GMC Mulls Jeep-Like SUV

General Motors Co.’s GMC unit is taking a new look at developing a rugged SUV to combat the next-generation Jeep Wrangler.

The new vehicle would share a body-on-frame platform with the GMC Canyon/Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickups, Automotive News reports. The newspaper, which doesn’t cite its sources, describes the vehicle as being in the early planning stages.

The Jeep-fighter likely would be part of a new wave of products GMC plans to launch early next decade. Duncan Aldred, who heads the truck brand and GM’s Buick unit, tells AN that GMC is well positioned to provide a “really good alternative to Jeep products.”

But for now, Aldred says the focus will be on marketing efforts such as further enhancing the high-end Denali nameplate. Denali has been one of GMC's few bright spots for the brand's overall sales in the U.S., which fell 4% year-over-year through the first half of 2016.

Previous reports suggested GM is still evaluating the appeal of a Hummer-type SUV modeled after the eight-year-old Hx concept vehicle. Late last year Aldred also was said to have been pushing for GMC to add a subcompact crossover/SUV to help grow sales.