Vehicle sales have come to a near standstill compared to their normal rates. However, the product cycle continues to move. Billions of dollars are tied up in plant retooling, worker training, and supplier materials.
With normal plant activity halted and auto shows cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, product debut and production timelines have shifted. Below are the vehicles that have had their product debuts pushed back due to the pandemic.
With the NYIAS slated to go on in late August and the Los Angeles Auto Show tipped for late November, it’s still possible that some of these debuts will take place on U.S. soil before the end of the year.
Cadillac Lyric
The Lyric is Cadillac’s new all-electric SUV. It was slated to be shown off in early April ahead of the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), ushering in the new era of General Motors electric vehicles. Read more about the Lyric here.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is ready for a redo. The new model, which was to have debuted in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in June is said to have three rows. The SUV will be built on Alfa Romeo’s rear-wheel drive Giorgio platform, which in 2017, was planned to be shared with Dodge and Maserati as well.
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna was supposed to be unveiled at NYIAS. No new date has been made public for when the new version of America’s beloved minivan will debut has been made public. Want to know what to expect from it? Take a close look at the 2020 Toyota Highlander, especially its powertrain options.
Nissan Rogue
As of last week, Nissan is still deciding on plans for the debut of the redesigned Rogue SUV after its NYIAS debut was scrapped. While the outside isn’t expected to be drastically different, there will be a complete interior redesign, including a fresh shifter. Nissan’s ProPilot Assist driver assistance technology and Safety Shield 360 safety technology will also likely come on the model.
Honda Odyssey
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Honda released a photo of the refreshed 2021 Odyssey before time was called on the NYIAS. The model has gotten the updates it needs to say competitive. Click here to read all about it.
Ram 1500 Rebel TRX
This Ram pickup is designed to be a Ford F-150 Raptor-fighter. It is slated to have impressive off-road prowess and plenty of power. Oh, and a fantastic interior. Rumor has it that this truck was supposed to be unveiled at NAIAS.
Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport
Ford was set to unveil the Bronco and Bronco Sport this spring. Now, the plans have been scuttled, but the thirst for everything Bronco hasn’t subsided. The automaker has endured (facilitated?) a series of leaks to keep the models front of mind. Word is that plans still aren’t solid on when the veil(s) will be lifted on the models, which were already slated to be in production by now..
Infiniti QX55
The Infiniti QX55 is the model that the automaker is relying on to spur brand enthusiasm ahead of the redesign of the QX60 and an infusion of electrification into the Infiniti lineup. It was supposed to debut at NYIAS and then go on sale later this year. The small SUV is designed to bring forward the Infiniti FX DNA that grew a legion of brand enthusiasts.
