True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch Highlights

The True Tow WDH is the only weight distribution hitch that can measure tongue weight and actually give you a distributed load! With a built-in scale on the head assembly of the hitch, you no longer have to guess if you have appropriate tongue weight. And with our DTW Tool Application that you can use directly on your smartphone, you don't have to guess if your load is distributed properly either. This tool will output the correct Distributed Tongue Weight that you will need to adjust your hitch to in order to be truly distributed. Other features of this hitch include a live adjustment system, easy height adjustment, an extended sleek design, anti-sway properties, true distribution, ease of changing out tow balls as well as easily changing between different towing applications.

If you're in the market for a new weight distribution hitch, look no further!

https://www.weigh-safe.com/product/tr...

Fleet Truck Friday: GM Invests $7 Billion Expanding EV Resources

GM Accelerates its Drive to Lead the EV Industry

with $7 Billion Investment in Michigan,

Creating 4,000 New Jobs and Retaining 1,000

• Orion Assembly to become the 2nd U.S. plant building Chevrolet Silverado EV and electric GMC Sierra
• By the end of 2025, GM to have more than 1 million units of electric vehicle capacity in North America
• GM and LG Energy Solution to build 3rd U.S. Ultium Cells battery cell manufacturing plant to increase battery supply
• $7 billion is the largest single investment announcement in GM history

LANSING, Mich. — General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) announced today an investment of more than $7 billion in four Michigan manufacturing sites, creating 4,000 new jobs and retaining 1,000, and significantly increasing battery cell and electric truck manufacturing capacity. This is the single largest investment announcement in GM history. The investment includes construction of a new Ultium Cells battery cell plant in Lansing and the conversion of GM’s assembly plant in Orion Township, Michigan for production of the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the electric GMC Sierra, GM's second assembly plant scheduled to build full-size electric pickups.

"Today we are taking the next step in our continuous work to establish GM’s EV leadership by making investments in our vertically integrated battery production in the U.S., and our North American EV production capacity,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO. “We are building on the positive consumer response and reservations for our recent EV launches and debuts, including GMC HUMMER EV, Cadillac LYRIQ, Chevrolet Equinox EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV. Our plan creates the broadest EV portfolio of any automaker and further solidifies our path toward U.S. EV leadership by mid-decade.”

These investments are the latest step toward accelerating GM's drive to become the EV market leader in North America by 2025. The Orion and Ultium Cells Lansing investments announced today will support an increase in total full-size electric truck production capacity to 600,000 trucks when both Factory ZERO and Orion facilities are fully ramped. GM has been the leader in U.S. full-size truck deliveries over the past two years. In addition, the company is investing in its two Lansing-area vehicle assembly plants for near-term product enhancements.

As previously announced, GM will continue to strategically manage the conversion of its North American manufacturing footprint through unprecedented speed, flexibility and precision. Through site conversion and new facilities, GM is uniquely positioned to stay ahead of the growing demand for electric vehicles while balancing the need to aggressively compete to win in today’s market with strong products.

Today's announcements include investments in the following locations:

• Orion Assembly for production of Chevrolet Silverado EV and electric GMC Sierra — GM is investing $4 billion to convert the facility to produce electric trucks using the GM-developed Ultium Platform, which gives the company the flexibility to build vehicles for every customer and segment. This investment is expected to create more than 2,350 new jobs at Orion and retain approximately 1,000 current jobs when the plant is fully operational. GM estimates the new jobs at Orion will be filled by a combination of GM transferees and new hires. Electric truck production, including the Chevrolet Silverado EV and electric GMC Sierra, will begin at Orion in 2024. The Orion investment will drive significant facility and capacity expansion at the site, including new body and paint shops and new general assembly and battery pack assembly areas. Production of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV will continue during the plant’s conversion. Site work begins immediately.
• New Ultium Cells battery cell plant at Lansing site — GM and LG Energy Solution, via their Ultium Cells joint venture, are investing $2.6 billion to build Ultium Cells' third U.S. battery cell manufacturing plant. This investment is expected to create more than 1,700 new Ultium Cells jobs when the plant is fully operational. Site preparations will begin this summer and battery cell production is scheduled to begin in late 2024. Ultium Cells Lansing will supply battery cells to Orion Assembly and other GM assembly plants.

Orion Assembly will become GM's third U.S. assembly plant being transformed for production of Ultium-powered EVs. GM assembly plants in North America currently building, or being converted to build EVs, include Factory ZERO in Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan; Spring Hill Assembly in Spring Hill, Tennessee; CAMI in Ingersoll, Ontario and Ramos Arizpe Assembly in Mexico. By the end of 2025, GM will have more than 1 million units of electric vehicle capacity in North America to respond to growing electric vehicle demand.

The Ultium Cells Lansing site represents GM's third Ultium Cells battery cell manufacturing site in the U.S., following two Ultium Cells battery cell manufacturing plants being constructed in Ohio and Tennessee.

In addition to the EV-related investments in Michigan, GM is investing more than $510 million in its two Lansing-area vehicle assembly plants to upgrade their production capabilities for near-term products:

• Lansing Delta Township Assembly — Investment is for production of the next-generation Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave.
• Lansing Grand River Assembly — Investment is for plant upgrades.

"These important investments would not have been possible without the strong support from the Governor, the Michigan Legislature, Orion Township, the City of Lansing, Delta Township as well as our collaboration with the UAW and LG Energy Solution,” added Barra. "These investments also create opportunities in Michigan for us to bring our employees along on our transition to an all-electric future.”

Vertically integrating battery assembly and converting existing assembly plants are at the core of GM’s strategy for scaling EV production in North America. GM projects it will convert 50 percent of its North American assembly capacity to EV production by 2030.

In addition to strategically adding battery cell and electric vehicle assembly capacity, GM is working to build a new supply chain via strategic supplier agreements for batteries and EV components, one that is expected to be scalable, more resilient, more sustainable and more North American-focused. These strategic supplier agreements include:

• MP Materials to scale rare earth magnet sourcing and production in the U.S.
• VAC to build a new magnet factory in the U.S. to support EV growth.
• POSCO to build a new North America plant to process Cathode Active Material.
• GE Renewable Energy to serve as a source of rare earth and other materials.
• Wolfspeed to develop and provide silicon carbide power device solutions.
• Controlled Thermal Resources to develop a source of U.S.-based lithium through a closed-loop process with lower carbon emissions when compared to traditional processes.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at https://www.gm.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements: This press release and related comments by management may include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements represent our current judgement about possible future events and are often identified by words such as “anticipate,” “appears,” “approximately,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “designed,” “effect,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “initiative,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “priorities,” “project,” “pursue,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “when,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgements are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results, and our actual results may differ materially due to a variety of factors, many of which are described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law.

Work Truck Wednesday: The New Knapheide Saw Body Is Here!

 

Last year at the NTEA Work Truck Show, Knapheide introduced several new truck bodies and one of them was the Saw Body. It is designed specifically for concrete cutting contractors who need to transport very heavy and very heavy-duty concrete cutting machines along with large saw blades and a lot of other equipment. It has large compartments to store equipment, tools, and other gear to use on the job and the very important addition is the conventional DHollandia 3,300 lb. liftgate to get those heavy concrete cutting machines off the truck and onto the ground. The body length is 14.5' and this body is mounted a this 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 6500 Medium-Duty chassis with 22,940 lbs. GVWR, the legendary Duramax diesel engine and mated with the Allison automatic transmission. There are a lot of comfort and convenience features as well along with aluminum wheels to increase the curb appeal.

To see more about the specs of this body: https://www.knapheide.com/saw-bodies/saw-bodies/

See more about this unit here.

See all of our ready to go to work right now truck inventory at ParadiseFleet.com

CORVETTE CELEBRATES MILESTONE WITH 70TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

First retail production Corvette Z06 70th Anniversary Edition 

will be auctioned off by Barrett-Jackson 

to benefit Operation Homefront

DETROIT – 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of Corvette, the longest running nameplate of any car on the road today. For eight generations, Corvette has pushed the boundaries of technology, performance and style while remaining an attainable cultural icon.

The 2023 model year Corvette Stingray and Corvette Z06 will celebrate this milestone with a special 70th Anniversary Edition package.

“Passion for Corvette runs deep at Chevrolet and this anniversary is extra special because of the excitement and sales success we’ve achieved with the eighth generation of America’s iconic sportscar,” said Steve Majoros, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “Even after 70 years, Corvette still makes hearts race and kids dream of the open road.”

70th Anniversary Edition Corvettes will stand out in one of two exterior colors unique to this package – an all-new White Pearl Metallic Tri-coat or Carbon Flash Metallic. Optional stripes are available in complementing colors – Satin Gray with the White Pearl Metallic Tri-coat and Satin Black with the Carbon Flash Metallic.

The 70th Anniversary Edition Corvettes feature distinct wheels with commemorative wheel center caps. While Stingray and Z06 each have separate wheel designs, the wheels share a similar dark finish and Edge Red stripe.

Inside the cockpit, drivers will find two-tone Ceramic leather GT2 or Competition Sport seats, red stitching throughout, red seatbelts, and sueded microfiber seat inserts and steering wheel.

Additional content includes:

• 70th Anniversary Edition exterior badging, including special Corvette crossflags
• Edge Red brake calipers
• 70th Anniversary Edition logo on seats, steering wheel and sill plates
• Rear bumper protector and trunk cover
• Custom luggage set with red stitching and 70th Anniversary Edition logo
• 70th Anniversary Edition Stingray coupes will also include an Edge Red engine cover.

The 70th Anniversary Edition package will be available when production starts later this year on 2023 Corvette Stingray 3LT and Z06 3LZ  coupe and convertible models. The 2023 Corvette Z06 visualizer, live on Chevrolet.com, now includes the 70th Anniversary Edition package.

All 2023 Corvettes, including those not equipped with the 70th Anniversary Edition package, will feature a commemorative 70th anniversary interior plaque located on the center speaker grille and a graphic imprinted on the lower rear window.

Corvette is offering buyers more options in 2023 to make each vehicle bespoke and personalized, raising the number of choices to 14 available exterior colors and eight interior colors that allow for thousands of combinations.

America’s Supercar is raising the stakes for military families

The first-ever retail production mid-engine Corvette Z06 will be a 70th Anniversary Edition. VIN 001 of this highly anticipated special edition Corvette Z06 will cross the auction block at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, with proceeds benefitting Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit focused on building strong, stable and secure military families who can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they’ve worked hard to protect.

Since 2017, Chevrolet has been a proud supporter of Operation Homefront. Chevrolet has provided seven Silverado full-size trucks to the organization’s six regional offices and headquarters, and donated funding for services.

Legendary former Corvette Racing driver Oliver Gavin will drive the 2023 Corvette Z06 stand-in vehicle across the auction block for this special occasion.

ParadiseFleet.com

Chevy MyWay: 2021 Corvette Convertible Walkaround | Chevrolet

A true performance icon with a retractable hardtop that only adds to the excitement. Watch a recorded tour of the 2021 Corvette Convertible.

ParadiseFleet.com

The Pickup Reimagined: Introducing The 2024 All-Electric Chevrolet Silverado

Offering 400 miles of driving range,
up to 10,000 pounds trailering capacity 

and loaded with high-tech innovations

DETROIT – Today, Chevrolet introduced the 2024 Silverado EV — the reimagining of the brand’s best-selling nameplate, packed with the power and capability expected of Chevy Trucks, offering:

• Expected GM-estimated 400-mile range1 on a full charge offered on Work Truck (WT) and RST
• Up to 664 horsepower with more than 780 lb-ft of torque in available max power Wide Open Watts Mode on RST, enabling a GM-estimated 0-60 mph time of less than 4.5 seconds2 
• Standard DC fast charging (up to 350kW)3 on WT and RST
• Up to 10.2kW of offboard power on WT and RST with optional equipment
• Up to 10,000 pounds of maximum trailering with up to 1,300 pounds of payload on RST4

Developed from the ground up as a fully-electric truck on GM’s advanced Ultium EV Platform, the Silverado EV offers a boundary-breaking combination of capability, performance and versatility, along with advanced technologies that can evolve the vehicle over time.

“Chevrolet has constantly revolutionized the Silverado franchise to make it the powerhouse it is today,” said Steve Hill, vice president of Chevrolet. “The Ultium Platform is a critical enabler of next-level pickup truck performance for both fleet and retail customers, whether they are currently driving a Silverado or are considering a pickup for the first time.”

At launch, the Silverado EV will be available in two configurations, an RST First Edition and a fleet-oriented WT model. Each will offer a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety technologies.

The flagship RST First Edition includes:

• Four-wheel steering
• Automatic Adaptive Air Suspension
• Multi-Flex Midgate that expands the truck’s cargo capability while maintaining seating for a rear row passenger
• Available Multi-Flex Tailgate with power release
• Large, 17-inch-diagonal LCD freeform infotainment screen paired with a neighboring 11-inch-diagonal reconfigurable driver instrument display and a multi-color driver head-up display with a field of view over 14 inches
• Trailering-capable Super Cruise5, the industry’s first true hands-free driver-assistance technology, allowing drivers to travel hands-free on more than 200,000 miles of compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada

The WT will launch first for fleet customers and offer impressive capability to meet the needs of organizations with sustainable transportation goals, including 510 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque. The WT will offer 8,000 pounds of towing and 1,200 pounds of payload4. After initial launch, Chevrolet will introduce a fleet model with up to 20,000 pounds max trailering with the max tow package4.

"GM Fleet has long provided customers with great products and services, an exceptional customer experience and innovative solutions to meet their unique business needs,” said Ed Peper, vice president of GM Fleet. “We’re excited to launch the Silverado EV, providing customers with a true work-capable truck to help them begin the transition to an electric fleet and assist them in achieving their own sustainability goals.”

Ultium-powered propulsion

The Silverado EV harnesses the power of the Ultium Platform, which is the foundation of GM’s EV strategy and the driver of the company’s vision for a zero-emissions future.

“The Ultium Platform enabled our design and engineering teams to start from a clean slate and create a pickup with impressive performance and capability,” said Nichole Kraatz, Silverado EV chief engineer. “The result is a truly impressive testament to the creativity and innovation our teams can bring to market with speed and at scale.”

A new body architecture, which efficiently leverages the available 24-module Ultium battery pack as a part of the fundamental structure, enables the vehicle’s impressive range. This structural design integrates the capability Silverado customers have come to expect from a full-size pickup in terms of strength, durability and performance, while also providing a more comfortable, confident ride both on- and off-road. 

Additionally, the chassis is designed with independent front and rear suspensions, with power transferred to the available 24-inch wheels on RST via front- and rear-drive motors that compose the e4WD system. Automatic Adaptive Air Suspension enables the vehicle to be raised or lowered up to 2 inches (50 mm).

Four-wheel steer capability reduces the turning radius at lower speeds for greater maneuverability in parking lots, and enhances handling and stability at higher speeds, particularly when trailering.

The RST and WT models also come with Tow/Haul mode, trailer hitch provisions, and an integrated trailer brake controller and Hitch Guidance. The RST also includes Chevy’s Advanced Trailering System.

Phenomenal performance

The RST and WT feature public DC fast charging capabilities of up to 350kW enabling approximately 100 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes based on GM estimates.

When combined with the available accessory power bar, the Silverado EV’s PowerBase charging system offers up to 10 outlets, to provide a total of 10.2kW of all-electric power for countless worksite or recreational needs, including powering your home, with the required equipment.

The Silverado EV is also capable of charging another EV using the available accessory charge cord, sharing its power in times of need.

With the growing North American network of chargers and the Energy Assist feature in the myChevrolet Mobile App, drivers can create energy-efficient route planning even while trailering.

RST owners also have access to Ultium Charge 360, GM’s holistic approach to EV charging, which is designed to simplify the overall charging experience, including access to more than 100,000 publicly available charging points in the U.S. and Canada.

WT customers have access to Ultium Charge 360 Fleet Service, which offers one of the industry’s most comprehensive charging solutions for businesses, whether drivers take their vehicles home or return to a central depot.

Designed for performance and functionality

Inside and out, the Silverado EV RST and WT are thoughtfully designed for functional flexibility.

“We had no constraints when it came to designing the Silverado EV with dramatic style and flexible utility because we didn’t need to work around a traditional propulsion system,” said Phil Zak, executive director of Chevrolet Design. “The Ultium Platform allowed us to redefine what it means to offer expansive new storage and utility possibilities.”

Exterior proportions and surfacing convey the truck’s capability and athletic performance. The front-end design has been sculpted to efficiently direct air down the body side, significantly reducing drag and turbulence. As a result, the Silverado EV WT is estimated to have one of the lowest drag coefficients of any available production full-size pickup truck, which helps enable the impressive range.

The Silverado EV will be offered exclusively in Crew Cab models, with a shorter front overhang that gives the truck a more aggressive stance, more spaciousness and enhances forward downvision. The second row is pushed rearward, meaning passengers over 6 feet tall will be comfortable no matter where they sit.

Customizable first row storage on both RST and WT models makes the most of the interior space and provides functional solutions for a variety of customer needs.

The eTrunk – a lockable, weatherproof compartment in the front of the vehicle – provides enough space to fit a large hardside suitcase and a multitude of accessory options for both fleet and retail customers to load gear based on the unique needs of the customer.

The RST’s modular console features a capacity of just over 7 gallons, meaning a lunch cooler can easily fit inside. The RST features a fixed-glass roof, which offers expansive visibility, increased headroom and an enhanced experience for both front and rear passengers. 

On the RST, the storage capacity of the 5-foot-11-inch bed is maximized thanks to the innovative available Multi-Flex Midgate, which provides just over 9 feet of storage between the cab and the tailgate when the Midgate is open.

A 40/60 second row seat offers four configurations that allow users to haul gear or equipment while still accommodating a passenger in the second row. With the addition of the available Multi-Flex Tailgate the Silverado EV RST enables up to 10 feet, 10 inches of load floor and storage capability. An available tonneau cover allows items such as lumber or a kayak to be loaded into a fully lockable, weatherproof storage compartment.

Technologies for today and tomorrow

The Silverado EV is packed with the latest technology, including an advanced software system that enables vehicle technologies to evolve over time.

As a driver approaches the RST with an enabled cell phone or key fob, a distinctive lighting animation greets them.

Upon entering the vehicle, a bold 3D animation appears on the RST’s large 17-inch- diagonal LCD freeform infotainment screen, which is paired with a neighboring 11-inch-diagonal driver instrument display. Together with a driver head-up display with a field of view over 14 inches, a driver can’t ask for more information at their disposal. With new, hands-free start, the vehicle turns on automatically after the driver enters with an enabled device, leaving hands free to buckle up and get on the road.

A major enabler of the Silverado EV’s technologies will be the brand’s first application of Ultifi, a new Linux-based software platform. Developed in-house at GM, it separates the vehicle’s software from the hardware to enable rapid and frequent software updates. This will give drivers the opportunity to evolve their vehicles over time, enhancing both the capabilities and accessing cloud services in a flexible and fast way.

Production, availability, and reservations

The Silverado EV will be assembled with domestically and globally-sourced parts at GM’s Factory ZERO, Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center — a facility repurposed and retooled with a $2.2-billion investment devoted to EV production.

In spring 2023, the Silverado EV will debut a WT model offering GM’s longest range battery with an expected GM-estimated range of over 400 miles on a full charge. In fall 2023, a fully loaded RST First Edition model, also delivering a 400-mile range, will debut with an MSRP of $105,000 + DFC. After production ramps up, Chevrolet will unleash the full Silverado EV portfolio, including WT (with a starting at MSRP of $39,900 + DFC), RST, Trail Boss and more. Customers will have the ability to content the truck across various price ranges, with MSRPs around $50,000, $60,000, $70,000, $80,000 and more, allowing them to choose the truck that meets their capability and pricing needs.  

Reservations for the Silverado EV are available at Chevrolet.com.

ParadiseFleet.com

Fleet Truck Friday: Building the Chevy SilveradoEV | GM Ultium Effect

The Chevrolet SilveradoEV was built from the ground up
to be much more than just a truck. 

ParadiseFleet.com