Good job General Motors! An American company taking care of America and Americans!

If the next GM HD trucks do not have a solid front axle at least as an option GM is just throwing its government handout money down the toilet , because the sad fact is Dodge sells more HD trucks than Chevrolet and Ford sells more HD trucks than GM and Dodge combined and I believe its because the Ford and Dodge have a real proper solid front axle under there 4x4 HD trucks .

Actually many of us actually prefer the superior ride the IFS offers to the solid front axle... IF I want to go rock crawling I take my Jeep, not an 8K lb 3/4 ton truck.

Looking forward to see what the next gen will look like as that is about the time I will be looking to replace my current 01 2500HD that has never let me down.

Quote: "Production on the next-gen pickups is expected to begin next summer as 2014 models."

Wouldn't that make it a 2013 model?

No mention of the billions that continue to go overseas for production of vehicles they sell in the U.S.?

Soon GM will be the first to import from China!

GM is a poor excuse of a company, they should have went bankrupt like what capatalism teaches insteade of communism!

Solid axle front's, old school that even the U.S. military does not want anymore!

If the U.S. military does not want solid axles anymore, trust me then they are no good!

@Taylor. Agree with you. I didn't know GM was still making trucks! ;)
GM better get their act together or they will lose very important market as they are now with the 1/2 ton trucks with the Ram and the amazing F150.

Glad to hear it GM but the next story I hear about GM trucks better be they changed the interior how did they do all that great work on the new Silverado and Sierra HD and leave the 90's interior in them because thats a problem now.

GM invests $324 million but, it doesn't mention GM won't pay back $14.1 billion of the $49.5 billion they took from US taxpayers in the bailout.

Pay back EVERY CENT taken from us @GM. NOT $14B LESS!

Without a solid-front axle...the Sierra/Silverado HDs will always be the last choice for 4X4 buyers that want real off-road strength versus on-road comfort.

@Tacoman and Oxi, quit the trolling.
@Buy American, I am no longer opposed to GM's IFS with the new platform. It seems to have proven itself, but the previous versions felt a little loose. But I don't think that was solely down to it being IFS. Some companies that claim to be more American than American manufacturers don't even make heavy duty pickup trucks. :)

Why are people bellyaching about billions, when Wallstreet took trillions? 23.7 trillion when the last numbers were released.

So direct injection & 8 speed automatic, sounds like a step in the right direction.

Yep, it's a fricken miracle that GM can sell any Heavy Duty trucks because the numnuts on this board seem to think the straight axle is the holy grail for truck buyers. But according to people on this board GM will always be last because they said so and there you have your proof.

I wonder how GM ever won Motor Trends Truck of The Year award. Oh, I guess it was either there turn or GM ponied up the most advertising dollars. Why the sarcasim you ask, because of posters on this board that have to constantly attack and tear down GM. No matter what the vehicle or what the subject, it's attack, tear down and it never ends.

Hay, I get it, some of you like ford or maybe some of you like Dodge HD'S. I say more power to ya, buy what ever your heart desires. Do you hear me attacking ford or Dodge all the time? NO. I did say ford lies about their tow ratings but I don't tear down ford trucks or Dodge trucks. I am perfectly happy with GM. I don't feel the need to constantly tear down the competition. But there is a overwhelming amount of posters hear that have to constantly attack anything GM does or says.

Sandman

It doesn't say next summer, it says summer of 2013.

This is why they have 200 days supply of trucks on the lot. This Factory Retooling will help them be more competitive and move trucks off the lots.

Buena Suerte Motores General!

Nice to see some investments in new products.

I just wish GMC was more honest with their PR.

328 million to “create or retain 150 jobs" at Flint, Michigan.
That works out to $2,186,667 per job.
The PR people should stop trying to make it look like they really care.

2 billion to "create OR keep" 4,000 jobs.
If they do not improve or upgrade they will lose sales and will not be able to "keep" jobs.
2 billion for 4,000 jobs works out to $500,000 per job.

Nice PR spin but it isn't what the bean counters really care about.

This is what they care about:
2 billion to upgrade to make new trucks.
That makes sense.
That is in line with what I've read for the cost of any new vehicle line.

If you were to tally sales for Canada and USA and base these costs over a 5 year product cycle,
that would equal $610 dollars per truck sold.

It isn’t a big deal if you break it down into the way that GMC actually looks at it.

I like the fact that they are investing in the future.
I do not like the "we are so kind to our workers" spin.

Quote "Production on the next-gen pickups is expected to begin in summer 2013 as 2014 models."

We'll see new 2014 Silverado/Sierra trucks the fall of 2013.

I am looking forward to see what they come up with.

I do agree with Bitchagain Bob. We will not see SFA trucks from GMC.
The only way SFA will show up is if they start making 4500 - 5500 models.

Bob,
What GM or Chevy truck is your favorite?

The solid front axle argument is getting old. If you think its a good idea then GM is your answer. if you dont- then look at the Ford or Dodge.

I sure do like the ride on my 2011 Chevy and it takes me wherever I want to go based on the fact that it's a large, heavy, $50k truck. I dont think the Ford or the Dodge can get into places I cant.....

Dang, $50K. No Thanks! I paid less than $25K for my V10 Superduty and its Bulletproof!

SMH!

Flint? I didn't know life still existed there lol

Hay Mike Levine, why don't you delete flame posts by Lou that claim say ignornat statments like this

@Lou
Nice to see some investments in new products.

I just wish GMC was more honest with their PR.

328 million to “create or retain 150 jobs" at Flint, Michigan.
That works out to $2,186,667 per job.
The PR people should stop trying to make it look like they really care.

2 billion to "create OR keep" 4,000 jobs.
If they do not improve or upgrade they will lose sales and will not be able to "keep" jobs.
2 billion for 4,000 jobs works out to $500,000 per job.

Nice PR spin but it isn't what the bean counters really care about.

This is what they care about:
2 billion to upgrade to make new trucks.
That makes sense.
That is in line with what I've read for the cost of any new vehicle line.

If you were to tally sales for Canada and USA and base these costs over a 5 year product cycle,
that would equal $610 dollars per truck sold.

It isn’t a big deal if you break it down into the way that GMC actually looks at it.

I like the fact that they are investing in the future.
I do not like the "we are so kind to our workers" spin.

Quote "Production on the next-gen pickups is expected to begin in summer 2013 as 2014 models."

We'll see new 2014 Silverado/Sierra trucks the fall of 2013.

I am looking forward to see what they come up with.

I do agree with Bitchagain Bob. We will not see SFA trucks from GMC.
The only way SFA will show up is if they start making 4500 - 5500 models.

all the bailout talk is getting really, really OLD! Do you see one post about Chrysler's bailout? NOPE! All the negative attacking posts are all about GM. They can't let it go and have to constantly complain about GM. Lou actually thinks that GM is going to spend over 2 million per job??? What is wrong with these people?

I prefer SFA over IFS for its simplicity and ruggedness. I dont mind a rough ride.

I hope GM pulls out all the stops since this will be their pickup of the future. It better be lighter, more aerodynamic, and have more fuel efficient engine options.

Any picture leaks of the new design? At the least there should be some camo mules running around the test tracks.

Some say the new Chevy pickup will take on cues from the old Cheyenne concept.

As long as they dont make the bed any taller,like f-150.I will be happy.Put A TRUE front bumper on that chevy please.

@Michigan Bob: I have deleted posts from other commenters for the same reason yours have been removed: they were trolling, rude or totally off topic.

OK Mike, what does the topic of bailouts have to do with GM investing in a new plant. Lou's post is totally off topic and he is flaming on GM for taking a govt loan. How much of this do we have to put up with???

Lou and Frank have posted several trolling posts negative crap on GM. So as long as your deleting posts for what you consider trolling, please consider deleting these kind of posts as well.

@jm

I copied that line directly from the article as I read it. Somebody caught onto the mistake and fixed it on the website before you read it.

@ Bob The reason why some of your posts get deleted is because you take it to a completely different level. I dont ever recall reading a post from Lou or Frank where they are calling GM truck owners Blind and stupid or other things along that line. Now I know you will deny this but everyone knows the truth so just own up to it and start being respectful.

@ Oxi, The military has gone to IFS because it offers superior ride and comfort plus the ability to enter and exit a "Hot Zone" while being able to maintain some level of control on nasty terrain without beating the tar out of the passengers. Its not cause solid axels are inferior, and there are still many Military vehicles that use a solid axel. Not every one needs a offroad racing truck with IFS...its alot more complex and costs more to service.

Whats the big deal with the axle? If you just like solid axles, then don't read an article about GM. Go bug the Ford and Ram guys.

How many people really drive off-road anyway?

I am buying a GM HD for towing, not rock crawling.

To all of the people whining about my solid front axle comment , perhaps you could enlighten me as to why someone would choose a Dodge or Ford HD truck over a GM HD truck ? the only reason I can think of is the solid front axles in the Ford and Dodge if GM does not understand this then Chevrolet will forever be getting trounced by Dodge in HD truck sales and getting beat by Dodge is not something that GM should be proud of .

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh.....................So all HD truck sales are based on the front axles!

Gotcha!

Anytime you put weight on an IFS or take weight off, it throws off the toe and camber causing diminished braking and steering. I'll give up comfort for safety.

"Anytime you put weight on an IFS or take weight off, it throws off the toe and camber causing diminished braking and steering. "

Now that is just ridiculous!

@DenverMike thats why you can adjust the torsion bars if you need to haul something heavy and keep a stock look with weight on the front

Adjust the torsion bars.......................they should already be adjusted.

Imagine that...."Hey Bo, what are you doing." "Need to tow some hay so I have to adjust my torsion bars."

LMFAO!

@ gib

Unless you're riding on the full front tire contact patches, you're compromising your safety and mine.

I.F.S. and comfortable rides are for cars or light-duty 4X4 pickups.

S.F.A.s and a rugged ride are for heavy duty 4X4 pickups. A truck is supposed to work, feel, and look like a truck.

Ford and Ram- Please do not water-down our heavy duty pickups such as the competition has.

Why cant we go back to solid front axle 2 wheel drives while we are at it? Less complex, less parts, better articulation?

Oh nevermind, since Ford doesnt use it it must not be good. Just like when ford had twin I-Beam and everyone said it was so much better but for some reason Ford went to front A arm suspesnion like everyone was doing for the last 20 years.

all the bailout talk is getting really, really OLD! Do you see one post about Chrysler's bailout? NOPE! All the negative attacking posts are all about GM. They can't let it go and have to constantly complain about GM. Lou actually thinks that GM is going to spend over 2 million per job??? What is wrong with these people?

I agree...it is getting very old. I sit here and laugh at the goofballs that type..."screw GM....go Ford...go Dodge". I find it funny how those people sit there and pull for a company that has been bailed out by the gov't twice (Chrysler) and slam GM at the same time. I believe that most of the people on here are old enough to remember Lee Iacoca going to the White House and begging for a bailout back in the early 80's only to return again 20 some odd years later....Anyone else remember this?!

I remember, but seems like they paid all the loan back with interest. I'm not fond of the govt. being financiers, but gotta admit that outcome was much more desirable than the current.

To all those that say IFS is not a big deal, it IS a big deal.
Have you ever tried hauling 16-17k lbs conventional hitch every day? It don't work. Our company bought a brand new Silverado 3500 HD, and already at 50k miles we're on the third alignment and 3 set of front tires(second on the rears).
what happens is when the front of the truck gets lighter the bottom of the wheel goes in and guess what starts happening? the tire wears on the outside only. Ask any gm or chev truck owner who hauls conventional and he will tell you the same thing.

@frank LOL im talking bout snow plows and other stuff you can use from the front of the trucks i should of used better wording lol

@heavyhaulin' there's a thing called rotate the tires lol guess yall aint figured that one out yet lol

Ford will go to IFS on the Super Duty before GM goes back to SFA on the HD's.

@ chevy guy If the tires are not wearing properly then more frequent tire rotations will only delay the inevitable.

@ gib Denvermike is correct with his comment on alignment changes with a load on the back but the same is true of solid axles just to a lesser degree.

If the U.S. military does not want solid front axles, then solid fronts SUCK!

By the way the U.S. military trucks are bigger, heavier and carry more weight then the small HD's and they choose independent systems over solid axles that BREAK and lack ground clearance!

@Michigan Bob- you need to re-read my post.
I did not mention bailout.
My post had nothing to do with bailout.

I said "I just wish GMC was more honest with their PR."

They are spending 2 billion overall to get ready for the next gen of trucks.

It has nothing to do with saving jobs, it has everything to do with the normal cost of business.

They said 328 million to save or create 150 jobs at Flint.
That equals $2,186,667 per job.
Even the government wouldn't be that stupid (I hope.) Unless, of course, it is a military contract. LOL

2 billion will save or create 4,000 jobs.
That equals 500,000 per job.

The PR is very misleading.

The cost per truck (based on current sales) is 610 dollars per truck.
Those are standard developmental costs.

No mention of bailout.
No trolling.
Just an honest interpretation of GM's PR spin doctoring of the normal cost of business.

I don't know to much about IFS vs SFA but I do know the 2011 crew cab 2500 HD I used to have came out of 4L when I was towing about 12k up a montain road and I roasted the rear tires down to nothing. To make it worse my dad had to come pull me out with his ford and I never heard the end of it. My truck had more power but his seemed to pull in four wheel drive better. It maybe the solid front axle, I wish they would do a towing test on a mountain road with a lot of weight to see if there's any difference

I can't believe the ignorance of the anti IFS posters here.
They really don't understand anything about suspension systems.
I have a family full of HD GM owners and the IFS has been flawless.
Unequal length control arms eliminate many of the "issues" some people think IFS has.
Race cars, race trucks, atvs, military etc., all use a form of IFS at the top of their field.
Solid front axles are simple ,cheaper, rougher, low tech, lower performing systems that offer ruggedness and simplicity as a benefit.
I know some owners who can't ride in any HD but a GM because of back injuries.
I now own a 2011 F150 but believe GM is the #1 HD by a mile.
Consumer Reports confirms that also.
I believe the F150 is the best 1/2 ton and await confirmation from independent testing.