GM currently has two nearly-identical, light-duty trucks lines: One made by the Chevrolet division and the other made by the GMC division. It was only a few years ago that the two trucks were identical, with the exception of a few superficial trim items. But lately -- particularly since the introduction of the 2003 Silverado -- the trend has been to widen the gap between GMC and Chevrolet trucks. As of 2003, the front bumpers, hoods, front fenders and tail lights are no longer interchangeable between Sierra and Silverado trucks.
It seems ridiculous to have both divisions producing other nearly-identical models, such as the Suburban, Tahoe/Yukon, Colorado/Sonoma etc. GM already knows the advantage of dropping a redundant product line, because Oldsmobile is now gone. There are rumors that Buick or Pontiac may be next.
This trend toward widening the gap between GMC and Chevrolet trucks seems to have come at a particularly bad time for GM. In an era of decreased sales, plant closures and massive layoffs, GM has ignored an obvious money-saving strategy. Why not have Chevrolet manufacture all trucks, SUVs and vans up to the 3500 series and leave all of the big truck manufacturing to GMC?
Then, instead of having GMC competing against Chevrolet, GM could concentrate exclusively on competing against its true large-vehicle rivals: Ford, Dodge, Toyota and Nissan.
On the other hand, maybe GM is on to something by keeping GMC and Chevrolet separate. This course of action might force Ford and Dodge to follow suite.
I have always thought that Ford needed two nearly-identical truck lines competing with each other. The new model could be called the FMC. A huge FMC logo -- in bright, reflective tomato red -- would look great stretched across the grille and tailgate.
If Ford goes ahead with the FMC truck idea, Chrysler is sure to create a Mopar truck division to compete against Dodge.