Knapheide Develops Service Bodies For Half-Ton & Compact Trucks

The Knapheide Manufacturing Company introduces 

an exclusive service body product offering to the industry.

The Knapheide Manufacturing Company, the nation's leading provider of commercial vehicle solutions, announces the release of EC Series Service Bodies.  EC Service Bodies feature an optimized understructure for superior strength to weight ratio and possess many of the same tried and true standard features customers have come to expect in Knapheide Service Bodies.  Knapheide received a high volumne of positive feedback when customers got a sneak peek of the EC Series Service Body at the 2015 Work Truck Show, held in Indianapolis, IN at the Indiana Convention Center.      

"Customers have become very payload sensitive but still want the durability of steel," said Tony Marshall, Product Manager at Knapheide. "The combination of a half-ton or compact pickup with an EC Series Service Body give the owner/operator more than enough applicable payload.  The OEM approved bed delete option on half-ton and compact trucks has opened up a whole new segment for truck body manufacturers and upfitters."

Traditionally confined to utilizing only cross or side mounted toolboxes or toppers, half-ton and compact truck owners now have the ability to transition into a dedicated service body which promotes forced organization to drive increased efficiency and productivity.  Loaded with innovative standard features like automotive-quality rotary latches, stainless steel continuous hinges, and E-Coat prime paint protection, the EC Series Service Bodies are built to provide years of dependable service for owner/operators.
EC Series Service Bodies are available through Knapheide's extensive North American distribution network.  Visit the EC Series Service Bodies product page for more information or fill out the form below.

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GM Invests $1.4 Billion for Arlington Plant Upgrades

Texas-sized investment reflects company commitment 

to full-size SUV customers

 

ARLINGTON, Texas – In its largest single plant investment in the U.S. this year, General Motors announced today $1.4 billion for a range of improvements to its Arlington Assembly Plant to more competitively produce high-quality full-size SUVs. 

The investment allows the plant to be reconfigured with a new paint shop, body shop and general assembly area upgrades. Construction is expected to begin this summer and take approximately three years to complete. Production schedules for Chevrolet Tahoes and Suburbans, GMC Yukons and Yukon XLs and Cadillac Escalades will be unaffected by the construction.

“This super-sized investment reflects GM’s commitment to our full-size SUV customers who expect nothing but the absolute best from us and their vehicles,” said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations vice president. “Today’s investment will contribute to Arlington Assembly’s winning tradition marked by strong customer focus, innovative thinking and teamwork.”

Since 2011, GM has invested nearly $2 billion in manufacturing improvements at Arlington Assembly including today’s announcement, the launch of the current full-size SUVs and a new stamping plant.

“I have seen first-hand the success that is possible for a city when GM supports the communities where they work and live,” said Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. “The city of Arlington has benefited tremendously from the strong business and foundational support from GM. This new investment in Arlington solidifies its continued stewardship and commitment to our community.”

This has been a monumental year for the more than 60-year-old assembly plant. Arlington Assembly celebrated its 10 millionth vehicle build, hosted GM’s Board of Directors and provided $100,000 in GM Foundation grants to local community organizations. Meanwhile, the UAW-GM team continues to work regular overtime in the only GM plant to make award-winning full-size SUVs for Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac customers globally.

“By working together, the UAW and GM are making a difference in communities across the United States,” said UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, who leads the union’s GM Department. “These investments represent the power of our collaboration to create jobs and improve competitiveness, quality and our manufacturing base in this country.” 
   
Today’s announcement is a part of the $5.4 billion GM announced it would invest in U.S. manufacturing over the next three years. Approximately $4.5 billion of the $5.4 billion has been identified, leaving about $900 million to be announced by year end.

Since June 2009, GM has announced U.S. facility investment of approximately $17.8 billion. About $12.4 billion of that has come since the 2011 UAW-GM National Agreement. In total, these investments have created 6,250 new jobs and secured the positions of approximately 20,700 others.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com 

Business Spotlight - Supreme Truck Bodies

An overview of Supreme Truck Bodies

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Reveals New Styling

The design gurus at General Motors are giving their GMC pickup trucks a new look, retouching the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 with a few front-end and tailgate upgrades. Like clockwork, now that the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 made its debut earlier this week, it's GMC's turn.

The 2016 GMC Sierra half-tons will get a larger grille and freshened look on all 2016 models (to go on sale by October). The new models revealed in this just-released YouTube video (see below) show that the new Denali, SLT and All Terrain trim levels have bolder grille designs, each offering a unique flavor.

The Denali will continue to lead the way with the most chrome and the flattest grille surface. The SLT will likely continue to be the most popular mid-trim model, and the All Terrain will fit into that mix as the new entry-level trim, with a unique color-coded bumper and grille. All grilles have a deeper trapezoidal cut into the lower bumper, a larger GMC logo and newly harmonized LED projector headlights. Additionally, all rear taillight designs have a C-shaped LED look to match the front daytime running lights.

Although not announced yet, we would expect GMC to follow with powertrain changes similar to Chevy's recent moves, making the eight-speed transmission more widely available for the smaller V-8 (5.3-liter) option. The V-6 and 6.2-liter V-8 engine options remain unchanged.

Manufacturer images

Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/07/2016-gmc-sierra-1500-reveals-new-styling.html#more

GMC Adds Apple CarPlay to 2016 Canyon, Yukon and Sierra

Phone integration tech also includes Android Auto 

offered on some Sierra models

DETROIT – GMC adds Apple CarPlay capability to the 2016 Canyon, Yukon and Sierra, taking the iPhone features customers want to access while driving and putting them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner with the brand’s IntelliLink system.

Android Auto capability will also be offered on some Sierra models at the beginning of the model year and all Sierra, Canyon and Yukon models later in the year.

The features allow customers to use select smartphone apps through the touchscreen interface of GMC’s IntelliLink system. Many features can be controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

“GMC IntelliLink is taking another step forward with this simple and intuitive functionality that makes phones and vehicles work better together,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “Like other GMC features, from OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and active safety features, it’s technology designed to enhance the driving experience without intruding on it.”

GMC’s latest infotainment systems include an eight-inch-diagonal screen version offered on Canyon, Yukon and Sierra, which will be compatible only with Apple CarPlay at the beginning of the 2016 model year. A seven-inch-diagonal screen radio is offered on Sierra base models and will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability at the beginning of the model year. Android Auto capability is expected to be available on the eight-inch system later in the 2016 model year.

Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features customers want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. This allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay-supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and third-party audio apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay. Apple CarPlay is compatible with iOS 7.1 or higher.
Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at g.co/androidauto. Android Auto requires a phone running an Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above.
Using either application is simple. A “Projection” icon on the IntelliLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes to indicate CarPlay or Android Auto when a compatible phone is connected via USB.

Compatible apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using. Apple and Google’s privacy statements and terms of use apply. Data plan rates may also apply.

Complementing OnStar 4G LTE connectivity
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability complement the OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot offered in all 2016 GMC models, including Acadia and Terrain.

The state-of-the-art technology provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected wherever and whenever they like with up to seven personal devices. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three gigabyte data trial, after which there is an option to purchase additional data.

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.

A Very Versatile Harbor Flatbed with Underbody Tool Boxes

This sharp looking GMC 3500 has a Harbor flatbed with under-body tool boxes making for a great looking and functional truck. A flat bed is a very versatile work truck body, being that it can be configured for many different industries or trades and for a variety of uses. Not only can cargo be carried but tools and semi-permanent equipment can be carried for day-to-day use, for instance spray tanks, pumps, welding machines and air compressors.


The headboard on this Harbor body has laser cut openings for great visibility with a galvanized solid steel lower section for maximum corrosion protection. The body has a treated wood floor and under-bed boxes. Looks great in the daylight and the LED Lights will light this body up at night. This high quality flatbed that will last for years under all kinds of loads and uses

GMC U.S. Deliveries Up 12 Percent: Best May Since 2004

Acadia’s best month ever; 

 total Terrain sales up 11 percent, Sierra up 4 percent

DETROIT – GMC’s sales momentum in the U.S. far outpaced the industry in May on the strength of its crossovers and the brand’s reputation for precision design, execution, technology and capability. Sierra, Canyon, Terrain and Acadia all saw growth as more customers discover the premium attributes that define GMC.

GMC sold 50,657 trucks, sport-utility vehicles and vans in the U.S. in May – up 12 percent from a year ago and its best month of the year. Retail sales of 43,151 represented an 11-percent year-over-year increase, for GMC’s best retail May since 2004. The strong increases in May give GMC 16 consecutive months of year-over-year retail growth.

Total sales of the GMC Sierra were up 3.6 percent over a very successful May 2014, for its best May since 2007. Total Canyon sales were up 19 percent – its best month of the year – compared to April as production of the new midsize pickup continues to ramp up to meet customer demand. Sierra and Canyon have the highest average transaction prices in their respective segments, according to J.D. Power PIN data, and more than half of Canyon buyers (55 percent) are new to the brand.

For the year, total GMC sales are up 15 percent, its best sales performance since 2005.

“Our continued growth reflects customers’ appreciation for the precision that distinguishes the GMC brand,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president of GMC marketing. “Buyers also are responding enthusiastically to the Canyon as it continues to redefine the midsize pickup segment and bring new buyers into GMC showrooms.” 

Acadia retail and total sales jumped 75 percent and 67 percent, respectively for its best month ever. Total sales of the Terrain small SUV rose 11 percent for its best May ever.

Yukon total sales were up 9 percent from April but down 21 percent year over year. Last May, previous-generation Yukon models were being sold down in preparation for the introduction of current generation Yukon and Yukon XL models.

Customers continue to cite exterior styling, overall quality, ample seating capacity, premium amenities and positive previous GMC ownership experiences as their reasons for purchasing a GMC.

Retail sales of the Denali luxury trim level make up 21 percent of the brand’s overall sales, nearly half of Sierra HD sales, 53 percent of Yukon sales and more than 60 percent of Yukon XL sales.

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.