Photo of 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Special Service courtesy of GM.
General Motors is expanding availability of its Chevrolet Tahoe police SUV and will introduce an updated non-police Chevrolet Impala for government agencies for the 2017 model year, according to the company.
GM will offer the 10th-generation Chevrolet Impala that was redeisgned for the 2014 model year to fleets and has discountinued the Impala Limited — the ninth-generation car that was offered as a pursuit vehicle, unmarked detective car, and administrative pool vehicle.
"In 2017, the front-wheel-drive Impala 1FL will Impala will be offered to government fleets as the 1FL trim package will now be available with a 3.6L V-6 that can run on E-85," said Brian Bowden, GM's government sales manager. "It is the perfect administrative vehicle for government fleets, based on size, cargo space, safety features and fuel economy."
This year, the Impala earned the Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America award in the large sedan category for the third time. GM will offer fleet incentives on the vehicle.
Chevrolet has also been able to increase availability of its law enforcement Tahoe, which is available in three models, including the pursuit-rated Tahoe PPV in two-wheel drive and automatic four-wheel drive (4x4), as well as the Tahoe Special Service in four-wheel drive.
"We see a market shift from cars to trucks, and we feel our platform is best suited for law enforcement customers when you consider what police officers put their vehicles through every day," said Bowden. "The Tahoe provides not only durability, but officer comfort, ample cargo capacity and officer safety."
Photo of 2017 Chevrolet Impala courtesy of GM.
This increased availability of the law enforcement Tahoe comes after GM invested $1.4 billion in its Arlington, Texas assembly plant that builds fleet and retail Tahoes. The investment increased capacity, efficiency and also added a third shift of production.
"We put the pieces in place to support this product," said Robert Wheeler, GM's fleet and commercial spokesman. "We're here to stay. The product is not going anywhere."
Demand for the Tahoe has reached "historic levels" in part because of its strong residual value, Wheeler said. After three years of ownership, a Tahoe purchased in April would retain 51% of its value, according to ALG data cited by GM. The vehicle would have 72,000 miles after three years.
General Motors will also offer the Chevrolet Silverado Special Service truck and the Chevrolet Caprice PPV patol car for the 2017-MY, said Dana Hammer, GM's manager of law enforcement product sales.
"We've developed the Silverado Special Service for rural sheriffs or police departments who need to go off-road, and commercial vehicle enforcement, for parks and wildlife wardens who carry different gear and equipment," said Hammer. "And for fire chiefs who arrive in truck with some special equipment."
