Is GM Preparing To Rename Chevrolet Tornado To Montana?
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GM currently sells a small unibody pickup in Mexico and South America. Though the vehicle is identical, it goes by different names in the two markets. In South America, it’s called the Chevrolet Montana, but in Mexico, it’s called the Chevrolet Tornado. The model was previously sold in South Africa as the Chevrolet Utility until GM withdrew from the market back in 2017.
And now, it would appear that GM is planning to rename the Tornado as the Montana in Mexico, according to new trademark filings recently uncovered by GM Authority.
The new trademark claims were filed to Mexico’s Intellectual Property Office on July 17th, 2019, and included filings for both the Montana name as well as the Chevrolet Montana name.
| Application Term | Patent Office | Application Date | Filing Serial Number | Status | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | Mexico | July 17, 2019 | 119852235592 | Live – in progress | Terrestrial motor vehicles and structural parts thereof, excluding bicycles |
| Chevrolet Montana | Mexico | July 17, 2019 | 119852235591 | Live – in progress | |
| Montana | U.S. | August 21, 2017 | 87576917 | Live – in progress | Motor vehicles, namely, trucks |
For reference, the current second-generation Chevrolet Montana is built on a modified version on an Opel Corsa B platform. The model is produced exclusively in Brazil at the GM São Caetano do Sul plant. The Brazilian manufacturing facility recently celebrated production of the 750,000th Montana.
Meanwhile, the next-generation Chevrolet Montana is currently under development by GM Brazil. The vehicle is expected to make the transition to the GM GEM (Global Emerging Markets) platform. Engine options are likely to include the turbocharged 1.4L I-4 LE2, the same engine found in the second-generation Chevrolet Cruze that’s good for 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic and manual are expected for cog-swap duties.
It’s probable that the Mexico-market Tornado will be renamed to Montana with the introduction of this GEM-based, third-generation model, thereby unifying the small pickup under a single nameplate going forward.
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Probably not for U.S.? Is it front wheel drive? Prefer rear wheel drive in any size truck.
Why doesnt chevolet have a small truck in U.S. have like the S10s were
They’re junk, did you own one ?
They were worried the Colorado might not take but it did.
To do a smaller body on frame would be a risk of sales or even taking sales from the mid size.
I had both the S10 and Sonoma and enjoyed them for many years. I skipped the first gen Colorado as I just did not like them.
My Canyon now I thought was large but now I find it just right.
As a Canadian I agree and hope it comes to Canada as we generally like small cars and trucks.
If I were the original Olds Toronado, I’d be insulted to see what I’ve become. Just sayin’. Toronado used to be quite the vehicle….now it’s a plain Jane little truck?
The truck is a Tornado, not a Toronado.
This has nothing to do with Oldsmobile.
That’s fugly !!! Tornado not Tomato
GM should never have used the Oldsmobile’s Tornado name on this utility pickup. Now they are steal a name that was used on a Pontiac Mini Van. Can’t the come up with something unique. They did this before when the named a model that Oldsmobile market as a Cookie Cutter Cutlass by calling it a Calais which was a name taken from a mid 60’s Cadillac.
Stop borrowing names!
The truck is not a Toronado. It’s a Tornado.
This has absolutely nothing to do with Oldsmobile.
Hey Grawaddy….you are so correct!!!!!!!!!! The hot weather must have finally gotten to me & melted my brain…..(Maybe I just need glasses!). The truck IS Tornado, NOT Toronado…. Still, in my mind it is one ugly lookin’ thing, & hardly brings ‘tornado’ to my mind!
The Olds was Toronado. This is not that.
What does it take to obtain one?
Go to the ugly vehicle store, next to the honda and toilets someplace on aisle number 2 !!!
I was hoping someone would have a respectful, knowledgeable answer for a legitimate question (hard to get anywhere with a childish, idiotic answer). The vehicle is apparently for sale in Mexico. The current market in the US has phased out small pickups. Lots of Rangers, and some S10s on the road here in TN.
Stephen
Did I say PHA QUE !
you answered your own question Mexico….
Or talk to your local GM dealer.
The Montana should be sold in the U.S. as Ford is selling its new Ranger very well, and the Bronco will return.
It’s tom”ae”to, not to”ma”to
I would really love to see these little guys in the USA. We need a small ‘true’ compact pickup. Not these monster trucks and midsize trucks that grew to the size of full size truck from 20 years ago. Compare the new 2019 Ranger with a 1990’s F150. And the new 2019 Tacoma next to a 20 year old Tundra. Ford said they are working on a new small truck, maybe called the Courier and Hyundai said maybe by 2021 the Santa Cruz. But please, we don’t need more crew cab pickups. There is an empty market and GM might miss it.
I would love to buy these. Looks like a GM version of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac(Trucks)