GMC To Launch All New Pick Ups
Friday, September 5th, 2008Published reports are indicating that General Motors will move up the production of their updated line of Classic GMC and Chevrolet pick up trucks by three months with the new models making their debut Some are calling this move an act of desperation on the part of GM which has been socked by extensive criticism over its product line, while others are hailing it as a bold, strategic initiative. Regardless, this is an unusual move for the world’s number one automaker, one that could help the company get back on its feet. Let’s take a look at the new Classic trucks and what they will offer to you, the consumer.
High gas prices, quality problems, and a perception that the company offers products that no one wants has been plaguing General Motors for much of the past year. With plant closures coming, layoffs pending, and market share decreasing, little good news has been focused on “the general” by the automobile press. Fortunately, GMC is battling back with fresh models set to be released including SUVs and trucks, which are th “bread and butter” vehicles of the company. Here is what you can expect to see when the new Classic Trucks enter the market.
1. Fresh sheetmetal. All new exteriors with a modified and sportier front end.
2. Modified engines. Traditional work horse engines which have powered Classic GMC trucks for much of the past decade are expected to return. However, displacement on demand technology, which shuts down unneeded cylinders at certain times [city traffic being one example] is expected to be incorporated on some motors. This technology effectively increases gas mileage without sacrificing performance.
3. New steering. Just as the SUVs will receive new rack and pinion steering when they make their debut in Spring 2006, the large Classic pick up trucks should receive similar enhancements.
4. Interior upgrades. Changes to the trucks interior as well as to packages offered will be some of the “inside” changes noticed by consumers.
General Motors has its work cut out for itself as an eroding market share is threatening the very viability of the company. Part of the reason for the move up of production is to thwart the new models expected from Nissan and Toyota that compete directly against the GMC pick ups. Both Japanese automakers have stated that they, too, are moving up the production of their popular full sized pick ups, therefore General Motors is reacting in part to their anticipated moves.
Beyond GMC trucks, the automaker will be releasing the Saturn Sky convertible, revamping its entire line of full sized SUVs, and overhauling several other lines of vehicles in a bid to win over customers.
