Chevy is giving folks an early look at the new 2016 Silverado.
New vehicle sales are booming and with the new “norm” of lower gas prices, full-size trucks are storming out of dealer showrooms. While much of the news about new trucks centers on Ford’s new F-150, Chevy’s enjoying a strong year as well and is poised heat up the competition with its rival with a new 2016 Silverado.
Silverado sales are up 14.6% so far this year, compared with Ford F-Series sales being down 2.4% due in large measure to production issues early in the new truck’s run. The brand hopes to continue the run this fall with the introduction of the newly updated 2016 Silverado.
“The redesigned 2016 Silverado will build on Chevy Trucks’ legacy of dependability. It will feature a more muscular appearance and offer new customer-focused technologies,” said Sandor Piszar, marketing director for Chevy Trucks, in a statement.
“New front end designs with bold horizontal elements, sculpted hoods and dramatic lighting reflect the strength and refinement that have helped make Silverado the fastest growing full-size pickup brand this year.”
In addition to the exterior updates, the new model will include expanded use of eight-speed automatic transmissions, updated Chevy MyLink with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and additional safety technologies.
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The new version is really a freshening of the all-new model introduced in the spring of 2013. Overall, Chevrolet pickup sales are up 32%, which includes Chevrolet’s new midsize truck, the Colorado, which sold 41,575 units during the same period.
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The brand recently revived the not-so-good-natured rivalry with Ford, producing a web video featuring long-time pitchman and former National Football League star Howie Long slamming, er, pointing out that the Silverado is still made from steel and that means lower repair costs and less time in the shop getting those fixes done.
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While Chevrolet officials pointed out that the time that it was an attack on Ford, it was done “in a fun way,” adding it was a chance at “telling our story.” The company provided no additional details other than to say the new Silverado is expected hit showrooms this fall.