General Motors has recalled almost of its new 2007 Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia crossovers because of potentially faulty airbag sensors that control the front airbag deployment. The problem with the sensors is reported to be a software issue, which may prevent the front air bags from deploying in a crash.

The recall includes all of 13,032 of the SUVs built until early this month. GM spokesman Alan Adler said it doesn’t include those built after February 2.

GM will resolve the software issue by reprogramming the computer that controls the air bags. The service only take about 25 minutes. GM said most of the vehicles affected by the recall are still on dealer lots and will be fixed before they’re sold.

## Source: AZCentral ##

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General Motors will build a new variant of its Hydra-Matic rear-wheel-drive six-speed transmission for its heavy-duty pickups. The new electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission will be standard on the all new 2007 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty pickups.

The advantages of a six-speed transmission include improved fuel economy, and performance. The six-speed transmission has the capability for Driver Shift Control (Tap Up/Tap Down) and Tow/Haul Mode.

## Source: General Motors ##

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As we had expected, General Motors is planning add another crossover to its portfolio, according to Automotive News. This time it will be a Chevrolet version of the automaker’s Lambda crossovers.

The Chevrolet crossover is expected to built at the former Saturn-only plant in Spring Hill, Tenn. which will go through and extensive overhaul. GM plans to invest over $700 million to renovate the aging production line, which has the capacity to produce up to 350,000 vehicles annually.

General Motors’ other Lamba-based crossovers — the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave — could also be built at the Spring Hill plant.

## Source: Automotive News ##

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Over the weekend General Motors issued an immediate “stop sale” communique for all Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia crossovers. GM said that more information about the order would follow.

Turns out there is a problem with the engine mounts. If water freezes on the engine mounts hinders, the frozen water hinders their ability to absorb engine vibrations. GM stressed that the problem is not a safety issue, but is one of those issues that would be a nagging issue to consumers.

The problem can be fixed at the dealership, by drilling a few drainage holes to prevent water pooling. Sales should resume in a few days.

## Source: Automotive News ##

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General Motors sent dealers a message over the weekend issuing an immediate “stop sale” for all Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia crossovers. The communique includes all vehicles in dealer inventory and those in transit. The only reason given for the stop sale is to maintain “momentum” and that the automaker is “evaluating potential enhancement and inventory” upgrades. General Motors said more information will come today.

Full copy of the message:

Attnntion ALL Saturn Retailers and GMC Dealers This is to advise Saturn Retailers and GMC Dealers that we are issuing an immediate stop sale on all Saturn OUTLOOK models and GMC Acadia models in dealer inventory as well as in transit to the dealer. In order to maintain our momentum and successful launch of these prodects, we are evaluating potential enhancement and inventory upgrade to the vehicles. More details will be forthcoming on Monday, December 11, 2006.

Message also communicated in GM Messenger Message # VSD20060627

Thank you for your immediate attention and cooperation in this matter.

## Source: General Motors ##

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GMC will add another Denali model to its lineup for the 2009 model year, this time in the form of the GMC Acadia crossover, according to a Popular Mechanics report citing a loose-lipped GM staffer. In addition to upgraded interior and exterior trim, the Acadia Denali will be available with a V8. The V8 that will find its way under the hood will be from a brand-new family of V8s being developed for transverse applications.

With the 3.6L V6 in the Acadia (and the other Lambda crossovers) delivering 275-hp, the new V8 will likely deliver over 300 horsepower. Expect the new V8 to also find it way under the hood of the Buick Enclave as well.

The GMC Acadia Denali will likely arrive for the 2009 model year.

## Source: Popular Mechanics ##

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General Motors today unveiled the 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Essentially the same vehicle as the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, the GMC Yukon Hybrid, features the world’s first two-mode hybrid propulsion system in an SUV and GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology. The two-mode hybrid system was developed with DaimlerChrysler and BMW.

“GMC has always stood for engineering excellence, so we’re extremely proud to be the first to market with a two-mode hybrid SUV to further improve our segment-leading fuel economy while providing all the performance you expect from GMC,” said John Larson, general manager, GMC.

While traditional full hybrid systems offer only one electric mode that is utilized during low-speed driving, the two-mode hybrid system is designed for both city driving and highway driving. The first mode, designed for low speeds, can operate with electric power only, engine power only and any combination of engine and electric power. In the first mode, the systems uses expected hybrid functions like regenerative braking and engine shut-off to improve fuel efficiency. The second mode is primarily used on the highway. In addition to electric assist, the second mode integrates Active Fuel Management, and other electronic controls allow more efficient engine operation. Full eight-cylinder engine power is provided when conditions demand it.

The 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid is differentiated from its traditional sibling with a new hood, front and rear fascias and a new grille.

The 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid will offer consumers a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy, and will arrive in dealerships toward the end of next year.

More images and full press release after the jump.

## Source: General Motors ##

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General Motors will continue revamping its product lineup with the debut of several new vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The show will feature all-new vehicles from Buick, GMC and Saturn — the Enclave (concept shown), Yukon Hybrid and Vue, respectively. GM will also resurrect Cadillac’s Platinum Series cars and unveil special-edition Saabs to commemorate the brand’s 60th anniversary.

Several of the vehicles GM will debut at Los Angeles Auto Show will focus on efficiency, with the automaker debuting two of the four hybrid models that will launch in 2007. And Chevrolet will highlight two hydrogen fuel cell models — the Sequel and the Equinox Fuel Cell — offering a look into petroleum-free transportation.

Full press release with full list of GM debuts after the jump.

## Source: General Motors ##

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On Saturday, Nov. 18, General Motors will begin its Red Tag Event, the automaker’s year-end clearance sale. The Red Tag Event will run through Jan. 2 and not include Cadillac, Hummer and Saab. The Chevrolet Corvette and Pontiac Solstice also are not included in the sales event. The sale is similar to the promotion GM ran at the end of last year.

“What a consumer will see is a Red Tag hanging from the mirrors,” spokesman John McDonald said. “It will list the MSRP and then the price the consumer will pay after the incentives. The dealer decides how much the discount will be.”

The program covers 2006 and 2007 models and the discount could be up to $2,000 per vehicle. The program also includes most existing incentives on vehicles, which could mean more than $2,000 of incentives.

GM will advertise the sale aggressively in print and on TV, radio and the Internet, using the same tag line as last year’s promotion: “See some red, save some green.”

## Source: Automotive News ##

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General Motors is planning to introduce a remote-control key fob next year that can check tire pressure, reset radio settings, check the odometer, determine fuel levels, and check if the owner remembered to lock the doors. Of course, it still lock and unlock the vehicle. The new fob features an LCD display and uses two-way communication with the vehicle to transfer information. The new remote will also have four to six times the range of competitors’ keyless systems.

“One of the overarching themes people told us they wanted was security and safety,” GM spokesman Tom Henderson says. Being able to reassure themselves about their vehicles without leaving the house is one way to satisfy that.

The device will be a $150 option on Cadillac Escalade luxury SUVs and other full-size SUVs, pickups and crossovers.

## Source: USA Today ##

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GM announced that it will bring 27 customized vehicles to the SEMA Show this year, including several concepts of its all-new, full-size pickups, along with SUVs, crossovers and cars tricked out for just about every occasion. The 27 vehicles include 14 Chevrolets; two Cadillacs; four GMCs; two HUMMER H3s; two Pontiac Solstices; two Saturns; and one Buick Lucerne partner vehicle. There will also be a top-secret performance car, developed in conjunction with one of GM’s more notable celebrity partners, in the stand.

The trucks include a Silverado off-road concept designed in conjunction with Dale Earnhardt Jr., a low-riding OCC Silverado hauler concept and Chevy Silverado 427 powered by the same 7.0L LS7 engine that powers the Corvette Z06. In addition to the three Silverado concepts, GMC shows off a Sierra NFL Crew Cab; a Sierra Texas Extended Cab; a Yukon Denali XL “Big Max”; and a Sierra All Terrain Crew Cab. HUMMER’s two H3s include an E85 ethanol-capable model, and the H3 Open Top, with a canvas roof by ASC.

If trucks and SUVs aren’t your thing, GM has several crossover concepts ready for SEMA, including a Cadillac SRX Sport with a Seventh Avenue makeover and the Saturn Outlook Adventure.

Finally, GM will be bringing a restyled version of the Solstice GXP called the GXP-R, and a Saturn Sky by Gravana Speed Shop. Buick makes its first appearance at SEMA with a Lucerne called the CXX Luxury Liner. Buick has 10 other customized Lucernes spread throughout the show.

More photos and full press release after the jump.

## Source: General Motors ##

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General Motors announced pricing on GMC’s first crossover vehicle, the all-new 2007 GMC Acadia. The GMC Acadia will has a starting base price of $29,990 for a well-equipped front-wheel-drive model.

The 2007 GMC Acadia is powered by GM’s all-new 3.6L V6 engine delivering 275-hp and 251 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to GM’s new six-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain has an EPA rating of 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway.

The all-new 2007 GMC Acadia will go on sale at the end of the year, and will be available in front- or all-wheel drive models.

Full press release after the jump.

## Source: General Motors ##

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While General Motors has good idea how it will advertise its three new crossover vehicles — the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, it isn’t sure what to call them. A crossover is an auto industry term for a unibody vehicle that features more carlike handling than a traditional body-on-frame SUVs, but the word ‘crossover’ is lost on most of America.

Gary Topolewski, a Detroit marketing and creative consultant, said, “around the nation, people ask, ‘Is it an SUV or a truck or station wagon?’”

According to Mike Jackson, General Motors North America’s vice president of marketing and advertising, the automaker is considering whether to refer to the three vehicles as “crossovers,” or SUVs, or something entirely different.

## Source: AutoWeek ##

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Stealing a little of Ford’s thunder following the unveiling of Ford’s new 2008 F-Series Super Duty trucks, GM has revealed details for its new heavy-duty pickups, the 2500HD and 3500HD versions of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra.

GM’s heavy-duty pickups are offered in an extensive range of configurations, including three-quarter-ton 2500HD or one-ton 3500HD; rear-wheel or four-wheel drive; single or “dually” rear axle; regular, extended or crew cab; 6′6″ or 8-foot bed; a large range of gas and diesel engines; and a variety of trim levels and two unique interior configurations — standard pickup interior for the WT, LT/SLE models, or a more luxurious interior for Silverado LTZ and Sierra SLT.

Borrowing a page out Ford’s Super Duty books, the heavy-duty Silverado and Sierra also feature bolder, more muscular designs that set them apart from the automaker’s light-duty 1500 models. This includes differences in grilles, headlamps, hoods and fenders, which give the trucks a much tougher look. The trucks also feature more distinct brand differentiation than any previous generation.

General Motors has taken steps to refine the appearance of the heavy-duty trucks with tighter tolerances and reduced body gaps including 50-percent tighter gap between cab and box, higher quality interior materials and improved ergonomics.

Production of the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty models will begin in the first quarter of 2007.

More images and full press release after the jump.

## Source: General Motors ##

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General Motors announced that the most popular versions of the new 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra will be priced the same as the models they replace. In addition to the carry-over pricing on the most popular models, there are modest price increases on several other versions of the trucks, and some models actually went down in price. Nearly half of the 2007 Silverado and Sierra models are within $300 of the models they replace.

The 2007 Silverado and Sierra will start at $23,605 for a 4.8L, two-wheel drive, extended cab, while a similarly equiped crew cab will start at $27,000. The four-wheel drive version of the extended cab starts at $29,960 for the Silverado and $30,500 for the GMC Sierra, the four-wheel drive crew cab model starts at $32,515 for the Silverado and $33,055 for the Sierra.

Pricing on all models includes a $900 destination fee. All models come standard with OnStar, tire pressure monitoring, StabiliTrak, and GM’s 5-year/100,000 mile warranty. Production will begin next week.

Full press release after the jump.

## Source: General Motors ##

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