Autoblog

GM's Oshawa Truck plant has been slated for closure in 2009, but GM has announced that the embattled plant will still build the Silverado Two-Mode hybrid beginning later this year. The move was well received by the CAW, which hasn't exactly been playing nice with the General since it got word of the plant's closure. The CAW threw up a blockade of GM's Canadian headquarters from June 4-15 in response to the General's announcement that it would close the facility. There has been some talk about perhaps switching the plant to car production, but GM has made no announcements and CEO Rick Wagoner didn't sound too optimistic about the plant's future when he announced the closing. At least the hybrid Silverado will help ensure that the plant has steady production for the near-term, but it'll likely have to be a lot more popular than the Tahoe hybrid if it's going to help Oshawa Truck stay open. Thanks for the tip, LIP!

[Source: CBC]

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GM is spreading the full-size 2-Mode hybrid wealth from its big SUVs to its trucks. While the last Silverado Hybrid's claim to fame was its ability to act as a worksite generator, the all-new 2009 version is designed to deliver markedly improved fuel economy. Powered by the same 332 hp/367 lb-ft 6.0L V8 hybrid drivetrain as the Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade hybrids, GM claims that the truck will see a 40% increase in city fuel economy and a 25% overall bump compared to its non-hybrid sibling, making it the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup on the market (EPA numbers are still TBD). It can run in all-electric mode up to 30 mph, even when towing (up to 6,100 lbs). Depending on the state of battery charge, all-electric operation can continue for up to one full mile. GM engineers also implemented a number of improvements to make driving quieter under all conditions, which is a.) nice for the occupants and b.) makes for a more seamless transition between electric-only and engine-on modes. In addition to the quiet tuning, the Silverado Hybrid receives aero tweaks in the form of a new front air dam and a standard tonneau cover for the bed. The most obvious tradeoff owners have to make is the loss of some potential in-cabin cargo space, as the battery pack resides under the back seat. That floorspace is normally unoccupied in non-hybrid Silverados and can be used to haul items when the seat bottom is flipped up and out of the way. Some of that utility is obviously lost in this application. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but expect to pay a premium for the green tech when the truck arrives in showrooms during the latter half of 2008.

[Source: GM]

SEMA just announced its Design Awards for this year's show. The Design Awards are designed to acknowledge the most accessory friendly vehicles for 2007. There were four categories this year as Hybrids joined Cars, Pickups, and SUVs as eligible segments. Not necessarily the BEST designed vehicles in each class, this being SEMA the focus is on how they can be customized. So recipients might not be what everybody would immediately think of when Best and Design are mentioned together. This year's winners were the Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, the '07 Toyota Tundra, the 4-door Jeep Wrangler, and the Chevy Silverado Hybrid. And in the People's Choice category, which is just labeled Car, the Honda Civic took the honors.

Follow the jump for the other winners.