]As if General Motors hasn’t endured enough turmoil in the last year, Pickuptrucks.com is reporting that GM North America president Mark Reuss is championing the idea of a stateside Holden VE Ute. Pardon us for thinking this issue was dead and buried in 2009, interred in the graveyard of stillborn ideas. Reuss, who ran Holden for GM during the VE’s development, has a soft spot for the admittedly excellent platform that we only shortly knew as the Pontiac G8. While that dalliance was only marginally longer lived than Jay Leno’s move to prime time (the promised G8 Sport Truck was announced and then canceled before birth), Reuss thinks that GMC or Chevrolet could proudly park the Ute in U.S. showrooms.

Rather than let all the hard work done to bring the G8 to fruition go to waste, Reuss is also reportedly looking for a slot for that car, as well. If GM can get the Ute classed as a truck in North America, it might play a significant role in Corporate Average Fuel Economy ratings, and that may be enough reason alone to offer a neo-El Camino. A revised G8 popping up under another GM moniker would be welcomed by the auto punditry, though may still fail to move enough units to make an impact. There’s no denying that niche vehicles such as the Ute and G8 have a following, but we wonder how much focus these efforts are stealing from the pivotal vehicles that must launch and continue to sell without a hitch. As exciting as a Ute might be, a flawless and successfully marketed launch of the new Chevrolet Aveo is likely far more important to GM’s financial health at this point than some hoon sled.

[Source:Autoblog]

General Motors’ hot selling new Theta platform crossovers, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and 2010 GMC Terrain, face their first recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that GM will recall some 59,031 units of the popular CUVs due to a potential problem in the HVAC system.

According to NHTSA, an unspecified fault in the system’s software programming can render the heating, air conditioning, defroster, radio control, and panel backlighting to be rendered inoperative. Without proper defrosting and defogging capabilities, visibility can be diminished, increasing the possibility of a crash. (Presumably, you all can drive safely without use of the tunes)

In any case, beginning in January, Chevrolet and GMC dealers will be instructed to replace the computer modules in the center console to repair the problem. If you’re an owner of one of these crossovers, click through to the jump for instructions on how to contact Chevrolet or GMC for further information.
[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

PRESS RELEASE:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
CHEVROLET / EQUINOX 2010
GMC / TERRAIN 2010

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Mfr’s Report Date: DEC 18, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V489000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 59031

Summary:
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, “WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS AND WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS”. THE SOFTWARE IN THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL CAN CAUSE THE HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, DEFROST, AND RADIO CONTROLS, AS WELL AS THE PANEL ILLUMINATION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence:
DRIVING WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING DEFROST SYSTEM CAN DECREASE YOUR VISIBILITY UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING
.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COMPUTER MODULE IN THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Notes:
GM SAFETY RECALL NO. 090298. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

[Source:Autoblog]

General Motors gave embattled Flint, MI a rare bit good news today with the announcement that the truck assembly plant in the company’s home town will add some additional production. The truck plant on the south side of the city currently builds heavy duty versions of the GMT900 trucks (Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra) including all of the crew cab versions. GM has decided to spend $21 million on new tooling for the plant that will allow it to add production of light duty crew cabs as well.

With truck sales seeing some recovery this year with sustained lower fuel prices and the Oshawa truck plant closing, GM decided some extra light-duty crew cab capacity was warranted. Crews will start to make the modifications to the assembly line in the last quarter of this year and production is scheduled to start next July with the 2011 models.

[Source: General Motors]

PRESS RELEASE:

2011 Light-Duty Crew Cab Business Planned for GM Flint Assembly

FLINT, Mich. - To meet increased market demand, General Motors Company will invest more than $21 million to produce the 2011 Chevrolet light-duty crew cab at the GM Flint Assembly plant in Flint, Mich., beginning in mid-2010.

GM Flint Assembly is GM’s sole producer of GM’s heavy-duty crew cab trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Flint Assembly also produces the heavy-duty regular cab Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. The $21-million investment in the Flint Assembly plant will include renovating the existing heavy-duty assembly process, new machinery, equipment and tooling to support the light-duty crew cab production in the plant.

“This investment in light-duty crew cab capability enhances Flint Assembly’s manufacturing flexibility and future competitiveness,” said Larry Zahner, GM Manufacturing manager. “The plant will now be able to produce both heavy-duty and light-duty trucks for General Motors Company on the same assembly line.”

The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra have best-in-class fuel economy at 15 miles per gallon in the city and 22 highway. No other pickup achieves better fuel economy.

Construction at Flint Assembly is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2009 and production is scheduled to begin in July 2010. The plant currently employs 1,767 hourly and salaried workers on two shifts.

About General Motors: General Motors Company, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 219,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors Company acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors Company can be found at www.gm.com.

[Source:Autoblog]

General Motors is probably swimming in ideas and getting another thousand offers every day on how to turn the company around – there are fifteen pages of responses on the Tell Fritz site alone, and those are just the questions the GM CEO has answered. Add the company’s recent advertising issues to that, and the internal suggestion box is most likely brimming as well.

Enter The Blake Project, a brand consultancy firm that is offering GM $100,000 worth of time for free. That won’t include economy travel expenses, but will include a day with the firm’s three-man team of Jack Trout, Brad VanAudken, and Mark Ritson, to “share insights, ideas and expertise.”

What might those insights and ideas be? Some of them were looked at in a piece called “New Brand Strategies for GM.” The first task given is to define the brands, e.g., Chevrolet should stand for something like “Good value, variety and heritage,” instead of “big, small, expensive, cheap, truck, van or sports car.” Buick should “stop making cheap Buicks,” and Cadillac “can never be a prestige car. The fancy imports dominate that category.” Is that glimpse worth setting aside a day of GM’s time? If anyone at the General thinks so, click the link below…

[Source:Autoblog]

General Motors has finally added the 2-Mode Hybrid powertrain to its top-level GMC Yukon Denali. There aren’t any mechanical changes to the gas-electric drivetrain that’s been available since 2008 in the standard-grade Yukon and its platform mates, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade. All of which means we’ll see a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine with 332 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque and up to a 6,200-pound towing capacity.

According to GM, the hybrid hardware is mostly contained in the 2-Mode Electrically Variable Transmission, which features twin electric motors powered by a 300-volt nickel metal hydride battery pack. Expect EPA fuel economy ratings of 21 city, 22 highway for two-wheel drive models and 20/20 when equipped with four-wheel drive.

As far as mechanical changes go, the Denali Hybrid will bring the first application of GM’s MagnaRide suspension system to the Yukon. As you’d expect in a top-level SUV, the Denali Hybrid will come fully loaded straight from the factory – the only three options will be a sunroof, rear-seat entertainment DVD system and side blind spot alert mirrors. Hit the jump for the full press release.

PRESS RELEASE:

GMC YUKON HYBRID LINEUP EXPANDS WITH UNIQUE YUKON DENALI HYBRID

New for 2010

* New exterior colors: Taupe Grey Metallic and Sheer Silver Metallic replace Blue Granite Metallic, Silver Birch Metallic and Deep Ruby Metallic
* USB connectivity in center console, enabling stored audio files to play through the audio system and battery charging for some handheld devices

The GMC Yukon Hybrid broke ground with the world’s first production 2-Mode full hybrid propulsion system, which on the 2WD model offers 21 mpg in city driving – a 50-percent improvement over non-hybrid models. The lineup now includes the distinctive Yukon Denali Hybrid, which infuses a new level of luxury into the efficient utility vehicle.

Along with exceptional fuel economy, the Yukon Hybrid and Yukon Denali Hybrid deliver full-size capability – up to 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) of towing capacity (2WD) and standard eight-passenger seating capacity.

Yukon Hybrid models are built on GM’s full-size SUV platform, which incorporates features such as a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and a premium interior that bolsters the vehicle’s comfort, quality and capability. Wide front and rear tracks enhance handling and lower the center of gravity for a more confident road feel.

The Yukon Hybrid was designed with safety in mind. It delivers a 360-degree safety system of occupant protection and crash-avoidance technology, with features such as standard StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology. For 2010, the long list of standard safety features is enhanced with the addition of front seat-mounted side air bags on all models.

Yukon Denali Hybrid details

The Yukon Denali Hybrid rides on unique 22-inch, eight-spoke, flangeless chrome wheels that make a stylish Denali appearance statement.

Inside, designers filled the cabin with luxurious amenities such as standard 12-way power, heated/cooled leather-appointed perforated front seating and heated, second-row, leather-appointed bench seating. Buyers may choose an Ebony or Cashmere interior. The only three options on this fully equipped vehicle are a sunroof, rear-seat entertainment DVD system and side blind zone alert mirrors.

Enhanced connectivity includes standard OnStar with Directions & Connections and Turn-by-Turn Navigation, navigation radio with rear camera system, a Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System and three years of real-time XM NavTraffic.

A comprehensive safety package of crashworthiness and crash-avoidance features includes front- and side-impact air bags, anti-lock brakes and StabiliTrak with traction control. The Yukon Denali Hybrid also is equipped with GM’s MagnaRide suspension, the first application of this advanced technology in a Yukon. MagnaRide uses magnetic particles in the shock absorber fluid to adjust the damping rate of the shock absorbers – based on road conditions and vehicle dynamics – to help keep tires in contact with the road.

Patented, industry-leading hybrid technology

The Yukon Hybrid’s fuel-saving performance is derived from GM’s advanced Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS), which work with the standard 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late intake valve closing (LIVC) technology. GM’s hybrid technology system not only enables the Yukon to launch and drive up to 27 mph (43 km/h) on electricity alone, it allows the Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods.

As part of the vehicle’s emission control system, the ESS is warranted for eight years/100,000 miles.

In the Yukon Hybrid and Yukon Denali Hybrid, the hybrid system itself generates the electricity to propel the vehicle. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors in the hybrid system create electricity and store it in the 300-volt battery. This electricity helps move the vehicle.

The hybrid system provides seamless, dependable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is less than half the size of those in single-mode hybrid systems. This technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid transit buses in more than 70 North American and European cities. Scaled down for use in passenger vehicles, the two-mode system delivers fuel savings where it is needed most – in large vehicles with high levels of capability. The two-mode system was first introduced on the 2008 Yukon Hybrid. It is a core part of GM’s energy diversity efforts, centered on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and minimizing the automobile’s impact on the environment.

Quiet and smooth

Integration of the hybrid system on the Yukon is seamless – the battery pack is beneath the second-row seat – and delivers a quiet driving experience. Contributors to this include:

* Specific exhaust system and resonator tuned for the 6.0L engine’s Active Fuel Management operation
* Additional engine intake induction tuning for reduced interior noise and pleasing sound quality
* Low-rolling resistance, “quiet-tuned” P265/65R18 tires for reduced road noise
* Electrically driven 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the standard, tri-zone HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off
* Electrically driven 42-volt variable-assist power steering reduces vibration and provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems
* Energy Storage System (ESS) cooling system internal fan is tuned to be quiet at low vehicle speeds.

Along with quietness, the Yukon Hybrid also delivers exceptional driving smoothness, thanks to specifically tuned shocks.

Trailering performance

In addition to increased fuel economy, the Yukon Hybrid’s electrically variable transmission also provides tremendous trailering capability, enhancing driving smoothness and quality when towing.

Electric drive is enabled up to 27 mph (43 km/h), saving fuel even when the truck is towing a trailer.

The EVT incorporates grade braking and tap up/tap down shift control. It also benefits towing on curves or lower-speed back roads, as exceptionally smooth gear transitions eliminate the “shift shock” torque disruption that can occur during abrupt shifts, such as when slowing or braking.

In addition to the eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on the Yukon Hybrid’s Energy Storage System, GM’s five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty continues to make GM a better choice for customers. GM’s coverage focuses on the complete ownership experience and includes other provisions that competitors do not offer, including transferability to the next owner, more complete coverage of parts, and coverage for new and certified used vehicles. In addition, GM offers complementary courtesy transportation and roadside assistance.

[Source Autoblog]

While GMC’s new-for-2010 Terrain crossover may be all but identical to Chevrolet’s Equinox, one look at this bluff-faced polarizing design will tell you that badge-engineering wasn’t part of the program at General Motors. Yes, both vehicles share the same platform, the same engine choices and even the same suspension calibrations, but the in-your-face look here is likely to inspire love-it-or-hate-it reactions. We’ll let you decide on which side of the fence you sit, with one caveat: It is often the case that certain cars look better in the metal than on screen or in photographs. We were invited to GM’s Design Dome for a media backgrounder, and after being in-and-around the vehicle, we profess that we can’t make the same case.

Controversial aesthetics aside, the 2010 Terrain looks to have the goods, including a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine on the base model that delivers 182 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Like its Chevy stablemate, this model is tipped to deliver 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway, a very handsome figure for this class. Interestingly, the four-banger features noise-canceling technology to mute undesirable sound characteristics and a driver-selectable Eco button that remaps the throttle responses, shift patterns and torque converter lockup speed to improve fuel economy.

Click through to the jump for more details and the official press release.

The more powerful engine choice is a 3.0-liter direct-injection V6 engine that develops a healthy 264 horsepower and 222 pound-feet of torque. GM says six-cylinder buyers can expect to achieve 18-mpg city and 25 on the highway. Interestingly, the noise-canceling circuitry is only included on the Terrains equipped with the 2.4-liter. Models are available in front- or all-wheel drive trim, and a six-speed automatic is the transmission no matter what engine (or how many driven wheels) you choose.

This model is effectively a Pontiac Torrent replacement (that model is going away as GM figures out what to do with its affordable performance brand), albeit one made for GMC’s truck-oriented audience. As such, it has a much more masculine exterior, with its triple-element grille, U-pattern hood, massive squared-off fenders, and a markedly different greenhouse. To our eyes, the Terrain’s front-end looks almost out-of-scale with its footprint, or perhaps rather like some of the fuel-cell or hybrid conversions we’ve seen, in part because the front is so bluff and the lower blacked-out air dam rides rather close to terra firma for aerodynamic reasons. The rear-end is decidedly less controversial and nearly minivan-like, with Toyota Sienna-like taillamp clusters and paint-by-numbers “ruggedizing” cues.

The interior is leaps and bounds ahead of the outgoing Equinox/Torrent pairing, with tons of available options including a dual-screen rear entertainment, Bluetooth, a rear-backup camera, and a power liftgate that adjusts for low garage clearances. In general, the dashboard is nicely laid out (though that center stack looks a bit button-happy) and we found plenty of room up front to get comfortable while still leaving enough space for kids and adults sitting behind us. Nice features include a sliding rear seat which allows one to prioritize seat comfort or cargo room as needs dictate, and a center console big enough to swallow a laptop computer. One area of obvious cost-cutting on the model we were shown was that the nice contrasting red door panel stitching up front is not repeated for rear-seat passengers, although it is present on all seats.

GMC, as you will recall, only recently made its first foray into the crossover market with its Lambda-platform Acadia three-row CUV, and this new model figures to be the division’s entry level model when it debuts in dealers in late Summer. GM has yet to announce pricing, but we expect it to be priced nominally higher than its Chevrolet counterpart to reflect its slightly elevated equipment levels and GMC’s spot in the company hierarchy.

PRESS RELEASE:

GMC EXPANDS ITS ENGINEERING EXPERTISE WITH THE EFFICIENT AND CAPABLE 2010 TERRAIN

* All-new, five-passenger crossover SUV delivers expected segment-best highway fuel economy of 30 mpg
* Comprehensive package of premium features, with an emphasis on vehicle safety and passenger comfort
* GMC’s engineering excellence and innovation advances with direct injection technology, programmable power liftgate and standard rear vision camera

NEW YORK –GMC’s all-new 2010 Terrain makes its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV that blends bold styling with fuel efficiency and premium features.

“The new Terrain brings GMC’s history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today’s buyer,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “The capability attributes that make a vehicle a GMC are ingrained in Terrain, making it an appealing choice for existing traditional SUV customers who are looking for distinctive styling and increased efficiency.”

A new, 2.4L four-cylinder engine that features direct injection is expected to deliver best-in-segment highway fuel economy of 30 mpg. Maximum fuel economy is achieved in part with an “ECO” mode that is activated via a console-mounted button. When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm to help save fuel on models equipped with the 2.4L engine.

Also available will be a 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine delivering an estimated 264 horsepower (197 kW). Both engines are mated to efficiency-enhancing six-speed automatic transmissions and offer a refined, confident driving experience.

“GMC is a strong, core brand for GM and the Terrain crossover SUV is the latest example of how we’re adapting to changing market conditions,” said Docherty. “As we first demonstrated with the Acadia crossover, GMC is committed to offering the capable vehicles customers seek, with the personal technologies they expect.”

The 2010 Terrain goes on sale in late summer, with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models offered in SLE and SLT trim levels. A comprehensive list of standard and available features includes purposeful technologies such as:

* Standard rear vision camera
* Programmable power rear liftgate
* Bluetooth hands-free phone capability
* MultiFlex sliding rear seat that increases passenger comfort or provides optimal cargo space
* Remote vehicle start
* USB audio connectivity; MP3 playback
* Seven-inch touch-screen navigation system and a 40-gigabyte hard drive
* DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens
* Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio

Segment-best safety is anticipated, with features that include four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, as well as six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags. OnStar with one-year Safe and Sound service is also standard.

Bold styling

Terrain has a balanced, athletic stance and offers a commanding view of the road. Its design is characterized by bold, muscular fender flares, representing GMC’s aesthetic. Surfacing is angular yet refined, with a strong and capable front-end appearance that features precise, squared-off edges.

“We wanted to carve the GMC Terrain away from the pack and establish its identity as a powerful, fresh crossover SUV with a confident and strong stance,” said John Cafaro Jr., director of exterior design, Global Crossover Vehicles. “Everything about the Terrain communicates a sense of tailored toughness and passionate craftsmanship.”

Additional design features include a unique, three-element grille that is accented by a prominent chrome surround and projector-beam headlamps mounted in large, rectangular housings with chrome accents.

Interior details and flexibility

The Terrain’s rich, premium interior is influenced by industrial sculpture and exudes refinement exemplified by contrast stitching and fine materials that create a structured look throughout the cabin. A “floating” center stack, highlighted by warm ambient lighting, houses a multitude of ergonomic comfort and convenience controls.

The Terrain also features great attention to detail, with smart use of storage space and compartments that are suitable for a variety of items. They include an oversized glove box; a closed storage area in the instrument panel above the center stack; a closed storage compartment under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer; and two-tier storage in the doors.

Terrain’s seats were developed to provide outstanding comfort and the standard MultiFlex sliding rear seat can be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (200 mm), providing increased passenger comfort or greater rear cargo capacity. The 60/40-split rear seatback offers additional configurations for passengers and cargo; and the rear cargo area offers 31.6 cubic feet (894 liters) of storage, as well as one of the Terrain’s four auxiliary power outlets.

Confident and agile driving experience

Two new engines are offered on all Terrain models, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Vehicle highlights include:

* New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 264 horsepower (197 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending).
* New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (136 kW) that delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
* Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent fill-ups

The powertrains are mounted on a rigid, body-integral structure, with single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel. It is the foundation of a confident driving experience that is both smooth and responsive.

GM’s first application of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is used on 2.4L-equipped models. ANC uses microphones to detect booming sounds inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system’s speakers, ensuring a quiet driving experience at almost all vehicle speeds.

The Terrain rides on a 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and features a four-wheel independent suspension system, with wide front and rear tracks that enhance the ride and handling. A family of 17-inch, 18-inch aluminum and 19-inch chrome-clad wheels is available.

Terrain’s rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency on four-cylinder-equipped models, saving nearly 11 miles per tank of gas.

GMC Terrain will be produced at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario.

[Source:Autoblog]

Anyone that’s ever driven a Ford Crown Victoria in four inches of snow will tell you that the generations-old police interceptor doesn’t exactly grip when sitting atop the white stuff. That can leave police just as stranded as the motorists they’re out to need help. Coast Pontiac GMC in Portsmouth, New Hampshire provides the solution to the local fuzz’s problem by loaning out SUVs during big storms. The generous dealer has been providing this public service for over 18 years, and we’re not talking used junkers with 4WD. Everything from an AWD Buick Enclave to a Cadillac Escalade have been loaned during snow storms. The officer driving the loaded ‘Sclade reportedly didn’t want to give the plush ride back. We get that feeling all the time.

What does Coast Pontiac GMC get for its generosity? A public relations victory for sure, but every storm also works as a rolling advertisement for Coast Pontiac GMC’s SUVs and crossovers. Who knows, dealership management may get out of a ticket or two as well.

[Source:Autoblog]

The full-size SUV’s future is on shaky legs and now, reports have surfaced that General Motors has killed the next generation Tahoe and Yukon ‘utes, just weeks after announcing it would shutter its SUV plant in Janesville, Wisconsin. Of course, if that pair is buried, the Suburban and the Cadillac Escalade that use the same platform must also come to an end, at least in their current form.

Past reports indicate that the ultra-lux ride from Caddy will move to the Lambda platform for its next generation. The Tahukon pair had been slated for a redesign in 2011, and since that’s reportedly not going to happen, the duo’s future is definitely in question. GM will probably keep churning out the current version until it’s no longer profitable to do so.

These days, any story about the General would be incomplete without some mention of Chrysler, and this one’s no different. America’s number three automaker just announced just last week that it would be phasing out its full-sized ‘utes as well. Therefore, any possible merger of the two companies would carry on without a new large SUV platform at all. How the times have changed.

[Source:Autoblog]

Reports are coming in that the General is considering selling its medium truck operations to Isuzu. This news is totally unconfirmed by both parties, though Isuzu says it would be more than willing to listen if GM felt the desire to talk.

All of this comes shortly after Navistar chose not to follow through on its non-binding agreement to purchase the commercial truck unit from General Motors after seeing what’s been happening with the U.S. economy and gas prices. After that deal went sour, GM said that it would continue looking for options, so this particular piece of the rumormill pie is anything but surprising. We contacted GM to see if the automaker had anything to say regarding the hubbub, and, as expected, it’s staying tight-lipped for the time being. An Isuzu tie-up makes some sense, as the two truck makers have had dealings together in the past, most notably in the design of GM’s current mid-sized trucks, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.

[Source:Autoblog]

It is a universal truth that for every Chevy truck that debuts, there is a GMC version not far behind. This maxim even extends to the two-mode hybrid versions of the automaker’s GMT900 half-ton pickups. At the LA Auto Show late last year, Chevy debuted the 2009 Silverado Hybrid. At the Chicago Auto Show next week, we’ll meet the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid, which is virtually identical to its bow tie brother. That means the Sierra Hybrid gets the same two-mode hybrid drivetrain and 6.0L V8 used in the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrids, as well as the Silverado Hybrid. Like the latter, the Sierra Hybrid pickup features a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack beneath its second-row bench. Those cells can power the pickup up to 30 mph for a full mile without help from the gas engine, even when towing. Speaking of which, the 2WD model can tow 6,100 lbs., while the 4WD model dials it down to 5,900 lbs. The 6.0L V8 also features Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), which allows it to run on as few as four-cylinders when not under load. There’s also the requisite chin spoiler and tonneau cover to help reduce aerodynamic drag. All of this adds up to a 40% increase in fuel economy during city driving and a 25% improvement overall. That’s identical to the increase you’ll get in the Chevy Silverado Hybrid, but perhaps you prefer the hybrid truck with the biggest logo on the market.

[Source: Auto Blog]