Spy photographers recently snapped the first photos of the electric Cadillac Escalade IQ, but General Motors has announced plans to offer a new-generation of full-size SUVs with internal combustion engines.
As part of this effort, the automaker will invest more than $500 (£398 / €463) million into Arlington Assembly to “prepare the plant for production of future internal combustion engine (ICE) full-size SUVs, subject to successful discussions with local government officials.” The company wasn’t ready to talk about timing or product details, but said the funds will be used for new tooling as well as new equipment in stamping, body shop and general assembly areas.
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GM’s Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Sustainability said the move will “strengthen” their “industry-leading full-size SUV business.” Gerald Johnson added, “Preparing the plant to produce future ICE full-size SUVs reflects our commitment to our valued customers and the efforts of the dedicated Arlington Assembly employees, who have been breaking production records this year.”
While the automaker is keeping details under wraps, the Texas plant currently builds the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade-V. However, it’s likely the ICE-powered Escalades will be dropped as the brand is going electric-only and won’t have any ICE-powered models by 2030. Cadillac officials have also said they won’t be introducing any all-new ICE vehicle.
As for the next-generation of full-size SUVs from Chevrolet and GMC, little is known about them as attention has been focused on the facelifted variants that are expected to debut later this year.
