GM may switch to car-like production for large SUVs

Being under pressure to produce more fuel-efficient models, GM may be forced to change the way it’s been building SUVs for the past seven-decades. The General is now looking for ways to design a lighter replacement for its biggest SUVs without relying on a heavier pickup-truck frame.

While nothing is certain as of yet, engineers are looking to shift to a car-like construction in 2012 for successors to the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade.

Also, due to the decline in SUV and pickup sales this year, GM may also cut annual production...
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EnnNorak - 5/9/2008 5:16:33 PM

+2 Boost

The real answer is not to dump body-on-frame construction but to use lighter materials like aluminum for the body. The frame can then be made a little thinner but only if the steel has enough nickel or other metal added to make the frame highly rust resistant. The federal government should ban the use of salt on roads. I predict that, eventually, our cars will be made of titanium, aluminum and carbon fiber and last 20 years with a single engine overhaul.

bokuchin - 5/10/2008 1:15:04 AM

+1 Boost

What about the Discovery 3? It's sorta body-on-frame... and made of aluminum for some components

toolatetorace - 5/9/2008 10:34:51 PM

+3 Boost

Looks like a comeback of the station wagon if you ask me

truckmen - 5/10/2008 4:25:28 AM

+1 Boost

How about make this an efficient plug in hybrid with batteries that will last a few hundred miles with a gas generator and solar paint to charge it with regererative brakes! There are new batteries that will last 5x longer than lithium ion. Now that would be efficient! This tech has been done already! The goverment wouldn't want this because they couldn't collect the gas tax!

truckmen - 5/23/2008 4:56:50 AM

+1 Boost

Arent the chev trucks already carlike! Nice trucks, just not macho capable 4x4's.