The Canyon was co-developed with Isuzu and it and th D-Max are built on essentially the same platform. Isuzu was also 'in' on the technical development of the engines and, if I recall correctly, the 5spd transmission is an Isuzu unit. I remember reading something about that before either were released...but someone correct me [with facts] if I'm wrong.

No Thailand SUV, no surprise. I've seen that thing in person, and it's not suited to the US market: high ground clearance, decent a/d angles, a sweet turbo diesel engine, body-on-frame, skid plates, LSD, and many other 'functional' niceties those who actually USE their 4WDs can appreciate.

Perhaps if it was unibody, had a piggish V8, frequently broke u-joints, lacked underbody protection, came with a sluggish automatic and no LSD, but had fantastic cup holders and a DVD entertainment system, we'd see it in the US.

Them's the brakes.

But I can't see the news as all bad. One has to wonder: why does Isuzu even bother to keep a presence in the US with rebadged GM products unless there is some strategy?

Of course, it might just be a graceful exist strategy....who knows....or part of a back-room deal with GM: sell our trucks or we won't buy your engines...

BH