Autoblog

GM recalling 250,000 SUVs over door electronics

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Saab

After a door-fire investigation that dates back to February, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has officially announced a recall today that affects around 250,000 General Motors SUVs for a faulty driver's door module. The recall applies to the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X from the 2006 and 2007 model years, as well as the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL for vehicles sold and/or registered in the Snow Belt.

Road salt use in these midwestern and northern states can lead to corrosion of the driver's door module on these GMT360 and GMT370 vehicles, which allows water to come in contact with the circuit board. If shorted out, the vehicle's power door locks and power windows will not work, and could possibly lead to overheating and, in some circumstances, a fire. No official word on how many total vehicles caught on fire, but back in June, 28 fires had been reported to the government agency. A fix for the problem is still being worked out, but all affected vehicle owners will be notified by GM.

Scroll down for the official NHTSA statement.

Continue reading GM recalling 250,000 SUVs over door electronics

GM recalling 250,000 SUVs over door electronics originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA opens door to expanded Chevy Trailblazer fire probe

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM

The investigation into Trailblazer blazes has moved onto the next level, according to Reuters.

Back in February, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started investigating 2006-2007 model year Chevrolet Trailblazers after receiving a dozen complaints about fires breaking out in door panels. Now the federal agency will be conducting an engineering analysis into some 341,786 vehicles, according to the report.

NHTSA has reportedly received 83 complaints over the issue, with 28 of those concerning actual fires. No injuries have been reported, and General Motors told Reuters that it is cooperating with the investigation, including examining the Trailblazer's platform-mates, the Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X.

NHTSA opens door to expanded Chevy Trailblazer fire probe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Trailblazer production underway in Thailand

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet

The handsome-and-not-for-us 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer has begun driving off the lines in Thailand at the General Motors plant in Rayong. Debuted at the Dubai Auto Show last year, the Trailblazer could be seen to squeeze between the Traverse and Tahoe if it were sold here, combining a brawnier version of the unibody Traverse's looks with the body-on-frame off-road capability of the forthcoming Colorado pickup replacement.

Underhood are one of two turbodiesels, either a 2.5-liter with 150 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.8-liter with 180 hp and 346 lb-ft, working through either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The seven-seat Trailblazer is earmarked for sale in 50 global markets, but it isn't expected in North American showrooms. Scroll down for a press release on the Job One Trailblazer.

Continue reading Chevy Trailblazer production underway in Thailand

Chevy Trailblazer production underway in Thailand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Production 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer debuts, "no plans" for U.S. version

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Chevrolet, Design/Style, Diesel

We saw the 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer last fall as a near-production concept, but today we get the real thing - in pixelated, jpeg form, that is. Indeed, this is about as close as U.S. buyers will probably get to the new Trailblazer. While we weren't expecting General Motors to change its tune about bringing the diesel-powered, seven-seat SUV stateside, we called and asked anyway. Chevrolet spokesman Tom Wilkinson told us, "There are currently no plans to bring that vehicle to the U.S."

While the good-looking TrailBlazer would certainly look right at home sitting next to the 2013 Malibu on dealer lots, Chevy already has a three-row utility vehicle in the Traverse. Buyers in Thailand, where the vehicle debuted ahead of the Bangkok International Motor Show, are more apt to need a real body-on-frame SUV like the TrailBlazer. And U.S. buyers looking for a three-row truck can still roll in a Tahoe. Either way, The General has to figure it doesn't really want another burly three-row utility vehicle sitting on its CAFE ledger.

Still, there's much to like about the 2013 TrailBlazer, especially underhood. GM is offering two turbo-diesel four-cylinders in 2.5- and 2.8-liter displacements. The smaller engine is rated at 150 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the extra displacement bumps horsepower to 180 and torque to a particularly impressive 346 lb-ft. A five-speed manual and six-speed automatic will be offered. GM says the engines are designed to last for 240,000 kilometers - nearly 150,000 miles.

The TrailBlazer will hit dealers in Thailand in June, with much of the rest of the world - minus the U.S. - to follow. Don't thing this is some stripped out truck for developing economies though, as the TrailBlazer is sporting a pretty long list of standard features, including lots of safety equipment - stability control, ABS, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, and hill descent control - that we take for granted here.

Click past the jump to read the full press release, and be sure to check out our high-res gallery.

Continue reading Production 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer debuts, "no plans" for U.S. version

Production 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer debuts, "no plans" for U.S. version originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA investigating Chevy TrailBlazer models over door fires

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Safety, Chevrolet, GM

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation concerning door fires on 2006-07 Chevrolet TrailBlazer models. The inquiry affects over 309,000 of the Chevy SUVs, with NHTSA stating that the door fires were caused by problems with the power window switches or some related electrical parts.

As of this writing, NHTSA has received 12 complaints from TrailBlazer owners about smoke or fires inside the vehicles, and thankfully, no injuries have been reported. According to The Detroit News, General Motors has stated that none of the TrailBlazers in question have been destroyed because of the fires, though some interior parts were melted and some seats were singed.

If this story sounds familiar, it's because NHTSA recently began investigating Toyota Camry and RAV4 models for this exact same reason, with some 830,000 Toyota vehicles possibly affected. Because of this, NHTSA is looking to see if General Motors and Toyota sourced the power window switches from the same parts supplier. If that's the case, other vehicles may be affected.

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer shares its power window switches with three other GM vehicles - the GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Saab 9-7X - though NHTSA has not received any complaints from owners of those vehicles, The Detroit News reports. A spokesperson from GM says these other vehicles have different door configurations, and thus, may not have any problems.

GM has said it intends to fully cooperate with NHTSA on the investigation. Of course, it's important to note that this isn't an official recall yet, but one may be issued pending the results of NHTSA's inquiry. In the meantime, owners experiencing any problems should contact their local dealership.

NHTSA investigating Chevy TrailBlazer models over door fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Chevrolet TrailBlazer revealed in Dubai [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Chevrolet, Middle East, Diesel

General Motors has unveiled its next-generation Chevrolet TrailBlazer at the Dubai International Motor Show. The model is set to go on sale around the world, though Thailand will have the first crack at the vehicle in early 2012.

The 2013 TrailBlazer features seating for seven, and, since the SUV is based off of the new global Chevrolet Colorado, it gets its power from a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine. GM stresses that the vehicle on display in the Middle East is a show vehicle, but we're guessing that the final product will look pretty similar to what you see above.

The next-generation TrailBlazer will feature second-row seats with a 60/40 split, and both the second and third rows fold flat to reveal a sizable cargo area. With most SUVs abandoning their rugged roots for the softer ways of the crossover world, the new Trailblazer sound pretty good to us. Right now, there's no word on when the vehicle will show up in the U.S. or if it will come packing the same turbo-diesel engine when it arrives. Hit the jump for the full press release as well as a quick video.

Continue reading New Chevrolet TrailBlazer revealed in Dubai [w/video]

New Chevrolet TrailBlazer revealed in Dubai [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer not coming to the U.S.

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Chevrolet, GM

Yesterday, Chevrolet announced that an all-new TrailBlazer (previewed by the above teaser image) will debut later this year, set to go on sale around the world starting in early 2012. Now, Inside Line reports that company spokespeople have said that there are no immediate plans to sell the new TrailBlazer SUV here in the United States.

The new TrailBlazer, confirmed as a 2013 model, will be a traditional body-on-frame SUV based on the new Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup truck. General Motors has confirmed that the new Colorado will be sold here in the U.S.

Even so, we won't be shocked if GM does decide to bring the TrailBlazer to the U.S. in a few years. For now, however, the new SUV will be built and sold in South America and Asia, with Thailand slated to get the first vehicles.

2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer not coming to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet confirms new Colorado-based TrailBlazer [UPDATE]

Chris Paukert — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:24:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Chevrolet

We're in the heart of General Motors' downtown Detroit headquarters for a press conference tied to the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet, and Chris Perry, the brand's Vice President of Global Marketing and Strategy, has just confirmed a new TrailBlazer SUV. To be based on the company's new global mid-size Colorado pickup, the vehicle will be unveiled November 10 at the Dubai Motor Show.

Chevrolet officials have not yet offered word on where this vehicle will be built or in which markets it will be available, but given that the Colorado has recently been confirmed for the U.S., we wouldn't be surprised to see a new TrailBlazer once again plying America's roads.

Earlier this year, we received spy photos and a video of a new mid-size General Motors SUV testing near the automaker's headquarters, meaning development of the Colorado-based TrailBlazer could already be well under way.

More details as they become available.

UPDATE: General Motors has released an official teaser image (above) as well as a press release, available after the jump. The automaker confirms that the 2013 TrailBlazer will first go on sale in Thailand beginning in early 2012.

Continue reading Chevrolet confirms new Colorado-based TrailBlazer [UPDATE]

Chevrolet confirms new Colorado-based TrailBlazer [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fed closes investigation into GM SUV fuel sensors

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Saab

Owners of 2005-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Saab 9-7X SUV models with faulty gas gauges now have some recourse. According to a report in The Detroit News, General Motors will cover half the repair costs for select vehicles with malfunctioning fuel level sensors. According to a GM spokesman, that should mean paying less than $200 for the fix, provided the SUV in question has less than 120,000 miles on the clock.

GM's offer stems from a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation that was launched in April, after GM and NHTSA received thousands of complaints of gauge failure. According to the report, nearly 300,000 vehicles may experience premature wear on the fuel level sensor contacts. This can lead to incorrect fuel level readings, especially after filling the tank, when the gauge may still show empty. But it can also result in the gas gauge showing more fuel than is actually in the tank, leading to the inevitable running out of gas and engine stalling. A total of 867,337 vehicles were included in the investigation.

GM issued a service bulletin to dealers in August, as well as a notification to owners. So if your Trailblazer is running on empty, you might want to check your mailbox and start looking for change under the seats.

Fed closes investigation into GM SUV fuel sensors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Is Chevy readying a mid-size SUV on its new Colorado pickup?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Mystery Chevy SUV prototypes - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Crossovers have gained the lion's share of America's utility attention over the past few years, but the SUV is anything but dead and gone. Until gas prices began to spike, those surviving body-on-frame (br)utes were actually selling fairly well. So is General Motors kicking itself for ending Trailblazer production instead of refreshing it? New spy video from Inside Line suggests that The General may have another off-road- and tow-ready utility vehicle on the way.

The post-jump video shows a pair of mid-size SUVs that appear to be based off the 2013 Chevrolet Colorado, a prototype of which also makes a cameo in the video. Judging by the chunky-looking running boards and solid rear axles, these prototypes are definitely SUVs and not tall cars. The heavily camouflaged vehicles appear to be tall and very square in appearance, and the shape of the Chevrolet grille appears pominently despite efforts to conceal its identity. Inside Line speculates that the finished product will likely hit the world stage in the next year, with production likely for 2013, though just because these prototypes were spotted around Detroit is no guarantee that the model will find its way into U.S. showrooms.

If such a vehicle were to arrive stateside, we expect GM to improve fuel economy with small engine options and perhaps a truck version of the company's eAssist hybrid technology. Hit the jump to watch the spy video for yourself. Top tip, Ed!

Gallery: Chevrolet Colorado-based SUV: Spy Shots

[Source: Inside Line | Photos: KGP Photography]

Continue reading Video: Is Chevy readying a mid-size SUV on its new Colorado pickup?

Video: Is Chevy readying a mid-size SUV on its new Colorado pickup? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You Thought Structural Rigidity Was An Issue Before: Seven-seat Chevy TrailBlazer cabrio

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, SUV, Etc., Chevrolet, GM, Specialty

Chevrolet TrailBlazer convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

We can't think of many convertibles that you could safely take off road or haul a trailer with (save the Jeep Wrangler with its removable roof panels, of course), but in the seemingly endless world of possibilities that exists in the land of the aftermarket, anything - anything - is possible. This, for example, is a fully stocked 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, complete with four-wheel drive, a tow package and more cowl shake than your mother's Toyota Solara. And the best part? It's for sale!

Apparently originally used in a Rose Bowl parade, this TrailBlazer convertible only has 29,500 miles and can be yours for $15,000 (or best offer). Aside from the obvious modification of removing the roof, the customizers have smoothed out the side body panels, removing the rather unattractive plastic cladding fitted to TrailBlazers of that era, and a new set of bling-tastic wheels have been added. The one big red flag, though, is that there's no folding convertible top, or even removable cover, but we're sure the aftermarket world could remedy that problem for a fee.

Have a look through the gallery below to see this one-off gem for yourself. Interested in buying? Click over to Motorz TV to get the full details. Now, if only this were an SS...

Gallery: Chevrolet TrailBlazer Convertible

[Source: Motorz TV]

You Thought Structural Rigidity Was An Issue Before: Seven-seat Chevy TrailBlazer cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eight vehicles you can still buy new... seriously

Steven J. Ewing — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Etc., Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GM, GMC, Mazda, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Pontiac, Saab

Eight vehicles you can still buy new - Click above for high-res image gallery

Was your heart crushed when vehicles like the Mercury Sable, Pontiac Grand Prix or Dodge Durango got the axe? Well, fear not - these hot little numbers (and many more!) are still available from dealerships all across the country.

Automobile magazine has detailed a list of eight cars that are still on sale - brand new - even though they aren't 2010 models. And while these vehicles don't necessarily represent the sexiest cars currently sitting on dealer lots, it's probably safe to assume that they're all being offered with substantial incentive packages, not to mention full warranties (we hope).

Click through the gallery below to see high-res shots of all eight rides, and head over to Automobile to read the full details.

Gallery: Eight Vehicles You Can Still Buy New

[Source: Automobile]

Eight vehicles you can still buy new... seriously originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Would GM really kill its mid-size SUVs?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 08 May 2007 08:06:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Chevrolet, GM

These are trying times for GM, so it's only natural that decisions made today will suddenly be in flux tomorrow. First RWD platforms were on hold, then they weren't on hold, then some were pushed back. Now it's reported that GM will be "taking a hard look" at the vehicles supposed to replace its mid-sized SUV's like the Trailblazer.

Fritz Henderson, GM's CFO hedged his bets on the issue, first saying "We need to step back and think about fuel prices and regulation as we develop our portfolio. We shouldn't just leave it static. We obviously need to consider the dynamics of the market as we think future choices." He then followed that up with "[G]iven the uncertainty it's something we're looking at. But I wouldn't say I have anything to announce today. It's just natural that we should be looking at our portfolio choices in a different regulatory/fuel economy environment." All of which sounds like he's saying that GM can't realistically keep pumping out a full range of SUV's in light of the current gas and environmental regulation issues . . . but that doesn't mean that GM is actually going to stop pumping out a full range of SUV's in light of gas and environmental regulation issues. At least, it doesn't mean that today. Perhaps this just means they are, like RWD cars recently were, on "pause."

Interestingly, the same article noted that GM is expected to ring up $9 billion in capital expenditures this year, while Toyota expects $14 billion -- and it costs GM more than Toyota to borrow money. In light of the issues already mentioned, and with additional development costs, and with GM getting outspent by its competitor, the outlook for putting more energy and money into GM's mid-sized SUV's looks less than positive, if only slightly.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Would GM really kill its mid-size SUVs? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2007 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit cutting back on light trucks

Stuart Waterman — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, SUV, Crossover, Ford, GM, GMC

General Motors and Ford have announced plans to cut some of their light truck models to focus on new crossovers. Automotive News reported that GM's TrailBlazer (right) and Envoy SUVs are on the way out, with a scheduled 2009 restyling cancelled. The Blue Oval boys are cutting the Monterey minivan in the very near future, with the Ford Freestar retiring soon.

GM plans to concentrate on its new-generation crossovers - the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave, while Ford plans to develop a production version of the Ford Fairlane concept for both the Ford and Lincoln brands.

[Source: Autoweek]

Detroit cutting back on light trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jul 2006 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trailblazer may blaze its last trail ahead of HUMMER replacement

John Neff — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Chevrolet, GM

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]

Trailblazer may blaze its last trail ahead of HUMMER replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jun 2006 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Manufacturers caught in a midsize SUV conundrum

Eric Bryant — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, SUV, Earnings/Financials

With midsize SUV sales down sharply so far this year, many automakers are left wondering what to do with the segment. Largely dominated by body-on-frame 4WD vehicles, the segment has morphed from pint-sized replicas of Blazers and Broncos into vehicles that are often only a few inches smaller and a few pounds lighter than full-sized SUVs. With little or no fuel-economy or price advantage, the buyers that need towing capabilities seem to be taking a step up in the market, while those that are looking mainly for people-hauling abilities are spreading their sales around other vehicles in the showroom, such as minivans, crossovers, and large sedans.

Those automakers that previously relied on strong sales in the segment to boost their bottom line are now faced with a difficult decision - dump billions of dollars into a segment that may be in a persistive vegetative state, or let those products wither on the vine with predictable results. Ford has coined a new term, stating that it won't "Crown Vic the Explorer" and will continue to refresh the former cash cow. The fate of GM's TrailBlazer is unclear, with the automaker dumping the ill-received long-wheelbase version (a truck that was substantially longer than the supposedly-larger Tahoe), trimming production capacity, and postponing or cancelling an upcoming redesign. The perilous financial positions of both companies means that they can ill-afford a mistake. Meanwhile, Chrysler is looking toward diesel power and the promise of improved fuel economy to pump up the sales of its Jeep Grand Cherokee, which are down 26% so far this year.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Manufacturers caught in a midsize SUV conundrum originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jun 2006 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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