Straightline
GMC
June 30, 2009
The General Motors bankruptcy proceedings are wrapping up today and the judge is expected to let this one sail through much like Chyrsler's reorganization. GM will be split into an "old" company saddled with all the problems, and a "new" GM that will emerge with few brands and none of the legacy issues that have plagued the company for decades.
Sounds great right? Well, maybe not. Bill Visnic of AutoObserver breaks down what's left of the "good" GM and doesn't find much to get excited about. Although Chevrolet looks like it can become a strong brand, Buick and GMC are big question marks. Even Cadillac has a tough road ahead gives its limited lineup and dependence on large cars and SUVs. Kind of makes you wonder if this whole government sponsored bankruptcy thing is really doing us any favors.
AutoObserver: "Good" GM: Maybe Not All That Good
June 29, 2009
While JD Power is busy counting problems with vehicles, a company called Strategic Vision says it surveys owners on the totality of their experience in the first year or two of ownership -- both the good and the bad. Hence, the 2009 "Total Quality" Awards.
"The Total Quality Index was calculated from 20,101 buyers who bought 2008 & 2009 models in September to December of 2008," says the company in a press release.
Strategic Vision says that Mini, ranked last by JD Power for Initial Quality in 2009, was the top-rated brand in its survey. Alas, there's no mention of the brand whose owners are least enthusiastic.
The company has also announced winners in 17 vehicle categories listed after the jump.
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Erin Riches June 29, 2009, 6:48 PM
- Categories: Automaker Feedback, GMC, MINI, Pontiac
June 26, 2009
General Motors has announced that it will close its Shreveport, Louisiana plant by 2012. The plant currently builds the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon pickups along with the Hummer H3 SUV which utilizes the same platform.
When a deal was announced to sell Hummer to China's Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co., Ltd., it appeared as though GM would continue to supply the H3 to the new owners. Now reports out of China are questioning whether the deal will go through as the Chinese government is not thrilled with the idea of a small private company dipping its hand into the production of Hummer-badged vehicles.
AutoObserver: GM To Close Louisiana Truck Plant
June 25, 2009
Say what you will about the late Michael Jackson's career, personal life and general oddness, but the guy actually bought a few cool cars in his day. From his 500-hp tour bus to a blacked-out full-size GMC Jimmy, he occasionally showed flashes of taste.
Most of the collection was scheduled to be auctioned off a couple months ago, but the king of pop had second thoughts and canceled it at the last minute. Looks like that auction might be back on again.
AutoTraderUK: Michael Jackson's Car Collection Slide Show
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig June 25, 2009, 3:54 PM
- Categories: Celebrities, GMC
GMC has just announced that the 2010 Terrain crossover, the mechanical twin of the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, will start at $24,995, $1,810 more than Chevy.
That $25K will get you a four-cylinder, front-drive version of the mid-size crossover that posts the same 32 mpg highway fuel economy figure as the Equinox. Predictably, the price bump compared to the Chevy is in part justified by the Terrain's longer list of standard equipment, including a rear-view camera and a six-speaker audio system with USB connectivity. GMC throws in the Professional Grade for no extra cost.
Add another $1,750 to the pot and GMC will fit your four-cylinder Terrain with an all-wheel-drive system. The full-boat SLT2 version with power liftgate, sunroof and a whole mess o' chrome starts at $29,995, but that's still with the four cylinder.
The 3.0-liter direct-injection V6 will run you an extra $1,500. And, because this is GM we're talking about here, chrome wheels are available. The 19-inchers will cost an additional $900. The Terrain goes on sale in September.
Read Inside Line's First Drive of the functionally identical 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund June 25, 2009, 8:31 AM
- Categories: Crossovers, GMC
June 17, 2009
In a webchat yesterday with journalists, GM's CEO Fritz Henderson said he's not a fan of badge engineering, the practice of creating new models by simply changing the name and styling of a current vehicle.
Odd then that he sees a bright future for GMC, a division that is made up entirely of badge-engineered Chevrolets. According to Henderson, the upcoming GMC Terrain is an example of badge engineering done right as it's sufficiently differentiated from the Chevrolet Equionox.
Well, Fritz may be right that the Terrain doesn't necessarily look like the Equinox, but that doesn't change the fact that it will still compete against its Chevrolet counterpart. They're both the same size and feature the exact same drivetrains. Sure, not every town has both a Chevrolet and a GMC dealer, but isn't GM supposed to be doing things differently now?
AutoObserver: GM CEO Henderson on Dealers, Clunkers, Exec Compensation and More
May 18, 2009
Several new Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen photos are floating around on the web. Only this one involves the cars in any significant way. And would you look at that? Only one model name stands out in this photo.
Even if you never get to get to drive this series hybrid, you will remember its name.
The Cinema Post
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- Posted by: Erin Riches May 18, 2009, 4:37 PM
- Categories: Celebrities, Chevrolet, GMC
May 6, 2009
GM Vice Chairman Tom Stephens used the company's Fastlane blog to reassure hybrid fans that a plug-in hybrid is still in the works. Originally planned for the Saturn Vue, GM's plug-in system is currently being adapted to another similarly-sized vehicle. Looking at GM's new "core" brands, that means either the Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain.
Inside Line News: GM Confirms It Is Prepping a Second Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig May 6, 2009, 8:52 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Crossovers, Future Vehicles, GMC, General Motors, Green Tech, Hybrids, SUVs, Saturn
April 16, 2009
After Bloomberg broke a story this morning suggesting that GM would rid itself of both GMC and Pontiac to avoid bankruptcy, the General's PR team went into full react mode. The result is a follow up piece by Automotive News that refutes Bloomberg's anonymously-sourced report.
Sales chief Mark LeNeve told the industry trade paper that reports that,"GMC is going away are just unfounded, unsubstantiated and untrue."
He went on to say that GMC is profitable and General Motors is working on plans to make it even more profitable in the future. He also refuted the rumor that dealer franchise agreements would be terminated to accelerate dealership consolidation.
Automotive News: GM to Keep GMC, Pontiac; no plans to quicken dealer consolidation
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig April 16, 2009, 2:59 PM
- Categories: GMC, General Motors, Pontiac
According to a report by Bloomberg this morning, General Motors may drop GMC and Pontiac in a bid to shed more weight in its latest restructuring plan. Bloomberg cites unnamed sources in the report who also say that GMC has a slightly better chance of surviving than Pontiac. There is no mention of what might happen to either brand if GM does in fact decide to cut them loose.
Bloomberg
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig April 16, 2009, 6:51 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, GMC, General Motors, Pontiac
April 9, 2009
#NYIAS We have always thought that the standard GMC Yukon Hybrid was a little down market. Sure it carries a base price of nearly $51,000, but for that price you only get so much chrome for your dollar.
Thankfully, this year's New York auto show saw the introduction of the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid. For a mere $59,185, you can ride high on chrome 22s and in ventilated leather seats while showing your commitment to conserving our natural resources. Now that's professional grade. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
Inside Line News: 2009 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid
April 8, 2009
#NYIAS Will GMC survive the General Motors gutting by the government? Who knows, but in the meantime it will carry on with the new 2010 GMC Terrain starting this summer.
A somewhat large compact SUV, the five-passenger Terrain benefits from the efficiency of GM's new direct-injection 2.4-liter engine. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Terrain is said to deliver 30 mpg. So if you don't want to drive a Camry or even a Malibu, but still need decent mileage on your commute, here's an SUV alternative.
Then again, if you want an SUV with guts, there's a "professional grade" V6 with 264 hp. And given the Terrain's size, that's probably the one worth having anyway. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor
Full Story: 2010 GMC Terrain
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig April 8, 2009, 12:18 PM
- Categories: GMC, New York Auto Show, SUVs
April 4, 2009
This is professional-grade styling taken to the extreme, or at least taken to the point of not looking anything like its Chevrolet counterpart. The 2010 GMC Terrain is the functional equivalent of the Chevrolet Equinox, but a few extra standard features and a more recognizable exterior should help it stand out a little as it tries to compete with the likes of the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano.
2009 New York Auto Show: 2010 GMC Terrain
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig April 4, 2009, 11:05 PM
- Categories: GMC, New York Auto Show, SUVs
March 13, 2009
Parade floats? UItility poles? Motor homes? Nope, nothing can stop this GMC Sierra.
Bonus Heather Thomas video after the jump.
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Scott Oldham March 13, 2009, 1:35 PM
- Categories: Classic Cars, GMC, General Motors, Trucks
March 10, 2009
GM is looking to conserve cash any way it can, so programs that might not be considered "core" projects are getting pushed aside. The latest casualty is the 4.5-liter Duramax V8, a light-duty diesel engine that was originally scheduled to become an option in the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks.
According to Automotive News, the program has been put on hold indefinitely. "We have to make tough decisions right now," said GM Powertrain spokeswoman Susan Garavaglia.
The innovative engine design was hailed as a breakthrough when it was unveiled last year. "By using integral cylinder head exhaust manifolds, integral cam cover intake manifolds and a narrow cylinder block, designers saved space and reduced the engine's weight," said Gary Arvan, chief engineer for the 4.5-liter V8 diesel at the engine's introduction.
Automotive News
January 6, 2009
You've probably seen it a hundred times in the last year. Some talking head on TV saying that if automakers only made more fuel efficient cars, the public would buy them. Really? The 2008 sales numbers are in, and the draw of fuel efficiency doesn't seem to be holding up in the face of lower gas prices.
Our own Green Car Advisor, John O'Dell, looked through the final sales numbers for hybrids in 2008 and it was clear that their green sheen had definitely worn thin.
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig January 6, 2009, 4:16 PM
- Categories: Ford, GMC, General Motors, Green Tech, Hybrids, Lexus, Nissan, Saturn, Toyota, Trends
December 26, 2008
Is this truck another case of "too little, too late?" The current Colorado I-5 engine okay, but it's nothing to get your blood boiling; worse still, power-hungry small truck customers felt the same way, and have stayed away from Chevy (and GMC) dealers in droves. Shouldn't this V8-powered version debuted when this current generation Colorado was announced a few years ago?
When it was announced that the Hummer H3 was getting a 5.3L V8 option, it was also (unofficially) confirmed that the Colorado would also get that engine. No one, however, figured on the financial industry collapse, and the resulting domino effect it would have on the auto and other industries. So will this be a savior for this truck line, or just another example of a great idea coupled to miserable timing?
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 26, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, HUMMER, Trucks
November 27, 2008
Everyone knows GM and Ford have too many models, too many brands, too many dealers, too many of just about everything and anything one can think of. So might this financial mess be a blessing in disguise? Might this be just the impetius for the General and Ford to do what just about everyone thinks should be done: Shed--not just some of their excess models--but instead shed some of their excess brands?
AutoObserver seems to think that this could be in the cards, as the market just can't support so many redundant brands. Put them out of their misery. Make them extinct, just like the Woolly Mammoth and countless other critters that have ceased to have a reason to exist.
At GM, Pontiac, Buick, Saturn, GMC and Saab certainly all fall into that category. Might we see a lean and mean General Motors consisting of just Chevrolet and Cadillac, with maybe leaving Buick strictly for China?
And Ford? Might this be the time to cut Mercury; and maybe even cut Lincoln loose, by replacing it with Volvo?
If GM and Ford are going to do this, now is the best time to do so.
COMMENTARY: For Bailout Blueprint, GM, Ford Might Finally Burn Rubber on Underperforming Brands
Related story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 27, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, General Motors, Lincoln, Mercury, Saab, Saturn, Volvo
November 19, 2008
The 2009 Silverado Hybrid 2WD starts at $38,995, including a $975 destination charge, while the 2009 Sierra Hybrid 2WD starts at $39,365, including shipping.
Four-wheel-drive versions of the hybrid trucks are even more dear. The 2009 Silverado Hybrid 4WD ranges in price from $42,145 for the base model to $48,280 for the top trim level model. Prices include destination.
The 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid 4WD ranges in price from $42,515 to $48,650 for the up-level model. Prices include destination.
Think the General can pull his off? That's bunch of money--especially in this economy from a company in trouble.
Here's Inside Line's take: GM Announces Pricing on 2009 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Hybrids
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 19, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, Trucks
October 28, 2008
Yesterday Inside Line and Straightline reported that the nex-gen full-size SUV from the General had been canceled. The news originated from a story first published in The New York Times. It turns out this may not be entirely accurate (surprise!).
Now Green Car Advisor has a follow-up story on this, and it sounds like GM will offer "something" in the future that will address the needs of full-size SUV owners.
GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson wouldn't say whether or not they [full-size SUVs] will stay in production until 2011 as originally planned. For competitive reasons, he said, GM doesn't like "to give numbers."
But "we don't think the full-size truck market is going to go away. We think it'll get smaller and probably more focused on people who really need the capability of a truck, but we don't expect it to go away. Certainly as long as there's a market for those vehicles, we don't see that market going away."
My guess? I suspect that the Suburban, Tahoe, etc. will drop the BOF construction, and will adopt a HD unit body construction of some sort. It will likely be a frame-reenforced unit body, much like what the Jeep Cherokee and others have used for years, but taken to a new level of strength capability. It would not surprise me if they take the Traverse/Acadia/Outlook/Enclave platform and just reenforce it as needed in order to get the towing capability up where it needs to be. I think that would be the most cost-effective way of meeting this objective, especially since the market for these vehicles will likely be much smaller than it has been in the past.
GM Says Full-Size SUVs, Its Most Profitable Products Ever, Aren't Going Away
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 28, 2008, 8:01 AM
- Categories: Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors
October 27, 2008
Inside Line has learned that GM has canceled plans for the next generation full-size SUVs. That means the Suburban, and its siblings will be no more. The replacements were scheduled to arrive in 2011, as 2012 models. There is no word yet as to how long the current models will remain in production.
WOW! Think about that. The Chevy Suburban has been around since 1936. Even with this news, I can't imagine that the GMC Acadia and its cousins will be up to the task of heavy towing that many of the full-size buyers require. Might there be a HD Acadia, et al., in the works?
So does anyone have still have any doubt about how bad the auto industry is, and just how precarious the future of this business is?
GM Kills Next-Generation Tahoe and Suburban
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 27, 2008, 8:11 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, SUVs
October 6, 2008
Merry Christmas. Production of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Saab 9-7X will end December 23, as GM will shutting down their Moraine, Ohio plant. Sales of these vehicle have tanked, as have most SUVs. The good news is that the Chevy Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave have been hits in this tough segment.
Actually this is not a surprise, at least the ending of production of these vehicles, that is. I what will miss is that, with the exception of the Hummer H3, GM will no longer offer an off-road capable SUV in the mid-size segment--and who knows how long the Hummer will be around.
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: GM to Close Ohio SUV Plant in December
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 6, 2008, 7:11 AM
- Categories: Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, SUVs, Saab, Saturn
September 27, 2008
Last week rumors were out there about Isuzu possibly taking over the medium-duty truck operations from the General (GM talking to Isuzu about selling medium-duty truck division?). Now there is word that Isuzu is not interested.
So, that makes it two strikes against GM, as both Navistar and Isuzu have rejected the idea. I would think this no-go by Isuzu is especially tough, as both companies have had a long-standing relationship, especially in the commercial truck market segment.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 27, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, Isuzu, Trucks
September 23, 2008
It's getting near crunch time folks, and polls show that there are still a lot of people on the fence in terms of they're going to vote for. ...And if you happen to be one of those straddling that fence, would knowing that McCain has a bunch of cars in his garage sway your vote?
Here's Inside Line's take: John McCain, Car Buff? Candidate Reportedly Owns 13 Cars
Also, it seems the fact that McCain owns a few non-American nameplates has gotten UAW leader Ron Gettelfinger fit to be tied.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 23, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Cadillac, Ford, GMC, Jeep, Lexus, Lincoln, Toyota
September 20, 2008
It looks like GM and Isuzu may be in talks about the General selling its medium/heavy-duty line up to the Japanese firm; at least this is the latest rumor that is circulating. This is after the deal with International fell through last month (Navistar backs out of GM medium-duty truck deal).
So far the only comment has come from Isuzu, in which they state that they know nothing about this. Isuzu spokeswoman Yukiko Okazaki said GM had not contacted the company about such a deal. "We will begin studying an offer if we receive one," she said
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 20, 2008, 10:04 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, Isuzu, Trucks
August 21, 2008
It looks like Navistar, maker of International trucks, has had second thoughts about acquiring the General's medium- heavy-duty truck operations. They apparently had a non-binding letter of agreement with a time limit which has expired.
"Significant marketplace and economic changes" are to blame, so say GM and Navistar.
Frankly I thought it was was an odd fit from the get-go, as the GM trucks would compete head-to-head with those trucks from International. Then again, Freightliner did okay when they took over Ford's heavy-duty trucks, and re-badged them as Sterling trucks.
Full story here, here and here.
Here's AutoObserver's take: GM: Selling Assets to Raise Cash May Prove Tough
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 21, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, Trucks
August 13, 2008
No doubt we can add Ford, Toyota and Nissan to this list too; but for now we have news on what GM and Dodge are up to.
GM
First off, beside offering hybrid pickups, GM will offering a high-mileage versions of the 2WD 1/2-tons. Known as "XFE" models (as in eXtra Fuel Economy), these are vehicles using well proven technology, as they employ lots of gears (6) and a tall 3.08 rear axle ratio. The 5.3L V8 as also been tweaked somewhat.
On the hybrid front, word has it that these models have been pushed back to the first half of next year for release.
Full story here and here.
Here's Inside Line's take: GM Announces New Extra Fuel Economy Large Trucks, SUVs
Dodge
For Dodge it's a good-news-bad-news situation. The good news is that they have priced the '09 Ram lower than the '08 model, and have given it more standard features than a comparable '08 model.
The bad news is that they have priced the '09 Ram lower than the '08
model, and have given it more standard features than a comparable '08
model. That mean any remaining '08s on dealer lots are going to be hard to move once the '09 models start arriving.
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: Priced: 2009 Dodge Ram
Here's AutoObserver's take: 2009 Dodge Ram: Priced Less than '08 Ram - On Paper
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 13, 2008, 8:20 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, General Motors, Nissan, Toyota, Trucks
July 16, 2008
No sooner had GM CEO Rick Wagoner delivered the sobering news regarding GM cuts, Bob Lutz was right there to confirm that there is a lot of life left in what we can expect from the General in terms of future products. More to the point, the recently rumored cutting of brands was not a part of the discussion. Nope, all the current brands are to remain in place according to Lutz.
The biggest change that we can expect is that products from GM (and other vehicle makers too) will have a decidedly European/international flavor to them. That means less trucks--and the trucks that do remain will be smaller and more efficient. Expect more smaller cars and fewer cars with big V8s. No longer will the American car market be different from that of Europe and elsewhere.
"This is a difficult transition but once the transition is made, it's going to ease our problem of no longer having to produce unique vehicles for the American market," Lutz said. "In the future, anything we create worldwide is available to use to either import or produce in the U.S."
For a quick glance as to what's in store, check out AutoObserver's editorial:
GM: Remapping for a More Euro-Style Vehicle Landscape
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 16, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, HUMMER, Saturn
July 9, 2008
With the super-high diesel prices, customers of diesel pickups are turning their backs on them. Instead they are going back to gas-powered versions.
Diesel's have consistently run at 70 percent or better, for General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC. It was even better at Chrysler, as they sold close to 90 percent diesels for the Ram Heavy Duty.
Not so any more, as in May, the percent of Ford Super Duty Pickups diesels dropped to 51 percent. That time last year, the Super Duty diesels were selling at 71 percent.
From January-to-May Chrysler's Ram, diesel-engine share reached a high point of 88 percent in 2006, and was 87 percent in 2007. Now for the same period this year, diesel-engine sales for Ram Heavy Duty are down to 82 percent, while overall Ram Heavy Duty sales are off by 38 percent.
Here's AutoObserver's take: Buyers of Heavy-Duty Pickups Turning Their Backs on Diesel
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 9, 2008, 6:53 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Diesels, Dodge, Ford, GMC, General Motors, Trucks
July 1, 2008
A bit over a week ago Staightline reported, via InsideGMNews.com, that GMC may be heading to the slaughter house (New rumors of a GM division axing). Now that same site is reporting that the next-gen Acadia may be canceled, as well as a GMC-badged pickup based on that platform, thus giving more credence that the GMC brand may be on the way out. Also being reported here that Pontiac too may be axed.
Now before any panic sets in here, remember that these are just rumors at this point...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 1, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: GMC, General Motors, Pontiac, SUVs, Trucks
June 21, 2008
The dramatic shift in consumer vehicle preferences have renewed rumors of a possible GM division being disbanded. This time, however, the smart money is saying that GMC could be the victim. Why GMC? Well GMC is all about trucks, and that's the market that's dying...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 21, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, GMC, General Motors, Pontiac, Trends
June 19, 2008
Amid the huge and swift market shift in vehicles, as well as the uncertainty of future government fuel regulations, GM has decided to push back their next generation of fullsize trucks and SUVs. Instead, GM will redeploy those involved on those projects to other more immediate needs such as providing engineering expertise on smaller vehicles which are in such high demand.
GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson states: "We're going to focus on improving the current trucks until we see where the market goes."
Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP adds: "By delaying, you're making more people available and now to these people will be working on more strategic programs." He goes on to say: "This is being done to better use their resources in this time between now and CAFE."
Full story here.
Here's AutoObserver's take: GM: Future Product Plan Under Review
June 2, 2008
Several weeks ago I posted news that GM is considering going to unibody construction for their next generation of SUVs (GM may shift full-size SUVs to unit-body construction). Now AutoObserver has more on that—and that it may also include pickups as well.
"The unibody vehicles are where you're going to have to make your money," says Michael Robinet, Vice President, Global Forecast Services CSM Worldwide of the big-volume era of body-on-frame pickups and SUVs. "Those days are finished."
This marks a sea change in thinking when it comes to light truck construction for GM, and for the rest of the SUV and truck makers as well...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 2, 2008, 5:57 AM
- Categories: Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, SUVs, Trends, Trucks
April 29, 2008
While Honda and others are reaping the benefits from selling loads of smaller cars, the makers of big trucks an SUVs are taking it it on the chin. In it's latest move GM will cutting one shift in all four of their factories that make full-size pickups and SUVs. The cuts will occur at Pontiac, Flint, MI; Janesville, Wis; and Oshawa, Ontario.
States GM North America President Troy Clarke: “With rising fuel prices, a softening economy and a downward trend on current and future market demand for full-sized trucks, a significant adjustment was needed to align our production with market realities.”
Full story here and here...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 29, 2008, 7:42 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, General Motors, Honda, SUVs, Toyota, Trends, Trucks
April 10, 2008
Checking in on Peter De Lorenzo over at AutoExtremist.com, and as usual, he has some interesting if not thought-provoking ideas. This time it's a "What if" scenario for a future GM, and this of course, is in a perfect world. By that I mean if franchise laws, etc., could be resolved to make this work.
Here's the short story version: The only divisions that would exist here would be Chevrolet, Cadillac and Hummer...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 10, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, HUMMER, Saab, Saturn
March 10, 2008
We've done something a little unorthodox. Instead of comparing direct competitors, we put different types of vehicles together to find the best family car...
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa March 10, 2008, 5:43 PM
- Categories: GMC, Honda, Minivans, SUVs, Toyota
February 28, 2008
GM had to shut their Pontiac, MI truck assembly plant due to the strike at American Axle. The plant builds full-size SUVs and pickup for Chevy and GMC.
Not only is the strike hurting GM, but it could soon affect Chrysler as well, as they also supply parts for Dodge trucks.
“It is unfortunate that a market-competitive labor agreement for American Axle’s original U.S...
Continue reading...
February 7, 2008
The prospect for actually selling any of these is anybody's guess. If the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid follows the example of GM's hybrid SUVs and is $6 or $7 grand more than the conventional truck, we're not seeing much hope.
The truck buyers who are really serious about fuel economy spend their $6,000 to buy the Duramax diesel. It's an investment in a known quantity...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Kelly Toepke February 7, 2008, 10:55 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, GMC, Trucks
February 6, 2008
So you're GMC. You're selling somewhere around 450,000 professional-grade products (read: trucks) a year. You are the second-best-selling brand in all of General Motors. You're selling like 7,000 Acadias per month...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 6, 2008, 1:47 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, GMC
February 4, 2008
GMC will be showing this flex-fuel, 2-mode hybrid 4.9L V8 pickup concept at the Chicago auto show.
As we all know SUVs have been getting serious makeover in that many (most!) are now adapting many car-like engineering features (IRS, etc.), and now we're starting to see this occurring also on pickups. Well, concept pickups that is—but, if you read between the lines here, you just know it won't be too long before some of these ideas will hit the showroom. In fact one already has: the Honda Ridgeline—and I expect more to follow...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland February 4, 2008, 5:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Chicago Auto Show, GMC, Trucks
February 1, 2008
The best part about the Big Game when your team is not involved (um, go Eagles?) are the commercials.
Those 30-second spots that are usually your chance to run to the bathroom or throw some nachos into the microwave, morph into multi-million dollar mini movies. And the car companies compete every year in hopes that theirs will be the one that everyone is talking about the next day.
This year expect masterpieces from Audi, Cadillac, Ford, GMC, Hyundai and Toyota...
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa February 1, 2008, 11:10 AM
- Categories: Audi, Auto Industry, Cadillac, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Toyota
January 23, 2008
Not sure if this image is the real deal or just a Photoshop effort, but either way, it gives you a pretty good idea as to what to expect. It's a Holden Crewman Ute, that has been GMC-ized. The concept will be on display at the New York Auto Show, so says GM's Bob Lutz.
“It is very tough looking, with a sport-utility look that is very low, very aggressive looking, a blend between a sport utility and the classic Australian four-door Ute,” states Lutz...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 23, 2008, 5:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, GMC, New York Auto Show, Trucks
January 8, 2008
On the outside, this GMC Acadia looks like a normal SUV. Inside, it’s a technology powerhouse with lots of futuristic features courtesy of Delphi.
First there’s a new gauge cluster that’s basically just a display screen. That means anything can be displayed there...
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- Posted by: Brian Moody January 8, 2008, 4:33 PM
- Categories: GMC, General Motors, SUVs
January 4, 2008
Latest word is that the successor to the GM Northstar V8 engine has been killed, and that the Northstar may be replaced by GM's excellent 3.6L V6. That engine, the direct-injection DOHC 3.6, puts out 302 horsepower, which is uncomfortably close to the 320 horespower that the 4.6L Northstar puts out. The 3.6 also gets two mpg better gas mileage than Northstar V8.
This raises question about the Lambda platforn CUVs (GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook), as a version of the Northstar was slated for those vehicles...
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December 21, 2007
Long rumored, and now confirmed, GM's commercial line of medium duty and heavy duty trucks will soon fall under the Navistar corporate umbrella. The names Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick will remain. For the time being the trucks will continue to be built at the GM plant in Flint, but eventually production will be moved to a Navistar factory.
Full story here...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 21, 2007, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, Trucks
December 17, 2007
Automotive News has stated that the GMC Terrain, essentially a Saturn Vue sold in Kuwait, will replace the Pontiac Torrent. Expect to see this occur for the 2009 model year. From my standpoint I think this makes sense. CUVs seem better suited for GMC than Pontiac, so I have no problem with this move...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 17, 2007, 5:00 AM
- Categories: GMC, Pontiac, SUVs
October 31, 2007
"It's a substantially improved world, and I would say our situation product-wise, reputation-wise, labor-cost-wise is probably the best it's been in 20 years," GM's Bob Lutz said in an interview at a media event in Memphis to promote the launch of the refreshed Chevrolet Malibu. "I would say all of the stars are aligning very nicely. ... But are the worries over?..
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 31, 2007, 7:47 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, GMC, General Motors, SUVs, Saturn
September 28, 2007
It seems like the Texas State Fair is fast becoming a major stop on the auto show circuit, as more and more vehicle manufacturers (make that truck and SUV manufacturers) are using this venue to introduce new models to the public. Hey, it makes a lot of sense, as they have exactly the audience—and a huge one at that—corralled.
So along with Ford (The iconic Ford F-Series turns 60) and Dodge (2008 Ram Resistrol here), GM is using this state fair as a stage to unveil their new GMC Yukon Hybrid and Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.
From this link you can find other links to all the vehicles on display at this year's Texas State Fair...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 28, 2007, 5:50 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, General Motors, Hybrids, SUVs
September 26, 2007
Our friends over at PickupTruck.com have put up an article on the Aussie Holden VE SS ute, which is rumored to come Stateside if Bob Lutz has his way. If it does come over (up?), rumor has it that it will be badged a Pontiac, or possibly a GMC, but not a Chevrolet.
The VE SS is powered by a 362 horsepower 6.0L V8, and is based on the Holden VE sedan. Power hits the ground via either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 26, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Future Vehicles, GMC, Pontiac, Trucks
August 8, 2007
GM has announced that their truck-tranny unit, Allison Transmission, has been sold for $5.6 billion. The buyers are the Carlyle Group, which is another private equity firm entering the automotive business; and the Onyx Corp, which is a Toronto-based investment conglomerate. The two groups will be equal partners.
This is the first step of ridding themselves of the medium duty truck business...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 8, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, Trucks
August 3, 2007
All right folks, this came out of nowhere... PickupTruck.com, crunching some numbers, have come up the possibility that since January 1, the Toyota Tundra may have actually outsold the GMC 1500 model. ...I repeat: "the Toyota Tundra may have actually outsold the GMC 1500 model."
Toyota has sold since the first of the year has sold 105,990 Tundras, of which 97,290 are the all-new '07 model. GMC, over the same period has sold 115,185 Sierras—which at first glance keeps GMC ahead—but here's where it get interesting: If you take figures from Wards, over the last two years 2/3 of Sierra sales were the 1/2-ton 1500 series...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 3, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: GMC, Toyota, Trends, Trucks
July 9, 2007
Every now and then I like to post one of Gerry Flint's (WardsAuto.com) columns, as they usually are a worthwhile read. This one is on GM's future, and Flint is not so confident that the General has all their eggs in order, or their game plan fully sorted out yet.
Full story here.
One of the issues Flint has, is GM's plan to sell their medium-duty truck unit. I've been wondering about this too, but not for the reasons Flint mentioned. If this unit is sold to Navistar, as has been rumored, will the names Chevrolet, GMC, TopKick and Kodiak disappear? Or will Navistar keep everything in tact, including the names, but just sell them through Navistar truck dealers?
When Ford sold their HD truck line to Freightliner (DaimlerChrysler), the vehicles were then rebadged as Sterling trucks, with virtually no changes other than the logos. We also know that Volvo cars and truck now have different owners, but the Volvo name remained the same for both owners after the car unit was sold to Ford. If the GM trucks are absorbed into Navistar, and the names are changed, would they change to International, or would they adopt a new brand name of some sort?
More story after the jump.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 9, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, General Motors, Trucks
June 28, 2007
Back in January Straightline reported that GM may be considering selling their Allison transmission division (GM may be considering selling their Allison transmission division), which makes transmissions for trucks and buses. Then in May we reported that their medium-duty truck unit may also be sold (GM talking to Navistar about selling medium-duty truck unit).
According to AutoObserver it now looks like both of these scenarios may come to pass. At least the Allison part appears to be true, as GM has a preliminary agreement to sell it for $5.6 billion to the private-equity firms Carlyle Group LP and Onex Corp...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 28, 2007, 9:19 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, Trends
Sources close to Inside Line are reporting that Cadillac will have a number 2-mode hybrids added to their product portfolio in the next few years. Models to be considered hybrid candidates are the Escalade, BLS, DTS, BRX and CTS.
Depending on the model, engines range from a 2.4L 4-cylinder, a 3.6L, and 3.9L V6s, as well as a 5.3L V8.
It sounds like a good move on Cadillac's part...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 28, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Cadillac, GMC, Green Tech, Hybrids, Luxury Cars, SUVs
June 15, 2007
This is exciting news folks—and arguably some of the most important engine news to come out of GM in years. GM will introduce an all-new 4.5L V8 diesel for the 2010 model year for their light-duty full-size trucks and for the Hummer H2.
Here are some key points:
• This is a 100% in-house GM design, and not engineered by Isuzu.
• The turbocharged engine is a DOHC unit with 4-valves per cylinder...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 15, 2007, 2:40 PM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Diesels, GMC, General Motors, HUMMER
May 17, 2007
Whoa! Here's one more bit of auto history in the making...
GM is apparently considering selling their medium-duty truck lineup to Navistar. We're talking about Chevy and GMC 4500 through 8500 models known as Kodiak, Topkick, as well as Isuzu T-Series models...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 17, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, Trucks
May 8, 2007
Hmmm... I thought this was a done deal; but then again, maybe not?
In any event it now appears that GM may drop their mid-size SUVs like the Chevy Trailblazer and GMC Envoy.
According to Fritz Henderson, GM's chief financial officer: "We need to step back and think about fuel prices and regulation as we develop our portfolio," Henderson said. "We shouldn't just leave it static...
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May 1, 2007
While much of the news recently has been about Toyota's somewhat rocky product launch with their new Tundra, it turns out not all is rosy over at GM either with their new pickups.
GM had been hoping for stronger sales from their Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. While no one is calling their sales a flop, folks in the industry are saying, for all-new models, they should be stronger.
Full story here...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 1, 2007, 7:44 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, Trends, Trucks
April 28, 2007
Okay, first the bad news: GM is canceling the slow-selling Chevrolet and GMC hybrid pickups. You would have thought that GM would have marketed these vehicles like there was no tomorrow. Instead, these trucks saw only a tiny percentage of GM's marketing budget, and because of that, very few were sold. Also, the $3K premium over conventional pickups didn't help, but that's to be expected with any hybrid...
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April 12, 2007
It looks like the sales trend with pickups is not unlike that found in the motorcycle industry. There are two very distinct buyer groups in both of these markets: domestic brand name buyers (mostly Harley/Ford/Dodge/Chevy/GMC) and import brand name buyers (mostly Japanese).
In motorcycles it's always been Harley vs. the rest of the world, or at least it's been that way since the 1960s...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 12, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Dodge, GMC, Nissan, Toyota, Trends, Trucks
March 29, 2007
AutoObserver is reporting more incentives are being offered on the new Toyota Tundra in an effort to spur sales. Sales of this model have been hampered by a late release of the CrewMax model and the recent lower-than-expected crash scores. The Tundra's rather high MSRP has helped much either. The CrewMax is now starting to arrive at dealers and these new incentives do not apply to that model...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 29, 2007, 6:52 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, General Motors, Toyota, Trucks
January 26, 2007
According to Jalopnik, GM could be somewhat cash-strapped, and may be considering selling their medium-heavy truck Allison transmission division to raise some cash.
GM, of course denies that there is a cash shortage. Even so, here's a quote from their press release on this subject:
"This process is another potential step in GM's plan to improve liquidity through the assessment of strategic options for a business that is not central to GM's mission..."
So, you decide... Full story here...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 26, 2007, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors
November 29, 2006
GM is all about alternative fuel vehicles at this year's L.A. auto show. First it was Rick Wagoner announcing the development of a Saturn Vue plug in hybrid followed by the reveal of the 2008 GMC Yukon hybrid. At the same press conference, GM rolled out the standard 2008 Saturn Vue and the 2008 Buick Enclave. Despite all the alt fuel hype, when all was said and done, no one seemed very interested in the Yukon hybrid. It sat in the corner almost unnoticed. Kind of makes you wonder whether the real interest is in the coolest new technology instead of which vehicles save the most gas.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig November 29, 2006, 11:29 AM
- Categories: GMC, LA Auto Show, SUVs
November 3, 2006
GM has gone full steam ahead into the parts and accessories business, so SEMA was a natural place to show off its latest new gadgets. One of the more useful pieces of technology we saw was the two-way key fob. Already available in the aftermarket, these super fobs allow you to do more than just lock and unlock the doors. In this case, the fob not only works much farther away than most remotes, it can also tell you how much gas is in the vehicle, the pressure of the tires, the odometer reading and how long it's been since you engaged the remote start feature...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig November 3, 2006, 8:49 AM
- Categories: Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, SEMA Show, SUVs, Trucks
October 16, 2006
Texas is known for trucks, and what better place for truckmakers to show off their brand new trucks than the Texas State Fair.
While surfing the Edmunds forums, I stumbled upon this link posted by metalphoenix79, which has a TON of new images of the all-new '08 Silverado, Silverado HD, Sierra, Sierra HD, and Super Duty trucks. There are also some other vehicles sprinkled among these truck images.
What is clear here is the visual differences between the LD and HD GM trucks...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 16, 2006, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, General Motors, Trucks
September 11, 2006
Other than an update for heavy duty truck fans and some possible delays for Toyota future product, there wasn't much future vehicle information in this week's issue of Automotive News. On the truck side, it looks as though the diesel power wars will continue next year as Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford all plan upgrades. We highlighted the changes for the 2008 Ford Super Duty trucks months ago and Automotive News agrees that Ford's heavy duty haulers will get a new 6.4-liter Powerstroke with 350 horsepower and 650 pound feet of torque. Dodge is upping the ante as well with a new 6.7-liter version of its six-cylinder Cummins diesel. It will also have around 350 horsepower and 650 pound feet of torque. GM's Duramax diesel is already rated to produce 360 horsepower and 650 pound feet of torque, and GM officials claim that even though the engine has been reworked to pass tougher 2007 emissions rules it will still achieve its current power ratings. The Chevrolet Silverado won our recent Heavy Duty Truck Comparison test by a wide margin so it will be interesting to see if Dodge and Ford have closed the gap with their new power plants.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig September 11, 2006, 6:45 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Future Vehicles, GMC, General Motors
August 29, 2006
Inside Line reports that GMC will offer a minivan for model-year 2009.
Okay, the first question that will likely come screaming out of many mouths: WHY? Doesn't GM offer enough minivans already? The answer to that is that GM plans to discontinue the Saturn Relay, Buick Terraza and Pontiac Montana by 2009...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 29, 2006, 6:57 AM
- Categories: Buick, GMC, Minivans, Pontiac, Saturn, Trends
August 3, 2006
It looks like a new power war is in high gear within pickup truck circles, and I'm not talking about a horsepower war (although that's occurring too). No, this time I'm talking about towing power, and really more to the point—braggin' rights.
First Nissan and Ford went head-to-head when the (then) new F-150 and Titan debuted, each claiming around 9400 pound towing. Then when the new Tundra was introduced on the auto show circuit this past winter, the ante was raised a bit higher to, in Toyota-speak—"10,000-pounds-plus" towing...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 3, 2006, 12:00 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, General Motors, Toyota, Trends, Trucks
August 2, 2006
Inside Line has more info and pixs on the new full-size '07 GMC and Chevy pickups. I think GM will do very well with these trucks. These trucks are sooooo much better looking than the out-going models, even though the styling cues are all the same as before. These both are excellent examples of the "devil is (indeed!) in the details."
Snippet: ended and crew cab, with three box lengths as well — short at 5 feet, 8 inches; standard at 6 feet, 6 inches; and long at 8 feet...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 2, 2006, 12:00 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, Trucks
July 31, 2006
I've been seeing a LOT of new '07 Tahoes, Suburbans Yukons and Escalades SUVs on the road recently. Maybe it's vacation time and folks are buying these rigs to head to the beach or wherever... Whatever the reason, they seem to be selling rather well. GM is buoyed by the early sales, and has ever reason to believe the same will happen with their new soon-to-be-released pickups...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 31, 2006, 5:46 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, Trends, Trucks
July 25, 2006
Up until now, for me anyway, the full-size Chevy and GMC pickups were pretty much a tossup. If I were in the market for such a vehicle, I'd probably go for the brand in which I could get the best price, as the styling would likely not swing my dollar vote.
Now upon seeing this new 2007 GMC, I'm not so sure that would be the case. In my eyes the GMC version is clearly the better looking of the two...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 25, 2006, 12:00 AM
- Categories: GMC, Trucks
And in keeping with the GM pickup thought for a moment, here's a question for you all...
What we've been shown to date are the 2007 1/2-ton models from Chevy and GMC. Do you think the General will "pull a Ford" by making the next GM HD pickups (2008?) with a different Super Duty-like cab?
Historically all the "conventional cabs" (hence the "C" in the badging of the C20, C60, etc.) used to all share the same cab, but that's no longer true...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 25, 2006, 12:00 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, Trends, Trucks
July 13, 2006
Well, I guess if Jeep can sell the Compass car, then GMC can sell the crossover Acadia. Unlike the Jeeplet, the Acadia is one handsome vehicle. My only concern is that while GM is feverishly trying to reduce model redundancy within their ranks, here they come up with another (redundant) crossover. This sister car to the Saturn Outlook will sit on the same showroom floor as the Buick Enclave...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 13, 2006, 12:00 AM
- Categories: GMC, Sports Cars
May 11, 2006
Inside Line reports that both Chevrolet and GMC will be offering cowboy-like Cinch editions of their 4500 (and likely 5500 too) trucks. These are high-end trucks aimed at those to doing heavy duty 5th-wheel towing and want to do it in the lap of luxury. There's even a Britt Bockius edition. Don't know who Britt Bockius is?..
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 11, 2006, 7:01 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, GMC, Trends, Trucks
February 24, 2006
Nissan started it, Toyota followed and now it looks like GM is finally coming around to the beauty of adjustable tie down points in a truck bed. As least that's what it looks like from this shot of a 2007 GMC Sierra snapped recently at GM's proving grounds in Michigan. I remember drilling holes for j-hooks in the bedrails of my F-250 ten years ago to accomplish the same thing. I didn't expect it to take a decade for the OEMs to catch up...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig February 24, 2006, 10:07 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, Spy Photos, Trucks
February 10, 2006
Toyota is getting all the ink this week with the debut of the 2007 Tundra, but it's still 11 months off. In the meantime, GM will launch its 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and 2007 GMC Sierra full size trucks and I guarantee they will be every bit as competitive as Toyota's good looking Tundra. Out latest spy photos give a few more hints as to how the heavy duty versions of GM's trucks will look like, but when you're shooting from half a mile away the details can be a little blurry.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig February 10, 2006, 2:51 PM
- Categories: Chevrolet, GMC, Spy Photos, Trucks
February 7, 2006
Early reports indicate that the new redesigned GM SUVs are off to a good start.
There has been a lot of criticism in the automotive press as to whether GM should have spent so much time and money in a market segment that's on the decline. My personal feeling is yes, they did the right thing, as there will always be a market for these types of vehicles. The market for "traditional" SUVs will certainly be smaller, and GM knows this—but it won't disappear...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland February 7, 2006, 8:56 AM
- Categories: Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, SUVs, Trends
January 9, 2006
General Motors is in the hybrid game giving us a look at the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid & GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV's. These are real SUV's - they tow, haul and seat up to 8 people.
People love their SUVs and hate the gas station fill-up trauma on the wallet. The Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids might just keep the American love affair with the SUV going strong.
January 6, 2006
As we all know, GM is banking heavily that the all-new full-size SUVs (and pickups), that are just about to hit the market, will be a big step in reversing their corporate sales slide.
My gut feeling: Maybe, maybe not.
Frankly, I think the new SUVs are very handsome. In fact they're the best looking full-size SUVs ever from GM...
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December 9, 2005
One of the first examples of GM's belt tightening will be the dropping
of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL, the long-wheelbase
versions of the midsize SUVs.
My reaction: What took so long? They are just an awful response to the
other midsize SUVs with 3-row seating. Did you know that the wheelbase
on these "midsize" utes is 129 inches?..
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 9, 2005, 1:00 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, GMC
The General Motors bankruptcy proceedings are wrapping up today and the judge is expected to let this one sail through much like Chyrsler's reorganization. GM will be split into an "old" company saddled with all the problems, and a "new" GM that will emerge with few brands and none of the legacy issues that have plagued the company for decades. 
