Cadillac, Chevy and Saab Models Delayed Until 2011

If you're still lusting after the beautiful Cadillac CTS Coupe that was unveiled at last year's North American International

Auto Show in Detroit, the one promised for 2010, you're going to have to wait another year. General Motors has chosen to push back the launch of this  vehicle until 2011, along with the revamped Saab 9-5 four- and  five-door models, the compact 9-4x crossover and Chevy's much talked  about Cruze. 

In North America the Cruze will replace the Chevy Cobalt, which is still selling very well, and while we'll wait until 2011 for the car our European friends will get it a year in advance. A critical vehicle for GM, especially now that the US market is turning away from midsize models and embracing compacts, the Cruze will be responsible for the lion's share of Chevrolet car sales.

While

news of a delay in the new CTS Coupe will be disappointing to many waiting for the car, as well as Cadillac's dealer body who will want the opportunity to drive traffic up in its stores, you've got to feel sorry for Saab. Although the 9-3 doesn't need a total makeover quite yet, the 9-5's recent mid-cycle upgrade was only cosmetic. It was effective in changing the look of the car front and back, but not a complete redesign in a market that is hotly contested. News of delays in this important car, which will be more than a decade old when the new version arrives, will have Saab dealers sobbing.

The 9-4x is a critically important vehicle for Saab as well. Unlike the 9-7x, a largish mid-size body-on-frame SUV based on the Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Yukon

architecture, which hasn't won over the average Saab owner with the same success that Volvo's XC90 has lured in the other Swedish brand's loyalists, the 9-4x is an ideal fit for the brand. Small, fuel efficient and green, it could be the vehicle to turn Saab's fortunes around, and any time delay will make life difficult for the near-luxury brand. Making matters worse, the 9-7x will cease production when GM's Moraine, Ohio production facility shutters on December 23 of this year.

And a little good news? Five-door fans will be glad to hear that Cadillac is pushing ahead with its CTS wagon that debuted at Pebble Beach. Why a wagon and not the coupe? This is a car that can open up global markets, whereas the coupe would see limited sales. The wagon continues forward with a 2009 launch scheduled.

Other good news in this announcement is that GM is taking the necessary steps to remain solvent. The decisions are difficult, but the end result should help turn the company around.