Future GM Models Could Include Smaller Minivan, Pickup, Bloomberg Reports; New Corvette Confirmed
By Michelle Krebs August 5, 2010
General Motors Co. is studying several possible additions to its vehicle lineup, including a new midsize pickup, a stretched version of its European minivan, a Cadillac flagship and a diesel engine for cars, Bloomberg News reports. A new Chevrolet Corvette is already in the works.
GM CEO Ed Whitacre has told his staff to explore adding new models to its future portfolio, according to unnamed sources cited by Bloomberg. Among vehicles he wants them to consider are: small, youth-oriented cars for Chevrolet, a large prestige sedan for Cadillac, a minivan and a midsize pickup.
Not all of the vehicles under consideration are guaranteed for production. GM did not confirm the report.
However, Whitacre did confirm a new Chevrolet Corvette is under development.
The subject of the Corvette came up following Whitacre's speech today at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Mich. Whitacre was asked who was going to be awareded the next free Corvette, in reference to GM presenting a Corvette to Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galallarga who lost out on a perfect game due to an umpire's bad call.
Whitacre didn't say who would get a free one but did confirm a new Corvette was in the works. Much speculation has surrounded if and when a new one would be launched, particularly in light of the current model's slumping sales, the worst in about five decades.
The GM chairman said the new Corvette "looks quite different. It's totally redesigned inside and out."
Return to Minivans?
GM phased out its minivans in 2008, leaving the business to Chrysler, Toyota and 
Honda. Bloomberg reports GM still isn't looking at a traditional North American-style minivan like those offered by competitors. Rather GM studying whether it can increase the size of its Opel Zafira van sold in Europe, the people said. That model is built on the platform of GM's Chevrolet Cruze compact car.
GM recently ditched a plan to build the European-based Chevrolet Orlando people mover, displayed at auto shows in concept form.
Midsize Pickup
GM is also looking at a new midsize pickup entry. Sales of its current Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, scheduled to be phased out in 2012, have been dismal. The Toyota Tacoma dominates the segment and Ford is said be looking at a new formula for the Ranger.
Cadillac Flagship
GM reportedly is working on a Cadillac flagship. The a car like the XTS concept displayed at the Detroit auto show could go against the BMW 7 Series, but it would not be for several years, the Bloomberg report said.
Diesel?
Diesel engines for the U.S. were pooh-poohed by former GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz who headed GM's product development. But a diesel engine for U.S.-sold cars could be back on the automaker's radar screen, the Bloomberg report suggests. GM sells diesels only in large pickup trucks in the States.
In June, GM appointed Stephen Carlisle vice president of global product planning, reporting directly to Whitacre.
Michelle Krebs is Edmunds.com senior analyst and editor at large. Bill Visnic, senior editor Edmunds AutoObserver.com, contributed to this report.
Photos by GM
1 - GM curtailed plans to sell the Euro-based Chevrolet Orlando people mover.
2 - The XTS concept could become a Cadillac flagship.
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