GM postpones full-size truck overhaul plan

[plane]

Want to drive the sales of the GMT-900's through the roof?
1. Get the 4.5L diesel now.
2. Follow up with the direct injected gasoline version of the 4.5L.

How many full-size trucks would sell if consumers could regularly see 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway? Or even better?

Fuel economy is now king lynchpin in selling full-size trucks.
Conquer the fuel thirst and you conquer this market.

[VMax2007]

Originally Posted by likearock00

I think this is a smart idea, but feel GM will lose market share when the market finally restabilizes. Ford and Dodge are now coming out with some awesome new products and I'd hate to see GM as the oldest design and be overlooked when customers shop. Hopefully they'll get the dang 6 speeds out by 09 at least. We'll see what they end up doing to make it better!

Hopefully? Where have you been? It's a done deal. The 09's will be available with a 6.2/6 spd. Production begins soon.

[FenwickHockey65]

^^
4.5L Duramax powered Yukon would replace the Envoy.
But...

[demonspeed]

Originally Posted by osv_alero

For once GM is putting their money in the right place at the right time.

Too bad it took so long.

[jlt0x]

GM is really doing some "soul-searching" these days...which is good.

I think it would be a good idea to consider downsizing their largest models. Why does each new gen vehicle need to be much larger than the previous generation?

I like that Cadillac may be naming their "BRX" the new SRX. Caddy is using a familiar name and attaching it to a vastly superior product than the previous model. GM should do the same with the Escalade, make the next flagship SUV the size of the current SRX, but name it the Escalade. I think Ford should do the same too. Drop the current Expedition...rename the Flex to be the new Expedition.

I, however, think the long wheelbase version of the full size SUVs should remain. Models such as the Suburban, Yukon XL, Expedition EL, Escalade EXT & ESV, etc. should continue production to provide those characterisitics to those that "really" need the features of these large vehicles. It's kinda like how the 2-door Bronco, Blazer K-body, and 2-door Explorer didn't last long after the 4-door versions were released.

[Member17739]

Originally Posted by plane

How many full-size trucks would sell if consumers could regularly see 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway? Or even better?

Good luck with achieving that while keeping the MSRP affordable.

[footney]

GM should just offer the Surburban and the Pickup platform mates as its full-size offerings. The Yukon, Tahoe, and Escalade should be V-8 "hydrids" based off the Lambda platform.

[TimR]

Originally Posted by VMax2007

Hopefully? Where have you been? It's a done deal. The 09's will be available with a 6.2/6 spd. Production begins soon.

6.2L/6speed is crew cab only, upper levels only. 6.0L/6speed is ext cabs only, upper level models only....hopefully as the year rolls on they will add it to the "regular" trucks (ie, not top trim level trucks) and regular cabs as well with all engines. I wouldn't call it a done deal as only a few models have it starting in 09.

[GM-Joe]

Originally Posted by ChevyRules

I will say this if GM kills the Suburban I will be forever pissed off. My family needs a vehicle that can haul cargo, carry 7 people, and tow a horse trailer. I don't see a Lambda doing that anytime soon.

They aren't going to kill off the Suburban, though it maybe a hybrid in the future with a 4.5 litre biodiesel engine option.

But I will say that the Tahoe maybe a long wheelbased or highly revised Lambda.

[1gkek]

Originally Posted by plane

Want to drive the sales of the GMT-900's through the roof?
1. Get the 4.5L diesel now.
2. Follow up with the direct injected gasoline version of the 4.5L.

How many full-size trucks would sell if consumers could regularly see 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway? Or even better?

Fuel economy is now king lynchpin in selling full-size trucks.
Conquer the fuel thirst and you conquer this market.

30 isn't good enough any more. I think the "casual" pickup and SUV driver is gone for good. Some will be able to afford them and can justify based on their situation, but everybody else is fleeing.

Will the "El Camino/UTE" actually stand a chance now???

[mkwelbornjr]

Why is it always all or nothing with GM? There is a still and always will be a market for pickups and large SUVs...albeit not as many variants as we currently have of the same concept. GM needs to continue developing the best full-size pickups and one great full-size SUV. Then maybe a large unique SUV for Cadillac similar to a Range Rover or G Class. And then they need to move forward with modern luxury V8's as Cadillac needs this.

[eb110americana]

Originally Posted by TJ95GAGT

Was GM seriously considering a total remodel of the 900's in the next 1-3yrs? Didn't they just come out in 07? Many other vehicles that came out before that have yet to get even a MCE and the 900's were due for a remodel? I feel weird saying this but if it took $4.00+ gas to get GM to realize other vehicles need attention then I'm glad it's happened.

+500 Points

Compact and subcompact cars are your future GM, put your money there (and don't forget a few RWD ones while you're at it--though most should be FWD). Way down the line, when the inventories of double-discounted and marked down large trucks have dropped to appropriate levels and the stigma of a compact pickup is not synonymous with "sissy truck," the market will be rife for a compact to midsize pickup revival. Plan for that while keeping engines competitive in your existing models and you'll be a step ahead of everyone else.

[civilzues]

throw a 6 speed in all of them along with a mild MCE and call is good for awhile and develope a lighter platform and milk the 900 for as long as you can.

[Hitman1970]

Prior to the 1994 Dodge weren't trucks really only fully redesigned every decade or so with a few minor refreshes inbetween? Lord knows GM could and should throw that money into making more desirabe efficient cars. They are on their way, but need to keep the momentum going even in their current cash constrained environment.

[eaton53]

I like that Cadillac may be naming their "BRX" the new SRX. Caddy is using a familiar name and attaching it to a vastly superior product than the previous model.

It's highly doubtful that the new SRX will be "vastly superior" to the outgoing one. The current one with MRC is an amazing vehicle and one of the best crossovers you can buy.

It will probably be cheaper, though.

As for the 900's, just keep improving them (especially gas mileage improvements) and they'll be fine.