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GM announces 3 new recalls affecting 1.7M vehicles in North America [w/video]

Still embroiled in the ongoing ignition switch recall, General Motors announced today three more discrete recalls, affecting a grand total of 1,546,900 vehicles in the US. The Detroit News reports that some 1.7 million vehicles are affected overall in North America. The first and largest of the trio of new recalls concerns some 1.18-million Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia crossovers from the 2008-2013 model years, Chevrolet Traverse from 2009-2013 (pictured above) and Saturn Outlook vehicles from 2008-2010. All of the crossover utilities may have an issue with the wiring harness for their seat-mounted side airbags. Apparently, the vehicles are equipped with a Service Air Bag warning light that, if ignored, "will eventually result in the non-deployment of the side impact restraints." Those restraints include the side airbags, a front-center airbag if the vehicle is so equipped and seatbelt pretensioners. Dealers of affected vehicles will be instructed to remove driver and passenger side airbag wiring harness connectors, and then "splice and solder the wires together." The second recall affects 303,000 Chevrolet Express (pictured right) and GMC Savana vans from model years 2009-2014, and with gross vehicle weights under 10,000 pounds. Said vehicles do not comply with a head impact requirement for unrestrained occupants, and will need a reworking of the instrument panel material to be sent back on the road. It doesn't sound as though there's a quick fix for this one, as the GM press release states: "Unsold vehicles have been placed on a stop delivery until development of the solution has been completed and parts are available." Finally, the third recall affects 63,900 Cadillac XTS luxury sedans from model years 2013 and 2014. A brake booster pump may be susceptible to corrosion by way of the relay, potentially causing and electrical short, overheating, melting of plastic components and even engine fires. GM says it is aware of two engine fires in unsold XTS models and two cases of melted parts. Repairs for the issues affecting the XTS have not not mentioned by GM in the release. The Detroit News is also reporting that along with news of the triple-recall, GM is taking a $300-million credit to help pay for the repair costs, and to deal with the ongoing costs associated with the ignition switch recall. In an attempt to explain just what GM has been doing in the face of these very serious issues, newly minted CEO Mary Barra has addressed the issues in a new video.

Chevy Silverado gets star-studded treatment at SEMA

Chevrolet has quite a presence ready for the 2015 SEMA Show, including custom takes on the Camaro and Spark. As one of the company's most popular models, the Silverado isn't left out of the fun, either, thanks to a trio of concepts to highlight what's possible for the aftermarket event. Camouflage is supposed to blend in, but the naval-inspired, Razzle Dazzle design on the Silverado Special Ops Concept should make the truck pop under the lights at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Based on a Silverado 1500 Z71, the pickup is conceived as a "rescue vehicle special-operations forces." To get behind enemy lines, it packs extra LED lighting, wheel flares for off-road tires, and a GearOn utility rack in the bed. Plus to help get away, Chevy Performance fits an air intake, exhaust kit, and concept six-piston brakes. The Silverado Realtree Bone Collector Concept (above) also wears camo for SEMA, but it's for enjoying the outdoors rather than getting out of battle. Camouflage company Realtree and The Bone Collector host Michael Waddell help with the design for this custom truck that features 22-inch black wheels, a front push bar, LED light bar, and assist steps all from Chevy Accessories. With leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto inside, the drive to and from the woods should be comfortable, as well. The Silverado 3500HD Kid Rock Concept rounds out this trio and features patriotic styling from the eponymous rock star. "I wanted the design for the truck to be bold, but with features and elements that wouldn't be out of reach for working-class guys," he said about the design, and Kid Rock even visited the factory in Flint, MI, to meet members from UAW Local 598 for some inspiration. The result features a custom chrome grille with a Born Free logo and chrome exhaust stacks. For added excitement, two Gibbs Sports Quadskis are hooked up on the trailer behind it. Related Video: Chevrolet Introduces Silverado Special Ops Concept Military-inspired truck reinforces capability with go-anywhere style LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet's 2016 Silverado Special Ops concept imagines a unique rescue vehicle for special-operations forces. It is based on the Silverado 1500 Z71, which features a new front-end design and new technologies built into its strong, high-strength steel body structure and fully boxed frame, and draws its design inspiration from naval design aesthetics.

Surprise! GM putting aluminum in next-gen pickups

Last month, General Motors launched a series of ads touting the benefits of steel over aluminum – specifically, with regard to the Chevy Silverado versus the Ford F-150. (Kind of. We're not sure what a grizzly bear has to do with anything.) We took issue with the ads, with editor in chief Mike Austin saying they "reek of insecurity, and distract from the Silverado's strengths that could be used for positive advertising." But what bothers us more, is that yet another report surfaced claiming anti-aluminum GM will indeed use the weight-saving material in its next-generation fullsize trucks. On Tuesday, GM announced a $877-million investment for its truck plant in Flint, MI. But Reuters says that huge overhaul is because the trucks will use "substantially different equipment than the tools GM uses today." The report specifically states, "People familiar with the company's plans say GM's next-generation pickups and SUVs will make use of various materials, including aluminum and lightweight steel, to shed weight and gain fuel efficiency to meet tougher federal standards." The Silverado already uses a few aluminum components in the engine and hood, and if more widespread use will help GM build its best fullsize trucks ever, then that's great. Honestly, we have no reason to doubt that aluminum will be used in the next Silverado and GMC Sierra. We just hope GM remembers that nothing is ever truly deleted from the bowels of the Internet when it launches the subsequent "look how great aluminum is!" campaign. Related Video: News Source: Reuters Green Plants/Manufacturing Chevrolet GM GMC Truck aluminum steel