The model year marks the ninth year in the market for Colorado, and even in its ninth year the truck enters the market without a complete redesign. But keeping all that aside, we would say that the Colorado  still is an incredibly affordable pickup truck boasting muscular look as the full-size truck of Chevrolet. The Colorado comes in different body styles, engine choices and trim levels including a heavy 300 bhp V8 engine generating maximum power of 6,000 lbs of trailer toys.

Now, while the outside and the specifications of the truck looks pretty impressive, we’re upset to see that the same cant be said about the cabin, and that’s where the shortcomings of the Colorado becomes apparent. The useful space having mediocre materials has not been changed a lot since the debut of Colorado. Chevrolet has designed the interiors by keeping the understated truck customers in mind, and that’s why this truck won’t impress the fleet managers.

As far as rivals for the Colorado are concerned we’d say that the only Ford Ranger feels more dated than Colorado, and that’s the only rival that the Colorado beats. Its other rivals are the modern and incredibly advanced Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier, which any day are better choices.

What’s in for 2012 in 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?

The only new feature that we in the 2012 Chevy Colorado was the automatic locking rear differential offered on the midlevel trim models. Except for that the Colorado is pretty much the same material.

Body Styling, Equipments and Trims:

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado comes in a single body style of a midsize/compact pickup which is offered in three body styling: extended cab (having small back access doors), regular cab and crew cab (having 4 regular doors).

The Crew cabs features 5 ft cargo boxes while all the other models have a 6-foot box. The Chevy Colorado comes either in a basic Work Truck trim or a premium LT trim. The Premium LT trim is further offered in LT2, LT3 and LT1, all of which could be tailored as per specific needs. All the models of the rear-wheel-drive Chevy Colorado leave alone the LT3 could be had with 4 wheel drive as a choice.

The standard equipments for the Work Truck variant of the Chevrolet Colorado comprise 16 in steel wheels, a tilt steering column, a front split bench seat, cruise control, and air-conditioning, Bluetooth, an AM/FM stereo and OnStar.

Go for the LT1 and you could also get 16 in alloy wheels, deluxe cloth coverings, privacy glass, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, complete power accessories and advanced audio having a satellite radio and MP3/CD player.

The LT2 models will get a sliding back window, an off-road suspension, front bucket seats and chrome external trim.

The LT3 trim is almost the same except for the fact that it comes with a V8 engine and a sport suspension. The crew-cab will also be having a leather seating as an option.

Engines:

The 2012 ChevroletColorado could be had with three different engines. The basic engine option here is a 2.9 ltr 4-cylinder engine that generates 185 bhp of maximum power and 190 lbs-ft of maximum torque. Standard engine for the 4WD Crew Cab and optional for all the trims will be a 3.7 ltr 5 cylinder engine generating maximum output power of 242 bhp and 242 lbs-feet of maximum torque. The last engine choice here is a 5.3 ltr V8 engine generating maximum power of 300 bhp and 320 lb-ft of maximum torque. The V8 is standard engine on the LT3 and is offered as optional on LT2.

The standard transmission for most 4-cylinder Colorado here is a 5-speed manual transmission, and then there is an option of a 4-speed automatic; on the other hand the V8 and 5-cylinder engines are only offered with automatic transmission. The four wheel models will also be offered with a dual-range InstaTrac transfer casing having controls suitably mounted on the dash.

Safety Equipments:

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado offers the safety to the occupants with antilock brakes, OnStar, traction control, side curtain airbags and stability control.

Experts’ Word:

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is still a sharp looking truck but underneath that catchy skin is a rather mediocre features and equipments. The truck also lags behind its rivals in terms of overall refinement and passenger comfort.

According to the leading sources, Thrifty’s every Hino is reportedly in service for four years. David Hendry, WA fleet manager of Thrifty said that the company offers buyers with a unique rental experience. Hendry continued that Thrifty WA is the essential part of the local family business, with the backing of the globally appreciated Thrifty brand.Over recent years, the range of Hino trucks has successfully proved that this brand is widely popular with its consumers in WA. As we all know, the WA market is totally unique in that the company must cater mainly for the retail type of buyers range and those deals in mining and industry business.

As per the sources, the impressive versatility of the famous Hino range means that the automaker is offering buyers with dual as well as single cab tray lineup that have proven very popular along with the rapidly growing commercial buyer base. This healthy cooperation helps a lot for both Hino and Thrifty in future as well. This success helps Hino to maintain their high reputation in the trucking business.

According to Mike Jackson, general manager, the latest 4700 heavy medium duty is the major element in the Western Star strategy which was introduced in the month of March. Also, this will begin limited production in the next few weeks along with complete manufacturing scheduled in early next year.

The latest 4700 will be produced alongside all other ranges of Western Star at a former Frieghtliner production plant in Portland and this assembly plant is completely dedicated to the brand.With its own production plant, this famous automaker was also assigned dedicated marketing, management, and engineering teams as DTNA shifts to position it as its highly customized popular brand exclusively for vocational, small fleet applications, and severe service.

The latest auto hauler which is based on the well appreciated 4900 range that marks return of the Western Star to that application along with the chassis reengineered to make use of 2010 EPA engines as well as to accommodate aftertreatment systems. It will be provided in both the 132 – and 123 – in BBC configuration.

Specialized rear and front suspensions united with the lower cab – mounting system will offer a cab – to – ground 101.4 inch height without 3rd party modifications for a cab roof.

The vibration degree may be influenced by tire condition, wheel alignment and automobile loading. During worst cases, automobile controllability may be influenced, though the vibrations diminish as the speed of the vehicle decreased. Owners of Hino and Toyota lights trucks will definitely get all kind of necessary support from these automakers.By mail, owners of Hino trucks may be contacted and they all have been requested to get in touch with their authorized dealers of Hino for steering damper installation. This defect will be solved at no cost to Hino owners who should be contacted through mail regarding the issue.

Technician team of Toyota will install the steering damper and on few models a tie rod to the defective automobiles. From 2000 to 2004, Dynas were involved in manufacturing. Due to this recall, the reputation of these companies may harm. The spokesperson of both of these companies said that they will solve this issue as soon as possible.

This news was confirmed by Burint Opassetthakul, the vice president for commercial automobiles and marketing at Volvo Truck & Bus Company, Thailand. The well equipped assembly plant of this leading company which is located on Bang Na – Trat Road km24 annually manufacturers approximately 1,000 trucks.

Established in the year 1991, the unit of Volvo will also double their service center numbers to 20 in this same period in preparation that demand increasing in line along with the expected maximum sales.

All these new service centers will display truck and bus models as well with plenty of sales staff on hand. Mr Burint said that  Volvo is perceived as the top supplier of all transportation solutions and now, the automaker has 2 – independent parts dealers based on country and 10 professional service centers. There is no space available to showcase bus and truck models.

The company acquired 6 out of 10 service centers and dealers the other four. Mr Burint continued that most new centers will be owned by the company but some centers will also belong to the authorized dealers. Volvo already has 2 – southeast Asian facilities and the other one is located in Malaysia for manufacturing buses and trucks from imported kits.

The subsidiary is totally acquired by Swedish parent Volvo AB which is one of the largest providers of commercial automobiles in the world.

This production plant is located in Michigan. But, according to the rumors, it is suggested that this would instantly be replaced, recent reports suggest that Chrysler already has put the improvement of the mid – size pickup on hold.

Sergio Marchionne, Chryselr CEO has said regarding the ‘lifestyle automobile’ which is replacing the Dakota range with the more efficient and lighter unibody chassis. During Detroit Auto Show 2011, He had a chance to meet with Fred Diaz, CEO of Ram Brand but he couldn’t comment on the Dakota replacement.Large numbers of buyers are eagerly waiting for new Dakota replacement. Mr Diaz said that the recent generation of the Dakota,had a huge competition between 2 – Ram branded pickups and in this battle, Dakota was losing clearly. According to the reports, Dakota sales were hugely slipping before the split of famous Ram brand from the popular Dodge brand.

But, Dakota range of both the brands and the big Ram 1500 models have evolved more than the last 2 decades, the bigger truck has enhanced while this mid size Dakota has actually not.

During the late 1980s, the first generation of Dakota was launched and this model clearly separated all small – size trucks from the full – size Ram trucks. But, as time passes, Dakota became less powerful and bigger.

The diesel and natural gas – powered truck models zipped around test track 2 plus mi. with test drivers or editor of Paccar at a wheel, Kenworth and HD Westport experts mainly discussed the various reasons why they select natural gas as a vehicle fuel for trucking industry.National Sales manager of Kenworth, Andy Douglas said that according to the research, the evolving nature rules and top diesel costs both are leading several truck operators to seek these practical solutions when things come to its truck purchases especially green – truck specialist and its markets.

As we all know, there are various methods available for the production of natural gas today and hence, the quantity of domestic natural gas is ample and cheap. Currently, natural gas is approximately close to $2 which is less than an equal diesel fuel amount and a cost is hope to stay same for long term, he continued.

This 2012 F – 150 Harley – Davidson model is powered by 6.2 – liter V8 engine which is able to churn out around 411 hp of maximum energy and about 434 lb – ft of torque. The towing capacity of this vehicle is approximately 7,500 lb. It features various features such as remote start system, power adjustable pedals, and 2nd row heated seats.

The F – 150 Harley – Davidson successfully grabs the attention of the crowd. The exterior area of this automobile includes the latest snake – skin bodyside design that was specially inspired by tank inserts on Harley – Davidson premium level motorcycles.The exterior portion of this range comes in either the tuxedo obligatory black or platinum white tri – coat colors schemes. The logo of Harley – Davidson is present on the center console.

The leading company, Ford made sure that this latest range fit with various very interesting elements. Marc Lapine, Marketing Manager of Ford F – 150 said that this is one of the best pairing of two icons, Harley – Davidson and Ford, of the open road.

This new range successfully maintains their high reputation in the vehicle market. He continued that to perfectly capture both these brands, the company decided to continue this partnership for this new model. From 1999, both companies have been manufacturing such a truck.

The Tandem tractor T370 6X4 model is the milestone truck and Altec is the maker of derricks, aerial lifts, and trunk mounted cranes etc. Assistant General Manager of Kenworth, Marilyn Santangelo said in his statement that the staff at the Ste -  Therese Paccar plant is only dedicated for the production of impressive medium duty trucks.

The company feels honored that the T370 is the 100,000th Kenworth medium duty truck model to roll off the manufacturing process more than past 12 years. Due to this success, Kenworth can make their foothold strong in the trucking business.He continued that the company thanked all its buyers who purchased the Kenworth models produced at the Ste – Therese production plant. T370 of Altec features the PX – 8 Paccar engine which generates 300 hp of maximum energy and 1,000 lb – ft of torque at 1,400 rpm.

This powerful engine is mated with 5 – speed automatic 3000RDS Allison transmission. It also has 40K DSP41 rear tandem axle and front 16K D1600 axle of Dana Spicer. Strategic Souring manager for Altec, Keith Lawrence said that the company is privileged to contribute in this important achievement for Kenworth and accept 100,000th truck production by the Ste – Therese factory staff.

The demand of truck models with V6 fuel efficient engines hugely supported this development. The minor macro near term concerns like maximum structural prices, increasing mixture of small cars, strong competition with new additions and rising commodity prices will weight on sequential development of Ford.

In the list of its rivals, GM, BMW, Honda, Toyota, Audi, and Daimler are included. This leading automaker has produced powerful EcoBoost fundamental engines for its strategy of offering high – output, technologically advanced smaller displacement powertrains which offer impressive fiel efficiency as well as performance.It leads to the adoption increased of EcoBoost mainly by truck consumers who truly valu fuel economy but not at the cost of capability. The powerful V6 equipped F – 150 model exclusively accounted for 56 percent of retail sales of every 2011 Ford F – 150 during June 2011.

This automobile manufacturer strongly believed that share market of Ford trucks in North America will successfully ready to expand as a Ford strategy for producing up to 1.5 million EcoBoost engines internationally in the huge variety of automobiles from trucks to small – size cars by 2013. The continued Ford Crossovers success will offer further fuel to market share of trucks achieves in North America.