Even though the large SUV segment has shrunk considerably over the past decade, the vehicles still play a major part in making big bucks for automakers. That’s apparent with General Motors commitment to the Chevrolet Suburban and its more luxurious behemoth-sized platform mates from GMC and Cadillac.
Chevrolet may not be alone for long, though, if words from Fiat-Chrysler Autos CEO, Sergio Marchionne, are to be believed.
Our sister publication, Fiat-Chrysler Authority, reports Automotive News caught up with Marchionne over a conference call earlier this week. During his remarks, he told of the possibility for a Ram large SUV with the introduction of the next-generation Ram trucks. When both the light- and heavy-duty trucks undergo their changes, it makes for a perfect time to introduce the large SUV, too.
“I think we have a unique opportunity with renewal of the pickup line, with the powertrains we selected, to significantly increase output,” Marchionne said. “We will also be exploring, as a result of that investment, some other segments.”
“We have a reasonable chance of getting at least part of that (the full-size SUV) market.”
Should Chevrolet and General Motors be worried? The Chevrolet Suburban has had the segment nearly locked down for years while the Ford Expedition undergoes lukewarm improvements to keep the SUV relevant.
If petrol prices continue to hover around $2.00 per gallon, it seems plausible. Hopefully, FCA doesn’t pull a Kia Borrego kind of rollout, however.
Comments
It’s a head scratcher that this hasn’t happened already, like 20 years ago now. They should call it the Ram Prospector.
Competition is great–makes everyone step up their game!
It might even bring the price point, to a more family friendly level. The sticker on a well optioned Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ, is equivalent to two years pay, for a young couple…go to Chevrolet.com, or GMC.com and build your dream Suburban or Yukon XL…then check out the prices of one and two year old Certified modes, on Autotrader. Yes, a Certified model makes a lot more sense, it allows the buyer, to keep his ‘bread and butter’ on his own table.
Its seems like GM just adopted the policy of “make the old Escalade price, the price for the Chevys.” Our 2001 Suburban LT we purchased had an MSRP of $37k, and in 2001 Escalades ran about $55k. Our 2009 Suburban LTZ stickered for $54k, and 2009 Escalade ESVs were about $75k. Now a well-optioned 2015 Suburban LTZ is $75k, and Escalades are $90k-$100k.
We have put a ton less miles on our 09, sitting at 70k currently, than our 2001, which our son now drives, and has 245k on it. I don’t see us buying a $75k Suburban anytime soon. The 2015+ doesn’t seem quite the same leap in develop from the 07-14 models, that the 07-14’s had over the 00-06 models. For $75k, there are just too many other interesting vehicles out there, that we might sacrifice some space for (2014 GL63 anyone?).
Exactly! GM’s only true misstep with their latest full size SUVs was not adopting an IRS. Not to mention the possibility of FCA incorporating their air-ride suspension for perhaps one of the smoothest rides in the segment. Plus there’s a lighter, more advanced Expedition on the way! GM indeed had better prepare to step up their game!
I always wanted to see FCA release a modern full size SUV. But I can see why they haven’t, with the success of the Durango and Grand Cherokee SUV’s, they simply had no need to. But to echo Martin Smrek’s comment: “competition is a great thing”. A Ram SUV would certainly compete well with GM’s twins and Ford’s Expedition. I’ve been a big fan of the Durango/Grand Cherokee for some time, and I’m confident FCA can deliver a capable, well appointed and well designed full size SUV.
Also may cause GM to revisit revamping rear suspension so the vehicles will have adult friendly accommodations, vs kiddy only now. Additionally may force Chevy/GM to revisit availability of 6.2.
Bring it on FCA, will make GM step up their game!
Good luck FCA. Anyone remember the Chrysler Aspen and how it was supposed to take away from Tahoe sales? A RAM Aspen XL will be just as successful.
GM could have upped the game with their recent redesign of the big SUV’s, but instead they went very conservative. In my opinion the door is wide open for RAM to offer an innovative new truck. Offer 1 size (between Tahoe and Suburban) with light duty and heavy duty chassis options. Surely they would offer diesel power, which GM does not.
LFX323
Lets correct your statement somewhat. Conservative it wasn’t, cheaply based off the pickup trucks without real consideration to make the “best” they could is the real answer. Here is probably GMs biggest cash cow and corners get cut. Totally absurd.
Absolutely no excuse why IRS shouldn’t have been designed into current iteration. GM has taken a knock for many years that the third seat is worthless for adults. I agree because I have owned relatively recent Tahoes and Escalades and just amazing that vehicles of this size cannot accommodate 8 adults in comfort. A Traverse/Acadia is much more user friendly in the third seat!
GM will once again probably be playing “catch up ” to the competition. New Expedition and FCA competitor is exactly what GM needs! Spend $12 B on the Cadillac crapshoot and not enough money to make your proven cash cow the best!
There’s a Fiat Chrysler authority how long is that been around just hearing about it now. And what happened to motrolix? The last story was October 12. Is Motrolix dead.