2019 Silverado 4500HD, 5500 HD, and 6500 HD Introduced at NTEA for 2018 Year

There has been a lot of talk here around the Mid-Mo Powerhouse about customer-focused trucks lately, and the desires that are highest on the list for anyone's new purchase. Being easy to drive has become more and more important now, as we notice more and more customers coming in are looking to feel completely at ease while behind the wheel. The ability to be easily serviced is also a necessary quality that folks are looking for: “walk up” access to the engine for repairs has become asked for more commonly. During the first week of March at the NTEA Work Truck Show, Chevy released its first-ever Silverado Class 4, 5, and 6 chassis cab trucks. These are three supremely capable conventional cab models, and will be the most customer-focused trucks of any major competitor. Possessing the qualities of being easy to upfit, easy to drive, easy to service, and easy to own are all important attributes in the current market.

It was the valuable input of truck drivers, fleet managers, technicians, upfitters, and Chevrolet dealers that drove development of these useful and versatile new Silverados. The Silverado will be available in 2WD as well as 4WD, and will be powered by a 6.6 – liter Duramax diesel engine, with 350 horsepower, and 700 lb – ft of torque. Taking into consideration the proven power of existing Allison transmissions, and the Duramax diesel engine, a medium duty truck line exists that will appeal to both Chevy loyalists and competitive owners.

The Silverado will now be the most connected commercial truck available, thanks to options that include OnStar and Commercial Link, the built-in 4GLTE Wi-Fi hotspot, ability for wireless cellphone charging, Bluetooth, and support for AppleCarPlay as well as Android Auto. During 2017, GM Fleet delivered nearly 300,000 units to Government and Commercial Customers, the most since 2008, and heftily gained nearly 1.4 percentage points of the entire market share. Chevy's 3-truck pickup strategy was built around the Colorado mid-size pickup, as well as the Silverado ¼ ton, and 1-ton models, and has made General Motors the leader in Pickup deliveries for the last four years straight.

One of the main solutions that we are eager to offer customers is making trucks that no longer seem difficult to drive. Models that have poor downward perspective for the driver, along with poor low-speed maneuverability due to narrow wheel cuts possess a real sense of difficulty to drive. Chevy strives to provide up to 50-degree wheel cuts, and a well-countered hood that optimizes the driver's perspective of the road. Another element that really gives us a sense of pride in our craft is the solving of a very common noise problem with these new models.

Aftermarket air suspensions that don't exist for Ford or Ram are triple-sealed, with inset doors to help reduce wind and road noise, and huck bolts are incorporated throughout the frame for a very high level of clamping force. Come down to the Powerhouse this month, and check out the 7 cab-to-axle options ranging from 60 to 162 inches, along with five unique axle-to-back-of-frame lengths sized in 8-inch increments! We are proud to offer the best in durability, rugged appeal, and long lasting trucks: and we are your beacon for top notch sales and service in Missouri!

Chevy Data Scientists Concoct Ultimate Formula For Hitting the Road

On a daily basis here at the Powerhouse, we are talking to customers who are searching for the vehicles that will really fulfill the daily duty of getting them around town. Trucks for hauling and contracting jobs, Sedans for around-town jaunts, and vans for extra-large cargo all have many types of new Chevy models available for the 2018 year. As the summer is right around the corner, many are coming to us wondering what the best vehicles are for road trips, and when you are thinking of taking a trip, sometimes the route itself poses a big question.

Chevy enlisted the vast expertise of data scientist Randy Olson to help travelers make the most of their plans, while looking at the best route to get through all 48 continental states. Some of the best-known vacation spots are at their peak enjoyment factor during summer, when temperatures are rising, and sunny skies abound. According to a recent national survey commissioned by Chevrolet, time that is spent with family, and exploring new and interesting locations were parents in the U.S.'s top two favorite qualities of family road trips. Highlighting national landmarks like theme parks and other points of interest like the legendary Grand Canyon, the data on this map provides an efficient route between these world-class destinations with the least amount of aggravation, and need for backtracking.

The map is designed so those who are hitting the road can start anywhere they wish, and drive as much, or as little as they feel for the day. Since Chevy is now the only brand to earn J.D. Power Dependability Awards for cars, trucks, and SUVs three years in a row, and by choosing our vehicle line as your means of taking a trip, you can be confident that your safety priorities will be fulfilled. The national survey commissioned by Chevy found that parents typically gather an average of 6.6 mobile devices while on the road in the vehicle. The technology options that are offered in vehicles like the Chevy Traverse, Equinox, and Trax are capable of keeping travelers entertained, and connected with available 4G LTE Wi-Fi, built-in navigation options, and Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto functions.

One of the coolest aspects of this partnership with the ultimate navigation guru was for those who are looking to take trips that are a bit shorter. For those that want to explore different parts of the country in-depth, there are specific zones such as the West Coast and Northeast, to hone in and give the driver the best advice possible. For anyone right here in Missouri that has a sudden itch to head south in a hurry, we had our eyes intently on the Gulf Islands National Seashore as a destination on the map: the white sandy beaches, aquamarine waters, camping spots, and tours of old forts have been among the favorite activities. This is an area that stretches for 160 miles along the northern cost of the Gulf of Mexico, from Cat Island, to the Okaloosa area in Florida. To check out the map and its arsenal of All-American offerings, Just click Here!  

Focus On the Future: GM to Increase Chevy Bolt Production

As the beginning of Spring looms pleasantly over all of us here at the Powerhouse, much of our attention is focused on how automakers worldwide are pledging to help the environment. During the annual CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, GM CEO Mary Barra announced that due to increasing global demand, Bolt EV production will be ramped up heavily, at the Orion Assembly plant north of Detroit. Even though specific levels were not immediately discussed, a target of around 30,00 units per year has been spoken of in many circles lately.

There is a grave importance regarding the need to remove barriers to consumer acceptance of Electronic Vehicles. All of us here do believe that the energy industry and other stakeholders must partner with auto manufacturers do develop a healthy infrastructure for charging, that drives consumers' confidence that they can drive their EV's in many various locations. Last year, our brand proudly announced an expansion of electric car plans, to add 2 new electric vehicles based on the bolt EV platform within the next 18 months, and 18 more within the next 5 years.

The base LT trim comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, a rearview camera, single-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry/start, an 8.0-inch re-configurable display, and Chevy's MyLink infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen. Ask us here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse about the Premiere Trim level: this is where you gain leather upholstery, a 360-degree view camera system, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, heated front and rear seats, blind spot warning, rear parking sensors, and rear-cross traffic alert.

During IIHS testing, last year's Bolt EV received a score of “good” on all crash tests except for the headlight module, and also gleaned a “Superior” rating on the front crash prevention test after it avoided a 12- and a 25-mph collision. This resulted in the model receiving the Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the year. You'll also enjoy 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space, located behind the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. When the seats are folded down all of the way, this is expanded to 56.6 cubic feet. The cars section of U.S. News deemed this year's Bolt as having “zippy performance and a spacious interior”, and commended it for its long range, fast charging time, and more than ample power.

The Bolt boasts one of the longest ranges for electric currently available: at 238 miles, you can replenish the battery overnight by use of a 240-volt charger. Ask us here at the Powerhouse about the hundreds of dollars annually you can save on gas, as we anticipate heightened production of the nation's most sophisticated electrical auto option!

Trucks.com Highlights A Century of Change: 2018 Silverado Centennial

The Chevy brand's very first pickup debuted back in 1918, and professional curator Leslie Kendall of Los Angeles's Petersen Automotive Museum lamented that the differences between past and present models are “night and day”. Here during March at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, we are all remembering a very important date in Chevy history: it was one hundred years ago this January that the 490 Light Delivery model was introduced. Basically a stripped-out passenger car of sorts that replaced its body with a pickup bed, and added stronger springs to cart crops, it was the proud owner of a 4-cylinder engine that then produced 24 horsepower.

In the truck realm, there are always many contrasts between the past and present, and the present Silverado model is quite the remarkable advancement. A 5,300-pound truck that comfortably seats five passengers and has the ability to tow six tons, it is now powered by a 5.3-liter V8, producing 355 horsepower. The top-selling vehicle in the GM portfolio, it accounted for 585,000 total models sold last year, ranking it second place among all passenger vehicles. Since the days long ago when Chevy introduced that now very primitive-seeming 490, Chevy has sold an estimated 85 million trucks. During December, the Texas Motor Speedway was the scene of the Chevy Truck Centennial Event, where very loyal customers were able to test the towing capabilities of new trucks, and try their hand at climbing up very steep inclines with the new off-road Colorado ZR2.

Many who were in attendance have owned several Chevy truck models in their lifetime, and have consistently raved about the brand's very high level of dependability, as well as rugged breed of toughness. One very loyal Silverado owner from Round Rock, Texas wholeheartedly claimed that “If he won any other truck in a lottery, he would sell it and buy a Chevy”. The full leather interior, vibrant large touchscreen, and standard WiFi connection are all a departure from the interiors of historic trucks that one would see in a museum hall, and it is truly amazing to think that it was just a bench seat gracing the interior in that very first model.

The modern breed of pickups are among the most well-appointed vehicles that exist on the road, and the heightening of luxury and technology options have greatly assisted in the consumer's preference shift from small passenger cars, to larger light trucks. Our sales and service staff recognize that even though the Silverado is a truck that has gotten much more luxurious over the years, it is one that still has amazing towing potential. Car and Driver lamented this past year that “after 100 years of building pickups, Chevy's formula is nearly perfect”, and gave the Silverado high praise for its hard-working stance and stature.

Every model now has a backup camera, and the eAssist package is now optional on the LTZ, as well as the LT trim. Check out what the off-road package offers: front-running features like Body-color grille surround and headlamp bezel, as well as 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. There are also optional features such as automated emergency braking: this slows the vehicle when it senses an impending collision at speeds between 5 and 37 MPH. Trucks have changed quite a bit over the years: we have been very excited to see all of the sensational developments for show-stealing models such as the Silverado!