The U-platform (or U-body) 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. Minivans First generation Released in the fall of 1989 for the 1990 model year, the U platform (GMT199) utilized a galvanized steel space frame underneath composite plastic dent resistant panels similar to those used in Saturn models and the Pontiac Fiero. The vans feature unconventional styling, which some commenters likened it to a DustBuster vacuum cleaner. All models used a 120-hp, 3.1L V6 mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission. In 1992, the 3800 Series I V6 became available with a four speed automatic. Both were replaced by the LA1 3400 V6 in 1996. 1990–1996 The vehicles in this generation included: Chevrolet Lumina APV ("APV" was dropped from the model name in 1994) Oldsmobile Silhouette Pontiac Trans Sport In 1994, The Lumina and Trans Sport received a facelift, which shortened the nose and gave them a more conventional look. The Silhouette did not receive this update, however, and while it did receive a facelift in 1993, it was very minor with only the front bumper being slightly changed. The rest of the front end remained unchanged. International The Pontiac Trans Sport was sold in Europe as a rebadged Oldsmobile Silhouette with European safety specifications. 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. In 1994, when the Trans Sport was updated, the European version retained the original shape with a minor facelift, with the Oldsmobile Silhouette being sold as a badge-engineered Pontiac Trans Sport. 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. Second generation In 1996 (for the 1997 model year), 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