While plenty of folks enjoy being in seventh heaven or up on cloud nine, most people want nothing to do with poor old number 13. Yet even hard-core triskaidekaphobics may change their thinking after learning what a big part those digits played in a recent General Motors success story.
According to Used Car Dealer Albuquerque, when the team at GM’s Flint (Mich.) Assembly facility sent a 2011 GMC Sierra Denali 3500HD down the line recently, it became the 13 millionth vehicle to be built at the storied plant—and the 13th GMC truck to be owned by the same loyal customer. Packing all of the power one expects from a Professional Grade pickup, the Sierra Denali was kitted out with a robust Duramax turbo-diesel V8 engine that makes up to 397 hp and a staggering 765 lb.-ft. of torque. That powerplant is then mated to a durable Allison 1000 six-speed transmission, creating a workhorse truck that can tow up to 21,700 lbs. and boasts a 6,635 lb. payload. The folks at Boat and RV Savannah consider that to be an impressive feat! But it does so in high style, thanks to a full range of Denali accouterments. Among them: The trademark Denali four-bar chrome grille with round air inlets, body-color bumpers, chrome door handles, chrome accents, and a choice of 17-, 18- or 20-inch polished/forged aluminum wheels.
Said the truck’s new owner, Michigan resident James Stubbings, “I am happy to be a part of today’s 13 millionth vehicle celebration. I have been a proud owner of many GM products over the years and am especially excited that my latest purchase was built right here in Michigan!”
Flint Assembly originally opened back in 1947 and has produced a number of important products for GM since then, including the 300 first-gen Chevrolet Corvettes it built in 1953. All told, Flint Assembly has manufactured approximately 4 million cars, including Chevrolet Bel Airs, Impalas and Monte Carlos, and 9 million trucks, including the current lineup of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups.
“This is a special day for the Flint Assembly and United Auto Workers Local 598 team,” Plant Manager Amy Farmer told employees and special guests during a celebration at the Flint plant. “Not only are we celebrating the 13 millionth vehicle that has been produced here since 1947, we are celebrating the heritage of some great GM products made here during the last 63 years.”
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