Next Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon for 2013

Posted by: Tim Howard on 16 Feb 2010
Filed under: Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, SUV

The past few years haven’t been kind to full-size SUVs, but that hasn’t deterred GM from planning the replacements for its Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon. But rather than switching over to the more fuel-efficient Lambda platform — the one that underpins the Traverse, Acadia and Enclave crossovers — the full-sized SUVs will remain on GM’s rear-wheel-drive platform. They are scheduled to be released in 2013.

“The SUVs are aimed at people who need more than two rows, and they need capability,” said Rick Spina, GM’s global vehicle line executive for full-sized trucks. “They are very fond of their SUVs, and we will continue to serve them. Sales are picking up, plus there aren’t too many players in the game.”

GM sold 184,000 full-sized SUVs in the United States last year, down 25 percent from 2008. We all know the reasons why. Hopefully, the next-batch of SUVs are noticeably more fuel-efficient. Frankly, I predict that hybrid integration in the rear-wheel drive platform will come standard.

Source: Automotive News