Chevy-Workhorse Class C Chassis Sales Up
UNION CITY, Ind. (May 2007) The Chevy-Workhorse Class C chassis grew its market share a substantial 10 percent from February 2006 to February 2007. Officials from GM and Workhorse Custom Chassis expect that share will continue to rise in 2007.
The co-branded cutaway chassis was launched in November 2004 at the National RV Trade Show as a 14,050 lb. GVWR vehicle. That transition went well enough that General Motors and Workhorse announced at the November 2005 show that 9,600 and 12,300 lb. GVWR models would also become Chevy-Workhorse vehicles.
The Chevy-Workhorse partnerships has translated into a leap from a 9.6 percent to 19.9 percent market share for the cutaway chassis during the above time frame, based on vehicle registration data compiled by Statistical Surveys, Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich.
"This is a very satisfying increase that confirms we are on the right track with this chassis," said Bill Bleau, GM spokesman. "Our relationship with Workhorse has certainly affected the Class C market, and we feel very good about the potential for future growth."
"This cutaway chassis jibes very well with the customer-driven improvements we incorporate in our Class A chassis," said Bill Walmsley, Workhorse RV marketing manager. "Its ride and handling characteristics are excellent. It also has a lot of driver-friendly features, from easy-to-find fluid fills to a front bumper step that helps you clean the windshield."
Put simply, it's made with the RVer, not the truck driver, in mind. The roomy cab alone is a big plus. Just sit in the competitor's cab and then sit in ours and decide which you'd want to spend time traveling in. That seals the deal right there.
Presently, the Chevy-Workhorse chassis is powered by the GM Vortec ΡΆ 6.0L V8 gasoline engine with 300 horsepower and 385 lb.-ft. torque and mated to a Hydra-matic four-speed automatic transmission. The chassis features a coil spring independent front suspension and a rear leaf spring suspension with heavy-duty stabilizer bar. It has four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.
The cutaway platforms have gross combined weight ratings (for motor home with vehicle/trailer in tow) of 16,000 lbs. for the 9,600 and 12,300 lb. GVWR chassis, and 17,600 lbs. for the 14,050 lb. GVWR chassis. "You can easily bring a good-sized vehicle along with you," said Walmsley.
The powertrains are all covered by General Motors' new, limited 5-year/100,000 mile warranty for 2007 cars and light trucks. Free 24/7 emergency roadside assistance is also provided for the same warranty period. Warranty service is provided through Chevrolet dealerships. RVers can call a 24-hour service line at 1-877-4CHEVRV or 1-877-424-3878 to find the nearest service center.
"We think the added value associated with Workhorse has made a lot of buyers take a serious look at this platform," said Bleau. "And once they sit in it and drive it, we're confident, as Bill says, that they will buy it. We see 2007 as another good year for this chassis."
Workhorse Custom Chassis is ISO 9001 certified and a leader in the manufacture of chassis for motor homes, walk-in trucks and buses. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Truck and Engine Corporation. For additional information visit www.workhorse.com.
International Truck and Engine Corporation is the operating company of Navistar International Corporation. In addition to Workhorse brand chassis, the company produces International brand commercial trucks, mid-range diesel engines and IC brand school buses, and is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. A wholly owned subsidiary offers financing services. Additional information is available at: www.internationaldelivers.com.