The GMC Sierra 1500 Can’t Keep up With Demand
We are proud of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 for being hot hot hot. Seriously, these trucks are selling like hotcakes. But this also presents a problem for the GMC Sierra 1500 because it might not keep up.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 struggles with demand
Despite most auto manufacturers facing low inventories, the GMC Sierra 1500 and Sierra HD might break records. In the third quarter of 2022, sales were down by about 22 percent, or 55,774 units, compared to 2019.
But things have been changing. During the past few months leading up to September 2021, sales are up by nearly 10 percent, with 191,186 units sold. The GMC Yukon has experienced a sales increase as well.
The Yukon exploded from 17,428 trucks sold last year to 59,734 units this year. That represents a 55 percent increase.
How will the Sierra 1500 cope?
According to Duncan Aldred, Buick-GMC Global Vice President, semiconductor chips are being prioritized for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon models. They will probably be moved to the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 once it enters production.
As the global computer chip shortage continues, auto brands have been prioritizing chips for their most profitable models. For example, Ford is using their supply for the F-150. This could come at a cost for smaller, less profitable options.
Some features have been cut to save semiconductor chips. For example, HD radios were cut from General Motors’ trucks. Also, the chips for cylinder deactivation in the start/stop system were removed from the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado. This slightly decreased their fuel economy.
Losing these features didn’t seem to impact sales. Momentum is expected to stay on track and may even increase with the release of the 2022 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado 1500. Both trucks incorporate new tech, such as a new digital instrument cluster, color heads-up display, and Super Cruise technology.
What’s new for the 2022 Sierra?
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 may not face as many production delays as the outgoing model. The semiconductor shortage could be rebounding by the time this refreshed truck enters production around the first quarter of the year. Ordering books may open in December.
The entry-level Pro trim starts at around $32,495. With the 2.7-liter turbo-four, the torque has been increased from 383 to 420 lb-ft. Its 310 hp figure remains the same.
Also, the 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel engine can now be paired with the max towing package. It can now tow up to 13,000 lbs. It gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg on the highway.
The Sierra is also available with a 5.3-liter V8 engine with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2-liter V8 engine generates 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2-liter engine comes standard in the new ATX4 and Denali Ultimate models.
All models above the base model get a 12.3-inch digital instrument display cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The six-way power tailgate is also standard.
Production of the GMC Sierra has been shut down due to the chip shortage. However, the 2022 models seem to be on track so far. We will let you know if any changes occur.
