Detroit — In addition to ending production of the Pontiac brand and selling Hummer, Saturn and Saab brands, General Motors Corp. announced, in tandem with the GM 2010 Product Guide release, that it will cease production of the Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Topkick by July 31 of this year.
The following statement was released from GM's corporate headquarters on June 8, 2009: After four years of working with multiple potential buyers, General Motors has decided to wind-down its medium-duty truck operations. Production of the Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick medium-duty trucks will cease by July 31, 2009.
General Motors' 2010 Product Guide for the U.S. features the four remaining GM brands — Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC — which includes Chevrolet's light-duty pickup trucks, the Silverado and Avalanche, and GMC's light-duty pickup truck, the Sierra, and is available at http://media.gm.com/us/gm/en/product_services/vehicles/2010/2010productinfoindex.html.
Many pickups are featured in the 2010 Product Guide, including the 2010 GMC Sierra Hybrid, a full-size pickup that achieves 40% greater city fuel economy than non-hybrid models and 25% improvement in overall fuel economy. Partnering General Motors' patented two-mode hybrid system and a 6.0L gas V-8, the Sierra Hybrid delivers all-electric driving up to 30 mph and, with a 26-gal.fuel tank, delivers a cruising range of more than 500 miles. The hybrid has a crew cab body on both 2WD and 4WD models and is equipped with several standard features.
The vehicle's performance is derived from GM's advanced Electrically Variable Transmission and 300V nickel-metal hybrid Energy Storage System, which works a standard 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management and late intake valve closing technology. The hybrid system enables the Sierra to drive up to 30 mph on electricity and allows the Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods. The hybrid system generates electricity used to propel the vehicle. When the vehicle is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motors in the system create electricity, which the 300V battery stores. This energy powers the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle can then be renewed.
Also featured in the Product Guide are the 2010 Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD. Both models are equipped with USB connectivity in the center console, OnStar 8.2 and a long-range remote start and traffic probe. Both models come standard with a Vortec 6.0L V-8 (L96) engine and six-speed auto (Hydra-Matic 6L90) transmission. A Duramax 6.6L V-8 diesel (LMM) engine and six-speed auto (Allison 1000) transmission are also available on both pickups. Both models have a two to three regular passenger cab or five to six extended passenger cab, and a five to six passenger crew cab.
Another hybrid pickup truck available in 2010 is Chevrolet's Silverado. This full-size pickup has a 6.0L V-8 engine, compatible with E85, side curtain air bags and seat-mounted side air bags, and revised interior door trim. Just like GMC's Sierra Hybrid, the Silverado Hybrid achieves 40% greater city fuel economy than non-hybrid models and 25% improvement in overall fuel economy, uses GM's patented two-mode hybrid system and is offered in the crew cab body style on both 2WD and 4WD models.
The 2010 Chevy Silverado 1500 has many new features, including E85 FlexFuel capability on 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.2L engines. Other model features are variable valve timing on 4.8L and 5.3L engines, improving fuel economy, six-speed automatic transmission on regular and extended cab models with 5.3L V-8, 3.08 axle ratio and fuel saver mode standard with 5.3L V-8 for improved fuel economy. Side curtain air bags and seat-mounted side air bags, USB connectivity, revised interior door trim and StabiliTrak electronic control system are also featured on the pickup. The truck is available in three different body styles — regular cab, extended cab and crew cab.
The new feature in the 2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD is the USB connectivity in the center console. A Vortec 6.0L V-8 (L96) engine and six-speed auto (Hydra-Matic 6L90) transmission is standard, and a Duramax 6.6L V-8 diesel (LMM) engine and six-speed auto (Allison 1000) is optional on both models. Body styles come in a regular cab, extended cab and crew cab.
The 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, LT and LTZ features USB connectivity in the center console. The 1LT package includes dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, remote vehicle start, heavy-duty rear locking differential and a single-speed transfer case. Vortec 5.3L V-8 (LMG) engine and six-speed auto (Hydra-Matic 6L80) transmission is standard.