General Motors May Stop Making Astro, Safari Minivans

Bloomberg News reported General Motors Corp. may stop building the Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari minivans in 2003 because the biggest automaker is selling fewer of the vehicles. The minivans, which are sold in passenger and cargo versions, will be built at a Baltimore plant through the third quarter of 2003, spokesman Joe Jacuzzi said. The company hasn't decided if it will renew the vans then or even if it will make any new product at the factory, he said. Sales of the Astro and Safari fell 40 percent to 37,965 vehicles in this year's first five months from the same period of 2000. The rear-wheel-drive minivans are built on a truck chassis. Vans and sport-utility vehicles that use car chassis have become more popular with consumers, who want a smoother ride. Automotive News reported the Detroit-based automaker's plans for the Astro and Safari earlier today.