General Motors showed us a concept version of its mid-size unibody truck when it introduced the GMC Denali XT at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. The goal: to deliver a front-wheel drive pickup with light hauling capabilities and a car-like ride. The reality: GM found that the vehicle would deliver only minimal fuel savings, and that its price tag would come close to the cost of a full-size truck. That scenario might have worked five years ago, but had little chance of flying in today's economy, so the project has been scrapped.
We'll probably eventually see some new ute-like vehicles on American soil. The Pontiac G8 looked promising, but was shelved even before the brand was discontinued. When (if) the timing is right, GM will possibly drag out its plans for both vehicles and put them to use to implement a workable project.