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For Release: July 1, 2003 2004 CHEVROLET LINEUP DELIVERS ROCK-SOLID PERFORMANCE AND VALUE FOR FLEET AND COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS "A truck for nearly every fleet and commercial need." That's the best way to summarize the wide-ranging capability of Chevrolet trucks. New Kodiak Crew Cabs for 2004 "The Chevrolet Kodiak Crew Cab models enable our customers to take their crew and whatever else they need to the job site. The adage that 'you can't take it with you' no longer applies with these new models," said Brian McVeigh, general manager, GM Fleet & Commercial Operations. These new Crew Cabs provide more room and outstanding comfort and functionality by blending the operator-friendly feel and easy-to-use controls of light-duty trucks with the functionality of a true medium-duty design. The cabs are exceptionally quiet, with a 50-percent reduction in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. The Kodiak Crew Cabs provide highly flexible storage, including a fold-down rear seat and available seat-delete options. The front passenger seat and rear seat on Crew Cabs can be deleted to support specific customer needs. Low step-in heights, generously sized tread plates and convenient assist handles also provide easy vehicle entry and egress. C4500 and C5500 models, for example, facilitate entry with steps that run the full length of the cab. Rear doors on the Crew Cab open to an exceptionally wide 70 degrees for easy entry and exit. "It's one of the basics of the business: Take care of your people and they'll work hard for you," said McVeigh. "At every step of designing and engineering the Crew Cab, we've kept people accommodations in mind." Tilt Cab Sharing many common components with the C-Series, the T-Series is powered by the Duramax Diesel 7800, with horsepower ratings from 200 hp to 250 hp (149 kw to 186 kw) (275-300 horsepower/205-223 kw versions will be released in early 2004). The engine delivers multiple torque outputs, from 520 lb.-ft. to 800 lb.-ft. (705 Nm to 1,084 Nm) to meet specific customer needs. The T-Series addresses gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs) from 25,000 pounds up to 39,000 pounds (11,339 kg to 17,690 kg) with single rear axles and up to 56,000 pounds (25,401 kg) with the introduction of a tandem axle model in January 2004. Available Cab to Axle (CA) length options start at 96 inches (243 cm) and go all the way up to 228 inches (579 cm). The standard frame is rated at 80,000 PSI, with a 110,000-PSI heat-treated frame available. Both frames also have L-reinforcements available. A primary benefit of the T-Series is the ability to access major truck components for easier serviceability by tilting the cab. "A single operator or technician can tilt the cab forward 43 degrees to reveal the entire engine compartment. Maintenance and repairs can be completed quickly, saving both time and money by keeping the truck on the road," said McVeigh. "Important daily service checks can be performed without having to tilt the cab." Chevrolet T-Series Tilt Cabs are ideally suited for those situations where ultimate visibility and control over vehicles is required, for example, road sweepers and paint stripers. The right truck for the job The Kodiak C4500 and C5500 Series (Class 4, 5) are available in Crew Cab, Regular and commercial cutaway Chassis Cabs, as well as vocational packages to cover school bus, fire and rescue, ambulance, shuttle bus, wrecker and snowplow requirements. For the 2004 model year, the C5500 model expands GVW offerings up to 26,000 pounds (11,793 kg). The higher GVWRs and longer wheelbases will provide capabilities previously available only on larger Class 6 trucks. The lower frame height and lower step-in height compared to competitive Class 6 trucks will make the Class 4 and 5 trucks easy to use - for both driver and passengers. For larger tasks, the Kodiak C6500, C7500 and C8500 Series (Class 6, 7, 8) trucks offer regular and commercial cutaway Chassis Cab offerings, along with the Crew Cab and T-Series. This model range also includes LoPro (low profile) and Tandem axle variants. Express - a solid foundation Express' power and performance is derived from its lineup of Vortec Generation III engines that range from 200 horsepower to 300 horsepower (149 kw to 223 kw) and with torque ratings from 250 lb.-ft. to 360 lb.-ft. (338 Nm to 488 Nm). Customers looking for V-8 performance and flexible-fuel capability can outfit an expanded array of models equipped with the Vortec 6000. This engine offers fully converted, dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) systems or bi-fuel systems using either CNG or gasoline. Chevrolet Express also includes a host of innovative features, including such "industry firsts" for the full-size van segment as all-wheel drive and a left-hand-side hinged entry/load door. Silverado and Silverado HD - even better for 2004 Silverado's engine choices range from the Vortec 4300 V-6 to the Vortec 6000 V-8. Three four-speed manual transmissions and two five-speed manuals are available, along with a host of configuration choices - from shortside to fleetside, from Regular Cab to Extended Cab to Crew Cab and from short boxes to long boxes. Silverado's Heavy Duty lineup also sports exterior enhancements for 2004. Up front, Silverado HD features a new chrome accent on the grille, while new black taillight frames accent the rear styling. For 2004, Silverado will continue to offer a wide selection of powerful three-quarter and one-ton pickups, including 2500HD (3/4-ton) and 3500 Series (one-ton). Both are available in Regular Cabs, Extended Cabs, Crew Cabs and Chassis Cabs. Also returning for 2004 is Silverado HD's impressive powertrain lineup that includes Duramax 6.6L diesel V-8, a Vortec 8100 8.1L V-8 and a Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8. All three engines deliver performance and efficiency in a durable, reliable package. # # # Contact: GM of Canada Communications GM de Mexico Communications |
