USA - The Chevy Suburban and Tahoe are both added to the brand's range of Midnight Edition special Edition models.

Tahoe and Suburban are the latest Chevrolet vehicles to receive the Midnight Edition treatment for 2017

Chevrolet announced that it is expanding its popular specialty models to include Midnight Editions of its segment-defining Tahoe and Suburban full-size SUVs.

With years of heritage to build on, Chevrolet continues to forge ahead in sales and share with these two storied full-size SUV entries. 

Tahoe retail sales are currently up 18 percent compared to 2015, while Suburban sales are up 30 percent compared to 2015. Market share for Suburban and Tahoe has risen a combined 3.6 percent this year, and Chevrolet continues to lead the segment.*

Together, these two vehicles represent about 50 percent of all full-size SUVs sold in the U.S.

The News

The Suburban and Tahoe join the Silverado, Colorado, Equinox and Trax as part of the growing portfolio of Chevrolet Midnight Edition vehicles, among the fastest-selling of Chevrolet’s special editions.

These two iconic vehicles were natural candidates for the special edition treatment due to their lineage and importance to the Chevrolet brand – Tahoe is the best-selling full-size SUV in America and Suburban is the longest-running nameplate in automotive history since the vehicle’s inception in 1935.

Product Details

The Midnight Edition Suburban and Tahoe full-size SUVs are offered in two distinct variants, the Z71 Midnight package and the LT Midnight package. All Midnight Edition vehicles are finished exclusively in black.

The Z71 Midnight includes all of the features found on the Z71 Package including off-road tuned suspension, off-road tires, skid plates, off-road tubular assist steps, fog lamps, tow hooks, sill plates, 3.42 axle, 2-speed transfer case, floor mats, hill descent control, high capacity air cleaner, Z71 badging and more. 

The Midnight Edition adds 18” black-painted Z71 wheels, roof rack cross rails, black grille insert, and black Chevrolet “bow tie” logos. The Z71 Midnight Tahoe also comes equipped with aggressive Goodyear DuraTrac off-road tires.

The LT Midnight includes all of the features found on both the LT trim levels of Suburban and Tahoe and adds 20” black wheels, all-season tires, roof rack cross rails, black assist steps and black Chevrolet “bow tie” logos.

Quotable

“Our SUV customers have shown a considerable appetite for specialty vehicles,” said Mike Weidman, marketing and advertising manager, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe. “The Midnight Editions allow us to further deliver on the premium expectation that our customers already have for these class-leading full-size SUVs.”

On Sale

Late 2016

About the Suburban

The 2017 Suburban features a standard Teen Driver feature that encourages safe driving habits for teens as well as enabling parents to view the vehicle’s maximum speed, distance driven and the number of times active safety features were engaged during a drive.

In-vehicle shopping apps are added via Chevrolet MyLink, new front active aero shutters enhance aerodynamics on the highway, and new available features include Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking and rear seat entertainment upgrades such as an HDMI/MHL connector, an additional USB port, digital headphones and device projection as well as a new video voiceover feature for the hearing impaired.

About the Tahoe

The 2017 Tahoe has been updated with a standard Teen Driver feature that encourages safe driving habits for teens as well as enabling parents to view the vehicle’s maximum speed, distance driven and the number of times active safety features were engaged during a drive. 

Front active aero shutters enhance aerodynamics on the highway and Chevrolet MyLink adds in-vehicle shopping apps and Rear Seat Reminder Customization. New available features include Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking.

USA - Chevrolet announces a price cut of upto 50% on the Data Plan for it's 4G LTE connectivity.

Chevrolet owners have used more than 3 million gigabytes of data since OnStar 4G LTE launched in June 2014

Chevrolet is reducing its OnStar 4G LTE data plan pricing by up to 50 percent just in time for the Independence Day weekend, when AAA projects 36 million Americans will drive to holiday destinations.

As the first automaker to offer 4G LTE connectivity across its entire retail portfolio, Chevrolet has sold more than 2.1 million OnStar 4G LTE-connected vehicles since June 2014 and is an industry leader in bringing this technology to the masses.

In only two years, Chevrolet customers have consumed more than 3 million gigabytes of data – the equivalent of streaming more than 100 million hours of music – and Chevy in-vehicle data usage continues to trend upward.

“Wireless connectivity has proven to be a beneficial technology for many Chevrolet customers, from contractors who use their Silverado as a mobile office to families using their Suburban on a summer road trip,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet truck marketing director. “As our customers increase their usage of the technology, we are able to make it more affordable for them.”

More than 60 percent of Suburban owners and passengers use their OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, with Tahoe and Traverse hotspot usage not far behind. Not surprising when you consider those vehicles are typically for families and you can connect up to seven devices to the hotspot. The high-volume Silverado accounts for the largest amount of data usage, with customers consuming more than 1 million gigabytes of data to date.

A 4G LTE connection comes standard on all new Chevrolet retail models with the OnStar Basic Plan, which also features remote vehicle access and the AtYourService marketplace via the myChevrolet mobile app.

The new data pricing constitutes a 50 percent reduction for most plans with the all-new 4 GB monthly plan representing four times the amount of data available previously for $20 per month.

Data Plan	Old Pricing	New Pricing
1 GB / month	$20	$10
4 GB / month	N/A	$20
10 GB / month	$80	$40
20 GB / 12 months	$150 for 10 GB / 12 mos.	$150

“As more people embrace the technology, it brings down the cost of entry for all users,” said Laura Keck, OnStar Subscriber Marketing Strategy manager. “With these lower prices, we expect even more customers to use 4G LTE connectivity during this busy summer driving season.”

USA - Five Chevrolet vehicles led their segments in the J.D. Power 2016 Initial Quality Study.

Five Chevrolet vehicles led their segments in the J.D. Power 2016 Initial Quality Study. No other brand has more J.D. Power Initial Quality awards than Chevrolet — for the fourth consecutive year.

This follows the brand’s strong showing in the 2016 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, where Chevrolet also had more models ranked highest in its segments than any other brand.

“These results play two critical roles in our strategy to bring new retail buyers to the brand,” said Alan Batey, Global Chevrolet president. 

“First, the study results will help attract new buyers to Chevrolet, as J.D. Power data shows ‘expected reliability’ is customers’ top purchase consideration for a new vehicle. 

Second, the improved ownership experience of our new vehicles will help convert first-time Chevrolet buyers into repeat customers, as J.D. Power indicates customers who have a positive experience in the first 90 days of ownership are more likely to become repeat buyers for the brand.”

Chevrolet’s focus on the customer has fueled a 3 percent gain in retail sales for the first five months of 2016. In the same period, Chevrolet’s share of the retail sales grew 0.6 percentage points, making Chevrolet the fastest growing full-line brand in the industry.

Chevrolet segment awards in the 2016 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study include:

• Silverado swept the full-size truck categories, with the Silverado 1500 receiving the top marks for light-duty trucks and the Silverado HD receiving the top marks for heavy-duty trucks.
• Equinox led the compact SUV segment (in a tie), with study results that were 15 points better than the segment average.
• Tahoe lead the large SUV segment, with study results that were 19 points above the segment average.
• Finally, the Spark dominated the city car segment, with study results that were 48 points higher than the segment average.

The study, now in its 30^th year, examines problems experienced by vehicle owners during the first 90 days of ownership. Initial quality is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

The 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 80,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2016 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. 

The study is based on a 233-question battery organized into eight problem categories designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate the identification of problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded from February through May 2016.

USA RECALL - General Motors expands the Takata airbag recall with the addition of loads more vehicles.

GM is issuing a preliminary recall for certain 2007-2011 full-size trucks and SUVs with passenger-side front airbag inflators covered by Takata defect information reports (DIRs) submitted to NHTSA on May 16, 2016.

NHTSA’s Amended Consent Order directed Takata to file DIRs for previously unrecalled front airbag inflators using ammonium nitrate propellant without a drying agent. The order requires vehicle manufacturers named in the Takata reports to initiate recalls. Although GM does not believe that a safety defect exists at this time, the company is filing a preliminary recall in cooperation with NHTSA.

GM expects to provide NHTSA with additional test data, analysis or other relevant and appropriate evidence in support of its belief that these GM vehicles do not pose an unreasonable risk to safety.

In its order, NHTSA writes, “the Agency has concluded that the likely root cause of the rupturing of most non-desiccated frontal Takata air bag inflators is a function of time, temperature cycling, and environmental moisture.”

Because of the large number of vehicles with Takata inflators and the limited number of available replacement inflators, the NHTSA order sets up a multi-year, risk-based schedule for inflator replacements that prioritizes vehicles and regions of the country that pose a higher risk to safety.

GM believes that its 2007-2011 trucks and SUVs do not pose an unreasonable safety risk at this time. This is based on no inflator ruptures during an estimated 44,000 crash deployments as well as analysis of parts returned from the field, and can be explained by the unique Takata inflator made for GM’s vehicles and features unique to GM trucks and SUVs.

For example, the Takata passenger-side airbag inflators used in these trucks and SUVs are a variant engineered specifically for these GM vehicles, and include features such as greater venting, unique propellant wafer configurations and machined steel end caps. The inflators are packaged in the instrument panel in such a way as to minimize exposure to moisture from the climate control system. Importantly, these full-size trucks and SUVs have features and attributes that minimize the maximum temperature to which the inflator will be exposed, such as large interior volumes and standard solar-absorbing windshields and side glass.

GM will continue to test and monitor the Takata inflators in its vehicles.

• GM has initiated a third-party environmental conditioning study that will simulate long-term temperature cycling to continue assessing inflator aging and estimate likely service life.
• GM also is establishing a part return program that will collect and CT scan Takata inflators recovered from GM vehicles, primarily from the High Absolute Humidity areas believed to pose the highest risks.
• GM is continuing to closely monitor and study the performance of Takata airbag inflators in GM vehicles in the field.

If GM concludes at any time that these inflators are unsafe, the company will take appropriate action in cooperation with NHTSA.

This preliminary recall will cover certain 

2007-2011 pickups and SUVs including: 

Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 

Avalanche, 

Tahoe, 

Suburban, 

GMC Sierra 1500, 

Yukon, 

Yukon XL,

Cadillac Escalade, 

Escalade EXT,  

Escalade ESV,  

2009-2011 Silverado, 

Sierra 2500 and 3500 pickups.

Because the Takata DIRs are based on both vehicle age and the state in which the vehicle is or has been registered, the specific vehicles and total number of vehicles covered by this preliminary recall will be determined following an analysis of vehicle registration data.

GM will notify customers with vehicles involved in the recall with next steps, and provide updated information via a customer website, gmtakataairbag.com, and other channels.

General Motors light-duty pickup production is going to shift to Flint, Mich., from Mexico, according to a report

Some General Motors light-duty pickup production is going to shift to Flint, Mich., from Mexico, according to a report.

The Detroit News reported Thursday that an undisclosed amount of production in GM’s Silao, Mexico, plant will move to the Flint Assembly Plant next year, according to a May 20 memo from UAW Local 598 to members. It’s unclear how just how much production is moving to Flint.

The paper reported that the union said Saturday schedules will be required for the additional work next year. The move could also lead to adding part-time temporary workers.

Messages to UAW Local 598 were not immediately returned.

A GM spokesman said the company is not confirming or speculating on anything in the memo.

Currently, the plant is on three shifts and has over 2,800 employees.

In August, GM announced plans to invest $877 million in the plant.

The Flint plant produced over 170,000 Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras in 2015, most of them heavy-duty models, according to the Automotive News Data Center. Earlier this month, UAW President Dennis Williams,.criticized.Automakers  for moving production to Mexico.

Automotive News

Jack Walsworth

REPORT HERE

USA - Chevrolet today revealed the Silverado High Desert package, which will arrive in dealers this fall.

Chevrolet today revealed the Silverado High Desert package, which will arrive in dealers this fall. Based on the concept vehicle revealed at the 2014 SEMA show, the High Desert package brings unique content and capability to Silverado’s lineup of special editions – which offers more choices for truck buyers than any other brand. 

Available on LT, LTZ, and High Country trim levels, the High Desert package combines refined exterior styling, an all-new cargo system that is lockable and water resistant and available Magnetic Ride Control suspension on High Country.

“The High Desert package blends the capability and utility of Silverado with the refinement and luxury of Suburban,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet truck marketing. “It’s ideal for those customers who want both the security of a lockable cargo area, as well as the flexibility of a pickup truck bed.”

An all-new flexible, lockable storage system in the cargo bed locks cargo away safely and protects it from the elements. The system installs over the roll-formed, high-strength steel bed to add dual side storage bins and a three-piece hard tonneau cover. Inside, a cargo divider can be raised to secure smaller items, or lowered to access the full length of the bed floor. As with all Silverado LT, LTZ, and High Country models, the tailgate locks with the keyfob, enabling users to secure their cargo with the push of a button. The High Desert package on the LT trim level features 20-inch wheels with all-season tires, while 22-inch wheels and all-terrain tires are available on LTZ and High Country trim levels.

The High Desert is also the first Silverado offered with Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which delivers more precise body motion control. Its sensors “read” the road every millisecond, triggering damping changes in as little as five milliseconds in electronically controlled shock absorbers that replace conventional mechanical-valve shocks. They’re filled with a magneto-rheological fluid containing minute iron particles and under the presence of a magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance. Changes in the magnetic charge alter the damping rate of the shocks, with changes occurring almost instantly.

Silverado’s EcoTec3 6.2L V-8, is available on LTZ and High Country models and is backed by the new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine is SAE-certified at 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful engine offered in a light-duty truck.a