SUV Savings

GMC lowers prices on redesigned Yukon SUVs

General Motors has set sticker prices for the redesigned GMC Yukon SUV lineup that are lower than the models being replaced.

The Yukon prices continue the automaker's strategy of trying to move sticker prices of new vehicles closer to the transaction price and minimize spending on incentives.

The 2007 Yukon has a sticker base price of $34,690, including $875 for shipping. That price is $890 less than the 2006 Yukon.

The 2007 Yukon XL, a full-sized SUV similar to the Chevrolet Suburban, has a sticker price of $37,790, including shipping. That is down $840 from the 2006 model.

Both versions of the Yukon also are offered in a premium Denali trim level.

The sticker price of the 2007 Yukon Denali is $47,990, which is $2,070 less than the 2006 model. The 2007 Yukon XL Denali is priced at $50,490, $1,220 less than its predecessor. All prices including shipping.

GMC dealers are starting to get units of the 2007 Yukon. It will be followed shortly by the Yukon Denali. The Yukon XL and XL Denali will follow soon after that, GM said.

The Yukons use GM's new full-sized truck platform, known as GMT900. That platform is shared with full-sized pickups and SUVs at Chevrolet and Cadillac.

GM expects a sales boost from the Denali's arrival because nearly 40 percent of Yukon customers are Denali buyers, a GM spokeswoman says.

The redesigned Yukon has a new exterior and interior design. It comes in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive options. The Yukon Denali is all-wheel drive with some exclusive options including a 6.2-liter, all-aluminum V-8 engine with variable valve timing and a new six-speed automatic transmission.

GM launched the redesigned 2007 Cadillac Escalade SUV late last month. That vehicle is arriving in dealerships now as an awd version starting at $57,280 including shipping.

The two-wheel-drive version will not be available to dealers until August, says Ed Williamson, owner of Williamson Cadillac Co. in Miami.

Williamson says he hopes GM gets the vehicle line rate up to speed so that the SUVs will arrive faster.

He says: "They come in and they go out. It's a big hit."
Source: © autoweek.com by Jamie Lareau