Dead: Chevy Blazer, Again
Once again, the Chevy Blazer is going to be axed from GM's lineup, at least if a recent report is to be believed. That's right, the little crossover that bore the name of an off-road legend, angering many gearheads, might already be heading for that garage in the sky.According to GM Authority, the gas-powered Chevy Blazer will be retired along with the Cadillac XT5 and XT6. All three use the same platform. In a move that's baffling many, reportedly the Chevy Blazer EV will continue to be made for this market at a time when electric vehicle popularity is dropping rapidly.
Just as weird is the fact this move leaves a gaping hole in GM's model lineup. The Blazer was the final ICE-powered two-row midsize crossover. Perhaps the automaker believes consumers will flock to EV options instead? If not, that lets the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, and others snatch up market share in that segment.
GM hasn't confirmed or denied the claim that the ICE-powered Chevy Blazer is being discontinued.
Supposedly, the GM Ramos Arizpe production facility in Mexico, which has been churning out Blazers as well as the XT5 and XT6, is being retooled to make only EVs. There are already some electric models rolling out the door there, including the Chevy Blazer EV, Equinox EV, and Cadillac Optiq.
As GM Authority points out, while excitement for the new Chevy Blazer was high after it launched in 2019, after 2020 sales have slid rapidly. That's likely factoring into GM's shifting strategy, although it doesn't explain why the automaker would completely abandon a popular and fairly profitable market segment, gas-powered midsize crossovers.
Apparently, the ICE Chevy Blazer's end of production only applies to North America. It's also made in China, although the crossover in that market is a little larger and has three rows of seats, so production will continue there.
Image via Chevrolet
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