Moving up the model year by several months has proven to be a smart step for Chevrolet as the brand introduced their new line of 2007 Tahoe SUVs this past January. Parent General Motors is reporting that the Tahoe, along with its GMC cousin, the Yukon, is selling briskly. With additional SUV models also being released, the automaker is anticipating that the vehicles will help stem the bloodletting that took place in 2005 when GM lost more than $10 billion dollars.

So, what is it about the new SUVs that make them a hit? Won’t high gas prices temper sales? Keep on reading and we’ll look at what is propelling sales of GM’s big SUVs.

1. Fresh Perspectives – The nature of all new models, particularly trucks, is that when a new model is introduced, a sales spike is always achieved. This happens as consumers flock to models incorporating the freshest designs and the newest technology. With design changes occurring approximately every four years, devotees are ready by that time to trade up to the latest model.

2. Brand Loyalty – Don’t think for a moment that Chevy loyalists aren’t a bit tired of all the negative press surrounding GM’s troubles. Many uninformed and ignorant pundits are painting the company with a wide brush and assuming that problem models, such as the Cobalt, translate into all vehicles having troubles. On the contrary, Chevy trucks often outperform comparable vehicles and a Chevy owner would just as soon die than switch over to a competitor’s model.

3. Technological Advances – Chevy’s line of SUVs and trucks are incorporating enough technological changes to make them worth a special look. For one example, GM’s displacement on demand technology which shuts down unneeded engine cylinders at various times in the driving cycle is finding its way into many vehicles. The result? Better fuel economy. Yes, even the Tahoe is achieving fuel economy as good if not better than less storied models including the Kia Sorento.

4. Improved quality. Yes, that is always a factor. Better looks are one thing, but quality improvements are another. No one wants to drive a vehicle and have their Chevy starter or water pump call it quits before its time. With improved engineering and by selecting better quality chevy parts, each of the new Chevy models will likely give their owners many years of high satisfactory service. Of course, the question remains whether gas prices will kill sales. Although I hate to admit it, Americans are used to paying $2.00 or more per gallon at the pump and an extra 50 cents isn’t likely to break owners.

Still, if prices push above $3.00 per gallon then we could see sales dip. However, alternate fuels such as diesel and ethanol are one way some owners will be able to fight back. Yes, Chevy has a hit with its new Tahoe. In addition, Silverado fans are eagerly waiting for their new trucks to appear; in the meantime you can outfit your current model with a quality truck tonneau cover. With a tonneau cover, you can save money on fuel while protecting all of your stuff.