General Motors is expanding its range of LCF trucks with a new dock-height Class 6 model: the Chevrolet 6500XD. As with its Class 3 through 5 stablemates, the 2018 Chevrolet LCF 6500XD is a highly flexible platform designed for driver comfort, superior visibility and serviceability, and ease of upfit.
NEW TO THE TABLE
According to GM, the 6500XD adds significant extra capability, including:
- Standard 5.2-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel delivering 520 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Allison 2500 Series 6-speed automatic transmission (with PTO), Dana axles, and a robust straight-rail frame
- Front and rear axle ratings of 12,000 lbs and 19,000 lbs, respectively
- Maximum GVWR of 25,950 lbs with enough capability to haul heavy machinery
- Eight available wheelbases with body-length accommodations up to 30 ft long
“Our goal is to offer the best work solutions and customer care in the business,” explains Ed Peper, US vice president, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “Our Low Cab Forward dealers and Upfitter Integration Group will work hand-in-hand with customers and their upfitters to spec the right truck for the job. After the sale, our dealers will be there to support customers with extended service hours and work-ready loaners.”
According to the company, GM’s Upfitter Integration Group (UIG) provides technical assistance to upfitters and serves as a liaison between Special Vehicle Manufacturers, end customers, and several of GM’s engineering, marketing, and service teams. The UIG also maintains a website that includes detailed body builder manuals, technical bulletins, and best practice manuals.
©General Motors
EXPANDING PORTFOLIO
With the addition of the 6500XD, GM is closing the gap in its commercial portfolio. It’s no surprise this news comes at a time when GM’s overall commercial business has been growing steadily, with seven straight months of year-over-year market share gains.
“Award-winning new products like the Chevrolet Malibu, Silverado, and Colorado have helped GM Fleet earn more than 134 new accounts in the last three years,” Peper says. “At the same time, new products like the City Express small van, the Low Cab Forward range, and the all-new medium-duty conventional cab truck coming in 2018 make it possible for fleets to consolidate more of their business with us, which simplifies vehicle ordering, financing, maintenance, technical support, and turn-in.”
The company is dipping its toes in the water with the 6500XD, which will be available before GM’s 2018 medium-duty conventional cab—the product of a GM/Navistar team up.
TURNKEY SOLUTION
In addition to beefing up its commercial portfolio, GM is expanding its suite of industry-leading driver connectivity and fleet management solutions for small businesses and fleet managers. At the beginning of March, the company announced that it would add Spireon to its roster of telematics service providers, joining Telogis and GM’s own Commercial Link tool.
According to the company, these turnkey, scalable solutions can help with efficiency, idle time, labor, fleet mileage, and maintenance-related downtime. They can also help provide insights into driver behavior. Because they are compatible with GM’s OnStar technology, no after-market hardware installation is required.
Whether you’re new to GM’s time-tested and proven commercial vehicle lineup or you’re a loyal customer, that GM is fleshing out its commercial vehicle portfolio is nothing but good news for buyers.
CONTRIBUTION
The information in this article was provided by General Motors.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Find out more about Chevrolet products and services, visit www.chevrolet.com. Want to partner with GM Fleet? Visit www.gmfleet.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS: April 2017 ISSUE
Did you enjoy this article?
Subscribe to the FREE Digital Edition of Modern WorkTruck Solutions magazine.
