Update: U.S. production of Chevrolet Orlando cancelled

[cire]

The intermingling of previously distinct automotive segments continues with the latest crossover concept car to come out of Chevrolet's design studios. Going by the name of 'Orlando,' the concept combines elements of an SUV, family van and a wagon to create one of the most unique additions to the growing world of the crossover.

The latest news about the Orlando's future, however, isn't positive. Initially scheduled to be built in the U.S. at the company's Hamtramck, Michigan plant, the Orlando has been pulled from the factory floor even before its official debut in Paris. Along with the vehicle's cancellation for U.S. production go hopes for U.S. sale as well, though sale outside the U.S. is still planned, reports The Wall Street Journal. The Orlando will now be replaced in the U.S. with another small car brought in from GM's Asian operations, meaning most likely Daewoo, though no specific examples or names were mentioned.

Based on the recently announced Cruze compact sedan, the Orlando show car features flared fenders instead of a flat side-body to give a stronger, SUV-esque appearance. The 'family van' and 'wagon' segments come in with the Orlando's seven-seat capability, supposed car-like handling, and easy entry thanks to its car-based architecture.

Chevrolet is hoping to display its creativity in the segment with this crossover concept, as well as attempt to separate itself from a reputation among Europeans as a brand of large, unwieldy American vehicles.

The Orlando concept certainly fits this bill, seating seven occupants and featuring a generous 2,760mm wheelbase and wide front and rear tracks to maximize interior space. Despite its size, fuel economy for the concept is also expected to be above average, due to it being powered by a compact 2.0L turbodiesel developing 150hp and 320Nm of torque.

GM hasn't revealed which markets the production version of the Orlando will be sold in but the official press release states that the new model will "offer customers around the globe impressive value, quality and fuel efficiency."

Source: Motor Authority, Updated 1:48 P.M., 09/18/08

[AAS]

Really?

Why?

Will the (Daewoo based) replacement suck?

[Intrepidation]

What did it look like again?

[vonVeezelsnider]

F*ckin hell! My money's that they pulled it so they can increase Volt production volume or if possible keep making the DTS longer.

[Robert Hall]

Really?

Why?

Will the (Daewoo based) replacement suck?

By definition, it will suck... the Daewoo will be cheaper, cheaper built, with nasty materials, I expect.

[cire]

Really?

Why?

Will the (Daewoo based) replacement suck?

I wonder if they plan on giving us the Captiva instead? It is smaller than the Equinox and it originated from Daewoo. I'm not sure it would be more fuel efficient than the Orlando though. GM might be questioning the potential success of a compact people mover in the U.S. market that is outside of the traditional crossover/SUV mode. I think they should still bring the Orlando to the U.S. The Mazda5 is not a huge seller, but it has experienced some large increases this year due to increasing gas prices. If the production Orlando turns out to be anything like the sketches, it looks to be a cooler alternative to the Mazda5 that could really kickstart the MPV segment in the U.S. It seems like GM sometimes limits its own potential success by second guessing what it assumes will be successful or accepted in the U.S. market.

Edited September 19, 2008 by cire

[thegriffon]

Does not seem a credible report, unless GM thinks they need added capacity for the Cruze beyond what they can do at Lordstown. The only other small cars coming from Asia are the Aveo replacement and B-MPV. I do not think you would have seen GM releasing PR through Chevrolet USA if the Orlando is not coming to America, esp. with such an American (disneyworld) name. When did they ever announce the Chevrolet Epica through the US PR machine?

[2QuickZ's]

http://www.reuters.com/article/companyNews...G36179820080919

[regfootball]

if chevy doesn't sell this here they are stupider than i thought

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

By definition, it will suck... the Daewoo will be cheaper, cheaper built, with nasty materials, I expect.

+1

(long) *sigh*

Just when GM looks as if they have a clue, they go and do the 2 steps backward shuffle again.

I guess the Orlando was too "premium" for Chevy now, since it seems destined to get Daewoo sh*t.

[ZL-1]

Does not seem a credible report, unless GM thinks they need added capacity for the Cruze beyond what they can do at Lordstown. The only other small cars coming from Asia are the Aveo replacement and B-MPV. I do not think you would have seen GM releasing PR through Chevrolet USA if the Orlando is not coming to America, esp. with such an American (disneyworld) name. When did they ever announce the Chevrolet Epica through the US PR machine?

Could it be exchange rates? USD1.47/Euro as I write this (Bloomberg.com), maybe expected to appreciate more against Asian currencies despite the financial crisis?

[thegriffon]

+1

(long) *sigh*

Just when GM looks as if they have a clue, they go and do the 2 steps backward shuffle again.

I guess the Orlando was too "premium" for Chevy now, since it seems destined to get Daewoo sh*t.

There is no other Daewoo, there is only the Orlando.