With a strong February performance, GMC Sierra HD fullsize pickup total sales hit 20 consecutive months of sales increases. Owner John Jay Johns Jr. says the trucks’ capability is one reason he recently purchased his second Sierra HD.
“I live at 7,000 feet above sea level, work at 2,500 feet, and trailer horses and cattle to my ranch up at 9,000 feet,” said Johns, who purchased his second HD, a 3500 Denali at James Wood GMC in Decatur, Texas. In addition to driving up to 7,000 miles a month as salesman at a family-owned food processing plant, he owns a horse ranch high in the mountains and volunteers with a local disaster relief group in Ruidoso, N.M.
“My new GMC already proved itself on these inclines when I stopped to help a disabled semi on an incline while towing 17,000 pounds of equipment,” he said. “Even with that load, the truck got moving again and later, the exhaust brake and trailer brake control helped me avoid an accident when I needed to stop in just 1/8th of a mile coming down a hill.”
The Sierra HD was redesigned for the 2011 model year and boasts a best-in-class maximum towing capacity of 23,000 pounds and an optional Duramax diesel engine generating 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque.
With his varied pursuits, Johns needs that kind of strength. With his previous GMC Sierra 2500, he delivered supplies to teams battling wildfires and helped trailer dozens of horses out of a fire’s path. “Like most of my friends, the local fire department has traded in Dodges and Fords for all General Motors trucks,” Johns said.
His 2007 Sierra HD had 135,000 odometer miles at trade in. Johns is hoping for 200,000 miles in his new truck. “So far, I’m averaging about 19.5 miles per gallon, and I really love my Bluetooth, which lets me keep my eyes on the road while making phone calls.”
In February, total sales of the GMC Sierra HD, including ¾-ton and 1-ton models, were up 19.9 percent year-over-year. Commercial truck sales – those sold to businesses in industries like construction and utilities – were up 49.0 percent.
The GMC Terrain small SUV also showed strong sales in February, with year-over-year total gains of 12.5 percent amid rising fuel prices. Terrain is EPA-rated at a segment-leading 32 highway mpg.
“Sales successes for GMC this past month were led by the brand’s most efficient crossover as well as the most-capable pickup truck,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick and GMC Sales and Service. “That is a testament to a strong product line that is relevant to a diverse customer base.”
Total GMC sales for February were up 0.1 percent compared to February 2011.
Courtesy of GMC Media
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