GM News: GM Announces Partnership with Navistar for Cutaway Van Production

[William Maley]

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General Motors is building as many Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups as they can, but they are still not able to keep up with the demand. Currently, there is a 41 day supply of Colorados and 58 day supply of Canyons in dealers or being sent out. Part of the problem of not meeting demand is the Wentzville, MO is working at full tilt producing as many midsize trucks, along with full-size commercial vans.

 

But GM has a possible solution to increasing production of their midsize trucks; outsource some of the van production. In a statement released on Friday, GM and Navistar, Inc announced a new partnership where Navistar would build the cutaway version of the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. Production will take place at Navistar's Springfield, Ohio plant starting in the first half of next year.

 

"This partnership will provide our Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant more flexibility to keep up with continued demand for mid-size trucks and full size vans," said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations Vice President.

 

Automotive News has learned from a source that the move of the cutaway vans will enable GM to produce an additional 40,000 trucks at Wentzville.

 

But what about the possible deal between GM and AM General to produce the cutaway vans last November? The same source says the discussions between the two didn't pan out.

 

Source: Navistar, Automotive News (Subscription Required)

 

Press Release is on Page 2

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Navistar Partners With GM To Manufacture Cutaway G Van

 

LISLE, Ill., June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Navistar, Inc. today announced it has reached an agreement with General Motors (GM) to manufacture the cutaway model of GM's G Van at Navistar's Springfield, Ohio plant starting in the first half of 2017. With this multi-year contract, Navistar will add at least 300 jobs and recommission its second line at the plant.

 

"We're very pleased to partner with GM on this important manufacturing opportunity," said Persio Lisboa, president, Navistar operations. "Our Springfield plant is an important part of our manufacturing footprint, and we've been preparing it for a higher volume concentration of light- and medium-duty products as part of our manufacturing strategy. This is an important step towards our goal to drive automotive quality into the commercial vehicle industry."

 

GM produces cutaway vans for commercial customers. The company's Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans, which are full-length on frame, are upfitted into utility or service vehicles, ambulance or rescue vehicles, shuttle buses or school buses.

 

"This partnership will provide our Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant more flexibility to keep up with continued demand for mid-size trucks and full size vans," said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations Vice President.

 

Navistar and GM are not disclosing any further details of the agreement at this time.

 

Navistar primarily manufactures its DuraStar® and WorkStar® models at the Springfield plant. Last September, Navistar and GM announced a separate long-term agreement to develop and assemble a medium-duty, conventional cab Class 4/5 commercial vehicle at Navistar's Springfield plant starting in 2018. The future products will be jointly developed using Navistar's expertise in rolling chassis configurations and manufacturing capabilities, and GM's commercial components and engines. The trucks will be available under both the International® and Chevrolet brands, and will mark Navistar's reentry into the Class 4/5 market.

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[G. David Felt]

Just saw my first Duramax Diesel Z71 in blue. It was lovely and very sharp. The owner had ordered it and just got it a couple weeks back. Have to say GM really did a first rate job on these trucks.

[Drew Dowdell]

Isn't that where Mercedes is building the R-Class?

[William Maley]

Isn't that where Mercedes is building the R-Class?

 

No, that's AM General in Indiana.

[cletus8269]

Just saw my first Duramax Diesel Z71 in blue. It was lovely and very sharp. The owner had ordered it and just got it a couple weeks back. Have to say GM really did a first rate job on these trucks.

 

the blue is sharp, i really like the rain forest green too but if had the cash and nothing better to do with it id go for the midnight edition 2500 hd

 

[Drew Dowdell]

 

Just saw my first Duramax Diesel Z71 in blue. It was lovely and very sharp. The owner had ordered it and just got it a couple weeks back. Have to say GM really did a first rate job on these trucks.

 

the blue is sharp, i really like the rain forest green too but if had the cash and nothing better to do with it id go for the midnight edition 2500 hd

 

 

 

 

I think he was talking about the Colorado btw.

[cletus8269]

 

 

Just saw my first Duramax Diesel Z71 in blue. It was lovely and very sharp. The owner had ordered it and just got it a couple weeks back. Have to say GM really did a first rate job on these trucks.

 

the blue is sharp, i really like the rain forest green too but if had the cash and nothing better to do with it id go for the midnight edition 2500 hd

 

 

 

 

I think he was talking about the Colorado btw.

 

 how embarrassing, i keep forgetting the diesel colorado/canyons. duramax = 6.6 when i hear it! a local dealership had a trail boss z71 crew cab colorado but the 43k price tag is tough to swallow...

[G. David Felt]

 

 

 

Just saw my first Duramax Diesel Z71 in blue. It was lovely and very sharp. The owner had ordered it and just got it a couple weeks back. Have to say GM really did a first rate job on these trucks.

 

the blue is sharp, i really like the rain forest green too but if had the cash and nothing better to do with it id go for the midnight edition 2500 hd

 

 

 

 

I think he was talking about the Colorado btw.

 

 how embarrassing, i keep forgetting the diesel colorado/canyons. duramax = 6.6 when i hear it! a local dealership had a trail boss z71 crew cab colorado but the 43k price tag is tough to swallow...

 

Yupo, I was talking about the Colorado/Canyon twins since it was what started off the article above. They are lovely trucks as are the full size.

[Drew Dowdell]

 

Isn't that where Mercedes is building the R-Class?

 

No, that's AM General in Indiana.

 

 

Thanks for the correction

[G. David Felt]

 

Just saw my first Duramax Diesel Z71 in blue. It was lovely and very sharp. The owner had ordered it and just got it a couple weeks back. Have to say GM really did a first rate job on these trucks.

 

the blue is sharp, i really like the rain forest green too but if had the cash and nothing better to do with it id go for the midnight edition 2500 hd

 

 

This midnight HD does make this Chevy one Bad Ass looking Ride!