GM M platform
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| M-body | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors/Suzuki |
| Production | 1985—2001 |
| Assembly | Hamamatsu, Japan Ingersoll, Ontario |
| Class | Subcompact car |
| Body style(s) | 2-door coupé 4-door sedan 4-door hatchback |
| Engine(s) | 1.0 L G10 I3 |
| Vehicles | Suzuki Swift Chevrolet Sprint Pontiac Firefly Chevrolet/Geo Metro Holden Barina |
The GM M platform was the designation used by General Motors to refer to its line of captive import subcompacts that first appeared in showrooms in 1985.
The platform was originally designed by Suzuki for their 1985 Swift, and adopted by Chevrolet with the introduction of the Sprint. The first iteration of this design was developed totally by Suzuki in the early 1980s. The second and third generations of this platform, first appearing in 1989 and 1995 respectively, were designed at GM's Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, while the engines and drivetrains were again left to Suzuki. From 1985 through 1989, all models were imported from Suzuki's facilities in Japan. In 1990, all North American M-cars were produced at CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario with the exception of convertible body styles and turbocharged models imported from Japan.
The following vehicles used this platform:
| Years | Model |
|---|---|
| 1985-2001 | Suzuki Swift |
| 1985-1988 | Chevrolet Sprint |
| 1985-2001 | Pontiac Firefly |
| 1989-1997 | Geo Metro |
| 1998-2001 | Chevrolet Metro |
| 1988–1994 | Holden Barina |
Note: Geo did not appear in Canada until 1992. Canada's Sprint model ran through 1991.
GM also used a different M platform for its rear-wheel drive minivans, the Chevrolet Astro and the GMC Safari.
