GM cancels next-gen hybrid truck/SUV program

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Truck, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

According to a report from GMInsideNews.com, General Motors has shut down its hybrid program for company's next-generation of full-size pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles. Currently, the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, Yukon and Cadillac Escalade all use the two-mode hybrid technology.

Historically, the two-mode hybrid models have not sold well, and only yield minor improvements in overall fuel economy. In most applications, the two-mode hybrid system is rated at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 23 mpg highway.

GMI reports that it's unusual for programs like this to be shut down so close to the launch of a new vehicle - the next-generation trucks/SUVs are scheduled to debut for the 2014 model year - but that many sources within GM are not surprised about the move. These new full-size hybrids were reportedly supposed to use an updated two-mode system, featuring a smaller displacement V8 engine, upgraded battery storage (using a more modern lithium-ion pack) and revamped electric motors, according to GMI.

When contacted by Autoblog, a GM spokesperson only stated that the automaker could "not comment on future products or related technologies."

GM cancels next-gen hybrid truck/SUV program originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autoblog.com

GM's next-gen pickup plans force dealers into one of two camps

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

Most General Motors dealers make their living off selling pickup trucks. (That's why when it came time to trim the brands and reorganize under bankruptcy, GMC survived and Pontiac didn't - because Buick dealers needed to have a truck to sell, not a full-size muscle sedan from Australia.) That makes this year a tricky one for dealers, according to Automotive News, as they need to have enough Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra models in stock to get them to the 2013 model year.

What makes this quandary different from most years is that GM is readying all-new pickups, meaning that it will be shutting down production for long stretches to retool. The full-size Chevrolet and GMC trucks date to 2006, making them the oldest in the industry that don't wear a Nissan Titan badge on their tailgate. Dealers, of course, don't want to be caught with many 2012 trucks - vehicles that are already difficult enough to sell - but they don't want inventories to run completely dry and risk turning away customers.

With a combined 29 weeks of downtime scheduled for three truck plans, according to the report, some dealers are stockpiling pickups to avoid running out if the truck production pipeline dries up before the 2013s start shipping. Other dealers are taking the opposite strategy, turning down 2012s and waiting for next year's models.

Given all that has happened to GM in recent years, we imagine that most dealers know altogether too well that you're damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

GM's next-gen pickup plans force dealers into one of two camps originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autoblog.com

Automakers tussle over owners of 'orphan' makes

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, GMC, Hummer, Lincoln, Mercury, Pontiac, Saturn, Toyota

When General Motors put down several of its brands in recent years, it also let loose thousands of brand-loyal customers who will eventually need another car.

R.L. Polk Associates estimates there are more than 18 million cars from 16 discontinued makes on the road today. Those "orphan owners" have sales-hungry competitors seeing dollar signs. GM is offering Saturn owners $1,000 cash toward a Chevy Cruze, Cadillac CTS or a GMC Acadia. Ford is giving its Mercury lease customers a chance to get out of their contracts with no early-termination penalty and offering to waive six remaining payments if they drive off in a Ford or Lincoln.

Edmunds.com research shows the efforts are paying off somewhat for GM, with 39 percent of Pontiac owners, 37 percent of Hummer owners and 31 percent of Saturn owners taking delivery of another GM-branded vehicle. But that leaves as much as 69 percent of owners going elsewhere. Ford, Honda and Toyota seem to be attracting many former GM owners.

As Forbes points out, if you're driving an orphaned nameplate, you just might be able to use that to your advantage when shopping for a new vehicle.

Automakers tussle over owners of 'orphan' makes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autoblog.com

Shanghai GMC dealer offering five tons of free gas with truck purchase

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, China, GMC

Big trucks just aren't appealing enough on their own, at least in some places. For proof, look to a Shanghai GMC dealer who is offering about three years worth of free gas to anyone who buys a new Sierra Denali. Too bad it'll take about 20 years to pay off the big truck.

The dealer is giving away five tons - about 2,000 gallons, worth around $8,000 in China - of petrol to new Sierra Denali buyers in China's largest city, according to The Detroit Bureau. The offer appears to be a nod to rising China gas prices, which are climbing towards levels similar to those in the U.S. now that the Chinese government is doing less to artificially keep gas prices down. Full-size trucks have been sold in China for about three years and are known to be status symbols in China, says The Detroit Bureau.

There is, of course, a catch. The Denali, unlike most General Motors vehicles sold in China, is built in the U.S., so the price tag is about $134,000, or almost three times what the model sells for in the States. Here's hoping a few free car washes come with those full tanks.

Shanghai GMC dealer offering five tons of free gas with truck purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autoblog.com

NHTSA opens safety investigations into Toyota, GM and Honda crossovers

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, GMC, Honda, Saturn, Toyota

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is evidently keeping itself very busy these days, as the federal agency has just announced it is launching or renewing investigations into Toyota, Honda and General Motors crossovers.

2006-2008 model year Toyota RAV4 crossovers are under review for allegations of rear tie-rod rust which can result in failure. NHTSA also said it is probing some 35 complaints about 2005 Honda Pilot models with inappropriate activation of the vehicles' stability control system. The alleged malfunction can cause the vehicles to slow down or stop in bad unsafe situations. At the moment, NHTSA is reviewing a petition regarding the Pilot issue, a move that will determine whether it needs to open a full-blown investigation.

In addition, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia three-row crossovers built in 2007-2009 are getting looked at for "loss of low beam headlamp" function. One complainant said the wiring in his Outlook overheated and melted. NHTSA says it has received 415 complaints about the problem and a GM spokesman confirmed that the automaker already started a "Customer Satisfaction Program" in December to address the issue.

Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons tells the The Detroit News, "We will fully cooperate with its [NHTSA] investigation." At least four of the complaints about the RAV4 claimed the tie rod failed at speeds above 35 mph, resulting in a loss of control. The NHTSA investigation summary states, "Pictures provided by some complainants show the wheel adjacent to the failed component severely out of wheel alignment with respect to toe and camber."

No word on the timeframe for these investigations before it can be determined whether or not a recall is warranted.

NHTSA opens safety investigations into Toyota, GM and Honda crossovers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autoblog.com

2013 GMC Terrain Denali to start at $34,525*

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, GM, GMC

GMC has broadened its blinged-out Denali line to include the smaller Terrain crossover for the 2013 model year. We're getting our first stint behind the wheel of the Denali-fied Terrain this week, and while we'll have our full report ready in the not-too-distant future, we can share this bit of news right now: The newest member of the Terrain family will officially be priced from $34,525 - not including (*)$825 for destination - when it goes on sale in the third quarter of this year.

That coin will get you a Denali with GM's well-received 2.4-liter inline-four and front-wheel drive, and this top-shelf Terrain comes standard with things like GMC's Intellilink infotainment system, a programmable power liftgate, an eight-way power driver's seat and new dual-flow dampers for the front suspension. All-wheel drive can be had for an additional $1,750.

The big change for the 2013 Denali model is the availability of GM's 301-horsepower direct-injected 3.6-liter V6, available with both front- and all-wheel drive. Opting for the V6 will cost you $1,500, though that price also includes an upgrade to 19-inch chrome clad wheels versus the standard 18-inch rollers.

Scroll down for the full details in GM's press release.

Continue reading 2013 GMC Terrain Denali to start at $34,525*

2013 GMC Terrain Denali to start at $34,525* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autoblog.com

2013 GMC Terrain Denali

Filed under: Crossover, GMC, First Drives, Design/Style, Luxury

An Engine Upgrade Is Our Sort Of Bling



Admittedly, when GMC invited us to drive the new 2013 Terrain Denali, the summons did not incite argument over which one of us wanted to attend as much as trigger flashbacks to Envoy Denali and Diamond Edition Jimmy models. It's not that we are averse to the "Professional Grade" version of the Chevrolet Equinox. In fact, we like this second generation of the Theta-platform crossovers just fine. It's just that, collectively, midsize crossovers are about as exciting as watching sun tea brew. And this wasn't even a new vehicle, just a familiar trim package being pushed further on down the product line. The Denali badge has become something of a right of passage for GMC vehicles approaching that awkward, no-longer-new phase of their lifecycle. Special grille and extra chrome trim? For sure. Upgraded interior? Check. A new powertrain? Now they had our attention.

So we hopped into our long-term Mini Countryman and headed north. Pulling into our hotel in Traverse City, Michigan, we were presented with our test vehicle. A loaded, all-wheel-drive model with a V6, the 2013 Terrain Denali we drove retails for $41,720, including delivery. That's over $15,000 more than the list price for the cheapest 2012 Terrain, representing a 58-percent upsell. Of course, you don't have to drop forty large for a Terrain Denali - base MSRP is $35,350 for the four-cylinder, front-wheel drive model.

If you're curious how the Denali badge can be applied to such a grocery getter, consider the following: Over a quarter of all GMC vehicles sold are Denalis. For the seven-seat Acadia, the most recent model to get the Mount McKinley treatment, that ratio is more like one in three. (Acadia Denali doesn't even get any hardware upgrades, by the way.) Further, we were told GMC is currently selling some 70 percent of Terrains with four-cylinder engines. So it only makes sense that GMC would sever the conventional relationship between top-level trim and top-of-the-line powertrain.

Continue reading 2013 GMC Terrain Denali

2013 GMC Terrain Denali originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autoblog.com

General Motors design ranks get big overhaul

Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Design/Style

General Motors has given its global design team a good shake in an attempt to create "a more brand-focused design organization." Effective August 1, Ken Parkinson, who currently serves as executive director of North American exterior design, will become the executive director of global Chevrolet and GMC design. Current vice president of GM Europe design, Mark Adams, will move to Warren, Michigan to take over duties as the executive director of Global Cadillac and Buick design.

Meanwhile, David Lyon will move to Rüsselsheim, Germany to serve as the vice president of GM Europe Design. Lyon currently works as the executive director of North American interiors and global cross-brand design. Clay Dean is set to become the director of Global Advanced Design.

GM says the changes should allow the company to push more common design language over each brand's lineup while also increasing parts sharing where possible. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading General Motors design ranks get big overhaul

General Motors design ranks get big overhaul originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autoblog.com

GMC dissects the names of its own pickups

Filed under: Classics, Truck, Etc., GMC, Design/Style

Ever wondered how the GMC Sierra 1500 got is name? Or why a 1/2-ton pickup can carry almost a 2,000 pound payload? General Motors sets the record straight.

For starters, the Sierra name was first used to denote upscale trim packages in the 1970s and '80s. In 1989, the name was applied to all GMC full-size pickups. No big mystery there.

Then there's the 1500 moniker. GMC began using the numbers 1500, 2500 and 3500 in 1967. While the digits do indicate hauling capabilities, they aren't the trucks' actual cargo limits. In fact, they refer to the "first segment of vehicle identification numbers," GM says. Since then, all American automakers use 15, 25 and 35 in their trucks' names to indicate their abilities.

Then there's the 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton and 1-ton indicators. Back in 1912, the numbers meant what they said. A 1/2-ton truck's hauling prowess maxed out at a 1/2 ton. But no more...

"The payload-based naming convention for pickups existed right from the beginning," said General Motors Heritage Center Manager Greg Wallace. "The ½-ton, ¾-ton, and 1-ton models became most popular with retail customers over a few decades, not just for GMC but all manufacturers. While payload capacities have grown since, those three names stuck."

So there you go, a 1/2-ton of mysteries solved. Read the official press release below.

Continue reading GMC dissects the names of its own pickups

GMC dissects the names of its own pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autoblog.com

Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana vans recalled due to fire risk

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Work, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

Looks like the NHTSA investigation of the Chevrolet Express has turned into a full-blown recall. Some 9,000 of the full-size vans may have fuel filler pipes that are prone to excessive corrosion, which can lead to leaking. Fuel leaks, of course, lead to the possibility of fires.

The affected vehicles are all from the 2003 and 2004 model year, and include both the Chevy and its GMC Savana twin. But the catch is that the recall only applies to those vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the snow belt. General Motors will be notifying owners and dealers will replace those rusty fuel filler necks.

Scroll down to read the full recall report.

Continue reading Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana vans recalled due to fire risk

Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana vans recalled due to fire risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autoblog.com

GM recalling 250,000 SUVs over door electronics

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Saab

After a door-fire investigation that dates back to February, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has officially announced a recall today that affects around 250,000 General Motors SUVs for a faulty driver's door module. The recall applies to the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X from the 2006 and 2007 model years, as well as the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL for vehicles sold and/or registered in the Snow Belt.

Road salt use in these midwestern and northern states can lead to corrosion of the driver's door module on these GMT360 and GMT370 vehicles, which allows water to come in contact with the circuit board. If shorted out, the vehicle's power door locks and power windows will not work, and could possibly lead to overheating and, in some circumstances, a fire. No official word on how many total vehicles caught on fire, but back in June, 28 fires had been reported to the government agency. A fix for the problem is still being worked out, but all affected vehicle owners will be notified by GM.

Scroll down for the official NHTSA statement.

Continue reading GM recalling 250,000 SUVs over door electronics

GM recalling 250,000 SUVs over door electronics originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autoblog.com