GM to Remain in the Minivan Market?

Despite the fact that automotive magazines, newspapers and websites (this one included) had all proclaimed that 2007 would be the last year for the Chevrolet Uplander--and that GM was exiting the minivan business--it's now clear that the Uplander will continue into 2008.

Like Mark Twain, reports of the Uplander's death may have been exaggerated. But what does this mean for GM's minivan efforts? By most accounts, the new Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook large crossovers are doing well in the marketplace. So what gives?

Perhaps GM sees an opportunity to grab some market share now that the number of automakers making minivans has dropped so dramatically? GM's own Bob Lutz left the door open for the minivan in a GM FastLane Blog post last year, so perhaps this shouldn't come as a surprise.

For more information, check back tomorrow for our overview of the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander.
_{Photo: © Colin Hefferon}