India-bound Chevrolet Trailblazer enters production in Thailand

09/06/2012 - 20:30 | ,   | Kaustubh Shinde

Chevrolet Trailblazer production begins in ThailandLast time we met GM India’s CEO Mr Lowell Paddock at the Chevrolet Tavera Neo3 introduction, he sounded optimistic about the Trailblazer and didn't want to slip up the opportunity to join the race Toyota's Fortuner started in India.

It is then safe to conclude that GM India is 'keen' to bring the Trailblazer to India. Hence, we have been tracking this SUV since its official unveiling prior to the Bangkok Motorshow.

News comes in today from Thailand that the Trailblazer has hit the production line in General Motors' Rayong plant.

The Trailblazer, unlike the Captiva which is a monocoque, is based on GM’s new global body-on-frame midsize truck architecture. The Trailblazer will be powered by either of these two turbo-diesel engines

  • A 2.5-litre mill with 150PS of power and 350Nm of torque
  • A 2.8-litre mill with 180PS of power and 470Nm of torque

The engine will come mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. A host of safety features also trickle in to the SUV including Hill Descent Control, Panic Brake Assist, Dynamic Rear Braking Proportioning, Engine Drag Control, Traction Control, ESC and ABS with EBD.

See more images of the Chevrolet Trailblazer

On this momentous occasion, Thailand and Southeast Asia General Motors president, Martin Apfel mentioned that the Trailblazer will be built in Thailand for Thailand, and soon also make its way into markets around the world.

So when is the Chevrolet Trailblazer coming to India?

Chevrolet TrailblazerThe pickup truck-based SUV is definitely India-bound but it is not coming anytime soon. GM India has already revealed all the products that it intends to launch this year. The list include the updated Cruze and Captiva, Sail Twins and a MPV from the SAIC venture. General Motors is likely to add a smaller MPV to the portfolio next year and could build a pickup based on one of the Chinese models' underpinning.

So then the Trailblazer is at least a couple of years away from its India launch. No matter when it breaks cover, it is a fantastic alternative to the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Until that happens, we will keep you updated on the Trailblazer, so keep checking IndianAutosBlog.com.

You might also like