Chevy 1500 4x4 on 2040-cars

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GM throttles back Chevy Malibu, Buick LaCrosse production over swollen inventories

As inventory of the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCrosse continues to pile up, General Motors will be idling its Fairfax Assembly Plant for two weeks, according to Automotive News. This move comes about a month after the plant was shut down for three weeks in late December and early January for the same reason. As of January 31, the GM had a 94-day supply of Malibu stock while the LaCrosse was a little worse with a 117-day supply.
Just last week, GM announced that it would be investing $600 million in upgrading this plant, but it's unclear what future plans the company has in store for Fairfax considering slow sales of both the plant's models. We do expect a refreshed and more luxurious LaCrosse shortly and an early design update for the Malibu to be announced at some point this year, although we have had no official word as to when either will happen.

GM files to trademark name Badlands

If you've been hoping for General Motors to come out swinging at the Ford F-150 Raptor, we've had some tantalizing news for you of late. Last month we brought you a report that indicated GM has trademarked the name "Z71 Trail Boss," suggesting a potential hardcore off-roader. Now it seems the General has filed for a potentially even better name. That name, as our friends over at GM Authority have discovered, is "Badlands." The application, filed on February 16, indicates that it's for a truck, but of course it doesn't specify just what form it would take... or for that matter, under which division it would fall. So we could, in theory, be looking at the nameplate for a Raptor rival from Chevy or GMC (like the 2011 Sierra All Terrain HD concept pictured here), or for some other trim level, a concept truck, a special edition... just about anything. Heck, it could be for a Vauxhall, Opel or Holden for all we know at this point. Or GM could choose not to use it on anything at all, but here's hoping it'll emerge as something awesome in US showrooms sometime soon. Featured Gallery 2011 Detroit: GMC Sierra All Terrain Concept News Source: GM AuthorityImage Credit: Copyright 2015 AOL Government/Legal Chevrolet GM GMC Truck Off-Road Vehicles trademark

Chevy updates Silverado HD with new towing equipment

Enamored by the updated Chevy Silverado released just the other day, but need something a little more heavy duty? Chevy isn't going to keep you around waiting for long, as it has now revealed a new Silverado HD as well. While the new Silverado 1500-series has been distinguished over the outgoing version principally by its revised styling, the updated Silverado HD is more about its enhanced equipment. It's got a new Digital Steering Assist system (on some models) designed to enable easier and safer towing. There's a new gooseneck/5th-wheel trailer prep package that enables Chevy's new heavy duty truck to tow as much as 23,200 pounds. And the interior equipment is augmented as well by a new MyLink system with seven- or available eight-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, wireless phone charging and more. Buyers will be able to choose between two versions (2500HD and 3500HD), four trim levels, three cab sizes, two cargo box lengths, and numerous powertrain and drivetrain configurations for a staggering array of combinations. There'll also be several special editions and packages, like the Z71 for off-road use and Custom Sport Edition for a sleeker look, as well as chassis cab and CNG versions. Scope out the full details in the press release below and the fresh batch of images in the gallery above. Related Video: 2016 Chevy Silverado HD Offers Digital Steering Assist Control-enhancing system, phone integration and 5th wheel package lead updates 2015-09-24 DETROIT – Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks are engineered to make the toughest jobs easier, and new technologies for 2016 complement features such as integrated cruise control, powertrain grade braking and diesel exhaust braking to enhance control. New Digital Steering Assist power steering on some double cab and crew cab models helps make hauling and trailering easier and more confident, with electronic controls that enhance road holding and stability on the highway – particularly on crowned roads – regardless of whether the truck is loaded. It also offers greater responsiveness and an improved steering feel. Digital Steering Assist is not available on Work Truck models or regular cab. There's also a new Gooseneck/5th Wheel Trailering Prep Package, with a spray-in bedliner, that makes Silverado HD models ready to tow larger trailers right from the factory.