GMC Jimmy Diamond Edition Blends Truck Capability With Styling
12 April 1999
Unique GMC Jimmy Diamond Edition Blends Truck Capability With Expressive StylingSOUTHGATE, Mich., April 12 -- In celebration of its thirtieth anniversary this year, the GMC Jimmy has gone through some changes. With the help of ASC Incorporated's expertise in second stage production, the Model Year 2000 Diamond Edition builds upon Jimmy's tradition of true truck capability and comfort. The Diamond Edition is a four-door compact sport utility vehicle with traditional drop gate or liftgate/liftglass rear compartment access, two- and four-wheel drive and body-on-frame construction. Two standard features of the Diamond Edition are its grille guard and tubular side step rails. These accessories, while common to the industry, are rarely offered as original equipment. "In addition to the grille guard and side steps, what makes the Diamond Edition unique compared to other SUVs, is its distinctive truck styling," said Gary J. Forgue, chief engineer at ASC. The interior style features diamond- quilted, perforated leather seats. The diamond quilting provides additional support and breathability for lasting comfort on long trips. Forgue also said that the Diamond Edition's trailer towing package sets it apart from other vehicles. This package includes a hitch platform, seven-prong connector, hitch tube and ball. ASC manages GM's second stage production program for construction of the Diamond Edition. This program, which takes place at ASC's Moraine, Ohio, assembly plant, allows the company to better penetrate the market with limited-run special edition vehicles. In addition, this leverages location and capabilities in order to give GMC the opportunity to produce other specialty vehicles. The ten-month timetable for production start-up of the Diamond edition is similar to that of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, which is also produced at the Moraine plant. The new components that are assembled or managed by ASC at Moraine include: the side step rail assembly, grille guard assembly with integral fog lamps, electrical "jumper" harnesses for the fog lights, a seven prong trailer connector and special body-side appliques with an inset "Diamond Edition" emblem. ASC is a global specialty vehicle and products manufacturer with four operating activities: Creative Services provides automotive design, engineering and prototype services; Specialty Vehicles supplies the automotive industry manufacturing expertise, development and production of specialty vehicles; Engineered Systems manufacturers and distributes open-air systems (sunroofs and convertible tops) and composites (removable hardtops and molded products) for OEM and aftermarket applications; and Aftermarket Products engineers and develops vehicle accessories for the aftermarket. Headquartered in Southgate, ASC maintains operations throughout the U.S. and Canada, and in Germany and Korea.