Chevrolet's Avalanche Is Over

General Motors Co. says it will end production of the slow-selling Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck when the 2013 model year ends in June 2013.

The Avalanche debuted in 2001 as a combination SUV and pickup. Its annual sales peaked at 93,500 units in 2003, but demand fell to only 20,100 units last year.

Analysts say rising gasoline prices, the economic downturn and the growing availability of comparable crew-cab pickups eroded demand for the $45,200 vehicle.

GM hasn't yet indicated the fate of Cadillac Escalade EXT truck, which uses the Avalanche platform. Analysts predict GM will phase out the EXT by mid-2013 because the model shares many components with the Avalanche.

Both trucks are built at GM's assembly plant in Silao, Mexico. That facility will begin making the next-generation Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra fullsize pickups next year.