Potential GMC Granite Small Crossover Rendered
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The idea of a subcompact GMC crossover to slot under the compact GMC Terrain has been in the air for more than a decade. A show car vehicle, called GMC Granite Concept, was displayed at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit but the vehicle never made it to production because engineers could not find a cost-effective way to meet crash test regulations with the rear-hinged doors.
Now, GM Authority rendering artists have produced two images of this potential GMC subcompact crossover, which we’re going to call the GMC Granite. If it ever made it to production, such a vehicle would likely ride on the GM VSS-F platform (or vehicle set) also used for the Buick Encore GX and Chevy Trailblazer. It would be the smallest vehicle sold by the GMC brand.
General Motors had already filed to trademark the name GMC Granite with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) when it showed off the GMC Granite Concept, and has since done so three more times. All but the most recent filing, made on April 11th, 2019, have expired. We believe that this is because GM has not been able to provide the office with a Statement of Use document, without which the filing can not be approved.
| Word Mark | Filing Date | Serial Number | Status | Goods & Services Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Granite | April 11, 2019 | 88381152 | Live | Motor land vehicles, namely, on-road passenger automobiles |
| GMC Granite | May 26, 2015 | 86640666 | Dead | Motor land vehicles, namely, on-road passenger automobiles |
| GMC Granite | November 17, 2010 | 85178926 | Dead | Motor land vehicles, namely, on-road passenger automobiles |
| GMC Granite | November 9, 2009 | 77868149 | Dead | Motor land passenger vehicles, namely automobiles |
2010 GMC Granite Concept
However, the GMC Granite’s time may soon come. Duncan Aldred, Vice President, Global Buick and GMC, was reported to be ‘pushing hard’ for a GMC subcompact crossover back in 2015. The segment was growing strongly back then and has continued to do so, to the point where General Motors is discontinuing sedans in favor of crossovers. However, subsequent information has poured cold water on the idea of a sub-Terrain crossover from GMC.
Sales Numbers - Mainstream Subcompact Crossovers - Q1 2021 - United States
| MODEL | Q1 21 / Q1 20 | Q1 21 | Q1 20 | Q1 21 SHARE | Q1 20 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HONDA HR-V | +34.83% | 26,175 | 19,414 | 10% | 9% |
| CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER | +834,033.00% | 25,024 | 3 | 9% | 0% |
| NISSAN KICKS | +74.82% | 24,421 | 13,969 | 9% | 7% |
| HYUNDAI KONA | +49.00% | 22,610 | 15,174 | 8% | 7% |
| JEEP COMPASS | -33.07% | 19,959 | 29,820 | 7% | 14% |
| BUICK ENCORE GX | +608.77% | 18,435 | 2,601 | 7% | 1% |
| KIA SOUL | +2.86% | 17,191 | 16,713 | 6% | 8% |
| CHEVROLET TRAX | -39.97% | 16,955 | 28,242 | 6% | 13% |
| KIA SELTOS | +232.26% | 16,786 | 5,052 | 6% | 2% |
| JEEP RENEGADE | +12.94% | 15,997 | 14,164 | 6% | 7% |
| MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT | +22.10% | 15,356 | 12,577 | 6% | 6% |
| MAZDA CX-30 | +74.43% | 14,589 | 8,364 | 5% | 4% |
| FORD ECOSPORT | -0.35% | 12,878 | 12,923 | 5% | 6% |
| TOYOTA C-HR | +0.28% | 10,401 | 10,372 | 4% | 5% |
| BUICK ENCORE | -56.25% | 6,229 | 14,238 | 2% | 7% |
| HYUNDAI VENUE | +82.69% | 5,784 | 3,166 | 2% | 1% |
| KIA NIRO | -13.35% | 4,311 | 4,975 | 2% | 2% |
| MAZDA CX-3 | -40.71% | 1,513 | 2,552 | 1% | 1% |
| FIAT 500X | -6.36% | 265 | 283 | 0% | 0% |
| TOTAL | +28.09% | 274,879 | 214,602 |
Nevertheless, the idea appears to have merit. GM is already very well represented in the mainstream subcompact crossover segment in the U.S. In Q1 of 2021, it had three models in the top ten positions – the new Chevy Trailblazer in second (just behind the leading Honda HR-V), the Buick Encore GX in sixth and the Chevy Trax in eighth.
There is clearly a demand for vehicles of this type, and a real-world GMC Granite would not be especially difficult or expensive to create, given that it would use so much existing technology from the Trailblazer and/or Encore GX.
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Carl, I still have my Pontiac Vibe, I have a black 2007 and the car runs as good as the moment I bought it, The car has versatility, some great features,I love how you can open the back window, or fold down the seats and have cargo space to spare. It is no performace car in any shape or form and that is fine. I use it as a daily drive to work and I even use it for running errands. That 1.8 from Toyota is a great bullet proof engine, and it is great on gas. My only repairs have been a starting motor, an electic harness, brakes, and of course the usual battery. I love having the Pontiac design cues with the Toyota mechanicals.
Nice – it is truly an awesome ride
Carl, it truly is I also forgot the convenience of the 115 volt adapter, it is nice to be able to have that convenience. I wash mine twice a week and people come up and ask me about what kind of car it is as many have forgotten about Pontiac, and many dont know that this has Toyota mecahnicals. I Also own a 2001 Silverado 1500, 293,000 miles still running strong, and a 2010 Cadillac CTS wagon, great car as well but I find myself using the Vibe to haul stuff when you fold that back down there is alot of cargo area.