Chevrolet News:Rumorpile: Chevrolet Trailblazer In The Cards For The U.S.

[William Maley]

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 6, 2013

The Chevrolet Trailblazer could be coming to the U.S. if a recent report proves to be accurate.

Edmunds learned from an internal source that a version of the Trailblazer could be going on sale in the U.S. in 2014. It's not clear if the vehicle will retain the name or be built in the U.S.

The Trailblazer made its debut at 2012 Bangkok Auto Show and went on sale last year in a number of markets, including Thailand and Brazil. The model uses the same body-on-frame architecture with the midsize Chevrolet Colorado and comes with a variety of engines and the choice of two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

Chevrolet has gone on record time and time again that the Trailblazer will not be sold in the U.S.

"We have no plans to add another SUV/crossover to the portfolio. We are pleased with the way Equinox, Traverse and Tahoe/Suburban are performing in the marketplace," said Chevrolet spokesman Mike Albano in a email.

Source: Edmunds

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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[David]

Yes I would agree with GM that their current CUV's are doing well, but they have ignored a important segment of hardcore users/buyers. Us Body on Frame folks like a true 4x4.

I see a decent profitable size market for the Trailblazer especially if they bring it here with the powerful baby Duramax engines.

[Drew Dowdell]

Yet... they can keep the Captiva in production? I cannot see how the Captiva is a better fit for Chevy than the Trailblazer when the Captiva isn't even sold retail.

[David]

True, yet I keep seeing more and more Captiva's on the roads around here. I thought it was a canada version at first since we are on the boarder with Vancouver and then I saw my local Chevy Dealer Lee Johnson have about 20 of them in various configurations on the lot and as I looked around found more and more chevy dealers having them on the lot for sale to the public. Thought it was a fleet only ride, but guess there is always ways to get around it.

[Drew Dowdell]

Technically it is a "fleet only" vehicle, but anyone can buy one if they really want to.

[daves87rs]

They better hurry....

Guess it helps that people liked the old Vue either...

Chevy badge or not, you kinda go back...

[Robert Hall]

Yet... they can keep the Captiva in production? I cannot see how the Captiva is a better fit for Chevy than the Trailblazer when the Captiva isn't even sold retail.

Well, the Captiva does give them a compact CUV...the Equinox is more of a midsize. It is odd that Chevy isn't retailing anything in the compact CUV market (the Buick is more of a subcompact)..

[David]

As long as they keep making and selling Captiva regardless of fleet or personal purchase, they figure they can probably put the resources on other auto's that need it.

[hyperv6]

The Captiva is taking the Fleet hit for the Nox. Chevy dumps these on fleets and they get dumped on the market and do not affect the Nox Resale as past GM models did like the Impala and Grand Prix. Resale on the Nox has been good.

Now the Trailblazer will do fine but just were will all the sales come from? How many defected to the Tahoe? Traverse? Nox? Will GM draw in conquest sales from Ford since they are now FWD based with the Explorer?

There is a lot to consider here as While the Trailblazer will do fine who will get hurt by it being here? I think GM has more to gain than lose but It will be interesting to see just who the buyers will be and will they buy in numbers like they did in the past now there are many other choices out there in the CUV lines that get better MPG and cost less.

Many of the past Trailblazer buyers were not hard core off roaders and just wanted something truck like that sits up higher. The market has changed dynamics and it will be interesting to see just how many will return because they like this kind of vehicle better and how many stay away as they are happy with the Nox or Traverse.

GM has little risk here since they are already selling it globally and even then I see little risk anyways. This is not one deal where a product planner will lose much sleep.

Again here is another model they will not sell here at into but ends up here later as most of us expected.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I would think Toyota 4Runner owners and prospective buyers for the current 4Runner would be the target market for the new TrailBlazer, if offered in the US. I know many Envoy and TrailBlazer owners that would love a replacement vehicle for their aging SUV that is the same as what they have now (BOF). At the same time many of these owners balked at the Acadia/Traverse and Terrain/Equinox as these are car-based CUVs and not truck-based SUVs. Those that wanted the higher seating position and better MPG fuel economy went over to the CUVs; those that want more towing and off-road ability (not rock climbing but able to go off the road into lake and wooded areas) kept their older SUVs. If GM were to offer a new, BOF truck-based SUV here in the States I'm sure you'll see there's buyers. If production can be shared on the same lines as the upcoming Canyon/Colorado, then you may just have a winner on your hands (if it needed a separate factory, then the $$$ issue comes into play).

The Captiva is taking the Fleet hit for the Nox. Chevy dumps these on fleets and they get dumped on the market and do not affect the Nox Resale as past GM models did like the Impala and Grand Prix. Resale on the Nox has been good.

Now the Trailblazer will do fine but just were will all the sales come from? How many defected to the Tahoe? Traverse? Nox? Will GM draw in conquest sales from Ford since they are now FWD based with the Explorer?

There is a lot to consider here as While the Trailblazer will do fine who will get hurt by it being here? I think GM has more to gain than lose but It will be interesting to see just who the buyers will be and will they buy in numbers like they did in the past now there are many other choices out there in the CUV lines that get better MPG and cost less.

Many of the past Trailblazer buyers were not hard core off roaders and just wanted something truck like that sits up higher. The market has changed dynamics and it will be interesting to see just how many will return because they like this kind of vehicle better and how many stay away as they are happy with the Nox or Traverse.

GM has little risk here since they are already selling it globally and even then I see little risk anyways. This is not one deal where a product planner will lose much sleep.

Again here is another model they will not sell here at into but ends up here later as most of us expected.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Also, consider Jeep Grand Cherokee shoppers as prospective targets and anyone that is considering a new Ford Explorer that wants more than 3500 lbs of towing capability. I spoke to a guy last year at the NYIAS that was looking over the new Explorer with his wife and complaining that his old Explorer can tow his 5,000 lb boat & trailer but the new one wouldn't, plus he had little faith in it going off-road to his cabin in the woods with the AWD system (I told him that there was an option for selectable AWD modes that would likely aid him off-road). She only cared about getting better MPG/fuel efficiency compared to his current, older Explorer He wanted to go look at the Grand Cherokee next.

Edited August 8, 2013 by GMTruckGuy74

[David]

I agree with you Roger, I think GM should be able to do this BOF Trailblazer on the same line as the Colorado/Canyon and take care of all us BOF lovers and make money while winning conquests from the 4 Runner crowd or Pathfinder crowd. I have a friend that has always driven 4 runners with v8 and when Toyota stopped offering them with a v8 he stopped buying and held onto his last one which was from the last year they offered them with a v8. Like me, he is not looking at the fuel mileage but the other capabilities of what the BOF SUV's have to offer.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Hence why you still have people buying Yukons/Tahoes and not converting over to the Acadia/Traverse models. Some people have needs that a BOF SUV offers. Then there's the market for people who want a BOF SUV but don't want a full-size SUV. That's why Toyota still sells the 4Runner and even though unibody, the Grand Cherokee sells well too (because it's Trail Rated and has numerous suspension modes for on- and off-road needs). Nissan caved and switched the Pathfinder over to a car-based platform so it's now off the list for BOF SUV shoppers (I know of a few older Pathfinder owners that are pissed about the change and want to find a new BOF SUV to purchase). Trust me, if GM sells a new TrailBlazer (and Envoy) they will get customers. Setting realistic goals - say 20/40k units and not 100/150k units - would be a better way to handle this. If more are sold than adjust their factory plan as needed.

[Drew Dowdell]

Also, consider Jeep Grand Cherokee shoppers as prospective targets and anyone that is considering a new Ford Explorer that wants more than 3500 lbs of towing capability. I spoke to a guy last year at the NYIAS that was looking over the new Explorer with his wife and complaining that his old Explorer can tow his 5,000 lb boat & trailer but the new one wouldn't, plus he had little faith in it going off-road to his cabin in the woods with the AWD system (I told him that there was an option for selectable AWD modes that would likely aid him off-road). She only cared about getting better MPG/fuel efficiency compared to his current, older Explorer He wanted to go look at the Grand Cherokee next.

well..he could have gotten a Ford Flex that has 4,500 lb towing capacity. But the Grand Cherokee is Unibody as well, so it clearly isn't a platform type issue. You can get up to 7400lb towing capacity in the Cherokee if you order the Hemi, but a Dodge Ram 1500 5.7l short-bed, 4WD with 20" wheels is only rated for 5,000 lbs.

[Drew Dowdell]

Hence why you still have people buying Yukons/Tahoes and not converting over to the Acadia/Traverse models. Some people have needs that a BOF SUV offers. Then there's the market for people who want a BOF SUV but don't want a full-size SUV. That's why Toyota still sells the 4Runner and even though unibody, the Grand Cherokee sells well too (because it's Trail Rated and has numerous suspension modes for on- and off-road needs). Nissan caved and switched the Pathfinder over to a car-based platform so it's now off the list for BOF SUV shoppers (I know of a few older Pathfinder owners that are pissed about the change and want to find a new BOF SUV to purchase). Trust me, if GM sells a new TrailBlazer (and Envoy) they will get customers. Setting realistic goals - say 20/40k units and not 100/150k units - would be a better way to handle this. If more are sold than adjust their factory plan as needed.

Sorry, gotta call you on this. The Traverse has 5200lb tow rating while the Trailblazer was 5400. Not a significant enough difference for most people.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I can't say I've ever seen anyone towing with an Acadia/Outlook/Traverse/Enclave, but I've seen plenty of Envoys and TrailBlazers towing boats, utility trailers and pop-up campers. My point was that a FWD-based AWD CUV won't be the choice for someone that needs to leave the road to travel to their campground or outdoor cabin with a trailer in tow. Someone looking to tow a recreational-use trailer and wanting to go off-road will likely not consider a CUV for that purpose (hence the popularity of pickups and full-size SUVs). When's the last time you saw a newer Explorer, Acadia, Traverse, Pathfinder take a boat on a trailer down a boat launch ramp? I see plenty of pickups and SUVs doing this all the time in Burlington County (NJ).

Just because the CUV can tow that much doesn't mean the customer will be using that feature. GM got rid of the GMT-360s and put the towing capability on the Lambdas. But I'm wondering how great of a tow vehicle they'd be if used often? Plus most of the people I see buying these CUVs are not choosing a minivan and are not wanting the big fuel loss of a full-size SUV so the Lambda is the compromise. Three Lambda's in my neighborhood replaced an older Ford Expedition and the other two replaced Honda minivans.

Also, how many people with BOF trucks and SUVs really go off-roading (not trail-riding and rock crawling) and tow a trailer? For most I'd say it's a preference issue. Just like some prefer to drive an appliance versus a sport performance sedan, while others perfer a minivan over a CUV, truck and full-size SUVs are bought not only based on function and need but also preference. One reason I never pulled the trigger on a GMC Terrain is because to me it's just a boxy, stunted station wagon that rides too low to the ground. I don't have the need to tow, but having selectable 4WD with 4hi and 4lo and a frame underneath me is important because when I drive in any kind of weather I feel more confident that my vehicle can get me where I need to go.

Hence why you still have people buying Yukons/Tahoes and not converting over to the Acadia/Traverse models. Some people have needs that a BOF SUV offers. Then there's the market for people who want a BOF SUV but don't want a full-size SUV. That's why Toyota still sells the 4Runner and even though unibody, the Grand Cherokee sells well too (because it's Trail Rated and has numerous suspension modes for on- and off-road needs). Nissan caved and switched the Pathfinder over to a car-based platform so it's now off the list for BOF SUV shoppers (I know of a few older Pathfinder owners that are pissed about the change and want to find a new BOF SUV to purchase). Trust me, if GM sells a new TrailBlazer (and Envoy) they will get customers. Setting realistic goals - say 20/40k units and not 100/150k units - would be a better way to handle this. If more are sold than adjust their factory plan as needed.

Sorry, gotta call you on this. The Traverse has 5200lb tow rating while the Trailblazer was 5400. Not a significant enough difference for most people.

[Drew Dowdell]

But the GC is, and always has been, a far more capable off roader and tow vehicle than a TB, yet it is unibody rather than BOF.

[David]

I think any Unibody could be given what people have come to expect out of BOF if it is done right. GC has proven that, but sadly we have lost what was gained with the hummer for offroad capabilities and the GC seems to be the only game in town with that capability now. I would like to have a BOF capable or Uni capable SUV/CUV if they would just pay attention to those extra details.

[hyperv6]

Most Unibody can handle most of what these smaller BOF can do.

The key here is there were a lot of people who were on BOF vehicles that have gone Uni and the real question is how many will come back.

It is hard to tell yet since I have not seen the Trailblazer in person but will GM grow the segment or just split up what they have. I just have to wait till I see the real thing in person to really pass judgment on this. Don't get me wrong I love the TB but I no longer represent the average person in the market like so many others here.

These things are hard to call anymore as little Buick Encores are out selling expectations and CUV's like the Terrain and Nox are increasing sales every year vs. the normal decline. It is a crazy market these days and the CUV/SUV market is all over the place anymore. Every company is looking for an edge and it is not a Ford.

[David]

My one BIG draw back to CUV, Lack of a real SUV sitting position and aftermarket lift kits. Compared to BOF Trailblazer and the ability to do aftermarket lift-kits for off roading.

I would love it if I could get a 6" lift kit for the AWD Terrain so I had the high visibility as I love the Terrain body style. Just need it to sit up about 6 more inches.

[ocnblu]

I think a new Trailblazer would be a most welcome addition to GM's U.S. lineup. For example, my brother and sister-in-law would probably be first in line for one, as their '02 TB is getting long in the tooth.

[Drew Dowdell]

The Equinox moving down in size could make room for the Trailblazer as well

[ocnblu]

They don't like the Equinox and they don't like the Traverse. They bought the Trailblazer brand new. I would guess by now (since talking to my bro a while back about it) that it has over 130k on it. This would be perfect for them, because it is fully authentic.

[hyperv6]

First off you have to consider this and this is the biggest difference. The CUV is not an off road vehicle. The AWD is just for people who can not drive in snow ands added profits.

I own a Terrain and the last thing in the world I would do is lift it or even think about off roading it.

I can tell you first hand that few people who own CUV do much to modify them. For most all they are street cars that look and feel like a Truck or SUV. As heavy and narrow as my Terrain is the last thing I would want to do is hobble it with an added 6" of top heavy. I could see that one on it's side very easy.

Even on the Tahoe we get few people lifting them and doing big mods. We sell almost every lift kit known to man and 90% are trucks and Diesel trucks anymore. I do not know if it is the cost or what but that is what we see the most of anymore. Used to be in the old days it was pretty even.

I think the big issue is the cost of lifting the new trucks properly is a lot more. Also the cost of most SUV's are $50K-$80K and many unless they have unlimited funds want to do the changes unless they really need it. Most of these in the past did not go off road anyways. In the past you could lift a truck with some blocks but today you need to change out members and other parts to get it right, Also you void warranties and run the risk of other issues with Air Bags etc.

Body lifts took off for a while but many will not offer kits for Air Bag trucks due to liability and other issues on the new trucks.

I see some guys cranking on the bars and adding blocks but they eat up tires and end up breaking bars.

The SUV market has changed as with the CUV many people who were not real truck people have left the SUV market. Most are the stereotypical Soccer moms etc.

Also cost of fuel and the SUV have driven many done to the CUV. Most do all of their driving on the road. Few pull more than a small boat. CUV also has taken in many Mini Van owners too. Take a look around and see how few Mini Vans are at the mall and how many CUVs are now in their places.

The Trailblazer will make it so you can lift it easier and use it more like a truck. It will have more off road ability but I do not expect many lifted. Even the last trailblazer was one you seldom seen lifted I suspect due to he axle through the pan. I sis see many 2wd lowered and lots of wheels.

Just a view from a Terrain owner and some one in the aftermarket.