[J.G]

Recent Autonews article brings up the question, could there be a third stateside model based on the same platform?

Given that GMC's entire product lineup is shared with Chevrolet, it begs the question: Will GMC get a version of the new Chevy Trax small crossover?

"I think that is certainly possible," Trax chief engineer Al Manzor said when asked about the possibility during a media drive here.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20141206/OEM04/312089954/will-chevrolets-tiny-trax-spark-a-sibling-rivalry

 

[James]

When it comes to design, that's one thing we can be sure of changing between the two, but the underpinnings should stay the same or close.
I do like GMC design more in some cases and in this case i'm curious to see what it will end up looking like and how much better than the Trax it will look.

 

[Kooper]

Problem is it becomes direct in house competition for the Buick Encore. GMC and Buick share showrooms, it also leaves little wiggle room in terms of profitability between the TRAX and Encore...

 

[TrainTrax]

I just wonder where it would be priced. Higher than the Trax but lower than the Encore.

In Canada the Trax starts at $20,395. The Buick Encore is priced from $28,981. There is enough room for them to price it in the middle, but I still would be curious exactly where it ends up. Maybe around $25,000 to hit the sweet spot right in the middle?

 

[Kooper]

I just wonder where it would be priced. Higher than the Trax but lower than the Encore.

In Canada the Trax starts at $20,395. The Buick Encore is priced from $28,981. There is enough room for them to price it in the middle, but I still would be curious exactly where it ends up. Maybe around $25,000 to hit the sweet spot right in the middle?

Ok but that ignores the issue of cannibalising the Encore, GMC and Buick share showrooms. Denali GMC Whatever they call it would ostensibly be a near identical offer to a top trim Buick albeit for a couple K cheaper. Whats the point of the Buick then?

 

[chevyfan]

Can't forget about the encore, considering that and the price where it sits, this could be a bad idea for them. Probably best to just stick with the Trax and Encore.

 

[TrainTrax]

I'd be surprised if GM went through with this. It does seem like too much of the same thing for one company. Having the Encore and the Trax seems reasonable, but adding a GMC is too much repetition. I think this may just be auto journalists making news out of nothing.

 

[Kooper]

I'd be surprised if GM went through with this. It does seem like too much of the same thing for one company. Having the Encore and the Trax seems reasonable, but adding a GMC is too much repetition. I think this may just be auto journalists making news out of nothing.

Did you read the quote in the OP? If the rumor comes from the TRAX chief engineer how could a journalist manufacture news out of nothing?

 

[chevyfan]

Good topic for a journalist to be coming up with

 

[TrainTrax]

One person saying that it is possible is not like GM went and made an announcement that there is going to be a GMC Trax. I think that one statement like that can turn into a big news story because of the internet news echo chamber.

 

[chevyfan]

Point is, this is a hint of what to expect coming from the most credible source which for all we know could have had plans for a 3rd vehicle on the same platform like the Trax/Buick. No one is taking it as an official green light, just with a bit of salt for now, we're just trying to see where, how, why it fits into the bigger picture and if it's even viable for them, if it makes any sense.

With statements like...

"I think that is certainly possible," Trax chief engineer Al Manzor said...

Manzor said that the 2015 Trax has received "a lot of great feedback" from automotive writers who have driven it, generating questions about "opportunities with other brands."

"Sibling brands should complement each other, not fight for sales," Sullivan says.

it begs for a lot of questions to be asked.

 

[J.G]

I'd actually prefer a GMC. They're styling is sharper

 

[chevyfan]

Me too, I always did. The latest SUV's from both brands being a recent great example.

Still i can't get over how much of an issue it can be for them with the Encore already on the market.

 

[TrainTrax]

I can see the Trax easily being made into a GMC in terms of design. I think the shape and design already look very GMC. I don't see how it would work without cannibalizing some sales from the Encore though. I still have to be convinced of the business reason why this is a good idea.

 

[Kooper]

Well if you're a product planner you look at Expected sales vs Expected cannibalisation, if you're coming out ahead on the sales side, production commences. You'd need to do the math if you seriously wanted convincing.

Whats interesting though is that the TRAX and Encore are both semi squashed bug in terms of dimensions. As a shaper, boxier GMC that may prove to be disproportionate and come off too Scion xB to be a success...

 

[James]

I'd actually prefer a GMC. They're styling is sharper

I have to agree.

It's what makes me a bit more happier that i haven't bought a trax as yet, which in the end might turn out to be a good thing when i finally decide on what exactly to buy.

 

[TrainTrax]

I have to agree.

It's what makes me a bit more happier that i haven't bought a trax as yet, which in the end might turn out to be a good thing when i finally decide on what exactly to buy.

Even if a GMC version of the Trax does come out, I don't think that it is something that is imminent.

 

[Kooper]

they should put money into Trax SS, lower it, put the bigger turbo in it, MHMMM

 

[TrainTrax]

At least that way they would be just up selling people instead of cannibalizing Trax sales. Could make more sense from a business standpoint.