GM to Continue Outgoing Pickup Models through 2019

General Motors Co., which launched the all-new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks this summer, will continue to produce the outgoing (K2 generation) models through late 2019.

The carmaker will begin to phase out crew cab versions of the older K2 fullsize pickups early next year, according to the company. Double and regular cab models will be discontinued in the second half of 2019, based on demand.

GM’s Fort Wayne, Ind., plant began making the next-generation (T1) Silverado/Sierra trucks, in July. Output at the carmaker’s Silao, Mexico, facility is due to start in January.

The multi-generational scheme was facilitated by shipping partially completed K2 trucks built in Fort Wayne to GM’s Oshawa, Ont., plant for final assembly and painting. GM added a second shift at the Canadian factory, which also builds a variety of other Buick, Cadillac and Chevy models, to handle the additional workload.

Last year, the carmaker indicated it would overlap production of the two generations of the pickups. But it says the efficiency of the so-called “Oshawa shuffle,” will allow it to build 60,000 more of the K2 models than previously planned.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV also is producing two generations of its Ram 1500 fullsize pickup. The outgoing model has been rebranded as the 1500 Classic.