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GMC to Launch All New Pick Ups Early
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By Matthew C. Keegan
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Published reports are indicating that General Motors will moveup the production of their updated line of GMC and Chevroletpick up trucks by three months with the new models making theirdebut in October 2006. Some are calling this move an act ofdesperation on the part of GM which has been socked by extensivecriticism over its product line, while others are hailing it asa bold, strategic initiative. Regardless, this is an unusualmove for the world's number one automaker, one that could helpthe company get back on its feet. Let's take a look at the newtrucks and what they will offer to you, the consumer.
High gas prices, quality problems, and a perception that thecompany offers products that no one wants has been plaguingGeneral Motors for much of the past year. With plant closurescoming, layoffs pending, and market share decreasing, littlegood news has been focused on "the general" by the automobilepress. Fortunately, GM is battling back with fresh models set tobe released including SUVs and trucks, which are the "bread andbutter" vehicles of the company. Here is what you can expect tosee when the new trucks enter the market in Autumn 2006:
1. Fresh sheetmetal. All new exteriors with a modified andsportier front end.
2. Modified engines. Traditional work horse engines which havepowered GMC trucks for much of the past decade are expected toreturn. However, displacement on demand technology, which shutsdown unneeded cylinders at certain times [city traffic being oneexample] is expected to be incorporated on some motors. Thistechnology effectively increases gas mileage without sacrificingperformance.
3. New steering. Just as the SUVs will receive new rack andpinion steering when they make their debut in Spring 2006, thelarge pick up trucks should receive similar enhancements.
4. Interior upgrades. Changes to the trucks' interior as well asto packages offered will be some of the "inside" changes noticedby consumers.
General Motors has its work cut out for itself as an erodingmarket share is threatening the very viability of the company.Part of the reason for the move up of production is to thwartthe new models expected from Nissan and Toyota that competedirectly against the GMC pick ups. Both Japanese automakers havestated that they, too, are moving up the production of theirpopular full sized pick ups, therefore General Motors isreacting in part to their anticipated moves.
Beyond GMC trucks, the automaker will be releasing the SaturnSky convertible, revamping its entire line of full sized SUVs,and overhauling several other lines of vehicles in a bid to winover customers. All of these changes are steps in the rightdirection, but the unanswered question remains this: how willconsumers respond? The answer isn't likely to be known for atleast one more year.
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