General Motors faced a minor sales decline compared to 2022, but that wasn’t enough to dethrone them from the top spot in the US auto market for the first three quarters of 2023. The Detroit giant sold nearly 1.95 million vehicles, maintaining a lead over familiar competitors like Toyota (1.73 million) and Ford (1.55 million). While Chevrolet, GM’s biggest brand, saw a 3% dip in sales, other divisions like Cadillac, GMC, and Buick experienced positive growth.
Buick, in particular, enjoyed a nearly 10% sales increase. GMC, the second-largest GM brand, also performed well with a 1.5% rise in deliveries, reaching almost 436,000 units. This success can be attributed to the continued popularity of the Acadia and the upcoming launch of new models like the Terrain and refreshed Yukon SUVs.
GMC is also making significant strides in the electric vehicle market with the introduction of the Sierra EV and the ongoing success of the Hummer EV. Inspired by this momentum, digital car designer Vince Burlapp has set his sights on envisioning a new electric addition to the GMC lineup: the subcompact Granite crossover SUV.
The GMC Granite, a concept car introduced at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, ignited speculation about its potential transformation into a production model for several years. While the brand ultimately opted to refrain from adding a compact SUV below the Terrain, it revisited the idea in 2015 by renewing its application for the Granite trademark.
In a hypothetical scenario, the Granite is being reimagined as an all electric crossover SUV built on GM’s Ultium platform. This move aligns with the brand’s strategy of capitalizing on shared resources and expanding its EV offerings, mirroring the relationship between the Chevrolet Bolt and the potential GMC Granite EV.
By leveraging the Ultium platform, the GMC Granite could benefit from advanced battery technology, efficient electric motors, and a range of innovative features. This would position it as a competitive and appealing option in the growing electric vehicle market. Additionally, the Granite’s design could be refined to incorporate elements that distinguish it from the Chevrolet Bolt, such as more premium materials, upscale features, and a more refined interior.
Ultimately, the decision to produce the GMC Granite as an all electric crossover SUV would depend on various factors, including market demand, production costs, and the brand’s electric vehicle strategy. However, the concept car’s initial reception and the potential benefits of the Ultium platform make it a promising candidate for a future electric vehicle offering from GMC.
