2022 Gmc Yukon Denali on 2040-cars

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GM invests $24 million to build more crew cab trucks in Fort Wayne

The full-size pickup truck arms race continues unabated here in the United States as Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler battle back and forth for sales supremacy. The Ford F-Series of trucks continues to lead the field in sales (214,611 units sold through the first quarter of 2019), but the race for second place has been a lot more interesting to watch. That's because Ram, long a distant third in truck sales, eked its way past Chevrolet late in 2018 and has managed to hold the position so far in 2019. Don't take this to mean that sales of GM's trucks have been poor across the board. In fact, the automaker reports that sales of its four-door crew cab pickups are up 20 percent in 2019 over the same period a year ago. And that's what makes GM's announcement today so interesting. The automaker is investing $24 million into its assembly plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana to build more Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks, and the focus will continue to be on crew cab models. "We are building Chevrolet and GMC crew cab pickups at record volume and mix levels to meet customer demand and the $24 million investment will allow us to build even more," said GM chief Mary Barra in a statement. "Crew cab sales have been very strong, and we are expanding customer choice with new models, more cab choices and innovative new powertrains." It's worth noting that, if crew cab sales are up 20% this year, but overall sales are down (over 15% for Silverado and around 2% for GMC), that means it's the cheaper regular cab and double cab models that are lagging. At the same time, sales of the midsize Chevy Colorado have surged 16%. And finally, if you combine sales of the Silverado and Sierra into one bucket, GM still has a comfortable lead over Ram overall. If there's a takeaway here, it's that trucks of all shapes and sizes have been, currently are and will surely remain hot in America, and automakers will continue to invest money into making sure they are able to satiate consumer demand.

2022 GMC Yukon gets larger screen, standard power sliding console

The 2022 GMC Yukon is falling into line with its big SUV siblings, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, according to a rundown of new features on Muscle Cars & Trucks. We've already covered the availability of the 6.2-liter V8 on the AT4 trim, and it looks like GMC buyers will have an easier time of it than Chevy buyers who want the 6.2, the engine looking like a standalone option on the GMC.  Inside, the Yukon welcomes the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, replacing the previous eight-inch cluster that had an analogue tach and speedo. A little to the right, the infotainment system will come with Google Automotive built in, obviating the need to pull up Android Auto to get access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. And just below that, the Yukon Denali makes the power sliding console a standard feature instead of a $350 option.  The big V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque comes with a shiny pair of exhaust finishers, plus 2022 sees the addition of Redwood Metallic paint, some new wheel options, and rocker panels that can be gussied up with illuminated sill plates. The current Yukon offers Max and ProGrade trailering packages, for next year an Enhanced Trailering Technology Package adds a 13-camera trailering bundle with the option for an interior accessory camera for those with enclosed haulers. On the safety side, expect reverse automatic braking to join the list of available driver assistance features. Related Video This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

GMC boss wants a Jeep Wrangler rival

Challengers come and challengers go, but the Jeep Wrangler continues to push forward even after vehicles like the Toyota FJ Cruiser and the entire Hummer brand have been shut down. Now GMC reportedly wants to take a stab at the quintessential Jeep, as well.
The news comes directly from Buick-GMC vice president Duncan Aldred, speaking with our compatriots over at Edmunds. Although Aldred said there are no plans currently on the table to expand GMC's lineup beyond the current range, "there is plenty of room everywhere in the hierarchy."
That could include a rival to the Wrangler, as well as a flagship luxury SUV positioned above the current Yukon Denali (pictured above). Just when (or for that matter, if) such models might come into fruition remains a big question mark, but it's certainly interesting to see what GM's dedicated truck brand has on the drawing board.