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GMT900
The GMT900 is a General Motors full-size pickup and SUV platform used from the 2007 to 2014 model years. The platform was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, as the replacement for the GMT800 platform. The first GMT900 vehicle introduced was the next-generation Chevrolet Tahoe. GMT900 had been called a "Hail Mary pass" for the General Motors Corporation—the company needed the revenue from these large trucks to ensure its financial solvency. The company's resources were focused exclusively on GMT900 development through 2005, delaying other programs like the GM Zeta platform. With the 2005 spike in gasoline prices, some analysts have questioned the wisdom of "betting the company" on a line of large trucks. Sales were initially brisk, but later dropped off as the market moved to more fuel-efficient unibody vehicles.[1] The GMT900 series features standard vehicle stability control. Original plans called for American Axle's "I-Ride" independent suspension module in the rear, but was never used. Tahoe production began at GM's Arlington Assembly plant in Arlington, Texas, on December 1, 2005, six weeks ahead of schedule.[2] Production of the SWB SUVs (Tahoe/Yukon) began at Janesville Assembly in Janesville, Wisconsin, in early January 2006. Production of long-wheelbase SUVs (Suburban/Yukon XL) began in Janesville and at Silao Assembly in Silao, Guanajuato, in March. The Avalanche was produced only in Silao, and Escalade production began in March 2006, with the ESV being produced in Arlington and the EXT being produced in Silao.[3] The SUVs began to show up at dealers in January 2006. Sales initially exceeded expectations, but by 2008, General Motors announced it was significantly cutting back production. GM has closed the SUV plant in Janesville, Wisconsin, consolidating SUV production in Arlington, Texas. The related Silverado and Sierra pickups started production in late 2006.[3] The Hummer H2 was meant to move to the new platform in the next few years, but has since been cancelled (although the engine and gauge cluster shape have been updated for 2008). Due to a long-lasting downturn in sales of full-size trucks and SUVs in the United States (by as much as 30% through the first nine months of 2008), General Motors cancelled the next-generation full-size truck program in May 2008, including the replacements for the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and their siblings at GMC and Cadillac.[4] The automotive press had speculated that some GMT900 SUV models may move to the GM Lambda platform.[5] However, on January 14, 2010, more than six months after its bankruptcy, General Motors announced that it would resume development of full-size trucks and SUVs.[6] Applications
References
See also Wikimedia Commons has media related to GMT900.
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