Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 isn't a Raptor wrangler... yet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/sema-2009-chevrolet-silverado-zr2-isnt-a-raptor-wrangler-ye/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/sema-2009-chevrolet-silverado-zr2-isnt-a-raptor-wrangler-ye/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/sema-2009-chevrolet-silverado-zr2-isnt-a-raptor-wrangler-ye/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

That rumored Ford Raptor fighter from General Motors? Not quite. The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Concept (it's only a concept, but some of the components could be available on future pickups) is a reasonable attempt to bring the off-road fight back to Ford, with a four-inch lift, 20-inch BBS RD wheels, BDS shocks and a 550-hp supercharged version of GM's LS crate V8. But the real work is hidden beneath the clear coat, with carbon fiber body panels replacing the steel hood and fenders. And that new fascia? Don't be surpised to see a modified version affixed to future Silverados. Check the gallery below for live shots from the floor and make the jump for Chevy's brief press release.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Chevrolet Silverado ZR2


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 isn't a Raptor wrangler... yet

SEMA 2009: Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 isn't a Raptor wrangler... yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet Silverado ZR2chevrolet zr2ChevroletSilveradoZr2ChevroletZr2chevysemasema 2009sema showSema2009SemaShowsilveradozr2Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Escape puts Ford back atop Cash For Clunkers sales pileup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/report-escape-puts-ford-back-atop-cash-for-clunkers-sales-pileu/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/report-escape-puts-ford-back-atop-cash-for-clunkers-sales-pileu/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/report-escape-puts-ford-back-atop-cash-for-clunkers-sales-pileu/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Ford Escape Hybrid - Click above for a high-res image gallery

In America, we like our sports and love to keep score. Even when it comes to car-buying subsidies, we want to know which model is selling best. The government says the Ford Focus is the top seller under Cash for Clunkers, but Edmunds has a different winner: the Ford Escape. The discrepancy stems from the government's old-school way of counting model sales. The feds consider each model variant a separate vehicle, while Edmunds counts vehicle sales as a whole. In the case of the Escape, the Environmental Protection Agency counts the crossover as six separate models; including FWD, AWD and Hybrid versions.

While the government's list of C4C top sellers contains mainly small cars, the Edmunds list tells a different story. Since the feds count each truck configuration (GM and Ford trucks each have five) as a different model, no pickups made the cut. That was a surprise to many, considering the fact that 83% of the vehicles turned in were trucks, and large pickups have lower fuel economy requirements to work under C4C. On the Edmunds list, the Ford F-150 comes in at number five, while the Silverado sits at seven.

There's been plenty of healthy discussion regarding C4C, and it appears even counting methods are up for debate. With a fresh $2 billion getting dumped into the program's coffers, it looks like we'll be able to keep talking straight through Labor Day. Hit the jump to look over Edmunds' Top Clunker Buys, and chime in with your comments after the fold.

[Source: CNN Money]

Continue reading REPORT: Escape puts Ford back atop Cash For Clunkers sales pileup

REPORT: Escape puts Ford back atop Cash For Clunkers sales pileup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 chevy silverado2009 ford f-1502009 ford focus2009ChevySilverado2009FordF-1502009FordFocus2010 ford escape2010FordEscapecash for clunkersCashForClunkersedmundsescapef-150f-seriesford escapeford focusFordEscapeFordFocussilveradoFri, 07 Aug 2009 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[GM ushers in misnamed "72-Hour Sale" with 0% financing on many Pontiacs, Chevys, GMCs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/gm-ushers-in-misnamed-72-hour-sale-with-0-financing-on-many-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/gm-ushers-in-misnamed-72-hour-sale-with-0-financing-on-many-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/gm-ushers-in-misnamed-72-hour-sale-with-0-financing-on-many-p/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Pontiac G8 GXP - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors needs to move Pontiacs and pickup trucks, and the bankrupt automaker is once again breaking out some serious incentives to alleviate dealer stocks. The General is offering 0% financing for 72 months for the Vibe, G3, G5, G6 and G8, giving prospective car buyers the chance to get into one of the last Pontiacs ever made. The "72 Hour Sale" oddly begins today and runs through Monday, July 6, which is more than 72 hours - even when excluding the 4th of July weekend.

GM is also using the sales event to move some of its slower-selling vehicles. The Chevrolet Impala, Silverado and Tahoe, as well as the GMC Sierra and Yukon will also have 72 month, 0% financing. Other vehicles will have 0% financing for 60 months, but they won't be part of the special 72 hour sale.

While we're not planning to run out to the local Pontiac store for a new G3, if you would have told us a year ago that we could get a 361 hp G8 GT for about $400 a month, we'd be pretty stoked. Hit the jump to scan the GM press release.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM ushers in misnamed "72-Hour Sale" with 0% financing on many Pontiacs, Chevys, GMCs

GM ushers in misnamed "72-Hour Sale" with 0% financing on many Pontiacs, Chevys, GMCs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0 72 months0 financing072Months0Financingg8 gtG8Gtpontiac g8PontiacG8sierrasilveradoWed, 01 Jul 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GM says next-gen hybrid pickups could have 50% better towing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/report-gm-says-next-gen-hybrid-pickups-could-have-50-better-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/report-gm-says-next-gen-hybrid-pickups-could-have-50-better-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/report-gm-says-next-gen-hybrid-pickups-could-have-50-better-to/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



General Motors isn't saying how it plans to do it, but according to our friends at PickupTrucks.com, it is saying that consumers are "...going to see substantial improvements in towing capability in our next hybrids." Right now, the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid can pull 6,100 pounds with their electrically-assisted, multi-displacement 6.0-liter V8 engines. The improvement will be "up to 50% more," meaning a tow rating of 9,000 pounds could be coming this way.

If GM can wring a full 50% improvement out of the drivetrain, that would put the hybrids just 1,600 pounds short of the max towing capacity of the standard gasoline V8 crew cab half-ton with the enhanced tow package. The transmission torque capacity and the necessary cooling systems are the apparently the chief limitations to be overcome, and GM says if the current package can evolve enough, then "one of the things you might consider is E-Flex." And how neat would a Volt pickup be?

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

REPORT: GM says next-gen hybrid pickups could have 50% better towing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternativechevroletchevrolet silveradoChevroletSilveradochevygmgmcgmc sierraGmcSierragreenhybridpickupsierrasilveradotruckWed, 25 Feb 2009 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[GM increases truck production for the spring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/gm-increases-truck-production-for-the-spring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/gm-increases-truck-production-for-the-spring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/gm-increases-truck-production-for-the-spring/#commentsFiled under: , ,



General Motors has been working hard to get its 2008 and 2009 inventory in line with the market's lackluster demand. In fact, many of the General's plants haven't run since before Christmas. GM sees better times coming this spring, though, and the Detroit automaker is increasing truck production for the week of March 16. Flint truck, which makes the Silverado, is going back online, and the General is ramping up the line speed to 31.5 vehicles per hour, up from 27.7. GM's Arlington, Texas plant is also increasing its line speed by an additional 1.5 units per hour. Arlington is the home of the GMT 900 SUVs, including the Tahoe, Yukon, and Escalade.

GM is anticipating somewhat stronger demand during the spring, but it also helps that inventory is way down. On December 1, GM had a 120 day supply of truck. By January 1, that number dropped to a 90 day supply.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

GM increases truck production for the spring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arlingtonescaladeflintgmplant productionPlantProductionproduction numbersProductionNumberssilveradoTue, 03 Feb 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Pickuptrucks.com picks best truck in 2008 Half-Ton Shootout]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/14/pickuptrucks-com-picks-best-truck-in-2008-half-ton-shootout/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/14/pickuptrucks-com-picks-best-truck-in-2008-half-ton-shootout/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/14/pickuptrucks-com-picks-best-truck-in-2008-half-ton-shootout/#commentsFiled under:



When Mike Levine at Pickuptrucks.com sets his mind to something, it gets done in a big way. Witness last year's 2007 Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck Shootout. This year he's back with a comparison test that bests his previous effort not only in size and scope, but also in relevance. For 2008 he has assembled every player in the half-ton truck segment, including brand new 2009 models of the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan and a 2008 Toyota Tundra. Despite the sagging economy, Americans still love us some trucks, and we've never encountered a more thorough comparison of their performance, towing abilities and fuel economy than what Mike has published at Pickuptrucks.com. Consider it the bible of half-ton pickup comparison shopping and have it pre-loaded on your iPhone when you start visiting dealerships.

We're not going to tell you which pickup won, but we will say that it was remarkable to learn how varied are the targets at which each of these trucks is aiming. Some were great for one task while failing miserably at another, and the winner was the one that performed well the most often. Click the source link below to check out the Pickuptrucks.com 2008 Half-Ton Shootout.

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

Pickuptrucks.com picks best truck in 2008 Half-Ton Shootout originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f-150half-ton shootoutHalf-tonShootoutlight-duty shootoutLight-dutyShootoutpickuptrucks.comramsierrasilveradotitantundraFri, 14 Nov 2008 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[9/11 Silverado featured in Olympics commercial]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/9-11-silverado-featured-in-olympics-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/9-11-silverado-featured-in-olympics-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/9-11-silverado-featured-in-olympics-commercial/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


A tip of the cap is due to GM for the automaker's new Chevy Silverado TV spot, which premiered this Sunday during the Olympics. The spot features brief testimonials from drivers of high-mileage pickups wearing the bowtie badge, but one stands out more than the rest. Twenty seconds in, FDNY Firefighter Craig Monahan's segment opens with a wide shot of him standing in front of the Manhattan skyline. His battered truck has melted lights and a Ladder 5 placard affixed to the bed on the driver's side. In the spot, he recounts how the damaged truck started when he reached into the singed interior and turned the ignition key, saying that it served as an isnpiration, "If that truck could keep going, then we could all keep going."

This all happened on 9/11, a fact left unsaid but tactfully implied in the commercial. Veteran New York Daily News reporter Michael Daly knows Monahan and tells the truck's full story in an excellent piece that ran in Tuesday's Daily News. Frankly, you need to go there and just read the whole thing, because Daly's account is first-rate. Reading it also underscores the level of restraint GM exercised in how it used the truck in the commercial. It's a great TV spot, but the story behind that one particular 14-second segment is more remarkable and inspirational than you'd ever guess. Firefighter Monahan agreed to let his truck be used because he felt it was important for people see it and get a feel for what it represents. Monahan was compensated by GM for his participation, but he donated that money to another FDNY family, showing that even now, that burned and battered Chevy still helps him help others. We salute him, and we hope he keeps that truck forever. Thnks for the tip, Julius!

[Source: New York Daily News]

9/11 Silverado featured in Olympics commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911craig monahanCraigMonahanladder 5Ladder5olympicssilveradotv spotTvSpotWed, 13 Aug 2008 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[2007: The year in truck sales]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/2007-the-year-in-truck-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/2007-the-year-in-truck-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/2007-the-year-in-truck-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


While the big news story surrounding 2007 sales is that Toyota passed Ford as the No. 2 best-selling automaker in the U.S. last year, there were plenty of interesting battles happening between individual models, as well. The truck segment, though shrinking, is still the most competitive in the U.S. market, and 2007 saw the most serious challenge yet to the domestics' market dominance with the introduction of the 2007 Toyota Tundra.

While the F-Series pickup retained its title of Best-Selling Truck for the 31st year in a row (also the Best-Selling Vehicle in the U.S. for the 26th year in a row), its sales fell 13.2% to 690,589. And to think, the F-Series' best-selling year ever was just three years ago in 2004 when it sold 939,511 units. Give the F-Series credit, however, for retaining its No. 1 position despite a brand new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra on the market. GM's new GMT900 trucks did help the automaker mitigate a similar sales slide, with sales falling only 2.8% to 618,257 for the Silverado and 1.2% to 208,243 for the Sierra in 2007. The Dodge Ram also did well despite the shrinking market, with sales off just 2% at 358,295.

The Toyota Tundra, however, is the story the year...

Follow the jump for more analysis and the raw sales numbers for trucks sold in the U.S. last year.

[Sources: Ford, GM, Chrysler LLC, Toyota, Nissan]

Continue reading 2007: The year in truck sales

2007: The year in truck sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best selling truckBestSellingTruckchevydodge ramDodgeRamf-150fordgmc sierraGmcSierranissan titanNissanTitansilveradotoyota tundraToyotaTundraFri, 04 Jan 2008 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Silverado commercial spoils CBS show for fans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/15/chevy-silverado-commercial-spoils-cbs-show-for-fans/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/15/chevy-silverado-commercial-spoils-cbs-show-for-fans/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/15/chevy-silverado-commercial-spoils-cbs-show-for-fans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Earlier this year, the CBS show Cane was the seventh most searched new fall show. Since then, we haven't heard anything about it, neither good or bad. That changed this week when someone at CBS had a Homer moment ("D'oh!") and ran a story-spoiling commercial before the plot had run its course on the show.

On the show, cut to: Jaime taking off in a Chevy Silverado into a cane field, being chased by his father, Alex (Jimmy Smits in the lead role), and getting caught in a fire set by a rival. Fade to black. Cut to commercial: a Chevy Silverado bursting through a wall of flames, and a narrator asking "Did you think that stunt with the Silverado was hot?" Cut to viewers asking: "Uh, what the...?"

But come on -- was this really a plot spoiler? Because you really thought it possible that the main character and his son were going to die in a fire in the show's first season? Really? CBS, in fact, did get one angry call. And with that, probably lost the one ardent fan of Cane.

[Source: Winding Road]

Chevy Silverado commercial spoils CBS show for fans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Dec 2007 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canecbschevrolet silveradoChevroletSilveradochevysilveradoSat, 15 Dec 2007 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2007: Lutz and Peper show off Chevy's high efficiency fleet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/15/la-2007-gm-shows-off-chevys-high-efficiency-fleet-corvette-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/15/la-2007-gm-shows-off-chevys-high-efficiency-fleet-corvette-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/15/la-2007-gm-shows-off-chevys-high-efficiency-fleet-corvette-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Promising the best possible fuel economy for whichever type of vehicle its customers choose, GM's Bob Lutz and Ed Peper trotted a full lineup of green vehicles from their arsenal. The Aveo5, Impala E85, Malibu Hybrid, Tahoe Hybrid, Silverado Hybrid, Volt, Equinox Fuel Cell, Beat and Groove were used to show off that Chevy will be the brand carrying the greenish flame most prominently into the future for GM. Lutz talked about having a whole range of options available to meet future trends, from hybrids, to flex-fuel burners, to fuel cells, to electrics like start/stop technology and good old-fashioned economy cars that get great fuel economy.

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Hybrids at the LA Auto Show


Gallery: 2008 Chevy Aveo5

Continue reading LA 2007: Lutz and Peper show off Chevy's high efficiency fleet

LA 2007: Lutz and Peper show off Chevy's high efficiency fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeatBob LutzBobLutzChevy Aveo5ChevyAveo5Ed PeperEdPeperEquinoxGMGrooveImpalaMalibuSilveradoTahoeVoltThu, 15 Nov 2007 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2007: Chevy Silverado HD Crew Z71 "Big Red"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/29/sema-2007-chevy-silverado-hd-crew-z71-big-red/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/29/sema-2007-chevy-silverado-hd-crew-z71-big-red/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/29/sema-2007-chevy-silverado-hd-crew-z71-big-red/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click the image above for more "Big Red"

Even though Chevy denies buyers a Z71 version of the Silverado 2500HD, it wants you to know how cool it could be. Say hello to "Big Red," powered by a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel backed by a six-speed Allison transmission, it combines a number of GM performance accessories with Rancho shocks and an "Earnhardt Red" paint scheme similar to that found on last year's NASCAR-legend inspired offering.

Chevy's full press release is posted after the jump.

Gallery: Chevrolet HD Crew Z71 "Big Red"

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Chevy Silverado HD Crew Z71 "Big Red"

SEMA 2007: Chevy Silverado HD Crew Z71 "Big Red" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2500 hd2500Hdbig redBigRedchevroletchevychevy silverado hdchevy silverado z71 2500 hdChevySilveradoHdChevySilveradoZ712500Hddale earnhardtDaleEarnhardtdieselduramaxnascarsilveradoz71Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[GM follows last month's gains with new incentives on trucks and SUVs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/04/gm-follows-last-months-gains-with-new-incentives-on-trucks-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/04/gm-follows-last-months-gains-with-new-incentives-on-trucks-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/04/gm-follows-last-months-gains-with-new-incentives-on-trucks-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



GM has bucked the domestic trend of consistently giving up market share to Japanese automakers for the past couple months, and with a new round of incentives, the General is hoping to keep the trend going. The Silverado and GMC Envoy are among the vehicles receiving an additional $1,000 in rebates during the entire month of October. GM is using targeted incentives on trucks and SUVs, but the incentives don't apply universally throughout the lineup.

Although GM's sales improved year over year in September, incentives were actually down $240 vs. August, to an average of $3,089 per vehicle. That's still $800 more than the industry average, but better than GM's incentive spending in years past. With GM's market share stabilizing, incentives closer to industry average, a competitive labor contract, and some interesting products in the pipeline, GM may have turned the barge faster than we expected.

[Source: Bloomberg]

GM follows last month's gains with new incentives on trucks and SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChevroletGMC EnvoyGmcEnvoyIncentivesMarket share GMMarketShareGmRebatesSilveradoThu, 04 Oct 2007 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[GM offering zero-percent financing to move '07 models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/22/gm-offering-zero-percent-financing-to-move-07-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/22/gm-offering-zero-percent-financing-to-move-07-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/22/gm-offering-zero-percent-financing-to-move-07-models/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

General Motors had a good August, bucking the industry trend with a year over year sales increase. A big part of that success came with zero-percent financing on the Silverado and GMC Sierra, and the General is looking to ride the wave by extending free loans through October first. GM isn't stopping with pickups either. Several 2007 models are getting an additional $1,000 on the hood, including the Yukon, Impala, and G6.

GM has done a pretty good job of staying off incentives through 2007, but the last few months have been brutal. Even some automakers from across the Pacific, who traditionally shy away from cash on the hood, have felt the pinch. GM hasn't announced additional production cuts, but if the incentives don't work, the Detroit-based automaker may have little choice.

[Source: Detroit News]

GM offering zero-percent financing to move '07 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Sep 2007 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0% Financing0%FinancingGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMincentivesSierraSilveradoSat, 22 Sep 2007 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Large pickups picked up market share in August]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/20/large-pickups-picked-up-market-share-in-august/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/20/large-pickups-picked-up-market-share-in-august/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/20/large-pickups-picked-up-market-share-in-august/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Even with two all-new models on the market, pickup truck sales have been dragging for a few months now. The battered housing market and high gas prices have been blamed for the slump, but incentives seems to be remedying the problem in quick order, and have resulted in a great month of sales for August. Sales of large pickups last month accounted for 14.89% of the overall market according to this report, a 20-month high in market share for these work horse vehicles. J.D. Power and Associates reports that automakers spent on average $4,500 per truck in incentives last month, the largest amount since July 2006. This tells us that truck buyers are getting hooked on incentives, and the pickup truck segment as a whole is becoming more and more reliant on the sales practice to move its metal into buyers' hands.

[Source: JD Power & Associates]

Large pickups picked up market share in August originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dodge RamDodgeRamF-150incentivesPickup truck warsPickupTruckWarsSilveradoTundraThu, 20 Sep 2007 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[ROUSH Silverado sketch leaked!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/04/roush-silverado-sketch-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/04/roush-silverado-sketch-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/04/roush-silverado-sketch-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click image to enlarge

We have no information on this other than the image you see here, but pictures say a lot, and this one says that ROUSH is about to spread some of its performance pickup love over to General Motors in the form of the ROUSH Silverado. A poster at the CamaroZ28.com forum snuck a cameraphone shot of an official sketch and published it on the website. As you can see when you enlarge the photo, there's a pretty concise legal disclaimer at the bottom, and if we had to guess, someone is definitely going to get fired for this rather significant security breach. Either that, or ROUSH has deftly embraced viral marketing. Here's hoping for a blown 6.2L under that domed hood.

UPDATE: We have spoken to ROUSH, and they can only confirm that the Silverado depicted above is "a project that we are evaluating."

Thanks for the heads-up, Josh.

[Source: CamaroZ28.com via TheGMSource]

ROUSH Silverado sketch leaked! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingleaked roush silverado sketchLeakedRoushSilveradoSketchroush silveradoRoushSilveradosilveradoTue, 04 Sep 2007 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[GM to cut 1,000 jobs in Oshawa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/gm-to-cut-1-000-jobs-in-oshawa/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/gm-to-cut-1-000-jobs-in-oshawa/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/gm-to-cut-1-000-jobs-in-oshawa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The housing crisis is being blamed for decreased truck sales. In light of the credit crunch, fewer loans are being disbursed and fewer construction workerss are actually at work. With GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado sales taking the hit, GM has decided to cut a shift at its Oshawa, ON plant in Canada. In a factory that employs 3,000 people, that's a direct loss of 1,000. The indirect job losses won't be known for a while, as GM's suppliers and the businesses around the plant make cuts of their own. It represents the first time the plant has run just two shifts since the early nineties.

The move is more regrettable news for the CAW following Ford's closing its Windsor plant and Chrysler's plan to shed 2,000 union jobs in Ontario. With 85% of the Oshawa plant's output coming south of the border, the 7% drop in sales for the two trucks has made them especially susceptible. The potential light on the horizon is that GM plans to build a state-of-the-art factory next to the Oshawa truck plant to build 500,000 cars per year -- but only after closing one of the two car plants that are currently there. It's quite a fall for the region; GM's Oshawa Plant No. 1 was the most efficient plant in North America in 2004.

Thanks for the tip, Peter!

[Source: Report on Business via Auto North]

GM to cut 1,000 jobs in Oshawa originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economygmlayoffsmanufacturingsalessierrasilveradotrucksFri, 31 Aug 2007 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Overtime is done at six GM plants]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/overtime-is-done-at-six-gm-plants/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/overtime-is-done-at-six-gm-plants/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/overtime-is-done-at-six-gm-plants/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Vehicle sales are slow throughout the US right now, and a slumping housing market coupled with high gas prices means that trucks and SUVs are being hit extremely hard in particular. Large truck and SUV sales are down 9% through July year over year, and GM has halted overtime at six locations to help keep its large vehicle inventory under control. Workers from Flint; Oshawa, Ontario; Ft. Wayne, IN; Janesville, WI; Arlington, TX; and Silao, Mexico will need to punch out after completing eight hours work. GM wants to be sure inventories of its all-important large trucks don't get too high, which could necessitate higher incentives if available stock gets out of hand. GM looks very serious about keeping cash rebates in check, even with the possibility of a strike looming next month.

[Source: Freep]

Overtime is done at six GM plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChevroletGMGMCSierraSilveradoSUVTahoeTruckYukonThu, 23 Aug 2007 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer Reports responds to pickup comparo controversy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/10/consumer-reports-responds-to-pickup-comparo-controversy/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/10/consumer-reports-responds-to-pickup-comparo-controversy/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/10/consumer-reports-responds-to-pickup-comparo-controversy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Earlier this week we told you about a pickup truck comparison in the most recent issue of Consumer Reports that seemed a bit fishy. The comparison pitted the new 2007 Toyota Tundra against the 2007 Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram. It was clearly a fight between the Tundra and Silverado from the get-go, since both were the only two completely new trucks in the test. The Tundra, however, seemed to have an advantage in that it was ordered up with the larger of its two engines, the 5.7L V8 producing 381 hp. The Silverado, while available with a more evenly matched 6.0L Vortec MAX V8, was ordered with a less powerful 5.3L V8 producing 315 hp. Not only that, but the Tundra benefited from a 4.30 rear axle ratio that provides better towing and acceleration than the 3.73 ratio in the Silverado, which sacrifices those qualities for better fuel economy. The Silverado, however, could've been ordered with a more comparable 4.10 rear axle ratio at no extra charge.

Well, the gentlefolks at CR recently posted an answer to everyone's questions about this particular half-ton pickup comparo on their blog, which you should go read by clicking here before going on. They explain that choosing equipment for vehicles involved in a comparison is a tricky thing that involves balancing the objective of several goals.

"In general, we want to test a representative vehicle that is comparable to other vehicles in the test group (and previously tested peer vehicles). We also typically test the version--powertrain and trim level--that most regular consumers will buy. "

Read on after the jump to hear our take on CR's explanation.

Continue reading Consumer Reports responds to pickup comparo controversy

Consumer Reports responds to pickup comparo controversy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy silveradoChevySilveradocomparisoncomparoconsumer reportsConsumerReportsCRhalf-tonhalf-ton pickupshalf-ton trucksHalf-tonPickupsHalf-tonTruckssilveradotoyota tundraToyotaTundratundraFri, 10 Aug 2007 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer Reports rates half-ton pickups, raises eyebrows]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/06/consumer-reports-rates-half-ton-pickups-raises-eyebrows/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/06/consumer-reports-rates-half-ton-pickups-raises-eyebrows/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/06/consumer-reports-rates-half-ton-pickups-raises-eyebrows/#commentsFiled under: , ,



While we do respect the folks over at Consumer Reports, we do not envy them. Whether the subject is vacuums, lawnmowers or half-ton pickups, nearly every test they perform is scrutinized down to the tiniest of details. We suppose it goes with the reputation of being the most reliable source of production information for consumers, but it's gotta be hell on the nerves.

In its most recent issue, CR is publishing a report on half-ton pickups that might have some crying foul and revisiting claims the publication is biased in favor of imports. Included in the test are the 2007 Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8, 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3L V8, 2007 Ford F-150 5.4L V8 and 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L V8. The report puts an emphasis on towing, and (spoiler alert) the Toyota Tundra received the best score of the four pickups. The Tundra also received the "Recommended" label from CR (as did the Dodge Ram 1500), and was awarded a predicted reliability rating of "Very Good" thanks to the past performance of all Toyota's in CR's reader survey results.

We can already hear the grumbling. The domestic half-tons are offered in such a dizzying array of configurations, why didn't CR choose to buy a Silverado with the larger 6.0L V8 and a 4.10 rear-axle ratio (a no-cost option that would have matched the Tundra's ratio)? Jake Fisher, a senior automotive engineer for Consumer Reports, told Mike Levine at Pickuptruck.com, "For our readers, fuel economy is more important than gaining an extra second or two faster time 0 to 60, and we tested the trucks we felt were configured as our subscribers would use them."

More after the jump...

Continue reading Consumer Reports rates half-ton pickups, raises eyebrows

Consumer Reports rates half-ton pickups, raises eyebrows originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevychevy silveradoChevySilveradoconsumer reportsConsumerReportshalf-tonhalf-ton pickupshalf-ton pickuptsHalf-tonPickupsHalf-tonPickuptssilveradotoyotatoyota tundraToyotaTundratundraMon, 06 Aug 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pickup truck wars heat up: GM offers 0% financing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/31/pickup-truck-wars-heat-up-gm-offers-0-financing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/31/pickup-truck-wars-heat-up-gm-offers-0-financing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/31/pickup-truck-wars-heat-up-gm-offers-0-financing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A few weeks back, the top brass at GM stated that they intended to remain competitive in the hyper-competitive full-size truck market, and now we know just how serious the General is about protecting its truck turf. Beginning last Saturday, all 2007 extended and crew cab Silverados will have zero-percent financing for up to 60 months. GM spokesman John McDonald was quoted by Automotive News as saying that GM wanted to remain competitive with challengers that have been using "increasingly heavy spending" to move pickups.

While this news isn't exactly great for GM, there won't be many truck buyers complaining. It'll be interesting to see if Ford and Toyota further escalate the prodigious cash giveaway in a truck market that is more competitive than ever.

[Source: Automotive News (subscription req'd)]

Pickup truck wars heat up: GM offers 0% financing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0%ChevyF-150GMincentivesRamSierraSilveradoTundraTue, 31 Jul 2007 09:05:00 EST