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 RECALL - General motors is recalling 3.64 million units for software defects that impact on the airbag system.

GM is voluntarily recalling approximately 3.64 million 2014-17 model year vehicles in the United States. The sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) in these vehicles, which controls airbag and pretensioners deployment, contains a software defect that may prevent the deployment of frontal airbags and pretensioners in certain rare circumstances when a crash is preceded by a specific event impacting vehicle dynamics.

The recall includes certain:

• 2014-2016 model year Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet SS and Spark EV
• 2014-2017 model year Chevrolet Corvette, Trax, Caprice PPV and Silverado 1500; Buick Encore; and GMC Sierra 1500
• 2015-2017 model year Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban and Silverado HD; GMC Yukon, Yukon XL and Sierra HD; and Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV

GM will notify customers, and dealers will update the software free of charge. Customers also can look up their vehicle identification number (VIN) at either NHTSA or GM websites to see if their vehicle is part of the recall.

The cost of the recall is not expected to be material and will be included in GM’s third quarter earnings.

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 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.

GM Parts Online, compares the 1986 Chevy Suburban against todays model, carry on reading to see the differences.

Comparison of 2016 and 1986 Chevy Suburban Shows Performance and Fuel Economy Gains, But Less Capability At Nearly Twice The Price

A new comparison from GM Parts Online shows that the 2016 Chevy Suburban is nearly twice the price of the 1986 Chevy Suburban, even after adjusting for inflation. The 2016 Suburban is also 1,200lbs heavier, seats 1 fewer passenger, and has a lower payload rating than the 1986 model. However, the 2016 Suburban does outperform the 1986 model in terms of engine power and fuel economy.

"The new Suburban is one of my favorite Chevrolet vehicles, but I think it's fair to say the Suburban's asking price has exploded since 1986," says Gib Goodrich, director of GMPartsOnline.net. "Our comparison shows a 95% increase in MSRP, even after we adjust for inflation. While some of that price increase is explained by the 2016 model's superior fuel economy, engine power, and safety ratings, it's hard for me to understand the price almost doubling," offers Goodrich.

The comparison of the 1986 and 2016 Chevy Suburban shows that the 2016 model has added some capabilities but also lost some:

• The 1986 model could seat 9 passengers, while the 2016 model maxes out at 8
• The 1986 model had a slightly higher payload rating (about 300lbs more capacity)
• The engine displacement for the 2016 model is slightly smaller, but the power output is dramatically better - nearly 200 more horsepower and 100 more lb-ft of torque
• Despite the 2016 Suburban's vastly superior powertrain, the max tow rating hasn't increased compared to 1986
• The EPA fuel economy rating of the 2016 model is quite a bit better, improving roughly 40%
• The curb weight of the 2016 model is higher by roughly 1200lbs

"The 2016 Suburban is an excellent vehicle, but at $52,000, it's hard for a lot of families to afford. Maybe if Chevy offered a Suburban without heated side mirrors, built-in WiFi, and some of the other standard features, the price wouldn't be so high compared to 30 years ago," says Goodrich

USA SALES JANUARY - General Motors see's a decent growth spurt in January with Buick up 45%

• GM retail sales climbed 9 percent in January
• Chevrolet retail deliveries up 12 percent in January – retail share up almost 2 percentage points
• Buick retail sales up 45 percent
• Commercial deliveries up for 27^th consecutive month

General Motors’ (NYSE: GM) Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 203,745 vehicles in January 2016, the company’s best January sales performance in eight years. GM’s retail sales were up sharply, climbing 9 percent year over year on the strength of a 12 percent increase at Chevrolet and a 45 percent increase at Buick. Total sales were up 0.5 percent.

“GM began 2016 in very strong competitive position,” said Kurt McNeil, GM’s U.S. vice president of sales operations. “We built on that momentum in January, with Chevrolet, Buick and GMC outperforming the retail industry by a wide margin. In fact, Chevrolet continues to grow faster than any other full-line brand.”

• Chevrolet gained close to 2 percentage points of retail market share in January after the brand had the largest retail market share increase of any full-line brand in 2015.
• Chevrolet had its best January passenger car retail sales since 1997.
• The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra posted a combined 7 percent increase in total sales. GM grew full-size pickup market share faster than all other competitors in 2015.
• Throughout 2015 and continuing into January, the GMC Sierra, Canyon, Yukon and Yukon XL have had the highest average transaction prices in their respective segments, according to J.D. Power PIN estimates.
• Buick retail deliveries surged 45 percent in January, driven by owner loyalty.

“We believe industry fundamentals such as the age of the vehicle fleet, well managed inventory levels, firm used car pricing, good credit availability and low fuel prices will support higher industry sales in 2016,” said Mustafa Mohatarem, GM’s chief economist. “In addition, household balance sheets are strong and the labour market continues to improve.”

GM’s strong sales dovetailed with a strategic approach to inventories and fleet deliveries:

• GM inventories are disciplined, and the company expects to operate with about a 70 days’ supply throughout the year in most months, with some months higher or lower.
• GM’s Commercial sales are growing and daily rental sales are becoming a smaller part of the overall business.
• As a result of lower rental deliveries, GM expects its fleet mix in 2016 to be about 20 percent, compared with a historical range of 22 – 24 percent.

January Sales Highlights vs. 2015 (except as noted)

Chevrolet

• Chevrolet had its best January retail performance since 2005, with car sales up 25 percent, truck sales up 5 percent and crossover deliveries up 5 percent. The brand has had 10 consecutive months of retail sales gains.
• Silverado had its best January total and retail sales since 2007.
• Ten Chevrolet models – Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Colorado, Camaro, Impala, Malibu, Cruze, Sonic and Traverse – grew retail market share in their respective segments.
• The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Malibu accounted for about half of Malibu sales in January. Malibu had its best January retail sales since 1981.
• Tahoe and Suburban had their best January retail sales since 2008.
• Cruze and Volt had their best January retail sales ever and the Camaro had its best January retail sales since 1996.
• Trax total and retail sales more than doubled.

GMC

• GMC had its best January total and retail sales since 2004.
• Combined Sierra and Canyon total sales increased, with Sierra up 14 percent and Canyon up 3 percent.
• Yukon retail sales were up 4 percent.

Buick

• Buick had its best January retail performance since 2003, with retail deliveries up 45 percent. Total sales were the best January since 2004.
• Combined sales of Buick’s passenger cars were up 73 percent. LaCrosse had its best January total sales since 2010.
• Sales of Buick’s crossovers were up a combined 24 percent. 
• Encore has had 25 months year-over-year growth in both retail and total sales.
• The all-new Cascada is now arriving at Buick dealers.

Cadillac                                                

• SRX total deliveries were up 37 percent for its best January total sales ever.
• Cadillac is maintaining the highest ATPs in the brand’s history, and leads its competitive set.

Average Transaction Prices/Incentives

• GM grew ATPs three times faster than the industry average from 2010-2015. In January 2016, ATPs were $33,600, about $3,000 above the industry average.
• GM’s incentive spending as a percentage of ATP was 12.4 percent in January, in line with the domestic competitors and lower than some Asian competitors. Industry average spending was 10.7 percent.

Fleet and Commercial

• Commercial deliveries up for 27^th consecutive month
• GM grew Commercial sales 6 percent in January after growing sales 38 percent since 2013.
• In January, GM sold nearly 13,000 fewer rental vehicles compared to January 2015, per plan. GM expects another significant reduction in rental deliveries in 2016.

Industry Sales

• GM estimates that the seasonally adjusted annual selling rate (SAAR) for light vehicles in January was 17.5 million units.