GM to Exit the Minivan Market?

The Detroit News is reporting that General Motors has decided to scrap their future minivan efforts, deciding to focus their resources on developing new crossover vehicles like the GMC Acadia.

Although it is unclear when the production lines will stop for the Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander (pictured) and Saturn Relay, it is clear that DaimlerChrysler's Dodge and Chrysler brands will now be the only domestic nameplates remaining in the minivan business.

Like Ford, General Motors has struggled to compete in the minivan market, which has long been dominated by vehicles from Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota and Honda. GM and Ford have claimed that the slowdown in minivan sales largely prompted their exit from the market, but I'd argue their retreat has more to do with never being able to field truly competitive products in the segment.

What do you think? Does GM's exit from the market mean that the minivan segment is headed over the cliff? Or is that just a excuse for lackluster products that couldn't compete aginst the likes of Kia, Dodge, Toyota and Hyundai? Click on the "comments" link below this post to let us know what you think.

• State of the Minivan [article]
• Is the Minivan Head for the Dustbin? [article]
• 2007 Chevrolet Uplander LS [review]

^{photo: © Colin Hefferon}