GM Increasing SUV, Pickup Truck Production
General Motors is reportedly increasing production of their large SUVs and pickup trucks.
According to sources speaking to Reuters, the American automaker could see 48,000 to 60,000 additional vehicles being produced for the 2016 model year. Recently, the company’s Arlington, Texas plant added Saturday overtime shifts which start this month.
The factory is responsible for producing the full-size SUVs for GM including the Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Suburban. The plant is capable of producing 400 SUVs per shift, or about 1,200 in a full production day, which means adding one day a week for a full year would result in as many as 60,000 additional units.
SEE ALSO: 2015 Cadillac Escalade Review – Video
Although GM hasn’t confirmed the plans of increasing production, a spokesman did confirm that sales are doing well for the full-size SUVs. “Industry sales are running ahead of expectations,” said GM spokesman James Cain. “Sales of our full-size SUVs are very strong and we have been working to find creative ways to increase production to meet demand and rebuild our inventories.”
Last year, the Arlington plant built 281,439 SUVs according to Automotive News. Through the first half of 2015, the plant has seen its production increase by 32 percent compared to last year to 162,431 vehicles.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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There's just so much wrong with this I don't even know where to start. Aside from from not needing any more large, unnecessary over polluting vehicles on the road, I see this as a cash grab. Is there really a demand for more of these types of vehicles or are they simply over producing for profit with no care for the environment?