GM North American Mark Reuss hinted to reporters, however, that the trucks’ powertrains could see updates within the next few years. While revealing little, he offered a terse “more to come” when asked if a diesel might be added to the trucks, and responded “hang loose” when asked if transmissions with more cogs might be introduced. Rival Chrysler Group LLC recently added an eight-speed automatic to its Ram 1500 pickup. Reuss told reporters that he expects the trucks to receive updates early in their product cycles, likely within the first few years.
Upgrades to the GM trucks that may appeal to commercial buyers include a step integrated into the rear bumper and a grab handle molded into the cargo bed to aid entry into the cargo bed. Trailer brake controls for both trucks move from under the dash to a control pod located to the left of the steering wheel. The pod also includes the headlight switch and a knob that controls the transfer case for four-wheel-drive models.
