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GM Increasing Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain Production

Kwame Owusu — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 21:32:51 +0000

In light of continued strong demand for the new Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, General Motors has announced that it will increase the production capacity for the two crossovers at its Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant. Late last year, the company added an extra shift of production at the Ingersoll plant that has always built the Equinox and its sibling, but apparently that wasn’t enough.

With the increase in capacity, all laid off employees at Ingersoll will be reinstated, while another 70 workers will be hired. More details can be found in the press release.

PRESS RELEASE:

Mar 26, 2010 07:00 ET
Growing Customer Demand Drives Additional Production of Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain

- Equinox/Terrain combined sales up 100% in Canada and 128% in US over last quarter

- Oshawa Plant to add third shift to begin producing Chevrolet Equinox

- CAMI Plant further expanding Body Shop capacity and increasing GMC Terrain volume

- Plan results in return of almost 700 Canadian jobs

OSHAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – March 26, 2010) – In order to meet growing customer demand for hot-selling Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain models, General Motors is implementing a unique plan to add a third shift at its award-winning Oshawa Assembly Plant to support new Equinox production there.

The Equinox and Terrain are currently produced at GM’s CAMI Automotive plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. Under the plan, CAMI’s Body Shop capacity will be expanded to produce extra Chevrolet Equinox units beyond the plant’s existing capacity to paint and assemble them. These Equinox body assemblies will then be shipped to the Oshawa plant for paint and final assembly alongside the current Chevrolet Impala production. The plan also enables CAMI to increase GMC Terrain volumes.

“This plan for CAMI and Oshawa allows us to meet customer demand for hot products while avoiding a potential production over-capacity situation by creatively using our assets and facilities,” said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America. “This innovative approach enables us to ramp up in a timely and cost-effective way and highlights the importance of these plants and communities in our North American plans.”

The third shift to support Equinox production in Oshawa will be added on the Consolidated Line in October and is expected to return approximately 600 employees to the plant. At CAMI, all laid off employees will soon be recalled and the additional body shop volume required to support the Equinox build in Oshawa is expected to result in the need for approximately 70 new jobs, at CAMI by August of this year.

“This is the latest in a series of very positive growth initiatives and new product mandates for our Canadian facilities,” said Kevin Williams, president of GM Canada. “By the end of this year, we expect to recall all laid-off production employees in Oshawa to support the new Equinox, Regal and Camaro convertible production planned there and, at CAMI, we will even be hiring some new workers – truly great news for the employees, dealers, suppliers and communities affected.”

General Motors of Canada (GMCL) is headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario and employs 9,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures vehicles and powertrains, and markets the full range of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles and related services through the largest automotive dealer network in the country.

GM Recalling 59,000 2010 Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain CUVs Over Faulty Defrosters

Kwame Owusu — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:14:41 +0000

General Motors is recalling 59,031 of its hot selling 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain compact CUVs for faults in their HVAC systems. According to NHTSA, the software in the center insturment panel can cause the heating, air conditioning, defrost, radio controls and panel illuminations to become inoperative. The most serious are the issues pertaining to the defroster and defoggers, which, if nonoperative, can diminish visibility and increase the possibility of a crash.

This is the first recall of both vehicles, which is not too surprising given their relative newness to the market. If you’re an owner, you can take your vehicle to your respective GMC or Chevrolet dealer (starting in the beginning of January) to have the computer modules replaced. For more details, see the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
CHEVROLET / EQUINOX 2010
GMC / TERRAIN 2010

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Mfr’s Report Date: DEC 18, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V489000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 59031

Summary:
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, “WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS AND WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS”. THE SOFTWARE IN THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL CAN CAUSE THE HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, DEFROST, AND RADIO CONTROLS, AS WELL AS THE PANEL ILLUMINATION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence:
DRIVING WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING DEFROST SYSTEM CAN DECREASE YOUR VISIBILITY UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING
.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COMPUTER MODULE IN THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Notes:
GM SAFETY RECALL NO. 090298. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

New York Auto Show: 2010 GMC Terrain is One Fuel-Efficient CUV

Kwame Owusu — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:02:00 +0000

GM has unveiled its 2010 GMC Terrain to public before the New York Auto Show begins. As part of GM’s trio of small crossovers, which includes the 2010 Chevy Equinox and the 2010 Cadillac SRX, the Terrain is dubbed as the smallest, most fuel efficient model in GMC’s line up. The Terrain is GM’s replacement of the Pontiac Torrent; the automaker intends to move the Pontiac brand away from trucks and towards a more performance-focused niche.

The Terrain’s exterior is definitely polarizing. However it does well to greatly distinguish itself from the Chevy Equinox and Cadillac SRX, its platform mates. The Terrain carries a bold look with its exaggerated grill and large, protruding wheel arches.

The interior of the Terrian, however, is not as distinguished from the others, especially the Equinox. Nevertheless, small details concerning the door panels and interior lighting add a little bit of distinguishing flare. Furthermore, the Terrains interior is far better looking than the interior of the Pontiac Torrent.

As the more fuel-efficent model in GMC’s lineup, the 2010 Terrain will be offered with two powertrains, including a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine on the base model that delivers 182 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Like its 2010 Equinox, the Terrain is said to deliver 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, a very impressive figure for its class. Buyers can opt for 3.0-liter direct injected V6 engine with 264 horsepower that returns an estimated 18 mpg in the city 25 mpg on the highway. Both are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and are offered in front- or all-wheel drive versions.

The 2010 Terrain is set to go on sale later on in the summer and will be available in SLE and SLT trim levels. You can read more on the press release after the jump…

Gallery – 2010 GMC Terrain

Press Release:

GMC EXPANDS ITS ENGINEERING EXPERTISE WITH THE EFFICIENT AND CAPABLE 2010 TERRAIN

- All-new, five-passenger crossover SUV delivers expected segment-best highway fuel economy of 30 mpg

- Comprehensive package of premium features, with an emphasis on vehicle safety and passenger comfort

- GMC’s engineering excellence and innovation advances with direct injection technology, programmable power liftgate and standard rear vision camera

NEW YORK –GMC’s all-new 2010 Terrain makes its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV that blends bold styling with fuel efficiency and premium features.

“The new Terrain brings GMC’s history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today’s buyer,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “The capability attributes that make a vehicle a GMC are ingrained in Terrain, making it an appealing choice for existing traditional SUV customers who are looking for distinctive styling and increased efficiency.”

A new, 2.4L four-cylinder engine that features direct injection is expected to deliver best-in-segment highway fuel economy of 30 mpg. Maximum fuel economy is achieved in part with an “ECO” mode that is activated via a console-mounted button. When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm to help save fuel on models equipped with the 2.4L engine.

Also available will be a 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine delivering an estimated 264 horsepower (197 kW). Both engines are mated to efficiency-enhancing six-speed automatic transmissions and offer a refined, confident driving experience.

“GMC is a strong, core brand for GM and the Terrain crossover SUV is the latest example of how we’re adapting to changing market conditions,” said Docherty. “As we first demonstrated with the Acadia crossover, GMC is committed to offering the capable vehicles customers seek, with the personal technologies they expect.”

The 2010 Terrain goes on sale in late summer, with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models offered in SLE and SLT trim levels. A comprehensive list of standard and available features includes purposeful technologies such as:

- Standard rear vision camera

- Programmable power rear liftgate

- Bluetooth hands-free phone capability

- MultiFlex sliding rear seat that increases passenger comfort or provides optimal cargo space

- Remote vehicle start

- USB audio connectivity; MP3 playback

- Seven-inch touch-screen navigation system and a 40-gigabyte hard drive

- DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens

- Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio

Segment-best safety is anticipated, with features that include four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, as well as six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags. OnStar with one-year Safe and Sound service is also standard.

Bold styling

Terrain has a balanced, athletic stance and offers a commanding view of the road. Its design is characterized by bold, muscular fender flares, representing GMC’s aesthetic. Surfacing is angular yet refined, with a strong and capable front-end appearance that features precise, squared-off edges.

“We wanted to carve the GMC Terrain away from the pack and establish its identity as a powerful, fresh crossover SUV with a confident and strong stance,” said John Cafaro Jr., director of exterior design, Global Crossover Vehicles. “Everything about the Terrain communicates a sense of tailored toughness and passionate craftsmanship.”

Additional design features include a unique, three-element grille that is accented by a prominent chrome surround and projector-beam headlamps mounted in large, rectangular housings with chrome accents.

Interior details and flexibility

The Terrain’s rich, premium interior is influenced by industrial sculpture and exudes refinement exemplified by contrast stitching and fine materials that create a structured look throughout the cabin. A “floating” center stack, highlighted by warm ambient lighting, houses a multitude of ergonomic comfort and convenience controls.

The Terrain also features great attention to detail, with smart use of storage space and compartments that are suitable for a variety of items. They include an oversized glove box; a closed storage area in the instrument panel above the center stack; a closed storage compartment under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer; and two-tier storage in the doors.

Terrain’s seats were developed to provide outstanding comfort and the standard MultiFlex sliding rear seat can be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (200 mm), providing increased passenger comfort or greater rear cargo capacity. The 60/40-split rear seatback offers additional configurations for passengers and cargo; and the rear cargo area offers 31.6 cubic feet (894 liters) of storage, as well as one of the Terrain’s four auxiliary power outlets.

Confident and agile driving experience

Two new engines are offered on all Terrain models, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Vehicle highlights include:

- New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 264 horsepower (197 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending).

- New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (136 kW) that delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending)

- Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent fill-ups

The powertrains are mounted on a rigid, body-integral structure, with single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel. It is the foundation of a confident driving experience that is both smooth and responsive.

GM’s first application of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is used on 2.4L-equipped models. ANC uses microphones to detect booming sounds inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system’s speakers, ensuring a quiet driving experience at almost all vehicle speeds.

The Terrain rides on a 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and features a four-wheel independent suspension system, with wide front and rear tracks that enhance the ride and handling. A family of 17-inch, 18-inch aluminum and 19-inch chrome-clad wheels is available.

Terrain’s rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency on four-cylinder-equipped models, saving nearly 11 miles per tank of gas.

GMC Terrain will be produced at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario.