Chevy to roll out big trucks over 15 months beginning early next year, sources say
RICK KRANZ | Automotive News
Posted Date: 5/16/05

DETROIT -- General Motors will launch its next generation of full-sized Chevrolet trucks over about 15 months beginning early next year, dealer sources say.

A successful launch is critical to GM's turnaround. GM's full-sized trucks will be re-engineered and restyled for the 2007 model year. GM pushed the launch forward to get fresh versions of its most-profitable vehicles to market quickly.

Sales of the 2007 Tahoe SUV will begin in the first quarter of 2006. GM will follow with the Suburban and Avalanche SUVs and the Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups.

Cadillac and GMC truck models that share components and chassis with the Chevrolet vehicles are expected to follow a similar schedule. The 2007 GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade SUVs are expected to debut about the same time as the Tahoe, for example.

Chevrolet's top dealers viewed the 2007 full-sized truck lines at a meeting late last month in Palm Springs, Calif. One dealer who attended said dealers saw the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban and Avalanche, "and pictures of the Silverado."

The Tahoe's styling is softer and is evolutionary rather than radically different, an industry source says. All sheet metal is new.

Dealers were told that the Chevrolet trucks would debut on the following timetable:

>>> Tahoe, first quarter 2006

>>> Suburban, second quarter 2006

>>> Avalanche, third quarter 2006

>>> Silverado 1500, fourth quarter 2006

>>> Silverado 2500, 3500, first quarter 2007 :ro)

A dealer who asked not to be identified said the Tahoe is expected to arrive in February or March.

That should be very interesting to see. I think they will have to do some serious work but they can turn it around, at least we hope so..

Mid Cycle Enhancement Cancelled

GM cancels next generation SRX and H2 refresh
Thursday, 24 March 2005
The H2 was a hot seller when it first came out, but recently it’s been losing quite a bit of its steam and momentum. Sales have been down significantly this year compared to previous years, even with the introduction of the SUT. GM-TC has gained access to an internal GM memo from non-other than Bob Lutz himself. It’s an interesting look into the world of GM and just how much trouble the automaker is in. Unfortunately for the H2 and SRX, it seems each of their refreshes have been put on hold. Not good news for two ill selling models…

"To: Vehicle Line Executives

As part of our efforts to address the current business situation we are
facing today, we have had to make some difficult product portfolio
decisions.

As a result, we are canceling all vehicles planned off of the Zeta
architecture. Since the recent announcement of the Global Zeta Development
Team and Gene Stefanyshyn's Global VLE appointment has been widely covered
by the media, it is important to proactively position this decision
internally and externally. The message should be clear, we are not
abandoning rear-wheel-drive vehicles and we will continue to evaluate our
future RWD plans.

In addition, we are canceling the Hummer H2 MCE* and GMT361/371
right-hand-drive vehicle and delaying the GMT267 Cadillac SRX. There will
be other reductions in concept and show vehicles, SVA/HPVO* activities and
some annual discretionary content.

These cancellations and delays allow us to realign resources to accelerate
some of our key strategic high-volume product launches.

It is very important that you communicate these decisions to your teams,
and that work stop immediately on the programs affected.

We find ourselves in tough times, but with the entire team working
together, we can get through them.

Thanks for your continued support."

Now I have to buy a 06 before they really s*rew them up.