If you followed the drama around GM’s heavy-duty trucks last fall, you probably assumed the Allison name was headed for the exit. GM had reportedly planned to stop using Allison Transmission badging on future HD pickups, and the part that really raised eyebrows was the idea of tracking down unsold trucks and physically removing the badges. For a lot of diesel buyers, that script on the fender is more than decoration, it’s shorthand for trust, towing confidence, and a long-running partnership that’s been part of the Silverado HD and Sierra HD story for years.
Well, it looks like cooler heads won out. GM and Allison Transmission have now worked out a deal to keep the relationship intact, at least from a branding standpoint. A GM spokesperson confirmed to Car and Driver that Allison badging will be added back on the production line for the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado HD and 2026 GMC Sierra HD. It’s a pretty quick reversal considering how firm things sounded a few months ago, and it suggests both sides realized there’s real value in keeping that familiar name visible to customers shopping these trucks.
Here’s the key detail that makes this whole saga even more about perception than mechanical reality: the hardware never changed. Since 2020, GM has used its 10L1000 10-speed automatic behind the Duramax in HD pickups, a unit co-developed with Ford and then verified and signed off by Allison, even though Allison doesn’t actually build the transmissions that end up in these trucks. So the “breakup” was mostly about the label and the licensing agreement, not a sudden swap to something else. If you bought an HD truck during this period, you weren’t getting a different gearbox, you were just getting different messaging.
The one lingering oddity is that there will likely be a small batch of 2026 trucks out there without the Allison branding, and GM hasn’t indicated any plan to retrofit those with the old badge. That could make for an interesting trivia point for future used listings, but for most buyers the bigger takeaway is simple: the Allison name is sticking around on GM’s heavy-duty pickups, and both brands get to keep the familiar credibility that comes with it.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
