GM Keeps On Truckin In Updated Viability Plan

General Motors has released an updated viability plan that outlines how it will accelerate a number of important operating changes, make deeper cuts in its operations and invest in future products and technology. Pickup trucks will continue to play a large role.

GM will keep the GMC truck brand, but the Pontiac brand will be shut down by the end of 2010. Hummer is expected to be sold off or shuttered by the end of this year. GM has several parties interested in acquiring Hummer.

The plan outlines alternative fuel and advanced powertrain technologies that will be applied to trucks through 2015 to meet tougher government fuel economy standards and a projected gas price of $4 a gallon by 2014.

Second-generation "strong-hybrid" trucks are slated to arrive in 2012, along with "potential compressed natural gas applications." Natural gas hasn't been a factory option for GM pickups since the 2006 model year.

In 2015, "Gen 3 hybrid" propulsion systems will debut in trucks. We expect Gen 3 will be serial plug-in hybrids, based on the Voltec architecture that will underpin the upcoming Chevrolet Volt sedan.

GM has promised up to 50 percent better towing in its next-generation gas-electric hybrid full-size pickups.

The updated plan doesn't mention what's in store for GM's domestic midsize pickups, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, but GM plans to end development of its next-generation midsize pickup in Thailand unless it receives support from the Thai government and local financial institutions.