page_title: GM U platform
section_title: 2nd Generation
hierarchical_section_title: GM U platform / Minivans / 2nd Generation
caption_attribution_description: English: 1996-97 (P) Vauxhall Sintra CD
context_page_description: The U-platform is a front wheel drive minivan and crossover SUV platform from General Motors produced since 1990. North American sales ended in 2009, but Chinese production continues. The minivans were divided into three generations, 1990–1996, 1997–2005 and 2005-current. The U-body was also used for General Motors' first generation crossovers from 2001-2005.
  Keeping with its EPA designation as a light truck, the fifth character in the VIN for a U-body is "U", instead of the fourth, as is standard for cars.
context_section_description: In 1997 the second U-body (platform) minivans arrived, also known as the GMT200.The new minivans were of unibody steel construction and the styling was intentionally conventional to such an extent that contemporary reviewers remarked that without looking closely at the badging and grille treatments, these minivans could be mistaken for their primary competitors, the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, which at the time commanded a 50% share of the minivan market.
  Production of this generation was performed at GM's Doraville, Georgia facility, and later at GM Shanghai.
caption: 1996-1997 Vauxhall Sintra
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