General Motors already turning up production wick on new SUVs
In response to surprisingly heavy early demand for the new Chevrolet Tahoe, General Motors is calling on its suppliers for parts earlier-than-expected, in hopes of moving production schedules ahead for the company’s other GMT-900 platform SUVs.
Sales for the Tahoe have been up nearly 50-percent through February (compared to 2005). Despite hand-wringing about the state of the economy and heightened gas prices, GM cleared more than 28,500 units since its January launch.
Production of the larger Chevrolet Suburban will begin in Silao, next week, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL assembly in Arlington, Texas is already running ahead of schedule.
[Source: Reuters]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Adam Singer 1:16PM (3/16/2006)
Any ideas about if and when GM is going to start building their full-size trucks of this platform?
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DarkKnight67 1:22PM (3/16/2006)
Supposedly during the fourth quarter of 2006, but if things are moving forward, this may be more toward new model changeover.
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Kara 1:49PM (3/16/2006)
I have an 02 Trailblazer and love it...I wonder when Chevy is going to do a redo of it? I mean,update and add more features...They just overhauled the Tahoe,which I find a lil boxy but ok...heck,even Pepsi was gettin on the bandwagon with the new Tahoe!
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JS 1:50PM (3/16/2006)
dude, seriously. Please use the font that the rest of the posters use.
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Mike 4:47PM (3/16/2006)
These Tahoes look great inside and out. Very sure footed on the road. I can't think of another SUV in the category that matches the whole package. The Yukon is a step up, but I dont know if you need it, the Tahoe is that nice.
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Doogs 4:50PM (3/16/2006)
Wonder what percentage of those are '06 models being sold at fire-sale prices...
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Philip Dunlop 6:43PM (3/16/2006)
I can't work out what Autoblog means by "wick", because in this part of the world it means "relentlessly shit"
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Fabulo 6:52PM (3/16/2006)
Mmmmmmm... 10 mpg!
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max 8:21PM (3/16/2006)
8. Mmmmmmm... 10 mpg!
Posted at 6:52PM on Mar 16th 2006 by Fabulo 0 stars
Actually more like 20 mpg, unless you need more-then buy the hybrid.
These are the best SUVs anyone's ever made.
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Doogs 10:01PM (3/16/2006)
"These are the best SUVs anyone's ever made."
Really? Ever?
I will grant that they are a big step up from the GMT800s, at least in terms of engineering, fit and finish, and interior design. And they are probably the best bet in the fullsize SUV category.
But the best SUVs anyone's ever made? That is a huge...and completely subjective...claim.
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max 11:07PM (3/16/2006)
Doogs, look at the reviews-that's what the reviewers are saying. I'm just an echo. The GMT 900s range from the Tahoe Hybrid to the Escalade. Now that may be badge engineering, but you get an awesome range of great engines, rock solid reliability (according to consumer reports and JD power), beautiful interior, superior handling and versatility that is amazing.
Happy St. Patricks Day.
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Doogs 8:55AM (3/17/2006)
Umm, we must be reading different reviews, then, because nowhere have I seen any reviewer call the GMT900 SUVs the best ever built. The consensus seems to be more in line with what I said - that they are a big step up from the previous model, and probably the best bet in the fullsize SUV category.
But let me go through this an item at a time.
Model Range: It's badge engineering. If they want to brag about having the biggest range of full-size SUVs, they'll give one to Pontiac, one to Buick, one to Saturn...and how about a Saab 9-9x?
Engines: I can't knock the engines, and have nothing but praise for GM's decision to hybridize the Tahoe.
Rock Solid Reliability: You do realize that CR and JDP are referring to the outgoing model, correct? The GMT900s haven't been out long enough to get a good indication of quality and reliability.
Beautiful Interior: I've seen the interior of a new Tahoe firsthand, and it is a HUGE improvement over the previous ones. But...that basically puts it on par. Then again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Superior Handling: Funny, all the reviews I've read have bagged on the new Tahoe for its dull steering.
Versatility that is Amazing: Can it be that amazing when it doesn't even have a fold-flat third row seat?
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tim douds 5:01PM (3/18/2006)
The 2006 Tahoe looks great, does anyone know anything about a Z71 Tahoe comming out 3rd. quarter ????
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Puff Chippy 8:58PM (3/18/2006)
This is not surprising if you read any of the reviews or take one for a test drive. These are far and away the best large SUV's going.
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rob 6:38PM (3/22/2006)
The new Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon/Escalade are beautiful. I have seen/sat in the new Tahoe and it is amazing. It will surely remain the number one seller in its class -- a very profitable class even with the $5500 rebates they're offering on '06 leftovers.
Better mileage is great, but if you can't hack 12-15 MPG, you can't afford to own the truck. Get yourself a plug-in car, hippies. It's a free country.
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