Columbia Loves GMC Sierra All-Terrain HD Concept--How Can You Not?

Last night, GMC took the covers off the GMC Sierra All-Terrain HD concept pickup truck.  Based off the platform of the all-new GMC Sierra 2500HD for sale in Columbia, the All-Terrain HD concept skips the longer bed of the production truck for a 5'8" short bed, about the size of the bed on a GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab. Power is from the new 2500's Duramax 6.6L diesel engine making 397 horsepower and a stunning 765 pound-feet of torque.  (For comparison, a Cadillac CTS-V's supercharged V8 makes a paltry 551 horsepower.)  This engine is about 11% more fuel efficient than the outgoing 2010 Duramax--while it still won't be besting the mileage of the upcoming 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist, a LaCrosse also can't tow up to 13,000 pounds.

Power goes to the ground through all four wheels, of course, with each of the 20-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch BFGoodrich tires.  A composite underbody protection system keeps the driveline, fuel tank, and other components underneath safe.  The required center high-mounted stop lamp in the rear, as well as clearance lamps in the front, are hidden in the top edges of the window glass for a smooth look, while power deployable assist steps provide easy access to both the cab and to the bed, which features a 110V power outlet and air compressor in compartments protected by a circuit board-styled composite bed liner.

Inside, the All-Terrain HD features the premium interior you expect from a GMC, including two-tone dark gray leather seats, stainless steel mesh and satin-metal accents, and a new navigation radio packing an 80-gigabyte hard drive--no more nav discs!  (This radio is a preview of next-generation navigation systems you'll see in GMC trucks and SUVs in the future.)

What do you think, Columbia?  Will enough people love the Sierra All-Terrain HD concept to see a production version arrive at your Columbia GMC dealer?

Columbia Loves GMC Acadia's Five-Star Safety Rating

2011 GMC Acadia for sale in Columbia, South Carolina

If you're a fan of the 2011 GMC Acadia in Columbia, SC, you know of the secure feeling the Acadia provides on Columbia's roads.  If you aren't, here's something to consider: the federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded the GMC Acadia a five-star crash test safety rating!

Acadia was tested under their new rating system, which was implemented this year for the 2011 model year. The new rating system is based on more rigorous frontal and side crash tests in addition to rollover resistance testing. These three test conditions are combined mathematically under the new system into an “Overall Vehicle Score.”   Under this methodology, the Acadia achieved an overall vehicle score of five stars – the highest rating possible – even though several individual tests resulted in four-star ratings.

“Earning five stars under the new rating system is an impressive feat – one that clearly demonstrates the strength of Acadia’s advanced structure, overall crashworthiness and effectiveness of its state-of-the-art safety technologies,” said Jeff Boyer, General Motors executive director of vehicle safety.

Many safety systems on the GMC Acadia help protect passengers before, during and after a crash. Standard safety-enhancing features include StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology, six air bags and OnStar’s Automatic Crash Response system that can help get emergency responders to a crash scene quickly even if the driver is incapacitated.

A strong and well-designed vehicle structure is foundational for crashworthiness, while a wide stance and low center of gravity helps reduce the likelihood of a rollover. High strength steel reinforces Acadia's body, while six air bags inside include dual-stage front air bags for the driver and front passenger; two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the front row; and two head curtain side-impact air bags that cover all three seating rows. The head curtain side air bags are among the longest air bags in any production vehicle in Columbia.

If you're looking for a new GMC Acadia for yourself, your Columbia GMC dealer can help you out with attractive lease and purchase options available this holiday season to qualified buyers and lessees.

Columbia Loves a GMC Sierra--now see how they're built!

GMC Sierra available in Columbia, South Carolina rolling off the assembly line.
(Image: Ian Merritt, PickupTrucks.com)

With nearly 30 years of experience serving as the premier Columbia GMC dealer, Jim Hudson knows how Columbia truck owners love the GMC Sierra.  While many Sierra owners love their 5.3L Vortec V8s and crew cabs, just as many enjoy a Sierra in a basic configuration--regular cab, V6, vinyl seating inside.  PickupTrucks.com decided to hold a comparison shootout of V6 work trucks, which posed a unique problem for the website: most of the automotive press tests fully-loaded SLT and Denali trims of the Sierra, meaning GMC didn't have a work truck to lend them out of their media fleet.

What's the solution?  Build a GMC Sierra just for the test!

More than just build Sierra #1660 for PickupTrucks.com's test, they invited the website to visit their assembly plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana to see it assembled and roll off of the assembly line.  If you've ever been curious to see how GMC builds their lineup of professional grade pickup trucks, take a peek behind the curtain here.

How-To Tuesday: GMC Sierra Integrated Trailer Brake Controller

If you find yourself towing heavy loads with any regularity, you're probably familiar with trailers featuring electric brakes.  As your Columbia GMC dealer, we at Jim Hudson GMC wanted to make sure you knew about the integrated trailer brake controller available on the new GMC Sierra Heavy Duty pickup trucks. (The integrated trailer brake controller is also available on the GMC Sierra 1500 and GMC Yukon).  This trailer brake controller is fully integrated into your Sierra's systems, including stability and traction control systems, providing added peace of mind on the highway as you tow your load.

Setting up the integrated trailer brake controller is a simple process, which the fine folks at GMC have condensed into a short video.  Before you load up again, learn about this great new feature and how it can make your next ride that much safer!

You'll love the GMC Savana in Columbia, SC - It's a (natural) gas!

Most people don't consider the GMC Savana to be a daily driver--it's a full-size van meant mostly for working (the occasional conversion van notwithstanding, of course).

2011 GMC Savana Cargo Van in Columbia, SC (© GM Corp)

But for those that rely on the Savana for their day-to-day operations, GMC has made it easier to make their fleet a little greener.  This week saw the first public showing this week of the industry’s only fully integrated compressed natural gas cargo van, leading General Motors’ commitment to helping commercial customers decrease the environmental impact of their fleets.

The GMC Savana CNG van, as well as all other vehicles in GM’s fuel-efficient lineup, are on display at the Green Fleet Conference in San Diego.

“Our compressed natural gas cargo vans will make it easier for fleet owners to meet their business objectives and make their transportation more sustainable,” said Mary Beth Stanek, GM’s director of federal environmental and energy regulatory affairs, and a conference keynote speaker.

 “Chevrolet and GMC are the only brands to offer a one-source CNG option on vans for fleet customers.  What’s more, these vans meet all Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emission certification requirements.”

The fully integrated CNG fuel system option carries a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $15,910. The vans will be covered by GM’s three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

“Natural gas is an abundant and clean alternative fuel,” Stanek said. “Based on today’s CNG fuel rates and anticipated payback period, fleet investment in CNG can be quite affordable.”

While the GMC Savana isn't for every Columbia driver, it's just another example of the greener, more efficient models available from your Columbia GMC dealer today alongside such models as the GMC Terrain and the GMC Sierra Hybrid and XFE.

2011 GMC Acadia Denali enters production--Columbia's going to love it!

For Columbia GMC owners, the top-shelf Denali lineup just got a little better.  Yesterday saw the start of production for the new 2011 GMC Acadia Denali, GMC's first crossover to wear the Denali nameplate.

The first one, wearing gorgeous White Diamond Tricoat paint, is headed for Georgia; the first Acadia Denali crossovers should be arriving in Columbia in the later part of September.  When they do arrive, they'll come with all of the features you expect from a true Denali, including HID headlamps, a Denali-exclusive front and rear fascia, 20-inch two-tone chrome wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, and the signature Denali honeycomb grille.

The inside of the 2011 Acadia Denali lives up to the hype as well, featuring the popular Dual Skyscape Sunroof, premium acoustics for an even quieter ride, perforated leather seats with heated and cooled front buckets, a premium mahogany wood steering wheel, chrome lighted sill plates in the doors, and a heads-up display for projecting vehicle information onto the windshield. Add on top of that a standard rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and available DVD navigation and rear-seat entertainment, and the Acadia Denali is sure to be a knockout.

Early production of the Acadia Denali is strictly limited, with sold orders from across the country taking many of the first spots.  If you're interested in being among the first in Columbia to bring home a 2011 Acadia Denali, it's time to start contacting your Columbia GMC dealer to arrange an order!

Columbia loves a GMC. Columbia loves football. Let's do both!

2011 GMC Sierra Denali in Columbia South Carolina

The first weekend of the NFL season is upon us, and your Columbia GMC dealer wants to make sure you know about the newest feature you'll be seeing on coverage: the GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week.

“GMC trucks and SUV’s are characterized by engineering excellence that results from a never say never attitude, the same type of excellence exemplified each week by NFL players,” said Craig Bierley, Director, Buick GMC Advertising and Sales Promotion. “We are proud that GMC is The Official Vehicle of the NFL and are looking forward to giving fans the chance to determine the best moment of the week that demonstrates professional grade willpower and strength.”

Nominees will be seen on ESPN's SportsCenter and NFL Network's Total Access each week after the Monday Night Football game; voting will begin at NFL.com/GMC about 45 minutes after the end of the game and end at noon Friday.  Each week's winner will be announced on Friday during NFL Network's Around the League.

With your vote, you can also enter to win a weekly prize of a trip for two to Super Bowl XLV! At the end of the regular season, voting will commence on the GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year from the 17 weekly winners.  One lucky grand prize winner will receive a brand new 2011 GMC Sierra Denali worth over $43,000!

Of course, the rest of us in Columbia, Newberry, Irmo, and beyond with less-than-stellar luck at contests can always visit Jim Hudson Buick/GMC/Cadillac/Saab, your GMC dealer in South Carolina that already has new GMC Sierras in Columbia in stock and ready to go!

What's New for 2011: GMC Sierra Power Tech Edition

If you've been in the market for a new GMC Sierra 1500 in Columbia, SC, we think we have something new you should see!
For 2011, GMC has introduced the Power Tech Edition, available on Sierras equipped with the mid-level SLE trim.  We find that it lines up pretty well with the features our loyal Sierra customers enjoy when looking for a nice (but not too nice) pickup.  Included in the package:

• Vortec 5.3L Flex-Fuel V8 Engine, easily our most popular engine.
• 6-speed automatic transmission
• Heavy-duty automatic locking differential
• Automatic dual-zone climate control
• 17" aluminum wheels
• Bluetooth for pairing your compatible cell phone with the audio system for hands-free calling
• Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
• AM/FM/CD/MP3 with three months of XM Satellite Radio
• USB Port, for connecting your iPod or thumb drive full of MP3s
• Trailering package
• Locking, EZ-Lift tailgate
• Fog lamps
• 6-way power driver's seat adjuster

The best part? The package comes with a discount of $1,495!  Pricing for the Power Tech Edition ranges from $1,700 to $3,770 before the package discount, depending on your choice of cab and other options.  (For example, ordering front bucket seats instead of the standard bench seat reduces the package price, since front bucket seats already include the power driver's seat adjuster.)

We already have a few of the first Power Tech Edition Sierras among over two dozen new Sierra 1500s in stock; feel free to check our inventory of new GMC Sierra 1500 trucks in Columbia, SC!

PickupTrucks.com puts the new 2011 Sierra Denali 3500HD to the test!

2011 GMC Sierra Denali 3500HD - Photo: PickupTrucks.com

We here at Jim Hudson GMC have been impressed with the new 2011 GMC Sierra HD models.  Perhaps the biggest addition to the family is the new Denali trim level, which takes the luxury appointments you've grown to expect from the Sierra 1500 Denali and Yukon Denali and applies them to the immensely more capable Sierra HD platform.

PickupTrucks.com has the distinct pleasure of getting first crack at the Sierra Denali 3500HD as part of their Heavy Duty Shootout held up in Michigan, and they were nice enough to share the first photos of the dually Denali.  With all the new refinements and increases in capabilities, we look forward to seeing how the Denali HD holds up when the results go public on their site on August 16th.

While we don't have any Denali HD units in stock yet, your Columbia, SC GMC dealer does have a selection of the new 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD pickups in stock.  Check them out and tell us what you think!

Welcome!

All of us at your Columbia, SC GMC dealer, Jim Hudson Buick/GMC/Cadillac/Saab, are proud of our GMC lineup.  We've been a GMC dealer for most of our 30 years, adding it in 1982 alongside Oldsmobile (remember them?).  Along the way, thousands of Columbia residents have discovered professional grade engineering from the original C/K pickups to the latest in technology found in our current lineup like the new GMC Terrain crossover.

Over all those miles, we know that more than a few of you have fallen in love with your GMC trucks, vans, SUVs, and crossovers.  We want to tell Columbia your stories and why you love yours, and we've devised this blog to highlight them.  We'll also mix in the latest news from GMC to keep you in the loop--with the launches of the Terrain and new 2011 Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD, there's much to be excited about!

Click here to find out how to share your GMC story with us!