The Motor Pool
The latest news, updates, and insights from the truck and fleet world — curated by the specialists at Napleton Fleet Group to keep your fleet decisions informed.
Featured Story
Not Just a Return — A Comeback.
Welcome back, ProMaster City. The redesigned 2027 Ram ProMaster City revives the midsize commercial van segment with increased cargo space, modern technology, and a targeted starting price under $40,000 — the lowest cost of acquisition in the commercial van segment.
With the Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Nissan NV200 all having exited the market, Ram returns to a segment it will largely own. The 2027 ProMaster City arrives in Q1 2027.
Arriving Q1 2027 · Tradesman & SLT Trims · Cargo Van & Passenger Wagon
Latest Updates
What's Happening in the Market
Critical model year updates, production changes, and fleet-relevant news from the manufacturers that matter most to your operation.
Stellantis · Ram
Ram 1500 HEMI Discontinued for MY26
Stellantis Fleet announced on October 23, 2025, that the 2026 model year Ram 1500 DT HEMI (5.7L V8) has been discontinued. The Ram 1500 DT remains available with either a 3.6L V6 VVT eTorque or the 3.0L Hurricane SO twin-turbo engine.
Stellantis · Ram
Ram 1500 REV: World's First Range-Extended Full-Size EV Pickup
The all-new Ram 1500 REV pairs an electric battery pack with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 generator to deliver a projected 690-mile range, 647 horsepower, and 14,000-lb towing capacity. Projected availability in 2026.
Ford · Supply Chain
Ford Takes $2B Hit from Novelis Plant Fires
Two fires at Novelis' Oswego plant — Ford's top aluminum supplier, which provides roughly 40% of U.S. automaker aluminum — cost Ford an estimated $2 billion and approximately 100,000 units of F-Series production. Novelis won't reopen until this summer; aluminum is being sourced from Switzerland and South Korea in the interim.
Ford · Compact Pickup
Spotlight: Ford Maverick on Consumer Reports Top 10
The Ford Maverick earned a Consumer Reports Top 10 Best Cars honor — recognized for its 42 MPG city hybrid efficiency, ~$28,145 starting MSRP, and compelling combination of value, capability, and economy in a compact fleet-friendly package.
General Motors · Chevrolet
GM Medium-Duty: End of Production Announced
GM has announced the end of production for the Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD, as well as select Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cutaway variants (14,200 lb. GVWR 159" & 177" WB; 12,300 lb. GVWR 177" WB). Popular 139" and 159" WB cutaway models at 9,900, 10,100, and 12,300 lb. GVWR remain available from GM's Wentzville, MO facility. Sales continue while inventory lasts.
General Motors · MY26
GM Light-Duty 1500 Cut-Off Dates Announced
2026 Silverado and Sierra 1500 Regular and Double Cab models will cut off early — Double Cab on January 13, 2026; Regular Cab on March 16, 2026. Build-out expected late March (Double Cab) and late June (Regular Cab).
General Motors · MY27
GAll-New Silverado & Sierra Redesign Confirmed for MY27
GM has confirmed a full redesign of the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500, with a new V8 and potential plug-in hybrid expected. Combined Silverado/Sierra sales reached a 20-year high in 2025. Debut expected Q2 2026; fleet ordering to follow in Q3.
Hyundai · Concept
Live from New York: Hyundai Reveals Boulder SUV Concept
At the New York International Auto Show, Hyundai debuted the Boulder — its first body-on-frame SUV concept, built for off-road capability and made in the U.S. The platform also paves the way for a midsize Hyundai pickup truck. The Boulder is one of 36 new Hyundai vehicles planned for North America by 2030.
Kia · MY2027
All-New 2027 Kia Telluride Debuts with Hybrid Powertrain
The fully redesigned second-generation Telluride marks a milestone as the first U.S.-built Kia hybrid. The outgoing V6 is replaced by a 2.5L turbo four delivering 274 HP, while the new hybrid produces 329 HP and an estimated 35 MPG combined. It's also about two inches longer, with a more rugged, boxy design.
Truck Spotlight
2027 Kia Telluride — First U.S.-Built Kia Hybrid
The second-generation Telluride arrives as a bold statement from Kia — bigger, more rugged, and more capable than ever. It ditches the outgoing V6 in favor of a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder, and for the first time offers a hybrid powertrain assembled right here in the United States.
For fleet managers running midsize SUVs, the Telluride now offers a compelling hybrid efficiency story alongside a more aggressive design, improved cargo room, and an upgraded infotainment suite.
329 HP
Hybrid Powertrain
35 MPG
Hybrid Combined Est.
274 HP
2.5L Turbo (Non-Hybrid)
+2"
Longer Than Outgoing Model
What Changed
New Powertrain Lineup
The V6 is out. A 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder takes its place at 274 HP and 311 lb-ft, while a new hybrid option bumps output to 329 HP and an estimated 35 MPG combined.
Design Direction
Rugged & Boxy Redesign
Kia moves away from softer, rounded styling in favor of a more upright, boxy look — adding approximately two inches in length and improving road presence and interior cargo room.
Off-Road
X-Pro Trim Returns
The off-road-focused X-Pro is back with a tougher build, upgraded suspension, enhanced off-road capability, and improved towing performance for fleet programs with demanding terrain requirements.
Body-on-Frame vs. Unibody Construction
With Hyundai's Boulder concept introducing a body-on-frame platform, here's a quick primer on what that means — and why it matters for fleet selection.
Body-on-Frame
Traditional Truck Architecture
A separate body is mounted onto a rigid, ladder-style frame. This construction method is engineered for durability, heavy towing, and demanding off-road use. It's the dominant architecture in full-size trucks and larger body-on-frame SUVs.
- Full-size pickup trucks (F-150, Silverado, Ram 1500)
- Heavy-duty trucks (F-250/350, Sierra HD)
- Body-on-frame SUVs (Tahoe, Expedition, 4Runner)
- Commercial vans and medium-duty platforms
- Applications requiring heavy towing or payload
Unibody
Modern Integrated Construction
A single integrated structure — body and frame welded together as one unit. This construction is lighter and more efficient, delivering better fuel economy, improved ride comfort, and strong crash performance. It dominates modern passenger cars and crossover SUVs.
- Passenger cars and sedans
- Crossover SUVs (Tucson, CR-V, RAV4)
- Compact and mid-size SUVs
- High-MPG fleet sedans and hybrids
- Applications where fuel efficiency is the priority
Questions About Any of These Updates?
Our truck specialists Greg Etheridge and Axel Vargas are available to walk through how these changes affect your fleet orders — from HEMI alternatives to MY27 planning.
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