>GM’s Midsize Pickup Beats Ford’s F-150 for Coveted Award <
#1
12-03-2014, 09:52 AM
>GM’s Midsize Pickup Beats Ford’s F-150 for Coveted Award <
8:26 am ET
Dec 3, 2014
GM’s Midsize Pickup Beats Ford’s F-150 for Coveted Award
Member's, do you like it ? Would you like to own one ? Post & let us know `OK !!! (?)
The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado is introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late 2013.Associated Press
Detroit’s truck wars just got a bit more heated as General Motors Co.GM +1.17%’s new small pickup truck trounced Ford Motor Co.F +1.07%’s aluminum pickup in the contest for a coveted vehicle award.
Motor Trend magazine handed its Truck of the Year award to the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, a smaller pickup aimed to appeal to buyers not needing the capability of a full-size truck. The win is unexpected given the amount of attention that has been paid to Ford’s best-selling F-150.
Ford’s truck hits dealerships this month after a redesign that relies on extensive use of aluminum instead of steel to achieve weight savings and better fuel economy. Edward Loh, Motor Trend’s editor, said Ford’s truck doesn’t go far enough to deserve recognition.
“The F-150 was presumed to win thanks to the Ford buzz machine,” Mr. Loh said in an interview. He said judges drove a range of vehicles for a week and put significant mileage on the products before coming to a conclusion.
“While we respect Ford for what they have done in cutting 400 to 600 pounds from the truck, it wasn’t best in class,” Mr. Loh said. “Other than the aluminum, the consumer can’t really see any difference in the new version.”
A Ford spokesman said the company is “most proud of creating the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever.”
Motor Trend’s car and truck awards are used by marketers in advertising schemes, but the decisions don’t typically affect a company’s financial performance or stock price. Given the amount of attention the aluminum F-150 has received in recent months, the magazine’s decision this year could fuel concern that truck buyers won’t be willing to pay a premium for aluminum, even though it provides a significant bump to fuel economy.
GM plans to blast social media, newspapers and television with ads featuring the Colorado pickup and the award starting Wednesday. “This now gives us some sway when it comes to getting people to think about the Chevy brand,” Tony Johnson, the truck’s marketing chief, said.
Mr. Loh said GM had produced a truck that wasn’t overdesigned and didn’t become a shrunken version of the bigger Silverado pickup, which has gone head-to-head with the F-150 for decades.
Mr. Johnson said Motor Trend’s award helps validate the Detroit auto maker’s decision to return to a so-called midsize truck market that has recently been dominated by non-U.S. auto brands–those brands, including Toyota Motor Corp., have only a small presence in a full-size truck market dominated by Ford, GM and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
The Colorado, and its sister product the GMC Canyon, are meant to supplement GM’s truck lineup with a product that is functional even if it doesn’t have extensive capabilities, such as hefty payload or towing capacity. The Colorado and Canyon went on sale in October.
Dec 3, 2014
GM’s Midsize Pickup Beats Ford’s F-150 for Coveted Award Member's, do you like it ? Would you like to own one ? Post & let us know `OK !!! (?)
- Jeff Bennett
The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado is introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late 2013.Associated PressDetroit’s truck wars just got a bit more heated as General Motors Co.GM +1.17%’s new small pickup truck trounced Ford Motor Co.F +1.07%’s aluminum pickup in the contest for a coveted vehicle award.
Motor Trend magazine handed its Truck of the Year award to the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, a smaller pickup aimed to appeal to buyers not needing the capability of a full-size truck. The win is unexpected given the amount of attention that has been paid to Ford’s best-selling F-150.
Ford’s truck hits dealerships this month after a redesign that relies on extensive use of aluminum instead of steel to achieve weight savings and better fuel economy. Edward Loh, Motor Trend’s editor, said Ford’s truck doesn’t go far enough to deserve recognition.
“The F-150 was presumed to win thanks to the Ford buzz machine,” Mr. Loh said in an interview. He said judges drove a range of vehicles for a week and put significant mileage on the products before coming to a conclusion.
“While we respect Ford for what they have done in cutting 400 to 600 pounds from the truck, it wasn’t best in class,” Mr. Loh said. “Other than the aluminum, the consumer can’t really see any difference in the new version.”
A Ford spokesman said the company is “most proud of creating the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever.”
Motor Trend’s car and truck awards are used by marketers in advertising schemes, but the decisions don’t typically affect a company’s financial performance or stock price. Given the amount of attention the aluminum F-150 has received in recent months, the magazine’s decision this year could fuel concern that truck buyers won’t be willing to pay a premium for aluminum, even though it provides a significant bump to fuel economy.
GM plans to blast social media, newspapers and television with ads featuring the Colorado pickup and the award starting Wednesday. “This now gives us some sway when it comes to getting people to think about the Chevy brand,” Tony Johnson, the truck’s marketing chief, said.
Mr. Loh said GM had produced a truck that wasn’t overdesigned and didn’t become a shrunken version of the bigger Silverado pickup, which has gone head-to-head with the F-150 for decades.
Mr. Johnson said Motor Trend’s award helps validate the Detroit auto maker’s decision to return to a so-called midsize truck market that has recently been dominated by non-U.S. auto brands–those brands, including Toyota Motor Corp., have only a small presence in a full-size truck market dominated by Ford, GM and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
The Colorado, and its sister product the GMC Canyon, are meant to supplement GM’s truck lineup with a product that is functional even if it doesn’t have extensive capabilities, such as hefty payload or towing capacity. The Colorado and Canyon went on sale in October.
#2
12-03-2014, 09:53 AM
Motor Trend selects Chevy Colorado Truck of the Year
Melissa Burden, The Detroit News8:49 a.m. EST December 3, 2014
(Photo: Steve Fecht / Chevrolet)
Melissa Burden, The Detroit News8:49 a.m. EST December 3, 2014
(Photo: Steve Fecht / Chevrolet)
General Motors Co.'s new Chevrolet Colorado pickup is Motor Trend magazine's unanimous 2015 Truck of the Year winner, beating out the expected front runner, the new aluminum-bodied Ford F-150.
The magazine and Chevy made the announcement Wednesday. It's the first major award for the Colorado, which went on sale this fall after GM re-entered the midsize truck market after a more than two-year absence.
Motor Trend magazine Editor-in-Chief Ed Loh said in an interview that the Colorado was the clear winner in the magazine's most rigorous Truck of the Year testing. He said it was a "controversial year" with the F-150, Transit van and GM returning to the midsize truck segment.
"GM's kind of built that right-sized honest pickup truck that I think will meet the needs of a lot of people," Loh said. "It's a good value. You can get a base work truck in the low $20,000s. You can get the 4-by-4 Z71 starting at $30,000 which is very cost competitive to Toyota and Nissan."
Loh said Motor Trend's seven editors praised the Colorado's steering, handling, ride and spacious interior, plus its best-in-class fuel economy.
"It basically fixed everything that was wrong with the previous generation Colorado. And that thing was a dog," he said. "It was totally not competitive and GM knew it and they basically delivered a brand new, very capable, best-in-class pickup truck in our minds."
The off-road-inspired Colorado Z71 has been named Motor Trend magazine’s unanimous 2015 Truck of the Year.(Photo: John Roe)
Loh said the F-150 was the prohibitive winner going into the testing.
"Ford built a really, really good truck. It's excellent across the board. They've been really fast, they've always been fast especially with the new EcoBoost engines. They've always been capable. This new one is quiet and has a lot of great features.
"But there are things like handling which we felt were a little light, a little nervous. Some of the new technology that they have, including lane keep assist. … very aggressive and needs a little refinement there. But fundamentally we know there's another truck within the segment that gets better fuel economy without having to go to aluminum. That was kind of a big deal for us."
Loh said that truck is Ram's 1500 EcoDiesel. Motor Trend selected the Ram 1500 as its Truck of the Year last year.
Chevy learned it was selected as the winner recently, and even some executives were surprised, given the field and F-150 buzz this year.
"To win the award is crazy and we're super excited about that," said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager.
Motor Trend does not compare the trucks against each other in testing, but considers them each for value, safety, fuel efficiency, advancement in design, engineering excellence and performance. Motor Trend reviewed new and significantly updated trucks including:
¦Colorado work truck
¦Colorado Z71
¦Chevy Silverado 3500 heavy duty
¦Ford F-150 with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine and 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine
¦Ford F-450
¦Ford Transit 350 HR and Transit 150 MR
¦GMC Canyon SLT
¦GMC Sierra Denali 2500 heavy duty.
Road and instrument tests were conducted including zero to 60 miles per hour testing; quarter-mile acceleration; 60 mph to zero braking; payload testing including driving up and down the Davis Dam in Bullhead City, Arizona; handling tests at the proving ground; mountain driving; and real world miles per gallon testing.
Johnson said the recognition validates GM's strategy to re-enter the segment. Some analysts and competitors questioned GM's expensive decision to return to the shrinking segment. Chevrolet plans to use the award in advertising, Johnson said.
"It's a very prestigious award and we're very honored to receive it," he said. "Motor Trend carries some weight with customers ... (it's a) respected third-party publication that's just out there validating our product for us."
Johnson said the Colorado is selling well in its first few months on the market. In November, dealers sold 2,366 Colorado pickups.
"Early demand is through the roof," he said, adding the truck on average is on dealer lots for just 11 days.
On Tuesday, the F-150 was named best new pickup over the Colorado and Canyon by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. Next week, three finalists each in the car and truck categories will be named for the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards. The Colorado, Canyon and F-150 are contenders.
The winner will be announced in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The magazine and Chevy made the announcement Wednesday. It's the first major award for the Colorado, which went on sale this fall after GM re-entered the midsize truck market after a more than two-year absence.
Motor Trend magazine Editor-in-Chief Ed Loh said in an interview that the Colorado was the clear winner in the magazine's most rigorous Truck of the Year testing. He said it was a "controversial year" with the F-150, Transit van and GM returning to the midsize truck segment.
"GM's kind of built that right-sized honest pickup truck that I think will meet the needs of a lot of people," Loh said. "It's a good value. You can get a base work truck in the low $20,000s. You can get the 4-by-4 Z71 starting at $30,000 which is very cost competitive to Toyota and Nissan."
Loh said Motor Trend's seven editors praised the Colorado's steering, handling, ride and spacious interior, plus its best-in-class fuel economy.
"It basically fixed everything that was wrong with the previous generation Colorado. And that thing was a dog," he said. "It was totally not competitive and GM knew it and they basically delivered a brand new, very capable, best-in-class pickup truck in our minds."
The off-road-inspired Colorado Z71 has been named Motor Trend magazine’s unanimous 2015 Truck of the Year.(Photo: John Roe)Loh said the F-150 was the prohibitive winner going into the testing.
"Ford built a really, really good truck. It's excellent across the board. They've been really fast, they've always been fast especially with the new EcoBoost engines. They've always been capable. This new one is quiet and has a lot of great features.
"But there are things like handling which we felt were a little light, a little nervous. Some of the new technology that they have, including lane keep assist. … very aggressive and needs a little refinement there. But fundamentally we know there's another truck within the segment that gets better fuel economy without having to go to aluminum. That was kind of a big deal for us."
Loh said that truck is Ram's 1500 EcoDiesel. Motor Trend selected the Ram 1500 as its Truck of the Year last year.
Chevy learned it was selected as the winner recently, and even some executives were surprised, given the field and F-150 buzz this year.
"To win the award is crazy and we're super excited about that," said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager.
Motor Trend does not compare the trucks against each other in testing, but considers them each for value, safety, fuel efficiency, advancement in design, engineering excellence and performance. Motor Trend reviewed new and significantly updated trucks including:
¦Colorado work truck
¦Colorado Z71
¦Chevy Silverado 3500 heavy duty
¦Ford F-150 with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine and 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine
¦Ford F-450
¦Ford Transit 350 HR and Transit 150 MR
¦GMC Canyon SLT
¦GMC Sierra Denali 2500 heavy duty.
Road and instrument tests were conducted including zero to 60 miles per hour testing; quarter-mile acceleration; 60 mph to zero braking; payload testing including driving up and down the Davis Dam in Bullhead City, Arizona; handling tests at the proving ground; mountain driving; and real world miles per gallon testing.
Johnson said the recognition validates GM's strategy to re-enter the segment. Some analysts and competitors questioned GM's expensive decision to return to the shrinking segment. Chevrolet plans to use the award in advertising, Johnson said.
"It's a very prestigious award and we're very honored to receive it," he said. "Motor Trend carries some weight with customers ... (it's a) respected third-party publication that's just out there validating our product for us."
Johnson said the Colorado is selling well in its first few months on the market. In November, dealers sold 2,366 Colorado pickups.
"Early demand is through the roof," he said, adding the truck on average is on dealer lots for just 11 days.
On Tuesday, the F-150 was named best new pickup over the Colorado and Canyon by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. Next week, three finalists each in the car and truck categories will be named for the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards. The Colorado, Canyon and F-150 are contenders.
The winner will be announced in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
#4
12-03-2014, 10:07 AM
Details below (Click Link)
- 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Pricing, Features & Specs ... <Click
www.edmunds.com › Chevrolet › Colorado
Edmunds.com
Rating: 4.5 - 3 votes - $27,985.00 - In stock
See our 2015 Chevrolet Colorado page for detailed features and specs information, including fuel ... 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Crew Cab Pickup Interior.
#7
12-03-2014, 05:31 PM
I like the new Colorado,
I just don't like what they cost...Close to $3oK the way I would want one
I think all the Big Three have good points & bad points.
I'm just happy/thankful that everyone has so many choices in their vehicle needs/wants & desires.
I've seen Super Chevy Trucks, Ford Trucks & Dodge Rams that I'd like to have 4-Sure...
Competition is good for `all 4-Real>>>>Sure
I just don't like what they cost...Close to $3oK the way I would want one
I think all the Big Three have good points & bad points.
I'm just happy/thankful that everyone has so many choices in their vehicle needs/wants & desires.
I've seen Super Chevy Trucks, Ford Trucks & Dodge Rams that I'd like to have 4-Sure...
Competition is good for `all 4-Real>>>>Sure
#8
12-04-2014, 12:10 AM
I think the new Colorado looks pretty good. I actually like them more than the new style Silverado. Hopefully I will get to drive one soon.
#9
12-04-2014, 11:57 AM
Hi `Zach,
If you do get a chance to drive one, please post your
review of what you thought `OK
Below are some prices I found (WOW)
they sure areexpensive (2 me) >What do U think ?
LT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Options and Packages
- Heavy Duty Trailering Package
info- Trailer hitch and 7-pin connector
- Bose Sound
info- Bose premium 7 speaker system with sub-woofer
- Heavy-Duty Locking Rear Differential
- Chevrolet MyLink Audio System W/8" Diagonal Color Touch Navigation
info- 8" Diagonal Color Touch Navigation radio with AM/FM/SiriusXM, USB ports, auxiliary jack, SD card slot, Bluetooth streaming audio for music and most phones, hands-free smartphone integration, Pandora Internet radio, voice-activated technology for radio and phone, and 4 customizable themes
- LT Convenience Package
info- Rear-window defogger
- Front fog lamps
- Remote vehicle starter system
- EZ-Lift tailgate
- 18" X 8.5" Dark Argent Metallic Cast Aluminum Wheels
info- 18" x 8.5" Dark Argent Metallic cast aluminum wheels with P265/60R18 all-season blackwall tires
- Federal Emissions Requirements
- Luxury Package
info- 4-way power front passenger seat adjuster
- Power driver lumbar control
- Power front passenger lumbar control
- Heated driver and front passenger seats
- Single-zone automatic climate control
- Projector-type headlamps with low/high beam
- Inside rearview auto-dimming mirror
- Outside heated, power-adjustable, manual-folding chrome mirrors
- Chrome rear bumper
- Chrome door handles
- Safety Package
info- Forward collision alert
- Lane departure warning
Estimated MSRP$37,920
Compare Dealer Prices
Z71 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Options and Packages
- Heavy Duty Trailering Package
info- Trailer hitch and 7-pin connector
- Bose Sound
info- Bose premium 7 speaker system with sub-woofer
- Chevrolet MyLink Audio System W/8" Diagonal Color Touch Navigation
info- 8" Diagonal Color Touch Navigation radio with AM/FM/SiriusXM, USB ports, auxiliary jack, SD card slot, Bluetooth streaming audio for music and most phones, hands-free smartphone integration, Pandora Internet radio, voice-activated technology for radio and phone, and 4 customizable themes
- All-Weather Floor Mats
- Federal Emissions Requirements
- Off-Road Assist Steps
- Cargo Tie-Down Rings
- GearOn Divider Package
info- Pickup box cargo divider
- Cargo tie-down rings
- Pickup Box Cargo Divider
- Wheel Flares
Estimated MSRP$37,810
Compare Dealer Prices
Z71 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Options and Packages
- Heavy Duty Trailering Package
info- Trailer hitch and 7-pin connector
- Bose Sound
info- Bose premium 7 speaker system with sub-woofer
- Chevrolet MyLink Audio System W/8" Diagonal Color Touch Navigation
info- 8" Diagonal Color Touch Navigation radio with AM/FM/SiriusXM, USB ports, auxiliary jack, SD card slot, Bluetooth streaming audio for music and most phones, hands-free smartphone integration, Pandora Internet radio, voice-activated technology for radio and phone, and 4 customizable themes
- Federal Emissions Requirements
- Cargo Tie-Down Rings
Estimated MSRP$36,345
Sure can't afford one 4-Sure > How about you ?Compare Dealer Prices
Sorry, we couldn't find any cars for sale nearby with special offers. Build and Price Your Car
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