2018 pickup Updates or redesigns are coming to all of Detroit's top half-ton pickup trucks
"The pickup truck segment has reached into a hypercompetitive mode, and consumers are benefiting from more power, improved fuel economy and increased comfort," said Dave Sullivan, senior analyst at AutoPacific. "What's interesting is that all three pickups are really deviating from each other. They are all going their own way when it comes to materials, powertrains and drivetrains."
The full-size pickup segment has grown 5.5 percent through November, while the overall light-truck market — which includes crossovers and SUVs — is up 4.7 percent, according to the Automotive News Data Center. Those hot segments stick out in a U.S. market off 1.4 percent this year, mainly because of much weaker car demand.
But regardless of roiling segments, there is no doubt that pickups are the U.S. kings: The Ford F series has been the nation's top-selling vehicle for nearly four decades, with the Silverado now at No. 2, followed by the Ram pickup.
Sales of the F series have risen 10 percent through November, while Ram sales are up 3.2 percent. Silverado sales have slipped 0.5 percent from a year ago and the GMC Sierra has fallen 3.5 percent.
Mixed materials
GM's slippage in the segment this year may have been motivation to lift the veil early on its redesigned Silverado this month, nearly a year ahead of its planned production. Chevrolet said it would use mixed materials to shed weight, boost fuel economy and enhance functionality of its twin pickups.
Chevrolet did not specify how much steel and aluminum will be used on the new truck, but it's expected to be a mix of both materials and other lightweight components.
GM said changes in engineering and materials will result in "a significant reduction in total vehicle weight" and "improved performance in many measures." Eventually, the company is expected to offer a pickup bed that uses carbon fiber.
Alan Batey, president of GM's North America operations, said the automaker's next-generation pickup will have "a stronger, roll-formed steel alloy for the bed and floor, contributing to a cargo box that is both lighter and even more functional than ever before."
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