2011-09-12
DETROIT - With cold weather on the horizon, most recreational boaters north of the Mason-Dixon Line are preparing to haul out and winterize their crafts. Towing a boat out of the water and down the road is easy when using the right equipment. That's why many boaters rely on GMC's Professional Grade trucks or sport utility vehicles.According to GMC customer survey data, nearly a third of Sierra 1500 owners tow boats, and nearly eight out of 10 Sierra owners use their vehicles for some kind of towing. U.S. Coast Guard and Forest Service statistics indicate there are nearly 13 million recreational boats registered in the country, with 82 million Americans participating annually.
"When you're towing a heavy load, you want to be confident that your vehicle is up to the task and that your boat will be safe and sound," said Rob Krouse, lead trailering engineer, General Motors. "When you have a vehicle that can more than handle the added weight of your boat and trailer, it gives you peace of mind."
Maintaining control of a heavy load also means avoiding rollovers. StabiliTrak electronic stability control provides more precise, controlled stops, as well as enhanced traction/yaw stability to keep truck and boat stable.
Before hitching up, it is important to calculate the combined weight of a boat and trailer. For example, a 24-foot-long deck boat may weigh 4,150 pounds, but when paired with the trailer its weight will probably exceed 5,500 pounds. Even with the added weight of an anchor and chain, canvas top, emergency radio, sound system, cushions, ice, food and beverages, the total is still within the limits of a light-duty full-size pickup truck like the Sierra 1500, which can tow up to 10,700 pounds, depending on the model.
Comparatively, full-size heavy-duty pickups, such as GMC's 2011 2500HD and 3500HD, are capable of towing up to 13,000 and 17,000 pounds, respectively, using a ball hitch. They can tow even heavier loads such as campers or trailers when equipped with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch. These trucks also come equipped with more advanced control features such as trailer sway control, hill start assist, integrated trailer brake control and, on diesel-equipped models, an exhaust brake.
As an alternative to pickup trucks, some boaters rely on a full-size SUV, such as GMC Yukon or Yukon XL, which tow between 5,000 to 9,600 pounds depending on the model. Shane Longdin of Wisconsin uses a Yukon to tow a 21-foot wakeboard boat.
"I used to have another SUV with a shorter wheelbase and smaller motor, but it struggled to stop and get going when towing the boat. That is not an issue with my Yukon," Longdin said. "The Yukon also feels much more stable at highway speeds than my previous ride."
Most boat owners know that slippery ramps can be a problem, and low tongue weight percentage, which is common for boat trailers, does not help rear traction. This makes it important to back down the ramp only as far as needed to be able to get the boat onto the trailer. GMC's 4WD or AWD vehicles can be a big help in these situations because the front tires are much more likely to be on dry, algae-free portion of ramp.
Backing up a trailer can also be a challenge, especially if the ramp is crowded and the driver feels pressured to get out quickly. Of course, it is easier to see over and around an empty trailer, but GMC's trailering experts recommend consulting owner manuals to make hauling out as smooth as possible. In addition, boaters should be sure the boat winch and all tie downs are properly secured before setting off from the ramp.
When ready to hitch up, it helps to have a rearview camera system, which is available on Sierras and Yukons. This feature makes aligning the truck's hitch with a boat trailer easy. The rearview camera system projects images onto the rearview mirror display or onto the optional in-dash navigation screen.
These and other factory-installed safety features and purposeful technologies undergo extensive real-world testing before going into production.
"For towing capability we test our vehicles under maximum load conditions and
under extreme conditions, like Death Valley when it's 120 degrees Fahrenheit,
and up and down long, steep grades like Interstate 70 in Colorado up the
Eisenhower Pass," said Jim Mikulec, a lead development engineer for full-size
trucks at GM. "We go to extremes so that our customers can tow their boats with
confidence."
2011-09-02
DETROIT - When Joanne Grimaldi, an avid cyclist from San Jose, Calif., decided to replace her pickup truck with a more fuel-efficient vehicle, she picked the GMC Terrain because it can haul multiple bicycles while offering an EPA-rated 32 mpg in highway driving."On our 200-mile bike rides, my friends and I take turns driving and biking, and I always get compliments about how nice the Terrain is to drive," said Grimaldi, who rides with the Bay Area's Almaden Cycle Touring Club. "I really like the backup camera, leather interior, OnStar and hands-free control of my phone. Although I enjoyed driving a truck, I still feel like the Terrain gets respect on the roads, while getting better fuel economy."
Grimaldi is one of many Californians discovering the benefits to owning a Terrain and other Professional Grade GMC vehicles. GMC sales are up 21 percent in the Golden State so far this year with Terrain sales up 39 percent.
Californians also are discovering the GMC Acadia crossover, sales of which are up 26 percent so far this year. The crossover gets better highway fuel range and offers more cargo space than Ford Explorer, and it has room for up to eight passengers.
"We've seen a lot of families gravitating from larger vehicles to Acadia and Terrain due to their fuel-efficiency, features and styling," said Dick Stricklen, owner of Motor City Buick-GMC in Bakersfield. "Our Acadia sales alone have nearly doubled in the past two months, thanks in part to the upscale Denali model's exclusive styling and premium content."
Terrain and Acadia fueled GMC's best sales month of the year in August and its 23rd consecutive month of retail sales gains nationwide, with sales to individual customers up 26 percent and total sales up 40 percent year over year.
"As a long-time California resident, GMC's latest success is not a big surprise to me," said James Bell, General Motors' head of consumer affairs. "This brand has resonated well with the laid-back yet progressive lifestyle we have enjoyed out here for many years, but the Acadia and Terrain are the first GMC vehicles that merge our personalities with our environmental priorities."
Terrain uses lightweight eco-friendly parts including a plant fiber-reinforced ceiling liner, recycled plastic from soft drink and water bottles in its rigid plastic grille frame, and recycled textile insulation in its carpet assembly, dashboard and cargo area. Acadia uses similar eco-friendly materials. Both vehicles are at least 85 percent recyclable by weight, with recyclable steel accounting for the greatest contribution.
GM facilities worldwide recycle 90 percent of the waste they generate. In
2010 alone, the automaker recycled or reused 2.5 million tons of waste materials
at its plants worldwide - enough to fill 6.8 million extended-cab pickup trucks
that, if parked end-to-end, would stretch around the world.
2011-06-02
DETROIT - Lee Travis, owner of Wipliance, a high-tech home improvement specialist based in Seattle, recently added three new GMC Savana cargo vans to his all-GMC fleet to keep up with demand for the wireless home entertainment systems, eco-efficient lighting and automated window treatments he sells and installs.Travis has seen his business grow by more than 260 percent in the past three years, and he isn't alone. According to a recent study by Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, annual spending on home improvement projects is projected to reach its highest level since early 2008 this quarter.
"We can see the economy coming back," said Travis, who purchases all of his Savanas from Brotherton Cadillac Buick GMC. "People are seeking a better quality of life and want to enjoy their homes more."
With more consumers remodeling, many home improvement contractors are relying on GMC's professional grade work vehicles to handle the added work load. Total Savana sales in May were up 89 percent year over year and up 54 percent calendar year to date, with every other buyer coming from another automotive brand.
"I know I'm buying quality when I buy GMC vehicles," said Travis, whose personal vehicle is a GMC Yukon XL Denali. "They are highly capable, have strong residual values and the dealer's upfit options and commitment to service are outstanding. The Savana more than meets our needs."
Savana, which is adept at hauling cargo or people, is available in light-duty half-ton, three-quarter-ton and one-ton weight classes, in regular and long wheelbases. For 2011, a number of changes, enhancements and new features improve Savana's capability and give it greater digital connectivity. They include:
When equipped with available USB port and Bluetooth wireless capability as well as dealer-installed WiFi, the 2011 Savana can be the foundation for a fully connected mobile office that can boost work site productivity. Dealer-installed Autonet Mobile WiFi Internet turns the Savana into a mobile hot spot with the first wireless router engineered specifically for automotive use. It can securely accommodate up to 10 wireless devices at one time, at a range of up to 150 feet with superior buffering capability to help them stay connected wherever they are. Autonet is available for all GMC vehicles.
The 2011 Savana also is available with a variety of upfit packages. These seamlessly integrated rack and bin enhancements are designed to meet the needs of plumbers, electricians and other home improvement professionals. Flexible upfit cash incentive options are also available for eligible GMC vans.
Bob Proctor, owner of Cool Blew, a provider of plumbing, heating, and air conditioning service in Phoenix, counts GMC's upfit options as one of his key reasons for having purchased 17 new Savana vans from Liberty GMC during the past several years.
"I like the GMC brand because of its reliability, upfit options, fuel
efficiency, and great customer service, and will continue to purchase only GMC
as our business grows," Proctor said. "I wouldn't dream of going anywhere
else."
2011-05-24
DETROIT - When new vehicle shoppers open the 2012 GMC catalog, which arrives at dealerships this summer, they will see the brand's professional grade pickup trucks, SUVs and crossovers doing real work in real-world settings.GMC's Sierra, Yukon, Acadia, Terrain, Canyon and Savana will be seen in real-life community service projects such as towing a rainwater cistern on a farm in Florida, hauling historic yacht construction supplies and a 12-foot-wide metal sculpture in New York, transporting quadriplegic athletes to team workouts in Texas, and towing a livestock chute at a wild horse sanctuary in California.
"GMC vehicles help organizations and individuals across the country get work done every day, on projects that rarely get the attention they deserve," said John Schwegman, U.S. vice president, GMC Marketing. "That is why GMC is providing vehicles to five projects that are making a positive impact in their communities."
GMC provided short-term loans of:
"Hauling materials to build a 30-ton 17th century historic yacht is not for the lightweights. GMC vehicles are heavy duty, but handle like a Sunday drive in the park," said Don Rittner, president of The Onrust Project. "When we had to move a ton of 400-year-old wood from the boat shed to the warehouse, the GMC Sierra made it seem like we were hauling toothpicks."
The new GMC catalog also is the first to have digital interactive and social media components. There are embedded quick-response codes that allow smartphone users to access a custom mobile site with exclusive video about the vehicles and these community projects, and link to the GMC Facebook Community Projects tab enabling fans to learn more.
"GMC vehicles are helping us connect people to high-quality local food, increase market access for small farmers, and promote cost-effective water conservation measures in agriculture," said Jacob Leech, acting executive director, Geraldson Community Farm.
GMC also is issuing a version of the project's mobile site for those with camera-enabled tablets such as the Apple iPad 2.
"The way consumers connect with brands and research their next vehicle purchases is different today than it was just a couple of years ago," said John Gasloli, GMC advertising and sales promotion manager. "The 2012 catalog provides customers with a multimedia format, fully integrating photography and video, print and social media."
Back to Top2011-05-19
DETROIT - GMC Yukon took top honors in the full-size SUV category of AutoPacific's 15th annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards, the Southern California-based automotive marketing and consulting firm announced Thursday."Vehicles like the GMC Yukon that score highest in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are delivering value and satisfaction across a wide range of attributes," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. "The winners perform well in 48 separate categories that objectively measure the ownership experience."
The awards are based on the firm's survey of more than 68,000 vehicle owners.
Earlier this year, Yukon topped the full-size SUV category of IntelliChoice's 2011 Best Overall Values of the Year (BOVY) awards, based on analysis of ownership costs, including depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing and insurance.
Automotive critics also laud the Yukon. Truck Trend magazine recently named GMC Yukon the "Best in Class 2011 Full-Size SUV," citing the fuel-efficient hybrid model, active fuel management, up-to-nine-passenger seating and 8,200-pound towing capacity as strengths.
"A premium truck brand can still represent great value in the market place with outstanding resale values and the lowest cost of ownership," said John Schwegman, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing.
Back to Top2011-05-06
DETROIT - Every year, Jennifer Thompson, an equine veterinarian, takes her passion for horses on the road, leaving her native Wisconsin to compete in horse-and-carriage driving events throughout the eastern half of the United States. She relies on the trailering capability of her GMC Sierra HD."I really appreciate my truck's power when merging onto the interstate and towing over mountains," said Thompson, who uses a Sierra 2500HD with Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel V-8 to tow a 36-foot, gooseneck-hitch horse trailer. "I also appreciate the engine's ability to hold the trailer back when going downhill so that I don't need to ride the brakes."
Sierra HD's "smart" exhaust brakes are one of the advantages available on GMC heavy duty trucks, which offer a segment-leading fifth-wheel trailer weight rating of 21,700 pounds (single rear-wheel models only) and best-in-class weight carrying hitch capability. In addition, 2011 diesel-equipped Sierra HD's offer 11 percent better highway fuel economy than previous models and a larger 36-gallon fuel tank - both of which help to extend highway range to an estimated 680 miles.
"On one trip we were driving over the mountains of Pennsylvania, trailering three horses and 10-days' worth of feed, hay and luggage weighing a total 15,500 pounds, and the Sierra never even burped," Thompson said. "My fellow driver, who owns a Ford F-250, was really jealous."
The "smart" exhaust brake is standard on 2011 Duramax-equipped Sierra HDs. This driver-selectable feature uses the turbine control of the variable geometry turbocharger and the compression of the engine to generate backpressure, slowing the vehicle without applying the brakes. It is integrated with cruise control and varies the engine braking to account for grade and vehicle load. The exhaust brake also helps prolong brake life and prevents overheating the brakes on long, downhill grades.
Sierra HD's trailer sway control system provides an added measure of towing confidence. The system senses conditions of lateral movement and intervenes with braking and/or reduced engine power to bring the trailer under control and keep it on its intended path. The system uses electric trailer brakes when a trailer is plugged into the standard wiring harness of the truck. The driver doesn't have to do anything.
Sierra HD's hill start assist system also provides peace of mind by automatically engaging when sensors detect the vehicle is on a grade of about 5 percent or greater. It holds the brakes for about 1.5 seconds or until the gas pedal is pressed, preventing rollback. It is particularly effective when towing, giving the driver time to switch from the brake pedal to the gas pedal.
Sierra HD's available Rearview Camera System makes aligning the truck's hitch with the trailer easy by projecting images onto the rearview mirror display or onto the optional in-dash navigation screen. This also makes it easier to maneuver while backing into loading areas.
These and other safety features and functional technologies undergo extensive real-world testing before going into production.
"For towing capability we test our vehicles under maximum load conditions and under extreme conditions, like Death Valley when it's 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and up and down long, steep grades like Interstate 70 in Colorado up the Eisenhower Pass," said Jim Mikulec, lead development engineer for heavy duty trucks. "We go to extremes so that our customers can tow with confidence, even on snow and ice."
According to customer survey data, more than nine of 10 Sierra HD owners use their trucks to tow. While trailer weight rating is the top purchase consideration, vehicle comfort also ranks as a high priority.
"My truck has all the creature comforts a person could want in a vehicle. The seats are comfortable and the layout of the cab keeps everything you need within reach," said Tracy Bright of Ohio. The Sierra 3500HD owner competes in dressage, an arena event in which horse and rider execute a standardized series of movements. "There is no other vehicle I would consider for my trailering needs."
Bright relies on the 3500HD's Duramax turbo-diesel engine to haul her horses, Dusty El Niño and Diva Modena. The new 6.6L Duramax engine and other enhancements, including a new power steering pump, contribute to the truck interior's exceptional quietness.
"I love how quiet my truck is, and I hate pulling up next to a noisy other brand of diesel truck and not being able to hear myself think," Bright said. "I like to hear what is going on behind me. After all, my pride and joys are along for the ride."
Back to Top2011-05-03
DETROIT - GMC attained its 19th consecutive month of retail sales gains in April, surging 23 percent, with total sales up 29 percent year over year. The brand's sales to individual customers also have increased 31 percent and its total sales are up 30 percent for the calendar year to date."Strong demand for professional grade, fuel-efficient trucks, crossovers and sport utilities continued to bring consumers to GMC dealerships in April," said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick & GMC Sales and Service. "Terrains, in particular, are moving off of dealer lots faster than segment and industry averages. More people are discovering how Terrain and Acadia deliver both utility and fuel efficiency."
With more consumers seeking fuel-efficient vehicles, Terrain achieved a 61-percent increase in retail sales and a 64-percent increase in total sales year over year. The small SUV delivers segment-leading EPA-rated 32 mpg in highway driving.
Coming to the 2012 Terrain is GMC IntelliLink, a simple-to-use, customizable infotainment system and expanded wireless capability.
Demand for a fuel-efficient crossovers attracted customers to Acadia last month, with retail sales up 29 percent and total sales up 42 percent. Acadia offers the best highway fuel economy, 24 mpg highway (2WD), of any eight-passenger crossover SUV.
Acadia and Terrain combined represented 50 percent of GMC's sales in April, and are in a dead heat for the highest conquest rate. Nearly half of all Acadia and Terrain customers are coming from non-GM brands.
Even with crossover sales excelling, the demand for Professional Grade work trucks isn't letting up. The Sierra lineup's retail sales grew 8 percent in April, with total sales up 12 percent. Sierra sales were led by its HD models, which were up 22 percent year over year. Sierra 2500HD recently earned Truck Trend magazine's "Best in Class" accolade in the work truck category.
Truck Trend also named Yukon the "Best in Class" full-size SUV. In April, Yukon/XL's combined retail sales were up 5 percent while its combined total sales - retail and fleet - were down 13 percent year over year.
In April, GMC markets with significant year-over-year increases included New York, Phoenix and Chicago.
"Fuel efficiency is definitely helping to drive sales of Acadia and Terrain," said Henry Brown, a GMC dealer in the Phoenix metropolitan area. "At the same time we're seeing strong interest in our Denali models. People have been fiscally conservative the last couple of years and are ready to get into a nicer vehicle. Denali gives them the step up they've been wanting."
Denali is a core brand for GMC, providing a unique blend of Professional Grade capability along with exclusive styling and premium content. Demand for Denali has more than doubled so far this year, contributing to the 19-month string of GMC sales increases.
"For many of our customers, Denali is a brand of its own. There is nothing else like it on the market," Brown said. "Denali gives them the comforts of a passenger car in a professional grade truck. It's a winning combination."
Back to Top