DETROIT – General Motors announced the Chevrolet Avalanche celebrates its final year in production with the 2013 Black Diamond Avalanche.

The Avalanche was introduced at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a concept and was described as a “no- compromise Chevy Truck with a unique combination of configurable passenger and cargo space,” according to the automaker. The production Avalanche was positioned as an Ultimate Utility Vehicle (UUV) went on sale in 2001 as a 2002 model-year vehicle.

Since then, more than 580,000 units have been sold, according to the automaker.

The Avalanche features an exclusive Midgate that opens to extend the cargo-area from 5-foot-3-inch-long length to 8 feet 2 inches. It is available in LS, LT and LTZ models, with 2WD and 4WD.

Based on GM’s full-size SUV platform, the Avalanche offers a maximum towing capacity of 8,100 lbs., and is powered by a combination that includes the Vortec 5.3L V-8 with cylinder-deactivating Active Fuel Management technology and Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic.

For 2013, a rear camera, rear park assist, power adjustable pedals, fog lamps, and remote start will be added as standard equipment on LS models, while LT models have added a standard rear camera. Base prices have been reduced $2,500 (after equipment adjustments) with the 2WD Avalanche LS now starting at $ 35,980, plus $995 dealer freight charge.