General Motors posted its 2017 quarter three earnings yesterday, and despite an overall earnings loss, all of its divisions posted in the black for the first time since Q4 of 2014. Following the earnings report, GM executives spoke of future product plans and the focus is clear: trucks, SUVs, and more trucks
GM CFO Chuck Stevens told investors on a conference call it will continue to retool its product mix to include more utility vehicles, according to CNBC. He added GM will “continue to take actions” as passenger car sales fall in North America. Truck production will increase in Q4 of this year as well.
Adding to his comments, CEO Mary Barra said the automaker will introduce a wider range of trucks next year, likely referencing the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra. She said the truck range will include more features, and some will focus on off-road capability. We also know new Silverado variants are in the pipeline: a 4500 and 5500.
GM’s discipline has also helped regain control over high inventory levels. The automaker ended September with a 76-day supply of vehicles, though it aims for a 70-day supply by the end of this year. GM retained over a 100-day supply of new cars through much of the summer.
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wider range eh??? what does that mean exactly? might include a truck from the montana (hope not, it hardly qualifies as a foreign truck) all the way to the Silverado 5500HD. Might introduce a raptor stock competitor as well. What are the odds (i personally think next to none) that the spied desil was a test bed with the LP5 Duramax to compete with the raptor in a half ton. Its a dream really and insane, but dreams can come true!
How about a Honda Ridgeline type of truck and an S10 size pickup with a blazer in both 2 and 4 door. Do the Ridgeline type on the traverse chassis and a S10 based ZR2 type of Blazer. I would guess none of this stuff will happen but hey a guy can dream. Knowing GM it will be more special editions with paint and graphics. It’s time to move on from that and add substance.
Focus on off-road capability statement is pretty intriguing. One gotta think there is a ZR2 Silverado coming. What other vehicles would they have in mind? Maybe an off-road SUV?
It will never happen, but I can dream of the Ute (Modern El Camino) coming to the US.
never say never, a limited edition could be released to the public to test and see if the market is right for a reintroduction. it could be sold in north America Australia and Europe, and based on the camero chassis. it would be a one time three year run.
Avalanche reintroduction. Size it to slot between the midsize and full size trucks. the 2019 Silverado frame is modular and will be ehe underpinning for the next gen Colorado, makes it easier when the platform flexibility is there.
Not a whole lot of room between the mid size and full size.
Didn’t the focus on trucks and SUVs in the early 2000s play a role in the company’s financial downturn that resulted in the bailout? When the economy tanked in 08, 09, the only manufacturers that actually saw an increase in sales were Honda, and Subaru which sell only cars or small car based SUVs.
But hey, they is a ton of profit to be made with body on frame, low tech vehicles that people pay $60k+ for, the back half of a modern pickup truck has all the mechanical wizardry of a horse drawn carriage. Little R&D required, not unlike Harley Davidson.
Go buy a RAM if you want an IRS.
Coil springs don’t make IRS.
You aren’t going to do an IRS on a truck without them.
Wider range? Two door Blazer to compete with the Bronco and Power Wagon. Cheap venture. I doubt GM will venture into a unitize half ton pickup built in a car plant.
This push for a pickup truck, CUV, and SUV market be damned. Not everyone wants a utility vehicle or a pickup truck.
I for one would absolutely love a subcompact hot hatch. Not only is this not happening in the marketplace but regular subcompact cars are being replaced with subcompact CUVs. Is the current crop of customers for GM nothing more than overweight, soccer mom, or people with back problems?
We will see some of the same but we will also will. Some more diverse product.
I expect a smaller Ridgeline like truck as the Cav buyers love to have more car like vehicles.
Everyone will try new things with the CUV models to attract new buyers. The FNX-R is a perfect example of a CUV that is more Camaro like but as flexible as a CUV.
What do your sources tell you about the FNR-X’s chances of making it to production?
I vote for Trailblazer SS!!