Autoblog

GM to add eAssist to Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain

Zach Bowman — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors is aiming to improve fuel economy performance on both the Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain by integrating the company's eAssist hybrid system, according to GM Inside News. The report cites multiple unnamed sources indicating that the hybrid crossovers will debut for the 2014 model year, and that they will utilize the same eAssist system found on sedans like the Buick Regal, Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Malibu. The system pairs a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 15 kilowatt electric motor and a 115-volt lithium-ion battery pack.

So far, GM has priced its eAssist models identically to the company's V6 offerings. If that trend continues, buyers will have their choice of fuel-efficient crossovers without having to endure a price penalty. As you may recall, the Buick Lacrosse eAssist yields an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, which we're guessing wouldn't be too far off of what a front-wheel drive Equinox or Terrain eAssist would be capable of returning.

GM to add eAssist to Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will GM shift Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain assembly to Spring Hill?

Zach Bowman — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, UAW/Unions, Canada

Automotive News is reporting that the Canadian Auto Workers union is concerned that General Motors may shift production of the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain from its current location near Toronto to the automaker's Spring Hill, Tennessee facility. GM recently agreed to open the southern plant as part of its agreement with the United Auto Workers, and CAW President Ken Lewenza says that the company won't tell him whether or not Equinox and Terrain production will continue to hang around his neck of the woods. GM, meanwhile, says that it won't comment on future production plans.

There is a chance that full-scale production of the two crossovers would remain in Canada while overflow production could land on the shoulders of the Spring Hill facility. That would retain jobs in both locations, and help GM alleviate its tight supply of the vehicles. Automotive News reports that currently, dealers are operating with a 33-day supply of Equinox models and a 42-day supply of Terrain vehicles. Those figures give the crossovers the distinction of having the thinnest supply of any of the automaker's high-volume vehicles.

Will GM shift Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain assembly to Spring Hill? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors adding Chevrolet Equinox production at Oshawa, move boosts GMC Terrain too

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:39:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Canada

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

Continued strong demand for General Motors' new Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain has triggered the automaker to add extra production capacity for the crossovers at the its Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant. As you may recall, last year, GM added an extra shift of production at the Ingersoll plant that has always built the Equinox, but apparently that still isn't enough bandwidth. Thus, the body shop at Ingersoll will be expanded over the next several months to provide the extra stamping capacity needed to supply Oshawa. The bodyshells will then be shipped 120 miles east to Oshawa where a third shift will build the Equinox alongside the Impala.

With the new production capacity, all laid off employees at Ingersoll will be back at work and 70 workers will be hired. The Oshawa ramp-up will lead to the recall of 600 employees there, many of whom lost their jobs when full-size pickup truck production ended there last year. Production of the Equinox in Oshawa will start this fall.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Continue reading General Motors adding Chevrolet Equinox production at Oshawa, move boosts GMC Terrain too

General Motors adding Chevrolet Equinox production at Oshawa, move boosts GMC Terrain too originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GMC Canyon sales rise in MA thanks to senator's win (w/video)

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, GMC

Scott Brown and his 2005 GMC Canyon pickup - Click above to watch the video after the break

Never underestimate the power of a celebrity endorsement. Or, for that matter, a political one. Massachusetts senator-elect Scott Brown (R) won an unprecedented victory Tuesday in the state's special election to replace Ted Kennedy, and he reportedly earned extra brownie points from voters for promising to keep his staid 2005 GMC Canyon pickup truck with over 200,000 miles on the clock as his daily driver in office.

"I'm Scott Brown, I'm from Wrentham, and I drive a truck," the candidate had been known to say. This was especially true after President Obama quipped that voters should "look under the hood" in reference to Brown's candidacy. Apparently, that nice, average guy persona sat well with the state's population - so much so that area dealerships are reportedly noting an increased level of interest in the oft-overlooked pickup truck from The General.

Al Cerrone, owner of a local GMC dealership, claims, "We've gotten eight to 12 phone calls from people asking, 'Do you sell trucks like that?''' To which we can only imagine he responded with, "Yes we can!" Click past the break to watch a video from Scott Brown's campaign featuring his GMC Canyon pickup truck. Thanks for the tip, Phil!

[Source: Boston.com]

Continue reading Report: GMC Canyon sales rise in MA thanks to senator's win (w/video)

Report: GMC Canyon sales rise in MA thanks to senator's win (w/video) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dan Neil on GMC Terrain: "No bark, no bite, but plenty of fleas"

Dan Roth — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:38:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Crossover, GM, GMC

2010 GMC Terrain - click for high-res gallery

Sometimes, we come across head-scratchers. What's the meaning of life? Nancy Kerrigan's anguished "Why?" Or most recently, "what is the point of the 2010 GMC Terrain?" The answer to the latter seems easy - it's to sell, silly. It appears to be having some effect; GMC finished December 2009 four percent ahead of its 2008 numbers. We've driven the Terrain and find it virtually identical to its sister car, the Chevrolet Equinox. The biggest difference is that we find the GMC to be significantly harder to look at. The Los Angeles Times' auto pundit extraordinaire Dan Neil has gotten some seat time in a V6 Terrain and notes its stylistic hardships: "the Terrain looks like it has a a window air-conditioning unit attached to the nose." Amen.

Other incongruities and letdowns crop up in Neil's assessment, not the least of which is the entire vehicle's raison d'être in GMC showrooms in the first place. After all, Neil notes, the Terrain is a relatively blatant example of GM's historical practice of badge-engineering. Neil goes on to wonder aloud as to why General Motors bothers with a GMC version at all - especially when the money could have been better spent raising the vehicle up to excellent from a point that he contends is solidly mediocre. The majority of the automotive press has come away rather more impressed with the Terrain/Equinox package (heck, the Chevy was a finalist for the just-announced North American Truck of the Year award), and despite our misgivings about the GMC's looks, we've found the platform to be quite competitive with its classmates.

Still, the badge-engineering issue with this vehicle is one we've discussed in-depth on our podcast, and it remains a nettlesome topic. But then again, no consumers appear to be concerned about it those issues, as both the Terrain and the Equinox are selling at a handsome clip.

Gallery: 2010 GMC Terrain

[Source: The Los Angeles Times]

Dan Neil on GMC Terrain: "No bark, no bite, but plenty of fleas" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki

Chris Shunk — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Canada

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's safe to say that 2009 has been the most difficult year in the 101-year history of General Motors. But while most of the news coming out of GM has been tough to swallow, the Detroit, MI-based automaker has had one very good piece of news: its new products are faring well in the marketplace. And of all the new products GM brought to market this year, none has higher volume than its Theta-based crossovers built at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain have been successful enough that The General has added a third shift, scheduled regular overtime for the rank and file and even spent $93 million on a new body shop to increase production capacity by 40,000 units per year.

But GM was spending big bucks and building very important vehicles at a plant that it jointly owned with partner Suzuki. Well, GM changed that last week when it announced that it was buying Suzuki's stake in the Canadian facility. GM has not disclosed the amount of money it paid to take over full interest of the facility, but we're guessing the total wasn't nearly as much as the cost of a new plant, which can cost over $1 billion. But while the news was good for GM and the people of Ingersoll, we're guessing the folks who work at closing plant in the U.S. aren't all that happy about this development. Hit the jump to read over GM's brief press release.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki

GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM to invest C$100M in Ingersoll plant to boost GMC Terrain, Chevy Equinox volume

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Canada

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's early, but so far, General Motors' 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain twins are exceeding sales expectations by enough of a margin that the automaker may have to shell out some serious coin to better-align production with demand. Reuters and the Toronto Star say GM will pay $100 million loonies ($93M USD) to upgrade its CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario to pump out more copies of the well-received crossovers. The move comes after The General added a third shift at the facility on October 19, resulting in 350 new jobs. The plant expansion, which Canadian officials told The Star would occur over the next six months, would result in the call-back of an additional 150 laid off positions.

The Equinox and Terrain were major factors in GM's 4% year-over-year sales increase in October, as the two new crossovers accounted for 7,868 and 2,994 October sales, respectively.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Gallery: New York: 2010 GMC Terrain

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: GM to invest C$100M in Ingersoll plant to boost GMC Terrain, Chevy Equinox volume originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders

Chris Shunk — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover

Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year nominees - Click above to view high-res gallery

When Motor Trend picks its favorite sport utility vehicle, the winner will have bragging rights for an entire year. And we'll know all about it, because the victorious company behind the winning crossover or SUV will shout it from the rooftops (and in print, TV and web advertisements) about their shiny golden award. We can argue all day long about whether many of the nominees can be legitimately be considered sport/utlility vehicles, but either way, this year, there are 11 vehicles up for consideration, with pedigrees ranging from a single traditional body-on-frame SUV to a brace of competent and efficient family haulers and richly appointed luxury crossovers.

As Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus McKenzie points out on the magazine's blog, there is only one traditional SUV on the list, and it takes the size and shape of the Toyota 4Runner. The rest of the vehicles are crossovers, with seven of the 11 candidates sporting luxury badging, three coming from General Motors and one stablemate to last year's SUV of the year, the Subaru Outback. When choosing the SUV of the year, MT says it looks at packaging, presentation and intended function, along with obvious criteria like aesthetics and performance. Hit the jump to look over the candidates for the award, click below to check out our high-res gallery, or head over to Motor Trend for more details.

Gallery: 2009 Motor Trend SUV of the Year

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders

Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 GMC Terrain priced from $24,995*

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, GMC

2010 GMC Terrain - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the 2010 GMC Terrain begins rolling out of General Motors' CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario and into dealerships this September, the new CUV will be clutching a $24,999 sticker price (including a $745 destination charge). For that sum, buyers will get GM's latest direct injected four-cylinder engine, in this case displacing 2.4-liters and producing 182 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque.

Perhaps more importantly, this engine manages to deliver an EPA-estimated 32 miles per gallon on the highway, a class-leading figure. Also available will be a 3.0-liter direct injected V6 engine with 264 horsepower and 222 pound-feet of torque, a GPS navigation system and a rear-seat DVD infotainment system. The least expensive all-wheel-drive model will go for $26,745.

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control and GM's excellent OnStar service. On the technology front, every GMC Terrain will come equipped with a rear-view camera system, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with USB connectivity and XM satellite radio. Stepping up a few notches to the top-rung SLT2 trim will bring leather seating surfaces, an upgraded sound system from Pioneer, power liftgate and a sunroof for $29,995. Click past the break for an official press release.

Gallery: 2010 GMC Terrain Live

Continue reading 2010 GMC Terrain priced from $24,995*

2010 GMC Terrain priced from $24,995* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #122

Dan Roth — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:48:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Opinion/Editorial

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris, Dan, and Sam got together for Episode #122 of the Autoblog Podcast, and no politics were harmed in the making of this installment. Of course, it was mostly a lead-up to the New York Auto show, so we discussed what's ready to debut in Manhattan. GMC's Terrain gets some attention, as do the M versions of BMW's X5 and X6. We also take the time to answer a few questions and address a concern or two before wrapping it up. See you next week after New York, where we're sure to pick up plenty of talking points. Thanks for listening, and as always, drop us a line at podcast at autoblog dot com, and hit our Twitter feed, too.

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #122

Autoblog Podcast #122 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: 2010 GMC Terrain is condensed butch

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:08:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, GM

2010 GMC Terrain - Click above for high-res image gallery

The tagline for GMC's 2010 Terrain is "The CUV hs bn cndnsd," which they intend to mean it's all about smaller size yet bigger capability. The direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine returns 30 mpg, the MultiFlex sliding rear seats provide huge storage space or best-in-class leg room, and among the many storage spaces, the center console can swallow a laptop. It's also loaded with kit, including remote vehicle start, red ambient interior lighting, 7-inch touch-screen nav and a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens. And according to our reader poll, the styling is an 8 out of 10. Check out all the info in the press release after the jump and the high-res pics in the gallery below.

Gallery: New York: 2010 GMC Terrain

Gallery: 2010 GMC Terrain

Continue reading New York: 2010 GMC Terrain is condensed butch

New York: 2010 GMC Terrain is condensed butch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 GMC Terrain walkaround + B-roll footage + styling poll

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Videos, Crossover, GM, GMC

2010 GMC Terrain - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

The GMC Terrain is still getting ready for its New York Auto Show debut, but we've already been given a full dossier of the newest General Motors crossover over the weekend. The Terrain will share underpinnings and powertrains with the 2010 Chevy Equinox, including a direct injected 2.3-liter engine capable of 30 mpg on the highway. As much as the Equinox and Terrain are the same, though, the similarities end when the discussion turns to sheetmetal. The Equinox looks like a far more refined version of its predecessor, while the all new Terrain looks, well, decidedly different than anything in the GMC lineup (and anything on the road, for that matter).

GM has released a video walkaround where stylists and brand executives talk about the Terrain's bold new look, its packaging, and its performance. In addition, we came across some B-roll of the 2010 Terrain out on the open road, and we think it's worth a look. The video is nearly 10 minutes long, though, and the first six minutes are rolling shots of the GMC crossover out in the country. Things get more interesting after that with a detailed look at the Terrain's interior. If you're pressed for time, though, skip right to the eight minute mark to see some cool CGI video. It shows that the Terrain has some neat features, like a pull forward second row that enables more cargo space and a center console that can swallow a laptop whole.

As might reasonably anticipated, we've also detected a wide range of opinions in the comments section about the aesthetics of this latest GMC, and we've decided to put it to a vote... where do you see the Terrain stacking up on a scale of one to ten in terms of styling?

Hit the jump to see both videos and cast your vote!

Gallery: 2010 GMC Terrain

Gallery: 2010 GMC Terrain Live

[Sources: FastLane Blog via YouTube; GM TV]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 GMC Terrain walkaround + B-roll footage + styling poll

VIDEO: 2010 GMC Terrain walkaround + B-roll footage + styling poll originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Preview: 2010 GMC Terrain prepares to polarize

Chris Paukert — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, GM, GMC

2010 GMC Terrain live shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

While GMC's new-for-2010 Terrain crossover may be all but identical to Chevrolet's Equinox, one look at this bluff-faced polarizing design will tell you that badge-engineering wasn't part of the program at General Motors. Yes, both vehicles share the same platform, the same engine choices and even the same suspension calibrations, but the in-your-face look here is likely to inspire love-it-or-hate-it reactions. We'll let you decide on which side of the fence you sit, with one caveat: It is often the case that certain cars look better in the metal than on screen or in photographs. We were invited to GM's Design Dome for a media backgrounder, and after being in-and-around the vehicle, we profess that we can't make the same case.

Controversial aesthetics aside, the 2010 Terrain looks to have the goods, including a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine on the base model that delivers 182 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Like its Chevy stablemate, this model is tipped to deliver 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway, a very handsome figure for this class. Interestingly, the four-banger features noise-canceling technology to mute undesirable sound characteristics and a driver-selectable Eco button that remaps the throttle responses, shift patterns and torque converter lockup speed to improve fuel economy.

Click through to the jump for more details and the official press release.

Gallery: 2010 GMC Terrain

Gallery: 2010 GMC Terrain Live

Continue reading New York Preview: 2010 GMC Terrain prepares to polarize

New York Preview: 2010 GMC Terrain prepares to polarize originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Chevy Equinox priced $1,800 less than 2009 model

Chris Paukert — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Chevrolet has just announced pricing on its new-for-2010 Equinox crossover, and it will carry an MSRP of $23,185 (including $745 destination), a handy $1,800 less than the outgoing model.

That $23k and change will net you the base front-wheel drive LS model with the 2.4-liter, direct-injection Ecotec four-cylinder. The 182 horsepower engine is pegged to deliver 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway (the same figure quoted for its GMC Terrain sibling) and a further 21 mpg in the city, while the pricier 3.0-liter direct-injected V6 will yield 264 horsepower in exchange for more fuel (18 city/25 highway). All wheel drive is available, although full model and option pricing has not yet been released. Expect to see new Equinox models hitting your local dealership forecourts in June, but for now, check out the press release after the jump and click here for more info from the trucklet's Detroit Auto Show debut.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2010 Chevy Equinox priced $1,800 less than 2009 model

2010 Chevy Equinox priced $1,800 less than 2009 model originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twitter Embargo Leak: 2010 GMC Terrain to achieve 30 mpg highway

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, GMC

GMC Terrain spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

In this day and age of information overload, there are hundreds of opportunities to break an embargo or accidentally publish information that was supposed to remain confidential for a wee bit longer. Such is the case today as General Motors itself has Tweeted a few salient details about the upcoming GMC Terrain, the embargo of which won't be up until April 5, 2009.

According to a PR person from GM, the 2010 GMC Terrain will seat five adults, which isn't all that surprising in and of itself, but it's also expected to deliver 30 miles per gallon on the highway, and that's pretty good for a midsize crossover that can seat your entire brood. In fact, the only other five-seat 'utes that can beat that figure are its cousin, the new 2010 Chevy Equinox, the Ford Escape Hybrid, and Saturn Vue Hybrid.

Interested in knowing more? Hang tight, we're sitting on all the rest of the details and we'll be ready to share on April 5.

Gallery: GMC Terrain - spy shots

[Source: GM via Twitter via Jalopnik]

Twitter Embargo Leak: 2010 GMC Terrain to achieve 30 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GMC cutting next-gen Acadia and Lambda-based SUT?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chevrolet, GMC, Rumormill

General Motor's "commercial grade" truck unit may be losing two of its planned products, leaving some to contemplate the future of the nameplate in general. It's too early to consider GMC dead, but with the apparent cancellation of the next-generation Acadia CUV as well as the planned unibody truck inspired by the Denali XT Concept, GMC dealers are likely left wondering what, beyond the new GMC Terrain, they are supposed to be selling in the next few years. We're not all that sad to see the Acadia go as the Chevy Traverse is a better looking overall package and it makes more sense to offer the CUV as a Chevrolet anyway. What's more, with most GMC dealers also offering Buick vehicles, they'll still have the Enclave to offer potential customers.

Current rumors also predict an end to the Saturn Outlook, the slowest seller of the original Lambda-based trio, which would leave the Enclave and the Traverse as the two remaining GM crossovers. There still seems to be a good chance that Chevrolet will get an SUT based off the platform as well, so nothing too important seems to have been lost with this decision.

[Source: GM Inside News]

GMC cutting next-gen Acadia and Lambda-based SUT? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2009 GMC Terrain to replace Pontiac Torrent in US

Alex Nunez — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, GMC, Pontiac

Click image to enlarge

UPDATE: The 2009 GMC Terrain will be a new, Jeep Liberty-sized vehicle and not the Middle East version with the same name shown above. Details here.

With the Torrent dropped from Pontiac's long-term plans as the brand returns its focus to performance-oriented cars, GM appears to already know how and where it'll replace the small crossover. The answer was apparently unveiled back in November when GMC introduced the Terrain in Kuwait. Like the Saturn Vue, the GMC Terrain is essentially a badge-engineered Opel Antara; and it's reportedly coming to the US, according to an Automotive News report that's set to hit the wires tomorrow. Due as a 2009 model, the Terrain will be GMC's first foray into the compact ~~SUV~~ CUV segment. As you can see above, the division's branding looks right at home on the Vue/Antara bodywork. The long-in-the-tooth Chevy Equinox can't be hanging around much longer, either, and while GM has denied plans to do so in the past, we've got to believe the Chevy Captiva version of the Antara is waiting in the wings to carry the Equinox moniker forward. At least we hope that's the case.

[Source: All Cars All The Time]

REPORT: 2009 GMC Terrain to replace Pontiac Torrent in US originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Dec 2007 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Professional Grade Rebadge: GMC Terrain debuts in Kuwait

John Neff — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, GMC, Misc. Auto Shows

click above image to enlarge

Ever wonder what a rebadged version of the Saturn Vue, which is already a rebadged version of the Euro-only Opel Antara, would look like? Wonder no more, as GMC unveiled just such a vehicle earlier this month at the Dubai Motor Show called the Terrain. Since we missed that show (next year it's Dubai or bust, baby!), we had to wait until the Terrain showed up at the Kuwait International Automobile Exhibition 2007 this week for GMC to release an official image of the vehicle. The Terrain is GMC's first compact CUV ever and will be sold at least in the Middle East; we've not heard any plans about possible exporting it to additional markets.

Truth be told, the Terrain is pretty handsome. We find that the simple cues of GMC's design language look good when applied to a blank canvas like this little CUV or the brand's Lambda-based CUV, the Acadia. While we know the Terrain is earmarked for the Middle East, we're curious to learn whether or not it's also being considered for sale in the U.S. With three different versions of the larger Lambda CUV on sale in the U.S., what would be the harm in giving the Saturn VUE an identical twin?

[Source: GM via egmcartech]

Continue reading Professional Grade Rebadge: GMC Terrain debuts in Kuwait

Professional Grade Rebadge: GMC Terrain debuts in Kuwait originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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