Chevrolet Reports

By  TCC Team,December 3rd, 2008

2011 Chevrolet Volt

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HUMMER is almost history, Olds has been dead for years, and if GM is to survive the market crisis, it looks like it will have to shed, shutter, or consolidate at least a few more of its many divisions. TheCarConnection.com has reported on the proposed elimination of Saab, Saturn, and Pontiac, a move GM announced partially in hopes of gaining more access to federal funds so the struggling company can remain solvent.

It looks like Chevrolet is safe, and if other divisions go away, it will likely assume at least one or two of their more valuable and relevant models. Saab doesn't really have anything that other divisions do not (the 9-3 shares a platform with other GM mid-size sedans), so that Swedish division will probably just go the way of Oldsmobile.

Saturn vehicles, which are mostly underpinned by GM Europe platforms, could be tweaked and morphed into Chevrolets. The Saturn Vue is a far superior product than the Chevrolet Equinox, so perhaps it could replace that vehicle. The Saturn Astra is a fun drive, if an underpowered one, but it might clog Chevrolet's small car lineup, especially with the arrival of new Chevy small cars on the horizon (like the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and 2011 Chevrolet Volt). The Outlook and Aura are just GM re-badges, and the Saturn Sky would likely go away altogether, along with its brother the Pontiac Solstice.

Pontiac closely mirrors Chevrolet's lineup - too closely, many feel. Its only unique models are the G8 and and Solstice. I vote for the front-drive Chevrolet Impala to get the axe, and for Chevy to put that nameplate on the rear-drive high-performance G8. It would be a shame to lose the Pontiac Solstice; though improbable, perhaps Chevy could use that platform to build itself a mini-Corvette, therefore gaining entry to the lower-price convertible/roadster market. Not a strong sell in a recession, but it would be a great halo vehicle for Chevy, especially with the excellent 2.0-liter direct-injected, turbocharged EcoTec four.

I'd most like to see Chevrolet develop a competitive small truck. The Chevrolet Colorado was pretty much DOA, with weak-kneed engines, a lack of refinement, and an uncomfortably narrow cabin. A truck competitive with the likes of the Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma would garner Chevrolet some sales in that market, and lend Chevy a small truck it could be proud of. But with GM's financial crisis and a down market, it's unlikely Chevrolet could get the kind of R&D money needed for such a project.

How do you think a brave new Chevrolet lineup will look, and what models would you like to see added, or deleted, from the current crop?

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1. 2009 Chevrolet Colorado
2. 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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