In less than 7 days, GM has initiated a quick fix to a problem with the hill-hold assist feature for its 2011 Heavy Duty pickup trucks.

The hill-hold assist automatically applies the vehicle’s brakes for 1.5 seconds once you lift your foot off the brake when you’re on an incline that’s 5 percent or steeper. It’s one part of the Chevrolet Silverado’s integrated trailer brake controller, so it will apply the trailer’s brakes, provided that it has electric brakes.

“The issue was traced to an incorrect calibration setting in the hill-hold assist system’s software that was quickly diagnosed, and a fix was rolled out to production by Monday.”

“It’s astounding” that GM could discover and fix an issue like this so quickly, Hossack said. “I think it’s the new GM and technology that wasn’t there a few years ago. It’s another feather in GM’s cap.”

“While the hill-hold assist calibration settings have been patched in GM’s production HD pickups and those trucks waiting to be shipped to dealers, the company is still studying how it will update the software of trucks already in the hands of customers.”

Source: Pickup Trucks

Chrysler has recently issued a recall due to a problem with hydraulic brake lines on certain 2010 models. The recall affects approximately 22,000 vehicles including the following models: the 2010 Ram 1500 light-duty pickup truck, Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Wrangler. These vehicles could possibly have bad connection from the brake master cylinder to the hydraulic control unit. This could lead to a loss of brake fluid and reduced braking performance which can increase the risk of a car crash.

As of now, Chrysler says that it’s not aware of any complaints, accidents or injuries related to this problem. The recall starts next month. Auto dealers would check and replace the tubes for free. Owners may contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s hot line at 800-327-4236.

Source: Pickup Trucks

When you’ve just offered your customers with a 60-day return and refund policy for buyers if they aren’t happy with the purchase, one thing you have is confidence. And that’s something that Chrysler clearly has with its 2010 Ram pickups and other Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles. It will even make the first two loan payments up to $500 per month or $1,000 total if the truck is brought back.

But of course, before you get all too excited, you need to be aware of some things first.

Let’s say you returned your Ram, what you’ll be able to reimburse is only the purchase price of the vehicle after any rebates or discounts and any sales taxes paid. You won’t get to reimburse the money you spent for license, title and registration fees, insurance, accessories, dealer fees, extended warranties, finance charges, negative equity or any other expenses incurred at the time of delivery of the new vehicle.

You’ll be charged 30 cents per driven mile and the vehicle should not exceed 4,000 miles starting from the delivery date. That’s why it must be returned to the original selling dealer in good, undamaged and like-new condition after 30 days of ownership and within 60 days of the delivery date.

Normal wear and tear is acceptable, but the vehicle can’t have damages more than $200. It won’t qualify for the program if it incurs greater than that amount or if it was involved in an accident.

Source: Pickup Trucks

Although Ford discontinued the V-10 as an option for the 2011 F-Series Super Duty pickups, it recently announced that it will offer the said engine to its 2012 F-650 and F-750 medium-duty chassis cabs.

The V-10 engine is rated at 362 horsepower and 457 pounds-feet of torque, but its biggest advantage is the price relative to traditional diesel engines that dominate in classes 6 and 7. Gas engines burn cleaner than diesels. They don’t require the same complex exhaust-scrubbing hardware that can cost customers with thousands of dollars in upfront purchase.

And instead of being paired with Ford’s legacy 5R110 five-speed automatic transmission, the 6.8 will be mated with the all-new 6R140 six-speed gearbox that debuted in 2011 F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks for both the 6.7-liter V-8 diesel and 6.2-liter V-8 gas engines. It features Live Drive power takeoff with an output shaft linked directly to the engine crankshaft providing constant PTO operation any time the engine is running, regardless of vehicle speed.

All of the new gas-powered chassis cabs can be ordered starting in late 2011.

Source: Pickup Trucks

Nissan has no plans of making any big changes to its 2011 Titan and Frontier.

2011 Nissan Titan

An all-new Titan based on the Ram 1500 won’t be release on 2011. Yes, Nissan has ditched it. And you know what’s new with this half-ton 2011 Titan? Well, new model names. The entry-level XE, middle-of-the-road SE and upscale LE trims have been renamed S, SV and SL, respectively. The PRO-4X off-road identifier is unchanged. On top of that, a 5.6-liter V-8 rated at 317 horsepower and 385 pounds-feet of torque and paired with a five-speed automatic transmission is the only engine available for the Titan. It’s said to go on sale in August 2010.

2011 Nissan Frontier

Like the vehicle above, it also receives the same all-new model names. The entry-level XE, middle-of-the-road SE and high-line LE trim packages have been renamed S, SV and SL, respectively. The PRO-4X off-road package identifier is unchanged. But unlike its full-sized big brother, it has other changes in store for you including the elimination of a six-speed manual transmission for SL King Cab and SV crew-cab long-wheelbase models and the addition of a six-speed manual for S and PRO-4X crew-cab short-wheelbase trucks. You can go for a Premium Utility Package for the SV frontier and a Luxury Package for the PRO-4X. Both of them are optional. A vehicle immobilizer and bed rail caps are standard on SV, PRO-4X and SL models. The four-cylinder SV Frontier receives upgraded seat fabric to match the SV V-6 model. It’s said to go on sale in September 2010, followed by Frontier four-cylinder models one month later.

Source: Pickup Trucks

The best-selling midsize pickup truck in the U.S. has minor changes to its model lineup along with a modest increase in its price.

The Toyota Tacoma’s most noted change in its design is said to be its revised grille that’s coming from the current two-bar grille into a single bar. But aside from this, models with the available six-disc CD changer will also get to have an integrated Sirius-XM satellite radio. Additionally, a Convenience Extra Value Package for double cab models is added with cruise control, a sliding rear window with privacy glass, remote keyless entry, and steering-wheel audio controls. Toyota also has discontinued three low-volume manual transmission models and added five four-cylinder, four-speed automatic models including the Access Cab 4×2 PreRunner, Double Cab 4×2, Double Cab 4×2 PreRunner, Regular Cab 4×4, and Access Cab 4×4.

The entry-level regular cab 2011 Toyota Tacoma with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission will start at $16,365 before $810 destination charge. That’s a $1,020 price increase over the 2010 Tacoma. A fully equipped double cab V-6 five-speed automatic Tacoma with four-wheel drive and a long bed will start at $27,525, up $275 from 2010, before $810 destination.

Source: Pickup Trucks

Some GM dealers alleged that the discontinued medium-duty trucks are hurting the sales of their light-duty pickups. Gordon Moore, vice president of McCormick Motors in Nappanee, Ind., said his customers are refraining from buying light-duty Chevrolet pickups because they would have to place a second order for medium-duty trucks somewhere else, while companies like Ford and Chrysler offer one-stop shopping.

GM ended the production of the Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick medium-duty trucks in August 2009. This is due to its failure to sell the line of Class 5-7 work trucks to Isuzu or Navistar. The Kodiak and Top Kick had difficulty competing in the market. They were up against Class 4/5 full-size pickup entries from Ford and Dodge and Class 5-7 conventional medium-duty trucks from companies like Hino and International.

Though it’s not yet confirmed, there are rumors flying around that GM could form a joint venture with companies such as Freightliner or Navistar’s International Truck division, or the company could buy an existing medium-duty truck manufacturer to quickly restart medium-duty sales.

Source: Pickup Trucks

Since the Jeep Comanche in 1992, Jeep hasn’t offered a pickup for sale in North America. But Mike Manley, president and CEO of the Jeep brand, made it clear that the automaker hasn’t dropped the whole idea yet. In an interview during the media’s first drive of the 2011 Grand Cherokee - “That’s a segment that I’m very curious about,” Manley said. “I know it’s had a rough time here in the U.S., but globally it still seems to be an important sector.”

And although no information or confirmation was given about the future of Jeep in the pickup truck market, it’s nonetheless good to hear that there are some playful thought being given to expanding the Jeep brand in a pickup truck direction. And just maybe, someday, Jeep can bring something new to the table in regards with pickup trucks.

Source: Pickup Trucks

The Chrysler foundation just recently announced a $50000 donation of supplies and cash in relation with relief efforts for residents affected by severe tornadoes that hit Northwest Ohio earlier this month.

Additionally, ten Ram 2500/3500 heavy duty pickup trucks, filled with generators, wheel barrows, shovels, chainsaws, ladders, tarps, boots, and other materials, were sent to Waterville, Ohio, from Chrysler Group World Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. These supplies were delivered to SOH/IMPACT, a community-based charitable organization, whose disaster response team will put the recovery materials directly in the hands of those in need in areas most impacted by the tornado. The organization is also responsible for using the supplies to outfit a complete first response trailer that will be taken onsite to help those most in need.

Source: Pickup Trucks

No. 5: Automoblox Mini T900 Highcroft Trailer Set - $36

Automoblox makes wooden toys so cool. The T900 pickup is by far the best with its patented wheel-locking mechanism to secure any Automoblox mini to the trailer, and a flatbed made from solid, renewable beechwood.

No. 4: Spray-in Bedliner - $300 to $500

If your dad always uses the truck bed, you can help him protect it from the wear and tear with a Spray-in Bedliner. Some newer models come with this feature, but if your father’s pickup is an old one, you can always get this product from the aftermarket.

No. 3: Bully Dog’s Triple Dog GT Gas or Diesel Gauge/Tuner - $469 (gas) to $699 (diesel)

Gaining better engine performance has always been a man’s dream for his truck. And you can fulfill that dream of your father in just 20 minutes by giving him a Bully Dog’s GT Gas or Diesel Gauge/Tuner. Just make sure that it matches the setting of your vehicle to avoid any problems.

No. 2: SuperBumper - $140 to $230

This shock-absorbing bumper that mounts in a pickup’s receiver hitch can be a great gift for your dad. It can absorb rear impacts up to 5 mph without sustaining damage or allowing the truck to be damaged, according to the manufacturer. Additionally, it comes with a ball mount and chrome hitch ball that can tow up to 6,000 pounds, with 600 pounds of tongue weight.

No. 1: High Performance Tire Bowl - $18

There’s no better way to make dad happy in Father’s Day other than giving him new set of tires. And these tires are not just tires, they can easily bring that tough look to his rig with its snap-lock lid that’s styled like a chrome hubcap.

Source: Pickup Trucks