US automotive giant General Motors (GM) is upping the output of large SUVs and trucks capable of translating into 48,000 to 60,000 additional vehicles for the 2016 model year.
GM's Arlington, Texas, unit has added overtime shifts that is likely to boost production of pickup trucks, according to a report by Reuters quoting company sources.
The Arlington unit can manufacture 400 big SUVs per shift, except for those periods during any planned or unplanned maintenance. The addition of a single day to the production schedule is likely to result in the output of 60,000 additional vehicles.
GM spokesman James Cain said: "Industry sales are running ahead of expectations... Sales of our full-size SUVs are very strong and we have been working to find creative ways to increase production to meet demand and rebuild our inventories."
GM is reported to have a lion's share in the large SUV market, riding high on falling gasoline prices in the US. GM models, including Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon, are said to reap pretax profit in excess of $10,000 a vehicle.
The vehicles made in Arlington are said to generate around $3bn, almost half of GM's $6.5bn operating profit last year.
