Save Big Bucks on Trucks!
Stop by the dealership this Thursday through Monday, and check out our latest sale! Save thousands of dollars on the truck that you’re looking for! We’re extending our hours from 8AM to 5PM Sunday to make sure you get an opportunity to stop by!
And so Rimrock GMC Cadillac Bids Adieu to Our C4500, “Ironhide”
Rimrock just completed sale on the C4500 that we’ve had on our lot for a while, affectionately known as ‘Ironhide’. We’ll be sorry to see it go, but we’re sure that the owner will enjoy it for a long time to come!
Now we just have to find a novel vehicle to replace it! Come in and let us know what you think it should be! We have some pretty cool cars on the lot still!
Ever Wonder how Your GMC was Built? Check it out!
If you’ve ever wondered where your GMC Sierra came from, keep on reading. PickupTrucks.com reports on the process that your truck goes through on the assembly line to become road-ready.
Words by Kelsey Mays, Pictures by Ian Merritt
General Motors invited us to its Fort Wayne Assembly plant to witness our Sierra’s assembly. A 20-minute drive southwest of downtown Fort Wayne, Ind., the plant sits on 716 acres just uphill of Interstate 69. Separated from the highway by a strip of underbrush and a few bunched trees, the plant’s 2.85 million square feet of facilities produce most of the Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado trucks GM sells in America. Parking is to the west and south; the paint shop is on the east, with the lengthy general assembly building smack dab in the center.
Fort Wayne added a third shift last spring to accommodate the heavy-duty pickups from GM’s shuttered plant in Pontiac, Mich. Fort Wayne Assembly runs nearly 24 hours a day, five days a week. By the time we showed up – 8 a.m. on Sept. 29 – our Sierra was already through the paint shop. It’s a cherry-red single cab, easy to pick out in General Assembly among the silver and white extended cabs to each side. The chassis and drivetrain proved harder to track down, but plant planning administrator Carmen Mangrum pointed us toward the manifest sheets tagged to each. Ours was truck 1660. With a line-side seat as the components made their way toward a finished product, we chatted with Mangrum and plant spokeswoman Stephanie Jentgen. Check out photos of the Sierra, and stay tuned for the Shootout results in November.
Our Sierra’s 4.3-liter V-6 moves along the motor line, stopping at dozens of stations for exactly 57 seconds each, Mangrum said. Shipped from GM’s powertrain facility in Romulus, Mich., the engine comes stripped down but essentially assembled. Line workers at Fort Wayne add an array of accessories, from wiring harnesses and hoses to air filters and airflow manifolds.
The chassis — with axles, brakes and suspension members installed — makes its way down the line. Should something run awry, a line worker can pull a yellow cord, and his or her station number shows up on an overhead display – Mangrum calls them “bingo boards” – for a team leader to assist.
Like in other assembly plants we’ve visited, an overhead musical tone alerts team leaders that someone in the section needs help. The songs periodically chime overhead, themes to “Star Wars,” “The Addams Family” and “The Beverly Hillbillies” among them.
The drivetrain, including the four-speed automatic transmission, is hoisted onto the chassis, which has been traveling along a separate line. Sequencing the two is critical. There are a dozen separate frames for the Silverado and Sierra, Mangrum said, as each one carries unique motor mounts and suspension arrangements, among myriad other components.
With the engine and transmission mounted, the Sierra’s chassis gets wheels. The wheels and tires arrive from separate conveyors; they’re joined by machine, filled with an automated air compressor to 35 psi and balanced. Each tire then gets a thumb-sized spot of paint to signal it’s been balanced. Among Mangrum’s many duties is managing the sequencing order – and wheels can be particularly frustrating: “That’s one of the things marketing likes to do that drives us nuts: changing the grille, changing the wheels,” he said.
The cab and box arrive from separate carriers to a line that’s parallel to the chassis. The box has already been accessorized with Sierra and GMC emblems, a tailgate and taillights in the paint shop – steps that normally occur on the general assembly floor, were it not so full. Between base coats, clear coats and a final bake oven, the truck spends eight to 10 hours in paint, Mangrum said.
An orange hoist picks up the cab and box, transferring them to the chassis. At this point, it’s made its way through four major areas on the trim line – “kind of like four different blocks in a horseshoe shape,” Mangrum said – and is ready for final assembly.
The hoist marries the bed and the box, beginning to lower them onto the ladder chassis.
Line workers attach the bed and box to the chassis as the hoist redeploys to the next truck. If a line worker inadvertently bumps something out of alignment, the worker needs to throw on an indicator sticker, Mangrum said. The truck completes assembly but then gets pulled so any potential issues can be addressed.
The finished cabin has no shortage of plastic wrappings. Through the trim line it’s been outfitted with seats, windows, a dashboard and much more; it’s effectively complete. Many components – seats, for instance – come sequenced from suppliers, Jentgen said, arriving at the plant in the order they’ll be installed.
Line workers fill the tank with just three gallons of gas, enough to get through a quarter-mile test track and off to the dealer with a gallon or so to spare, Jentgen said.
The fenders and hood, traveling along a separate line, are attached. Shortly after this, workers take a soft mallet to the door close-outs to ensure a proper fit. If the door alignment is so bad a worker can’t fix it, he or she will mark it so it goes off the line, Mangrum said. Typically that indicates more serious issues to address, he added.
With the hood and fenders installed, line workers mount the headlights, grille and front bumper …
… and attach the Sierra’s logo.
Assembly complete; No. 1660 heads off the line. Federal law requires the odometer to document all driving, even on the factory floor, Mangrum said. That’s why you’ll seldom find a new truck on a dealer lot with zero miles on it.
Next time we see this 2011 GMC Sierra 1500, it will be ready and waiting for the start of the 2010 V-6 Shootout.
GMC Announces Introduction of the ‘Granite’ for the 2012 Model Year
GMC’s latest vehicle, the Granite is scheduled to be released in 2012. This new car will be GMC’s smallest vehicle to date, and is designed to appeal to the city-dweller crowd. Consumer Guide has more details on the GMC Granite
A GMC for the under-30s? Yup, the Granite Concept signals a “professional-grade” compact to rival the Scion xB, Kia Soul, and other youth-oriented vehicles. It’s a calculated risk, but a necessary one.
What We Know About the 2012 GMC Granite
Automakers have no money to waste in today’s brutally competitive market. So when you see a concept vehicle like the GMC Granite, it’s a pretty safe bet that something very much like it will be heading for showrooms. Indeed, many concepts are little more than thinly disguised previews of a production model that’s already finished and ready to launch.Still, you might wonder how can we be so sure about the Granite. It is, after all, the smallest vehicle ever to wear the GMC label, and thus seemingly at odds with the brand’s “professional-truck” macho mojo. But that’s the point. General Motors is down to just four brands after its historic 2009 bankruptcy, and narrowly focused GMC (Buick and Cadillac, too) must do more for sales and profits than ever before. That implies new products and out-of-the-box thinking to counter reduced demand for GMC’s traditional large SUVs as buyers keep flocking to car-based compact and midsize crossovers. That’s why GMC introduced the large-midsize Acadia two years ago and added the smaller midsize Terrain for 2010. Tightening federal fuel-economy standards and fast-growing interest in low-emission vehicles are other reasons why the brand is showing a softer side nowadays.
A compact crossover seems the next logical step, hence the Granite. Its mission is simple: Expand the brand’s customer base. As product marketing director Lisa Hutchinson put it in a press release, the Concept “Granite was conceived as a new type of vehicle from GMC – one that could stretch people’s idea of what a GMC can be. We call it an ‘urban activity vehicle’ and our goal was redefining what the GMC name could mean to a new generation of customers…” That sounds pretty serious, and though GM hasn’t yet confirmed a production model, we’d be surprised if the 2012 GMC Granite isn’t a done deal already.
Experience suggests the production 2012 GMC Granite will look much like the boxy concept, with a similar pug nose, big grille, dropped front fenders, cut-off tail, a modestly raked profile, and brushed- or satin-finish trim to replace chrome accents in keeping with the urbo-industrial design theme. Bodysides are an interesting mix of concave and convex surfaces, punctuated by a big “hockey stick” and other edgy lines, plus bulging wheel arches and prominent lower sills. We rather like this styling with its “baby bulldog” air, especially as it doesn’t betray the Granite’s compact size, more of which in a moment.
Read the original story here!
“Lucky 13″. The 13th Million vehicle rolls off the Flint Assembly Line.
General Motors announced October 5th, that the Flint, Michigan assembly line just rolled out their 13th million vehicle; a 2011 GMC Sierra Denali. dBusinessNews has the full story;
The 2011 GMC Sierra Denali took its place in Flint Assembly history as it rode off the assembly line as the plant’s 13th million vehicle.
Flint, Michigan — The GMC Sierra Denali 3500HD so called “Lucky 13” was revealed on September 30 at Flint Assembly as the 13 millionth vehicle to be produced since Flint opened in 1947.
Flint Assembly started as part of GMC’s Fisher Body Division, eventually producing classic cars like the 1953 Corvette. Over the years Flint produced 4 million cars, which included Impalas and Monte Carlos. Flint also produced 9 million trucks that ranged from Chevrolet and GMC pickups to Suburbans.
Flint Assembly and its United Auto Workers Local 598 overcame the fall of the auto industry after World War II and helped GM restore its name and grow stronger as a company after GM fell into bankruptcy last year.
“This is a special day for the Flint Assembly and United Auto Workers Local 598 team. Not only are we celebrating the 13 millionth vehicle that has been produced here since 1947, we are celebrating the heritage of some great GM products made here during the last 63 years,” Plant Manager Amy Farmer shared with attendees and guests during the celebration at Flint Assembly.
Joining the celebration was a Michigan resident and President of Heartbeat City, James Stubbings. The GMC Sierra “Lucky 13” became Stubbings’ 13th purchase of a GMC truck.
“I am happy to be a part of today’s millionth vehicle celebration,” Stubbings said. “I have been a proud owner of many GM products over the years and am especially excited that my latest purchase was built right here in Michigan!”
This new Sierra HD is equipped with the Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel V-8 and Allison 1000 six-speed transmission. It can tow up to 21,700 pounds and will haul up to 6,635 pounds of payload. From its iconic four-bar, chrome grille to its chrome accents and 18-20 inch polished forged aluminum wheels, the GMC Sierra Denali 2500 and 3500HD are available for the first time from GMC.
MI Auto Times covers all Michigan automotive news all the time, featuring newly released vehicle recall information, relevant Michigan automaker news, vehicle ratings and comparisons, and everything else auto-related Michigan and world readers need to know. Visit http://www.miautotimes.com to learn more.
GMC Annouces 12th Consecutive Month of Year-Over-Year Sales!
As of this September, GMC has achieved it’s 12th straight month of improved sales over last year. The GMC Sierra, Acadia and Terrain have pushed sales up by 42% over last year with a 48% increase in retail sales. AutoTalk has more;
GMC posted year-over-year sales increases in September for the 12th consecutive month. Driven by customer demand for the Sierra, Terrain and Acadia, retail sales increased 48 percent in September. Total sales are up 42 percent, compared to the same month a year ago.
“The Sierra, Terrain and Acadia continue to post strong sales increases for GMC,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president for Buick & GMC Sales and Service. “We are encouraged that September marked a year of consecutive year-over-year sales increases for the brand.”For the month of September, the Sierra, including the new Sierra HD, saw a 59 percent increase in retail sales and a 53 percent increase in total sales. Sierra retail sales are up 16 percent for the year.
Terrain retail sales rose 405 percent in compared to the same month last year. Total sales for the Terrain were up 258 for the month. The Terrain is averaging just 14 days to turn on dealer lots, compared with 29 for the compact-SUV segment. To meet customer demand, GM’s CAMI Automotive Plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, has developed an innovative production model to increase Terrain volume. This is the third time that production has been increased to meet the growth in demand for the Terrain.
Retail sales for the Acadia rose 61 percent in September and 21 percent for the year. GMC started production of the new 2011 GMC Acadia Denali this September, offering the exclusive Denali trim level for the first time on the Acadia. The Acadia Denali distinguishes itself among other crossover SUVs with its unique Denali chrome honeycomb grille and monochromatic exterior and 20-inch two-tone chrome-clad wheels. The Acadia Denali is expected to begin arriving at dealerships this October.
Both the Terrain and Acadia continue to attract new customers to the brand. In 2010, 54 percent of buyers for both vehicles are non-General Motors’ customers.
Read the original story here!
GMC introduces it’s new Acadia Denali for the 2011 model year
Since it’s introduction, the Denali trim has been synonymous with luxury, additional comfort, and subsequent special options. GMC is finally bringing the Denali to their Acadia, their best-selling crossover. So what does this mean for you, the consumer? Well, you’ll be able to get all of the Denali-specific options, without sacrificing the versatility of the Acadia.
MotorTrend has more on this story:
GMC will bring Denali bling, bells, and whistles to its crossover Acadia this fall after its debut at the 2010 Detroit show with a choice of either front- or all-wheel-drive, bearing the familiar drilled chrome grilles, Xenon headlamps, monochrome fascias and cladding, chrome accents and special 20-inch chromed wheels with black-chrome centers.
Inside the 2011 GMC Acadia Denali, there’s a mahogany steering wheel, perforated leather heated and cooled front seats, head-up display, dual sunroof,tri-zone climate control, special footwell lighting, chromed sill plates with red light-up Denali badging, and most every other creature comfort you can imagine (rear-seat entertainment remains optional).
A more meaningful upgrade is fitment of most of the Enclave’s quiet tuning elements (extra mastic, triple seals, and acoustic windshield-the front door glass is not acoustic, as the Acadia’s windows are a different shape). Maximum towing capacity is a class-leading 5200 pounds. Expect the price jump to be less than the $15K leap from Yukon SLE to Denali.
The Acadia Denali will be available in front- and all-wheel drive, and seven- and eight-passenger configurations. The standard engine is GM’s ever-present 3.6L direct-injected V-6, and maximum towing capacity is 5200 lbs. The Acadia gets a suspension retune to compensate for larger diameter wheels and available all-wheel drive. The EPA’s fuel economy ratings don’t change: 17/24 mpg for the front-drive models, while all-wheel drive knocks 1 mpg off both ends.
The luxury amenities included in this package (as compiled by MotorTrend) include:
Luxury amenities
The Acadia Denali delivers all the luxury and refinement that are hallmarks of the Denali line. It includes a number of exclusive design, comfort, and convenience features including:
* Premium acoustics – laminated glass, triple door seals, and liquid applied sound deadeners
* Perforated leather seats with matching leather door panel trim
* Heated and cooled driver and passenger seats
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood inserts
* Complementary woodgrain finish on the instrument panel and center stack
* Enhanced accent lighting in the footwells
* Chrome, lighted sill plates with the Denali logo
* Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section
* Head-up display (HUD)
Additional content includes:
* Tri-zone automatic climate control
* Navigation system including XM NavTraffic (available) * Bluetooth connectivity
* OnStar
* Rear-seat DVD entertainment system, with roof-mounted flip-down screen (available)
* Premium audio system with USB port and Bose 10-speaker sound system
* XM Satellite Radio * Rearview camera system
* Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory
* Remote vehicle start
Cadillac CTS and CTS-V make 10Best Cars List!
This year marks the 3rd consecutive year that the Cadillac CTS has made the 10Best cars list, raising the question… is it the best American car ever made? Well, it’s certainly right up there. Car and Driver magazine report more in depth:
Now entering its third year as a 10Best winner, the Cadillac CTS plays at the top of a segment packed with some of the best cars in the automotive kingdom. Its interior is gorgeous, with a truly expensive feel, and it is more spacious inside than most of its similarly priced competition. Outside, the CTS combines uniform shapes and sharp angles that borrow from nobody. But the way the CTS drives is what we keep falling for year after year—its moves are as crisp as its exterior lines. The CTS manages to blend refinement, driving dynamics, comfort, and performance in a refreshing, even exhilarating, way that satisfies enthusiast drivers and luxury seekers simultaneously.
For 2010, the sedan is joined by a new Sport Wagon that maintains the connected and rewarding feel of the sedan but adds practicality and arguably an even more stylish appearance. And for those who aren’t satisfied by the 304 horsepower of the 3.6-liter V-6, Cadillac still offers the CTS-V, a 556-hp supercharged beast that brawls eagerly with the very best sports sedans from Germany. More than a few of us consider the CTS-V to be the best American car ever made. Put that assertion aside, and the CTS-V is still a bargain alternative to the supersedans from Germany.
The CTS lineup retains its place on our list of favorite cars because it is that rare thing: an American car that doesn’t have to make excuses. It’s simply great.
