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GM and Ford doing emergency refresh on interiors

ForTehNguyen

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Emergency refreshes from GM and Ford because of Ram. Ford is in the best position to improve their interiors by using their Lincoln designers who have hit it out of the park.

http://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/09...olet-silverado-interior-are-behind-the-curve/

This Is Why The GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado Interior Are Behind The Curve
From the off, let’s get one thing clear – we think the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado interiors are just fine if these two and the Ford F-150 were the only three light-duty pickups on market. If that were the case, then no one would have any issues with the the cabins from the two GM trucks. The problems begin to arise when comparing the Sierra and Silverado interiors against the latest Ram 1500, specifically the mid- to high-range trim levels. Do that, and two issues arise associated with design and materials.

Yes, the interiors of both trucks are highly functional, but they lack the “wow factor” of the Ram, specifically as it relates to the design of the center console and the integration of the center screen. Lacking the “wow factor” negatively impacts perceived quality. What’s more, the high-end trims (LTZ and High Country on Silverado, Denali on Sierra) don’t have the materials to go toe-to-toe with the the Ram truck. While the lower trims are fine, the higher trims don’t offer the same doses of contrast stitching, colors, or high-quality touch points to keep pace. Now, there are those who think that, just because these are trucks, they don’t need to have high-quality interiors. But that kind of thinking does not line up with the market, since today’s pickup trucks are not only purchased for work. Instead, they are as much personal vehicles for the owner and the family as they are workhorses.

Looking ahead, GM will give the Sierra and Silverado interior a refresh in the near future, but how did we get to this point in the first place?

Some publications have stated that GM rushed the new Silverado and Sierra to coincide with the release date of the all-new Ram 1500 for the 2019 model year. These publications have suggested that interiors of the new GM trucks suffered as a result of that push.

We’re here to tell you that this notion is nonsense.

For starters, it doesn’t actually take much longer to develop a vehicle with a high-quality interior than to create one with a sub-par cabin, especially not for vehicles for first-world markets like the Sierra and Silverado. That rings even more true when said vehicles are developed over the course of several years.

No, the real reason the new Sierra and Silverado interior is less impressive than that of the Ram 1500 is quite simple: GM thought it would be fine.

To fully understand the mindset of the project managers, we must go back in time a few years to when the new T1 Silverado and Sierra were being planned. At that time, the F-150 was already out, with Ford’s big selling point being the switch to an aluminum body. Meanwhile, the interior of the aluminum-bodied F-150 wasn’t substantially better than that of the last-generation, K2 Silverado and Sierra, which were selling rather well and were liked in the marketplace.

So, GM’s thinking was along these lines: why make substantial changes to a cabin that already competes very favorably against the competition, while also being highly functional? The logical decision is to not mess with the formula too much, playing it safe to improve on the basics that would be liked by everyone – more space, more modern technologies (keyless entry, push-button start, new infotainment systems), more active safety tech (Rear Camera Mirror), improved in-cabin storage (cubbies in the rear seat-backs) along with great levels of comfort (like rear-seat A/C vents).

Who would possibly complain about all these improvements? No one. In fact, these features were already desired on the K2 trucks. GM added them, but played it safe when it comes to the overall interior ****pit design, staying close to the successful formula set out by the K2 models.

But what GM didn’t take into account was that the Ram would totally up-end the game. By not playing it safe to its prior formula, the 2019 Ram 1500 delivered eye candy galore via an all-new ****pit design, huge screens, a rotary shift mechanism, a panoramic sunroof, and some really impressive attention to details via striking colors, trim bits, and materials, particularly on higher-end trim levels. All these things pushed the “wow factor” – the thing that enables the very first impression when someone climbs inside of a vehicle – to new heights for the Ram. Meanwhile, the Silverado and Sierra remained roughly the same as the last-gen K2 models from a “wow factor” standpoint.

Had the Silverado and Sierra been the only trucks on the market today, they would have been perfect matches against the F-150 (which itself will be completely overhauled for the 2021 model year with an all-new exterior and interior). But Ram truly kicked things up a notch to a whole new level, while GM played it safe. Hence, a refresh to the Sierra and Silverado interior is coming, which has been described to GM Authority as being “top notch” by those familiar with the updates. Here’s to hoping that will truly be the case.

https://carbuzz.com/news/next-ford-f-150-will-challenge-ram-1500-like-never-before

Next Ford F-150 Will Challenge Ram 1500 Like Never Before
YESTERDAY BY JAY TRAUGOTT TRUCK / 11 COMMENTS

This goes beyond regular truck duties.

The Ford F-150 has not only been the best-selling full-size pickup truck in America, but also the best-selling vehicle in general for many years. This is quite an accomplishment that Ford fully intends to maintain once the redesigned F-150 appears beginning sometime in 2021. There's also no doubt the competition, specifically the Ram 1500, has also dramatically improved over its immediate predecessor, and Ford has clearly taken notice. The improvements, however, go beyond typical truck duties.

According to Bloomberg, who learned of this via inside sources who wish to remain anonymous, Ford plans to increase the size of the next F-150's touch screen by at least 50 percent. This means a 12-inch (if not larger) touchscreen that will also be capable of simultaneously displaying multiple functions, such as maps and audio controls.

Currently, the F-150 has an 8-inch touch screen, which now pales in comparison to the new Ram 1500's 12-inch display. Even Chevrolet was shocked by the extremely impressive new Ram, hence the just ordered emergency refresh that will focus specifically on interior improvements. There's no reason not to assume the touch screen will be a significant focus.

The new Ram 1500 has since surpassed the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as the number two best-selling full-size pickup truck, behind the F-150. But don't think for a moment that F-150 designers will simply lift the touch screen design from the also new Explorer and call it day. Hardly. The Explorer's tablet-like screen measures at 10.1-inches.

Also, there's a strong likelihood the new F-150's screen will fit vertically into the center stack in a similar fashion to the Ram 1500's layout. Traditional knobs, such as for volume control, and buttons will be located on either side. This massive screen probably won't come as standard but rather on higher-end models.

Chances are we'll see the next Ford F-150 premiere next spring or early summer – just in time for the first-ever summertime Detroit Auto Show in June. Production is slated to get underway around that time as well.
 

SD Rebel

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I suspect nothing is emergency about Ford other than a larger than 12" screen.

For GM, that's another story, they started off with a new for 2019 truck that already had a dated interior, they are going to rush an interior update sooner than expected.
 

ForTehNguyen

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I suspect nothing is emergency about Ford other than a larger than 12" screen.

For GM, that's another story, they started off with a new for 2019 truck that already had a dated interior, they are going to rush an interior update sooner than expected.

good enough strategy is a failed one. As the saying goes "never start a fair fight" Now people on the fence are either going to wait until 2021 for the new interior or if they cant wait, potentially buy something else in the meantime. Horrid for current sales and thats already after losing 2 quarters in a row. Its the same mistake they did with the camaro, they didnt change it enough, current owners didnt feel like trading in.
 

SD Rebel

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good enough strategy is a failed one. As the saying goes "never start a fair fight" Now people on the fence are either going to wait until 2021 for the new interior or if they cant wait, potentially buy something else in the meantime. Horrid for current sales and thats already after losing 2 quarters in a row. Its the same mistake they did with the camaro, they didnt change it enough, current owners didnt feel like trading in.

Yup, they screwed up. Imagine being the owner of the 2019 and know the first thing anyone says about your truck is the crap interior. Then imagine being a potential GM truck buyer and knowing they are going to improve the interior quite a bit, but not for the next couple of years. Unless they throw quite a bit of money on the hood, you're likely to wait it out.

GM is notorious for barely caring about the interior of their cars/trucks. This time it came around to bite them on their most important product. It always amazes me that they are willing to skimp a few hundred and the interior when it's something that the driver sees and feels the most. Even Bob Lutz mentions it regarding GM and the controversy over it's interior.

Bob Lutz on Silverado: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/...erado-1500-for-the-cheap-interior-135437.html
 

silver billet

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Where does the "emergency" come from, lol? It's a mid cycle upgrade in the case of GM. For Ford, the interior is part of the new model.
 

SD Rebel

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Where does the "emergency" come from, lol? It's a mid cycle upgrade in the case of GM. For Ford, the interior is part of the new model.

There is talk they may accelerate the introduction before the official mid-cycle update for GM. Also, Ford has revised their screen size last minute to match or exceed RAMs 12" screen.

It also suggest that without the controversy, the mid-cycle would not have included an interior refresh. I believe the last gen Silverado, RAM and current F150 also avoided any major interior restyling during their last mid-cycle. Most mid-cycle updates are limited to front and rear fascias, equipment updates & drivetrain improvements, rarely major interior changes.
 

silver billet

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There is talk they may accelerate the introduction before the official mid-cycle update for GM. Also, Ford has revised their screen size last minute to match or exceed RAMs 12" screen.

It also suggest that without the controversy, the mid-cycle would not have included an interior refresh. I believe the last gen Silverado, RAM and current F150 also avoided any major interior restyling during their last mid-cycle. Most mid-cycle updates are limited to front and rear fascias, equipment updates & drivetrain improvements, rarely major interior changes.


It's supposed to be coming for the 2021 model year, just to the mid and upper trims, along with some updated exterior tweaks etc. Hardly an "emergency". No doubt Ram trucks forced their hand a little earlier.
 

SpeedyV

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Where does the "emergency" come from, lol? It's a mid cycle upgrade in the case of GM. For Ford, the interior is part of the new model.
Ford shelved Bronco development (a highly-anticipated vehicle) to accelerate the time-to-market for the next F-150. To risk losing the “best-selling” moniker for even a month would be unthinkable.
 

Edwards

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Ford shelved Bronco development (a highly-anticipated vehicle) to accelerate the time-to-market for the next F-150. To risk losing the “best-selling” moniker for even a month would be unthinkable.

Heads would roll if that ever happened!

I bet Ram has a plan penciled in that if they ever get close to Ford volume to just go kamikaze crazy to take one month's worth of #1 sales just for the giggles, and to end their "reign."
 

NordicNevs

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Wow I wonder what the plan is for GM and what changes they will attempt to crank out.
If they match the Lincoln styling that would be interesting but there really isn’t a “mid grade” Lincoln. They need an approach that can be tailored and adapted to all trim levels.
Even the tradesmen has the characteristics and attention to detail you notice in a limited but in a tailored format.

I agree with the above statement. Ram has worked this problem for years and if you read their design philosophy the details they used for inspiration and integration don’t just happen overnight.

Ram was poised to make a move, they did and its paying dividens. Even the TSBs and recalls have be FAR LESS than most of the nay sayers predicted for this point in the release.

Well done ram. Credit where it is due.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

ForTehNguyen

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Ford shelved Bronco development (a highly-anticipated vehicle) to accelerate the time-to-market for the next F-150. To risk losing the “best-selling” moniker for even a month would be unthinkable.

one of the months Ram came within 2100 units of outselling F series. To break the decades long streak would be catastrophic

 

Reduxalicious

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Ford is in the best Position due to not having released a new model unlike GM,

I was talking to a friend earlier this past week, And the topic of the new Ram's came up and he made a good point- He said the 19 Ram's reminds him of when the Ram's Second Gen came onto the scene, Only it was the exterior styling that won it truck of that year and kept its 94-99 winning streak,.
 
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SD Rebel

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Ford is in the best Position due to not having released a new model unlike GM,

I was talking to a friend earlier this past week, And the topic of the new Ram's came up and he made a good point- He said the 19 Ram's reminds him of when the Ram's Second Gen came onto the scene, Only it was the exterior styling that won it truck of that year and kept its 94-99 winning streak,.

Yup, I remember when that happened. The 1994 Dodge Ram was the watershed moment in full size trucks that made non-truck people into truck people. They introduced a design that caught the eye of everyone. It was revolutionary at the time. They did highlight one little thing with the interior, most notably the interior center console could hold a laptop and more storage in single cabs. Also, they made available a V10 motor, a spotlight for the powertrain side.

I remember seeing one parked at the Del Mar Fair as a teen and my family and I walking up to it and being so impressed with how the truck looked. That teen me would be smiling seeing the RAM I own now, lol.
 
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riccnick

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Yeahhhh



This is straight bs.

GM and Ford still sell plenty of trucks, and they certainly aren't "shelving" development of a new model for an interior refresh of one that's already scheduled....

I love my Ram's interior, but cmon now.
 

SpeedyV

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Yeahhhh



This is straight bs.

GM and Ford still sell plenty of trucks, and they certainly aren't "shelving" development of a new model for an interior refresh of one that's already scheduled....

I love my Ram's interior, but cmon now.
You’re not referring to the 2019 / 2020 / 2021? Ford Bronco, are you? They claim that poor consumer feedback is to blame on their delays...but this change (perhaps coincidentally) means the F-150 will be refreshed or replaced first.
 

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