying it's likely General Motors will cancel the Trailblazer (SS model shown) after the current model ends its run around 2010. Its replacement would emerge in the form of the Hummer H4, which would fill the role of GM's smallest body-on-frame SUV. Chevrolet will receive a new unibody SUV (or CUV?) at that time, perhaps a version of the Opel Antera that's crossing the sea to join Saturn's lineup in the near future.
The HUMMER H4 will likely be built on an even smaller version of the frame that underpins the Chevy Colorado and HUMMER H3. As body-on-frame SUVs are falling out of favor with the family crowd, the H3 will likely carry on the HUMMER cache with impressive off-road abilities and target the Jeep Wrangler as its closest competition.
[Source: The Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Paul 1:36PM (6/23/2006)
BOO! do away with all the garbage around the hummer name and bring back the BLAZER.
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mr 2:11PM (6/23/2006)
The Trailblazer is going to be around until 2010? That's a 9-year run for a vehicle that, despite its engine, is one of the least desirable vehicles in the GM lineup. It doesn't help that it's an unreliable shitbox with the residual value of pocket lint.
Let's hope that when 2010 rolls around they've replaced the 1995 Cavalier dashboard and have placed the brake and accelerator pedals in the same time zone. Also, is it asking to much for the muffler to be hidden beneath the car this time? Include an exhaust system in the requirements for this iteration.
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Wildcat0695 2:18PM (6/23/2006)
Doing away with the Trailblazer could be a mistake.
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Doogs 3:09PM (6/23/2006)
Sorry, don't buy it. Trailblazer sales may be slipping, but it is still a high volume vehicle. Through May, Chevy has sold 71,751 of them. The entire Hummer brand, on the other hand, has moved 27,134 units.
The Hummer dealer network is nowhere near as vast as Chevrolet, and I see no way they can make up that kind of volume. And besides, size-wise, the H3 is pretty close to TB.
I'm not saying the TB won't go away, just that it won't be replaced by an H4. Here's how I see things going down:
1) GM kills TB. Chevy gets its own version of the Acadia/Outlook crossover SUV to take its place.
2) Chevy's SUV lineup becomes Equinox, Lamba-crossover, Tahoe, 'Burban.
3) Hummer gets an H4, but not to replace the TB. Instead it'll be aimed right at the Jeep Wrangler, FJ Cruiser, etc. In other words, it'll be smaller and less expensive than the H3.
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Paul 3:14PM (6/23/2006)
Doogs i think you nailed it. The Hummer Brand simply isnt strong enough and, if anything, it is getting weaker.
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Will Wheeler 3:21PM (6/23/2006)
2010? Ugghh. I guess the rental fleets need to be well stocked.
I rented an SUV on a trip one time, and they gave me the keys to one of these things. About the time I accepted my fate, I turned the key, and the thing sounded sick, and would barely start. I went back in the office and asked for a car that would actually run. This thing is hideous when compared to just about every other comperable SUV.
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Bill Smith 4:33PM (6/23/2006)
I like the idea of a H4 2 door.
Lets hope its a straightforward functional design without frills, doo dads and funky design elements (play on words) such as black plastic body panels and funky half doors.
Just give me a vehicle I won't be embarrased to own.
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Koba 4:41PM (6/23/2006)
Why is everyone in such an uproar? Chevy's midsize SUVs have always been second best to the Explorer, much like how Chevy's full sizers have made the Expedition the "other" large SUV. It's a lackluster design that deserves to die. It's a prudent business decision, seeing as how the market for mid-size SUVs is only shrinking. GM is smart for sliding in something more desirable, and not investing millions just to be second best in a losing segment.
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Bill 6:26PM (6/23/2006)
Don't listen to this dribble.........I work for Hummer. The H4 is to compare with the Wrangler. A smaller open top type of SUV Hummer target price range was going to be $25,000-mid $30,000. If GM does drop the Trailblazer the H4 is not the replacing truck! Chevrolet will see if there is room for a Trailblazer repalcement once the new crossover SUV's hit the market. H4 and Trailblazer are like comparing the Cobalt to the Cadillac STS..........Not in the same market. Just prooves you can not believe everything you read.
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LM dealer 6:32AM (6/24/2006)
Did any of you actually read the article? ..... "The TrailBlazer will cease production in about 2010 when Chevy gets a more car-like SUV as a replacement, said Global Insight Inc. analyst Rebecca Lindland" It says nothing about H4 replacing the Trailblazer but rather a more car like SUV will be the replacement.
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