According to the publication, the company could
launch a rugged SUV based on the next-generation of the Chevrolet Colorado and
GMC Canyon. If the report is correct, it might be a while before we see the
vehicle as the mid-sized pickups aren’t expected to be redesigned until 2022 or
later. This suggests the SUV is still several years away – assuming it’s green
lighted in the first place.
However, that seems likely as GM is reportedly
eyeing a US$ 1 billion (£ 818 / € 897) investment in its Wentzville plant which
currently builds the Colorado and Canyon. When reports about the investment
first popped up in May, there was speculation that some of the funds could be
used to build a new mid-sized SUV at the plant. Like the Colorado and Canyon,
the SUV would be a body-on-frame vehicle and this would make it much more
rugged and capable than crossovers such as the Acadia and Terrain.
Virtually nothing is known about the SUV, but it
could potentially follow in the footsteps of the Bronco and Wrangler by
featuring a removable roof. That remains unconfirmed, but older full-size
Jimmys had a removable hardtop and so did the 2008 Hummer HX concept.
The SUV doesn’t seem to be the only new model GMC is
considering either. The report also mentions a possible sub-compact crossover
which could adopt the Granite name that was used on a concept in 2010. The
model could arrive in 2022 or 2023, but there’s speculation it could get pushed
back if GMC decides to focus the rumored SUV instead.
That could be a potentially bad move as crossovers
are a hit with consumers and GMC’s smallest entry is currently the Terrain
which starts at US$ 25,000.
