10 Key Models to Celebrate 10 Years of “New GM”
On this day 10 years ago, General Motors emerged from a six-week trip through bankruptcy court. A major restructuring process led to a deal where most of the automaker’s business would be sold to a new corporate entity owned at 60 percent by the U.S. government. This is what was called the “New GM.”
After getting rid of Pontiac, Saturn, Saab and Hummer, GM focused on Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac while turning to the future. Several dealers and plants that were less profitable closed as a result.
At the dawn of a new decade, big changes continue to transform the company. Here are the top 10 models that best embody the present and future of “New GM.”
Cadillac XT6
In order to better serve North American customers, GM added a fourth SUV to the Cadillac lineup. Positioned between the XT5 and Escalade, the XT6 is a three-row midsize model with plenty of comfort and technology.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
GM’s future will be fully electric. In fact, the popular Volt was recently eliminated because it used a plug-in hybrid system. The Bolt remains at the forefront of the EV movement with a range of 383 kilometres and a relatively affordable price.
GMC Sierra 1500
Completely redesigned for 2019, the Sierra 1500 offers an impressive selection of engines, including the only four-cylinder option in the segment. Until GM’s electric pickup arrives, this is the best way to save on fuel.
Chevrolet Blazer
We could have picked any of Chevrolet’s six SUVs and crossovers (the upcoming Trailblazer will be the seventh), but the Blazer is the newest and it beautifully expresses GM’s desire to bank heavily on utility vehicles.
Cadillac CT5
GM’s iconic luxury brand has dropped all of its cars and is hoping to make a fresh start with a whole new generation of sedans led by the CT5 and the smaller CT4.
Chevrolet Corvette
The all-new eighth generation, to be revealed on July 18, is the first Corvette with a mid-mounted engine and fans are eagerly waiting for it (market launch planned somewhere in 2020). We’re told this car will set new performance standards.
Buick Encore
The little Encore is by far the most popular Buick in Canada. At Auto Shanghai in China, GM unveiled its successor, built on a new, longer platform and sporting a much more contemporary look.
Chevrolet Silverado HD
Due to growing demand, GM recently decided to increase heavy-duty truck production. The next-generation Silverado HD is a monster not only because of its mean face, but also because it can tow a class-leading 35,500 pounds.
GMC Yukon Denali
GM is synonymous with large SUVs. The Cadillac Escalade is the star, but let’s acknowledge the GMC Yukon and particularly the Denali version, which expresses full-size American luxury just as well.
Electric SUV
We know it’s in the works and, barring a major change, we should see it in 2020, right around the same time as Ford’s upcoming electric crossover. Based on the Bolt EV, this zero-emission SUV will likely offer similar range (close to 400 km).