From Steak to Beef Jerky: GMC Hopes to Make You Criss-Crossover

General Motors is leaner and meaner, but is it greener? It’s not going from big T-bone steaks to salads, but may be downgrading to beef jerky. As part of a plan to remain viable in a volatile economy, GMC, once GM’s trucks-only division, has plans to expand its range. In addition to its earthy sounding names – Terrain, Granite, Yukon, etc. – GMC is actually getting a little earthy by expanding its hybrid offerings on future models. This represents a crucial shift for the big truck division as it prepares itself for a future where everyone, even truck buyers, want more fuel efficient, wallet and eco-friendly vehicles.

The GMC Granite subcompact crossover, a concept revealed at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, has done what few concepts ever do: Become a real car. The Granite should hit showrooms in the fall of 2012 as a 2013 model. With its big wheels and aggressive, boxy styling, the 2013 GMC Granite could be a domestic alternative against vehicles like Kia Soul, Scion xB, and Nissan Cube.

The 2013 GMC Granite will come with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, while a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter engine may be offered for those seeking a little more power. The Granite offers its own brand of funkiness common to the segment, including rear-hinged doors that open out on the passenger side and enough boxiness to roll with the big boys, or the subcompact crossover boys, anyway
What GMC has got in the works:

GMC Terrain: The Terrain has managed great success in the midsized crossover segment, and we expect that to continue. It offers a roomy, nice ride with decent fuel economy to boot.

• 2013 models to include Denali version
• GM’s eAssist light-hybrid system may appear on 2014 or 2015 models

GMC Acadia: GMC’s larger crossover, the Acadia, delivers a roomy cabin with plenty of cargo room. Its sub-par interior will get a needed touch up.

• 2013 model to receive new grille along with a few cosmetic changes to both the exterior and interior
• A 3.0-liter V6 will replace the 3.6-liter engine
• 2015 should see the release of an all-new Acadia

GMC Yukon, Yukon XL: The Yukon has enjoyed a long successful run in part to its comfortable cabin, excellent towing capability and cushy ride.

• All-new 2014 model to include a more efficient powertrain and an eight-speed transmission
• Future plans include a more dynamic, fuel efficient hybrid system

GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500: GMC’s full-sized Sierra pickup has been a solid get-the-job-done choice for many years. The variety of models and engines also help it remain fixed in the pick-up market.

• New Sierra 1500 engineering and styling for 2014 model year
• More fuel efficient powertrain and a possible eight-speed transmission
• Sierra 2500 and 3500 models are expected to be restyled for the 2014 or 2015 model year, more fuel efficient models likely

GMC Canyon: GMC will discontinue the Canyon. It’s possible that the Chevy Colorado or a similar small to midsized pickup will take its place in the GMC segment in the future.

Read more: http://blogs.automotive.com/from-steak-to-beef-jerky-gmc-hopes-to-make-you-criss-crossover-45875.html#ixzz1TVO2PRa4

Pandora Internet Radio Integration Spreads to GMC Models; More Automakers Plan Integration

Pandora‘s efforts—inadvertently or not—to squelch terrestrial radio continue to expand. The streaming radio service is available in a number of BMWs, Fords, Mercedes-Benzes, and Minis, and this week the company announced that it will soon be serving Pandora-monium to Scions and even more Ford and Lincoln models.

Ten Ford models and two Lincolns now support the streaming radio app, whereas before only the Ford Fiesta, Fusion, Mustang, and Lincoln MKZ were offered with the necessary AppLink SYNC software. Although you can always listen to Pandora in the car through your phone and the car’s AUX input jack, it means your hands have to be on the phone; the integrated SYNC/Pandora system can be controlled through the car’s stereo- or steering wheel–mounted controls.

Several automakers are working to integrate Pandora’s mobile app with their on-board audio systems. Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Hyundai, and Toyota all plan to offer the capability in their cars in the near future. Owners of older vehicles or those in the market for an aftermarket audio system can find Pandora integration in offerings from Alpine, JVC, Kenwood, and Pioneer; a compatible Sony system will hit the market soon.

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/pandora-internet-radio-integration-spreads-to-scion-more-ford-models-more-automakers-plan-integration/

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GMC Launches Shopping App for Smartphones

GMC has introduced a mobile app for the Apple iPhone and other Android phones enabling users to shop, research, and configure a GMC vehicle. The GMC Showroom App has photos and videos of the latest GMC models and is now available for iPhone users in the Apple App store. On the Android market, the release is scheduled for the end of July. The app will be compatible with the iPhone ions 3.1 or better and the 1.6 OS or better (excluding Honeycomb) for the Android.
Consumers using the app can configure GMC vehicles and compare them to the competition. A simple interface makes it easy to locate a GMC dealer in their area, request a quote, schedule a dealer test drive, or view current offers.

“We recognize that smartphones play an important role in our customers’ lives, including purchase decisions,” said John Schwegman, U.S. vice president of GMC marketing. “The new GMC Showroom App provides our customers with the advanced technology they have come to expect of the GMC brand and the convenience to easily engage with their GMC dealer.”

A survey conducted by Chadwick Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies revealed more than 50 percent of consumers polled use their smartphones to shop. Smartphone sales are expected to continue to increase, suggesting that there may be a growing market for well-executed automaker smartphone apps.

Read more: http://blogs.automotive.com/gmc-launches-shopping-app-for-smartphones-38297.html#ixzz1QrsYUfHJ

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