Canadian Built Chevy Equinox Rolls Off Ingersoll Line

Chevy Says Equinox Will be the New Benchmark for Compact SUVs

Chevy is upping the ante in the compact SUV segment with its all-new 2005 Equinox, and it looks to be a strong player. The Equinox will replace the Suzuki Grand Vitara cloned Tracker.

"With the recent rebirth at Chevrolet, and its first crossover SUV, the Equinox is symbolic of good things that are happening at Chevrolet, stated Michael Grimaldi, President, General Motors of Canada, where the new SUV will be built. "This new Equinox is going to hit a real sweet spot in the market with the right fit, the right form, the right functions, and the right price."

With the first examples recently rolling off of the CAMI assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, it shouldnt be too long before the new model arrives at dealerships across North America.

And it couldnt happen soon enough. The Tracker has been long needing a replacement, with competitors from Ford, Honda, Jeep, Mazda, Suzuki, Toyota, and recently Mitsubishi, all competing for the same customer. The compact SUV market is heating up even further with the upcoming Hyundai Tucson as well.

No doubt the Equinox will need to be good to get its share of the pie. That said if it lives up to GMs claims, of "benchmarks in quality and innovation for the compact SUV segment" then it should experience strong sales.

"With the strength of Chevrolet, GM Canadas Regional Engineering Centre leading the vehicle engineering, and the highly regarded manufacturing capability of the CAMI assembly plant and its CAW members, the all-new Equinox is destined for success."

On the subject Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) president, Buzz Hargrove commented, "With the commitment and skills from the CAW members and CAMI workforce, the CAMI assembly plant will compete well with excellence and quality in manufacturing. The Equinox demonstrates what working together to build a high quality vehicle can achieve."

On how the new Equinox affects the Ingersoll area, Joseph Cordiano, Minister of Economic Development and Trade stated, "Product investments like the Equinox are significant for the continued growth and success of Ontario." He added, "The automotive industry is a strategic sector for Ontario and we will continue to work in partnership and cooperation with General Motors and the automotive industry to strengthen Ontarios economic prosperity."