GM halting big SUV redesigns as it shifts to smaller lineup

General Motors is halting the redesign of its full-size SUVs and is "looking at the whole product portfolio" as a result of free-falling large truck and SUV sales and the rising price of gasoline, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Not surprisingly, GM is reportedly re-allocating most its immediate available resources into taking its lineup in a smaller, more fuel-efficient direction. As a result, reworked SUVs from the General are expected to come no earlier than the 2012 model year.

GM's bigger SUVs are built on the automaker's GMT900 platform that made its debut last year. Future versions of the vehicles may possibly move to the automaker's Lambda platform now used by the Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia.

Dedicated truck buyers need not worry though: GM will reportedly extend its current product cycle of its GMT900 based trucks and SUVs that includes the successful Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Silverado.

GM CEO Rick Wagoner suggested a few weeks ago the automaker is considering "everything from a complete revamp of the product lineup to partial or complete sale of the (Hummer) brand."

Also in the works for GM is a drastic reduction in full size truck and SUV production with the closing of four production plants nationwide by 2010.

Source: The Wall Street Journal