In a conference call minutes ago, GM confirmed a redesigned GMC Canyon will roll off the assembly line at the automaker's Wentzville, Mo., plant at some point down the road. Officials at Buick and GMC also confirmed nine new or refreshed products coming from the brands by the end of 2013.
We've already seen the refreshed GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, as well as the new Buick Encore. But GM confirmed updates, as expected, on GMC's full-size trucks and SUVs: the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL SUVs, as well as the Sierra and Sierra HD pickups. Expect significant updates or full redesigns to the Buick Regal and LaCrosse, too.
"The Terrain and Verano will be the oldest non-commercial models for each brand in the showroom at the end of 2013," Buick and GMC marketing chief Tony DiSalle told reporters.
DiSalle would not specify the next Canyon's timing, but it means GM will forge ahead in a market its Detroit competitors have left. The truck will all but certainly be a close sibling to the Chevrolet Colorado, for which GM unveiled an international redesign late last year. But midsize pickup sales have languished as pickup shoppers head to full-size trucks. Compact and midsize pickup sales have stayed roughly flat through August, while full-size siblings increased 11.8% — and shoppers this year have bought more than five full-size pickups for every compact or midsize truck.
No matter: "We believe that introducing a new, agile and efficient midsize Canyon will meet the needs of many pickup buyers," DiSalle said.
GM Confirms New GMC Canyon, Plus Nine New or Updated Cars by End of 2013 - KickingTires
