Next-Gen Chevy Montana To Feature Innovative Cargo Box
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General Motors continues to reveal details of the next-generation Chevy Montana through the web series dedicated to the pickup’s final development stage in Brazil, in which it ensures that the Montana will have the most innovative cargo bed in its segment.
The automaker’s Brazilian subsidiary has just launched a new episode of the next-generation Chevy Montana web series, this time focused on describing some novelties for the cargo bed of Chevrolet’s first compact unibody pickup, scheduled to make its world debut early next year. In fact, GM Brasil claims that the engineers adopted the principle that “a super pickup starts with a super cargo bed.”
“The new Montana will debut an innovative urban pickup concept. In terms of body proportions, for example, it makes better use of cabin space and has a much smarter and more versatile bed,” said Chevrolet Product Marketing Manager at GM South America, Gustavo Machado, in a statement. “Because, in many cases, pickup trucks are replacing the family car,” he added.
The next-generation Chevy Montana’s cargo bed will feature an innovative cover sealing system, allowing the new Montana’s box to have the best water and dust seal in the segment. This solution was designed for users who want to use the cargo bed as a giant trunk as well as those who require a higher level of protection when transporting objects.
In addition, the next-generation Chevy Montana double cab’s cargo bed will also innovate in dimensions, improving the relationship between height, width and length to accommodate the most relevant items for customers. The bed’s measurements will allow a better vertical use thanks to taller edges and a low loading height that facilitates handling of items to be transported, either for recreation or work.
These and other innovations will make the next-generation Chevy Montana’s cargo bed highly versatile, in addition to offering a large number of exclusive accessories that the manufacturer promises for better distribution and accommodation of the most varied types of cargo. Notably, the new Montana will be the only unibody compact pickup on the market with a tailgate damping system, typical of trucks in higher segments.
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An internet check shows there are an estimated 50 million licensed drivers in Brazil. The same check shows there are 228 million licensed drivers in the USA. Now you tell me: If you are GM and you see your chief rival having sold out it’s 2023 Maverick allowance in about of a week’s time of opening said Order Book; tell me why GM has this vehicle designed, built and sold exclusively for the Brazil market while ignoring the US market that has a dedicated buying segment that still wants an S-10/Sonoma sized pickup?
GM is not only incompetent in serving the needs of it’s buying public, they don’t even understand the wants of it’s buying public.
While I don’t necessarily disagree that they should bring this to the US, there are some flaws to some of your points.
Through Q3, Maverick sales have only been 52k. That’s not huge numbers. And Santa Cruz sales are significantly lower.
2023 reservations were snapped up quickly. Though what number is Ford claiming to make in 2023? And how many of those orders were from people who had to roll their 22 order into the new year? So while I agree there is demand, it seems a lot of that is coming from Fords inability to produce sufficient quantity.
If there is so much demand, why isn’t Ford increase production? Other models at the same facility far more profitable? Ford isn’t making much money on the Maverick?
Overall I’m not so sure this segment is as hot as you’re suggesting. But, if GM has room to produce this in Mexico and make some profit, it could be worth it to introduce it to North America. And maybe they’re keeping that little secret to themselves and they will announce production after it’s revealed in Brazil?
Amen!
GM can afford to let this play out a bit before they make a move.
Till the shortages are made up best to wait.
The Chevrolet Montana (I apologize) is incredibly ugly, GM needs to hire street smart engineers to design new cars for a while and see where sales go.
Why buy a Montana when a crew cab pick up will suffice.
I have my ZR2 and love it minus the low vibration or hum that no one can fix, as long as it dosen’t affect performance I’m good.
The Maverick is Ford’s cheapest vehicle – and probably its lowest profit margin vehicle too. They are going to use the lion’s share of limited parts to make the high profit F-150s, Explorers, etc. I’m sure they’d build more if they could, but given the reality of a limited parts availability you build what makes you money.
They may actually do well profit wise as this is a shared platform. Or they will once they sell more.
The F150 is taking a hit due to the aluminum body that is suffering from increase aluminum prices right now contributing much to Fords money issues.
Ford is now going to try to shift out the workers that are under performing. They are offering buyouts and if they do not take them they may just get the boot.
We will see some major moves to save money at Ford in the near future.
Maybe, but there’s only so much profit they can make on a $25K vehicle. Use those same scarce parts to build an F-series that sells from $50-$100K, and they are going to make far more profit – aluminum or not.
Well there are some things to consider,
#1 Ford sold out not because of capacity but the lack of parts. 51,802 were sold from Jan to Oct. Not exactly big numbers. Most models are expected to sell no less than 100K units or more. Santa Cruz sold 14,701
#2 Those orders are not all Sales but also include dealer stock orders.
#3 Similar trucks after a initial sales like the Ridgeline they settle at 30K unit per year average. Even a magazine asked why no one buys this truck.
#4 This is not a S10 by any means. Do not confuse it with the old truck It is more FWD CUV.
#4 With a couple other models that may be pending this market is all but a sure thing. If sales do not grow there will be a number of trucks in a small segment of sales.
Ford is playing games on sales by saying sold out etc. The truth is they are short parts and on top of that their stock is in the tank. They are covering buy trying to use PR to cover it.
Let GM finish this model and let the parts shortages short themselves out. If this segment shows growth they can enter pretty fast with imports but for now it is no where near a sure thing here.
I know everyone on the web says I will buy one. But have we not heard that before. We had people begging for a Cruze Hatch. No one bought it. They cried for sedans but GM had a number of very good sedans at Buick and Chevy but no one bought them. They Cried for wagons. GM did a Cadillac and Buick but again no one bought them.
I believe it is very competent to let the market sort out a bit and introduce these in Brazil first. If that works out well then see if there is enough room here for a truck like this.
I went from a Sonoma to a Canyon and I will not go back.
Good numbers are when you sell 200K to 300K of a product and anything under 100K is not great unless it is a high dollar model that makes it up on price vs volume.
Ford claims to have a hit at 50K units but yet they laid off 8,000 because they lack the income needed to pay for their EV programs. Ford is in real trouble and note a number of people are leaving as I expect they will be making changes soon.
I expect many will complain if GM brought this here as it will be a turbo 3 and no hybrid anyways.
The Maverick anyways is a very cheaply made model based on a very cheap Escape. Just because it looks like a truck it is still that cheap little FWD based CUV under the body. I was disappointed in the couple I have been in and the lack of features and feel. They do make better ones but you can buy a real truck for that price.
This is GM pickup truck porn for North America. We can look and drool, but it’s only a picture.
GM unfortunately doesn’t have plans for this in the US. They cite low segment sales. What they are missing is this is a new emerging sector. Compact SUVs were non existent a few years ago. Many suv buyer’s would buy one of these because of the versatility. This would be a great addition to our portfolio, but they want to look at past sales. If this was made in Mexico on a trailblazer chassis for example, that would mean the logistical disaster they have with that and trax would be better.
Mike, I agree with you. GM has always ignored what the consumers want to buy. Throughout history they have dictated what the consumers will buy. Sometimes they hit a home run, but most often they do not. In my opinion General Motors vehicles started to suffer when their CEOs went from engineering backgrounds to accounting backgrounds. I believe it was CEO Roger Smith that once said he didn’t care what General Motors manufactured as long as they made money.
Ok GM, now plan on a version for the US. I’m a Chevy person, have a 2019 Camaro SS and have owned the Colorado as well. But in 2021 I jumped into a Ford Maverick because it’s the best alternative for someone who needs some utility but wants to get 22mpg in town and 30mpg on the highway for the $30K price point. Rides like an SUV while being able to tow 4K funds and haul 1500 lbs of payload. So bring us a Chevy alternative so I can trade me Maverick for a bowtie!
Colorado gets 21 -25 with a V6 and better with the 4. You can buy an LT before the shortages for $28K and as low as $19K for a work truck.
I have average 21 MPG with little highway miles over 18,000 miles in my Canyon Crew 4×4. On the highway I have seen 27 mpg in the short runs I have had.
My buddy bought his 2×4 crew V6 LT for $28K
Tows 7000 pounds
2-door please!
This looks like a plastic truck.
Chevy should bring this to the United States market to compete with the Ford Maverick. Obviously they are not that smart.
Years ago, crew cab smaller foreign trucks were selling well in the U.S. and Chevy sold a crew cab S-10 in South America but did not have the forethought to bring it to this country to sell.
Yeah, I’ve always thought it was weird how crew cab compact trucks were available in other countries for decades but not the U.S. until 2000.
It has only been in the last 20 years the crew full size became popular here. They have been around but no one wanted them. Now they are what people want.
The original S10 crew had a useless bed but they have it to where you can do most of what you need now on a mid size.
Americans were all standard cab and extended cab but now both the sales are way down. I think the extended cabs suffered from the extra doors clunking as the wore. Then GM turn the door on the large trucks so people just went to the full crew to have a decent back seat vs one for people with short legs only.
Trucks today have replace the cars most owned and people use them for both work and family.
GM is conducting a feasibility study on the feasibility of making a Ford Maverick competitor, if feasible it could feasibly be in production in ten years if all feasibility studies conclude that the feasibility studies were correct.
I bought a purple Sonoma for my wife way back in the 90’s. Her cousin in law quickly determined that it was a “BARBIE TRUCK”. My wife was not offended, but there is a limit to this market. The main reason to sell this type of truck is the fuel economy credits. This reason is quickly going away due to electrification.
Actually the reason to push this is more to do with the profits. The mid size trucks cost nearly as much as a full size to build. In the past the S10 shared engineering with the A body cars and such so cost could be shared.
Today automakers want to sell a CUV based truck as they can share the cost and make more money. The trouble is Honda did this and after a flurry of initial sales they dropped to low numbers and to be honest it is shocking they have not given up on the Ridgeline.
There is a group of people much like the El Camino had that want vehicles like this but today volume is needed and to be honest no one has proven a good solid yearly volume yet.
Ford might once they get production up to capacity but they are unable to do that as they lack parts.
GM could bite here but the money spent to bring it here may be wasted if the volumes are not high enough.
Yes more EV models are coming but I am not sure they would even spend the money there for this segment till more sales are seen.
The Colorado and Canyon normally sell 400,000 units a year and the Taco sells 800,000 so 50,000 really are not what they are really looking for. Fords PR department is putting a positive spin on anything today to save stock prices. Don’t fall for it and check the real numbers.
my issue with bringing something like this to the US is the fact that it is too car like for my taste. fwd, 4 cyl, around 3k lbs towing. that’s honestly weak. imo if you’re buying this then you’re not really using it because its “truck like” or has “truck like” capabilities. i feel like you’re better off buying a crossover. decent cargo space, likely slightly powerful engine, similar or greater towing etc etc. I’d personally like to see gm make a modern s10. rwd / 4wd, BOF, 2.7 L high output 4 cyl longitudinally mounted engine etc.
Based on those perimeters that you described, Chevy has the Colorado that perfectly meets your needs. So why the need for the Montana?
personally i dont see a need for a montana / maverick competitor, but hypothetically speaking IF gm wanted to go the even smaller pickup route, I’d prefer it to be like an actual truck, and not like a open back sedan / compact crossover.
You are describing the Colorado/Canyon trucks which replaced the S-10/S-15 series. The problem is that they are so bloated now compared to the original S trucks that there’s no longer much price difference between them and full sized trucks. Cheap gas and fat Americans killed the small trucks. Now here we are with $5 gas and where are the S trucks?
Didn’t Ford sell/make like 400k Mustangs in 1964-65? Not to mention all the other Ford models that year.
It was closer to 1 million by 1966.
That’s my point. Ford and others can no longer meet demand. Sad business model.
Not any chips in a 64-66 Mustangs and there was no global shutdown.
Kind of hard to compare.
On the other hand few Ford cars were built 1941 to 1945 due to the war.
Each era has challenges.
The old saying comes to mind, ‘Make hay while the sun shines’. If customers are clambering for a small truck make/sell as many as they want.
Except right now it’s partly cloudy, and they are concentrating their efforts on the most profitable vehicles until the sun comes out again…
GM will not invest in an ICE small truck for NA. But there may be an electric small truck in the future. In China , GM is launching a small electric SUV, that could easily be converted to a small pick up.
Who knows what they are working on for this market, but i think if we are to get anything small it will be an electric pickup somewhere in the future. Given the intended use of a very small pickup , this maybe the best option for the future.
I will buy ICE from whomever will sell it to me
It is really frustrating GM. Really frustrating that you don’t give North America compact trucks that we would buy en masse. It is very clear that these little trucks don’t exist because they have a microscopic profit margin as compared to the T1 trucks. It seems obvious GM (and to be fair, this isn’t a GM only strategy) is cashing in high profits to fund EV’s. I love the idea of an EV, but for me it would be the utilitarian commuter or grocery getter that honesty fits the bill for electrification. Overnight charge and cruise the city doing errands.
But Trucks!… the very idea about a truck is being rugged, and ready for everything. I know there is a market for the Silverado, Denali and Hummer EV, but it’s actually a separate market than the formerly homogeneous light truck market. Huge batteries that take days… yes days, (4 days for a 200KWh battery in a Lightning) to charge on 110VAC, is NOT the everyday Chevy truck owner. I want my pickup to start when there is no power in my house. I want to get out and help people during a natural disaster, and there is ZEREO POWER GRID. How useful is your iPhone when the battery is dead?
Sorry about that tangent, but all I see is each manufacturer trying to out the next by making more EV’s when it will be years before there are chargers at every parking spot and 3Phase high voltage fast chargers in every home garage.
I know 10 years is a long time in technology terms, but let’s take it slow and not take a “hard left” with our light trucks.
Oh. And bring a compact pickup to the US! Forget about milking profits for other programs and give Americans what we want and need. Breed some brand loyalty! I’m a lifelong GM guy. 40 years old and have bought 7 new full size trucks in my short life. (Silverado’s, Tahoe’s, Suburban’s and Denali’s). The upper Great Plains and Great Plains in the US, in general are not ready to make this 180 flip to electrons only! Give us options until we have a US administration that has an actual plan of how to transition from Hydrocarbons and batteries that are truly “green” instead of absolute demands that we go 100% renewable now! Our country has steadily reduced emissions as well as dramatically increased our automotive fleet. We are doing well. It’s Aisa that is killing our climate. I think the manufacturer that continues to allow ICE options alongside EVs (OR HOPEFULLY HYDROGEN FUEL CELL) will reap huge financial rewards. Sorry to say, but Stellantis understands this and are going to offer range extending EV’s. Just like the Chevy Volt was. Such a tragedy that the Volt was cut short in its life, because it’s exactly what we need. Give us a small battery (because we know batteries are not clean to produce) and have an ICE engine on board if we need to drive 200 or 300 miles for a trip. Don’t waste all of our Rare Earth Metals on giant batteries that aren’t going to be used to their full range every day. 8 hybrids can be built Vs one 300 mile range (this is car info). Most people could commute or transport kids to sporting events every day on 50 miles EV range. Plug it in and no tailpipe emission until you take a longer trip. I would buy this without much thought. So it saddens me to say I’d need to look at buying a RAM for my next truck when everybody goes 100% electric.
GM PLEASE… slow down and offer a mix of powertrains or Propulsion, as you call it.
Oh and give us the Montana. I am very seriously thinking about a Maverick.