Fuel-efficient cars and crossovers dominate GM’s current and future product portfolio
Early this decade, GM put a major focus on improving its cars and expanding the number of crossover vehicles that it offers. As a result, the vast majority of new GM products introduced in the U.S. have been cars or crossovers; this trend will continue in the future.
Passenger cars like the Saturn Aura, Chevy Malibu and Cadillac CTS have won major awards and are selling well in a very tough market. GM is also the only U.S.-based company to offer a subcompact car, the Chevy Aveo, which it introduced back in 2003. A second subcompact, the Pontiac G3, joins the lineup early this year.
GM crossovers like the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Pontiac Vibe have become increasingly popular with customers who need the space and utility of an SUV in a more fuel-efficient package.
GMhas more new fuel-efficient models coming soon. Products launching in the 2009-2010 calendar year include the Chevy Equinox compact crossover, Chevy Cruze subcompact, and Chevy Volt extended-range electric vehicle, and the GMC Terrain compact crossover. GM has also announced that in 2011, it will enter the micro-car segment in the U.S. with the Chevy Spark, and that it will sell a production version of the Chevy Orlando, a versatile seven-seat vehicle that will achieve nearly 40 mpg on the highway.
With its current and future product lineup, GM is well positioned to respond to volatile gas prices and supply an increased demand for fuel-efficient vehicles.