GM Lansing Delta Township Plant Builds Millionth Vehicle

LANSING, Mich. – A Crystal Red Tintcoat GMC Acadia Denali rolled off the production line at General Motors’ Lansing Delta Township  Assembly Plant today, the 1 millionth vehicle produced at the automaker’s newest assembly plant in North America.

“This milestone shows the dedication of our team members to provide the highest-quality crossovers,” said plant manager Scott Whybrew. “Our team has established a strong foundation by continually improving our plant operations in order to exceed the expectations of our customers.”

Since starting production in 2006, Lansing Delta Township has manufactured the Saturn Outlook, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Acadia Denali and Buick Enclave. A white Outlook was the first vehicle produced on May 24, 2006.

The plant currently employs approximately 3,700 employees on three shifts and can  manufacture 290,000 vehicles a year.

“Producing the millionth vehicle would not be possible without the great people we have here,” said UAW Local 602 Chairman Rick Martinez. “Our employees are highly trained, and we couldn't create the models with such high quality without our people.”

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Nov/1116_100mil

GMC rolls out less expensive nav system, hints at apps to come

GMC has launched a new navigation system featuring a large, seven-inch screen, a lower price that is less than half that of some automaker systems, and app-like icon controls hinting at future additional functionality.

The $795 Color Touch Navigation System also includes a free three-month trial of XM traffic and weather services. After the trial, users will have the option of subscribing for $12.95 a month for the basic satellite radio subscription, plus $3.99 a month for traffic and weather data.

Navigating through menus is accomplished by tapping icons on the screen for weather, traffic, navigation, and other functions. While the icons lend a smart-phone-like look to the screen, no other application functionality is offered at this time. But a GMC representative strongly hinted that capability will be offered in the future. Other manufacturers including Hyundai and Toyota already offer apps for things like restaurant reviews and recommendations.

In addition to AM/FM and satellite radio and a CD player, Color Touch also includes USB and auxiliary audio inputs, and Bluetooth technology through OnStar for hands-free calls. The navigation system does not include voice activation, however.

Available now on the 2012 GMC Terrain SUV, Color Touch navigation will follow on more GMC models, and other GM divisions are scheduled to get their own versions of the system.

Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/11/gmc-rolls-out-less-expensive-nav-system-hints-at-apps-to-come.html

GM, Costco join to sell GMC light trucks

DETROIT -- Costco has launched a deal with General Motors allowing its members to buy certain Chevrolet and GMC light trucks through select franchised dealers at a so-called "preferred price" -- generally equivalent to the price that the automaker offers its suppliers' employees.

Rick Borg, vice president of the Costco Auto Program, on Tuesday said the popular warehouse club expects its members to buy more than 5,000 new Chevrolet and GMC light trucks under the program. It started Tuesday and will end Jan. 3.

Costco also is giving a $500 Costco Cash Card to members who participate in the program.

GM spokesman Jim Cain described the Costco promotion as a "brand-awareness program" and a first for GM.

'Great showcase'

"Costco provides a great showcase. It has millions of members nationwide," he said. "This gives us the opportunity to put vehicles on display and reach people in a unique setting outside of a dealership."

GM's "preferred price" is a discount that varies by product, Cain said. It is similar to special prices that employees of GM suppliers are eligible to receive, for example. The deal is not as deep as an employee discount, Cain said.

Eligible vehicles include the new 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse and GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL.

Costco members who take advantage of the program can combine the lower prices with other GM rebates and incentives for which they are eligible.

To participate, Costco members must register with the Costco Auto Program online or by calling a special telephone number. They also must complete redemption forms and surveys after making the purchase to receive the $500 Costco Cash Card incentive.


Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111102/COPY01/311029764/1261#ixzz1ckcfK2x0