GM has been reluctant in the past to bring small vehicles it sells in Europe, Asia and Latin America to the U.S. market. But officials are not excluding the possibility after seeing big shifts in the United States, where demand for small vehicles has risen sharply. Over the past 15 years, automakers in Europe have developed a wide array of minivans, SUVs and other models on a compact scale. GM's Opel brand produces a compact minivan seating seven called the Zafira. The compact minivan segment accounts for nearly 10 percent of the European auto market. But analysts say the segment may have peaked, and they expect demand to grow faster for so-called 'light crossovers,' such as Nissan Motor Co.'s popular Qashqai, that combine minivan and SUV characteristics in a small package. 'That's where the European market is moving,' said Nigel Griffiths, a London-based analyst at forecasting firm Global Insight. He estimates European sales of light crossovers will jump to 750,000 units by 2011 from 150,000 last year as new models are introduced. GM said the Orlando 'carries Chevrolet's signature design language into a new vehicle segment. It explores the potential of combining the versatility attributes of a sport utility, a family van and a wagon in a single execution.' The five-door vehicle features three rows of seats in an interior that can also be turned into a cargo area. It will be fitted with Chevrolet's latest-generation 2.0-liter turbo diesel, delivering pep as well as fuel-efficiency. You can reach Christine Tierney at (313) 222-1463 or [email protected].