The annual GM Fleet Solutions Summit, which was held May 20-21, 2019 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, gave more than 800 commercial, public sector, and daily rental fleet customers a sneak preview of new 2020 models and provided insights into the automaker’s strategic plans toward electrification and connectivity. Photos by General Motors and Mike Antich.
GM Fleet's 2020-MY Solutions Summit
The all-new 2020 Silverado HD offers a choice of two powertrains: a new 6.6L gasoline engine and a Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V-8, which has a max towing capacity of 35,500 pounds. An all-new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission is available with the Duramax diesel engine.
Ed Peper, U.S. VP of GM Fleet, far left, moderated a “fireside chat” with (L-R) EVP & CFO Dhivya Suryadevara, GM’s first female CFO; Barry Engle, EVP & President of the Americas, who has extensive global experience at both GM and Ford: and Santiago Chamorro, VP, Global Connected Customer Experience, who is responsible for growing the OnStar connectivity, safety and security, and service business across all of GM’s regions globally.
Paul Edward. U.S. VP, Chevrolet marketing, said the Chevrolet brand accounts for 80% of GM’s total fleet sales. The Chevrolet Trax, Equinox and Colorado all set first-quarter sales records in Q1 2019. Powering future Chevrolet fleet sales will be the all-new 2020 Silverado HD pickup.
The Future Pavilion allowed attendees to test drive on city streets a Cadillac CT6 equipped with hands-free driver assistance Super Cruise system.
The Electric Pavilion showcased the Chevrolet Bolt EV with displays and test drives. The Bolt EV can generate 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.5 seconds.
Erin Gilchrist, director of fleet operations for Safelite Group (second from right) relaxes with friends at the closing reception of the GM Solutions Summit.
Chevrolet Blazer is an all-new midsize SUV with five-passenger seating. It has up to 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space with second-row seats folded flat. It is the first Chevy offering a cargo management system.
Jim Bigelow, director, enterprise fleet (middle) stands with his Cox Enterprises fleet team and Roger Turner, Cox Enterprises fleet manager (left).
Duncan Aldred introduced the 2020 GMC Acadia available with a 2.0L turbo engine and 9-speed automatic transmission. The lineup includes SLE, SLT, an all-new AT4 trim, and GMC’s flagship Denali model.
The 2020 GMC Sierra offers an enhanced ProGrade Trailering system featuring class-leading available 15 camera views, including a segment-first transparent trailer view to virtually see through a trailer in tow.
Among the attendees at the Solutions Summit was Shelly Lofgren, director of fleet services for Agiliti, formerly known as UHS (Universal Hospital Services).
One pavilion was OnStar Connected Services, which includes a variety of services, such as on-demand diagnostics and safety and security features.
Duncan Aldred, VP Global Buick and GMC, reported total GMC sales increased 9% and the brand’s fleet sales were up 10%. In Q1 2019, the GMC Acadia had its best quarter ever. Aggregating all General Motors brands, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers made up 80% of the automaker’s sales.
Rory Harvey, VP of sales, service & marketing for Cadillac, said the brand achieved record global sales in CY-2018. The new product launch cadence will debut a new Cadillac model every six months through 2020. The most recently debuted Cadillac was the all-new 2020 XT6, a three-row crossover with a 3.6L V-6 engine.
The all-new 2020 Cadillac CT5 compact sedan. The CT5’ will offer Super Cruise technology, a hands-free driver assistance feature for limited-access freeways, which will be available in CY-2020 on select models.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV has an EPA-estimated 238 miles of range on a full charge. Its advanced 60 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack is made up of 288 individual cells. It can produce 266 lb.-ft. of torque.
Posing for a photo at the entrance to the event’s closing evening reception is Brad Bohnen, head of fleet management - North America for Ericsson Inc.
A Chevrolet Silverado HD chassis cab with service body was on display. Chassis cabs are available with 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD models.
Enjoying a break are (L-R) Brian Farrar, Umbrella Fleet Partners; Doyle Lee of Farmers Insurance; Rick Nicoletti of Napleton Fleet; Jeff Perkins of Motorlease Corp.; and John O’Connor of Velcor Leasing.
Julie Bergs, global fleet manager for NCR, poses for a photo with Mike Scozzaro of Auto Truck, which exhibited
its products at the Solutions Summit Partner Expo.