Warren, Mich. – General Motors Corp., in the awkward position of introducing a new lineup of full-size sport utility vehicles with oil prices near record highs, stressed the vehicles’ fuel efficiency during a media preview Tuesday.
“We’re very aware of fuel prices and the impact that they have on our business,” said Mark LaNeve, GM’s vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing for North America. “We understand this, and we’ve been committed to fuel efficiency.”
GM, the nation’s biggest automaker, unveiled the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon/ Yukon Denali and Cadillac Escalade, which will be in dealerships in January. Later in 2006, the Chevrolet Suburban and Avalanche and larger versions of the Yukon and Escalade will be available. The company didn’t reveal prices, but the current models start between $35,000 and $51,000.
Some analysts have questioned GM’s emphasis on SUVs at a time when gas prices are high and demand for smaller crossovers is growing. Sixty- six percent of GM’s new vehicles are trucks and SUVs, compared with 37 percent for the industry, and GM also is introducing fewer crossover vehicles than average, Merrill Lynch analyst John Casesa said in a recent report.
LaNeve said full-size SUVs aren’t likely to see the boom times they had early this decade, when industrywide sales approached 900,000 a year. GM is expecting 750,000 in industrywide sales next year.
GM said the new four-wheel- drive Tahoe can achieve an average fuel efficiency of 20.1 miles per gallon, compared with 18.2 for the 2004 Tahoe.
GM’s new SUVs are about 100 pounds heavier than current models, but the company got fuel savings by installing new V-8 engines that shut off half their cylinders when the truck needs less power.
Engineers also made the vehicles more aerodynamic.
The windshields tilt at a more dramatic angle, and there are smaller gaps between vehicle panels. Even the luggage rack and running boards are shaped differently to improve efficiency.
GM vice chairman Bob Lutz said drivers who want even better fuel economy will be able to get hybrid versions of the SUVs in 2007. Hybrids run on gasoline and an electric motor.
LaNeve said the company also is considering diesel versions.
Bigger and leaner
General Motors Corp. previewed its new full-size sport utility vehicle lineup Tuesday. Some details:
Vehicles: 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon Denali, Cadillac Escalade (available in the first quarter of 2006); Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Avalanche, GMC Yukon XL, GMC Yukon XL Denali, Cadillac Escalade ESV and EST (available in the second quarter of 2006)
Engine: Standard V-8 available with different displacements, from a 4.8-liter with 290 horsepower to a 6.2-liter capable of 400 horsepower
Safety: Front air bags, stability control to help prevent rollovers and seat belts that tighten if the vehicle is struck; OnStar, which automatically notifies authorities if the vehicle is in a crash; optional side air bags
Fuel economy: Average 20 mpg, the most fuel-efficient among large SUVs, according to GM
Production sites: Arlington, Texas; Janesville, Wis.; Silao, Mexico
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
