General Motors Expands to Meet Growing Chevy Silverado Demands
Amidst the pickup truck shortage, General Motors has decided to expand in order to meet demands for the Chevy Silverado. Massive investments will be used to increase the manufacturing of Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra HD, and more.
GM expands to ramp up Chevy Silverado production
According to The Street, General Motors plans to invest $76 million into two manufacturing plants in New York and Ohio. This is to increase the manufacturing capacity of its pickup trucks. This move does feel a little late, as the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) has already led to a pickup truck shortage. But better late than never, right?
GM will invest $70 million into its plant in Tonawanda, New York engine plant, and invest more than $6 million into its Parma, Ohio metal stamping plant.
The investment made to the Towanda plant is to increase the manufacturing of Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra HD, and other truck engines. The investment made to the Parma plant will be used to enhance production volume for trucks with the construction of four new metal assembly cells.
There is a growing demand for full-size pickup trucks, so that the investments will strengthen GM’s core business. According to Cato, people are willing to drive across state lines to pay inflated prices for trucks.
One the first wave of the pandemic hit, auto manufacturers shut down in order to protect workers. Also, some factories switched to make personal protective equipment to help essential workers. Hopefully, there won’t be a delay in ramping up production, but we will see how continuing to battle COVID-19 goes. Until then, what’s new for General Motors?
The 2022 Chevy Silverado
The 2022 Chevy Silverado has some changes on the way. It didn’t have the most popular exterior styling, but that’s pretty subjective. However, Chevy listened, so the 2022 Silverado is getting an updated face.
According to Motor1, the heavy camouflage on the front could mean that the truck could have new LED lights. A revised grille and front bumper could be included too. The rear may receive a MultiPro tailgate or built-in steps.
However, the most significant changes will be made to the interior. This truck needs to catch up to the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 in terms of comfort and modern tech. Hopefully, we’ll get more updates soon, but the truck is expected to come out later in 2021.
The 2022 GMC Sierra
You’ll notice that the GMC Sierra is also due for some upgrades. A teaser was released that showed off some new technology. The 2022 GMC Sierra has a new digital cluster display and a larger infotainment screen. It could be the same 10.2-inch touchscreen that’s found in the 2021 GMC Yukon.
The Sierra is also working on new Super Cruise technology. It will serve as a semi-autonomous driving feature, meaning you can drive hands free on certain roads that have already been mapped.
But keep in mind that the truck doesn’t drive for you. A forward-facing camera will make sure you’re paying attention to the road. Also, the Super Cruise technology will work while hauling a trailer.
