Knapheide - We Build The Best

Since its humble beginnings in 1848, The Knapheide Manufacturing Company has continually worked to improve its processes and manufacturing capabilities.  Due to this commitment of continual improvement, Knapheide stands today with the most highly automated and technologically advanced equipment and processes in the industry. Knapheide's Westphalia facility houses the majority of our manufacturing processes.  The Westphalia plant was completed in 1997 and covers a staggering 480,000 square feet.

A recent highlight in the continuing history of The Knapheide Manufacturing Company is the company receiving ISO 9001:2008 certification.  ISO is a quality management system that is recognized globally.  While the core of this certification is focused on product quality, Knapheide took the process a step further and utilized the processes to improve virtually every area of the company from how orders are received and processed to the shipping of the product to the end customer.

People

Our dedicated manufacturing employees are a huge asset to our company, and receive on-going training for continuous improvement.  Knapheide delights in the fact that many of its employees are multi-generational and have a long tenure with the company.   Knapheide’s training program for its welding operations is second to none. Six AWS certified CWI and CWE’s conduct a forty hour program that all welders must complete prior to joining the assembly team.  Of its team of welders, over 100 are AWS certified.

Raw Materials

Over its history, Knapheide has strategically aligned itself with leading raw material suppliers and has developed long term relationships with them that mutually benefit both sides of the partnerships.   As a result of these partnerships, cutting edge supply chain processes have been developed that cuts down lead times, enhances the quality of the products, and helps to control costs.  This enables Knapheide to continue to provide to its customers the highest quality and superior end products available in the industry.  Some of our most common raw materials include:

    A40 Galvanized Automotive Quality Steel
    Hot Rolled Steel
    Cold Rolled Steel
    Tread Plate
    Wood
    Automotive Quality Finishing Products

Fabrication Equipment and Machinery

As Knapheide has evolved over the last 164 years, so has the technology in equipment and machinery.  Knapheide continues to cultivate a long term strategic alignment with The Amada Company to continually update and modernize its fabrication capabilities.  This allows Knapheide to remain the most efficient and technologically advanced company in the industry.  Knapheide utilizes the following machinery and equipment within our manufacturing facilities:

    CNC Shears
    Plasma Cutters
    Laser Cutters
    CNC Turret Punches
    CNC Press Brake
    Roll Formers
    Automated Steel Processing Cells

Assembly Process

After all of the engineering and fabrication of the prime unit parts is complete, the assembly process begins.  Knapheide’s assembly procedures and multiple progressive lines allow them to be very flexible, highly efficient, and produce the highest quality product in the industry.  Knapheide has a large offering of catalog products that is quickly available and meets a large portion of our customers needs. However, while most of the industry shy’s away from custom built products, the Knapheide Company prides itself in its ability to build product that is designed to meet specific customer requirements and needs.  Rather than limit the product available to their customers to standard product, Knapheide’s motto is “Dream it, and we will build it”.  Some of the assembly processes include:

    MIG & Resistance Welding
    Automated Robotic MIG & Resistance Welding
    Flexible Product Assembly Lines & Processes

Finishing

The flagship of our manufacturing process is our automated “K-Coat” finishing system.  K-coat is a highly efficient electro-deposition coating process that is widely used in the automotive industry.  Through this process, Knapheide is proud to offer its customers the highest quality corrosion resistant coating available.

    Automotive Quality E-Coat System
    Automotive Quality Undercoating
    Automotive Quality Finish Paint

For over 166 years, Knapheide has always been a leader through our manufacturing superiority in the industries we serve.  With the ISO 9001:2008 certification, this is a new starting point for us as we meet our customer’s expectations into the 21st century.


Find out more at http://www.knapheide.com/

Sierra Denali - Workout

Pre-roll videos created to be contextually relevant based on users’ favorite search terms. Looking for a new workout? Try incorporating Sierra Denali’s available Tri-Mode Power Steps

2017 GMC Canyon Denali: Now even More Tech, Chrome, Leather & Bigger Wheels

( http://www.TFLtruck.com ) The 2017 GMC Canyon Denali pickup truck is moving up market with this top end Denali edition. The Canyon Denali is differentiated by 20-inch Aluminum wheels, chrome grille, and lower front facia, chrome side-steps, and a polished exhaust tip.

2016 GMC SAVANA CUTAWAY 3500 / 4500

New for 2016:
•    Standard digital AM/FM radio with auxiliary port
•    Optional GMC IntelliLink with navigation radio
•    OnStar with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot
•    Six standard air bags: frontal, side curtain and seat-mounted thorax (models under 10,000 pounds GVWR) 
•    Optional 220-amp generator

2016 GMC SAVANA CUTAWAY ENABLES EASY UPFITS FOR EVERY JOB

The GMC Savana Cutaway van is known for versatility, flexibility and durability, offering of its three available wheelbases, single or dual rear wheels and three engine choices – including the powerful Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel.

For 2016, the Savana Cutaway features a single rear wheel 9,900-pound GVWR (4,490 kg) on 139- and 159-inch wheelbase chassis, and an optional 10,100-pound (4,581 kg) GVWR. Dual-rear-wheel models start at 10,050 pounds (4,559 kg) GVWR and extend to 12,300 pounds (5,591 kg) GVWR. They are available on 139-, 159- and 177-inch wheelbase chassis. 

Also offered on the dual-rear-wheel are 4500 models that have a 14,200-pound (6,441 kg) GVWR, available with the 159- and 177-inch wheelbase chassis.

New for 2016 is OnStar 4G LTE connectivity, which includes a Wi-Fi hotspot. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected all the time. The hotspot allows passengers to connect up to seven personal devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets to high-speed wireless Internet whenever the vehicle is on.

Also new is an available navigation radio with the GMC IntelliLink infotainment system. Additional highlights:
•    4.8L and 6.0L gas V-8s with six-speed automatic transmission
•    Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V-8 with six-speed automatic transmission
•    Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock
•    Available locking rear differential (standard with YF2-code ambulance package)
•    110-volt outlet on the instrument panel
•    Standard digital AM/FM radio with auxiliary port
•    Available 220-amp generator.

Special-equipment packages also are available for ambulance, RV, shuttle bus and school bus construction.

Savana exterior features:
•    A chrome appearance package including a chrome front bumper and a chrome grille with dual composite headlamps is available. Black-painted bumper is standard
•    Heavy-duty light-emitting diode flashers are standard
•    Heated and power-adjustable outside folding mirrors are available on 3500 models
•    Wide-stance sail-panel-mounted outside mirrors are available
•    Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard
•    Exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, Onyx Black, Emerald Green Metallic, Summit White, Cardinal Red, Wheatland Yellow, and Bronze Alloy Metallic.

Savana interior features:
•    Air conditioning is standard (air conditioning delete is available)
•    Cruise control, power windows and power locks are available
•    A standard digital radio including AM/FM/MP3 capability
•    A range of optional audio systems, including, USB port, CD and navigation is available on all models. An audio system provision package is available
•    SiriusXM Satellite Radio is available
•    Driver information center is standard on all models
•    Brake warning indicator is available
•    Two auxiliary 12-volt power outlets located on the dash are standard
•    110-volt outlet standard on dash
•    Side cut keys
•    Leather-wrapped steering wheel is available
•    Remote keyless entry is available
•    Remote vehicle starter system is available.

Savana powertrains: 6.6L Duramax diesel
The powerful Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 is offered in Savana Cutaway, delivering best-in-class torque and horsepower. Known by its “LGH” engine code, it is rated at 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 525 lb-ft of torque (711 Nm).


The LGH Duramax employs a robust EGR cooling system, along with revised turbocharger tuning that helps enhance EGR performance. It also has a large-capacity selective catalytic reduction system. In fact, the engine features the latest in emission control technology, making it the cleanest Duramax engine ever produced. NOx emissions are controlled via a Selective Catalyst Reduction aftertreatment system that uses urea-based Diesel (Emission) Exhaust Fluid (DEF). The DEF is housed in a 5.83-gallon (20 L) tank and needs to be replenished about every 5,000 miles (8,000 km). Electrically heated lines feed the DEF to the emission system to ensure adequate delivery in cold weather.

The Duramax also includes GM’s second-generation diesel particulate filter system. Unlike most competitors’ systems, the Duramax regenerates its diesel particulate filter using a downstream injection of diesel fuel directly into the exhaust stream and can travel up to 700 miles (1,125 km) between regenerations – a 300-mile (482 km) increase over the previous Duramax engine. The use of downstream injection also helps improve engine life by eliminating concerns about the possibility of diesel fuel contaminating engine oil, which can happen when fuel used for regeneration is introduced directly into the cylinder. 

Savana Cutaway also provides outstanding cold-weather performance, thanks to the Duramax’s microprocessor-controlled glow plugs, which are capable of a gas engine-like start performance in less than three seconds in temperatures as low as -20 degrees F (-29 o C), without a block heater. The engine has been developed to operate for at least 200,000 miles (322,000 km) on a rough-duty cycle without the need for a major overhaul. It is also backed with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
(Certain commercial and government fleet customers receive the 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty.)

A fuel-operated heater is available for vans equipped with the Duramax 6.6L to quickly provide heat to the vehicle interior in cold weather. This seamlessly integrated system is designed into the Savana chassis, saving customers the time and labor of upfitting an aftermarket system. The electronically controlled, fuel-operated heater operates automatically, turning on and off within parameters that include outside air temperature, fuel level, coolant temperature and engine use. It features a self-contained, pressurized auxiliary coolant heater (with a surge tank) that uses diesel fuel to generate up to 17,200 Btu/h (5 kW) of heating energy.

The Duramax engine is backed by GM’s Hydra-Matic 6L90 heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission featuring Tow/Haul mode.


Gas engines
A 4.8L V-8 is standard on 3500 models and generates 285 horsepower (212 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (398 Nm), while a 6.0L V-8, available in a flex fuel configuration, is standard on 4500 models and available on other models. It is rated at 342 horsepower (255 kW) and 373 lb-ft of torque (506 Nm).

Each is part of GM’s legendary small-block engine family and designed for quiet operation, including:
•    Special friction-reducing polymer coating on piston skirts
•    Full-floating piston pins
•    Damping patch on the oil pan (externally mounted)
•    Timing chain tensioner
•    Quieter alternator.

Backing the engines’ quietness is the assurance of long-lasting performance. The engine family was validated under extreme conditions, with the 6.0L engine dynamometer-tested to the equivalent of 200,000 miles – 50,000 miles more than other engines in the family. The engines also feature many long-life engine components that can reduce maintenance intervals and costs. The iridium-tip spark plugs, engine coolant, accessory drive belt and sealing gaskets are some of these items.

Some of the stringent durability testing included cycling engines between the peak torque and peak horsepower rpm points – the equivalent of towing a heavy trailer up a steep grade – for 600 straight hours.

The engines are mated to the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission.

Additional powertrain special features include:
•    Dual 145-amp alternators are on Duramax-equipped models
•    diesel engine
•    220-amp alternators are available
•    600-CCA battery is standard with 6.0L engine; 770-CCA battery is available
•    Dual heavy-duty 770-CCA batteries are standard with Duramax-equipped models
•    Fuel-operated auxiliary heat generator is available with Duramax-equipped models
•    Cold-climate package with engine block heater is available on all models
•    High-idle switch for greater accessory performance at a job site is available on all models
•    Oil life monitor is standard on all models
•    Transmission cooler is standard on all models.

Chassis and suspension
Cutaway models are built on a strong, ladder-type full frame architecture. Varying frame sections support the 139-inch, 159-inch and 177-inch wheelbases. Soft-mount body-mount “donuts” and bolts, which attach upfit bodies to the chassis, are available on all models.

All Cutaway models feature an independent short-long arm (SLA) front suspension, power steering and four-wheel disc brakes with four-wheel anti-lock. At the rear is a hypoid drive axle and multi-leaf springs.

Additional chassis and suspension features include:
•    A locking rear differential is available on all models
•    Axle ratios include: 3.42, 3.54, 3.73 and 4.10.

Savana safety and crash-avoidance features
Savana is equipped with a host of safety features, including six standard air bags: frontal, head and side curtain, and thoracic air bags, which provide a higher level of protection in the event of a side impact or a vehicle rollover.

GMC Canyon - Expert Review

By Joe Bruzek,Cars.com National

A decked-out 2015 GMC Canyon is by far the most luxurious and mild-mannered midsize truck in its class, and that upscale feeling doesn't come at the expense of payload and towing.

There's no denying the 2015 GMC Canyon is a game changer — mainly because the minimally changed Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier have allowed the midsize truck segment to go stale over the past decade. The Canyon and its Chevrolet Colorado sibling offer modern technology worthy of full-size trucks, with performance and refinement to match — at a fraction of that segment's size and price. Granted, it'll be a smaller fraction of the price once you start optioning a Canyon with its available standout technology and premium features. Compare the Canyon with its competitors here.

Canyons come in SL, base, SLE and SLT trim levels. SLT trims, like the one I tested, are the most feature-laden, while an SLE All-Terrain offers off-road-specific suspension tuning and a notable full-time all-wheel-drive system. A Canyon can tow up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped and carry a payload of 1,620 pounds.

Two cab styles and two bed lengths are offered. An extended cab comes only with a 6-foot-2-inch box, while a crew cab comes with a 5-foot-2-inch box or a 6-foot-2-inch box riding on a longer, 140.5-inch wheelbase.

Exterior & Styling
The Canyon may slot below the half-ton Sierra in the GMC lineup, but it isn't any less attractive. A tall, upright grille, squared-off front styling and liberal use of chrome on higher trim levels give the Canyon a big-boy look in a much more manageable footprint. The Canyon has a commanding presence on the road for a midsize truck. It's a considerably more traditional look than the Chevrolet Colorado, which has taken on more carlike styling up front.

The GMC's premium approach means there are features on the Canyon you won't find on many other trucks in the segment, like the standard LED daytime running lamps with projector headlights for low and high beams. Top-of-the-line SLT trims include 18-inch polished wheels; heated, chrome, power side mirrors; fog lamps; and a chrome rear bumper.

For $725, the SLT can have dealer-installed chrome tubular side steps to help entry and exit; they're much needed, given it's still a decent jump into the cabin even though the Canyon's footprint is smaller than the Sierra's.

How It Drives
The Canyon's two engines for 2015 include the base 200-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an available 305-hp, 3.6-liter V-6. While the four-cylinder's output is impressive for a base engine in the midsize segment, it certainly drives like an entry-level engine in a bare-bones Canyon with the six-speed manual transmission; a six-speed automatic is optional. The novelty of a six-speed-manual, four-cylinder truck wore off rather quickly thanks to a transmission gear ratio spread that didn't seem to match the four-cylinder's powerband very well. And of course, the huge shifter throws from gear to gear aren't exactly satisfying.

An extra two cylinders and 105 hp (and 78 pounds-feet of torque) do wonders for the nearly 4,000-pound truck. The 3.6-liter is a highly refined engine that pairs with an equally sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission to provide crisp, clean shifts and enough grunt for almost any situation in which a midsize truck needs to be used. There aren't any optional rear-end gear ratios; GMC doesn't give you as many choices as the full-size trucks do to tailor gear ratios to specific uses or towing needs. Four-cylinders come with a 4.10 axle, while the six-cylinder axle is 3.42.

Fuel economy shouldn't be a deciding factor between the two engines, as stepping up to the V-6 costs only a 1 mpg ding in EPA combined ratings. The four-cylinder gets an estimated 20/27/22 mpg city/highway/combined with the six-speed automatic and two-wheel-drive models, while the V-6 is rated 18/26/21 mpg. The Canyon's gas mileage is a big leap over the aging Tacoma and Frontier. A similarly equipped V-6 Tacoma is rated 17/21/19 mpg and a Frontier comes in at 16/22/18 mpg. During PickupTrucks.com's real-world fuel economy testing, the GMC's 21.56 mpg easily bested the Nissan's 18.84 mpg and the Tacoma's 17.33 mpg.

The Canyon's ride quality and interior noise levels are downright impressive no matter which engine is under the hood. The Canyon SLT has ride quality that's more comparable to a crossover SUV than any similarly sized truck, boasting the kind of isolation from wind and road noise we've grown to expect in a full-size pickup. GM's midsize twins have an on-road confidence to how they accelerate, brake and ride that's unlike any other midsize truck. Jam the brake pedal in an emergency move at 60 mph, and the Canyon's brakes slow the truck with carlike precision.

The truck I spent the most time in had the base suspension, but the All-Terrain package includes off-road-specific suspension tuning. Canyons with the base suspension and tires are best suited for on-road use. The taut suspension inspires confidence on the road, but once the dirt comes the GMC bounces around and loses composure at moderate speeds (20-30 mph). I drove a Canyon with the base suspension for PickupTrucks.com's 2015 Midsize Challenge, where it was pitted against off-road packages on the Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma. As you'd expect, those off-road packages handled the same course with more stability.

When optioned with four-wheel drive, Canyons use a typical four-wheel-drive system with manually selectable two- and four-wheel drive as well as a low-range four-wheel drive; all modes are selectable via an electronic dial controller.

Four- and six-cylinder Canyons can be equipped with four-wheel drive, though only with automatic transmissions. All-Terrain trims take four-wheel-drive capability to the next level with full-time all-wheel drive and the ability to split torque automatically when situations demand more traction. All-Terrain Canyons have 2WD, Auto, 4WD High and 4WD Low settings. They use an Autotrac transfer case similar to what's in the Sierra; it's a feature you won't find in a comparable Colorado; that truck comes only with part-time four-wheel drive, which must be activated and deactivated manually to suit conditions.

Interior
The distinction between Chevrolet and GMC interiors hasn't been much to get excited about in the past, but there's a definite lean toward an upscale interior in the Canyon versus the Colorado. The GMC's more uniform interior color combinations and accent stitching go a long way toward making the Canyon the more luxurious truck of the two. Both are light years ahead of the 2015 Tacoma ($21,880) and Frontier ($18,875), though they come with a higher starting price of $21,880 for a SL GMC truck. With that price comes a decent set of standard features, though: power windows with one-touch down/up, a backup camera and a four-way power driver's seat with manual recline.

The larger crew-cab Canyon has more backseat room and a rear bench seat for three passengers, versus two flip-up rear seats in the base extended-cab version. In the crew-cab model I tested, backseat room is spacious and comfortable compared with the rest of the segment. There are more similarities between the Canyon and full-size trucks than between the Canyon and anything else in the midsize segment.

Ergonomics & Electronics
If you're starting to observe a theme here — that the Canyon is a step above the segment in many ways — the following won't come as a surprise: The Canyon is available with an 8-inch touch-screen and featuring 4G LTE with wireless hot-spot capabilities, multiple USB ports, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and streaming audio, plus an app for Pandora internet radio. Called IntelliLink, the system shares features and usability with other GM products, including its full-size trucks and the Chevrolet Impala. IntelliLink is standard on the midrange SLE trim and the higher-end SLT, and it's optional on base trucks. Standard features for the base model include a 4.2-inch color display, a USB port and an MP3 jack.

Cargo & Towing
Now to the meat and potatoes of any truck: cargo and towing. GMC says the longer bed of the crew-cab Canyon can support 8-foot-long items when the tailgate is lowered.

Maximum payload for a V-6 Canyon is 1,620 pounds with two-wheel drive, 1,590 pounds for four-wheel drive and an extended cab, and 1,550 with four-wheel drive and a crew cab. The V-6 handles a full payload like a champ, with the same responsiveness and smart transmission operation that makes driving the unloaded truck a joy. Payload capability is at the top of the segment, and when fully loaded the Canyon's rear end doesn't sag or give much indication it's hauling over 1,500 pounds. Max out the payload on a Frontier or Tacoma and there's a noticeable degradation in braking and acceleration.

The four-cylinder Canyon's payload is an equally impressive 1,490 pounds with two-wheel drive and automatic transmission, though the 200-hp engine is much less adept at hauling that weight. If you have to max out the payload, get the V-6 or leave yourself plenty of room on the road.

Stepping into the Canyon's bed to retrieve your cargo is easy thanks to a standard footstep built into the bumper. The bed also features a locking tailgate with a soft-open function, so you can let the tailgate lower without slamming off its hinges. GMC says this is a first for the segment. It's standard on SLE and SLT models and optional on the base Canyon.

A trailering package is required to max out the Canyon's towing capabilities of 7,000 pounds with the 3.6-liter; otherwise, standard towing capacity is half of that, at 3,500 pounds. The Canyon's trailering package includes a 2-inch receiver hitch and four- and seven-pin connectors for $250, and it requires the 3.6-liter model to be equipped with an automatic locking rear differential. That feature is standard on the SLT and available on other trims for $325. Four-cylinder Canyons are rated to tow only 3,500 pounds.

Safety
The crew-cab Canyon earned a rating of good (out of a possible good, acceptable, marginal or poor) in one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's two frontal crash tests, but the full complement of tests hadn't been conducted as of publication.

An extended-cab Canyon scored an overall four out of five stars in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, but the crew cab remains untested.

The Canyon offers optional advanced safety features, including a forward collision warning system with audible and visual alerts when a potential collision is detected. Paired with a lane departure warning system in the Driver Alert Package for $395, the two features are impressive safety offerings in the class, along with the Canyon's standard backup camera.

See the Canyon's available safety features here.

Value in Its Class
The high-end SLT crew cab I drove, with four-wheel drive and a number of options, totaled $40,465. That included a $925 destination charge, navigation, an upgraded Bose stereo, a spray-on bedliner, the Driver Alert Package and more.

Forking over $40,000 for a midsize truck sounds outrageous, but the Canyon's level of driving refinement and high-tech feature content put it leaps ahead of anything else in the segment — as verified by Pickuptrucks.com's Midsize Challenge, where the Canyon beat out the Colorado, Tacoma and Frontier.

A feature-loaded midsize Canyon approaches full-size pricing, at $40,000, but there's still a big gap considering a similarly equipped GMC Sierra SLT retails for $50,500. The Canyon mirrors many of the Sierra's notable driving characteristics, but with a much more manageable price and size for those who don't need full-size truck capabilities.

Source: http://www.cars.com/gmc/canyon/2015/expert-reviews

Interested in the future of alternative fuels? Attend the Green Truck Summit

During the Green Truck Summit, held in conjunction with The Work Truck Show® 2016, industry experts will provide insights and trends, as well as an overview of fuel and technology developments expected in the next few years.

New at the Green Truck Summit in 2016:

    Expanded curriculum uniting Green Truck Summit and Work Truck Show concurrent sessions
    Latest developments on Phase Two greenhouse gas regulations
    Presentation on economic benefits of commercial vehicle lightweighting

Learn more.

Join us March 1-3, 2016 at the Indiana Convention Center (Indianapolis, Indiana) for the Green Truck Summit.

register  |  hotel & travel  |  schedule of events  |  floor plan
Join NTEA today and save at The Work Truck Show
Not a member of NTEA and interested in attending the educational sessions? Join by Nov. 30, 2015 and receive one complimentary Conference & Trade Show package (up to a $299 value). Plus, get 15 months of membership for the price of only 12.

View more information or contact Luci Pfaff, NTEA senior member services manager, at luci@ntea.com or 248-479-8148.

GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate: The Pinnacle of Premium

Unique 22-inch wheels, expanded package 

of standard content drives exclusivity

DETROIT – GMC is taking the range-topping style, craftsmanship and capability of the Sierra Denali even higher with the 2016 Sierra Denali Ultimate.

It builds on the Sierra Denali’s already class-leading attributes with a package of precision-crafted features designed to elevate its comfort, design and capability in the growing premium niche of the full-size truck market.

GMC introduces the Sierra Denali Ultimate today, ahead of its public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It goes on sale late in the first quarter of 2016.

“The Sierra Denali has helped drive the growth of premium portion of the light-duty crew cab segment,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “This truck is the ultimate expression of the Sierra Denali with greater emphasis on the bold and refined presence and advanced features that make Denali models synonymous with precision and exclusivity.”

Thanks in large part to Sierra Denali, which was redesigned in 2014, GMC commands 15.5 percent of the premium full-size truck segment, where average transaction prices exceed $55,000.

The segment has nearly doubled in 2015 and grown tenfold since 2013, when GMC had zero percent of the market. In fact, Sierra Denali has helped GMC earn a higher share of the premium portion of the light-duty crew cab segment than of the overall full-size pickup segment.

Unique features and more standard technologies
The Sierra Denali Ultimate is offered exclusively on four-wheel drive 1500 crew cab models with either a 5’ 8” or 6’ 6” cargo bed. It is distinguished with 22-inch wheels with chrome or black insert), a standard sunroof, chrome tow hooks and standard technologies, including Tri-Mode Power Steps – that move rearward to serve as a step into the forward section of the cargo bed. Lane Keep Assist and IntelliBeam automatic headlamp control are also standard.

Sierra’s 6.2L V-8/eight-speed automatic powertrain combination offers the light-duty segment’s highest output: 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 460 lb-ft of torque (623 Nm). Active noise cancelation technology contributes to a quieter driving experience and is featured with the 6.2L engine. A 5.3L V-8 with the new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission is the standard powertrain.

An integrated trailer brake controller is standard on the Sierra Denali Ultimate and allows the driver to adjust the amount of output available to the electric trailer brake and to manually apply the brakes.

Additionally, Sierra Denali’s standard, segment-exclusive magnetic ride control delivers more precise body motion control, for a greater feeling of responsiveness to the driver and a smoother ride for passengers. 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.

Professional grade style and crafted interior
In addition to the special content, the Sierra Denali Ultimate includes all of the crafted interior, advanced features and design elements of other Denali models, including body-color bumpers, chrome exhaust tip, unique interior decorative trim, a polished stainless steel exhaust outlet and a factory-installed spray-on bed liner with a three-dimensional Denali logo.

It also wears new front-end styling introduced for 2016, including high-performance LED headlamps with GMC LED signature lighting, an all-new Denali grille and LED taillamps.

The high-tech interior features an eight-inch-diagonal Customizable Driver Display – with Denali-themed screen graphics at start-up – that can show relevant settings, audio and navigation information in the instrument panel. Sierra Denali’s standard eight-inch-diagonal Color Touch navigation radio with IntelliLink, located above the center console, is the hub for Bluetooth-connected phones and portable devices connected through four standard USB ports.

IntelliLink also features Apple CarPlay capability, with Android Auto capability coming later in the model year. Additional standard technologies and convenience features include:
•    OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with a Wi-Fi hotspot
•    Bose premium sound system
•    Wireless phone charging – new for 2016
•    Remote vehicle starter system
•    Remote keyless entry with new remote locking tailgate
•    Power-adjustable pedals
•    Power-sliding rear window with defogger
•    Rear-vision camera with dynamic guidelines.

The Denali Ultimate features premium soft-touch interior materials, aluminum trim and contrast stitching on the standard leather-trimmed interior – including 12-way power adjustable heated and vented front leather bucket and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel.



Elevation of luxury
Named for Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America, the GMC Denali brand represents the pinnacle of luxury, design and performance – the ultimate expression of professional grade.

GMC’s top-of-the-line models include the signature Denali chrome grille – premium materials and the latest safety and infotainment technology. Features such as an 8-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster on the Yukon Denali series and Magnetic Ride Control on Sierra Denali are exclusive to their respective vehicle segment.

The luxury-focused Denali models outsell the entire product lines of some of the most aspirational marques, including Land Rover, Jaguar and Porsche, with almost 60 percent of all GMC Yukon/Yukon XL models and more than 45 percent of Sierra HD sold wearing the Denali badge.

Overall, Denali vehicles have accounted for about 25 percent of all GMC retail sales in 2015 and more than 850,000 have been sold since the nameplate was introduced on the 1999 Yukon.

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.