The U-platform (or U-body) is a front wheel drive minivan and crossover SUV platform from General Motors produced since 1990.
Confusingly, GM also used the "U-body" (or "U-car") designation in the mid 1970s for its mid-sized European models - principally the Opel Ascona and Vauxhall Cavalier.
The vehicles in this generation included: In 1994, The Lumina and Trans Sport received a facelift, which shortened the nose and gave them a more conventional look.
European customers had grown accustomed to sleek minivans, thanks to vehicles such as the Renault Espace, and did not object to the Trans Sport's futuristic styling.
The European Trans Sport was also available with two options that were never offered on a North American specification U-body: A four-cylinder engine (the LD2 Quad 4) and a 5-speed manual transmission.
The vehicles in this generation include: In 2010, Shanghai GM introduced a new version (SGM258) of the Buick GL8 called GL8 Luxury Business Edition.
In 2001 General Motors decided to produce its first entry into the Crossover SUV category using a shortened U-body platform.