7/14/15

Sortimo + Knapheide - A PARTNERSHIP AT IT'S BEST.



Sortimo by Knapheide is a strategic partnership between Sortimo International, a global leader in mobile racking products and The Knapheide Manufacturing Company, the nation’s leading provider of commercial vehicle solutions. This partnership is focused on storage systems especially for commercial vans...our product is called EXXPAND.

Knapheide Manufacturing

Since 1848 Knapheide has provided its customers with high quality, work ready transportation solutions. The Knapheide family has owned and operated the company since its beginning over 165 years ago. Today, The Knapheide Manufacturing Company is the nation’s leading manufacturer and provider of commercial vehicle solutions. Knapheide’s main manufacturing facility is located in Quincy, Illinois and is over 480,000 square feet. This facility is highly automated and has the most technologically advanced equipment and processes in the industry. Products manufactured by Knapheide include: Service Bodies, KUV Bodies, Platform Bodies, Gooseneck Bodies, Dump Bodies, Forestry Bodies, Pick Up Accessories, Mechanics Trucks, Water Trucks, and Fuel/Lube Trucks. Knapheide’s vast distribution system includes 200+ distributors strategically located throughout North America. The ability to evolve into new technology, processes, and products has made Knapheide the leader in the industry and allowed the company to move into new markets to better serve our distributors, fleet customers and end users.
Sortimo International

Headquartered in Zusmarshausen, Germany Sortimo International has more than 40 years of experience in the in-vehicle equipment industry. Located in Bavaria, Sortimo International offers van racking solutions for all light commercial vehicles and has become a leader in van racking solutions of the automotive industry in terms of organization, safety and future-oriented concepts. Sortimo International works with materials of the highest quality that  are extremely resilient and long lasting. Well thought out ergonomics and the best level of passive safety are further factors which distinguish Sortimo products. With strength in innovation, Sortimo International has a solid position in the market and is a technological leader in van storage solutions.

7/12/15

GM Advances Vehicle Theft Notification Technology

If some thief decides to take your new GM pickup for a drive while you are out of sight and earshot, your cell phone will be dancing.


OnStar Theft Notification

GM’s Theft Alarm Notification will alert OnStar subscribers their vehicle is being broken into or stolen.

Chevrolet’s Theft Alarm Notification is an enhancement to the existing Stolen Vehicle Assistance service allowing OnStar subscribers to receive a real-time alert when the vehicle’s alarm sounds.

The service will be available to eligible subscribers later this summer.

The Theft Alarm Notification feature is another enhancement to OnStar’s existing security features, which include Remote Ignition Block and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown.

With Theft Alarm Notification, OnStar subscribers can opt in to receive an alert through text, email or phone if a theft attempt triggers their vehicle’s alarm system and the alarm sounds.

“Prompt response and quick awareness of theft situations give customers a greater chance to recover stolen property,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing. “By leveraging the connection that OnStar provides, Chevrolet owners can remain in contact with their vehicle, even when it is out of sight.”

If a properly equipped Chevrolet is stolen, OnStar advisors will work with local authorities and use GPS technology to pinpoint the vehicle’s location.

In certain models, if the conditions are safe, advisors can send a signal to slow down the vehicle, aiding police officers in its recovery and preventing a potential high-speed chase.

The Theft Alarm Notification feature is included within OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Assistance service and is available to subscribers with the Security or Guidance package and a compatible vehicle.

Most 2014 model year and newer Chevrolet vehicles are equipped to offer Theft Alarm Notification. Subscribers can confirm if their vehicle is compatible here or by speaking with an OnStar advisor.

Click here to learn more about OnStar and Theft Alarm Notification.

7/10/15

2015 GMC Sierra Crew Cab - A Fortress of Strength


Exterior

Nearly two-thirds of the Sierra cab structure is made from high-strength steels. It’s a fortress of strength that contributes to the Sierra's quiet cabin. We also use high-strength steel in our fully-boxed frame rails and major frame cross-members, the 2015 Sierra is clearly a respected leader in the truck market…by example.



DESIGNED TO WORK SMART

Sierra 1500 has three available cab configuration options for easy entry and exit: Double Cab, Crew Cab and Regular Cab. In addition, the cargo box is designed with the following premium standard and available features:
  •     CornerStep rear bumper is standard and provides easy access to the box even with the tailgate lowered
  •     Four moveable upper tie-down hooks help you manage cargo of many shapes and sizes
  •     Available LED box lighting to help you see inside when a tonneau cover is installed or when a flashlight isn’t handy
  •     Available spray-on bedliner

 A STRONGER FOUNDATION

The powerful presence of the 2015 Sierra is built on a foundation of Professional Grade engineering. Delivering a ride that encompasses the capability and strength you expect, Sierra is built upon a foundation of Professional Grade Engineering.
  •     A fully boxed frame of high-strength steel for improved ride and handling
  •     A roll-formed pick-up box bed that is stronger, lighter, and more durable than a traditional stamped steel bed
  •     Shear body mounts that reduce vibration and deliver a smoother ride
It's attention to the little details that set the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck apart



ATTENTION TO DETAIL

It’s the little things that set the all-new Sierra apart. That’s abundantly clear with design details such as:
  •     Projector headlamps
  •     LED signature front lighting on SLT models
  •     Chrome grille surround
  •     Chrome bumpers
  •     Wheel arch moldings
  •     Available rear wheelhouse liners
  •     Available chrome belt moldings


7/08/15

GM Earns Highest June Retail Market Share Since 2011



•    Chevrolet retail sales up 9 percent, surpassing Ford Division
•    Chevrolet total pickup deliveries climb 33 percent; Silverado outsells F-Series on a retail basis
•    Best June ever for Chevrolet crossovers
•    GMC retail sales up 12 percent; total pickup sales up 37 percent
•    Commercial deliveries up for 20th consecutive month

DETROIT – Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 259,353 vehicles in June 2015. Retail deliveries climbed 7 percent year over year, and they were up more than the industry for the third month in a row. The drivers were stronger Cadillac sales, a 12 percent gain at GMC and a 9 percent increase at Chevrolet. Together, they helped make the month General Motors’ (NYSE: GM) best June for retail deliveries since 2007 and its best June for retail market share since 2011.

GM increased its sales to commercial customers, and state and local government fleets, as well. Rental deliveries, which tend to be less profitable than retail sales, were down 45 percent as a result of GM’s previously announced plan. Total fleet sales in June were down 29 percent year over year, or 21,366 units. GM’s total sales were down 3 percent.

“We just wrapped up the U.S. auto industry’s best six months in a decade, driven by strong demand for pickups and crossovers,” said Kurt McNeil, GM’s U.S. vice president of Sales Operations. “People feel good about their jobs and the direction the economy as a whole is taking, so the second half of the year should be strong too, and that’s especially good news for Chevrolet and GMC, brands that have very broad truck and crossover portfolios.”

Industry sales continue to exceed expectations. GM estimates that the seasonally adjusted annual selling rate (SAAR) for light vehicles in June was 17.3 million units. 
During the first half of 2015, GM gained retail market share in both the crossover and truck segments, according to J.D. Power PIN estimates. GM’s crossover share is 12.6 percent, up 0.4 percentage points compared to a year ago. GM’s truck, van and SUV share is 38.9 percent, up 2.1 percentage points.

Most of the truck market share gain comes from the ongoing success of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups, which were redesigned for the 2014 model year. Since calendar year 2013, GM’s retail share of the segment has grown 0.9 percentage points to 38 percent, according to PIN.
Market share and average transaction prices (ATPs) were particularly strong in the second quarter of 2015. According to PIN, GM’s retail share in the segment was up 2.8 points year over year to 40.2 percent. ATPs were up almost $1,000 per unit, and incentives were flat.

June Sales Highlights vs. 2014 (except as noted)
Total Sales

Chevrolet
•    Pickup deliveries were up 33 percent.  The Silverado was up 18 percent.
•    Colorado sales were 6,558 units, and it remains America’s fastest-selling pickup with a “days to turn” of 15 days. The truck had its best June sales since 2007.
•    The Trax, Chevrolet’s newest crossover, had sales of 5,971 units for its best month since launch. It helped Chevrolet deliver its best June crossover sales ever.
•    The Spark, which was up 4 percent, had its best June ever.

GMC
•    GMC pickup deliveries were up 37 percent, with the Sierra up 21 percent. Deliveries of the new Canyon totaled 2,532 units.
•    The Acadia, GMC’s flagship crossover, was up 17 percent.

Buick
•    Encore deliveries were up 33 percent for the small crossover’s 18th consecutive year-over-year sales increase.

Cadillac
•    SRX deliveries were up 24 percent for its best June ever.

Fleet and Commercial
•    Commercial deliveries were up 4 percent in June, with full-size pickups up 18 percent. Through June, commercial deliveries have grown year over year for 20 consecutive months and they are up 20 percent calendar year to date.
•    State and local government sales were up 6 percent in June, with full-size pickup and Tahoe PPV deliveries more than doubling. State and local government sales are up 19 percent calendar year to date. 
•    Rental deliveries in June were down 45 percent, per plan. Through the first six months of 2015, rental deliveries are down 7 percent, per plan. Total fleet deliveries are up calendar year to date.
•    GM plans to reduce year-over-year rental deliveries in the second half of 2015 and in calendar year 2016.

Retail Sales

Chevrolet
•    The Silverado was up 22 percent, surpassing the Ford F-Series.
•    The Traverse crossover was up 3 percent, the Camaro was up 14 percent and the Spark was up 31 percent.
•    Both the Malibu and Impala posted sales increases.  

GMC
•    GMC has grown its retail sales for 17 consecutive months.
•    The Acadia was up 24 percent for its best June ever. Sierra was up 13 percent.

Buick
•    Encore deliveries were up 22 percent.

Cadillac
•    Cadillac was up 3 percent. The SRX was up 45 percent for its best June retail sales ever. The ATS was up 6 percent and CTS sedan sales were up 7 percent.

Average Transaction Prices (PIN)
•    June ATPs were approximately $34,000, up $880 per unit year over year. They are up more than $1,300 per unit calendar year to date.
•    Incentive spending as a percentage of ATP was 11.2 percent in June, up 0.1 percentage points year over year. Industry average spending was 9.9 percent of ATP.
•    In the first half of 2015, incentive spending was 10.4 percent of ATP, down 0.2 percentage points. Industry average spending was 10.1 percent, up 0.2 points.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com

Forward-Looking Statements
In this press release and in related comments by our management, our use of the words “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “possible,” “potential,” “target,” “believe,” “commit,” “intend,” “continue,” “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “project,” “projected,” “positioned” or similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements that represent our current judgment about possible future events. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any events or financial results, and our actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Among other items, such factors might include: our ability to realize production efficiencies and to achieve reductions in costs as a result of our restructuring initiatives and labor modifications; our ability to maintain quality control over our vehicles and avoid material vehicle recalls; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources and an appropriate level of debt, including as required to fund our planned significant investment in new technology; the ability of our suppliers to timely deliver parts, components and systems; our ability to realize successful vehicle applications of new technology; and our ability to continue to attract new customers, particularly for our new products. GM's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q provides information about these and other factors, which we may revise or supplement in future reports to the SEC.

7/04/15

GMC, Instagram Create One-of-A-Kind Images

 Campaign to convey precision of brand’s interiors, exteriors

 

DETROIT – If a picture is worth a thousand words, GMC hopes consumers will have a lot to say about #GMCprecision, a new Instagram campaign that uses dramatic panoramic photography to illustrate the attention to detail in its vehicles.

The month-long campaign launched May 22, with GMC among the first automotive brands to create “PanoGrams” via the Instagram Carousel format that debuted earlier this year. It allows consumers to swipe through a series of photos in a single ad, similar to the way a traditional magazine publishes a multi-page spread of a single image. GMC created “PanoGrams” which showcase a series of photos within the carousel that stitch into one panoramic image. These PanoGrams will then link consumers to GMC.com for additional information.

Instagram/Facebook’s Creative Shop team worked closely with GMC to identify, select and photograph the #GMCprecision venues. They include a wind farm – viewed from a GMC Sierra Denali pickup and made to look infinite because of how the photographer captured the towering turbines against clouds and filtered sunlight – and a meticulously designed private residence in southern California. The GMC Yukon Denali and Terrain Denali are featured in the architecture treatment.

“We chose Instagram because of its successful track record of creating communities of discerning photography enthusiasts who can rally around a brand,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president, GMC. “Highlighting the precision of our vehicles within the context of beautiful photography helps us connect with consumers who embrace precision in all aspects of their lives.”

GMC will integrate its PanoGrams and companion content into the brand’s other digital media channels, such as Facebook.

“GMC’s PanoGrams are an incredibly creative and beautiful use of Instagram’s Carousel format,” said Michelle Morris, group director, Auto, Facebook & Instagram. “Instagram is all about capturing striking moments, and combining the interiors of their new Sierra with breathtaking exteriors is an excellent way to call attention to GMC's great vehicles.”

The #GMCprecision social play is part of GMC’s larger, multimedia “Precision” campaign that launched with television ads in March. It runs throughout the year and features the entire GMC lineup. Partly on the strength of the campaign, through May 31, GMC sales are up 15 percent year over year as more customers shift to trucks, crossovers and SUVs.

About GMC

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

7/02/15

Spied: 2017 Heavy Duties

 

GM pickup truck engineers have been relatively quiet lately while both Ford and Ram Truck make news with new HD products, which includes exotic materials and increased capability. But it looks like that's about to change, given the size of this parade. Our spies have seen several three-quarter-ton and one-ton Chevrolet and GMC pickups doing quite a bit of tow testing and loaded laps around Michigan. That means GM is likely getting close to showing its new trucks to the media, and we can't wait. There's been lots of speculation about new power train ratings, but so far it is only that. Here's what we recently heard from our photographers.

    "We caught a convoy of heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra prototypes on the open roads, giving us our best look yet at the rugged remakes of the crew-cab versions of the single-rear and dual-rear-wheel trucks due out sometime in 2016. The goal must certainly be to bump the current 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel's horsepower, torque and towing capacity to counter Ford's recently upgraded 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbo-diesel. Ford's revamped 6.7-liter Power Stroke currently outguns GM's 6.6-liter unit, generating 440 horsepower and 860 pounds-feet of torque (GM is making 397 horsepower and 765 pounds-feet of torque).

    "We can clearly see that part of GM's strategy is to feed more air into the engine via a new functional hood air intake designed into the pickups' redesigned hoods. The new air duct sits prominently near the leading edge of the hood. The GMC gets a circular mesh intake grille, while the Chevy appears to get a diamond-shaped interweaving mesh grille insert. The Silverado and Sierra pickups had uncovered grilles and lightly camouflaged front bumpers, with a heavier vinyl hood hiding the hood's new air intake. We're guessing the new breathing apparatus has been added in conjunction with a revamped diesel engine, reportedly using a modified turbo and new engine management software resulting in a significant power boost.

    "Likewise, Ford is now nearly at completion of a significant aluminum-intensive overhaul of its Super Duty pickups, so GM had better hope that its changes are substantial enough to keep its pickups competitive."

KGP Photography images

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/06/spied-2017-gm-heavy-duties.html#more