Autoblog

GM recalls full-size truck, SUVs and vans over faulty shifter mechanism

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, SUV, Truck, Recalls, Safety, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

Twelve different General Motors vehicles from the 2013 model year, up to 54,686 units in total, are being recalled over two potential issues with their steering columns. The models in question, all full-size trucks, SUVs or vans, are the: Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL.

The affected vehicles were built with a fractured parking lock cable or "a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly." As a consequence, they could shift out of park without the brake pedal being applied or with the key removed or in the off position.

A bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the recall should begin on January 17. GM will notify owners, at which time they can take their vehicles to their dealers for repair free of charge. Have a look at the bulletin below for more information.

Continue reading GM recalls full-size truck, SUVs and vans over faulty shifter mechanism

GM recalls full-size truck, SUVs and vans over faulty shifter mechanism originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Expect greater differentiation in GM's next-generation SUVs

Zach Bowman — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Design/Style

General Motors says its next-generation Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade models will offer shoppers improved interior differentiation. Car and Driver recently caught up with Chris Hilts, GM's creative manager of interior design, who said that the cabins will all feature unique instrument panels, consoles, center stacks and switchgear moving forward. Apparently GM is now aware that consumers may be bothered by the fact that today's $85,000 Escalade has effectively the same cabin as a $45,000 Tahoe. Hilts says SUV buyers want more refinement than their pickup purchasing counterparts - and those same buyers also want their SUVs to have more exterior differentiation between the company's Silverado and Sierra pickup lines. Shocking.

That all sounds good to us, but we've heard this song and dance before. GM made big waves about how different the new-for-2013 Silverado and Sierra would look from each other, but judging by what we've seen so far, GM's stylists are painting in shades rather than with the full spectrum. For more on the what to expect out of GM's new SUVs, click on the C/D link below.

Expect greater differentiation in GM's next-generation SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM cancels next-gen hybrid truck/SUV program

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Truck, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

According to a report from GMInsideNews.com, General Motors has shut down its hybrid program for company's next-generation of full-size pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles. Currently, the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, Yukon and Cadillac Escalade all use the two-mode hybrid technology.

Historically, the two-mode hybrid models have not sold well, and only yield minor improvements in overall fuel economy. In most applications, the two-mode hybrid system is rated at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 23 mpg highway.

GMI reports that it's unusual for programs like this to be shut down so close to the launch of a new vehicle - the next-generation trucks/SUVs are scheduled to debut for the 2014 model year - but that many sources within GM are not surprised about the move. These new full-size hybrids were reportedly supposed to use an updated two-mode system, featuring a smaller displacement V8 engine, upgraded battery storage (using a more modern lithium-ion pack) and revamped electric motors, according to GMI.

When contacted by Autoblog, a GM spokesperson only stated that the automaker could "not comment on future products or related technologies."

GM cancels next-gen hybrid truck/SUV program originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cop crashes cruiser into restaurant on Christmas Eve

Zach Bowman — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet, Police/Emergency

A police officer and several restaurant goers were lucky to escape injury Christmas Eve. According to news reports, Taos County, New Mexico Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Lamendola was responding to a call on the evening of December 24 with his lights and sirens blaring when a vehicle pulled in front of his Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicle. Lamendola was traveling at a high rate of speed when he struck the vehicle, bounced over a snow bank, spun through a parking lot and rolled onto the patio of the El Prado restaurant. Moments earlier, patrons were waiting for a table on that very patio.

The deputy's vehicle was leaking fuel, and bystanders were quick to pull an open fire pit from the scene before removing the officer from the overturned Tahoe. Beer cans were found in the vehicle, but local police insist Lamendola wasn't drinking. The deputy is said to have borrowed the SUV from another officer who had just responded to an open container call. Lamendola wasn't submitted to a blood test. Hit the jump for a news report on the crash.

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Cop crashes cruiser into restaurant on Christmas Eve originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM and Costco partner up to sell trucks

Jeff Sabatini — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

Now you can get a deal on a big box at your local big box. Costco is offering its members discounted General Motors trucks and SUVs as part of a new "brand-awareness program" for the automaker, according to Automotive News. Eligible vehicles include the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, and Traverse, as well as corresponding GMC varaints, the Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Acadia.

GM will offer Costco shoppers special prices that are roughly equivalent to those it extends to employees of automotive suppliers, but the discounts won't be as steep as the ones GM employees get. Costco will also be throwing in a $500 gift card to members who purchase a new vehicle through the program, which runs through January 3, 2012.

With demand for large trucks and SUVs stagnating in recent years, the program seems like a no-brainer for GM, given that many Costco shoppers are likely prospective customers for these models. After all, you just can't fit a 36-pound roasted whole pig and an 96-roll case of toilet paper in the trunk of a Sonic.

GM and Costco partner up to sell trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AdSpotting: Chevy trucks give the silent treatment

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM

Company: General Motors

Brand: Chevrolet

Medium: TV (The Outdoor Channel)

Ad Agency: Goody Silverstein & Partners

Product: Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Tahoe

Campaign: Silverado Saturdays/The Official Truck

What We Like: GM is showing viewers how its trucks should be used with regards to recreational pursuits. Hunting and fishing are activities that suit the full-size Silverado and Tahoe, and the soft-spoken ads help create the feeling that you're there with the guys and gals who enjoy these sports. The other team member on these excursions? Your Chevy truck.

We also enjoy the fact that these ads aren't working too hard to get in your face or cram a message down your throat. Hunting and fishing are generally relaxing activities spent in quiet environments, and tone of the spots mirrors that perfectly. We can almost feel the damp morning air, and hear nature waking up around us as we prepare for the day.

What We Don't Like: Your author isn't much of a hunter, but that won't temper our opinion here. In fact, we're having trouble finding anything wrong with the spots besides the fact that the duck hunters place their decoys right next to a boat ramp.

Strategy: GM is going after a segment of the country that loves trucks and full-size SUVs. These ads air on The Outdoor Channel during a block of shows called Silverado Saturdays. Occasionally, the spots will also show up during other outdoor shows. The commercials show Chevrolet trucks being used in a manner that the viewer can relate to, and it's being done in a simple manner that manages to convey a subtly powerful message.

Grade: A

Watch the videos after the jump and give it your own grade below.

View Poll

*Update: Corrected Sundays to Saturdays.

Continue reading AdSpotting: Chevy trucks give the silent treatment

AdSpotting: Chevy trucks give the silent treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Over 7,500 GM trucks recalled over two safety issues

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Recalls, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2011 Chevrolet Colorado - Click above for high-res image gallery

A handful of General Motors trucks and sport utility vehicles need to head on in to their local dealerships. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just issued a pair of recall notice for 7,507 vehicles as part of two separate safety actions.

The first covers 6,768 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon 2011 model year pickup trucks. According to NHTSA, an ornery transmission adjustment clip might not keep the shift cable in the correct position. This could cause drivers to think there truck is in park, when in fact it's just waiting to roll away in neutral.

A smaller recall notice has been issued for 739 trucks and SUVs due to a steering shaft bolt that's been improperly tightened. If loose, it could make for rather difficult steering and cause an accident. This recall affects the 2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.

Click past the jump for the full NHTSA bulletins.

Continue reading Over 7,500 GM trucks recalled over two safety issues

Over 7,500 GM trucks recalled over two safety issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Custom car audio system shreds phone books with sound

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Etc., Technology, Videos, Chevrolet

Steve Meade Designs' phone book-shredding Chevrolet Tahoe - Click above to view videos after the jump

There's ridiculous bass, and then there's this madness. Steve Meade Designs is a custom car audio shop that specializes in the kind of audio systems that require 10 batteries and three alternators to run. This clip features Meade's own 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe, and its compliment of four 18-inch subwoofers, backed by a total of 13 amps and 26 smaller speakers, including 10 6.5-inch mids, and 10 one-inch tweeters.

The result of all that firepower directed at four 18-inch woofers is a phone book-shredding bass attack. We don't mean phone book-shredding in the figurative sense, either. As the videos after the jump clearly show (hint: fast-forward first video to 3:00), Steve Meade Designs has built a stereo system so powerful it can shred your average metropolitan phone book to bits in minutes. Just think about what it'll do to your ear drums.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Custom car audio system shreds phone books with sound

Video: Custom car audio system shreds phone books with sound originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM SUVs to continue with full frame, Granite still on the table

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

The Sport Utility Vehicle is dead. Long live the Sport Utility Vehicle.

We all know by now that the SUV, considered the Official Car of the 1990s and early 00s, has mostly fallen out of favor. But that doesn't mean we should expect the large, body-on-frame behemoths - with the exception of impractical niche models like those from Hummer - to completely disappear from automaker showrooms any time soon.

Instead, the market may just right-size itself back to a more natural mix, with those users who really do need the off-road and towing capabilities of a proper SUV sticking with their 'utes and the rest of the population switching to crossovers. With that in mind, Automotive News reports that the redesigned GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe, due in 2013 or 2014, will likely stick to their truck-based roots. No surprise.

Nor should we be shocked by the revelation that the GMC Granite, which was first shown at the Detroit Auto Show early in 2010, is still in the works. In today's market conditions, an entirely truck-based lineup makes very little fiscal sense, but we'd imagine that General Motors' Lambda triplets will remain the automaker's volume sellers.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: GM SUVs to continue with full frame, Granite still on the table originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ouch: NHTSA reportedly investigating 2007 Tahoe, Yukon over sharp door handles

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Safety, Chevrolet, GMC, Luxury

If you own a 2007 Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon, you might want to watch your fingers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun an engineering analysis (the step before a potential recall) at the SUVs' door handles after 88 complaints of people cutting their hands on peeling metal plating. There are a possible 443,000 vehicles affected, but that's only if the NHTSA decides a full recall is necessary at the end of its analysis.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Ouch: NHTSA reportedly investigating 2007 Tahoe, Yukon over sharp door handles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GeigerCars turns tuning efforts to... Chevy Tahoe Hybrid?

Zach Bowman — Fri, 07 May 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, SUV, Technology, Chevrolet, GM

Geiger Cars LPG Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're used to seeing Geiger Cars tackle wild horsepower-riddled projects, but the tuner's latest effort involves none other than the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. No, the company hasn't managed to bleed 1,000 horsepower from the dual-mode hybrid. Instead, the crew at Geiger has managed to talk the big 6.0-liter V8 under the hood into swilling down liquid petroleum gas in a move to substantially cut the big SUV's fuel costs.

Straight from General Motors, the Tahoe Hybrid is good for around 21 mpg, so we would expect to see some sort of improvement on that front with Geiger's take on the truck. Unfortunately, the company doesn't provide any solid LPG fuel-economy numbers.

Geiger did tell the world exactly how much the conversion will cost, though. If you'd rather turn your SUV green than look toward a more efficient way to get your family around town, the conversion will cost you a little over $5,000 at current conversion rates. Geiger will also allow you to buy the whole SUV from their shop for a paltry $78,000. Would we lay down our hard-earned cash for the swap? Given the fact that there isn't exactly an LPG fueling station on every corner, we'd have to pass. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Geiger Cars LPG Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

[Source: Geiger]

Continue reading GeigerCars turns tuning efforts to... Chevy Tahoe Hybrid?

GeigerCars turns tuning efforts to... Chevy Tahoe Hybrid? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Surprise: GM's next-generation of large SUVs reportedly due by 2013

Dan Roth — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

75th Anniversary Diamond Edition Chevrolet Suburban - Click above for high-res image gallery

Listen to enough of the bloviation, and you'll start to believe that full-size, traditional SUVs are the root of all evil. While the hue and cry has gone up far and wide branding these truck-based vehicles as four-wheeled carcinogens, there are enough legitimate reasons to purchase a Chevrolet Suburban or Cadillac Escalade that General Motors is going ahead with the next generation.

SUVs have traditionally been healthy profit-earners for General Motors. Though sales dropped by 25 percent in 2009, sales are picking up once again and exports remain strong, all making a good case for the revamping and keeping the truck chassis. Work had been idled on the GMT900 architecture's replacement while GM went through its bout with Chapter 11 and fuel prices spiked. Moving the Tahoe, Escalade, Yukon, and Suburban to a version of the unibody Lambda platform had also reportedly been considered. In the end, buyers opting for the big SUVs really want and need what they do; from three rows of seats to truck-strong towing and heavy-duty four-wheel-drive systems, so General Motors is apparently keeping the basic formula, confirming to Automotive News that all current versions of GMT900 have a future. The fact that GM SUVs are practically ubiquitous as congressional transporters probably doesn't hurt the case for revamping the full-size SUV line, either. After all, Capitol Hill has a massive stake in GM, and they might as well get some new armored Escalades for politicians publicly stumping for small, fuel-efficient cars, right?

Gallery: Chevrolet Suburban 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

No Surprise: GM's next-generation of large SUVs reportedly due by 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM's next-gen SUVs to be body-on-frame (otherwise they'd be crossovers)

Chris Shunk — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum - Click above for high-res image gallery

The GMT900 platform is by far the highest volume chassis General Motors has here in the States, as it underpins the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Avalanche and Suburban, the Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV, and the GMC Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL. We never had any doubt that GM would continue to build body-on-frame trucks in the future, but with demand for SUVs shrinking quickly, some thought the body-on-frame SUV would soon be a thing of the past. Maybe not.

Our friends over at Pickuptrucks.com are reporting that the next generation of the GMT platform will be produced by Magna International's Cosma in Canada and Mexico - and that new platform will underpin the next-generation of GM SUVs along with the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado. Pickuptrucks quotes Magna spokesperson Scott Worden as confirming that the next generation of GM's large SUVs will come with the body-on-frame architecture. This sort of chassis tends to add weight versus a unibody platform, but it also adds capability for towing and payload at lower cost.

We're not really all the surprised that GM will continue to build BOF SUVs, especially when considering that the General sold a combined 200,000 copies of the Suburban, Yukon, Tahoe and Escalade last month alone. And last we checked, these are still relatively expensive vehicles that bring in quite a bit of desperately needed profit. And if customers are interested in a family hauler with better interior packaging and fuel economy, we're sure GM dealers will be happy to get them into a Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse or GMC Acadia.

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum

[Source: Pickuptrucks]

REPORT: GM's next-gen SUVs to be body-on-frame (otherwise they'd be crossovers) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalls Camaro, Traverse, SUVs/pickups for various issues

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have announced a suite of recalls for the Chevrolet Camaro, Traverse and various body-on-frame SUVs and pickups (Cadillac's Escalade, Chevrolet's Avalanche, Colorado, Suburban and Tahoe, along with GMC's Canyon and Yukon).

The Camaro recall has been discussed before, but now we have the official language and affected unit numbers to share with you. The recall of 1,243 Camaros is due to the possibility of the positive battery cable rubbing against the starter motor housing. When the insulation is worn through because of that chafing, the system can short out and the car won't start (or continue running if the motor is already going). Dealers will reroute the positive cable to fix.

15,393 2009 model-year Traverse crossovers are being recalled for a parking brake cable link that is not to federal specifications. According to the official press release, the parking brake pedal may cause the cable link to snap. Dealers will replace the cable link connector for free. Oddly, the recall does not make mention of GM's other Lambda-based three-row crossovers, which include the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook.

Finally, 27,189 GM SUVs and pickups are being recalled due to potential faults with their fuel system control modules. The modules might have a seal problem that allows water in, which could then cause a short- or open- circuit, a development that could potentially trigger a host of warning lights or render the vehicle inoperable. Dealers will install a new fuel system control module unit at no cost. You can read all of the notices after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA - Camaro, Traverse, GMT900]

Continue reading GM recalls Camaro, Traverse, SUVs/pickups for various issues

GM recalls Camaro, Traverse, SUVs/pickups for various issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Chevy Tahoe LTZ 6.2L 4x4

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Chevrolet, New Car Reviews

2009 Chevy Tahoe LTZ 6.2L 4x4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

For a long time, gas prices in the United States were literally cheaper than dirt. Seriousl - check out the price of a bag of top soil at your local home improvement store. With such low fuel prices, the cost of operating a motor vehicle was really not much of an issue for most Americans. As a result, the only cost that concerned Americans when buying a vehicle was the monthly payment. People bought what ever they could afford on a monthly basis, not at the pump.

The result was the rise of the personal use truck, and in particular, the sport utility vehicle. It started slowly in the 1980s with the Jeep Cherokee and really picked up steam with the launch of the Ford Explorer. As the Nineties wore on, people moved into even bigger full-size SUVs and the Chevy Tahoe was among the most successful up until the last few years. That's when sales hit a brick wall as gas prices finally started to climb.

We recently got to spend some quality time with a 2009 Chevy Tahoe LTZ and its big 6.2-lliter V8. Follow the jump to see if this behemoth still has what it takes to charm consumers now that gas prices have ebbed.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevy Tahoe LTZ 6.2L 4x4

Continue reading Review: 2009 Chevy Tahoe LTZ 6.2L 4x4

Review: 2009 Chevy Tahoe LTZ 6.2L 4x4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade not being replaced

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

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: The New York Times via Inside Line]

Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade not being replaced originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM closing Wisconsin SUV plant early, doors closed by end of year

Chris Shunk — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors has announced that it wil close its SUV plant in Janesville, Wisconsin by the end of this year in response to the woeful market for utility vehicles. The plant produces the GMC Yukon and Chevy Suburban and employs 1,200 UAW workers. GM was originally planning to shutter the plant sometime before 2010, but deteriorating market conditions have expedited the plant's demise. The news comes only one week after the General announced that it would be closing its Moraine, OH SUV plant early, as well.

Some analysts think GM could pull the plug on its Oshawa truck plant and Mexico facility in Toluca early too since truck sales are down as well, as GM has already announced that those plants are slated for closure. GM top dog Rick Wagoner stated last week that some stamping facilities could also face closure to help align production capabilities to demand.

[Source: CNN Money]

GM closing Wisconsin SUV plant early, doors closed by end of year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited

Dan Roth — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Toyota

2008 Toyota Sequoia - Click above for high-res image gallery

Gigantor. The 2008 Toyota Sequoia arrives humongously revised from the already beefy first-generation. The Timberland Mica (Metallic Green) example that Toyota lent us for a week definitely deserves whatever size-related superlatives you can dream up. It's big, it's powerful, it doesn't sip fuel. There is a need and a market for this type of vehicle, however. If Sequoia buyers don't actually utilize its considerable capabilities, that's not Toyota's fault. This year marks the migration of Toyota's full size Sport Utility to the same mechanicals that underpin the new Tundra, ladling on capability to an already fairly competent and refined vehicle.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4x4

Continue reading Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited

Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Trends, Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Green, Technology, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

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.

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Will the real Tahoe/Yukon Hybrid MSRP please stand up?

Siddharth Raja — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

Hybrid vehicles still don't make much sense for automakers. The cost of the technology is more than what consumers are willing to pay and in many cases the fuel-saving benefits can be achieved with a simple diesel motor (at least in Europe). Because of this, coming up with the right sticker price can be a major stumbling block. Price it too high and no one will want to buy your hybrid, but discount it too much and money will be lost on every model sold.

GM got into a spot of bother recently when alleged prices for its new full-size hybrids SUVs were released on its website last month. The problem was that the listed prices "were too low" according to GM spokesman Terry Rhadigan. The Chevy Tahoe 4-Door two-wheel drive hybrid was listed at $47,915 and the four-wheel drive was listed at $50,720. The GMC Yukon two-wheel drive hybrid came in at $48,370.

The 'correct' prices are scheduled to be announced next week, though Popular Mechanics already have the two listed as $49,270 for the Yukon Hybrid 2WD and $48,815 for the Tahoe Hybrid 2WD. If that's the case, then the prices accidentally released last month weren't off by all that much.

$49,270 and $48,815, respectively

[Source: The Detroit News]

Will the real Tahoe/Yukon Hybrid MSRP please stand up? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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