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How GM Is Handling 2019 Silverado And Sierra Production: An Infographic

GM is executing a double-pronged strategy in transitioning to the all-new 2019 Silverado and Sierra. The approach involves:

  1. Continuing to produce the last-generation K2 platform models in limited configurations (Double Cabs with the 5.3L V8 L83 engine) to satisfy demand and maintain inventory, while
  2. Increasing production of the all-new 2019 Silverado and 2019 Sierra on the T1 platform

This strategy of overlapping production of two different truck generations has been used previously by GM and by other automakers, as it allows for steady levels of inventory and sales volume (thanks to the last-gen models), while ramping production of the all-new units. That much was already clear (at least to those who read GM Authority on the daily). What was not very clear, however, was which GM plants were carrying out the aforementioned assembly work. We made an infographic to clear up any confusion.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado Production Infographic

Last-Gen Production

Assembly of the outgoing, last-generation K2-based trucks falls on the following three plants:

  1. GM Oshawa plant in Ontario, Canada, otherwise known as the Consolidated Line or Oshawa 2
  2. GM Flint plant in Michigan USA, which produces two distinct models:
    • K2 Silverado 1500 and K2 Sierra 1500, and
    • K2 Silverado HD and K2 Sierra HD; the next-gen 2020 Silverado HD and 2020 Sierra HD were teased but not yet announced; once announced, it’s expected that Flint Assembly will continue making the Heavy Duty variants of the all-new GM trucks
    • GM Flint assembly plant should not be confused with the GM Flint engine plant/powertrain operations, which is a separate facility
  3. GM Silao plant in Guanajuato, Mexico

During its second quarter 2018 earnings call, GM told analysts that these plants are running at more than 100-percent capacity “to meet demand and maintain inventory for the current-generation pickups during the transition to all-new full-size pickups.”

Notably, the models of the last-gen Silverado and Sierra in production are the Double Cabs with 5.3L V8 L83 engine. GM manufacturing officials have told us that productions of the K2 trucks at these facilities will continue through the end of 2018.

New-Gen Production

Meanwhile, assembly of the all-new T1-based Silverado and Sierra falls to the following two plants:

  1. GM Fort Wayne plant in Indiana, USA
  2. GM Silao plant in Guanajuato, Mexico
    • The facility is the only plant currently producing both the all-new models as well as the last-gen models

As of Monday, August 13th, GM Authority has received a few reports from owners who have ten delivery of their all-new Silverados and Sierras.

Four Plants, Coming Down To Three

So, there you have it: a total of four plants are currently involved in the assembly operations of GM’s all-new and last-gen pickup trucks.

However, it’s all but confirmed that this number will decrease to three facilities once production of the all-new 2019 Silverado and Sierra is running in full force, and there it’s no longer necessary to produce the K2 trucks at Oshawa.

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GM Authority Executive Editor with a passion for business strategy and fast cars.

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Comments

  1. Does Mexico make any of the 3/4 ton or 1 ton trucks or is that just Ft Wayne and Flint? Also, is distribution from each plant more regional (Mexico supplying southern part of the country) or does every plant ship everywhere?

    Reply
    1. The HDs are made exclusively in the US.

      The distribution is variable, meaning it’s all over and not necessarily regional.

      Reply
      1. I ordered a new GMC Sierra AT4. The production Date is Sept 10th. Do think this will be built in Indiana?

        Reply
  2. I wonder why they decided to keep producing the K2’s for 2019 only double cabs? Aren’t crew cabs are the most popular.

    Reply
    1. I would guess they are delaying the double cab T1 to put out as many new T1 crews as possible. The K2 double is the cushion until inventory and manufacturing are ramped up.

      Reply
    2. Less expensive, Ram is going to continue the old style as well as the new style in hopes of overtaking GM’s number 2 spot.

      Reply
      1. If GM will combine Silverado 4500 and 5500 sales (like ford does) then I don’t think Ram will have a chance.

        Reply
    3. They are still making 2018 crew cabs thru at least October, the double cab trucks were made only in Indiana, and that plant was retooled for the T1. They now make the double cab K2 in Oshawa, and they are basically all the same and all 2019’s to simplify things.

      Reply
  3. Those body colored tabs that GM has adjacent to their headlights? Yeah, those don’t work.

    My guess is some executive saw them in a drawing and decided they need to go on every GM vehicle.

    Reply
    1. At least its something different..

      Reply
    2. F-150 have had them for a couple of years

      Reply
      1. Where do you think they got the idea…GM just took a Ford headlight and spun it 180 degrees.

        Reply
        1. That’s about it. GM’s risk-averse design studios would rather follow trends than lead.

          The stupid “floating roof” fad with the glossy black plastic on the C or D pillars is a case study in GM’s design ineptitude. It’s not terrible looking on some of the Nissan products that created the trend, but even on those it’s tacky and will obviously age terribly once the industry moves on to a new styling motif. On GM cars it’s like they just slapped it on pre-existing designs because some executive liked it on Nissans; it doesn’t complement the lines or gesture of the car at all. I feel embarrased for GM whenever I see it on their SUV/CUV vehicles.

          What’s especially sad is that GM concept cars prove their design studio can create gorgeous cars. Somehow the studio isn’t given enough freedom. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that every design goes through a committee of frumpy executives who fear anything new or different.

          Reply
  4. This was informative, thanks for the breakdown.

    Reply
  5. GM has pickups for every possible buyer type.

    It’s amazing to see how much flexibility GM has when it is needed.

    Reply
  6. Not impressed with the new Chev.
    Glad to see that the GMC still looks good

    Reply
  7. When will the new 2019 Silverado be available at Canadian Dealerships……Thanks.

    Reply

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