General Motors Corp. will discontinue its Quadrasteer 4-wheel steering technology as an option on fullsize pickups and SUVs by the end of the '05 model year, Ward's learns, and the feature will not appear on the next-generation GMT900 fullsize vehicles, which begin production next year.

Quadrasteer, developed by Delphi Corp., was an expensive option that was extremely popular with a small number of buyers but was not profitable.

The phaseout begins this spring with the GMC Yukon XL and Chevy Suburban three-quarter-ton SUVs, which will free up space at GM's Arlington, TX, assembly plant as it tools up for production of GMT900 vehicles.

GM also will drop Quadrasteer from its GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado half-ton extended-cab pickups and Sierra and Silverado heavy-duty crew cab pickups. GM purchased a fixed number of axles equipped with Quadrasteer. Once they are gone, GM will sell no more vehicles with the feature.

In 2004, GM sold a mere 5,502 vehicles equipped with Quadrasteer — most of them Sierra half-ton pickups, according to Ward's data.

Data indicates penetration rates for Quadrasteer on the Chevy and GMC vehicles were 0.9% in 2002, 2.1% in 2003 and 1.4% in 2004.

Web chat rooms make it evident Quadrasteer, which Delphi first delivered to GM in 2002, has established a cult-like following.

The technology, which provides compact car maneuverability in a fullsize pickup, is proving popular with owners because it takes the fear out of tight parking spots. It also is helpful for hauling trailers.

Within Delphi, Quadrasteer's future appears in question, although the supplier has attempted to sell the technology to other auto makers as well.