Buick Theta CUV Rumor Recalls Bad Old Days of GM Brand Bloat
GM is walking away from its Saturn Vue and Pontiac Torrent Theta-based CUVs, bringing its Thetan, uh, Theta CUV levels to just the Equinox and the SRX. And the just released GMC Terrain. And the forthcoming Saab 9-4X. And now a clay model of a Buick Theta CUV has surfaced on CBS’s Early Show, along with rumors of a 2012 launch (and dual-mode hybrid version). Assuming the Saturn Vue is sold for a few more years by the Penske boyz, and the Suzuki XL7 soldiers on a bit longer, we’re looking at the prospect of seven versions of the same platform in one market. Re:invention or déjà vu?
Meanwhile, GMInsidenews reports that an Opel Zafira-based Buick is set to take on MPV duty in the Chinese market. It will be exclusive to China and will likely feature styling from the Buick Business Concept pictured below.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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I don't see the problem as being the platform sharing...the problem is in house brands directly competing with one another. The examples you (all) have mentioned: Porsche/VW, Audi/VW, Nissan/Infinity, Honda/Acura, Toyota/Lexus etc. They all do one thing different from GM, they make the models different. They limit overlap. A Base model Cayenne is head and shoulders better than a maxed out VW. I am sure it is the same with the other brands. I am also sure a maxed out Terrain, XL7 and Equinox will not differ that much (except in price) from the Buick.