Autos

GMC

How the brand is in trouble: All-truck brand, gas prices, no global appeal
How it can survive: New models, sharing showrooms with Buick, Pontiac
Sales, first four months 2008: 131,058
Sales, first four months 2007: 146,871
Percent change: -10.8%
Pictured: 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
Starting Price: $50,945

GMC is an all-truck brand, which is trouble, with gas headed for $4 a gallon. As part of a plan to more logically re-align its brands, General Motors is grouping GMC in the same dealerships with Buick and Pontiac, which are more car-oriented. To improve its fuel efficiency, GMC has added the 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid. It uses battery power and a V-8 engine that shuts off half its cylinders while cruising. The hybrid gets 50% better mileage in city driving. However, that’s still only 21 mpg. Its EPA estimate for highway driving is 22 mpg.