The Chevrolet Avalanche will soon go the way of the dodo bird as General Motors has decided it’s time to end the model series, which was presented back in 2001 and was redesigned in 2007.

To mark the end of production, Chevrolet has introduced a special edition named the 2013 Avalanche Black Diamond, while also offering additional features on the rest of the lineup.

“More than 580,000 Avalanches have been sold since its introduction in 2001, and Avalanche has won major awards and recognitions throughout its run,” said Mark Clawson, Avalanche marketing manager. “So it is only fitting that Avalanche retires on a high note.”

The Avalanche was one of the first of its kind to combine the passenger-comfort traits of a full-size SUV with the cargo capability of a pickup truck

“The Chevrolet Avalanche was one of the earliest forays into re-inventing the traditional pickup truck, said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst, Edmunds. “It was a vehicle that maintained the traditional truck image and capability but was more versatile for the person buying it for personal use more than work – a lifestyle truck more than a work truck. Other variations on the theme from competitors followed the Avalanche’s debut.”

For the Avalanche’s final model year, the Black Diamond package adds body-colored bed surrounds and a unique badge on the sail panel, while the LS and LT models gain additional features and prices have been lowered across the lineup.

In particular, the LS gains a rear camera, rear park assist, power adjustable pedals, fog lamps and remote start as standard while LT models get a standard rear camera.

GM said that base prices have been reduced by $2,500 (after equipment adjustments) with the 2WD Avalanche LS now starting at $ 35,980, plus $995 dealer freight charge.

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