December 8, 2006
Reports have rumored that GM’s Opel is planning to produce a new crossover vehicle which will likely to take shape of a minivan for 2009. The rumor also states that the vehicle would be similar to the Mercedes R-Class tourer, but it would ultimately be priced lower. Ford is already on this track, as they will be discontinuing the production of minivans and replace them with new crossover vehicles, like the Ford Edge and the upcoming Fairlane.
For me, I believe that every minivan will be replaced by larger crossover vehicles in the future. Why? Crossover vehicles drive and are efficient like sedans, and they have the capability to carry cargo and seat as many passengers as a minivan. Ultimately, when larger crossover vehicles are introduced, the minivan would not be as popular as it is today.
Short Summary from LeftLaneNews
General Motors subsidiary Opel is planning a new crossover vehicle with minivan-like characteristics for the 2009 model year, according to a report by Automotive News. The vehicle would be similar to the Mercedes R-Class, but would be priced lower — probably against a similar vehicle from Volkswagen. The vehicle would likely come to the United States as a Saturn.
Ford is replacing its discontinuing its minivans and replacing them with a slew of new crossovers, including the SUV-like Edge and van-like Fairlane. Incidentally, GM strategist and Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said in a weblog posting yesterday his company doesn’t feel the minivan segment is dead.
“Obviously in recent years a stigma has attached itself to the minivan and won’t let go,” Lutz wrote, suggesting slightly different vehicles might need to be offered in the future. He said the company’s new crossovers like the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave won’t replace vans entirely. Will Opel’s answer to Ford’s Fairlane fill the remaining gap? Stay tuned…
[Source: LeftLaneNews]