Chevrolet revealed its first-ever Silverado Class 4, 5 and 6 chassis cab trucks at NTEA The Work Truck Show.
The 2019 Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD and 6500HD will be available in 2WD and 4WD and will be powered by a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine with 350 horsepower and 700 lb.-ft. of torque and Allison transmissions with a Power Take Off (PTO) option.
“When you consider all of the flexibility, capability and durability we have engineered into the Silverado, along with the proven power of Allison transmissions and the Duramax diesel engine, we have a medium duty truck line that will appeal to both Chevrolet loyalists and competitive owners alike,” said John Schwegman, director of Commercial Product and Medium Duty at GM Fleet.
The Silverado will include OnStar and Commercial Link, a built-in 4GLTE Wi-Fi hotspot (paid data plan required), wireless cellphone charging, Bluetooth and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Tilt Hood Design
The new Silverado Class 4, 5 and 6 trucks features a tilt hood design rather than the traditional "alligator-style" hood that is hinged by the front cowl. The hood and fender tilt forward nearly 90 degrees allowing technicians greater access to the engine and the ability to do extensive engine repairs without using a step ladder or removing the cab.
"We developed truck with this tilt-hood design because we wanted to make this truck as easy to service as possible – a huge benefit that we’re able to provide our customers," said Rita Kass-Shamoun, GM Fleet communications assistant manager. "Serviceability is all about accessibility: being able to get to the engine compartment to diagnose and perform service; having easy access to the maintenance items is key. When you combine the hood design with the up to 50 degree wheel cut, a technician can literally walk right up to the engine to handle maintenance and repairs."
Tilt hood operation was designed "simple enough for one person to manage."
To operate, follow these steps:
- Undo two large rubber latches on the right and left sides of the hood by the cowl
- Brace knees against the front bumper
- Locate grips at front of hood (toward grille) and use hands to pull
- Entire hood, with fenders, will tilt forward nearly 90 degrees
Production and Ordering
Production begins in late 2018. Order guides will be available this spring and pricing will be announced summer 2018.
“Chevrolet’s return to the conventional cab medium duty segment is part of a multi-year strategy to earn the business and loyalty of Commercial and Government customers by expanding into new product segments, delivering innovative business solutions, superior value and an exceptional customer experience,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, GM Fleet.
In 2017, GM Fleet delivered nearly 300,000 units to Commercial and Government customers – the most since 2008 – and gained almost 1.4 percentage points of market share.
