GMC Sierra unveiled as high-end trucks prove lucrative

The 2019 GMC Sierra made its debut Thursday with a carbon-fiber bed and other new tech, as General Motors prepares to roll out its next-generation pickup trucks later this year.

GMC has proven to be a profit engine for the automaker. The upscale truck and SUV brand was responsible for roughly 16% of GM’s global revenue last year, and it generates more profit per sale than most other brands worldwide, according to The Wall Street Journal.

With the new truck on its way, sales of all Sierra models dropped 25% in February. GMC’s total sales fell 8% year-over-year during the month, GM reported on Thursday.

The premium full-size truck will be the first to offer the option of a carbon-fiber bed, which General Motors bills as lighter and more durable than a traditional steel bed. The 2019 Sierra 1500 will also feature a multi-function tailgate that can be used as a step or to extend the length of the bed.

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
GM	GENERAL MOTORS CO.	42.38	-0.07	-0.16%
F	FORD MOTOR CO.	12.14	+0.08	+0.66%
FCAU	n.a.	n.a.	n.a.	n.a.

GM unveiled the Sierra’s sibling, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Both trucks will go on sale in the fall.