The stakes are high: GM counts on its full-size truck products, including pickups and large SUVs, for the bulk of its sales and profits.
And despite an apparent recent drop in demand for the larger SUVs that use the most fuel, Peper said GM is confident the new models will sell very well.
"We project that 750,000 full-size SUVs will be sold next year, and that's a large and profitable market," he said. "Despite the rise in gas prices, we believe that full-size SUVs will remain a strong market, especially in places such as Texas."
The reworked SUVs — the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban and Avalanche; GMC Yukon and Yukon XL; and Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT and Escalade ESV — don't go on sale until next year as early 2007 models.
Inside, the cabins are roomier and have more cargo space. Front seats have longer tracks and recline more than before, and second-row seats also may be reclined farther.
The middle seats in these new SUVs are designed to flip and fold forward against the back of the front seats to allow for easier access to the third seat when loading passengers. A power option will be offered, so these seats can be moved with the touch of a button. The rear liftgate also offers a power up-or-down feature, something Chrysler originated in its 2002 minivans.
The new Tahoe will be on display at the State Fair Auto Show through the fair's three-week run, until Oct. 23.
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