Cars

GM's Dominance in Large Truck Manufacturing Continues to Grow

General Motors continues to lead the American automotive market in producing the largest trucks, a trend that has persisted for two consecutive years, according to the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Automotive Trends Report. The company, encompassing brands like Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC, upholds the American preference for larger vehicles. This ongoing dominance in vehicle size is measured by the 'footprint' metric, which combines wheelbase and average track width, a crucial factor influencing fuel economy regulations.

The EPA's data highlights GM's average truck footprint at 60.2 square feet for the 2024 model year, with a projected increase to 60.4 square feet for 2025. This figure surpasses major competitors such as Ford (58.3 sq ft) and Stellantis (58.0 sq ft), significantly exceeding the industry average of 54.2 square feet. This demonstrates GM's strategic alignment with consumer demand for expansive and robust vehicles, solidifying its market leadership in this segment.

The growing consumer preference for trucks and SUVs in the United States is undeniable, with these vehicle types now making up approximately 66% of all new vehicle production. This strong demand, particularly for luxury pickup trucks, has driven the average price of a new car to over $50,000. GM capitalized on this trend, achieving a leading position in U.S. sales for 2025, with about 2.85 million vehicles sold, marking a 6% increase year-over-year. While the Ford F-150 remains the top-selling pickup, the Chevrolet Silverado secured a close second place, underscoring the fierce competition and high stakes in the truck market.

In a notable shift, General Motors is adjusting its future product strategy. The enthusiasm for electric vehicles (EVs) across the automotive sector has cooled, leading many manufacturers to reassess their electrification timelines. GM, specifically, incurred an $8.5 billion loss in the previous year due to the discontinuation of various EV-related projects. Although the company will continue its involvement in EV production, the pace and scale will be less aggressive than initially planned. This recalibration suggests a continued emphasis on large, internal combustion engine-powered trucks and SUVs, a segment where GM has consistently found success and profitability, anticipating this trend to persist for the foreseeable future.

GM's continued leadership in manufacturing oversized trucks reflects a strategic response to persistent market demand, underpinned by favorable regulatory considerations linked to vehicle dimensions. The company's commitment to this segment, coupled with a more cautious approach to EV expansion, positions it to sustain its market influence and sales performance in the coming years.

Unbeatable Deal: DeWalt Cordless Rotary Hammer at Walmart - 43% Off!

Experience unparalleled power and portability with the DeWalt 20V Max XR Cordless Rotary Hammer, now available at an astonishing 43% discount at Walmart. This highly efficient tool, designed for serious construction and DIY enthusiasts, offers corded performance without the limitations of a power cord. Its advanced features and significant price reduction make it an indispensable asset for tackling challenging tasks involving concrete and masonry, while its compatibility with the DeWalt 20V battery ecosystem provides seamless integration for existing users.

Discover the Power of Cordless Convenience

For individuals engaged in demanding home renovation, construction, or intricate DIY endeavors, access to high-performance power tools capable of effortlessly handling concrete, masonry, and intensive drilling operations is paramount. The DeWalt 20V Max XR Cordless Rotary Hammer emerges as an essential piece of equipment in this regard, offering the critical advantage of portability. Its design liberates users from the constraints of power outlets, allowing for seamless operation in secluded areas, unfinished construction sites, or any location where power access might be limited. This cordless flexibility ensures that projects can proceed without interruption, transforming potentially arduous tasks into efficient undertakings. The tool’s intrinsic mobility makes it a cornerstone for professionals and hobbyists alike, guaranteeing that no job is out of reach due to power supply issues.

Currently, Walmart presents an exceptional opportunity to acquire the DeWalt 20V Max XR Cordless Rotary Hammer for merely $143, representing a substantial 43% reduction from its original $249 price. This specific offering is a 'tool-only' package, meaning the battery and charger are sold separately. This makes it an ideal acquisition for individuals who have already committed to the DeWalt 20V platform and possess compatible power sources. Engineered with a state-of-the-art brushless motor and a resilient hammer mechanism, this rotary hammer delivers considerable impact energy, facilitating rapid and effective drilling through concrete and masonry. This powerful combination of a brushless motor and high-impact energy ensures that the tool performs with exceptional efficiency, enabling users to complete their projects with speed and precision, whether it's setting anchors, installing electrical conduits, or performing structural enhancements.

Enhance Efficiency and Control with Advanced Design

The DeWalt 20V Max XR Cordless Rotary Hammer is engineered for peak performance, featuring a high-efficiency motor that consistently maintains speed even when confronted with significant loads. This capability allows users to drill larger holes without experiencing a noticeable decrease in power or efficiency, ensuring that demanding tasks are completed smoothly and effectively. Its design prioritizes user comfort and operational control, boasting a compact and lightweight build coupled with a balanced D-handle. This ergonomic configuration is particularly beneficial during overhead or vertical applications, where precise handling and reduced fatigue are crucial. The thoughtful design minimizes strain and enhances maneuverability, making extended use more comfortable and less arduous for the operator.

Further enhancing its functionality and safety, the tool incorporates a mechanical clutch. This vital safety feature is designed to mitigate sudden torque reactions, protecting both the user and the tool from potential damage if the drill bit encounters resistance and binds during operation. This mechanism adds an extra layer of security, providing peace of mind during intensive use. Moreover, the rotary hammer is designed to be dust extraction-ready, allowing for seamless integration with compatible accessories to create a cleaner and safer working environment. This feature is invaluable for maintaining air quality and reducing debris, which are critical considerations on any job site. The combination of cordless convenience with corded-level power and advanced safety features makes this rotary hammer an exceptional choice for a wide array of applications, from drilling precise anchor holes to installing heavy-duty bolts in challenging environments.

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Brampton Assembly Plant's Future: Local Government Pressures Stellantis for New Vehicle Production

The Brampton Assembly Plant, a significant automotive manufacturing site in Ontario, Canada, faces an uncertain future. Once a bustling hub for Dodge Charger and Challenger production, the plant became idle after manufacturing shifts and changes in Stellantis's plans. This situation has prompted strong action from the local government, aiming to secure the plant's operational future and protect thousands of jobs.

Brampton's Bold Move: Securing the Future of Automotive Manufacturing

City Council's Unanimous Decision: Reaffirming Brampton's Industrial Identity

In a unanimous vote on February 25, the Brampton city council officially reclassified the land occupied by the Brampton Assembly Plant. The new zoning designation strictly limits its use to vehicle production and related manufacturing activities. This decision marks a significant shift from its previous general industrial zoning, which would have allowed for easier redevelopment or sale of the property for non-automotive purposes.

Stellantis's Dilemma: The Shifting Sands of Production Plans

For nearly two decades, the Brampton Assembly Plant was a cornerstone of Dodge's muscle car production, rolling out hundreds of thousands of Chargers and Challengers. However, with the 2024 redesign of the Charger, featuring an electric powertrain, production moved to Stellantis's Windsor factory. Adding to the plant's woes, Stellantis redirected production of the next-generation Jeep Compass to the United States in response to import tariffs from the Trump administration. These changes left the Brampton facility without active production and its future hanging in the balance.

A Community's Resolve: Protecting Livelihoods and Legacy

Following the cessation of Charger, Challenger, and Chrysler 300 production in December 2023, the assembly lines at Brampton fell silent. Stellantis initially announced plans to retool the factory for the next-generation Jeep Compass, but this work was abruptly halted in February 2025. By October, Stellantis confirmed that the third-generation Compass, already manufactured in Italy for the European market, would be built for the U.S. market in Belvidere, Illinois, attributing the change to tariff policies and delaying the new compact SUV's production in Belvidere until late 2027.

The Impact on Workers: An Uncertain Horizon for Thousands

The relocation of the Jeep Compass production left the Brampton plant in a precarious position, with no immediate products to assemble and no publicly announced future plans. This uncertainty has directly affected approximately 3000 unionized automotive workers, leaving their employment status in limbo. Despite repeated assurances from Stellantis regarding future plans for the Brampton factory, concrete details have yet to materialize, fueling anxiety within the workforce and the local community.

Union's Voice: A Call for Commitment and Continuity

Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, emphasized the profound impact of the zoning change, highlighting its role in safeguarding the plant's future and instilling hope among workers that Stellantis will ultimately commit to introducing a new vehicle model at Brampton. He stressed the generational significance of the plant, noting its deep personal connection to the community and its role as a primary source of livelihood for many families.

Stellantis's Response: A Pledge for Sustainable Investment

In a statement issued to Car and Driver, a Stellantis spokesperson affirmed the company's shared interest with the City of Brampton in maintaining the facility as an automotive manufacturing site. The company reiterated its commitment to protecting manufacturing jobs and confirmed that it is actively exploring future product opportunities for the plant. Stellantis emphasized its goal to ensure any potential investment is sustainable, demonstrating a long-term commitment to its employees, suppliers, and the wider community that depends on the plant's operations.

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